Laowai

After Christmas we took a trip to Spain. We arrived in Barcelona on December 30th and began walking all around – seeing all the sights.

Barcelona is really such a beautiful city. It's architecture is old and new and so bold.

A big area of Barcelona – called Eixample – is made up of unique city blocks that were designed to let light and air flow. It took me a little while to realize the unique design. The blocks have their corners cut off so they become sort of octagons. The system was designed in the mid 1800s and today city leaders are trying build on the system and make even more pedestrian only and green areas. It all makes for an interesting walking city.

The temperatures were between 50 and 60 degrees F. I get a kick out of seeing the local people bundled up in puffy coats while I was feeling completely comfortable in a sweater. No shivering for me.