Breakfast in the market one last time

Oh I miss having delicious coffee and Spanish breakfast in this market. Before we headed out to Sabadell where Sara's parents live Victor and us had one more visit to the Sant Josep. 

We went back to our favourite Pinto Bar:

Some exciting time for Luca - picking his favourite vegetable in the fresh market. 

Victor got him a potato!

It was amazing to be back in Barcelona. The kids loved it too. We cannot wait to be back for another family holiday there!

Meeting up with Victor

Victor had a couple of days with his family in the South of Spain. And finally arrived in Barcelona to meet up with us. Oliver was very patient but was so excited to see Victor. He didn't remember him of course as the last time he saw Victor was when he was only 1 but he has always seen him in the picture we have in the lounge.

An exciting reunion. Victor hasn't changed at all - he's exactly the same as when I met him 13 years ago!

We decided to have an easy afternoon walk around the Born area. 

At dinner time Ruben, who was a flight school student while Matthew was in the States joined us. Victor and Rueben are now flying for Iberia and Vueling. It is such a wonderful thing to have amazing friends around the world and can keep the friendships for a long time.

Thank you guys for meeting up with us! 

Spain - Visit to Sagrada Familia

One of the most amazing places we have visited around the world, Sagrada Familia is a Roman Catholic church designed by Antoni Gaudi. It is a UNESCO World Heritage, which construction began in 1882. It is said that the construction of the Sagrada Familia could be completed in the first third of the 21st century. We were there last in 2010 when Oliver was only 1. At that time we only saw this great masterpiece from the outside. Here is the photo. Victor, Matthew and Oliver. 

This time we had a perfect person to take us inside and up the tower - Our wonderful architect friend Sara (Victor's wife)! I know the photos cannot show how stunning the church is and how amazing it is to be there but I need to show you a couple here. 

On the right top corner you can see an angel sculpture with a harp. This was done by a Japanese engraver Sotoo Etsuro. 

Once inside you cannot stop looking up nor stop taking pictures - everything was so overwhelming.  

The highlight of the visit - going up the tower. We had perfect weather for it! Children under 6 were not allowed in the tower so Matthew stayed up with the little ones while Sara and I went up with Oliver. Matthew could come up with us if they quietly stayed inside the locker...

Gaudi planned 18 towers for the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, however there are presently only eight completed. We went up the lift then walked towards the top of the towers. 

You can get a very close view of the church and can even see people working on the projects. It is quite strange to see the historical part of the building with the very new parts at the same time. I personally prefer the old parts. 

Fantastic view of the city.

Nearly at the highest point we could go:

Once you go up, you need to come down. Coming down these narrow steps with Oliver was quite a scary experience. I really thought he could fall in to the middle part!

It was just amazing to be there. What a great family day out!

Spain - meeting up with Sara

Finally we managed to get seats at the famous Pinto Bar in the Boqueria market. By the time we got to Uncle Pinto's some of the famous dishes were already gone :( 

Sara our Spanish friend from Barcelona arrived the night before and joined us for yummy breakfast. She helped us ordering and deciding what to try. 

It was just wonderful to see her again. We have been friends since Matthew did his flight training in USA a long time back. Living in different continents we haven't caught up as often as we would like. Last time we saw her was when Oliver was only 1!

Sara is now the mother of a beautiful girl Maria. Her husband is Victor, Oliver's Godfather. One of the main reasons for this Barcelona visit was to meet Maria for the first time. Maria was staying with Sara's parents while Sara showed us around the city. Same as our last visit once we enjoyed Barcelona city we moved to Sabadell, which is the second biggest city in the Catalonia region, to spend a few days at Sara's parents house. 

Sara is an architect and at the same time an interior designer. 

She took us to her old campus where she studied. 

Lots of lovely streets and alleys:

After a little break at the apartment we headed out on our biggest adventure with our very private architect tour guide. To the most famous place in Barcelona - Sagrada Familia!!!