Monday we were up bright and early for our 9 am tour of the Sagrada Familial. We walked there and met our guide, Angela. The church is magnificent and still undone! It is a basilica, not a cathedral. The building of this church began in 1882 and was the dream of Anton Gaudi. As elsewhere in his work, love of nature was incorporated into the church. He achieved this by creating a forest.
The light within comes through stained glass - blues and greens on the eastern wall - depicting cool, dappled early morning light - reds and yellows on the western wall - creating blazing sunsets. The man was a genius!
The current entrance is through the Nativity facade which
chronicles the life of Christ and the holy family. The symbolism is one of
faith hope and charity.
Gaudi only lived to see this section complete. His workshop,
with all the plans was set to fire through the Spanish Civil war
(1936-39). It wasn't until 1950 that
work resumed in earnest. The style of the Passion facade is the exact
opposite of the Nativity. It is more
modern and austere, representing the sufferings of Christ. 
The highlight of the tour was the ride up the Passion Tower. The view was spectacular, and it gave us a Birdseye view of the construction being down. Then 372 steps down narrow steps circulating in a spiral ("Fibonacci")! Don't look down!
The future entrance will be that of "Glory". In total, there will be 18 towers: 12 for each apostle, 4 for the evangelists, 1 for Mary and of course the final for Christ. The hope is for its completion in 2026, on the 100th anniversary of the death of Gaudi. Doesn't seem likely!!
After a short break, we began walking to Park Guell. Another
Gaudi triumph. When I realized it was an uphill climb, I begged for a cab. I
was glad I did! The park originated as a
30 acre garden with a 60 resident housing project. Work began in 1900, stalled in '14 because of
WW1, and then never really resumed. Those that could afford it, didn't want to
be so far from the city. As a park, it
showcases Gaudi's ability for naturalism in his work.
Got back to the apt by 3 for a brief rest, then met Alyssa
and Maryann at Placa Reial for drinks.
We went to dinner at La Vinaterria where we ate last year. Food and 2 bottles
of wine later I was ready for a cab. It should be noted that we've been walking
between 5 and 10 miles a day!
Today we had breakfast with Alyssa, before work, at Cup and
Cake. The food was unique and
beautifully presented. I had avocado toast with salad a poached egg , fruit and
granola. What a feast!!
Returned to apt to do laundry (2 1/2) hours worth, and put a bag together for Mallorca. We leave early tomorrow. We finally made it to the Funicular and rode it to Mountjuric.
We met the family at the Cactus Garden
and then walked all the way back to the apartment. We ambled through back neighborhoods to avoid the very hectic and crowded Rambla.
Returned to apt to do laundry (2 1/2) hours worth, and put a bag together for Mallorca. We leave early tomorrow. We finally made it to the Funicular and rode it to Mountjuric.
We met the family at the Cactus Garden
and then walked all the way back to the apartment. We ambled through back neighborhoods to avoid the very hectic and crowded Rambla.
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