Ciutadella park and Montjuic Botanical gardens

The Ciutadella and the botanical gardens on Montjuic are similar yet very different.  They are both large in scale however the layout and elevation of each is very different.  Montjuic's botanical gardens while it is generated through a system of geometric cuts into the mountain that develop into paths, there is not direct route to take.  The gardens are set up in sections based on regions in the world containing exotic vegetation.  You merely wander through the systems of paths whichever way you wish and change elevation quite frequently.  This type of garden while a little picturesque looking also resembles the design of a French garden.  French gardens are known for taking control of the landscape, having clear definition and making severe geometric cuts in their gardens. Montjuic's vegation also varies based on different regions, it is designed almost as a series of different sets.  Also because of the elevation, the city of Barcelona provides a backdrop to the gardens on Montjuic, so as you walk down the path you see different views of the city below.  Unlike Montjuic's botanical gardens, Ciutadella park has two clear entrances and a clear defined more rounded path around the park rather than Montjuic's very geometric angular path.  The Ciutadella is also designed in the city itself and has a very flat terrain.  It is more of a picturesque garden and contains other elements besides just vegetation such as water features, sports facilities, museums, etc.    It is also a much more active space with so many activities to offer.  Montjuic's botanical gardens are much more of a exotic plant museum, and simple for a walk through rather than an opportunity to become a very active area. More people visit the Ciutadella, possibly due to its location.Ciutadella is located near the gothic quarter/ beach.  Montjuic's botanical gardens require a good walk or bus up the mountain.  In conclusion, both the Ciutadella and the botanical gardens are beautiful designs of landscape and create these beautiful breaks in the city's grid/ landscape.

Southern Spain vs. Barcelona

Although Madrid and Sevilla's food is better Barcelona is by far my favorite city.  I love how the city is tucked between the mountains and the sea and has so much to offer.  Barcelona has a two beautiful back drops and so much to do. Montjuic is a beautiful mountain next to the sea with a beautiful castle as well as a great view of the Mediterranean.  Barcelona has the old and the new, you can get lost in gothic quarter and see the old roman city or you can venture into the Eixample and see the newer parts of town.  You can even go visit the old neighborhoods such a Gracia which are soo full of life and great food.  The architecture in each of the areas changes a little but all seems to connect together as well.  Barcelona has a lot of passion for soccer that is very exciting to watch as well as they have great entertainment and night life.  Barcelona is relaxing and a great time.  Madrid is more like a modern busy city.  It resembles closer to New York city in my eyes.  Everyone moved faster, it seemed busier the buildings had a more corporate look to them in some areas but it also has some of the old and the new.  The buildings were slightly taller and there was no water or mountains. Madrid has more government buildings and less people are out at night,  Barcelona has a much crazier night life.  The sky was gray some days, but the parks were beautiful and the tapas was extremely delicious.  Sevilla was also very pretty it had a more old traditional much more cultural feel, with the flamenco dancers dancing in the streets, the bull ring is still open and used unlike other parts of Spain.  Also in the south there are orange trees everywhere.  The cathedral was very beautiful and the river as well as the waterfront.  But it looked more like tourist town  than a place I would actually want to live.  Sevilla has more smaller shops and smaller roads.  It was more on a town/ residential scale rather than a large city.