So as I mention, today was our sightseeing day. Dad, you would be very proud of us. We have now conquered the Paris and Barcelona Metro Systems! We took the Metro to the famous Sagrada Familia. The line to enter was wrapped around the block! That scared away Scott and Jara, and they left me. They went on to the next attraction. But I wanted to see the inside of this place, so I waited 1.5 hours in line. I thought it was definitely worth it! By far, it is my favorite church that I have seen thus far. Even though, construction is not complete and isn't projected to be until 2030 (mind you...Gaudi started building this in 1882). So both the inside and the outside of the church are under construction.
My excitement for Sagrada Familia...before I saw the line for entry
The super cool ceilings worth waiting 1.5 hours for
Inside of the church...can you see construction behind me?
The church has two facades dedicated to the Birth of Jesus and the Passion of Christ. When it is complete, it will have one more, the third, referring to the Glory of Jesus resurrected. My favorite part of the church was the unique architecture especially the ceilings!
Then I took the Metro to Parc Guell, a park also designed by Gaudi. He lived there as well for about 20 years. I also toured his home, which is now a museum in Parc Guell. The house wasn't that exciting, but the Park itself was AMAZING. I loved it. The designs and architecture were unique just like Sagrada Familia.
Gaudi's House
Entry to Parc Guell
I came back to La Rambla for lunch. I went to the market that I introduce to you all yesterday. There I had vegetable paella...YUM! Then it was back to the beach to meet up with Scott and Jara who had finished Parc Guell much sooner than me since they didn't enter the church. Today, we were lucky enough to have a group of about 8 older, larger women (over 70) layout topless next to us.
My lunch...veggie paella
After the beach, we came back to shower and then headed out to dinner. We decided on tapas and sangria! I ordered a Spanish omelet (tortilla espanola) and bread with tomatoes (pan con tomato). Both are famous tapas in Spain. (Kyle...you can tell Sophia I have checked off 2 of the 3 of her must-do's) The bread with tomatoes wasn't that great, but I loved the Spanish omelet! It is made with eggs, and potatoes, and a special seasoning. Then for dessert, I got a fresh fruit bowl from the market. It was filled with passion fruit, mango, coconut, honeydew, strawberries, and watermelon. YUM!
After the beach, we came back to shower and then headed out to dinner. We decided on tapas and sangria! I ordered a Spanish omelet (tortilla espanola) and bread with tomatoes (pan con tomato). Both are famous tapas in Spain. (Kyle...you can tell Sophia I have checked off 2 of the 3 of her must-do's) The bread with tomatoes wasn't that great, but I loved the Spanish omelet! It is made with eggs, and potatoes, and a special seasoning. Then for dessert, I got a fresh fruit bowl from the market. It was filled with passion fruit, mango, coconut, honeydew, strawberries, and watermelon. YUM!
My Tapas
Our Sangria...they gave us HUGE straws and we aren't sure why
Dessert :)
Tomorrow is the Pablo Picasso Museum and the Barri Gothic quarter!
Three Things I Learned Today:
1. I swam in the Mediterranean Sea...not an ocean :) It is SUPER DUPER salty.
2. Sagrada Familia is taking a VERY long time to build.
3. Gaudi died because he was run over by a train...poor guy.
Sofia would like me to share a very special place with you. If you don't go, she will kill you. El Tropezon Tapas Bar - http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/restaurants/tapas/el_tropezon
ReplyDeleteThen, you must go to xampaneria can paixano and get delicious sandwiches and champagne for super cheap. But it gets super crowded, so get there early for lunch.
Then, go to the club Razzmatazz and pay the 12 euro cover to have an awesome time.
Also, go to the Dali museum if you have time. its out of town, but apparently amazing.