BARCELONA SPAIN
Barcelona has now surpassed my best place to live - which was Lisbon Portugal before. The city blends an awesome combination of old and modern that gives the best of both worlds. The building give the vibe of old city quarters, Gothic influences, Renaissances tastes and tragic changes in government over the past 600 years.
From the Spanish Inquisition in the 1500-1800's, to the changes of various Kings, religious influences and regional wars, Barcelona has endured. The early part of the 20th century has not been kind to the Catalan's. Barcelona has endured various bad governments, being on the wrong side of the Spanish Rebellion and the wrong side of 2 World Wars. They have survived both Franco and Mussolini, and held the world Trade Fairs of 1888 and 1929. They hosted the Olympics in 1992 with success.
Over the past 30 years Barcelona has emerged as a world class city. It was a pleasure to stand upon the same steps that Columbus once stood, walk the streets of such diverse history and enjoy the modern conveniences that a big city offers. I highly recommend it as an American tourist destination. Bud
