Barcelona ~ Day 3

Have I mentioned that trips in Europe are anything but relaxing?! :)  We were up and at 'em on Saturday morning to see more of the city.  Our apartment was in the Gothic quarter and walking the streets looked like this....

We found it easy to get lost, and that was fine during the day.  At night, it was a bit different.  As Rick Steeves said, "The area can get a little seedy at night."  He wasn't kidding.  And, I never had the apartment addresss with me or in my phone.  Livin' on the edge I tell ya. :)  Thankfully, I have a decent sense of direction.

We made a breakfast stop at Dunkin' Donuts for American sized coffee and donuts (gasp!)  I know some folks might look at this as cheating and not taking in the whole experience.  Whatever?!?  That frosted donut didn't stand a chance against me.  I should have had two while I had the chance!

Another cool door on our walk through the Gothic Quarter.  My assumption is this is Salvador Dali.  Right?

It was back to the market to have another look around.  Chris really loved this place.  Most of the little sea creatures seen here were still alive.

Thomas wasn't too sure about the choices of meat.  My animal lover was a little distraught.

Always thinking of our friends back in Morton....the Pumpkin Capital of the World!

We hopped on the bus at just the right time and missed the pouring rain.  For once, we were thankful to be on the lower level of the bus.  We took a lengthy ride out to the Olympic Stadium.  This was the site of the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.  It was the first stop at an Olympic Stadium for all of us, so that was neat.  

In pictures I've seen from the Olympics, these columns were lit up.

The stadium!

A little less impressive inside.  We should have done this before the Barcelona fútbol stadium.

A family pic taken by three sweet American girls who are studying abroad in Spain.

You can see the columns lit up in this picture.  

The site of the Olympic flame.

I'm not sure what it is....but our kids always lose teeth on vacation.  It's a running joke with Allison.  She even lost a tooth on Splash Mountain at Disney World one year.  This time, they BOTH lost a tooth on the trip.  Allison finally lost the tooth that has been dangling out of her head since November.  The Tooth Fairy let her keep that nasty tooth.  Yuck!

Enjoying tapas!

While Chris and I pondered over a painting to take home with us, the kids entertained themselves by running back and forth up these little embankments.  It really doesn't take much to keep them entertained.  We love that they appreciate the simple things in life.

A visit to the aquarium was in order.  I wanted to do the Picasso Museum but was voted down.  So, the aquarium it was....

Even though it was chilly, we had to find our way to the beach and pretend we were enjoying the hot sun.   Time for a few pictures of the kids.  I just love them so much!

And, that concludes our trip to Barcelona.  It was a nice getaway, and we are looking forward to another adventure this weekend.  The Harry Potter Studio Tour is tomorrow, and it's "wand week", so the kids will learn the proper techniques to casting spells.  And, Sunday is the 1D concert.  Allison is just excited beyond words.  I hope the weekend is everything they have dreamed it will be!

Until next time,

Wendy

Gaudi + Fútbol = Another Great Day in Barcelona

Friday was really an amazing day!  Our first stop was Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece the Sagrada Familia.  His work on the cathedral began in 1883 until his death in 1926.  Construction has moved forward, and I read the projected completion date is set for 2026.  But really, who knows for sure??  I'll be sure to go back and see it when it is unveiled in all of its finished glory...and without scaffolding and cranes!  I am proud to say that our admission price goes toward the completion of the cathedral, so it will be neat for the kids to tell their kids, or their grandkids, that they had a little bitty part in finishing the masterpiece.

This side of the church is the Nativity facade and the only part of the church Gaudi actually saw finished.  It shows his original vision for the cathedral.  When undertaking this very long project Gaudi commented, "My client" -meaning God- "is in no hurry."

On the other side of the church is the Passion facade and follows the scenes that lead to the death of Jesus.   This side is very controversial because many believe it is not in line with Gaudi's vision.  I personally found this side to be very moving.  I was in awe of the emotion on the faces of the statues.  It was really beautiful.

Thank you to my friend Mackenzie for taking a similar picture last year.  I was so anxious to find the word Jesus on the door that I accidentally cut out the grid above.  In the grid, the numbers add to 33 which was the age of Jesus when he died.

When you enter the doors on the Passion side, this is your first glimpse of the church.  Chris, Allison, and Thomas had no idea what the inside looked like, and their reactions were priceless.  It was really beyond anything I have seen...and in the last year...I've seen A LOT of cathedrals. :)

The amazing ceiling....the pillars were designed to look like trees.

Jesus on the cross at the altar. 

Thank you to my friend Shayna for suggesting we buy tickets to go into one of the towers.  We were able to get a glimpse of the workers outside.  How would you like to work like this everyday?!

The spectacular view from the top!

As we made our way down, the kids waved to their fans below. :)

The last staircase to descend down to the church was so cool!  The center section was open, and I was able to capture one of my favorite shots from the trip.

The audio guide was paired with videos around the church.  We learned so much!  I just love watching him deep in thought.

The sunlight in the cathedral was magnificent.  I tried to capture it the best I could.  

The pillars stand 45 meters high.

You could truly feel His presence.

Admiring the Nativity facade...Gaudi's vision of Jesus' young life.

More scenes from the Passion facade. 

Taking a step back to take it all in.

Visiting the Sagrada Familia was one of the most memorable experiences I have had since moving here.  The information about this cathedral and Gaudi as an artist is so interesting.  I hope the kids remember the information they learned, but I'm pretty sure the only fact they took in and will remember was that he died after being hit by the #30 tram in Barcelona.  Tragic really. 

After the Sagrada Familia, we headed to Parc Güell.  Gaudi intended for this English garden style park to have 60 houses on it, but it was a total flop in that respect.  I think there are two houses.  But, for the visitors of today, it is a beautiful park to visit.

Posing with the lizard/chameleon that has become an emblem for the park.

This mosaic bench snakes around the main terrace that overlooks the city.

Gorgeous colors everywhere!

Touring the beautiful park and enjoying the views.

We chose to spend two days using the hop on hop off buses.  We felt the price was steep, but we were able to see the whole city!

Next stop...the fútbol stadium of F.C.B.  This was another pricey experience in Barcelona but well worth it for the soccer lovers in our family.

We were able to sit in the press box.  Nice view!

Last big stop for the day was La Pedrera (Casa Milà)...another Gaudi masterpiece.  Did you know Gaudi has seven properties on the UNESCO World Heritage List!  On this tour, you start at the top on the roof and work your way down.  These strange figures at the top are actually chimneys.

Even from here, you can see the Sagrada Familia.

Of course, the rooftop is not flat.  It's covered with steps in a wave pattern around an open courtyard in the center of the building.

Casa Batlló...another work by Gaudi. 

 After leaving Casa Milà, we ran into my friend Eve and her husband Rick.  I had no idea she was going to be in Barcelona.  Too funny!  We enjoyed a nice walk with them, and then were were off to our traditional dinner at Hard Rock Cafe.  We try to hit one in each city if they have one.  I must say, I am either experiencing Hard Rock burn out, or this one was really terrible.  Needless to say, I would not recommend it.

One last shot of the stadium.

I think we were back to the apartment and asleep by 9:00.  We were exhausted and had to gear up for one more fun-filled day.

Until next time,

Wendy