Barcelona: Day 3

On our third day, we headed out to see Sagrada Familia and Park Guell and to have our first trip on the double decker tourist bus. Both places did not have any spots open in the morning but let us buy a ticket for an afternoon time slot. So, we continued on our bus route and headed to the highlight of the trip for James: the FC Barcelona football stadium. We went through the museum and saw lots of memorabilia as well as got to go out and see the pitch.

the boys and Lionel Messi's FIFA player of the year trophies 
(surprised by the flash in a really dark museum)

walking the tunnel where the players walk before heading out on the field

Barcelona's motto: Mes Que Un Club (More than a Club) in reference to
their focus on giving back to their community

Reading about special moments in Barca football history

a room to watch famous goals and matches (note James' Barca armband that he wore all day)

After the stadium, we hopped back on our bus and headed towards Sagrada Familia. The boys liked to ride both up top and down below on the bus so we took turns depending on how they were feeling. On board, you could listen to headphones and hear history and information about the city as you traveled.

happy passengers

Gaudi's Casa Batlló

Gaudi designed Sagrada Familia and it is an amazing, creative Church that is still being built today. His vision was extravagant and they continue to work and build to create the Church that he crafted. It is not your traditional Cathedral and I assumed that my particular taste wouldn't appreciate it. Yet it really is beautiful and magnificent. It's amazing to stand in a place where all parts of a structure point to and represent who God is, as told by an imaginative artist and a devout Christian. 

The outside of the Church covered with scenes from Jesus' life

Joseph and Mary

tree-like columns reflecting the influence of nature on Gaudi

beautiful stained glass that filled the Church with glowing colors

engraved doors leading into the Church

scenes from Jesus' passion

 The doors are engraved with the words from the Passion Narrative in Matthew and John

After our time at Sagrada Familia, we hopped on the bus and headed to Park Guell, another of Gaudi's creations.

posing with the well-known lizard

great view of the city from the top

We managed to squeeze in among all of the tourists and take a quick picture