Gaudi

I'm not a die-hard Antoni Gaudi fan but I'm sure without him, Barcelona won't be as colorful & beautiful as it is today, probably JUST another Mediteranean city. I visited 3 of Gaudi's work while I was in Barcelona: Park Güell, Casa Batlló and the Sagrada Familia. Some similarities among these magnificent creations yet each one of them is idividually unique.

With Gaudi's magical touch, a failed housing project is magically transformed into an 'extravaganza' world famed park -- Parc Güell. Every single detail reflects Gaudi's ingenious architecture and wild creativity. I'm absolutely impressed especially on his mosaic works. The only regret is to miss the Gaudí's house, "la Torre Rosa," which contains furniture that he designed.

One advice: to avoid squeezing yourself between the crowd; waiting forever to take a shot that you want; and inevitably stand in other people's way, go early. Better yet, go when it rains. I think it'll be nice to see how the water flows from the Gothic serpant's mouth, not a bad idea eh?? :p

Sagrada Familia is another world famous Gaudi creation which is still under construction. The construction was halted at some point due to Gaudi's sudden death (also due to the political instability back then). Totally stunned with the Gothic side, it looks like there are so many crying faces, and feels like it's melting down.

The only down side is the dusts due to construction inside the church. Missed the opportunity to go up the church, didn't want to wait 45minutes & my feet can't bring me all the way up the staircase. By the way, remember those tour guide pictures without cranes? I'm very sure those pictures have been altered, there's no way any photographer can avoid those cranes. See it for yourself.

And if you visit Barcelona, please please please, DO NOT even think about skipping Casa Battló under any circumstances. While the outer shots of the building is free (since the building is just by the road side), my advice is to go into the house, you won't regret the €16 entrance fee. Again, be early, else you'd end up with long queue at the ticket booth and hundreds of visitors in the house.

Gaudi definitely was trying to make the house 'round'. One can barely find any square joints in the house. Even the staircase is 'round' shaped (the handle fits into the shape of our palm, so comfortable), using the concept of water. With brilliant ventilation and light exposure, he made the house a living piece of art and yet perfectly functional.

Missed his other great works but then again, there must be some reasons for me to go back to Barcelona, isn't it? Gaudi o Gaudi, I wish you're still alive so I can see the completion of Sagrada Familia following your wish, maybe even more of your great buildings.

I took so many pictures but out of courtesy to the spirit of blogging, I decided to 'only' upload some here and put a bigger fraction of my trip pictures in facebook. You can check it out here: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=421954&id=1136537319&comments#/album.php?aid=22202&id=1136537319, only if you want :)