Gaudi not Gaudy - Gorgeous
This post is mostly about Antoni Gaudi and his architecture and designs called Catalon Monderism which is central to Barcelona. The most interesting place we enjoyed in Barcelona was Park Guell. Antoni Gaudi designed and oversaw a team of craftsmen and artisians to create his designs. A businessmen, Guell, commisioned the building thinking it could be an urban area for rich families.
The park has trails that wind through the various architectural designs and gardens. We spent the whole day into the evening enjoying this beautiful, large park.
Jack was particulary fascinated with how the pilars, bridges, and walls were constructed by “Tetris” placement or the rocks.
Gaudí used colorful mosaics made of small ceramic tiles.
Enjoying the Gaudi creations and garden were people with their pets. These dogs were so fun to watch. The man would throw the ball down a hill that was covered with bushes and they both would frantically scurry to find it.
Also at the parque were lots of families and kids. These kids were enjoying running and scooting. The little one on the scooter really picked up speed on the hills with the other joyfully chasing. Everywhere we go we enjoy seeing children playing. Children everywhere are so similar, no matter the language or country, and remind us to enjoy seeing the world through a child’s eye. I love the quote that says that we don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
We found a “comfy” rock bench to listen to a musician play and sing Pink Floyd songs.
On our way up the the parque, we encountered this sign. There were similar signs throughout Barcelona that reflected political concerns. The city was packed with tourists on both times we were in Barcelona, so I can imagine that the crowds could be very frustrating, and of course the signs reflect the immigration concerns of the area.
At the top of the hill is El Turo de lest Tres Creus (The Hill of the Three Crosses. We sat here to watch the sunset over Barcelona. Our moon was cut in half on this evening.
This was another building that is in downtown that was created by Gaudi. This is Casa Batllo. one of the unique features about this house is that the roof terrace looks like the scales of a dragon’s back. It is made with colored tiles.
Another Guadi creation in the distance, the Basilica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia. Gaudi began working on it in 1883 and devoted the remainder of his life to the project. The construction is still going on and is expected to be completed around 2030.
A closer look at the half moon shining on us after a lovely day enjoying Gaudi.