España

Somehow, it is already my last day in Spain.  I know I've said it before, but it's amazing how fast the time is flying by while I'm here.  I've been very fortunate in the people I've found to spend time with.  Yesterday, I spent the day exploring the city with Fred (English), Blake (Canadian), and Heather (Canadian).  We started off at the big market here in Barcelona.  It is the most impressive market I've ever seen.  And you can get fresh juice of about any flavor that is to die for.  As well as any product you could possibly want:

However, the market also had a few weird things, including this guy...

…and some sheep heads.  (Disgusting)

From there, we went to visit the Picasso museum.  The sheer number of works by him is astounding.  I would have to assume the man never did anything but eat, sleep, and create.  I must say though, that I am a much bigger fan of Picasso’s earlier works, before he got into some of the crazier stuff.  I do have a deep respect for him as an artist overall, though.  It’s amazing the things he could paint as a child.  Astounding really.

From there, we decided to go find Sagrada Familia.  The cathedral was started in the 1800s and is still under construction, with plans to be completed around 2030.  And it is hands down one of the most impressive buildings I have ever seen.  It was designed by Antoni Gaudi, who did a brilliant job with the planning.  Walking in the door was definitely a jaw-dropping moment.  Although pictures surely can't do the cathedral justice, here are a few shots I took.

Definitely still under construction (note the cranes)

 Here's the entrance on one side:

 This might very well be the best door I've ever seen.

 This kind of gives an idea of the size of the cathedral

 Some of the many beautiful stained-glass windows

 I really liked how the light from the windows turned the organ pipes colors

 More windows here

 This whole things is just so impressive

Since pictures aren't enough, I did take a video and I will eventually upload it and post a link, but the internet connection is quite slow at the moment, so I will have to do that later.

Today was a pretty good, relaxing day.  I spent the day wandering around some of the more well known parts of Barcelona with Harry and Tom (both Australian).  We walked down La Rambla and to the beach.  Thankfully, the weather cooperated today and it was an absolutely stunning day.  Sunny, but breezy, it was the perfect kind of weather for exploring a city.  And, of course, we had to stop for some paella.  That is one dish I need to learn how to make when I get home.  Although the seafood part of it won’t be anywhere near as good as it is here.

Looking back over the last 3 days, I have to say, Spain was a definite success as far as I’m concerned.  I don’t have as many pictures here as I thought I would though.  Since I’ve been exploring with some really interesting people, I haven’t taken the time to stop and take photos like I have in other places.  On the other hand, I have excellent memories from this city, so I’m not torn up about it.

And now it’s time to move on once again.  It’s weird now when I leave.  Since I’ve met such great people on my travels, I’m always a bit sad to leave them behind and continue.  On the other hand, I keep finding more great people.  Hopefully I will have the same luck in France.

Until then,

KT