Barcelona

After 2 days of rain we woke this morning to lovely sunshine as we sailed into Barcelona. We had booked a shore excursion because we wanted to avoid the queues for the Sagrada Familia. It was 4 hours exploring Gaudi’s Barcelona. We started with a leisurely drive beside La Rambla, a lovely tree lined pedestrian walkway, the busiest street in Barcelona. Our first stop was to look at probably the most famous of the houses designed by Gaudi, Casa Batllo. Our guide told us that the city tried to stop him from building it when they realized what it was going to look like, but it was too advanced. It is certainly a striking building.

Next we stopped to look at another of his buildings, Casa Mila. This one has been described as looking like a train crash. It was inspired by nature, with the balconies looking like waves and the wrought iron railings looking like seaweed. It is hard to get a good photo of it when you are standing right in front.

Then it was off to the Sagrada Familia. We had been told about it and seen pictures, but until you are standing in front of it you can not imagine what it is like. It is such an awe inspiring building, both inside and out.

The stained glass windows on the east side are predominantly blue/green so the rising sun paints the interior in those colours. The western windows are green/orange so the setting sun produces those colours. It is an amazing effect.

Each façade is done in a different style. We preferred this one.

The stained glass windows have inspired Claire to start thinking about her next quilt and Peter his next painting.

Our trip back to the ship was a good introduction to the rest of the city and has given us plenty of ideas for our visit in June.

PS from Peter. I have been told many times about the wonders of the Sagrada Familia, but until you have been there, no amount of words can sum up the experience. He was truly one of the most amazing architects to have ever lived on the planet.