Books, Roses, Music and Gaudi
Posted by: Darlene on: May 8, 2018
- In: Family | History | Spain | Travel
- 72 Comments
Recently, a dear cousin happened to be in Barcelona for a day before she embarked on a cruise. I love to see family so took a quick trip to my favourite Spanish city to spend the day with her. We packed a lot in and had fun.

Cousins at Plaça Catalunya in Barcelona
We managed to see quite a bit and catch up on family news. One place she really wanted to see was Gaudi’s Sagrada Família. Every time I visit this amazing work in progress, more parts of it have been completed. She was awestruck, as everyone is when they it.

Happy to see La Sagrada Família
After a bus trip around the city and a delightful lunch on Passeig de Gràcia we visited another of Gaudi’s magical buildings, Casa Batlló, all decked out with roses.

Casa Batlló dressed in roses

Inside Casa Batlló
The roses were in honour of St. George’s Day or Día de San Jorge as it is known here in Spain. I loved all the references to roses and books scattered about the intriguing house.
I found out later that Día de San Jorge is also known as the day of books and roses. A day where lovers exchange books and roses to honour the legend of St. George or San Jorge, who is the patron saint of Catalonia.
We ended the day by strolling along La Rambla and having dinner on this iconic street. This building covered in umbrellas with a dragon on the corner caught our attention.

An umbrella building on La Rambla
I had the next morning to myself before flying back home so after a cafe con leche and a chocolate filled croissant across from Plaça Catalunya, I decided to walk to the Gothic Quarter which was nearby. I came upon the impressive Barcelona Cathedral built between the 13th and 15th centuries, the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona. Beside it is the Gaudi Exhibition Museum. Since this had been a very Gaudi trip, I went into the museum and had a good look around. The displays depicted items from the great man’s life and things that influenced his work. It was very informative and I got to know more about Antoni Gaudi and how he came up with his unique ideas.
The legend of St. George slaying the dragon influenced Gaudi’s work. In fact, the roof of Casa Batllo is meant to look like the back of a dragon with a sword through it.

Gaudi’s workbench
The building housing the exhibition was incredible. It was built in the 12th century as a hospital for the poor. Gaudi himself was a patron and would often visit the sick. Remains of the old walls and frescos added to the experience. It was well worth the visit.
And when I went back outside, a bride and groom were preparing for a photo shoot by the cathedral. How special.
And an orchestra played music on the steps of the cathedral
People in the audience joined hands and danced to the music.
The sun shone, music played, people danced and I was overflowing with happiness. A perfect little getaway to a city that never ceases to amaze me and a chance to see a family member.

Don’t you just love this outfit made of fresh flowers?
We are off on a driving holiday to France so I may be offline for a few days, but will respond to your comments as soon as possible.
72 Responses to "Books, Roses, Music and Gaudi"

2 | Catherine Berry (But you are in France, Madame)
May 8, 2018 at 8:05 am
Such a fresh, colourful post!


3 | Irene Butler
May 8, 2018 at 8:52 am
Lovely! Its been many years since my husband and I have visited Barcelona. But as it so happens – we will be there once more this summer to meet family for a few days!

Darlene
May 8, 2018 at 4:20 pm
A perfect place to meet family. The city is so vibrant, something different around every corner. Have fun!!



4 | janlcoates
May 8, 2018 at 10:41 am
Where are you driving to in France? I’m going with Jill MacLean to Provence (Avignon, Curcuron) in September! I’ve never been to Spain, but hope to get there one day …

Darlene
May 8, 2018 at 4:24 pm
We are going to Versailles and Paris this time. We´re taking the dog. I love Provence and so will you. Hope you get to Spain one day!

janlcoates
May 9, 2018 at 4:31 am
We spent a week in Curcuron a couple of years ago, so I’m really looking forward to going back – and Jill will be a great travelling companion! Enjoy!




5 | gizzylaw
May 8, 2018 at 1:04 pm
I will be returning to Barcelona in October. I LOVE the city. My first visit was last May where I and my friend spent two glorious days on the HOHO bus stopping at Sagrada Familia and Las Ramblas. Our hotel was directly across the plaza from The Cathedral. Thank you for nudging my memories of that beautiful place.

Darlene
May 8, 2018 at 4:25 pm
That HOHO bus is great isn´t it. Glad you enjoyed the memories! Thanks for stopping by.



