I took a taxi cab before sunrise to the area where this tower is located, unsure of how close I could actually get. Surprisingly, you can actually walk right up and touch the tower. I spent some time at this location and made several images. This is one of my two favorites.
Barcelona has an amazing mixture of new and old architecture. Today we have old. Construction on this cathedral began in the 13th century and was completed two-hundred years later. My time was limited, so I didn’t step foot inside, but managed to wrestle through the crowds, set the tripod up in its low position, and patiently wait until tourists–looming overhead–dispersed. This awesome narrow passageway has a unique skyline filled with gargoyles. My favorite is the unicorn with the great big fangs. I guess they had to make it scary.
Today, September 24th 2012, I happen to be in beautiful Barcelona. The weather is warm and I’m not adequately prepared for the temperature. It’s a holiday called La Mercè festival, and being a Sunday, hardly anything is open, Everyone is out on the street enjoying the extended weekend which is not easy to navigate. I’m not certain if it’s the overnight flight, the party two nights previous, or sheer adrenaline, but this city is so gorgeous I can hardly see straight. Luckily my tripod comes to the rescue.
The building on the lower part of this image is my first stab at photographing a Gaudi building. Apparently the term of something being “gaudy” stems from this designer, visionary, architect, and artist–for his over the top ornate details. I’m looking forward to seeing more from Gaudi, as well as others, tomororw. Gaudi seemed to turn to nature and fanciful aesthetics to realize his vision–I love the trees in this. I can’t wait to explore more.
