La Sagrada Familia is Gaudi’s “masterpiece.” Construction on the temple began in 1882, and has been ongoing ever since. Gaudi died in 1926, and so several different architects have been tapped to flesh out the master’s design.
It was especially interesting seeing the interior of the temple, which had progressed significantly since I was there 4 years ago.
the famous shape of the la sagrada familia
the soldiers were modeled after the shapes on the la pedrera’s roof
parts of the passion facade
sculpture of jesus
ceiling of the temple
an unfinished stairwell
active construction
from the top
arches
rockin’ out with mister turtle
It was the first time that Spain won the Euro Cup 2008 in 22 years. (And the first time in about the same number of years that I watched a soccer match.)
The game was in Austria, so the viewing location was a bar in the Barri Gotti.
The celebration in the street afterwards was particularly memorable… and also where I learned the life skill of operating an SLR with one hand, while have a beer in the other.
folks were lined up on the street to see in…
…and the celebration starts
friendly folks sold beer on the streets for 1 euro
the spanish flag in motion: my first attempt at panning
pouring on to las ramblas
there was no “music”, so noise makers and chants filled the streets
and there were many many people out
Yesterday was my first full day in Barcelona. It was a fabulous.
My friend Chris and I started at Museu Picasso. My favorite part of this museum is Picasso’s Las Meninas study… (He did several interpretations of Vellasquez’s Las Meninas, which I saw in Madrid a few years ago.) The current temporary exhibit displays the work of several other artists who have done Las Meninas interpretations. It was great.
Next, we headed to Gaudi’s Parque Guell, took pictures and had lots of sangria.
At night (and this was the coolest part), we went to Gaudi’s La Pedrera for a rooftop jazz concert. and free cava. The band was awesome, and the ambience - set among Gaudi’s crazy knight-looking sculptures - was perfect.
We ended with dinner Spanish-style (and jetlag-style) around 11:30pm, which included some great cabrales blue cheese and a DOQ spanish red wine.
I think I could live in Barcelona. 
ark Guell is Gaudi’s outdoor barcelona park. It’s relaxing, picturesque… and a great place for a pitcher of sangria.
barcelona skyline from the top of the park. (see the large version.)
the main part of the park
dragon
euro smiles
mosaic
there goes the bride
ready for my sangria!
On Thursday, I leave for a week and a half vacation to Spain. This will be my first "first world" international vacation in a while… (Actually since I went to Barcelona & Prague four and half years ago. )
I’m looking forward to simply relaxing and enjoying the beauty (and wine) of Spain. On the other hand, I’m so NOT looking forward to the dollar <-> euro exchange rate.
The plan is split time between Barcelona and San Sebastian, with a side trip to see the Guggenheim in Bilbao.
I’m also making planning on taking a lot of pictures. :)
However, I’ve got a new resolution to take my time post-processing them when I get back. I usually just rush through it, and end up getting burnt out on. So, expect a long trickle of Spanish Photography!
Quick Facts:
- money:
- 1.00 euro = 1.552 usd (OUCH)
- local time:
- UTC + 1 (noon in seattle => 11:23pm in spain)
- weather:
…. but I can’t.
Fortunately, photoshop can help me fake it. Here’s a digital sketch, from a digital photograph:
Seattle, on one of its rare clear May sunsets.
(Also check out this panoramic, taken at the same time.)
Catching the market in the late evening, after another day of seattle sprinkle.
For my photo class, I’m supposed to be shooting 100 photos a week in addition to my assignments. Here are some of my favorites so far…
