Jamie thinks we need to update our blog, but Andy says it hasn't even been a year yet...haha, we'll see how far we get :)
After Andy's ueber-awesome dissertation defense--since we were in the "neighborhood"--we flew down to Spain for a week. We have learned that despite any efforts to assimilate into the European culture, we are very different. Our wonderful European friends travel to relax (i.e., go ONE place and STAY there - at least 1-2 full weeks. Period.). We, on the other hand, are like children who have won a shopping spree in a candy shoppe: MUST TRY EVERY FLAVOR BEFORE TIME IS UP!! -and must wait until our return home to relax (and recover). I'm not sure which method is better...I'm inclined to think a combo might be best; I'd like to try it sometime anyway ;)
ANYWAY, the "candy shoppe" mentality is how we came to see ALL of Spain in one week. Eight cities in seven days. We rented a car in Barcelona, and ended in Malaga. It was fast, but absolutely incredible. The following posts document that week in Spain (and we hope we convince YOU to come with us next time..!).
16 March - Barcelona
La Sagrada Familia
This is a cathedral designed by Gaudi, begun just over 100 years ago (construction still in progress). I think it is my absolute favorite catholic cathedral. Gaudi's designs were inspired by study of nature's intricate patterns and building them into architecture. The result is balanced, unique, and stunning.
La Pedrera
More Gaudi architecture
(there are NO straight lines in this entire building!)
Casa Batilo (on right)
Arc de Trionf
Just past the Arc in the park.
Too bad the boys had both just fallen asleep in the stroller (finally!).
Roman aqueduct leading into the old city gate next to Cathedral
Barcelona Cathedral
3 comments:
You've inspired me to want to go to Spain---mostly to see that first Cathedral. I LOVE Cathedrals! We got to see the Cathedral in Cologne (ahem, Koln) in March and it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. No joke. I'm sure you can appreciate them even more though, since you were once an aspiring architect! I really hope that when Ry finishes his PhD (that he just started at VA Tech) we end up in Europe for a few years!
Amazing!!!! And we share your mentality. In Australia we would meet people (usually Canadian) who were there for 3 months but only visited like 3 cities. I think it is because those countries get more vacation. With our limited American vacation you have to cram as much into them as you can.
M+M: It's DEFINITELY the AMERICAN way! Hoping we can do Australia sometime too (super jealous)(is it on your blog?) And Vicky: the Koln cathedral is in a class of its own - the best of all Gothic. So glad you got there. Sagrada Familia is probably the only church to ever trump it for us.
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