Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Barcelona Barcelona
On October 18th, Dan and I left Amsterdam, suitcases in hand, and set off to the airport to begin "the best trip of our lives"!! Initially, I chose Barcelona because it is the home of my favourite architect, Antonio Gaudi. Dan was a little apprehensive about my decision, but once we stepped out of the airport in Spain and saw the palm trees, his worries disappeared.
We had great weather while we were there. 24 - 25 degrees everyday!
Our hostel was super cute, it even had a balcony.
This guy was there too.It was nice to have someone reminding us where the entrence of the hostel was.
On our first day, we found this huge fountaine in the middle of the city. But we didn't have time to check it out because we were on our way to the Sagrada Familia cathedral.
Here she is!! This picture doesn't do it much justice, but the Sagrada Familia is huge!! It is my favourite piece of architecture in the whole world and I was so happy I had the chance to see it for myself. As you can see, it is still under contstruction.
Here is a close-up of the front facade, known as the Nativity. You can really see the amount of detail and texture, which are common characteristics of Gaudi's work.
This is one of the side facades. As you can see, the cathedral is gothic revival (or neo-gothic). I think I freaked Dan out a bit during our trip, he got to see my true art geek side. So, if anyone wants to know more about Sagrada Familia, just let me know and be prepared for hours of fun discussions about spires, flying buttresses, pointed arches and rose windows.
The back facade.
The stained glass was so beautiful!
This is the interrior of the cathedral. The vaulting system is really crazy, and since all of his work looks very organic, it is a good example of how Gaudi is inspired by nature.
Dan and I took the lift up the towers to see the city.
City shot! This picture is a way better example of how big and beautiful the Sagrada Familia really is. I think I'm in love.
Our third stop of the day was to Parc Guell, also done by Gaudi.
It is a park overlooking the city and home to this mosaic lizard.
This is a close up of the bench running through the park.It is the longest bench in the world and I sat on it!
The next day, Dan and I went on a city tour.
We got to see more of Gaudi's work, for example the Casa Mila appartment block. . .
. . . and the Casa Horta appartment block.
The tour bus took us down by the ocean and Dan just couldn't resist going for a swim.
I wish I brought my bathing suit!
The next day Dan and I packed up our stuff and said goodbye to Barcelona.
Next stop . . . PARIS!!!4 Comments:
can't wait until you get your flying buttress back to canada!
I have insomnia hardcore. Please come home now. I think I'd really like that.
I'll play with your hair, if you do. And maybe hold your hand. (Mark doesn't get to have ALL the fun when you get back. After all, he saw you this fall. I won't have seen you for 7 MONTHS!)
XOXO
Jess - I have been so homesick the last couple weeks, but then I remember that Im not coming back to Europe and it makes the homesickness go away for like, a day and then it comes back again. It is a vicious cycle! I miss you so much! If I was home I would crawl in bed with you and we would spoon just like old times. I can't wait to see you! Only a month and a half left!
Mark - . . .
kisses