Monday 16 July 30C in Barcelona We set off to see the Sagrada Familia (Gaudi's Cathedral), When we arrived the queue was along the front from the gate to the corner then the whole length of the block then around the next corner and about ½ way down there (about 800m in total) and it did not appear to be moving. We decided not to join the queue but return early tomorrow.

Strolled back towards El Gotic (the suburb we are in), checking out the (completed) Barcelona Cathedral and indulging in a little shopping on the way.

Lunched back at the apartment, then set out in the afternoon for a quick rip around the Picasso Museum only to find out it was closed on Mondays .... who'd have thought? Some other time ....

So we headed in the opposite direction towards the beach - a fair hike past the port - and walked the promenade watching the sun bathers and volley ball players. We walked as far as the Olympic port/harbour where all the Olympic yachts were berthed during the 1992 Olympics - a very pretty area, although just a little windy today. Settled down for a glass of wine and a spot of people watching on the way back.

Fully refreshed, we then proceeded back towards and up La Ramblas again, stopping to look at Palau Guell - another of Gaudi's building creations in Barcelona - truly magnificent, but very difficult to get a good photo in the narrow back streets.

Finally. discovered a fresh food market very similar to Madrid's Mercador de San Miguel not far from the apartment - unfortunately, it was just closing, so will be back for a more detailed explore tomorrow