Continuing on our city tour, this morning we boarded the ‘blue’ tour bus, which took us south, up into the hills of Montjüic. Gorgeous views of the city! Looking west, you could see all the way across the valley, to the mountains west of the city. Looking eastward, you can see the beautiful harbor, with docked cruise ships, the world trade center, as well as the beaches. And from the middle, you could see everything inbetween. Many of the landmarks, including the Segrada Familia and the spires of some of the old gothic buildings, were visible too.
The top of Montjüic was unique unto itself. It felt miles away from the city because it was so quiet, and so verdant and pretty. Some of the structures up there were architectually amazing, while some, not so obvious in their purpose. Santiago Calatrava’s “communication tower” was… interesting. Anyone know what this was made for?
The Olympic swimming pool was amazing. Built right into the side of the hill, with the stands rising up the hill and facing the city below, the view was unbeatable.
We decided to search for the best vantage point to take pictures. I thought that the cable cars from the east of the mountain to the harbor would have to be the best possible place. But, before we even got there, we stopped for a snack at a restaurant on the way, which had the most amazing panoramic views. Realizing that leisurely relaxing with food and drinks while taking in the view, was probably much nicer than being packed like sardines into the cable car gondolas on a windy afternoon, we took a pass on the rickety cable cars.

Our tour finished by looping through the harbor and back through the Gothic quarter, to the Playa Catalunya. We were home, and then right back out in a hurry! We both wanted to hit the beach this afternoon, but there was no way we were going to miss the Germany v. Argentina quarterfinal! Like I said, traveling during the World Cup, ain’t easy!
We caught the game at this really cool beach bar, with a great atmosphere, and more than a hundred fans of both countries. The place went mad when Germany toppled the Argentines in a shootout.
After the game, at about 8pm, we went out onto the beach, which was still sunny, but a little less crowded. We relaxed by the ocean for a few hours, until shortly after it finally got dark. I’m a huge fan of any place where it gets dark at 11pm!
We took a taxi back across the city, went out for a late dinner in our neighborhood, and then wandered around the big Playa Catalunya until the small hours.