Barcelona Card (Official Tourist Card) saves time and money touring Gaudi's architectural masterpieces and more

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

"The Carpe Diem Kids"

Fanciful balconies of Antoni Gaudi's Casa Batllo are made of stone and shell-shaped, reflecting the architect's marine inspiration. Tours are available. We recommend the Barcelona tourism card cards offer huge savings to travelers. Barcelona's is among the best for its access to the world of famed architect Antoni Gaudi.

Barcelona Card was a perfect match for our interest in architecture and the genius of Gaudi. We returned to his classic buildings with the card, enjoying Gaudi's distinct design and appreciating the card for its huge savings.

Gaudi's Park Guell is a fantastic mecca of the architect's playful imagination and love of nature., here enjoyed by Bruce Keller and Cookie.

For us, the Barcelona Card, the city's official tourist card, is a must. We use city cards wherever possible -- Rome, Amsterdam, New York, Jerusalem, Chicago, Singapore, etc., cities with cohesive impressive design. Barcelona stands out for the colorful, organic, nature-inspired forms of famed architect Antoni Gaudi. Barcelona is Gaudi, and vice-versa.

His Catalan Modernist style is known worldwide for its ornate detail and pleasing shapes resembling shells and sea creatures, trees and flowers.

We've visited Sagrada Familia and Park Guell many times, but our favorite Gaudi inspirations, which the pass covered, are his homes designed for aristocratic Barcelonans: Casa Batllo and Casa Mila or La Pedrera. Barcelona's city card admitted us to these wonders.

Barcelona's Palau De La Musica Catalana is one of Barcelona's many inventive architectural creations.

BEYOND GAUDI, the Barcelona Card (official tourist card) allows free or discounted entree to classic buildings, including medieval architecture, Art Nouveau elegance in the Palau De La Musica Catalana, and an array of 21st Century towers and business centers.

Barcelona's creative spirit and interesting history have created a striking blend of historic and contemporary buildings, a vibrant urban landscape unique to the world.

A stroll along Barcelona's streets reveals stately buildings, wide boulevards, gardens and fountains.

More on Barcelona and how to purchase the money-saving Barcelona tourist card: www.barcelonatourisme.com

UP NEXT: Thanksgiving is upon is. That traditional American holiday is around the corner, with family and friends gathering in familiar places to enjoy too much good food and one another's company. But what if you find yourself abroad during the holiday, and still wish to make it special and toast our American tradition? We have answers and fun suggestions for good food and a good read wherever you spend the day. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for fresh insights into travel, performance, nature, family and more: www.whereiscookie.com

Thanksgiving in Turkey was a fun way to try appetizers. We don't necessarily have a full meal when we're celebrating a holiday abroad.