January 25-31, 2016-
I had the opportunity to check out another great city- Barcelona, Spain! I spent an entire week there and had my first Couch surfing experience. It was very positive and now I have a new friend, Elena. I spent the first four days with her and then when my cousin, Brent, was done working we met up. We stayed in a great location walking distance to everything downtown for the rest of the weekend together. It was so nice to see him and spend some quality cousin time :) The city was incredible full of amazing work by Antoni Gaudi everywhere we looked. He lived from 25 Jun 1852 to 10 Jun 1926 and was a great influence on the city, best known for Catalan Modernism. Gaudi's work reflects an individualized and distinctive style. I love his work! One of his largest and most striking works is Casa Batllo, constructed from 1904-1906. I also visited Casa Vicens, the first house that Gaudi designed, which is located walking distance from Batllo, north in the Gracia neighborhood on Calle de las Carolinas, 24. It helps explain the character of his work and modern architecture. The plans for the site date back to 15 Jan 1883 and was completed in 1888. The house is constructed of stone, rough red bricks, and vibrant colored ceramic tiles in both checkered and floral pattern. I stopped in the tourist office and picked up a free map, picking a district each day to explore since I had all week! Although, the time does fly by when traveling...
His works can also be seen at Park Guell as you enter the park there is a massive detailed structure that looks just like a gingerbread house. I spent a beautiful half day in the park, alone walking around. There were musicians playing, singing, and dancing. Small groups of people having a picnic with stunning panoramic views of the city. Great walk with lots to see, one could spend all day in the park.
My personal favorite is also north of the city, called Torre Bellesguard. Amazing 9 Euro English audio tour of the gorgeous garden and surrounding property grounds of the house at your leisure. Then a personal English speaking guide to take you on a tour within the house, where people are currently living, and up to the top of the tower with incredible panoramic views of Barcelona. It had not rained in 80 plus days since arriving in Barcelona, so each day despite the gorgeous weather and sunshine there was a layer of pollution in all my pictures and view points. After Torre Bellesguard I walked towards the metro through the most beautiful district of Barcelona, with restored houses that people currently live in with the Spanish architecture and elaborate details and colors. the Gran Teatre del Lliceu is along La Rambla. I did not go inside but just walking by the building is stunning. La Rambla is a large outdoor market lined with vendors, restaurants, and great people watching. Watch your purses though, lots of pick pockets, although when I walked down the street I felt safe and there was plenty of police officers. I met up with Elena and walked along the Mediterranean Sea then watched the most incredible sunset while sitting on the pier.
Another famous work by Gaudi- The Sagrada Familia. A must see, I suggest buying tickets online and going early because the line can get long with lots of tourist. At night the Sagrada Familia is amazing, definitely worth coming back to check it out. Stunning colors that appear only by nightfall. Close to the Sagrada is a stunning hospital, Hospital de la Sta, Creu Sant Pau, I would love to go to work everyday there! UNSECO World Heritage and functioning hospital for the past 80 plus years.
Being from Nebraska, I loved the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and putting my toes in the water and sand. Although it was winter in Barcelona it was sunny and 60, we walked along the sea while people were exercising or bathing in the sunshine. There are normally lines of shops and restaurants that are popular all summer, few were open at this time.
Spanish tapas, Catalunya wine, Tibdabo, and the list continues. I loved Barcelona, the city was amazing. Near the F.C. Barcelona stadium I spent the day touring Guell's first work- Pavellons de la Finca Guell. Nice, quiet park with few visitors. The entrance gate was amazing! A detailed 3 dimensional dragon. Palau Reial de Pedralbes, the Royal Palace that was the residence of the Spanish Royal family from 1919 until 1931. Although, I did not have time to include the Ceramic Museum and Interior Design Museum are both within the Palace. Just north of the palace, is the Reial Monstir de Santa Maria de Pedralbes, Catalan Gothic architecture complex comprises of church, monastery, elaborate landscaped gardens, and museum. This museum contains numerous works of art, religious relics, and allows us to see the artistic legacy preserved by the community of nuns from the Order of Saint Clare throughout the centuries and to find out how they lived. Next stop, Porta Finca Miralles were all walking distance to each other and a great day spent exploring.
To top of a great week, we were so fortunate to watch F.C. Barcelona win at home vs. Madrid on Saturday! Elena's mother has season tickets and so she took me to the game and Brent was able to get a ticket too, although we did not sit together. The weather was fantastic for the "winter" The sunshine was out and most days while walking around I was able to wear jeans and a short sleeve shirt, I could get use to these days.. I will be back with Jeremy now that I know the in's and out's of the city, plus we have a place to stay and friend to visit!
Excellent suggestions for restaurants while being a tourist! Sagardi Cuners Bascos- Small plates, tapas style. Address- Argenteria, 62 08003 Barcelona. Casa Jordi Restaurant, since 1968, Authentic Catalan dishes. Address- Pge Marimon, 18 08021 Barcelona.
