Barcelona

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The last leg of our two week vacation. We took the train from Madrid o Barcelona.

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My first impression of Barcelona was that it was a more modern city. And then I found the Gothic section, I loved this area.

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The city is infamous as the pickpocket capital of Europe, and it did not disappoint. I bought a dummy wallet  for the trip and it was taken on our way to the airport. So please be careful if you go. It is still great to visit, and guys don’t forget the beach.

The Ancient City of Toledo

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Home of El Greco and the famous Don Quijote  De La Mancha

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Another walled city that to this day may still be closed if needed. We will be back to see this awesome city again.

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After Avila on our way back to Madrid, I knew we were not going to miss this one

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The Imperial City, where Christians, Muslims, and Jews lived and still are living.

The Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso

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Very close to Segovia is La Granja

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We stayed here for the night at Parador de la Granja. Very nice group of hotels that refurbish old buildings and castles with modern amenities. There are also several family owned restaurants that are amazing.

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The gardens were designed by the same person who did Versailles.

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Viva España

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Madrid is one of my favorite cities ,” Yo amo España”

 

 

 

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After Italy we actually  flew from Pisa to Paris and stayed for two days. The flight from Pisa is much cheaper than flying from Rome so we saved five hundred dollars and got to see Paris again

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Palacio Real de Madrid

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Plaza Del Sol  never sleeps, it’s always active. Next stop Segovia.

My Roman Holiday

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The second leg of this trip brought us to Rome for 3 days.

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I went on and did a little Angel’s and Demon’s tour. Castel Sant’ Angelo

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A Bernini Fountain, Fontana del Tritone.

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Inside the Pantheon

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Had to run a few blocks to see this before the church closes, The Ecstasy of St. Teresa by Bernini

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Piazza Navona

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Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo

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The original Pieta by  Michelangelo inside St. Peter’s Basilica.

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And of course to another country,  The Vatican

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