We sailed from Marseille to Barcelona overnight.  What a gorgeous city.  I was here nearly 30 years ago, but couldn’t remember much about it; apart from enjoying a delightful tapas meal, and imbibing a little too much Sangria while watching a flamenco show in a smoky club.  On this trip we only had a half-day on shore, so made the most of it by walking and taking in the sights.   La Rambla one of the world’s best known pedestrian streets cuts through the city centre, and provides a vibrant thoroughfare lined with al fresco restaurants, bars and street stalls.  Off La Rambla is a network of streets, many of which are also pedestrian ways.   The street scapes and vistas are beautiful.  Stunning old buildings, quaint cobblestoned laneways, and the most amazing, array of architectural styles including Neoclassical, Baroque, Art Deco, authentic Medieval and Modernist.  Capping off everything is the influence of Gaudi the famous 19th and early 20th century architect – whose distinctive architectural style incorporates, ceramics, stain glass and wrought iron.  The main cathedral in Barcelona and other well-known buildings are a testament to his art.  We visited as many of these as we could fit in.  Take a look at my photos and you will see what I mean by his distinctive style of architecture.   We also took in the old central food market.  What a sight.  This covered market has been operating for well over a hundred years, and its foods and produce are amazing.  Mouth-watering displays of food everywhere.  I took more than a few photos some of which I’ve published in my blog.   After a quick coffee and snack we made our way back to the ship just in time for “All Aboard”.  Although brief, our time in Barcelona was utterly delightful.  Just roaming around soaking up the atmosphere and drinking in the sights left us more than contented with this port of call.   Hola