Friday, August 22, 2008

Gaudi-out!

Well after 3 and a bit days in Barcelona we are officially GAUDI out!!!! After arriving from San Sebastian on an interesting overnight first class train we got into Barcelona just before 11am, found out hostel easily and hit the streets! We made a beeline for La Rambla and the surrounding areas before stumbling across our first (of many) Gaudi buildings, the Palace Guell. Free entry saw us join the long line for a sticky beak at the building, despite being informed we would have restricted access. Once inside we were annoyed at how restricted it turned out to be.... we were entitled to see the basement, foyer and facade! Afterwards we headed to yet another Gaudi creation, the Casa Bastllo, which was much more impressive with its aquarium like feeling and rooftop terrace. To finish out our first day we headed to Barcelona beach and were shocked at the colour of the sand, a deep brown. Nevertheless we took advantage of the sun on our shoulders and wound down the remaining light hours of the day before heading to a local seafood restaurant for the BEST paella we have had all trip! No exaggerations!

The second day was a busy one, we made a beeline for the Sagrada Familia bright and early to avoid the crowds. We bought tickets quickly and entered with our audio guides, the weather had become overcast and we were sure it would keep the crowds at bay. Unfortunately this was not the case and we still spent an hour in line to catch the lift up the oldest of all the towers. The view from the top was amazing but after some debate J and I agreed there was NO way it will be finished by 2020!! We had a great time exploring the North and South facades and climbing down the famous shell like staircase! Afterwards and about 100 happy snaps later we headed to Park Guell for lunch (and a bizillion mor happy snaps). By then the sun had begun to shine and the day looked to improve. We played a quick game of hide and seek before Bec was set straight by an attendant. We finished our sightseeing for the day with a visit to La Pedara, formally the Casa Mila. This was for bec the hightlight of the day, the roof was like something out of a fairy tale, Dr Suess meets Barcelona. But the best was that from the rooftop we could the Sagrada in its full glory, towering over the city. We ended the day we a dinner on La Rambla of paella and sangria, for the third day in a row!

The third day was spent sourcing the supermarket for lunch and chilling out by the Olympic Statidum pool on Montjuic , we were both adequately fried by the sun by about 7pm and headed into town for yet another dinner on La Rambla and a Flamenco show!

Today we woke up late, wandered down for one last peak at La Rambla and its street performers before coming back to the hostel to update our fanclub via the blog. This afternoon we head to Ibiza by plane and tonight (oh the excitement!) we head to Eden for Wonderland, translates roughly to Groove Armada performing in a club with Peter Tong of the world famous Pacha!!!!!!! Cant wait!!!

but enough of us.... how are you all?

Us on La Rambla.



Bec on the rooftop of Casa Bastllo.

In the famous shell staircase of the Sagrada Familia.

On the mozaic seats at Park Guell.

2 comments:

carynw said...

Who had the better time in San Sebastian...you guys or the sun! You look really burnt kids....Im sure you can still slip, slop, slab AND wrap on the other side of the world!!!! Looking forward to talking to you guys soon!

Take Care,
Caz

awyatt said...

When do you get back to London I want to ring you?