6 | debrapurdykong
May 8, 2018 at 2:54 pm
Wonderful post and photos! I haven’t been to the city since 1979!


7 | maureensorensen
May 8, 2018 at 4:24 pm
Again…THANK YOU Darlene…and LOOK what I missed on Sunday morning with you! The music and dancing! Love it all! Next time! Have a wonderful holiday in Paris! Hugs!

Darlene
May 8, 2018 at 5:58 pm
That was just a fluke and it made me so happy to come across it. It was so wonderful to see you and spend time together. xo



8 | Lorna
May 8, 2018 at 6:52 pm
What a wonderful trip, and nice to have time with your cousin and a little time on your own in such a beautiful city. Have a great time in France. I hope you’ll take some photos to show us all on your return. 🙂


9 | Andrew Petcher
May 8, 2018 at 6:58 pm
I am in Barcelona next month, I hope the roses are still there. Enjoy France.

Darlene
May 8, 2018 at 9:31 pm
Enjoy Barcelona! Hope the roses are still there as they added to the experience.



10 | fatimasaysell
May 8, 2018 at 7:01 pm
Yes, Barcelona is a very special city and I can see why it would be your favourite with so much amazing Art all over the place. Gaudi’s work is out of this world and I bet your cousin was impressed and delighted with her visit and you as a guide. Enjoy your trip to France. We are in Ardennes now, just south of Belgium.

Darlene
May 8, 2018 at 9:33 pm
Thanks, Fatima. I have been following your adventures. Ardennes looks lovely. Hope we get good weather.



11 | Annika Perry
May 8, 2018 at 7:32 pm
This is a city I LONG to visit – even more so after your post!! 😀 Your photos and detailed descriptions capture its magic alluring beauty … and then a day of books and roses!! Wonderful post, Darlene and wishing you a brilliant time in France! xx

Darlene
May 8, 2018 at 9:34 pm
I do hope you get to Barcelona one day as you will love it! There are so many amazing places to see. This will be my first time to Paris.



12 | Jennie
May 8, 2018 at 8:59 pm
A day that turned into many unexpected sights and and happenings. What a glorious day! The photos are outstanding. Thank you, Darlene. 🙂

Darlene
May 8, 2018 at 9:35 pm
It was, even the trip was a last minute decision. I love when things fall into place like that with lots of pleasant surprises.



13 | a mindful traveler
May 8, 2018 at 9:28 pm
Looks like you guys had a great time in Barcelona. It’s lovely to catch up with family members and create special memories like these. I remember being in awe when I first laid eyes upon La Sagrada Familia too. Such a beautiful piece of architecture. 🙂

Darlene
May 8, 2018 at 9:38 pm
La Sagrada Familia is constantly evolving. New things appeared since I visited last July! Like the Rocky Mountains, I never tire of it. This visit is already stored in the memory bank. Thanks!

a mindful traveler
May 8, 2018 at 9:51 pm
I would love to revisit when it’s finally completed.
Would love to see the Rockies too… one day 😉




14 | fatimasaysell
May 8, 2018 at 10:53 pm
It’s been glorious for a whole week now in Holland, Belgium and northern France.


15 | Patricia Tilton
May 9, 2018 at 2:39 am
Every time I read one of your posts, look at the themes and the stunning photos, I think about how Spain is such a joyful country. Your photos show festivities and passion.

Darlene
May 9, 2018 at 3:53 am
It is a happy place. The people value family, religion and celebration. I love how they make a party out of every occasion.



16 | Beth Ann
May 9, 2018 at 10:44 am
What a lovely trip you gave me today! The books and roses are wonderful! So glad you got to spend some great time with your cousin. Thanks for taking me along!!!

Darlene
May 9, 2018 at 4:13 pm
I´m glad you enjoyed this little trip. Always nice to have you along!! xo



17 | Gilda Baxter
May 9, 2018 at 11:50 pm
Barcelona never disappoints. I have visited twice but regrettably have never been inside the Sagrada Família. Looks like you had a great time exploring with your cousin. I love St Georges Day since it is also my son’s Birthday 🙂


18 | Darlene
May 10, 2018 at 2:28 am
I was inside last July. It was incredible. I really should do a post on it. Your son has a great day for his birthday. My son was born on Labour Day, can you believe it?


