The Rest of Barcelona

Let me just start by saying that I’m sorry for not posting anything sooner!  However, on Day 5 of our trip I ended up getting very sick (sore throat, could hardly swallow, fever, ears hurt, etc) and the last thing I wanted to do after we explored was blog. Luckily, once we got to Paris I saw a doctor, turned out it was an ear infection and laryngitis but now I’m back to normal.

The rest of our time in Barcelona was a blast (minus me feeling like a sickling the remaining 2 days). Here are a few of the highlights:

On Day 3 we went to see Sagrada Familia, which is Antoni Gaudi’s famous cathedral.  Just the sheer size of it alone is overwhelming.   The pillars go straight up then branch out just like trees.  Another interesting fact- he also designed Sagrada upside down with strings and weights.  If you have the chance, I would highly recommend visiting it.  I don’t think there is another cathedral on earth that comes close to this one.

I’m no art history major and don’t care to be but from what I’ve learned Gaudi was very much into nature so much of his work reflects that.  You can also spot Gaudi’s work a mile away.  His work is very topsy-turvy and reminds me of being in Alice and Wonderland.  It’s almost like he was on something when he designed things.

The Day 4 highlight was going Montserrat, which is a monastery up in the mountains.  It might have taken an hour to get there but boy, was it worth it.  The views alone are incredible!  The cathedral is amazing, so ornate and all gold with small chapels flanking the sides.  We were able to take a tour and touch the feet of the famous Black Madonna, the patron saint of Catalonia.  I didn’t realize this but people come from all over the world to see her.  We also stayed long enough to hear the famous boys’ choir perform.  It’s supposed to sound like something magical and when we heard them, they didn’t disappoint.  When they opened their mouths it was as if angels were singing.  I swear, when I closed my eyes it sounded like women singing, not 5-13 yr. old boys.

Day 5 we visited Gaudi’s park along with a few cathedrals but the highlight I want to share is the famous, Mercat de la Boqueria.  The market is known to be one of the best in the world and I can attest that it is fantastic.  Everywhere you look there is color.  Whether it is fresh produce, bread, meat, cheese, pastries… you name it, they have it.  This is another “must” when visiting Barcelona. A few words of advice-

1). Don’t buy the juice up front.  I know it’s colorful and looks refreshing and there’s beautiful fruit surrounding it.  You’re hot and thirsty and what does it matter that it’s 2 euro?  At this point you’d pay 5 euro just to have a sweet little sip.  Don’t be fooled, it’s more expensive up there, go a few rows back where it’s normal priced.  This is a general rule in life, so you don’t get ripped off.

2). If you’re squeamish when it comes to pig’s heads, tripe (if you want to know what it is look it up, I’m not saying because it grosses me out!), and any other parts of animals bodies that might be hanging from a rope then don’t look around aimlessly.  It took me a whole day to not feel nauseous every time I looked at meat.  And yes, I did consider becoming a vegetarian that same day.

I know I only included a few highlights but we did so much more.  If you want any advice on what to do or where to go in Barcelona, please email me.  My contact information can be found by clicking on the side of this page.

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