Thursday, October 5, 2018 - Barcelona, Barcelona and Sail Away,
At 9:45 a.m., Carlos (driver) arrived at the hotel and we awaited the arrival of Natalia who would be my guide, primarily of Gaudi treasures. We soon were off driving through the crowded streets of Barcelona, dodging buses, trucks, scooters and pedestrians. Driving in this city is a constant occasion for prayer!! Can't believe how closely vehicles press together to eke out the least little space that will get them closer to their chosen destinations. Amazing that there are not more accidents - actually didn't see any.
Still pretty tired and not sleeping at the right hours, so my energy level is low. Decided to only study the facades of several Gaudi buildings, and that from the comfort of the car. However, would walk the Sagrada di Familia and Park Guell (pronounced "guay").
The city is very crowded with tourists. There are three HUGE cruise ships in port, those that carry 3,000 passengers, plus! That's a lot of people walking around!!
The beautiful cathedral of Antoni Gaudi is a miracle. You can find all of the pertinent data if you google it, so I will tell you that from the perspective of the ordinary person, the cathedral evokes the wonder and majesty of the spirit, both in heaven and on earth. It beckons one to pray and to rejoice in the wonder of the extraordinary gifts bestowed by God upon rare humans such as Gaudi. Some would call it folly, but it appeals to me in so many ways, guess I could be a little crazy!
Gaudi's use of stained glass (very modern and colorful) becomes vehicle for colored stains on the stone walls as the sun shines through and creates a veritable wonderland of soft color.
Yet again, many of the windows have the pattern of stained glass, but remain uncolored. The contrast is incredible! Ceilings in the Sagrada are so high as to hurt one's neck. We all craned to get our eyes up to the topmost design. Gaudi's structural designs came from his love of nature. The many columns in the church resemble trees, with their branches reaching out to hold up the ceiling. From some vantage points it evokes a forest.
The four main columns in the center of the church are dedicated to the four apostles - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John (did I get that right?). Over the altar is a canopy from which floats Christ on the crucifix.
Am not certain how parts of the ceiling were created, but I thought of fine lace - another contrast to the huge, stark columns. The color is a pink gold - oh my goodness - the whole of it is beyond my ability to describe.
Half way up toward the ceiling are accommodations for a one-thousand person choir. The sound must be glorious!
The last time in Barcelona, I remember Adolfo and I touring the inside of the church and walking on narrow temporary walkways through the construction. It was difficult to imagine what would result just 15 years later. Though I could go on, believe if possible, would like to come back in ten years to see this again. There is still much work being done and the finish date is projected to be in 2026. Meanwhile the huge construction cranes hover over the creation, moving slowly back and forth with purpose.
During Pope Benedict's time, he did come to the Sagrada to consecrate the church. Right now there are no Sunday Masses, but only an occasional special celebration on Easter, Christmas, etc.
Beautiful bronze doors at one of the church entrances (photo on left below) and above on the facade are depictions of the Stations of the Cross.
Another difference from our last visit would be that there is now no admission without payment at the gate. Last time is was free. There is much construction going on. Looks like they are doing their best to preserve this special place. Believe it has been given a UNESCO Heritage designation.
After the Sagrada, we drove to Park Guell. This park was created to be a place where the wealthy of Barcelona would have homes in a park-like setting. For many reasons, this plan did not come to fruition. The entrance to the park has colorful buildings and a stairway that only Gaudi could have created. For me it's like an adult Disneyland, without the rides. So pretty - perhaps the houses could be compared to gingerbread houses - well sort of . . . much is created with broken chards of china and pottery in a haphazard mosaic fashion. How did Gaudi come up with the combinations! How interesting it would have been to be in his mind.
My tour was to last four hours, but by the beginning of the fourth hour, I was done. Took us about 30 minutes to get back to the hotel. Had a light lunch and a short nap which turned into 3 hours.
Would I have the energy to meet my travel agent and go out for a tapas crawl late in the evening? We'll see.
Note: I did ask Natalia if anyone had ever counted the plein trees in Barcelona. She said that there were over 300,000!!!
At 6:30, went down to the lounge and had a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, then a second glass. By now it was 7:30. My bed was sounding better than tapas, so ordered a cheese plate.
