Day 11 - Gaudi and Paella to say farewell - The Bishop/Kalinoski/Olsen Tour

The last full of the tour brought the last of the must-see visits on the trip: Sagrada Familia. If you've been there before, it's always worth going back to discover something new. If you've never been there, it's a church that is sure to impress. A modernista masterpiece, even unfinished you can see Gaudi's unmistakable legacy, from the gargoyles and spires to the arches and alter, everything about this temple says "Gaudi was here". As we began the tour after lunch, we started right into explanations and pictures. It is easier to explain some things from a distance, so as not to crane your neck so much when you get up close. The blend of nature with Catalan identity and Christian faith is at the same time unique and breathtaking. We spent the better part of 2 hours exploring inside and out, allowing time for pictures and explanations, enjoying the detail and artistry of the ceiling, the stained glass, and the columns.

Our next stop tied in nicely with the mosaic class from Tuesday. Park Guell is an urban housing development that is less about the houses (only three were ever built) and much more about the land itself. Based around the idea of an English garden city and taken to new levels by Gaudi's creative genius, it blends trencadis mosaic with rock and gardens to provide a privileged panorama with views of the city. The mosaic work, which Gaudi designed, is awe-inspiring both in its beauty and sheer size. The steps leading up to the main terrace, the roof of the guard houses, the serpentine bench, and naturally, Drac, are all wonderful demonstrations of what mosaic could be used for in the modernista movement.

The last stop of the evening was our farewell meal. A request for paella had already been put in, and we drove down to the Olympic Port (taking the long way) and made our way into the restaurant. A double course of seafood paella and Valencia paella, and a few tapas appetizers, washed down with a little sangria, was  a wonderful way to end our tour experience. A great big thank you to the Bishops, Kalinowskis and the Olsens for making my job so much easier, and for providing so much laughter over the last two weeks. Best of luck and we hope to see you again soon!

For more information about planning your private guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.