Gothic architecture, mas tapas, and making friends...

Hola,

Time is flying here in Barcelona, as we've tried to balance the sightseeing, with some more leisurely and spontaneous activities ie: strolling haphazardly through the windy, patchwork of streets, eating snacks here and there, enjoying some sangria on the beautiful beach etc. Anyway, though the majority of this trip seems to revolve around food and drink, we have seen some amazing art and architecture, some on purpose, and some randomly stumbled upon while exploring our surroundings. 

 While heading towards Gaudi's masterpiece "La Sagrada Familia", we ran into some awesome architecture (first 2 photos above)...Almost every corner you turn, there is a beautifully ornate lamp post, archway or gothic church, along with charming apartments with balconies, ancient looking doors, and beautiful apartment facades. When we finally reached "La Sagrada Familia", we took about 10 minutes just to stare in awe, as it is massive in structure, and unbelievable in vision. We had to go inside, which was also a breathtaking view of moderniste, or organic-style architecture, colorful mosaic everywhere you turn, and a ceiling that rivals the Sistine Chapel.

On our way back from Sagrada, we passed another Gaudi work: Casa Batllo (directly above). Though it was also a very intriguing structure, we decided against waiting in an hour long line to peek inside. Besides, we were getting hungry..."La Bodegueta"  provided a delicious snack of patatas bravas (potatoes fried in olive oil with spicy tomato sauce and aioli), goat cheese in olive oil, marinated olives, and tomato con tuna...The more we eat (and it's been quite a lot), the more I recognize that Spanish food is about simplicity, fresh ingredients, very good olive oil, and quick preparation, and did I mention very good olive oil? Food here just tastes fresher and brighter, and even the fried stuff doesn't leave you 

feeling sluggishly full. Anyway, I especially loved the goat cheese here, as it was super earthy and tangy with again, delicious spanish olive oil...The potatoes were also quite tasty, and although it seems to Americans like a breakfast dish, it is served as a tapas dish throughout the day and night. 

Back in our neighborhood, we decided to read a little at our favorite little wine bar "La Vinya del Senyor", in front of the beautiful Santa Maria del Mar Church. We didn't get a page of our books read, as like always at this bar, we made friends with 2 other travelers (who had bonded earlier by being the only 2 guys in their hotel bar secretly watching the Royal Wedding). A bottle of Cava and Rioja later, we bid farewell to (Rowan) who was headed back to South Africa, and made plans to meet Paul, a very proper and funny British writer and actor for drinks and dinner the next evening...More to come about that adventure!