woodst-wanderers: Saturday 14th May - Montjuic and wandering

Saturday – 14^th May

The oldest sight on the Montjuïc hill, a large hill in Barcelona, is the Castell de Montjuïc, a large eighteenth-century fortress. It was built by the Bourbons on the remains of a fort dating back to 1640.

Originally built for the defense of Barcelona but often used against the city at the foot of the hill, the fortress long housed the Museu Militar (military museum). The museum closed in 2009 and the castle is now used for cultural activities.

The fortress can be reached by a funicular and cable lift.

Today we decided to catch the bus to the Montjuic hill and catch cable car and go to the castle and this was so worth the trip. We managed to find the right bus and the right destination – thanks Karl and then we headed up in the cable car – what amazing views and great ride. AT the top we entered the castle and again were treated to a great experience of the spendor of the castle and the sweeping views of Barcelona in all its glory – amazing..

Here we are - ready to go on the cable car.......................

The cable car going up.............................

At the castle - ready to go on in and explore..............................

Going up!

The views are pretty amazing...........................

Our little monkeys up a tree -

Checking out the views - perfect!

Crazy family trip - everyone is crazy!

Now the more sensible shot!

By the time we had done this it was almost 1 pm and we were all very hungry. Thankfully we had had scrambled eggs for breakfast and I had brought the kids a banana each to tide them over before we caught the bus. We caught and cable car down the hill and then the metro to town (like we were locals) and then headed to the Gothic quarter to find food. We decided that eating on the Rambla looked like fun and we had seen people drinking these huge glasses of Sangria and decided that this looked like something we should be doing – so we found a restaurant in the middle of the street and it was perfect – right amongst the action with lots to see, a cool vibe and great food and sangria – this really is amazing! Great company, great location and vibe!

Sagria - just a glass thanks!!!!!!! Perfect!!!!!!!!

Mum just went for a coke - it was funny as we needed a few toilet stops after lunch!!

Paella - a must have in Spain!

Had to share the paella with Lachlan - but when in Spain.......................

After a long lunch we headed off to explore some of the gothic area, its shops architecture and just be there wandering and see where we ended up. This was great fun and after a few hours we decided we would start the walk back to our hotel to relax and let the boys get ready for the big race day tomorrow – Formula 1 Grand Prix, Catalayna.

Check out some of the photos below of Barcelona, some street art and one of Gaudi's houses......and some!