Barcelona

Churches and Soccer, these are my memories of Barcelona.  Barcelona is a huge city of almost 5 million all counted on the Mediterranean.  We spent about 24 hours or so there strolling Las Ramblas, riding the overhead gondola and people watching. 

 

1882-2026?
Antoni Guadi's Sagrada Familia

  
The church is like nothing you have ever seen before.  I, for one, am thankful.  There are two distinctly different facades.  This one has a dribbled sand castle look to me.  As you can see from the scaffolding, it is not yet finished and still being funded by private donors.  It might be finished in the next 20 years, but probably not.

This is the more modern facade with very angular figures.  Since it is still a work in progress, I have a hard time figuring out what is intentional and not?  Antoni Guadi has several buildings in the city and it would be interesting to tour a few more to at least see one that is completed.  The adjective "gaudy" comes from the Latin "gaudium," meaning joy or enjoyment. The word "gaudy" arose prior to Gaudi, who was born in 1852 and died in 1926. I wondered and I bet you did too!

Something we can all understand, soccer, I mean, football.  FCB or Football Club Barcelona has a very long standing tradition.  Founded in 1899, it is well known for its philanthropic activities and is solely supported by its fans.  Pretty cool.


"More than a Club"



We saw lots of trophies in the museum.  The entire stadium was open, so we got to walk into the locker room as well as enjoy the displays.  Its all very well done and converted me to a fan while we were there.  Of course, Messi, who was the striker for the Spanish National Team that just won the Euro Cup is now Chase's favorite!  Or, maybe it is everyone on the team?


More fun with skis



 We also took this gondola across the city which provided some great views. 

This shot probably shows the city best.  It seems to be all about the beaches, which were created for the 1992 Olympics by tearing down a bunch of industrial buildings.  Good call.  Its a big city and densely populated, but you can't beat the location and climate.  Hmm, except for maybe San Diego?

And who can pass up a grave yard?  This hillside location steps down almost to the sea and must have the most amazing views of the harbor.  What a peaceful final resting place!