Adventures for Anyone: January 2023

My friend, Jen, has taken us once again to a fabulous, one of a kind spot in the world. It's also square on my bucket list of visiting Spain. We're headed to the one of a kind city, Barcelona!

What is it about this city that stands out as like non other in the entire world? First and foremost is The Basilica de la Sagrada Familia. If you set foot in Spain, you have to visit it. Conceived in 1882 and still under construction, city legendary artist and architect Antonio Gaudi was the originator of this amazing work of art and architecture.

It's a spectacle and one of the most visited churches in the world with 2.8 million visitors a year. It is the tallest building in Barcelona and will be the tallest church in the world. It houses 5 naves, four towers, the world famous facades designed by Antonio Gaudi and Josep Maria Subirachs. It has been under construction for 140 years, is funded entirely by donation and they hope to finish it in 2026; the centenary of Gaudi's death. Over the years, many architects and artists have been in charge of this project including Domenec Sugranes, Isidre Pui Boada, Lluis Boneti Gari, Francesc de Paula Cardoner Blanch, Jordi Bonet Armengol, and Jordi Fauli Oller. Work has been done on the facades by Gaudi, Subirachs, and Etsuro Sotoo. It's quite a crowd, and it's one of the must sees if you're in Barcelona.

If you visit La Sagrada Familia, there will be things you need to know. Check various websites for information. As usual, I've listed many. The hours may vary, always check. You will most likely want to buy tickets and schedule your visit in advance. Tickets start at about $28 U.S. and there are various prices for different experiences. Tours also vary in price. A couple of things to be aware of are etiquette and dress. It is a Basilica, declared as such by Pope Benedict XVI. Be respectful of the patrons and the institution. Also, be aware of what you wear. Church in Spain is serious. Cover yourself up. Cover shoulders, thighs, chest. Dress respectfully. There are guidelines on most websites.

That being said, there are so many reasons why to visit this site. The beauty, the history, the pure devotion, the art, and so much more.

Now, Barcelona. Welcome to one of the most unique cities in the world. Picasso called this place home as well as Gaudi. It sits on the sunny shores of the Mediterranean and isn't really cold, even in winter. It's known as Gothic, Bohemian, Modernistic, and Catalan.

What is Catalan? Well, it's an ongoing conflict in Spain. Catalonia, of which Barcelona is the capital, is a part of Spain that regularly tries to break away into it's own country. Gaudi was born in Catalonia in Reus and spent his whole life in the region. He is the best known Catalonian in history. Catalonia speaks it's own language, and hands it down through the generations. They also speak Spanish as it is the national language of the country they currently belong to. They are a proud people and very proud of their heritage. So, be aware. They are different from other regions of Spain. Be respectful. They'll appreciate it.

I'm only going to cover certain things about Barcelona specifically. In general, they have high end fashion and all other kinds of shopping. They are devout Catholics and celebrate all holy days as such. Once again, be respectful of that. The food is delicious and possibly a little spicy, ranging from the world famous variety of Tapas that Spain is famous for to lots of seafood, including Paella. The beaches are large, warm and public for the most part, so getting a tan is a must while in the area. There are wonderful museums, parks, and a lot of Olympic sites to see. Camp Nou is the local sports stadium where you can see a soccer game quite often. There's Labyrinth Park which is self explanatory. There are pedestrian areas like La Boqueria and Gracia full of shopping, food and drink. There's great public transportation by tram, metro, train and bus. It's a great city to visit. All the great stuff is there and can be found in the links below.

All that being said, if you don't go to Barcelona, at least in some fashion to see the land of Gaudi; you're missing the best parts. Obviously visit The Basilica de la Sagrada Familia. It is the crowning glory of Gaudi and the one still under construction. But, also visit Park Guell with castles and fountains and so much more of Gaudi's creations to see. Visit Casa Batllo with it's skull and crossbone balconies. Visit La Pedrera or Casa Mila, and Casa Calvet. Even take a pass by Casa Vicens which is closed at this time.

When you're done with that, check into Pablo Picasso. He also lived in Barcelona for years and there's a Picasso Museum. More works by another revolutionary artist.

