Mollusks, fish, frogs, and chicken. I come from a food culture where "fresh" means you get to witness the final blow. It seemed as if nothing else could top that. Then my friend who lived in Valencia, Spain for several years introduced me to morcilla - Spanish blood sausage. Although you don't get to see Miss Piggy meet her demise, I quickly learned of different varieties, and my quest for blood (sausage) began. Barcelona lies in the region of Catalunya. Their citizens (Catalonians) are proud - so much that they see themselves as a separate nation away from Spain. They speak a language of their own; Catalan first, then Spanish if they have to. No wonder my Google translator couldn't pick up any English translation as all the signs are in Catalan. To cross the language barrier, playing "pictionary" sign language sometimes works pretty well. Of the many notable characters from Barcelona, there is none more distinct than Antoni Gaudi. A brilliant architect who incorporates his dedication to nature and God in his innovative designs, his most famous is the Sagrada Familia. Work on the cathedral began in 1882 and will not be completed for another 20 years. Curved lines are his signature because he has said, "There are no straight lines in nature." The streets in the old neighborhoods are so narrow and short that Google and Apple maps can't find them. You need to be on a main avenue for it to be accurate. I found it very difficult to remember where my favorite stores and eateries were. If you see a store of interest, go in and explore now as you probably won't find it later....Now where was that tapas bar that I saw those blood sausages?
Sagrada Familia (Church of the Holy Family). Masterpiece by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi who is a lover of nature. Notice columns are not straight, resembling canopy of trees.
Sagrada Familia - Part of The Lord's Prayer in Catalan (large relief), and in 50 other languages (smaller relief). This was during a time before Barcelona received international travelers.
Sagrada Familia - This facade is the one of four facades that is finished. The 2nd part (more angular than detailed) is almost complete. At first glance, it looks a bit ghoulish like dripping candles, but when viewing close up, you see the details unfold: relief of Jesus, the saints, foliage, animals, fruits - all represents Gaudi's passion for nature and religion.
Sagrada Familia - Still under construction since 1880's, the color of the stone separates the newer addition (left). When finished, it will be the largest cathedral built.
Sagrada Familia - When finished, the cathedral will have 18 spires and a large "Tower of Jesus" overpowering the rest high above the center of the church. The nine story apartment building next to it will be torn down.
This mosaic lizard welcomes visitors at the entrance to Park Guell. Developer, Guell commissioned Gaudi to design a gated living community for the wealthy which includes a park.
One of many installments inside architect Antoni Gaudi's Park Guell. The mirrors reflect the colorful mosaic design on the building's wall.
More Antoni Gaudi's whimsical appointments - a decorated window on a gingerbread looking house.
Surfs Up at Park Guell - These support columns resembling a surfer's tube is Gaudi's interpretation of ocean waves. Yeah, I'm surfing.
This street is called the "Block of Dischord" due to the modernista architecture competing against each other. This house in the foreground is Casa Batlo,an Antoni Gaudi design. Curved lines everywhere.
Another Gaudi masterpiece, this rooftop architecture at Casa Mila resembles a soft-serve cone. I'm sure Gaudi's analogy is more in line like a nautilus, consistent with his love and respect for nature.
Barcelona Cathedral - Every Sunday in front of this cathedral, locals dance their Sardana, a dance unique to Catalunya where people form a circle, holding hands.
Gypsy Beggar in front of a church.
Forgive Me, Father....uh Father? The door was ajar so I peeked into a confession booth at a cathedral and found the Father asleep.
La Bocqeria Market - One of many colorful produce stands in this covered market.
La Bocqueria market - seafood stand - I've heard of them but this is the first time I've ever seen or tasted Razor Clams. They are more tender than Manila, Cherrystone, or mussels.
Salvador Dali Theater Museum - Dali's museum is called a "Theater" because his art is presented as a show. I bought a blue "melting" clock at a store nearby. It's hanging over my fireplace mantle - so whimsical!
Salvador Dali's "Mae West" Room - This room seemingly has randomly placed decor, but from one vantage point, you see the full picture. The correlation? She defies conventional morality as Dali defies conventional art.
Yellow Boat Drips Blue Tears - This was Dali's boat in the courtyard of the museum - he was devastated when his wife died and is said that this represents his sorrow.
A Closed Storefront - When the stores are closed, you never quite know what they actually sell until they open.
Storefront Open - Now you know...Chocolates and confections.
A Street Performer. Fact: Galileo was truly a man ahead of his time - check him out on his smart phone.
You often see decorative cobblestone patterns in the plazas. The colors really pop when wet after a rain shower.
Temple of Agustus - 1st century Roman column is what's left standing of this temple, left undisturbed inside a non-descript office building in the old town.
Met a new friend and had some great laughs.
Girona - A medieval town about 45 min From Barcelona. This backdrop of buildings next to the river reminds me of Florence.
Cheesecake, chocolate-glaze cakes, gourmet muffins, and oh yes - macarons. I wish McCafes in the the US had cheesecakes. Hmm I'd better be careful what I wish for.
More whimsy...