One of the most elegant cities I've encountered in Europe, Barcelona embodies a magical beauty, a kind of tapestry of architectural styles, curving Moderniste details, sparkling stained glass and sea; all woven together by threads of broad avenues and medieval passages. Countless tourists flock to see the Gaudi landmarks - the Sagrada Familia in particular, and we were certainly part of that flock, but I was taken with the oriel windows lining streets such as the Passeig de Gràcia. They perch above street level offering their inhabitants a sweeping view up or down the street, a private space to watch vibrant street life. They are works of art in themselves, glass jewel boxes crowned with iron lace, often shaded by great boulevard trees.