22-05-2011
Gaudi's Day.
Moved to our second place in Barcelona, near Sagrada Familia. We are staying at a person's house and it is up on a hill but there are lifts that take you to the top, convenient for the luggage.
Visited the Sagrada Familia , it is a work in progress, wonderful to visit. The audio guide was a useful way to understand the passion and nativity facades, glory facade is yet to be done. The stained glass windows, the tree like columns, the vaults, the towers, the choir stands, each bit makes it a unique cathedral in the making. There is also an exhibition explaining Gaudi's love of nature and it's influence on his work. He loved his parabolic and hyperbolic structures, rarely is a straight line seen in his work after a certain period. Stopped at the workshop and the school ( no straight lines there either) on our way out. It is due to be completed in 2026, I hope we visit it again, it is going to be amazing. Gaudi lived his last few years here, was hit by a tram and died, his tomb is now in the crypt.
Continuing with Gaudi we visited the Parc Guell which was designed by Gaudi . From the metro to the park is quite a climb but the escalators come to the rescue should you need it. Not the best time to visit a park, sweltering heat, at one point had sweat pouring down my forehead. Panoramic views of the town from a hilltop, palm tree lined esplanade, the mosaic serpent and fairytale houses of Hansel and Gretel and the witch made it worthwhile . Gaudi's home is now a museum, his furniture was also quite curvy.
A pitcher of ice cold Sangria at La Rambla made us both happy, relaxed and willing to continue exploring.
Spent the evening in La Ribera, few of the streets were a bit seedy. Passed Museu Picasso, went into the Santa Maria Del Mar church the reached Parc de Citudella. Whereas Parc Guell seemed more of a touristy spot this one was filled with locals practicing various arts. Some jogging, a couple doing gymnastics, a few walking tightropes and juggling, as well as a dancing mockfight with music. The park contains a lake in the middle with rowing boats, a fountain designed by Gaudi, a mammoth's statue, the Catalonian Parliament and the house of the three dragons. I am sure there is more but these are the bits we saw. The fountain, La Cascada, is more like a waterfall over a grand structure. Love Gaudi's work.
Had dinner at Udon, a ditto copy of Wagamama ( except the taste ), miss wagamama.
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