There is an unspoken verve in Barcelona, life is meant to be lived, whether it’s the flamenco music, the whimsical architecture of Gaudi,
the superb restaurants, the fantastic waterfront, the treasured moments of sipping
coffee in a cafe; the magic transcends the mundane.
This was not my first visit to Barcelona, but this time I
had a chance to see Barcelona’s Medieval Gothic Quarter, something I missed the
last couple of times I was there. The
old part of town is in huge contrast to the stunning architecture in the
‘modern’ Barcelona, where Antoni Gaudi reigns supreme. There has been no one
before him and certainly not anyone since this remarkable man, whose imagination
and creativity knew no bounds. Can you tell I love with his work? I do, I
really do.
I was there four years ago, and spent three days visiting
Gaudi’s work, from la Pedrera, to Casa Batllo, Park Guell, and of course La
Sagrada Familia. His work is unique, and exceeds any expectation of routine, normal, it rises
above all. Since my last visit, considerable work has been done to the interior
and exterior of the Basilica. It is one
of the most fascinating, innovative pieces of architecture ever attempted, a
true marvel. Gaudi’s work is beyond whimsy.
Gaudi died before he could complete it, and there is
considerable pressure to finish it by 2026, the 100th anniversary of
his death. The Basilica must be seen to
be believed.
It is safe to say that Barcelona is a city filled with
creative modern architecture, but the old is well preserved and nurtured. La
Rambla, a uniquely Spanish paseo, a street lined with trees, a pavement set in
blocks that resemble a wave, and street entertainers, along with souvenir
shops, restaurants and café, give locals and tourists alike a fun filled time.
The Paseo de Gracias compares favorably to 5th
Ave, in NY, or the Champs Elysee in Paris, and you can visit La Pedrera and
Casa Batllo, two of the most well known Gaudi buildings in Barcelona are on the
famous avenue.
After the visit to the Basilica, I spent the day wondering
on la Rambla, where strolling along the avenue is an agreeable way to spend
time, of course there are shops, cafes, street entertainment, and the greatest
market of all. The Boqueria is wondrous; you can find anything from fresh fish
to fresh figs and anything in between, including food stands and restaurants. I
stopped for a drink made with mango and passion fruit, along with a cornmeal
concoction that was amazingly tasty, also a bread, cheese and potato roll, to
finish the meal some glazed assorted nuts, then a stop in a nearby café for
café con leche.
If you ever visit Barcelona, one of the required stops
should be the Boqueria. Barcelona as a whole is a vital and vibrant city, and
has something for everyone, from museums, to theatre, to couture shopping, and
everything in between.
I think it is the perfect setting for a honeymoon for Peter
and Minola, and I hope this visit has inspired me to actually finish A Hotel in
Barcelona.
Happy travels, wherever they may take you.
Cheers,
Margot
Justes
Blood Art
A Fire Within
A Hotel in Paris
A Hotel in Bath
A Hotel in Venice
www.mjustes.com
