Needing suggestions for Barcelona and Paris....

Here is a route that will take you by all of Gaudi's principle projects in Barcelona, and in the meantime take you through a wide variety of neighborhoods in the city: http://quia-absurdum.com/barcelona/gaudi_route.html

If you are a slower walker, less ambitious or just don't feel like a forced march while on vacation, I'd suggest that you limit the route to the left-hand bit, starting at Parque Güell. This is the map I usually give to visitors who are looking for an introduction to the city.

Another option would be to take one of the tourist buses (the leave from Pza. Cataluña), this will hit most of the major tourist things, and leave you with time (and strength) to double back and see whatever most appeals. Enjoy the trip.

Thank you so much. Since you live in Barcelona, you are definitely the best person to give advice, and I appreciate that.

Kathy

Paris, St. Chapelle on the Il de la Cite, gorgegous stained glass windows, was one of my mom's favorites; entrance via Palace de Justice located next to the palace where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned before her beheading.
Notre Dame is nearby & worth a look, a walk along the Seine from the Ile de La Cite is also quite nice.
Walk up the Rue de Rivoli on the right bank along the Louvre to see a lovely arcade (where there is Angela's Salon de Te, cakes & chocolates) & then turn rght down Rue Castiglione which leads to Place Vendome. You can then go down the Rue St Honore with fashionable shops, cafes, restaurants, galleries, and just a sweet walk.
On the Left Bank, the Jardin de Luxumbourg is a lovely park worth a visit; enter on the Blvd Montparnasse side & work your way toward St. Sulpice in the St. Germain des Pres area, one of my favorites in Paris with beautiful shops, cafes, fantastic architecture.
Place de Vosges near Bastille is A++ & nearby area Le Marais for wondering.

Kathy,
There are so many "must sees" in Paris, it is hard to narrow it down. I would not miss St. Chappelle, Notre Dame, the Sacre Couer, a night cruise on the Seine to see the lights, the Musee D'Orsay, a Bloody Mary at Harry's American Bar, the Opera Garnier, a stroll through the Tuileries Gardens. I find walking is the best way to enjoy the city. Be sure to allow time for dawdling in sidewalk cafes.

If you have access to an iPod and iTunes, you may want to search the free Podcasts for "guided" walks of specific neighborhoods or museums in the cities you are travelling to.

You can get a splitter so your mother can also listen through her own headphones.

I downloaded several that came in handy (not just the Rick Steves ones - but also ones from Rough Guide/Lonely Planet/Frommer's, etc.). You can also listen to these (and other travel podcasts that may not feature a self-guided walking tour, but give info on sights) ahead of time for ideas about where you'd definitely like to go once you arrive in Barcelona or Paris.