Last Night in a Beautiful Place

Day 6 Europe continued...As Bryan and I made our way back from Park Guelle on the last day in Spain, we knew the day was far from over.  We were so sad to leave this exciting city and felt like we had hardly scratched the surface of all it had to offer.

We decided to go for a walk, a very LONG walk.  In fact we kept going and going until we were several miles away.

Sometimes it is so refreshing to just go explore, not knowing where you will end up. We walked through the streets til we reached the port of the city and started to head North.  It was a gorgeous day and everyone was out enjoying the weather.

 As we walked we enjoyed some fresh fruit from a vendor along the way.  At one point we sat along the steps of the harbor, the breeze in our face, just enjoying the view- sailboats out in the water, children running around with ice-cream cones, vendors selling beautiful woven fabrics along the deck. it truly was magical. Like straight out of a dream or a storybook.

 We walked along and passed the mall and the aquarium.  There were several artists selling their work outside. If only I didn't have to fly home, I would have bought something to hang in our home.

 At one point in our walk I noticed a balcony covered in bright colored plant holders. It looked so Mediterranean I had to capture a picture!

 Finally after a few miles we reached the sands of the Mediterranean! It was my very first time visiting this body of water ever. I was so excited to take off my shoes and dip my feet in the cool refreshing water.

 We continued to walk a little further to the edge of the city and then headed back to the loft apartment to get ready for our dinner excursion. 

 It was the last day of a large festival in Barcelona called La Merce.  To commemorate, people from all over Spain gathered in the city to celebrate.  It was so neat to be part of such an exciting time in Catalonia.  People were so proud of their heritage, you could feel it in the air.

 As we turned a corner, we noticed several people dancing a traditional dance.  People old and young gathered in circles and swayed to the music. I loved watching!

Soon our stomachs got the best of us and we made our way to a little restaurant along the way to the closing ceremony. The food was delicious! 

 And the place was trendy and upscale. I ordered a gourmet salad- just what I was in the mood for after a week of eating pastries! Bryan of-course ordered a huge flat bread melt. I happily took a bite when offered ;-)

 Once we got to our destination we were blown away by the size of the crowd. Despite all the people, we managed to squeeze our way to the front.

 Soon, the lights dimed and the music started.  The waterfall began to rise and fall while changing colors to the rhythm of the music. It was one of the most amazing displays I had ever seen. 

And then the fireworks began!

Bryan and I joked that the fireworks were so much better here in Europe because there weren't as many regulations as in the states. The fireworks were HUGE!

It was a wonderful way to end our trip to Barcelona.  A city that will forever be in our hearts.