This was my first time visiting Spain although, from what I’m told, Barcelona is almost nothing like the rest of Spain, mostly due to the cultural differences that arise with its location in Catalonia. Although Spanish is spoken and all signs are in Spanish, you’re much more likely to hear (and read) Catalan. Just confusing enough for someone like me who took three years of high school Spanish though, really, all you had to know was that it’s “gracia” not “gracias” and “por fa” not “por favor.”
Anyway, we really only went to Barcelona, if I’m honest, because it was one of the cheaper places to fly into. We arrived at 10 am on Friday and left early Sunday morning. Although we weren’t there for very long, we tried to squeeze in as much of the culture as possible. We ate pinxtos which are Basque-style tapas where you pay by the toothpick (used to hold the topping onto little pieces of bread) and traditional tapas, drank cava, visited the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (showing off frescos taken from small village churches in the Pyraneas), and tried churros con chocolate (yes, you really can stand the churro up in it, its’ so thick) – none of which I took photos of so you’ll just have to trust me.
Our first touristy visit was to the cathedral, a gothic style masterpiece with buttresses on the inside because it allowed more room for side chapels – decorated by the wealthy trying to earn God’s favor and, you know, show off a little.
This chanedeliers amused me, probably first lit by canles but now electrified.
The choir was beautiful and I almost missed seeing it because I wasn’t paying attention to the signs. They’re working to restore the outside but, from what I could see through the scaffolding, it was equally ornate.
I really like the combination of the cold stone and the bright stained glass.
After the church, Matt took a random turn down a dark alley and I thought, for the first time ever, he was lost. But, no, there was a purpose. A tiny little sign gave me a clue to our destination.
See, inside of a normal, modern apartment building are these Roman columns. Three of them, standing where they always were (though one was reconstructed).
Made me wonder if the ammenities list on the apartment says, “Column View!” Probably tack on an extra 200 Euros for the privelege of having strangers walk through your courtyard.
Then, there was my absolute favorite part of our Barcelona visit: the Sagara Familia. Designed by Gaudi (after taking over for another designer), the place is a site to behold. Started in the mid-1800s and not expected to be complete until 2030, it’s a forever construction site. They’ve actually only been holding mass for less than a year. I completely forgot to take photos of the outside but, trust me, it’s amazing. Each entrance very different from the others – only the one completed side entrance has what our book described as Guadi’s “cake in the rain” appearance.
When finished, there will be stained glass EVERYWHERE. Beautiful, modern stained glass.
Then there was the building itself, based on some sort of a node and honeycomb idea that was explained in an exhibit which only an architectural student could understand. I just know I liked it.
A better view of the columns.
All in all, I’m glad we visited Barcelona. It was a bit touristy (though everything was targeted to Spanish day-trippers, not people like us) and had a sort of gritty feeling to it. I can see why others love it but I think I’m fine holding off another visit until the Sagara Familia is complete.
