The Black Virgin – full camera zoom

The trip back from Montserrat was rough. It was very hot in the valley and since the trains back to Barcelona are limited (leaving every hour) they are very full. We had to stand (not a big deal), but the train was as full as a subway train during rush hour.  Plus the air conditioning on the train wasn’t sufficient — we were dripping.

If you are spending a few days in Barcelona I would recommend visiting this great little mountain town. It allows you to get out of the City and in the summer you’ll love the temperature change at this altitude.

Have you been to visit the Black Virgin?  When you have a choice of a cable car or a funicular, what would you choose?  How do you beat the summer heat in Barcelona?

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The most famous item to come from International Exposition in Barcelona?  A lovely chair, designed by Mies himself — the Barcelona Chair. This was the one piece of furniture designed to be placed in the German Pavilion.  I love this chair.

The stunning Barcelona Chair

When you think of Barcelona and Architecture, who do you think of? Mies or Gaudi?  Do you prefer the ornate work of Gaudi or the sleek modern design of Mies?

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I love #architecture.  When one thinks of architecture and Barcelona you probably think of Antoni Gaudi.  Probably his most famous work is the Catalan Modernist Catholic Church – La Sagrada Familia. I first saw this church in person one cold rainy day in March of 1996 – spring break of my Junior year in High School.  I knew nothing of architecture (but I knew what I liked — and I didn’t like this).  This trip in 1996 was my first travel abroad experience and I was really focused on Renaissance art and architecture.

Much work has been done on La Sagrada Familia since my first visit, but much more is required to complete, what would be Gaudi’s crowning achievement.

Just a few blocks from La Sagrada Familia is what was built as a private residence, Casa Mila. Built in the early 1900s for a married couple whose fortune came from the Americas (well, her first husband made the fortune, but after his death, her second husband help spend it).

The rooftop allowed for beautiful views of the surrounding area.  Despite being in the middle of a bustling City on a very busy road, the private outdoor spaces were surprisingly quiet and relaxing (except for the dozens of tourists walking around the space).

One of Gaudi’s more grand plans was a housing development (think of it as subdivision with very nice homes).  Unfortunately this project really didn’t take off. Two homes were built (ironically, neither designed by Gaudi), but not enough to make this community viable.  Barcelona then converted this space on top of the hill into a City Park.  It is arid with limited vegetation but is high above the (what use to be the factory smoke polluted) City and the sea breeze cools off the park in the balmy summer months.

Mike enjoying a rest in the Park

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