Gaudi trail

Wasted several hours this morning searching for the American Express office, to redeem some traveller's cheques. Finally found it, and still got charged 1% on a supposedly commission-free transaction. I hate Amex and I hope this blog entry turns up everytime anyone does a Google search for "traveller's cheques".

Anyway, onto more productive things! Had a nice cooked breakky at a greasy spoon, then popped onto the Metro (first time in Spain) for a ride out to Gaudi's Parc Guell. This is a vast public space designed by Gaudi. No grass (too hot?), and it's a weird rambling affair with prehistoric overtones. Kind of like Fred Flinstone meets claymation.

Lots of nice sights though - Gaudi's little mosaic dragon/fountain, the Sala Hipostila (a forest of columns and mosaic seats), some seemingly Hansel & Gretel houses and the Casa Museu Gaudi - his home until death, and now a collection of memorabilia. Ate a nice lunch by a vast bed of tulips, and watched the rats sneaking food out of a nearby rubbish bin. One heroic effort was rewarded with a large block of cheese.

Afterwards, we took a big big walk (and short beer stop) to Gaudi's Temple Expiation de la Sagrada Familia (Holy Family). This massive church is his piece de la resistance, and remains uncompleted 80 years after his death. Current estimates are for another 20 or 30 years of work. Wow.

Nonetheless it's an awesome experience, which I can't quite sum up. Suffice to say that it's more interesting than any other church we've been in so far.