Barcelona!! Gaudi, Gaudi, Gaudi!

Today I once again explored Barcelona by bus! I toured the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, two of Antoni Gaudi’s designs. Looking through my pictures, it doesn’t seem as if I have done much, but I’m exhausted. It’s only 9:00 here, but I wanted to put this up in case the internet bully struck again.

My day began at the local market, La Boqueria, only a few blocks from  my hostel. Here they sell everything from fresh fruit juices and candy, to fish and pig’s head – not kidding.

After a breakfast of fruit, juice, coffee, and a pastry, I headed to catch the bus.

beautiful fountain.

Gaudi’s Casa Batlló.

Gaudi’s La Pedrera. I named it wrong yesterday.

The highlight of the day (and Gaudi’s work) was the Sagrada Familia. Officially begun in 1882, the church is still under construction with hopes to finish around 2030.  Gaudi was commissioned as the principal architect in 1883 and devoted the next 40 years of his life to the work. He tragically died in 1926 after being hit by a tram near his beloved church. Over the years, many architects have worked on the project, each adding his style and ideas.

Sagrada Familia.

plaster model of internal frame. he built everything from plaster instead of sketching it.

plaster shop.

To design the church with its interesting tree-like columns, he made small sandbags that would represent the weight of the spires. Next, he tied these together with string and hung them. By doing his, he was able to see how the stresses would fall without using complicated equations.

notice the inverted model and mirror on top to help visualize the church.

The church currently has two side entrances (the Nativity and the Passion), and a third (the Glory) will serve as a main entrance upon its completion.

artist Josep Maria Subirachs’ Passion Façade.

Subirachs followed Gaudi’s plan for the Passion Façade, but obviously created what he envisioned. Eighteen scenes are displayed on this side chronicling Jesus’ life.

the Last Supper.

the Crucifixion.

Herod contemplating Jesus’ fate, with Jesus on the left.

Herod washing his hands of the outcome with Herod’s wife leaving the scene (on the right).

Inside – obviously still under construction:

From the top of a spire.

 the tree of life.

tops of a few spires.

spiral staircase – reminiscent of a conch shell.

Now I am going to head out for dinner – my last night of tapas. The train to Paris leaves tomorrow night at 9:00, so don’t worry if I don’t post! I will TRY to get online before the train leaves, but that may be hard to do.

I haven’t had any comments/emails lately. What’s going on out there?

And Chelsea, I still haven’t seen your haircut. Will you PLEASE email me a pic?

Alex, we are way overdue for a Skype chat… How does Monday afternoon sound to you?