February 24, 2014 by Caroline Leland
Barcelona
Brooke told me about a UNC guy studying in Barcelona this semester whose first Facebook album of the experience is titled “BARS-elona.” Clever, huh? I’m getting really sick of the “Party in Europe” study abroad stereotype. I realize that’s how many people feel they can maximize their time here (with a run-on stream of wild nights they barely remember and mornings they slept through?). Every weekend I feel the pressure to do that, too. But I simply have different values. My kind of fun is waking up early with lots of energy and without a hint of a hangover so that I can walk for miles through one of the world’s most vibrant and beautiful cities. And not one tiny bit of me feels like I’m doing it wrong.
So anyway, I visited Barcelona this weekend. It’s potentially my favorite city so far.
 |
| Casa Batlló, one of the most famous masterpieces of Barcelona’s most famous architect (Antoni Gaudí) |
 |
| one of his more tame rooms |
 |
| mosaic motif |
 |
| love the colors |
 |
| rooftop |
 |
| dragon spine roof |
 |
| first course to our fantastic 3pm lunch |
 |
| We couldn’t bring ourselves to eat the ones with faces. |
 |
| la Sagrada Familia, Gaudí’s spectacularly designed cathedral |
 |
| worship the light |
 |
| Sagrada Familia exterior |
 |
| poor turtle |
 |
| The building is still under construction almost 200 years later. |
 |
| A fun band playing for loose change in Parque Guell, which was also designed by Gaudí. |
 |
| a very fun band |
 |
| and then we found the boys! |
 |
| the sea is just a wetter version of the skies |
 |
| so lovely |
 |
| last one i promise |
 |
| love her |
 |
| seductively drinking sangría |
 |
| and then there was a magic fountain… |
 |
| …that sang and danced… |
 |
| …for hours on end. |
 |
| We went to see it both nights. |
 |
| This one is for you, Dad. |
 |
| Palau de la Música Catalana |
 |
| never could get tired of Barcelona’s mosaics. |
 |
| and this stained glass window was incredible. |
 |
| best for last. |
Griffin - February 24, 2014 @ 7:41 pm
Caroline, I am continuing to enjoy your blog so much! I especially liked the photo just for your Dad!
Enjoy!
Love,
Aunt Brenda