We would have been remiss if we stayed on the same block as the Gaudi-designed Casa Batllo and didn’t take the time to see it, so we rectified that this morning. The audio tour came with individual screens that allowed each of us to view the rooms at our own pace, seeing the space as Gaudi would have intended it. Looking through the screens, a swirl would come to life as a seashell, or a uniquely shaped fireplace would show up as a mushroom and then implode into flames. This augmented reality was really effective for keeping D engaged: as we left he exclaimed the tour was “so much fun!” and we haven’t had that kind of reaction from him for other sites with audio tours.

In the afternoon, we went to the Gothic Quarter. D was ecstatic that he found a place selling two plain croissants for one Euro. He’s loved the endless supply of croissants and snacks on them every day, not just for breakfast. Unfortunately the grocery store Paul was hoping to visit and the market that we explored earlier in the week were closed, as well as most shops in the Gothic Quarter, since it’s Sunday. We found a place for a quick lunch and then changed plans for the remainder of the day.

Late afternoon we spent at a public swimming pool in Barcelona that was built for the 1992 Olympics. Beautiful views of the city from the pools. There’s also a diving pool that’s closed to the public. Only a few tourists and a few topless sunbathers…the pool was very warm from the sun, and we all had fun relaxing and enjoying the views. 

Tonight we repeated dinner at Cerveseria Catalana near our apartment. Two pitchers of sangria tinto, fried calamari, ham and cheese sandwiches for the kids, a sopresata and cheese sandwich for D, two different anchovie dishes, fried salt cod with pickles and olives, fried calamari, montadito baguette with slices of Iberico pork loin and Spanish pepper, and some yummy desserts. 

Then we hopped on the train (again) to Montjuïc where we saw “The Magic Fountain” a Bellagio-esque fountain show set to music. But it’s not just about the fountain with colors set to music at Montjuïc, there’s several other buildings with fountains and plazas and street vendors and thousands of people. We got pretty doused with water standing close to the fountain – squeels of delight from young and old. It’s quite the scene and so beautiful. Truly the highlight of the Barcelona leg of the trip for Miss M. She wishes she could sit there and watch all night, but it only runs for 90 minutes. Heaven, for Miss M, would be to stick the twinkling Eiffel Tower in the middle of Barcelona’s large, multi-colored beautiful fountain set to music. 

An 11:30p pit stop for gelato and we’re finally calling it a night — our last in this bustling, vibrant city.