Barcelona

There are at least a bajillion reasons why I (along with the rest of the world population) have always been drawn to Barcelona. Certainly, it is the relaxed feel of the Spanish culture so many of us are intrigued with that led us to this beachy, Gaudí wonder. But really, now that our long, sunny weekend in Barcelona is over it makes no difference what led the five of us there. What matters is we were there--immersed in tapas, Gaudí, and sunshine--and slowly soaked up all that this one-of-a-kind city has to offer. I'm more cultured, more relaxed, and even slightly more tan as a result of our visit.

Gaudi's magnum opus, La Sagrada Familia. With this stunning example of Catalan avant-garde style Gaudi put Barcelona on the architectural map.

Antoni Gaudí's style is unrivaled when it comes to uniqueness. Barcelona thinks of him as a son and after seeing the architectural gifts he left the grateful Catalonians I understand why. La Sagrada Familia (Church of the Sacred Family) would have been enough to secure Gaudí's celebrity status until the end of time. Though it is the most renowned of his creations and is my personal favorite, La Sagrada Familia is just one of many brilliant feats Gaudí left for us to enjoy.


You can't Google Barcelona without pages of results featuring La Sagrada Familia, all of which scream at you to visit this remarkable church-stat. So, we bought our tickets ahead of time and were there first thing in the morning, armed with coffee and cameras. Making our way to the entrance of the church was a feat in itself-partially because we were walking with our chins in the air in an attempt to take in the giant before us, and partially because the place is swarming with folks just as preoccupied as we were.

Now THAT's a fieldtrip.

Gaudí began his work on Sagrada Familia in 1883. Currently, it stands like a melting sand castle frozen in time. Work to complete his masterpiece continues now, nearly120 years later, and is reliant upon private donations and admission profits (aka slowly). Authorities say it will not be completed until way into the 21st century. Nevertheless, this big beauty supplied the shock factor I was expecting.


Gaudí's designs revolved upon his passion for nature. This passion is displayed in the whimsical/Dr. Seuss/Willy Wonka-esque feel of his work. I'm willing to bet there is not a single straight line in the whole joint! Though many are over one hundred years old, if produced now his creations would be considered modern and bold. Sagrada Familia is no exception; it is unlike any cathedral I have ever seen, and I would be willing to bet 100% of it's visitors would agree.


The exterior of the Church has three facades, and two were currently open to drool over:

And that's just the outside. While the exterior takes your breath away, the interior actually knocks it out of you and takes off running.

Now that's a pretty door.

Just as Gaudi intended, the columns look like trees and the ceiling looks like the canopy of the rainforest.

A visit to this sanctuary isn't complete without a climb to the top. Courtesy of an elevator, we did just that. 

It's true, the love is in the details--especially when you're touring one of Gaudi's creations.

Gaudi left his footprint all over Barcelona. While La Sagrada Familia is his most well-known masterpiece, there's more of his creativity to get lost in throughout the city:

Gaudi's Casa Batllo apartment building

Entrance at Gaudi's Parc Guell

Gaudi's Casa Mila apartment building

There is no question that the Gaudí sites are must-sees. As much as that is true, it is the experiences unique to Spain that make people fall in love with Barcelona.



First: the food

Again and again, we ate like kings in Barcelona. Outstanding tapas, sangria, outstanding tapas, and sangria, were the chart-toppers.

my fav: garbanzo beans with sauteed spinach and onions

patatas bravas were on every tapas menu we encountered.

tomato bread

lobster paella

spicy red pepper filled with a spicy fishy concoction

Second: La Boqueria Market

This market is an oldie and goodie. Since 1200 it has been supplying Barcelonians with gorgeous produce, as-fresh-as-can-be seafood and meat (with heads still attached) and lots of snacks. We opted for fresh-squeezed juice (I opted for two: coconut pineapple and coconut kiwi) and fruit salad...and it made me do a happy dance.

Hi-ya! Don't let her size fool you. She slices with the skills of a samurai.

Third: strolling the Barri Gòtic district

This medieval district is narrow, dark, and perfect for photos, shopping, and drinking coffee. It is also home to the Picasso Museum, an extensive collection that proved that this eccentric mastermind dabbled in just about every medium.

Fourth: the beach

Many of Europe's major cities aren't coastal cities, making the fact that Barcelona is right smack on the Med one thing that sets this great city apart from the competition. After a long day of walking, we stripped our feet and did some chilling on the city beach in the district of Barceloneta. The water was cold, the sand was hot, and the annoying sales people were in full effect, making our beach time more comedic than relaxing, nut still awesome.

I know now why people love Barcelona as much as they do. Not only is it gorgeous, coastal, and sunny but it offers the laid-back experiences that only Mediterranean places can produce. All things considered, the only downside is that you can't bring the tapas home with you.