Barcelona - 21 September 2011 (2)

Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia

Then I had my crazy idea for the trip and decided that the Sagrada Familia did not look that far away on the map and we could walk it.  We just needed to keep heading right and then left, one block at a time and we would find it.  We walked slowly, looking for the parrots which we could hear overhead and taking frequent rest stops whenever there was a seat.  By the time we hit some streets which were named on my map, we were nearer to our target than I had expected, almost being at Tetuan Square.

Sagrada Familia

Elevator on Sagrada Familia

We mostly succeeded in keeping out of the sun as the buildings cast shadows over the pavements and there were several tree lined avenues and squares.  This was definitely not the tourist area and, although there were cafés on every street, they didn’t seem welcoming. 

As we were crossing the Diagonal, a main street which lies diagonally to the main grid, we were very relieved to see the unmistakeable spires of the cathedral rising above the buildings.  We only had two more blocks to negotiate.  Just before the cathedral and back in the tourist zone, we found a decent café and went in for a much deserved and appreciated ice-cream.

Crane beside Sagrada Familia

Cranes by Sagrada Familia

Gaudi’s famous Sagrada Familia is known both for being decidedly original in design and for being unfinished.  It did not disappoint.  There seemed to be a lot of building going on.  The cranes were very active, swinging this way and that and lowering things in place.  Men were going up and down in the lifts and we happily took photos.  We didn’t go inside, but looked at the outside for a considerable time.

Sagrada Familia

When we had finally had our fill, I decided to be nice to my mum and try getting back on the Metro.  I got a T-10 ticket for €8.25, which the guide book said gave 10 rides and could be used by more than one person.  It was quite complicated getting to the correct Metro line, and involved walking along a platform, climbing stairs at the end walking a bit and then going back down to another platform.  Our first two rides were back to the Passeig de Gracia, where we emerged just down from our favourite bar where we had two freshly squeezed orange juices.

As we walked back to the hotel, we finally got good views of a parrot.  It was in the trees on the Plaça de Catalunya.  We called into the hotel for a brief rest and recovery and then headed off to eat.