What a wonderful city! In spite of a LOT of rain, the charm of Spain’s second-largest city is apparent everywhere.
Our flight from Dulles was fine in spite of the wind storm in Washington when we left. Even the drive to DC, parking and the airport shuttle were simple – this may be a first. Transfer to the hotel was smooth and I met our guide (Viator Tours) for a private tour of Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. The Gaudi architecture is simply amazing. So colorful, filled with curves and images from nature. So many surfaces are covered with mosaic, made not from cut glass but from broken bits of pottery, dishes, bottles. It is beautiful, imaginative and completely unique.
The Park has an enormous plaza, edged with a wall that includes seating. The wall, front and back, is covered with this mosaic. The wall undulates around the plaza which hosts concerts, fashion shows, protests and simple gatherings. The views are spectacular. There is an aqueduct, which off-kilter columns and a curves ceiling that mimics the waves of the sea. There is a small house that truly could belong to the witch in Hansel and Gretel! And, being a park, there are green spaces, meant specifically for the locals. Even in the rain, the Park was amazing.
The Sagrada Familia is not yet finished (started in 1883) so Gaudi will not see its completion (anticipated for 2026, the 100th anniversary of his death). However, other architects have spent the decades since trying to complete his vision, based on drawings and models. The tower will be one of the tallest in the world. There will be 18 spires, 3 big facades, glorious stained glass and marvelous views from the towers. A great deal is finished and it is breathtaking. I particularly like the turtles in the columns outside, the bronze doors with leaves and various bugs, the view of the finished spires and the walls of color in the stained-glass windows.
A quick taxi back, a simple dinner in the bar of our hotel and a collapse into bed finished March 7th.
journeys 