In the lounge there were three young men who were at times, loud, morose, sweet - you name it - every emotion was on display. I was aware from the periphery while reading. Then there were goodbyes, two left the lounge leaving the third alone and I forgot about him. At 8:15, decided to call it a night and went to the bar to settle my bill. There was the third fellow sitting on a bar stool - still drinking. Our conversation went something like this:
He: Hello, you're amazing, where are you from, you're amazing.
Me: San Francisco
He: Love San Francisco - I'm gay and don't have a boyfriend.
Me: I'm straight and don't have a boyfriend, either.
He: Please let me buy you a . . . (he held up a tequila shot).
Me: No, thank you, if I have one of those, I won't make it to the elevator.
With that I signed my bill and wished him a good night - chortling all the way to my room. As I left I heard once again how "amazing" I was!
Apparently, I'd just missed Eric, who came down to do the tapas crawl just 15 minutes after I'd returned to my room. Oh well, another time.
Saturday, October 6, 2018.
Today I board the Seabourn Encore. Am excited to be on this ship, one of the two largest in the Seabourn fleet, though I believe there are only 750 passengers.
Took a short walk this morning and found a wonderful sweet shop - just looked!
Received a telephone call from Eric who suggested that when I check out, I go directly to the marina. Boarding of the ship would probably begin at 12:30. So, checked out, ordered a cab, and as I waited for it, there was Eric. Adolfo and I'd done business with Eric Goldring for 15 years and had never met him. He business was originally out of New Jersey and he was recommended as a Seabourn expert. We were always pleased with what he could do for us, so have remained with him. Two years ago, he moved his business to Truckee, California. We shared a cab to the marina and the adventure began.
This ship is very beautiful - quite elegant. Getting around is pretty easy because although different, the planning of the ship is much like the footprint of the Odyssey class ships - just larger shops, spa, and more dining venues.
Had a few moments of unease because the two suitcases that had been picked up at home two weeks ago were not in evidence. Only had the one case with casual clothes that I'd brought along with me. Had an invite to dine with the two cruises directors, but couldn't say "yes" 'cause I had no appropriate clothing! At a little after 6:00 the cases arrived in my suite - thank goodness! And, did have a very nice dinner with Chelsea and Henry, and two other men traveling alone. It's nice that they try to put people together who don't have a partner along with them. We had a lively discussion at table, lots of laughter, and the food was wonderful. Enjoyed the Thomas Keller choices - so delicious. Will talk about food further in this journal.
Still pretty tired and not sleeping at the right hours, so my energy level is low. Decided to only study the facades of several Gaudi buildings, and that from the comfort of the car. However, would walk the Sagrada di Familia and Park Guell (pronounced "guay").
The city is very crowded with tourists. There are three HUGE cruise ships in port, those that carry 3,000 passengers, plus! That's a lot of people walking around!!
The beautiful cathedral of Antoni Gaudi is a miracle. You can find all of the pertinent data if you google it, so I will tell you that from the perspective of the ordinary person, the cathedral evokes the wonder and majesty of the spirit, both in heaven and on earth. It beckons one to pray and to rejoice in the wonder of the extraordinary gifts bestowed by God upon rare humans such as Gaudi. Some would call it folly, but it appeals to me in so many ways, guess I could be a little crazy!
Gaudi's use of stained glass (very modern and colorful) becomes vehicle for colored stains on the stone walls as the sun shines through and creates a veritable wonderland of soft color.
Yet again, many of the windows have the pattern of stained glass, but remain uncolored. The contrast is incredible! Ceilings in the Sagrada are so high as to hurt one's neck. We all craned to get our eyes up to the topmost design. Gaudi's structural designs came from his love of nature. The many columns in the church resemble trees, with their branches reaching out to hold up the ceiling. From some vantage points it evokes a forest.
The four main columns in the center of the church are dedicated to the four apostles - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John (did I get that right?). Over the altar is a canopy from which floats Christ on the crucifix.
Am not certain how parts of the ceiling were created, but I thought of fine lace - another contrast to the huge, stark columns. The color is a pink gold - oh my goodness - the whole of it is beyond my ability to describe.
Half way up toward the ceiling are accommodations for a one-thousand person choir. The sound must be glorious!