You won't see the normal architecture in Barcelona. It's different. It's original. It's one of a kind. It pays homage to Gothic, Modernist, Art Nouveau and more. You'll never see anything like the creations of Gaudi. I urge you to take that plunge. Bypass all the normal looking stuff, take time off of shopping. Check out what Gaudi made. Catalonia at its most original. You should be aware that you aren't really in Spain anymore when you're there.

I've been around. I've seen a lot of cities in my time. If you truly want to see a whole town that just offers something different this is it. Enjoy the food, but the travelers say to find a place a bit out of the line of fire for tourism. Enjoy the shopping, but take the time to go to the city markets and meet the locals. Stroll the Gothic Quarter, but don't miss the parks. Barcelona is varied and it takes time to enjoy all that it has to offer. That's why I focused on the architecture. The rest you'll have to explore.

Spain has so many exotic places to see. Catalonia is mysterious in a way. Barcelona is modern, yet traditional. But, there's only one city like Barcelona, with the legacy of Antonio Gaudi everywhere you look. It's that one of a kind place in a one of a kind country with a one of a kind history. So, whether you fly, drive, take a cruise or take the train, come and see the spectacle of Gaudi and enjoy!

https://alittleadrift.com/la-sagrada-familia-photoessay/

https://www.spain.info/en/places-of-interest/sagrada-familia/

https://theculturetrip.com/europe/spain/articles/the-history-of-the-sagrada-familia-in-1-minute/

https://www.getyourguide.com/sagrada-familia-l2699/

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/barcelona/leixample/attractions/la-sagrada-familia/a/poi-sig/374867/1320680

https://www.hotels.com/de1274/hotels-near-sagrada-familia-barcelona-spain/?dateless=true&destinationid=1274&locale=en_US&pos=HCOM_US&siteid=300000001&rffrid=sem.hcom.US.google.003.00.02.LM.s.kwrd=c.618047802947.136093216943.11848102937..aud-1388462376382:kwd-582531879.9003419..sagrada%20familia.CjwKCAiAzp6eBhByEiwA_gGq5EkUwMNNCxCgobYUxG7uvjPuzLJjouy-YXizQOvwTp7hzlBPcp4VWBoCXYwQAvD_BwE.aw.ds&PSRC=&semcid=HCOM-US.UB.GOOGLE.LM-c-EN.HOTEL&SEMDTL=a111848102937.b1136093216943.g1aud-1388462376382:kwd-582531879.l1.e1c.m1CjwKCAiAzp6eBhByEiwA_gGq5EkUwMNNCxCgobYUxG7uvjPuzLJjouy-YXizQOvwTp7hzlBPcp4VWBoCXYwQAvD_BwE.r10df030002750a96c7c77b03263fd51fa551d9133800b06035d8ae64c7e2bd871.c1.j19003419.k1.d1618047802947.h1e.i1.n1.o1.p1.q1.s1.t1.x1.f1.u1.v1.w1&gclid=CjwKCAiAzp6eBhByEiwA_gGq5EkUwMNNCxCgobYUxG7uvjPuzLJjouy-YXizQOvwTp7hzlBPcp4VWBoCXYwQAvD_BwE

https://www.viator.com/Barcelona-tourism/d562-r6544513931-s110212451?mcid=28353&tsem=true&supci=1053816902&supag=6544513931&supsc=kwd-582531879&supai=292871113903&supap=&supdv=c&supnt=g&supti=kwd-582531879&suplp=9003419&supli=&m=28353&supag=6544513931&supsc=kwd-582531879&supai=292871113903&supap=&supdv=c&supnt=nt%3Ag&suplp=9003419&supli=&supti=kwd-582531879&tsem=true&supci=kwd-582531879&supap1=&supap2=&gclid=CjwKCAiAzp6eBhByEiwA_gGq5B2EicGEzXEkkZ-8Hov2paY-nMTceEupwYsLhG_0DKHi4EIh88TJdhoC8rMQAvD_BwE

https://ticketshop.barcelona/sagradafamilia.html

https://www.britannica.com/topic/La-Sagrada-Familia

https://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/gaudi/sagrada-familia.html

https://sagradafamilia.org/en/home

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