Gaudi - architectural phenomenon

Antoni Gaudi is Barcelona.... Or Barcelona is Gaudi. It's like 100 years ago someone said to him, here's a lot of money, go design and build whatever you want... So he did, leaving undeniably creative and forward thinking architecture all over Barcelona for all to admire and marvel many years on.






La Sagrada Familia - the largest and oldest cathedral construction site in Barcelona - a work in progress for over 100 years, and will still be for many years to come.

When I first saw this building, I was like "yuck" but the more I explored and looked closely at the building, the more I came to appreciate the phenominal work.

Back of the cathedral:











Inside:























From the top:





Casa Mia, also known as La Pedera, inspired by the ocean:





My favourite casa, Casa Batllo (sounds like "Bayou", which is Creole), also inspired by ocean life and sometimes called the house of Bones:





And also, his "failed" attempt at a grand homestead, now a beautiful mosaic laden public park, Parc Guell:











View from the top, looking over Barcelona:

Dali theatre-museum

I'm not the biggest fan of his work but I love that people like Salvadore Dali have existed :)





It rains inside Dali's car....

Barcelona markets - 2 different views

Oh boy, it was a Catholic treat at these flea markets in Plaza St Jaume, Barcelona. All that was missing was a black Jesus. If only I was rich with a big suitcase, I would've bought so many bits and pieces for my wall of tackiness*. Grainy hipster photos will have to suffice.



Serious church pillaging has gone on in Spain:











Home made Saint relic, anyone?


Look at all these awesome looking cameras lined up:


Love me some creepy dollies:


On the other side of the coin, and the gothic quarter lies the pet markets on La Ramblas:


Tiny turtles.... Not legal in oz. Or surely Danye West would be breeding these.


I think this is a bandicoot. Or some sort of south American rat.



Something small, fury and stripey. Probably bites.


Ferrets, cheaper cousin of the mink. I saw a guy taking one for a walk past my house once, it was surreal.

*currently in storage

White whine #5: Street Performers

There's something wrong with me because I cannot stand those human statue street performers - they are EVERWHERE in Spain and it's not like they're doing anything. Maybe that's EXACTLY why I hate them.

Get a real job you talentless clowns.

Visual mediocrity at it's finest in Valencia

The jaw-droppingly magnificent "Ciudad de las artesian y las ciencias" aka arts & science complex in Valencia - this is a true visual mediocrity feast as I cannot describe how big or fantastic these buildings are with my photos. Must be seen to be believed and appreciated! And no, you can't swim there. Bummer.

This tall thing is meant to look like a sail:






I did a true fb style self portrait here & the following conversation took place:
Dirty Sanchez* - Do you want me to take that photo for you?
Me - No
Dirty Sanchez - Why not?
Me - I don't want you to touch my stuff






The Heaven's Gate cult space ship, waiting to take it's people home:



*Dirty Sanchez - person I was with, last name Sanchez. Surprisingly, I only called him that in my mind. I must be getting soft.

Granada

I was in Granada last week super briefly to visit the famous Al'hambra, a moors palace. It was amazing.

















One night I climbed a hill opposite to view the Al'hambra at Sunset as it supposedly changes colour. I don't think it did but also we were too busy stuffing our faces with delicious jamon e queso e vino tinto.





My favourite street art in Granada: