The Sands of Barcelona

Because the weather was so nice today, we took advantage and took the bus to the beach.

We went to two beaches right next to each other, Barceloneta and Nova Icaria. Much of this touristic area was developed for the Olympic Games here in 1992. This is one of the many art pieces that welcomes visitors.

Even though I was relatively layered, I was in such a good mood because of the long-awaited sunny weather. I'm a mild sufferer of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
I don't remember the name of this building, but it's one my favorites when heading towards the coast.

The Gas Natural headquarters include a glass facade representing the bite of an imaginary shark jumping out of the nearby Mediterranean Sea.

In several large cities in Spain, bike rental companies install various bike stations througout the city. You swipe your card, check out a bike, ride to your destination, and return it to the nearest station. In Barcelona, it's a flat fee of 6 euros, and subsequent years are 24 euros each.

Fernando waged a thumb war against this statue. Sadly, the statue won.

There's a good selection of trendy restaurants and cafes that line the Mediterranean sands like the one below.

Fernando rested on this wavy sculpture while rollerbladers whizzed by behind him.

Puerto Olimpico divides Barceloneta and Nova Icaria. Below is the marina. 

The walkway that connects the two beaches. Fashionably speaking, Barceloneses are more urban dwellers than beach goers. They are often very stylish but love wearing dark colors.

One of the first public projects of Gehry is the Barcelona Fish – a huge fish sculpture placed on Barcelona’s waterfront during Olympic time as well. The monumental fish sculpture functions as a major landmark.

A concrete ball is short of falling off the edge of this mini shopping center. Hotel Arts Barcelona, one of the twin towers, stands tall behind it.

I never realized there was a casino in Barcelona, which happens to be the only one in the city.

These complex structures line the wide Avenida Icaria, where we took the bus home.

I'm crossing my fingers for more sunshiny days. I vow to never take for granted the southern California sun!