Barcelona Oct 2010

Delving back in time again today folks, this time we headed to Barcelona for a feast of architecture, beach and cheap cheap sangria from supermarkets!!

We stayed in the Acta Antibes hotel http://www.hotel-antibesbcn.com/en a nice hotel in a great location just five minutes from the Sagrada Familia and Monumental subway stop.

You can also (if you have the energy) walk to La Barcellonette beach area which is lovely, close to the former Olympic village.

First stop is the ongoing building site that is the Sagrada Familia.

Construction of Sagrada Família started in 1882, Gaudí became involved in 1883, taking over the project and transforming it with his architectural and engineering style—combining Gothic and Art Nouveau forms.

Gaudí devoted his last years to the project and at the time of his death in 1926, less than a quarter of the project was complete.

One projection anticipates construction completion around 2026, the centennial of Gaudí's death!!!!


Here it is looking like it has a long long way to go . . .

Here's some pictures from the incredible Parc Guell, one of Antoni Gaudi's most famous works of whimsy! Covered in colourful mosaics of broken tiles and glass.

Once I had my fill of coloured tiles (which takes a while believe me) it was onwards to see more of Gaudi's work, namely the crazy, organic, alien facade of Casa Batllo.

The local name for the building is Casa dels ossos (House of Bones), Eerie yet very apt!!!

Next up - the Olympic stadium, Montjuic cable car, a very disappointing Font Magica (Neil has still not got over the trauma) and some beach life . .  watch this space for cheap Sangria consumption on the beach!