We have a less defined day. We couldn’t decide whether to start with the Picasso Museum or Parc Guell. We settled on Parc Guell, designed by Gaudi, the “modernism” architect. The park was actually a failed residential area. It was going to have about 60 homes, but only two were ultimately built. Gaudi’s vision is everywhere, even if the area wasn’t finished. After the residential plan collapsed the area was given to the city, and turned into a park.
One side of the entrance gates to the park. A guard house
After the park, we were inspired to search out a few of Gaudi’s best known buildings in Barcelona. We took the train the center of the city, and walked the area around two of his outstanding designs. These were homes built with retail on the ground floor, a large flat for the owner on the 2nd floor, and a series of apartments above, so the owner could make a few extra bucks.
Casa Batllo, in downtown Barcelona. It’s a distinctive style.
The “Block of Discord”, three distinctive designs, next to each other, by three distinctive architects.
Casa Mila, built by guess who.
We had lunch in nice little café in the area before heading to the “Teleferic de Montjuic”, a cable car up to a castle/fort. The view of the city on one side, and the port on the other is fantastic. It’s a great way for us to finish our Barcelona visit. Tomorrow we board our Celebrity Cruise ship Equinox, for 7 days in the Mediterannean, ending in Athens. Athens? That should be interesting, in light of all the financial news these days.
Telefuric du Montjuic, the cable car to Castle Montjuic
That’s Tibidabo on the other side, where we were yesterday.
The port, where our cruise begins tomorrow.
One side note on our cruise. As we went to bed we heard from Brad and Glenda that their Air Canada flight to Toronto and then to Barcelona was cancelled (something happened in Toronto). Air Canada booked them onto an American Airlines flight to Madrid, and then an Iberia Airlines flight to Barcelona. Here’s hoping that they, and their luggage all arrive, before the cruise departs. Right now it looks like it might be ok. We’ll have more info tomorrow, I’m sure.