Barcelona

I was expecting something different. A few cool statues, a few open plazas, some crazy people, some good nightlife. Instead, I got something completely different. I got an architect. I wasn't looking for one, just like I wasn't looking for an artist when I found Goya, or looking for a major when I found journalism. But, in Barcelona, I found an architect and his name is Antoni Gaudi. 

The first day in Barcelona we went to the Sagrada Familia, one of Gaudi's last and greatest works, which is still under construction. The entire church is meant to resemble nature. The beams in the inside remind one of trees and the ceiling is reminiscent of a canopy in a forest. I've always had this thing for nature (consider the fact that I want to be a river guide when I grow up. No not grow up- graduate I guess. Well, actually I guess just as soon as possible...) and seeing that people can actually use nature to inspire themselves like this....Well, it was just absolutely breathtaking. We have all seen the painting of nature, and the drawings. We've seen the movies, the television shows. But have you ever seen a building that was intended to replicate nature? It should be done in 50 years. That means I will be 70 when the Sagrada Familia is done. Can't wait to come back and see it.