My Summer in Barcelona
I have
had so many different experiences in the last 28 days, it’s almost impossible
to choose my favorite. From traveling to the top of Tibidabo, to diving into
the beaches of Barcelona and realizing how high the salt content actually is, and
eating a whole lot of gelato in between. This place is pretty incredible.
One of my
top experiences here in Barcelona had to be our excursion to the Sagrada
Familia. The first surprising aspect of this famous piece of architecture is
its location. I expected it to be much further out of the city than it is, much
like the cathedral at Tibidabo. But, no, it was smack in the middle of
buildings, restaurants, etc. I thought it was interesting that people can just
casually walk by one of the most beautiful buildings on the planet on their way
to work.
The
Sagrada Familia, designed by Antoni Gaudi, was just beyond words. I expected it
to be magnificent, but not to the extent that I saw. Even standing a block
away, I could make out the detail and extravagance of this building dedicated
to the Holy Family (which is the literal meaning of Sagrada Familia). The
building is actually still under construction, and I can’t imagine what it will
look like when it’s finally finished. I can’t even conceive how much talent and
imagination must have been in that scruffed up head of Gaudi’s, because
designing a place like this takes nothing less than genius.
A group
of us also went down to the room that contains Gaudi’s memorial. It was a
solemn and beautifully silent sort of atmosphere, one that makes you wish you
had known this artist and all that he was so you could thoroughly appreciate
it. After that, we walked around in the museum and looked at Gaudi’s prototype
models, a video featuring his life and what he created, and much more. I felt
like the museum closed way before I wanted it to, and I wish I had all night to
keep discovering more about this enchanting building (pictures featured below).
The Lord's Prayer in Catalan
That ceiling though
Some of the plethora of detailing surrounding the Sagrada Familia.
Whoa.
Boiler Up!
While the Sagrada Familia was my favorite
excursion in Barcelona, here are a few honorable mentions!
Abbey’s Top Ten Favorite Things on
Barcelona Study Abroad
10.
GELATO. Nuff said.
9. Camp
Nou! If you like European Football, this is the place for you.
8.
Tibidabo. It’s a lot more than an amusement park on a mountain!
7. ALL
THE FOOD. Particularly Patatas Bravas and Catalan Sausage.
6.
Plaza Espanya! This stop is a 10 minute walk from my house, and I go every day
for a bit just to hang out and look at the
scenery.
5. DA
BEACH. It’s salty, but sweet.
4. Park
Guell. It looks kind of Gaudi at first, but you get used to it.
3.
Touring the Gothic Quarter! There’s so much history and culture behind this
place, I could just stay there forever.
2. Dali Art Museum! If anyone could
rock a mustache, this dude could.
1.
Girona! Because Game of Thrones.
I am so glad that I had that opportunity to come abroad to
Barcelona with Purdue. It is an experience that will stay with me the rest of
my life! I learned so much, broadened my cultural insight, and allowed myself
to become a more independent and confident traveler! I’ll miss you, Barcelona!
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