Barcelona

Editors note. In the thumbnail format some pictures may appear cut off. Tap on the photo for the full image.

A final group lunch then onto the bus for the two hour ride to Barcelona. Back into the urban sprawl and major traffic congestion. Our tour group said its goodbyes at the central train station and we set off for our hotel, suitcase wheels clattering across the cobblestones.

Dumping our suitcases and backpacks we flagged a taxi to Sagrada Familia, perhaps one of the most iconic structures in Europe and maybe, beyond.

One cannot aptly describe this basilica and even pictures don’t do it justice. Please look it up on Wikipedia to understand the history and current plans for its ongoing construction.

The architectural details and design defy description. We had an audio tour downloaded which was excellent and had each element of the project explained. The stories carved in stone on the exterior were amazing.

Once inside the stain glass windows glowed and shimmered in the bright sunlight. There were dozens and dozens of windows of different shapes and sizes, each more breathtaking than the last.

Each window told a story as well as being integral to allowing light to flow onto different interior components.

The columns, flying buttresses, ceilings and balconies were all unique in their appearance and style. It was sensory overload but jaw dropping.

It is difficult to imagine how the building trades of a century ago managed to create portions of such a monument with the tools and technology of the day.

We finished by walking through the museum to appreciate how creative the architect, Gaudi, had been more than 100 years ago with his drawings and plaster molds.

There was enough daylight left for a mini wander through the touristy centre and do touristy things.

Everywhere one turns, history and unique architecture abounds.

More walking. More admiring. More people watching. Dinner in an outdoor cafe. Grateful to have a comfortable hotel room. Tomorrow is more Barcelona exploration before catching the train to Madrid where we will meet our next tour.