I started the day at a tiny cafe recommended in my guidebook.  I tried the "very Catalan" meal of cheese with honey (though I don't know if this was a breakfast recommendation or not). 

I found it "very gross."  But the coffee was good. 

This day was devoted to Montjuïc-- on top stands an old fortress overlooking the sea. Getting up to the fortress required a train, a funicular (informal definition: hill train), and a cable car.  Once at the top, there are views of the harbor and the whole city. 

There are plan in motion right now to turn the fortress into an international peace center. 

Though I took transportation uphill, I walked my way down.  Shortly downhill from the fortress is Fundació Joan Miró  I don't know Miró's work as well as that of Gaudi and Dali, but Miró is definitely an artist that intrigues me. 

Unfortunately, photographs were not permitted in most of the museum.  I loved this visit, though.  Years ago, my BFA-bearing brother taught me how to appreciate abstract art.  I was always so worried about "getting it," and he told me it's not necessary, or even always possible, to "get" abstract art.  Just look at it, and right away, listen to your reaction. "I like it."  "I don't like it."  Either one is fine. 

It's certainly no way to pass an art history class, but it gave me the freedom to luxuriate in staring at something without trying to figure it out.  Experience the work aesthetically.  So I did a lot of that in the Miró museum.  I like it. 

The next downhill stop was the 1992 Olympic stadium and torch.  There's not much to see here, but there was a black cat wandering around on the stadium field. 

I'd already had a giant fill of art at Miró, but the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya was next on my trek back to sea level.  It was also covered by the Articket I purchased at the tourism office (Highly recommended--22 Euros, covers 7 major art sites in Barcelona-- I only visited 3 and I still saved money). 

I was most enchanted by the Catalan Art Nouveau.  The collection is the largest gathering of Art Nouveau I've ever seen.  It frustrates me that American museums seem to only hold one or two token Nouveau items.  MNAC held plenty of items, though. 

I also really love this lady (I forget the artist):

I skipped so much of MNAC.  I regret it a bit, but my feet and my brain were tired. 

This entry may seem short, but I spent a long day on Montjuïc.  I got to the fortress mid-morning, and I didn't finish at MNAC until 5 or 6.  I took my time.  That's a great feature of my trip.  I had enough time that I never had to rush.  I could stare at a Miró, sip a glass of wine in a cafe, or relax in a shaded spot. 

All Montjuïc pictures here.