June 16, 2015 - La Sagrada Familia, the Palau de la Musica Catalana, and our last day

Today has been memorable. We began our day at La Sagrada Familia, an artist's conception of which has graced this blog account since the beginning of our trip. Rick Steves characterizes Gaudi's masterpiece as a "melting wedding cake," and that description seems pretty apt. That is, if one is speaking of the exterior.

This structure is almost a fever dream of loops and sags, towers topped with what looks like ceramic fruit, hundreds of sculptures, friezes, symbolic plants and animals, and much, much more. Our very capable guide made it clear to us that many artists have worked on this still unfinished church, and their vision has become a part of it. It's uncertain as to how Gaudi would have felt about that!

The interior space is truly magnificent. Inside, the church is a marvel of symmetry. All the measurements, front to back, side to side, floor to ceiling, are in multiples of 7.5 meters, except those that are very small - and they are one-half of 7.5. The significance of this number wasn't made clear to us, but I found this little factoid fascinating.

Gaudi spent the last 43 years of his life obsessively working on La Sagrada Familia, living in the church, and walking back and forth to mass more than once a day. He was a devoutly observant Catholic, and he, like so many of his predecessors throughout the centuries, was quite comfortable with the idea that the building wouldn't be finished in his lifetime. He said, "My client [God] is in no hurry."

La Sagrada Familia is totally financed by donations, with no help from government or the organized Catholic Church. And, very touching to Mike and me, there is a small school attached to the main building which was designed and built by Gaudi for the children of the workmen. It is an architectural gem. We agree with Gaudi: who says a school must be built with straight walls, flat ceilings, and institutional paint? I think some of my favorite pictures from today will be of this little building.

After a most delightful lunch with some of our group in which we sat for one last time at an outdoor cafe, we headed for the spectacular Catalan Music Hall, the Palau de la Musica Catalana. Privately owned by the Orfeo Choir, this building, while not designed by Gaudi, is a true jewel of Modernista design. The acoustics are perfect! I only hope that my little camera will produce some good shots. At every turn there is a WOW moment. What a wonderful way to end our day!















(Our delightful guide.)

Now we are packing, for, alas, we must leave Barcelona tomorrow. We will have one last gathering of our group this evening to toast our unparalleled instructor, Dr. Arleen Pabon, and our guiding lights, Debra and Terry. They have planned and executed a perfect trip for us. Of course we haven't had as much time as we'd have liked, but does one ever? We are truly leaving this party at a point when we are having a good time.

So home to Tallahassee, to family, friends and beloved pets, to summer heat and doldrums. We will never forget this experience - Barcelona is truly a magic city!