Viva Espana

Barcelona was an excellent end to Spain on this trip. When first arriving, our tour guide took us around to see the Olympic Village and stadium from 1992, as well as to overlook the city. He then took us on a walk around Gaudi's church the Sagrada Familia. We would go on a tour of the inside the next day. We ended by the river seeing Frank Gehry's fish design. We asked the tour guide where Parc Guell was in relation to our hotel. The tour guide responded "oh that's not in walking distance", to which Rod responded "oh yes it is. We will be walking to that in the morning and then back down to the sea by the end of the day." The tour guide was so surprised. He couldn't believe we were planning to walk all of that.

That night we ate some gelato despite the fact that it was freezing outside and had some drinks before heading to the hotel. Right in front of the hotel we heard loud blues and jazz music playing. We decided to drop our things off inside and go back out. I'm sooo glad we did. It was the most fun I've had the entire trip. Most of the songs were in Spanish but the second band played "Think" and "Highway to Hell". It was great and we got in bed early enough to get sleep before the next day.

We woke up and ate breakfast before leaving early the next morning. We began seeing all of Antoni Gaudi's works covering Barcelona. We saw Sagrada Familia, which is one of the most amazing and intricate designs I've ever seen. It was the last work Antoni Gaudi did. It has been under construction for 93 years and has no deadline to be finished as well as no budget. I know 93 years sounds ridiculous but it is all explained when you see the interior. Every tiny detail is apparent. The interior reminds you of a forest. the columns are shaped like stars that twist up and break into smaller branches to support the roof. It was constructed to welcome all denominations. The choir balcony is large enough to accommodate 1000 choir members. The work was amazing, and it will be neat to see if it is finished in my lifetime.

After the Sagrada Familia we went up the hill to Parc Guell another one of Gaudi's works. The Parc was amazing. It was just as detailed as his other works. People filled all of its areas. We ate lunch at a small restaurant next to the Parc where we enjoyed excellent Sangria before heading back down to see more of the city. We saw another nondenominational church before reaching the seaside at sunset. After making sure to touch the Mediterranean with our hands, we walked down the seaside before breaking for a late dinner in a restaurant on a famous boulevard called La Ramblas. Today was an early departure with a seven hour bus ride to our next country...France!