Ramil Blog

Today, I went all over Barcelona. First, I went to Montjuïc, literally ``Mountain of the Jews.´´ We took a cable car to get there, which took us right over the harbor. In Montjuïc, we saw the many remnants of the 1992 Summer Olympics, gardens, and the fort that was used to protect Barcelona. We also saw the Palau Nacional (now the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya) and the La Fuente Mágica, but both were closed.

After we left Montjuïc, we went to La Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudi´s most famous building-in-progress. It was enormous, and unlike any church I´ve ever seen before. La Sagrada Familia has the layout and feel of a Gothic cathedral, but it looks more like something from a Dr. Suess book than Notre Dame. Gaudi started the building in 1882, and the building is still under (quite heavy) construction today. Architects were still working as tourists walked around inside the huge, white building. La Sagrada Familia won´t be completed until at least 2020.

For another dosage of Gaudi, we went to Guell Park. Guell Park was originally supposed to be an upscale housing development, but was converted into a public park when the project failed. Although it was incomplete, Guell Park had great views of the city, and was covered with beautiful mosaic artwork.

Barcelona´s art nouveau makes for a good change of scenery from the Renaissance artworks of Florence. The streets of Florence are very beautiful, don´t get me wrong, but after living there for 2 months, it can start to feel musky and tired. Barcelona´s streets feel alive and energized by the artwork, and their modern style is bold without losing taste. I´m disappointed that I´m leaving tomorrow, but I´m comforted knowing that I´ll be back here soon.

UPDATE: Here is a video I made while in Barcelona, cleverly named, "Ramil Goes To Barcelona:"