02-24-2007
We had a lot of fun in Barcelona, staying three nights. There is a lot to do and see there, so we could not do everything, of course! My cold hung on, and I was a bit worn out because of it, so napping took some of our time, too.
03-02-2007
On Thursday, we set out to see the sights in Barcelona. The Gaudi buildings were just amazing, really lovely and colorful mosaics and flowing organic lines. What might seem slightly ridiculous or fantastical in a picture really works well in real-life, not seeming silly or out of place at all, but instead really spectacular and a reflection of nature. The cathedral is so detailed and amazing. Unfinished, you can see the work in progress which is interesting. Understanding its beauty and complexity requires one to see it first-hand. Next, we saw a hospital, designed by the Modernists. It still appears to be funtioning as a hospital, and the grounds are so relaxing in the middle of a large city.
It was dark when we walked back toward the Hostel Rembrandt, and we came upon a bunch of older men playing Boules. It looked serious (though friendly and good natured), and each seemed to have their own set of game balls. Also, there were no women playing, and Shaun tells me that this is traditional - no women allowed. It was fun to see a seemingly authentic aspect of traditional culture persisting even now - a game we'd read fondly of in Peter Mayle books.
On Friday, we a wonderful breakfast at a croissanterie, then visited the Picasso Museum. This was really great to see - an artist I particularily like. It's a great experience to see the life and development of an artist through his/her work. Next, we walked through the gardens - beautiful, though not entirely in bloom. There was a really large, wonderful fountain, and many artists painting or drawing here or there. Also, a man performing sun salutes in the gazebo. Tired, we walked back to the hostel for a siesta. In the evening, we enjoyed the art of Manuel Gonzalez, classical guitarist, in the Cathedral de Pi. He was amazing.
On Friday, we a wonderful breakfast at a croissanterie, then visited the Picasso Museum. This was really great to see - an artist I particularily like. It's a great experience to see the life and development of an artist through his/her work. Next, we walked through the gardens - beautiful, though not entirely in bloom. There was a really large, wonderful fountain, and many artists painting or drawing here or there. Also, a man performing sun salutes in the gazebo. Tired, we walked back to the hostel for a siesta. In the evening, we enjoyed the art of Manuel Gonzalez, classical guitarist, in the Cathedral de Pi. He was amazing.
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