I’m going to have to split this into two posts. I had no idea that Barcelona would melt my heart like it did. And it wasn’t just the heat that was making me squishier than usual…although that did create a small sweat river in my cleavage that seemed to run continuously throughout the weekend. Seriously, my strapless bra nearly became an extremely padded belt on Sunday…
The city marries everything great about urban life—interesting people, street performers, amazing art and architecture—with the relaxing, free-spirited vibe of beach life. But the most lovely part of it has to be the works of Antoni Gaudi.
Mr. Wonderful went to Barcelona eight years ago, and when he showed me his pictures I thought hmm that looks pretty neat. People: pictures and words cannot do this place a bit of justice. I wish there were a way to properly convey the sheer awesomeness of what I saw. But I think it is impossible.
The basilica of the Sagrada Familia is magnificent. Looking up at it from below, you know you are in the presence of something holy. Sure, it’s a house of God but it is also an unbelievable testament to the divine, creative power of man. Construction of the church began in 1882 and isn’t projected to be finished until 2030. That is an undertaking like no other.
My best effort at describing Gaudi’s style is gothic meets cubism meets a drip sand castle with a dash of gingerbread house. I’ve never seen anything like it. And I would love nothing more than to permanently burn the images of his work onto my retinas.
The level of detail was astounding. The mosaic-pattern stained glass windows, magical. The only other piece of artistic genius that has taken my breath away like this basilica was the statue of David.
You can see the spires from almost everywhere in the city. It’s truly the crown of Barcelona. But speckled throughout the rest of the streets are other Gaudi gems. Delicious palatial treats like the landmarks on the Candyland board.
I could have stayed a month in this incredible city. More pictures to come…
10 comments:
As my late, Italian, not-at-all-Spanish, somewhat redneck grandfather would say: oh my heck, that is beautiful!
(We are a cultured bunch.)
Oooooh, Mel! I want to go to Barcelona so badly. So so jealous. You and I really have traveling bugs! I'm just going to go where you go and you go where I go.
Cool. I was in Spain for a week once but never made it to Barcelona. Seville was my favorite. Toledo was cool too. Glad you are having fun and teaching us new things, like that you have cleavage! ;-)
JustRun - Love it. I think that's exactly what I was feeling as I looked at it. :)
Jane - You MUST go there! I swear, I want to go study at University of Barcelona now. It is an incredible city.
Wow TWA - I don't really have cleavage, I just added that for dramatic effect.
As you already know, I love me some Barcelona. Of all the foreign cities I've visited, Barcelona is the one where I wish I could live. It has such a great vibe, urban yet neighborhoody. Touristy, yet livable. I've got to take Sweets there soon!
Oh! I want to go!
Beautiful photos. Thanks for sharing. Hope I make it there some day!
Man, I've got to get further along on that whole win-the-lottery-so-I-can-travel plan...
It's amazing that some guys, thousands of years ago with no cash, figured out how to erect these beautiful buildings but now I can't get a pot hole fixed for under $10 million.
Incredible. Everyone seems to love Spain. I am really jealous and oh so happy for you!
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