18 Tuesday Dec 2012
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To complete our tour of Gaudi sights in Barcelona, Mr. Selfish and I visited Güell Park. The park was built in the years 1900-14. It was one of Gaudi’s earlier works and is not as out there as the other sights we visited. Nevertheless, it is a very enjoyable park.
The entrance contains the iconic mosaic salamander, and the main terrace is designed like a sea serpent.
17 Monday Dec 2012
Mr. Selfish and I went to La Sagrada Família with little to no expectations, but we were blown away by its magnificence.
La Sagrada Família is a basilica, on which Gaudi began working in 1883. When Gaudi died in 1926, less than a quarter of the basilica had been completed. In 2010, construction passed its midway point, and the Sagrada was consecrated as a minor basilica by the Pope. It is anticipated that the Sagrada will be completed in 2026 – the centennial of Gaudí’s death.
The day that we visited the Sagrada was beautiful and sunny. We saw the front and the sculptures adorning that area in full sunlight. It was spectacular.
16 Sunday Dec 2012
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Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona, Casa Batllo, Casa Mila, Gaudi, La Pedrera, Spain
Mr. Selfish and I really enjoyed Casa Milà, so we decided to go to Casa Batlló as well. It is another apartment building that was remodeled by Gaudi from 1904-06. Although Casa Batlló was a bit flashier, we enjoyed the views from Casa Milà more.
15 Saturday Dec 2012
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Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona, Casa Batllo, Casa Mila, Gaudi, La Pedrera, Spain
Mr. Selfish and I spent the week of Thanksgiving in Barcelona. We stayed in a lovely apartment with his parents and his sister. It was nice to have some family time during our selfish year.
Barcelona is known for its Gaudi architecture. I found it interesting that Antoni Gaudi died from his injuries from a tram accident. He was dressed like a bum and no one recognized him at the hospital until it was too late. Gaudi was certainly a character, and his architecture showed his crazy way of thinking.
My favorite work of Gaudi is Casa Milà (better known as La Pedrera). It is an apartment building that was built from 1905-1910 and was designed for a married couple – the Milàs. It was innovative since the façade is self-supporting and an underground car garage was built. I particularly liked the wrought iron decoration of the balconies and windows.
The Selfish Years 