Barcelona

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So we took off for a few days, taking advantage of EasyJet's easy web booking system and inexpensive flights, from Basel - within 2 hours we were in the beautiful, laid back, elegant, artistic, musical, tasty, well-dressed city of Barcelona. Because of our Servas contacts we stayed in the home of a woman about Evi's age who teaches French to adults, sponsored by the government.

Barcelona is a walking city, and even though it was "winter" there (about 5-10 degrees C), streets were packed - especially around dinner time, about midnight, when night life begins. The city is full of beauty: cozy, warm cafes and not too expensive restaurants, interesting street layouts (which evolved naturally over the centuries), museums, concerts, Christmas shopping, and of course rambling on La Rambla.

But to me the highlight of the city is the amazing architecture of Antoni Gaudi, who since the late 1800's has had a hand in designing and constructing private residences, apartment buildings, public offices, and churches, all over the city. His architecture is so natural, so whimsical, so mathematical, so colorful, even humorous, that it's impossible not to fall in love with his creations. Most significant to me was the Sagrada Familia Temple, the world's only Gothic Cathedral still under construction (since 1883, with about 20 years to go). Of the cities I could live in, Barcelona is one of them.

This weekend Melanie is flying in from London, and Gadiel will be spending his last week before returning to the arduous rigours of the last two semesters of college. We will go skiing next week in Leysin, our old stomping grounds (where we lived for 4 years in the 70's). And tonight it's snowing, so watch out!

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Photos

Jumping for Joy
Evi can hardly contain her enthusiasm for the beautiful city of Barcelona, conveniently located just behind her.

Rambling on the Rambla
Heart of the city, full of shops, markets, street performers, live statues...

The Angel of Barcelona
The angel greets passersby on the streets with holiday greetings and gifts.

A reflective moment
Gadi captures the rents in a moment of self-reflection.

City lights at night
Interesting composition of sculpture and city architecture

Casa Batllo by Antoni Gaudi
Constructed 100 years ago, this is a remodel of the home facade of a wealthy family. Many of Gaudi's works are on the UN World Heritage list.
To see more of Gaudi's works, go to
Roof of the Casa Batllo
Displays Gaudi's love of color and detail, and the lack of straight lines. Some people notice the sea, a carnival, or the slaying of St. George's dragon.
(photo from a book).
On the city bus tour
Howard captures the natural beauty of Barcelona.
Sagrada Familia Temple
Gaudi dedicated 40 years of his life to this project. Begun in 1883, the cathedral is still unfinished, and financially supported by tourist fees and donations.
Evi imitates art
On one of the many balconies on the towers of the cathedral, accessible after a 100 meter climb up winding staircases.
Rollerskater in Olympic Park
The summer Olympic Games were held in Barcelona in 1992, and this tower, a symbol of the games, is used to transmit radio, tv, internet signals.
Chillin at the park
In the Park Guell, planned originally as a private urban project, later turned into public park, also protected by UNESCO.
Picasso in waiting
Pablo sits in a souvenir shop, greeting passersby.
French Alps and shadows
Flying back to Basel, we cross these snowy peaks near Grenoble in eastern France.

Roof of the Casa Batllo
Displays Gaudi's love of color and detail, and the lack of straight lines. Some people notice the sea, a carnival, or the slaying of St. George's dragon.
(photo from a book).

On the city bus tour
Howard captures the natural beauty of Barcelona.

Sagrada Familia Temple
Gaudi dedicated 40 years of his life to this project. Begun in 1883, the cathedral is still unfinished, and financially supported by tourist fees and donations.

Evi imitates art
On one of the many balconies on the towers of the cathedral, accessible after a 100 meter climb up winding staircases.

Rollerskater in Olympic Park
The summer Olympic Games were held in Barcelona in 1992, and this tower, a symbol of the games, is used to transmit radio, tv, internet signals.

Chillin at the park
In the Park Guell, planned originally as a private urban project, later turned into public park, also protected by UNESCO.

Picasso in waiting
Pablo sits in a souvenir shop, greeting passersby.

French Alps and shadows
Flying back to Basel, we cross these snowy peaks near Grenoble in eastern France.

Comments

[Stephanie Sena, daughter of Harrisburgian Joel Fineman]

Wishing I were there
Hi Howie and Evi! I sent you a comment earlier but I don't think it posted, so I am sending you another. You stories and pictures are so exciting! I am inspired to travel to the places you have visited! For now I will have to settle for Harrisburg. I am traveling there tomorrow to visit Mommom and take her to Boscov's. If I have time I might create a travel log of my experiences. I am thinking of you often and wishing I were with you! Can't wait to see you again! Send my love to Melanie and Gadiel! Love, Stephanie

[Linda & Marty]

Hi you guys!!! Again, TOO MUCH FUN. You could be in the magazine "The Perfect Life" - the way you can EasyJet around. One of my favorite memories is from Alacante, just south of Barcelona. Everything looks so beautiful! I'm having the best vicarious travels with you -- thanks so much for doing your blog. We JUST started our winter here with lots of rain. Happy Chanuka! xox