Espana - into the lion's den

Hello from Barcelona, or as I refer to it, the lion's den, after Italia's tragic loss to Spain in the European soccer championship game. We watched the game in Berzo on Sunday and flew here Monday where we saw a festive Spain celebrating their trifecta on television. We are very proud that the Azzurri made it to the finals as they were not expected to get that far. It was practice for the World Cup in two years is my perspective. Forza Azzurri 2014!!! Barcelona is a beautiful city and we've enjoyed our first day of sightseeing. Today we visited the Gothic cathedral, a stunning church begun in 1298 on the foundations of a Roman temple and Moorish mosque. It was finally finished in the early 20th century. The facade is gorgeous and the exterior spires are home to perched gargoyles that truly make you feel as if you are in medieval Europe. We also visited the lively Las Ramblas district, which is a principal street that leads through the center of the city to the sea, encompassing the lifeblood of Barcelona and its Catelonian culture. Thousands of tourists lined its tree-canopied route, which was marked by gorgeous florist and souvenir shops. We toured the incredible La Bouqeria food market where hundred of vendors were selling an imagination full of tempting fruits, breads, and a full menagerie of meats and fish. For the squeamish meat eater like me, it was quite the eye-rolling experience seeing dead creatures staring at me with glassed over eyes and intact bodies (and no I'm not talking about fish only, more like rabbits, goats, large fowl). Despite my roller-coaster stomach, I managed to eat paella at lunch although it was rather bland, which might have been good after the creature episode. This afternoon we visited the subterranean Roman city of Barcino founded between 15 and 10 BC during the reign of Augustus Caesar. It was absolutely incredible! Its a labyrinth of rooms that includes a typical Roman home (with mosaic floor), forum, public baths, aqueducts, roads, a winemaking area, temple, and laundry facilities. The place is a must see when you visit Barcelona! Tomorrow we are visiting the Sagrada Familia cathedral which is an architectural marvel. Now that I figured out that there is a blogger app on the iPhone I'll start uploading pictures!