Muchas Gracias Espana!

Barcelona Waterfront

Spain might be the most impressive country i have visited thus far. Barcelona ( outside of its pickpocketing issues ) has everything you could ever ask for. You have a beautiful coast with a very accessible waterfront and rolling hills covered in buildings of all colors with countless vantage points. You have buildings designed by world renowned architects such as Jean Nouvel, Santiago Calatrava, Mies Van Der Rohe, and of course Gaudi's Sagrada Famiglia. Dishes such as paellas and tapas will please just about any appetite. At night, one can find a comfortable seat on the piers or enjoy the pleasant sounds of musicians with the city far below.

Torre De Calatrava

Our second day in Barcelona, Alice, Matt, Tom and i walked across the entire city twice. Our first stop was Gaudi's Sagrada Famiglia which has been a work in progress since 1892 and continues to be built using the same techniques as were used in the beginning of the construction. It is one of the most unique constructions i have ever seen in that it resembles a sandcastle in form and a skyscraper in scale. Other work from Gaudi can be seen throughout the city and in Parc Guell which sits in the beginning of the hills. Above is the Torre De Calatrava, which is visible throughout the entire city and was a signal of good things to come as our journey continued to Calatrava's hometown, Valencia.

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I can't begin to explain this image. The city of Valencia is tremendously lucky. In 1960, Turia Park was created by diverting the Turia River from its original course through the center of Valencia. This park is now home to several different playgrounds as well as 6 or so seperate Calatrava masterpieces. This includes museums, bridges, collonades, and other structures which are both literally and figuratively way over my head. These buildings and bridges are so foreign to my understanding yet so enthralling that i can hardly contain myself.. as a result i spent several hours lost in this insane architectural playground. I cant say enough good things about Valencia. I will however say that i almost got to spend an extra day there as we almost missed the trains and planes that would have taken us home. We did however make home safe and sound and are all the better for having spent every last minute soaking up the Spanish sun.