La Sagrada Familia

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Yes it was - as amazing as we expected - actually exceeded our expectations. Gaudi, who was a very religious man, attending church on the way to and from work, regarded La Sagrada Familia as his greatest work. He always knew he wouldn't live to see it finished so drew up plans and made plaster models of his ideas. Unfortunately a fire destroyed his workshop and all the plans and damaged some of the models. Others have painstakingly recreated his ideas as close to what they believe he would have wanted as possible. Currently the goal is for the Basilica to be completed by 2026 - the centenary of Gaudi's death. One of the photos shows the work done and the work yet to be completed, what do you think of their chances of completion in 9 years?

This is definitely a case where the photos will do all the talking so apologies in advance for photo overload.

We are just back in from our first Paella in Spain and it was yummy. We went to a tiny restaurant where we were cheek by jowl with our fellow diners so took photos for each other and met a delightful couple who live in Seattle, US but work in Canada and are of Asian descent touring Spain - another example of a cosmopolitan world. It was great fun and there always seems to be a party atmosphere - and we are home by 9.15pm - so not Spanish!!

Adios

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Photos

Jesus working in his father's carpentry shop
A tribute to those working on the LSF

Model of La Sagrada Familia
The museum was fascinating showing photos of many of Gaudi's other buildings

Comments

[KEVIN STAINBROOK]

Name of restaurant where you had the paella
Hello, my wife and I from Canada will be visiting Barcelona in March 2018, I was wondering if you remember the name of the restaurant where you had the paella, the picture of it (along with your other pictures of your trip in Spain) is awesome!!

[MikeAndAnn]

Paella
Hi Kevin, I am sorry but I don't and haven't had time to find it again. We will try this afternoon before we leave Barcelona tomorrow. While it was good and certainly tasty, I suspect it is far from authentic as it didn't have the "crispy" rice bottom where it has slightly stuck to the pan and was more like risotto. You might need to have your own adventure!! You will love Barcelona, SO much happening all the time. Enjoy your holiday.

[Emma]

Impressive
I am so impressed... by your effort with the paella... oh and the cathedral! Are you ready to come home yet? We miss you.

[MikeAndAnn]

Impressed
I'm impressed you are actually reading the blog. Miss you too and, sorry, not ready to come home. xo

[Fiona]

We have not ceased being amazed by your journey so far Ann and Mike! Such rich history. You should have been a journalist as your descriptions of each place (and food!!) make me feel like we're right there with you. Sorry to hear you're not ready to come home - we miss you and look forward to hearing more stories in person. xo

[Rosemarie and Rodney]

An amazing building and delicious paella! The interior of the Sagrada Familia is very light and uplifting!