Gotta Love Gaudi

 So here is the mandatory Gaudi tribute blog... 

but you have to love a city that embraced such radical designs... this was the late 1800's after all! There is a wonderful connectivity between Gaudi's key buildings in Barcelona, many of which are visible from the other. Yesterday I did the mountainous trek to Park Guell. I kid you not, these streets make San Francisco look like a salt pan. The architecture was amazing and the park really came to life with Afro-Cuban bands (will try and load some video links).  

Then today was Palace Guell with its famous sloping rooftop and mosaic chimneys.  Formerly a brothel, this building felt incredibly spacious and palatial, even though its only 500msq.  I really enjoyed this space with its attention to detail.  Even the twists in the wrought iron casings at the entrance are made so you can see out but people cant see in, brilliant!. The roof was a little freaky (putting you off balance) but the view to La Familia Sagrida (Gaudi's famous cathedral project, still being built) was impressive. Ultimately Gaudi had a falling out with Guell, his patron and building(s) owner.  The last building he designed for Guell has some interesting features evidencing their acrimony -- including Gaudi's hommage to Guell, which incorporates into the external design a  bird  famous for building nests out of its own poo. Gotta love 19thC building disputes! xx B