Gaudi & Tapas!

     Sorry I haven't blogged in a few days . . . the "high-speed" wireless internet we have here at the hotel for 25 euros per day is about as fast as "dial-up" and pictures take forever to download.  Here is an update of our first full day in the city and I will try to post days 2 and 3 when I have a much better (and cheaper) connection:

Barcelona - Day One:

     We woke this morning to a beautiful cool, sunny day.  The weather here is incredible and there is absolutely zero humidity - which means everyday is a "good hair" day in Barcelona!  These are the types of things that travel brochures should tell you.

     Having no expectations, we were happy to let our guide, Sonja plan our route.  Her feisty, animated personality made us love her immediately and it was funny to listen to my husband's Alabama accent automatically switch to "spanglish!"  In fact, Sonja suddenly had a bit of a southern drawl so the two of them were more or less speaking "Alabamish (or Spanabamian)." Listening to the two of them all day was very entertaining and the two became fast friends!

     The day started with Parc Guell - designed by Antonio Gaudi.  There are no words or pictures that could accurately describe the way this beautiful space was planned and built.

     Gaudi was famous for his organic designs. Always mimicking nature, he never incorporated straight lines.  In the Parc, his columns appeared as twisted trees and roots and were built in and around existing vegetation.  The Placa, or central gathering area was surrounded by a serpentine bench covered in mosaics.  It was difficult to get decent pictures with all of the crowds but perhaps we will get up early one morning and get back to take proper pictures.

 

     We walked the city and stopped at most of Gaudi's buildings and were able to go in, on top and around them.  Everywhere we looked, the ancient buildings were mixed in with the Dr. Suess-ish style of curved roofs, windows, crooked towers and vivid colors.  Somehow, it all worked!  Barcelona is clean and safe (except for a few gypsies who will quickly pick your pocket if they have a chance.  Several got very close to me but Michael was ever-watchful and I believe no gypsy is a match for a pissed-off Alabama boy, so I wasn't worried.  We were surprised at how kind and gracious the people of the city were - having traveled all over Europe, we found Barcelona to have top scores in hospitality and friendliness.  They are very proud of their city and especially protective of Gaudi and his work.

    We discovered lunch time didn't start until around 3pm and our 6:30am breakfast had long worn off so when it was time for Tapa's we were so excited.  Sonja took us to a quaint and cozy tapas bar and did the ordering for us.  She was a little worried, but we told her we wanted to eat what the local's eat!  I was a little concerned when the Sea Cucumber's arrived, but I remembered my son telling me I should always try new things that I've never had before!  The roles have definitely switched since he was a little boy!

Looks interesting?  Tastes delicious!  I am so proud of myself!

So today I discovered that I LOVED Tapas, and I also realized where "siesta's" come from.  After a late lunch like this, there is only one thing you can do, and that is to take a NAP!  Those Spaniards know what they're doing.  But we had too much to do and and so much to see, so no nap for us!  We headed next to the crown jewel of Barcelona and the site I looked forward to most . . . Gaudi's church, La Sagrada Familia!

     This church is still being built almost 100 years after it was started.  Gaudi lived long enough to complete this south facade and over time, builders and architects have been trying to replicate his work from drawings and designs he made before he died.  I have seen many churches in the world but there is nothing to compare to this space.  It is modern and flooded with light and again, Gaudi takes his inspiration from organic substances like vegetation, bones, and especially items from the sea.

    We were able to go to the top towers and make our way down - the views of the city were spectacular.  The spiral staircase, narrow and steep looks like a nautilus seashell.

Our view from the top:

The sculptures carved into the facade, although not the work of Gaudi, were created in his style.  It is amazing to see - the pictures do not do their size or dimension and justice!

     Still incredibly full from our tapas lunch, we strolled the 2km back to our hotel and took our time exploring side streets, shops and enjoyed people watching.  This city is so beautiful and filled with art.  Everywhere you look, there is something unique.  One minute you may be standing in front of a gothic church and the next minute you are looking at something like this- which of course, Michael had to have his picture taken with!

     And then you will see something like this:

And I will leave you all with this last structure - it is actually the city's water company building and is supposed to be a spout of water but you know how art is . . . everyone interprets it in their own way.  I'll let you think about this one and decide for yourself!

Buenos Noches - more tomorrow!!!!