Barcelona !!.... Messi, Sagrada Familia, Beach and more Crowds !!!! Part 2

View of the Barcelona Marina

In Barcelona, there are 2 fervent and intense loves, one is for the Sagrada Familia cathedral and eeeeevvverrrything Gaudi and the second is their Barca futbol team!..
 

 

Sagrada Familia (Sacred Family- symbolizing, the Holy Trinity)  is a Catholic Church designed in the Spanish Gothic style by the architect Antoni Gaudi in 1882 and its still being built and not slated for completion until 2026.  Yes you heard it right....the church is not finished yet 133 years later.   Gaudi was killed in an accident when he was run over by a tram in the streets of Barcelona in 1926 before he was able to complete the construction of it.  Since then there has been numerous attempts to finish this incredibly intricate and complex architectural piece that is really indescribable.  You have to see it.  There are plans in place now to finish Gaudi's work and it is estimated that completion of the famous Sagrada Familia will be in 2026, 100 years after Gaudi's death. 

 

If you look at the pictures you will see the intricate detailing of stonework and masonry that is required. It has become difficult to find the craftsmen who are skilled in that kind of work now a days.  Most churches have a façade to them and are designed that way with the front of the church being the central viewpoint.  Gaudi, a highly religions man, designed the Sagrada Familia to have three facades and each of those sides the ability to be the "front " of the church.  There are numerous writings all over the church, inside through the walls, nooks, outside by the windows with religious and biblical quotes and phrases.  Truly an amazing and complex building and one that that is a must to see when in Barcelona.

 

Camp Nou

The other love of all Barcelona people or really Catalan people as they are extremely proud of their heritage and do not consider themselves "Spaniards"...they even want to declare themselves a separate country from Spain...(a long story for another day)  is their city's futbol team, affectionately called "Barça".   One of the most "winniest" teams in futbol leagues around the world, the tour of Camp Nou is also a must to see when in Barcelona.  It's the home of the Argentinian Lionel Messi, considered the best futbal player in the world. Also home to many other excellent players from Brazil (Neymar), Uruguay (Luis Suarez, the "Biter) and of course Shakira's sweetheart, Pique.  Not only is the team a successful futbol franchise, they have turned the stadium tour into a huge money making Barça marketing promotion and business. 

When I went on the tour there were literally thousands of people there as well. It felt like a cross between a Disney World ride and an Ikea showroom.  Everything was synchronized, organized, including the predictable photo opportunity at the beginning of the tour which you pick up at the exit point....very a la "Disney" style. 

The tour opens in this massive store selling everything you can imagine with the Barça logo merchandise.  There is only one way to start the tour and you follow the herd...a la "Ikea" style.  The tour is very well put together. 
Cases and cases filled with trophies won by the team, the history of the creation of the Barça team, videos showing highlights of fantastic shots, the field, in essence; everything you can imagine about the team is on display and open to its fans.  An amazing and very well oiled marking machine !

My buddy Messi !

The trip to Spain is now coming to an end unfortunately but it has been an incredible experience. Very fast paced with lots of stops but saw and did an amazing number of things. The food has been outstanding and I've increased my love for tapas even more after this trip. I also think I've drank my fill of wine for a year (these people don't drink water !! its all wine or caña!) 


Peñiscula, the southwest coast

Toledo, Las Ramblas, Barceloneta Beach, Valencia

Real Madrid!

 


Favorite things along the way were the beautiful Mosque in Cordoba, the Flamenco dance classes and show in Sevilla as well as the magnificent royal palace Alcazar there and the tranquil Montserrat and its beautiful mountain surroundings.   I close with more images of my time in Spain.... Till the next trip....Enjoy !

Valencia, Museum of Arts and Science

Granada



Toledo

Martha, Isabella (Tour Director) and me



Side street of Las Ramblas

Don Quixote and Sancho Panza statue In Madrid

Palacio Real in Madrid

The Traveling Redheaded Lady

 Life is Good !

Redheaded Lady