Another early start but not a tender port so that makes getting to shore a lot quicker. We have another private tour for 8 people which is a lot easier to get around. The plan is to meet at 8.15 for an 8.30 departure. After meeting our guide Eva, we set off on a very informative and pleasant day with the temperature manageable with a threat of maybe a shower of rain.
After a drive through a deserted city as too early for the locals we head to Park Guel - Gaudi's park and where he lived, with beautiful city views. What an amazing architect Antoni Gaudi was and what an amazing city... such a surprise and not what I was expecting. The park has a lot of Gaudi's mosaic structures or works of art and in fact there are a lot of his amazing buildings dotted throughout the city.
We then headed to La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona's idiosyncratic and flamboyant church and is regarded as Gaudi's masterpiece. The construction was started in 1882 and is due to be completed in 2026, the anniversary of Gaudi's death. The church is being completed with public funds as Gaudi always considered himself to be one of the general public. When Gaudi was asked when he thought he'd be finished construction he said " my client is in no hurry". Gaudi was a very dapper young man who never married and became more of a hermit as he got older often dressed in rags. He died unexpectantly when he was hit by a tram. Passerby thinking he was homeless, ignored "God's architect" as he lay on the street. Gaudi was finally taken to a public hospital where he later died. Such a great loss and an interesting person.
Next visit was to climb the mountain to Montserrat some 7000 metres above sea level. This is considered the most famous site outside of Barcelona with wonderful mountain views to the ocean. The basilica is hidden in the craggy Montserrat mountains and houses one of only three black madonnas in the world. It was quite cool here with low cloud that lifted from time to time for the odd photo plus a light shower of rain. A nice change to all the hot weather to date.
Upon our return to the city we visited the beach area and the Olympic site before heading back to the ship in quite a heavy downpour of rain. Another interesting day and would love to spend more time here... Great city. Next stop Marseille. Have I said I love cruising!!
Two buildings designed by Gaudi
Another Gaudi building.
Park Guel
This building is in the park with this amazing ceramic roof.
This is the underside of the area where I am sitting. All ceramic ceiling.
La Sagrada Familia
Montserrat Benedictine Monastery Complex
The black madonna... You could line up to kiss the madonna and make a wish. I made my wish by blowing a kiss to her!!
The beach area.
The Olympic torch where the archer lit the flame.
Interesting buildings that were built for the Olympics.
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