The last time in Barcelona, I remember Adolfo and I touring the inside of the church and walking on narrow temporary walkways through the construction. It was difficult to imagine what would result just 15 years later. Though I could go on, believe if possible, would like to come back in ten years to see this again. There is still much work being done and the finish date is projected to be in 2026. Meanwhile the huge construction cranes hover over the creation, moving slowly back and forth with purpose.
During Pope Benedict's time, he did come to the Sagrada to consecrate the church. Right now there are no Sunday Masses, but only an occasional special celebration on Easter, Christmas, etc.
Beautiful bronze doors at one of the church entrances (photo on left below) and above on the facade are depictions of the Stations of the Cross.
Another difference from our last visit would be that there is now no admission without payment at the gate. Last time is was free. There is much construction going on. Looks like they are doing their best to preserve this special place. Believe it has been given a UNESCO Heritage designation.
After the Sagrada, we drove to Park Guell. This park was created to be a place where the wealthy of Barcelona would have homes in a park-like setting. For many reasons, this plan did not come to fruition. The entrance to the park has colorful buildings and a stairway that only Gaudi could have created. For me it's like an adult Disneyland, without the rides. So pretty - perhaps the houses could be compared to gingerbread houses - well sort of . . . much is created with broken chards of china and pottery in a haphazard mosaic fashion. How did Gaudi come up with the combinations! How interesting it would have been to be in his mind.
Would I have the energy to meet my travel agent and go out for a tapas crawl late in the evening? We'll see.
Note: I did ask Natalia if anyone had ever counted the plein trees in Barcelona. She said that there were over 300,000!!!
At 6:30, went down to the lounge and had a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, then a second glass. By now it was 7:30. My bed was sounding better than tapas, so ordered a cheese plate.
In the lounge there were three young men who were at times, loud, morose, sweet - you name it - every emotion was on display. I was aware from the periphery while reading. Then there were goodbyes, two left the lounge leaving the third alone and I forgot about him. At 8:15, decided to call it a night and went to the bar to settle my bill. There was the third fellow sitting on a bar stool - still drinking. Our conversation went something like this:
He: Hello, you're amazing, where are you from, you're amazing.
Me: San Francisco
He: Love San Francisco - I'm gay and don't have a boyfriend.
Me: I'm straight and don't have a boyfriend, either.
He: Please let me buy you a . . . (he held up a tequila shot).
Me: No, thank you, if I have one of those, I won't make it to the elevator.
With that I signed my bill and wished him a good night - chortling all the way to my room. As I left I heard once again how "amazing" I was!
Apparently, I'd just missed Eric, who came down to do the tapas crawl just 15 minutes after I'd returned to my room. Oh well, another time.
Saturday, October 6, 2018.
Today I board the Seabourn Encore. Am excited to be on this ship, one of the two largest in the Seabourn fleet, though I believe there are only 750 passengers.
Took a short walk this morning and found a wonderful sweet shop - just looked!
Received a telephone call from Eric who suggested that when I check out, I go directly to the marina. Boarding of the ship would probably begin at 12:30. So, checked out, ordered a cab, and as I waited for it, there was Eric. Adolfo and I'd done business with Eric Goldring for 15 years and had never met him. He business was originally out of New Jersey and he was recommended as a Seabourn expert. We were always pleased with what he could do for us, so have remained with him. Two years ago, he moved his business to Truckee, California. We shared a cab to the marina and the adventure began.
This ship is very beautiful - quite elegant. Getting around is pretty easy because although different, the planning of the ship is much like the footprint of the Odyssey class ships - just larger shops, spa, and more dining venues.
Had a few moments of unease because the two suitcases that had been picked up at home two weeks ago were not in evidence. Only had the one case with casual clothes that I'd brought along with me. Had an invite to dine with the two cruises directors, but couldn't say "yes" 'cause I had no appropriate clothing! At a little after 6:00 the cases arrived in my suite - thank goodness! And, did have a very nice dinner with Chelsea and Henry, and two other men traveling alone. It's nice that they try to put people together who don't have a partner along with them. We had a lively discussion at table, lots of laughter, and the food was wonderful. Enjoyed the Thomas Keller choices - so delicious. Will talk about food further in this journal.
Hope your sailing is, um .... amazing!
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