home ideas: Adventures in Barcelona: Part One

Monday, July 12, 2010

Adventures in Barcelona: Part One

{Fabian and I atop the steps of the Museo Nacional d’Arte de Catalunya on Montjuic}

We had the most amazing time in Barcelona. I would have to say that this magical city has worked it’s way to the top of my list of favorite places. It is a beautiful place filled with extraordinary art and architecture. It has a storied past and a promising future. It is a place where you can enjoy mountain top views and thirty minutes later, relax on the beach. You can gaze at Gaudi’s Modernista architecture in the morning, and then wander through the medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter in the afternoon. Barcelona is as beautiful as any city could be, but the vibe there is very laid-back. Even in the most upscale areas, there isn’t an air of snobbery. The food is amazing just about anywhere you go and the people are both beautiful and kind. All in all, Barcelona is magical. I was so inspired while we were there, that must admit, coming home proved to be a little depressing for me. I cannot wait to go back and explore more of Barcelona’s treasures.

{We took about 1,500 pictures during our week-long stay. I won’t be able to share them all with you, but I will do a couple of posts showing you the highlights from our trip, including a meeting with one of my design idols.}

{The Cupola of the MNAC Museum on Montjuic}

{Barcelona is part of Spain’s Catalonia identity. The people have a very strong regional pride and consider themselves not Spanish, but Catalán, which also happens to be the name of their language.}

{Gorgeous Produce at La Boquería Market}

{¡Jamón! I must admit, I am not a huge fan of Spanish ham and prefer Italian prosciutto. Most foodies prefer the Spanish stuff, though!}

{Yummy Seafood at La Boquería}

{This food stall had all types of exotic eggs.}

{Snails}

{The Craziness of La Rambla, which I would equate to Times Square. They are two completely different places, but alike in the fact that they are a nerve center for tourists and pickpockets.}

{A Gorgeous Building in the Eixample, the area in which we stayed}

{One of Gaudí’s Many Architectural Treasures, Casa Batlló}

{Modernista Architecture on the Passeig de Gracia}

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{Gaudí’s La Pedrera}

{La Pedrera}

{Another Modernista Building in the Eixample}

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{Buildings in the Beautiful Eixample District}

{Fabian and I at Gaudí’s Masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia}

{The Sagrada Familia has been under construction since the late 1800s. Since the beginning it has been funded completely through public donations. It is estimated that it could be completed within the next 30 years.}