Barcelona: La Sagrada Familía

Oh, Barcelona, you magnificent city.

Today, I experienced La Sagrada Familía. Another of Gaudi's works. He devoted 40 years of his life to designing it, though it was not originally his project. Also, he was fully aware that he would not be alive to see it's completion so he left plaster works and drawings for future generations of architects and builders to follow. Construction is estimated to conclude in 2026.

As with most sights in this city, if you purchase tickets in advance, you can skip the line (which can be up to 2 hours long). I did this for La Sagrada Familía, as well as opting for the audio tour and including one of the towers. To be honest, the audio tour did very little for me. What really got me excited was the audio/visual room in the Museum (under the main entrance). It showed a 20 minute video describing the building's history and the concept behind each facade. I suggest doing this first.

What I did first, because of the timing allotted to me for the fast pass ticket, was that I went straight up the Tower of the Nativity Facade. This might have been a mistake, but let me expand on this. To go up the tower, you take a lift/elevator which holds 6 people. When you reach the top the woman will say, "Go up another 10 meters, go across the bridge, then you climb down." So, I climbed up 10 meters of stairs and came to a bridge that immediately made me weak in the knees. I have NEVER been scared of heights like this. I don't know if it was the sheer height of it, or if it was being in a tight spot surrounded by tourists who do not speak my language, or that the building just felt OLD, or what but I could not enjoy the view. I kept snapping pictures, but honestly, I didn't even look at what I was snapping (I appreciate them now though).

 

So, across the bridge and down some spiral stairs (which looked to have no end). And every so often, I'd have the option to step out onto a balcony of sorts. I made myself do it, but I was so sick with fear, I couldn't wait to get out of there. 

And down more stairs I went. At the next balcony, I took a picture straight down - it doesn't seem so far now, but at the time, all I wanted was to be at ground level, looking at the pretty stained glass.

Finally, I reached ground level (composed myself) and started the audio tour. Again, I say, go to the museum. Watch the mini-doco. It really gave me an appreciation for everything I had seen. 

Here is a glimpse of the nativity facade:

And a glimpse of the Passion Facade (the journey of Christ to the cross) - You can tell they were done by different artists:

And here are some glimpses of the inside of the basilica. There is A LOT to it. The whole thing is quite overwhelming actually. I was impressed by Gaudi's use of light. The one thing I got out of the audio tour was that Gaudi said some people think having as much light possible is best, but this is wrong. He said that too much light or not enough will blind. Having the right amount of light is important to see/for reflection.

Supporting angled columns like trees with branches

The gifts of the spirit above Christ

Sunlight coming in the Passion Side stained glass

Now THAT's a workshop!

Barcelona: Day of Rest

The thing I keep running into while on this trip is, "I'm still me." Meaning, I like what I like and just because I'm somewhere else it doesn't mean I'm different somehow. 

Today, for example. I slept until nearly 10am. I spent some time cleaning up, re-packing. Then I went to lunch where I ordered a 1/2 plate of nachos and a mocktail that cost twice as much as the food. I came back, took a tremendous nap, put on the FCB vs PCG football game (Barcelona vs Paris soccer) and ordered room service for dinner.

Sometimes, I need to spend 24 hours recharging my batteries. Lots and lots of sleep, a little bit of food and some light entertainment (usually sports) makes me a happy, happy girl.

Barcelona Open: Tennis Anyone?

Before each leg of my trip, I did a little research on the best sights to see and what activities/shows would be in town. In Scotland, Glamis Castle wasn't on my list until I did my research and it ended up being one of the highlights. Certainly, I had the best meal in Scotland at Glamis Castle. In Paris, I did my research and I came up with a few things that were on the "must see" list, but I was happy to follow Christelle's lead (being a Parisian and all). Barcelona was almost a whim. I never really thought that I would come to Spain. A previous boss of mine made it clear to me that he HATED Spain and would never come back, but the more I talked to my friends and friends of friends, the more wonderful things I heard about Spain and Barcelona in particular. So, needing to keep myself entertained for a week between France and Italy, I booked Barcelona and THEN figured out what I was going to do while here.

(I am so thankful that I can write sentences like keeping myself entertained between France and Italy. I am fully aware just how awesome this trip is and how few people have the opportunity to just GO to Europe and tool around for a while. I am counting my blessings every day. Trust me.)

The only thing I knew about Barcelona before getting here was that Barcelona is an architectural wonder. And knowing that, all I really did was plan to physically look around while in town. I didn't think it would take much planning. Accidentally running into Casa Battló on my first day was pretty amazing and made me realise what I was up for. Gaudi (the architect) built a number of major works in Barcelona and everywhere I go, I seem to run into more and more of them. Today, for instance, I ran into this.

