Oh my Gaudí!

Oh my Gaudí!

Studying Abroad in Europe has proven to be one of the best decisions that I have ever made. I’ve travelled all over the place, and so far, I’ve visited nine different countries with a few more left on my list. It’s hard to say which is my favorite yet since they all are so diverse and vibrant in their own individual ways. But I will say, no place that I’ve been to so far has been anything like Barcelona, Spain.

Barcelona exuded warmth, color, joy, and vitality. As soon as we stepped off the plane, all ten of us that came celebrated the warm sunshine and fresh ocean air. We made our way to our Air BnB apartment, which to our surprise was actually the penthouse of a new apartment complex. Our temporary residence was located in the suburb of Sant Adrià de Besòs, adjacent to metropolitan Barcelona, which was a short subway ride away. Situated on the 8th floor, we had a stunning view overlooking the city, and could easily see the ocean, skyscrapers, and the foothills of the Serra de Collserola Mountains upon which the city climbs. As if this wasn’t enough, Barcelona is home to some of the most impressive architecture in Europe, with notable architect Antoni Gaudí’s being the most captivating.

Gaudí was ahead of his time. He created some of the most exuberant projects that the architectural world has ever seen, and we feasted our eyes upon several of his projects, including the Sagrada Familia, Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, Parc Güell, and the Cascada Fountain at Parc de la Ciutadella. All were indescribable, and the pictures that I’ve included just can’t do them justice. This is because Gaudi’s works, more than any other architect that I’ve encountered, seem to radiate energy, and encountering one his works evokes a variety of emotions from its viewers.

La Sagrada Familia is easily the most extraordinary and divine church (and perhaps building) that I have ever set foot in. Upon entry one can feel their spirit soar up to the heavens and assimilate with the world around it, just as the columns that support the grandiose ceiling above do. Everything in this building was designed for a specific reason, from the number of towers to the colors shining through the vivid stained-glass windows, the dimensions of the space to the abstractions inside and out. Each of us had our own unique experience with this place and were captivated by its majesty.

Due to time constraints, each of us had to choose how to divide the rest of our time viewing Gaudi’s beautiful works. Some decided to tour Casa Batlló, while others made the hike up the foothills of the Serra de Collserola to view Parc Güell. All of us were blown away by the Facades of Casa Milà, and the Cascada Fountain was a pleasant ending to a beautiful day touring Barcelona’s famous Gothic Quarter.

Barcelona had many other attractions that we visited as well, but it’s hard to compare them to the magnificence of Gaudi. We visited the historic market, where we experimented with local cuisines, and became versed in bartering. We viewed the lightshow at Barcelona’s “Magic Fountain” which is situated at the head of Avinguda Maria Cristina below Palau Nacional on the Montjuïc mountain, which wowed all and inspired some festive dancing. Last but not least, we spent a day at the beach, where we soaked up the sun and realized that the Spaniards are very confident in their physiques (while heading to the Playa de la Mar Bella we stumbled upon the nude beach and THAT was a culture shock!🤣)

All in all, I think I fell in love with Barcelona this weekend. The local culture, food, and lifestyle was very charming, and a part of me didn’t ever want to leave. And I must say, oh my Gaudi, the architecture was beyond my wildest expectations.