Barcelona and Gaudi (Part 1)

WOW!!!! The last 2 days have been SO unreal as to exceed even the highest expectation! There was one point last evening at sunset atop Gaudi´s Sagrada Familia when we knew the tornado (Yes, Tornado!) was coming our way and thought about getting to a safer spot, and then we said "Well, I'm ready to go, so if this be our destiny, what a SPECTACULAR exit!" People would say of us, "Well, that's too bad about Darin and Tami, but Shit, Wow!" But let me back up a bit...

MONDAY 2/20
The day began earlier than many as we were drinking strong coffee and eating pastries on Avenida Diagonal by 9:30AM. We turned North onto Calle de Gracia and were treated to building after building of impressive facades with eye-catching stained glass bays and other Modernisme detailing. Continuing on past one of Gaudi's early works (Casa Vicens) then to Parc Guell. I'd last been there in '98 and had fond memories, but hadn't appreciated the full impression it had left on me. Over the course of an entire afternoon we strolled, gazed, absorbed the vibe and plentiful details with more than a bit of sensory overload. The Parc is a symphony of stone and ceramic tile, of people talking, children running and laughing, musicians playing... My mind was reeling. I felt absolutely happy and totally inspired! Which way to go next!? There was so much capturing our attention! We part ways briefly, unable to decide on any one thing. I proceed through a long, curving stone tunnel. One I have vague memories of from the previous visit, but has been calling me back all day. After the flurry of people at the tunnel entrance I find myself alone. I walk deeper, away from their voices. The light is soft, sensuous, dream-like... and I begin to have a growing sense of deja-vu. Yes, I've been here before... but, I've forgotten SO MUCH... The details! I'm in an awed daze, and then I turn, look back through where I've come, and then I see it - The snapshot forever imprinted in my mind - The place I've so often visited in my dreams. So THIS is the place! I HAVE been here! It's REAL! I can't believe my good fortune to experience it all over again, and I stand there for a long while, awed. When Darin and I meet up again, I take him here. After, he brings me to the new view HE'S discovered.

Eventually we head back down to the main plaza. You know, the one with the famous, curvy bench. It's sunset now. The crowds have cleared out and the light's getting really good. Then, an alley on sun breaks through the clouds, illuminating a long swath of city, in the middle of which rises Torre Agbar and Sagrada Familia. Two of the tallest buildings in the City. We can't believe our luck! It's a Kodak moment if ever there was one! We linger with the remaining few until the light finally fades and we're frozen to the bone. We hurry out, trying to make it to the Metro as quickly as possible. En route, we stumble upon a bar - Cerveseria Plaza - and order up a couple beers and some Spanish almonds (The plump, sweet, skinless kind, not the kind we get in the States) and revive our bodies with a few much-needed calories. Re-energized we set about getting bread, olives and 3 types of Spnish cheese to go with a special bottle of wine ('95 Chateau Ferriere Margaux) that Darin had received for his 40th Birthday and we'd been saving for special occasion. Back at the hostal, our bed-top picnic was FANTASTIC! We were so excited by the end of dinner that we decided to go out for a walk and nightcap. We'd brought my I/pod with both pairs of headphones and put on my BurningMn Night playlist as we walked down the Rmblas to the waterfront. It was a nice night and people were out. Farther along Port Vell we stopped at an inviting bar and ordered up a brandy and then cava/champagne as we chatted with the bartender and his friends. We walked home happy, buzzed and listening to good tunes. It was 3AM by the time we crawled into bed.

Details of Tuesday to follow...

Here's a "link" to more photos