19 | roughwighting
May 10, 2018 at 3:53 am
I try to not be entirely covered in green when I read posts like these. Green with envy, of course. I’d rather be covered in roses, or flowers like the woman in one of your photos. Ahh, those roses! In fact, are those roses on your pants? You and your cousin add color and fun to the amazing sites of Barcelona.


20 | Darlene
May 10, 2018 at 4:08 am
Barcelona brings out the colour in everyone who visits. The roses were such a nice touch this visit. Green is a great colour!!


21 | judithhb
May 10, 2018 at 9:08 am
I am glad you enjoyed Barcelona. The Architect and I spent several days in Barcelona but it wasn’t enough. We spent almost a whole day in the Gaudi gardens and then, on a hot July day, we discovered the beach. It’s certainly somewhere to revisit.

Darlene
May 11, 2018 at 1:33 am
There is never enough time in Barcelona. I’m sure you have some wonderful memories. XO



22 | Sue Slaght
May 11, 2018 at 3:04 pm
Oh my each time I see gorgeous photos of Barcelona I wonder what I was thinking when we passed over Barcelona when we cycled in Spain. It looks like you had a marvellous visit and some new discoveries too.


23 | Invisibly Me
May 11, 2018 at 5:42 pm
Sounds like you had an amazing time! The roses at Casa Batlló look truly stunning, how beautiful!
Caz x


24 | robbiesinspiration
May 12, 2018 at 12:55 am
This looks like so much fun, Darlene. I have not been to Spain yet.

Darlene
May 12, 2018 at 4:46 am
I’m sure you will get there one day. So many places, so little time.



25 | Sally’s Drive Time Playlist #Music to get the Weekend Started – Requests from Annette Rochelle Aben, N.A. Granger, Jan Sikes, Judith Barrow and Darlene Foster | Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life
May 12, 2018 at 3:30 am
[…] last track today is from children’s author and travel writer Darlene Foster with a wedding song that brings a tear to her eye.. Anne Murray – Can I have this Dance for […]


26 | Marcia Strykowski
May 15, 2018 at 1:47 am
Great pictures! Looks like you and your cousin had a wonderful time in beautiful surroundings!


27 | Kirt D Tisdale
May 15, 2018 at 1:55 am
What a great post, Darlene! So informative and loved the pictures…I can never get enough of the architecture…incredible!


28 | dgkaye
May 15, 2018 at 11:09 am
Wow, thanks for this spectacular mini tour in Barcelona. I always wanted to visit there. I still hope to some day. The architecture is captivating! 🙂

Darlene
May 18, 2018 at 3:53 am
You would just love Barcelona. I´m sure you will get there one day. So many places, so little time!! I only just saw Paris for the first time.

dgkaye
May 18, 2018 at 8:58 am
Wow, you just saw Paris? Perhaps there is hope for me. I’ve been to Paris a few times but not Spain. 🙂




29 | JEN Garrett
May 16, 2018 at 1:42 pm
I love the rose and books stack! There’s just something about a rose in a book, makes the whole story deeper somehow.


30 | Karen
May 18, 2018 at 3:49 am
What a fantastic two days you had in Barcelona. Your cousin must have loved having her own private guide. 🙂


32 | Bernadette
May 22, 2018 at 9:47 am
It was so special seeing your post. It brought back many happy memories. Have a good holiday.


34 | EsmeSalon
May 24, 2018 at 12:12 pm
Very interesting picture – the last one of the “flower” dress. Thanks for sharing at the Senior Salon. Tweeted this one


35 | craftliquor
May 28, 2018 at 5:41 pm
Great photos. Traveling to casa milla is on my bucket list.

Darlene
May 28, 2018 at 5:56 pm
Casa Mila is a great place. I love the roof especially. Glad you enjoyed the photos. Thanks for stopping in.



36 | DAMIENLEV
June 3, 2018 at 9:52 pm
Reblogged this on DENIS LEVIEUX PHOTOGRAPHE INFOGRAPHISTE and commented:
Un petit bout de l’Espagne de Gaudi


37 | Beth Ann
April 24, 2019 at 9:52 pm
I am absolutely in love with these pictures! Thank you so much for sharing your fun adventure!

Darlene
April 24, 2019 at 11:04 pm
Barcelona is such a great place. So much to see and do. Glad you enjoyed the pictures. xo


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May 8, 2018 at 8:03 am
Great post and amazing photos. I love Barcelona such a beautiful city.
May 8, 2018 at 8:04 am
Thanks! It is an amazing city!!