Just a gate. A BadAss Gate.

We should all have gates like this

And the whole reason I ran into this was because prior to getting here, I found out the Barcelona Open was in town and booked myself a ticket. So, this morning I walked 1km, took a subway, walked another 1.5km to get to Reial Club de Tennis Barcelona 1899. And about 2 blocks before getting there, saw this Gaudi thing. =)

The tournament facility itself was underwhelming (maybe because the facility in Sydney is bigger - the only other tennis facility I can compare it to). But it was clean, there were plenty of options for food and there were a lot of bathroom stalls available. There was one stand that sold souvenirs and I was not impressed, but I wasn't there for that. I was there for the tennis, which (even on day one, round one) was impressive.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am habitually early. Maybe even the first one on site.

I was able to stay for 2 full matches and a few games into a 3rd match. The play was great. Most of the competitors were from Spain and you could really tell who was a favorite of the crowd. Albert Ramos-Vinolas, for example. "Vamos Ramos" was a popular cry. Also, a lot of "Va!" or "Va, va, va!" (Go!) Unfortunately, all the crowd support in the world doesn't win you the game. 

Ramos in Orange

Going for the overhead smash

Looking dejected between games (shortly before losing)

The grounds crew had to clean up after all the sliding, digging, slipping and temper tantrums.

I tried really hard to take some good service shots.

Overall great games by all the players (none of whom I'd heard of previously). So, after I'd had enough sun and fun, I walked back to the Metro and back to my hotel.

It's been a damned lot of walking and I'm exhausted all the time. It reminds me of when I first did P90X. They warn you that the first week you'll be exhausted but then get fit and used to working out everyday. I'm hoping that's the case for me because I'm just wiped. Tonight, I had to go out for dinner and couldn't do it. I walked around the block and decided to order delivery. I ordered sushi delivery and was SUPER full and satisfied. I love sushi, could eat it everyday, and think that Sushi Delivery might be the best thing ever.

And with that, I'm off to sleep. I've got no plans for tomorrow and might do nothing. I honestly might only go out for food and take care of myself. 

(The only thing I still must see while in Barcelona is La Sagrada Familia, anything else would be a bonus)

Barcelona: Getting Lost Accidentally

This morning started off strong. Like a champ, I went directly to the correct Metro station, jumped on the train that pulled up just as I got there and disembarked at the second to last stop (just as I had planned). I followed the signs for the Metro exit and was lead to a set of elevators. I got in and pressed the up arrow. I had no idea I was as far underground as I was. The lift went up and up and up until I thought I would pop out of the roof and fly over London. It must have been 20 stories. No joke. 

At street level, I followed the signs to Park Güell - my intended destination. As I was walking, I saw some amazing views of Barcelona, a local soccer game and I ended up on a nature walk. I was following a crowd, but ended up making a wrong turn and 10 minutes into the nature walk, I found myself at a restaurant where I thought I should probably order tapas (Patatas Bravas y Chorizo. Sparkling water and a café/espresso). 

After my tasty lunch, I head back onto the path and found my way to Park Güell. Unfortunately, tickets were sold out until 3pm (it was not even 1pm at that time) and I was tired. I decided to pay 5.50 Eur to see Gaudi's home. The place he lived while he worked on La Sagrada Familia (which I haven't been to yet, but will visit in a few days). It was not worth the money, except there was a chair inside where I rested. Here are some pictures from the house and the surrounding area (including some sneaky shots of the park from over walls/fences.)

  

 If I hadn't lost my way, I probably would've scored a timely ticket into the park, but I don't mind. The lunch was pretty good, but the graffiti I saw along the way was even better.

It turned out that I had taken the Metro to the back of the park, rather than the front toursity area. I think this was a great and happy accident. I saw so much more than just the park. Three street musicians/bands, lots of locals walking their dogs, some sort of religious ceremony. It was great. And when I was all done looking around, I followed signs to the nearest metro station (1250m - 20 minutes). I was wrecked and needed a siesta. After a lovely afternoon nap, I decided to go to a sushi place for dinner.

Again, I head out towards it, but just missed the mark. I know I was close, but there were a bunch of other sushi places, so I picked Sushi Shop (which delivers sushi boxes!). It was delicious and in a very posh part of town (right next to Dolche & Gabbana), so it wasn't cheap. I've had dinners ranging from 3.50 to 24.50 Eur. I guess it all evens out. This restaurant was also across the street from another one of Gaudi's works. Casa Viva. 

After dinner, I took the subway back to the hotel. I've really figured out the subway system and how to get  back 'home'. 

One final treat for the night. I found this on the sidewalk and snagged it for a free and fun souvenir. Will the adventures never stop?! (I hope not)