July 13th:Barcelona Day 2

Our second day in Barcelona started at the Sagrada Familia also designed by Gaudi all though he never saw it finished, and as a matter of fact it still is not completed. However, he left it with the idea that future architects could leave their own impressions on the development of the church.

Having not had tickets in advance we were told we wouldn't get in for a few hours so we used that time to see the churches catacomb where Gaudi is buried as well as to admire the outside of the church and the surrounding park squares. 

Mom took the extra time as an opportunity to do some sketches. Of course she was using a map for paper and she drew in quite the crowd of tourist spectators. 

 The interior of the church is every bit as mind blowing as the exterior with so much thought put ito every window, pillar and archway.

 After getting our fill of the amazing Sagrada Familia we continued on the Gaudi tours to see Guell Park. This park was originally commissioned for the wealthy families of Barcelona and was not open to the public until the 1920. In order to maintain up keep and protect the park from vandalism they now charge entry to the main sights however much of the surrounding green spacing is accessible to the public for no cost. Again having not booked tickets ahead of time we had to wait for our entry and again we took the time to wander around the outter areas of the magnificent space.

My adorable parents with Barcelona and the Mediterranean behind them. They took such a nice photo I just had to put in both:)

 Worlds coolest benches

As the park is on the hill it gives an amazing view of the city from multiple vantage points. 

 You could also see Mount Tibidabo.

And here is me at the highest point in the park looking out at the city.

 Okay really I lied, made from broken tiles to create a mosaic these actually are the worlds coolest benches. They surround the main square of the park which was designed to hold dances and other celebrations throughout the year.

 On the upper left is the first look at the "gingerbread house" which was actually the Porter's home for the entrance of the estate.

 Above are the pillars supporting the square I showed before (the one with the mosaic benches) it was designed to house markets.

 Gaudi took much of his inspiration from nature which really explains a lot when you see his work.

 Above is what the market area looks like when you in it.

After Guell Park we headed down to the beach where we saw the Olympic park, including the basket building, My moms fish sculpture she was dying to see, and of course the beach.

 Finally that night we took a stroll to see the Agbar Tower lit up at night.