Spain: Barcelona

We got up, had an early breakfast and were back on the bus and on our way to Barcelona.  The countryside was greener and had more vineyards and tree fruit orchards than the drive a few days ago. 

The mountains on the border with France

As we carried on into the rush of urban traffic, we were slowed by an accident, adding time pressure to get to the rehearsal on time. We got to the stopping place and as we were getting off the bus, one of the choir members stumbled and fell.  Some other non-singers stayed back with her while Kate, our concierge, led us on to the Sagrada Familia.  We were walking along and then, suddenly, there it was, Sagrada Familia, right before our eyes.  Although we had to hurry along, it was hard not to stop and take pictures. 

The choir would be singing in the Crypt of the cathedral the day after tomorrow, but today was the only chance to rehearse.  It was an incredibly beautiful space.  

(Meanwhile Kate returned to tend to the injured choir member who was taken to the hospital with a broken hip. She had surgery a few days later and then was able to return home some ten days after that.) 

After rehearsal there was some time to have lunch and explore the area around the Sagrada Familia. Dave and I had tapas with Ron and Marilyn and then spent the better part of an hour just walking around the cathedral.  It is absolutely huge, and so fascinating from all the various angles. The Basilica Sagrada Familia was designed by Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926), and construction began in 1882 and it is still not complete. 

The next day we had a driving tour of Barcelona.  If anyone has any interest in architecture, this is a city worth visiting.  And there are also many unique statues with interesting stories behind them.  

one of Gaudi's works

Next was a tour of the Palau de Musica. When I first heard we were going to tour a concert hall, I wasn't that excited, probably because I couldn't imagine a tour of our Winspear being that interesting.  It's just a music venue and unless you go hear something, what's the point.  But, I must say, this tour was well worth the time.  The inside of this concert hall was a work of art.  It was designed by Lluis Montaner and built between 1905-1908, primarily for the Orfa Catala choral society.  We had a very enthusiastic tour guide who brought the whole story to life. 

After the tour there was some time for lunch and exploring. 

typical tapas

all the balconies with greenery

narrow streets and alleys everywhere

After lunch we were back on the bus, driving out into the countryside to the city of Girona.  It looked like a beautiful city to explore at length, but we only had a short time.  The choir had to make their way up to the cathedral for rehearsal, down again into the square for a short break before their evening performance, back up at the cathedral.  What beautiful sound.  It gives me goosebumps every time they sing.  

crossing the river into the Old Town

stone streets

Cathedral of Saint Mary

steps to the cathedral being decorated for a flower festival

another wonderful performance

The next morning, a group of us hired taxis and went to the Parc Guell. What is now a park, showcasing some of Gaudi's architectural achievements, was meant to be an urban development project. That didn't work out so well.  As a park, it was a beautiful space to explore.

The famous wall made with broken ceramics (trencadis)

 

A viaduct roadway

Our tour guide suggested we could spend all afternoon there, but we had other places to be.  We were having a farewell lunch at an excellent restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.  The food was delicious.

a traditional meal - paella

 

Before the choir performance in the Crypt, we all attended mass in the Sagrada Familia.  What a beautiful place to gather and worship, watching the sunlight change the colours through the stain-glass windows.  From there, it was on to a well attended concert, the final concert of the tour. 

The Sagrada in the evening light.

Again it was a late night by the time we returned to the hotel.  These three days in Barcelona had been a whirlwind of activity.  In the morning most of the choir would be returning home to Edmonton.  Dave and I were on to our next adventure - 10 days in England.