With significant relief we felt the easing of the waves in the early morning as we approached Barcelona. With bus tickets collected we jumped on the shuttle to central Barcelona, grabbed a cab straight to La Sagrada Familia. This remarkable basilica has been under construction for almost 150 years. It has continued to be expanded and built many years after it's innovative architect, Antoni Gaudi, died in 1926. Building will continue until its planned completion to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Gaudi's passing. Yep, that's still another 9 years away, but that's the plan. The structure is massive and intricate and thoughtful. It's not all everyone's "cup of tea". Interpretation and appreciation of such creativity is such an individual and personal feeling. I love the quirkiness of some features, and the modern interpretation of the biblical history. Chris had a preference for the traditional style sculptures on the original facade.
Pretty happy with our exploration of Gaudi's masterpiece, we felt that walking back into the main part of Barcelona would be a great way to get a feel for the city. Definitely a great way to go. Found some Spanish treats at a little cafe, churro etc...yummm...Enjoyed while we continued along the lovely wide avenues lined with some pretty buildings, many of them dotted with many little (and not so little) balconies. We found some more Gaudi buildings, including Casa Battlo; and beside it another, less known Gaudi building with a coffee shop at ground level. It was a great spot to enjoy a coffee in their outdoor patio out the back.
We continued towards the water, stopping for a little shopping here and there and some happy snaps at Placa de Catalunya. The sun had come out from behind the clouds as we strolled along La Rambla to the Christopher Columbus monument for some final pics then back on board for some relaxation and cocktails before dinner and a (hopefully) restful night.
