Going to church and a stolen phone

We enjoyed a lazy morning, getting some much needed sleep and then headed out the door to have some adventures in Barcelona.

First, we went to see the Sagrada Familia.  As we walked up to the line and followed it around the corner, then around another corner, and then even another corner we became a little sad.  It is said to be the most visited place in the world and I can believe it.  Even those who were not going in were lining the streets outside to take pictures.

We were standing in line when a worker was going down the line giving information.  Turns  out the line is to buy tickets that will give you entrance into the church at 4:30 pm.  That would be in 5 hours.  Yikes, and who knows how long the line would take.  She then let us know that we could purchase tickets online and skip the line.  We made the purchase for a 2:30 entrance and happily walked away from the line.

We then went to find Carl's conference for him to sign in.  Turns out after a long metro ride and a lot of walking that there are many areas with the same name and we were 30 minutes walk from where we needed to be.  We decided to scrap that and head back towards the church and grab lunch close so we would not miss our time to get into the church.  As we have found that the local food places take a really long time to serve food we opted to do a quick lunch at Burger King.

I loved this Fountain in the Middle of the round about.  It looked so fun to climb.  Of course that is not allowed.  I wonder where Madison gets her desire to climb everything?

I can't tell you how amazing the inside of this church is.  The architect,Gaudi, showed his love of the gospel through every detail.  I was in awe of the beauty and the spirit that was in this Cathedral.  I have never had that feeling in any other Cathedral or Basilica that I have been in.  I will let the pictures speak for themselves although I don't think they truly capture it.

The side we entered into the Familia had the Nativity scenes.  It covered the entire side of the Church. 

 This Church has been being built for over 100 years.  The Architect, Antoni Guadi, died soon after part of this was completed.  They are trying to continue to build the church to his plans.  Many of his plans were destroyed in the revolution they had here in the 30's.  His faith is shown through everything seen here.

The Nativity

 Mary and Joseph

 Carl in front with a small part of the church.   

 Gaudi included nature in all off the design.  The columns are trees that at the ceiling become leaves making it feel as if you are in a bright forest.  I have never seen anything like it.  The way he did the slits at the ceiling lets in natural light that brightens everything.

Gaudi said that he wanted light to fill the church and it has come to fruition.  The stain glass windows are glowing with beauty.  There are different colors flowing through, making me feel as if I am flowing in color and light.

 The columns are different as trees are different and are even made of different stone.

 We came out to view the the exterior of the other side of the church which shows the passion of Christ.

Judas kissing Christ in betrayal.  Notice the serpent coming out from his robe.

I love the color that is here and there showing the color of nature.  Above the Windows you can see bronze leaves that are green and red.

This was in the Gaudi Museum.  It was really interesting how e came up with ways to create his art.  In order to decide on arches for another church he loaded pebbles in little bags that represented the weight the arches would support.  he then made an upside down structure that represented what the angles of the arches would be based on the pulling of the bags.  Here is a representation of this.  I was fascinated with his genius.

This is to represent the tree of life.  The doves are the followers.  I just stared and stared.  I hope I will be a dove partaking of the tree of life, I am trying.

The are still working on the church.  It looks as if there is much left to do.  We plan to come back when it is completed.

After a lot of walking we decided we wanted to sit for a bit and plan so we grabbed some ice cream at McDonalds so we could get a table.  It was there while looking over the map together that two women walked up to us and put a paper with writing on our table.  I told them I did not understand as I don't speak Spanish.  they left quickly and it was 5 minutes later when we were gathering up our things that I realized they had taken my phone.  I do give them credit for their slyness.  I was distracted by the map and they quickly covered and then grabbed my phone.

This put a damper on the evening.  We had a great time walking through the streets in the Gothic area and then went to a nice dinner.  I have decided that thus far I am not impressed with Spanish food.  It lacks flavor and passion.  The food is good but not something I would want to go home and create for anyone else.


Dinner was nice.  We went to a place recommended by trip adviser.  We wanted to be adventurous and tried the specials.  Carl's was so small that it could have been an appetizer.  It was good, not great.  I loved the big spoon, fork and knife on the walls.  I asked Carl if there was anything he thought he would eat with that spoon and she said the Xocolate they serve at every cafe here.  He is right, that stuff is Delicious.

The pastries, chocolate, and gelato are AMAZING!!!