I was just not lucky with Gaudi.

Before leaving I was told that there are two things I must see in Barcelona: Park Guell , and the Sagrada Familia.
Not so proud to say that I haven’t accomplished any of it.

I’ve seen lots of other things…but these two are yet to be seen. It was basically my fault, somehow it did not occur to me that lots of other tourists might want to see it too, hence long lines at the ticket offices.

At the gardens we were told to come back at 5 pm. with our tickets to be purchased. Was not possible. On the last day we tried the Sagrada Familia, same story, only got to see from the outside.

Never mind, now I know better, next time I will purchase it online before we depart. Not going to miss it. Yess, there will be a next time with God’s willing.

But, must admit, Gaudi is great. He has created some amazing buildings.
Another artist who was not fully understood at his time, now much appreciated for design, art which was way ahead of the time he was living in.

Luckily we did manage to get into one of his buildings, the La Pedrera. Was quite difficult to convince my only son to come with me, while his Dad was happily sitting in the coffee shop at the bottom of the building.

We started off at the roof top. Weird shaped “chimneys”, curvy walls and the incredible view, 360 degree panorama. M. is quite afraid of height, and I can’t handle others walking close to the edge…so this part was scary but fantastic.

I don’t have a problem standing at the edge of a cliff myself, but when I see someone doing the same I freak out. I felt like grabbing people and shouting at them not to go so close to the wall for their pictures. By the way it is really not scary at all.

Next was the attic. His building have a double roof, mostly for insulation purposes.
“Buildings should have a double roof just like important figures have a hat and parasol.”, Gaudi said.

We did see a “typical” apartment, and I was amazed. He believed that the dining room and the living room should be connected with sliding doors, so the view is uninterrupted. It had a gorgeous kitchen with high cabinets, marble tops, even saw a Thonet baby high chair.
Bathrooms with proper toilets and bides, sinks, all beautifully designed. Must have been great living in those apartments at that time.

The basement was designated for the cars, the ground floor was for commercial establishments, the mezzanine level was for offices, first floor was used by the owners. The next 4 floors were for rent and the attic was for laundry.
By the way this was the first building that had underground car park in the city.

Did see some of his other creations as we walked around Barcelona, Palau Guell, Casa Batllo which is located in Passeig de Gracia, a street also known for its variety of shops.

Come to think of it we did have lunch there, across the street. Of course seafood, what else?

Our last evening was spent at Montjuic, which is a small “hill” overlooking the city. Can be reached by a cable car. We opted for a taxi, since last time A. freaked out while we were going up to Monte Botanical Garden in Madeira and it got quite windy.

Montjuic has great museums, beautiful green areas,with lots of trees. I loved the trees. Needed them, saw way too many buildings already.
They’ve got a castle which was just closing at 7 pm. on a Monday evening when we got there. Great timing again.

We seemed to have missed quite a few things. But it is not important. I felt this beautiful city, it spoke to me. Nothing like Madeira of course, Madeira is still my love which can only be fulfilled once my son is a grown man.

I don’t mind, I can wait.

Barcelona has a heart, nice people, really wide streets, gorgeous buildings and that lovely market. Yes, food is very important. So is the climate, the general atmosphere. It felt happy, a place that has been through a lot, but still has a future, its people full of life, very vibrant. I need that, we all need that.

This is the place my son is asking us to go back again.
Actually wants to go to school there. And I think he is serious about it. Even made me check the timings of the school day there.

Running out of reasons why not leave.