November 21, 2017

Confession: we ate breakfast at Starbucks again.

We took the subway to Park Güell, an entire park sowed with houses and gardens and other odd constructions created by A Gaudi.  Despite the fact that I bought tickets for the early gate opening, there must have been another gate from where Chinese and Japanese tourists poured in with fury. There was not one place where to admire the surroundings in peace – phones and selfie-sticks slashed through the air like bayonets in a fierce battle.  We visited the Monumental Zone (https://www.parkguell.cat/en/park-gueell/visit-of-the-monumental-precinct/) - somehow - and then explored the less crowded alleys of the curious park. The terrain was uneven and wild, but this did not deter Gaudi from building some odd columns and viaducts.

Park Güell

Park Güell

Park Güell

Gaudi Home - Park Güell

We returned today to La Boqueria and ate some fresh (and expensive) fruit – a tray with gooseberries, strawberries, blackberries, red currant and raspberries. Sweet and refreshing!

True "knock - knock"

In the afternoon we embarked on the most awaited part of the trip – the visit to Sagrada Familia (http://www.sagradafamilia.org/en/architecture/).  Gaudí worked for 43 years on the basilica, and in 1914 he left all other work to concentrate exclusively on this sole project until his death on 10 June 1926. The moment we came out from the subway hole, the basilica took over the sky with its multitude of statues, pointy towers, and parade of detailed architectural and artistic elements. This basilica is a temple dedicated to the Christian faith, to all Christians, and in fact it tries to bring together everyone for a moment of meditation and spiritual elevation. It is so much to admire inside and outside, there are probably books covering this – I will only say that the outside overwhelmed me and the inside soothed me. The interior columns split in many branches like trees and support the entire roof, which has no buttresses. The light filtered through the painted glass has almost spiritual power.  

I need to return in 2026 to see this monument finished. 

We went up 50 meters in the Nativity Tower and saw Barcelona from above.

Inside Sagrada Familia

Barcelona seen from the Nativity Tower

Magical light - Sagrada Familia

Inside Sagrada Familia

Subway is very reliable and frequent in Barcelona, but watch your pockets, purses and phones. We went to Ciudadella Olimpica by the beach, ate paella and then, almost falling apart with exhaustion, we returned to La Rambla. We tried the ice cream at Rocambolesc (http://www.rocambolesc.com). 

My pannet - SCRUMPTIOUS! 

Another pleasure newly discovered – an ice cream like an empanada – light and delicious – pannet with strawberry and hibiscus ice cream. That’s life!