First Taste of Antonio Gaudi

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Our first full day in Barcelona and we now know how to get around on the Metro. We headed up to Park Guell, a fanciful garden that was started in1900 with a plan for lots of homes sprinkled around the property, didn't happen. What exists are magical, fairy tale like structures surrounded by lush gardens and two houses. Antonio Gaudio was the architect for his friend, Eusebi Guell and they worked on it until 1914. It is hard to describe what they created: enchanting cottages, a grand staircase, a colossal colonnade and more, most covered in brilliant tile shards that shimmered in the sun. There is a giant gecko in the middle of the double staircase that had lots of people posing and the guard saying not to sit on it. The patience it took to create those mosaics on curving, undulating surfaces is mind blowing. Other features built into the hillsides felt like they sprung directly from the earth's stones, like the washerwoman. We wandered around amazed at Gaudi's imagination and how the worker's executed the work. Before we went into the Gaudi House Museum we stole down the hill to a local's spot for lunch that one of the staff suggested, so much better than the tourist snack bar. The house gave more information about Gaudi and how devoted a Catholic he was. His work includes lots of religious symbolism if you look for it. The furniture he designed over time evolved from heavy brocade to simple wood ergonomically created with great craftsmanship. It was a good introduction to him and we are visiting his masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, tomorrow.

We love going out to find a sidewalk cafe or restaurant to sit, sip coffee and refresh ourselves. On the way we can see various street performers, including one relaxing on a seat suspended in mid-air .?. Then we find another spot for dinner, which was tapas (small plates) tonight. We are starting to know our way around and getting more comfortable in the city. It seems so big and busy after Granada.

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Photos

Park Guell, Gaudí
Gecko

Park Guell, Gaudí
Washer woman

Park Guell, Gaudí
Tile shards composition