Ponte Guapa, Barcelona.

Barcelona, modern and bustling with activity was a fun change from the slower and more traditional Medditeranean lifestyle of Andalusia (the way it is developed reminded me more of the US than anywhere else I've visited in spain). Barcelona is a city in the autonomy of Catalunya, a region so notably different from the rest of Spain that it fights to be recognized as a completely separate country. Their language, Catalunyan, is another major factor that distinguishes this region, and although somewhat similar to Castillian Spanish, is remarkably difficult (for me) to understand! Cataluynan pride was very evident here. . .

Toss your belongings in the middle of the circle,
and join the "Sardana", where everyone gathers
every Sunday at 12:00 to DANCE!

Catalunyan (but-not-Catalunyan) Pride

Confession. Before Spain, Gaudi could have been Greco could have been Goya. My art knowledge, along with my ability to cross stitch was long lost after homeschool. But after the visit to Barcelona, I'm addicted to Gaudi. His art work evokes a surreal, fairytale like feeling, stepping into a different world where structure and style push limits: buildings melt like ice cream, hallways look more like caverns, and rooftops undulate against the clouds. Gaudi's artwork is ostentatious, and its seems like it should almost be illegal against the background of the standard classical architecture of the 1800s.

"My client is in no hurry,"
-Gaudi on building La Sagrada Familia. . .for God

Rooftop of la Pedrera (" the quarry")

Gaudi's nature-inspired work:

Railing, Carob


Tunnel, Waves. . .



. . . And of course, like many great artists, mushrooms.

Of Course.

Highlights of the trip were jumping into Sardana, the traditional Catalunyan pride dance that takes place in the square every Sunday, free tapas at Irati, and spending the last night with a group of Greek Erasmus students .

As they say it in Barca, Adeiu!