Guell Park

Another Gaudi inspired masterpiece in Barcelona. Situated in the Gracia district, a few minutes walk from the Lesseps metro stop, where you climb the hill. A seriously steep hill. Thankfully they have installed escalators on the pavement up to the park entrance.



The hill of El Carmel offers fantastic views over the city.








Gaudi in the city

A few of Gaudi's works in the city centre. Mad man or Genius?


Lamps designed in his early years.


Guell Palace.


Just off the Rambla in the notorius Ravel district.

What Papa didn't see part 2

Even if he was shamed into paying the entrance fee, there would be no chance of him coughing up more money to go up one of the towers. Look what you would have seen!







What Papa didn't see

He may have been dragged kicking and screaming to the Sagrada Familia, but there was no way that he was going to part with cash to visit the inside of a "bleedin church". So Papa, this is what you missed.
















La Sagrada Familia

A Gaudi masterpiece that is a "must see" in Barcelona. Or a "poxy church that isn't even finished yet", as described by Papa. But if you are "dragged across half of Barcelona" to see it, you won't be dissapointed. Unless you are like my dad.

















Barcelona Modernisme Route

A walk that discovers the architectual jewels of Barcelona. The capital of Art Nouveau. Simply follow the red tiles on the pavements and enjoy.


Hidroelectrica building by Pere Falqués.


Arc de Triomf.


Castell dels tres Dragons.


Street Art in Barcelona.


Coffee at El Paraigua.

Bits and Pisa

A few more pictures from out trip to Pisa.


Student Protests.

Students protest a little differently in Italy. Not a broken window in sight. No flare-ups with the police. It was a tame affair. But afterwards they would go to a bar for a few beers? A cheap bar being students. Might be worth following. But not Italian students. After the demo they settled down at the cafe bar for coffee. WTF!


The River Arno.


Tuttomundo by Keith Haring.


Santa Maria della Spina.


It's not only the tower that leans in Pisa.

Duomo in Pisa











Baptistery

At the west end of the Piazza del Duomo stands the impressive Baptistery, dedicated to John the Baptist.


Baptistery at Piazza del Duomo, Pisa.



The Font.


The Accoustics show.

If you visit on the hour you will be treated to the accoustic sounds that vibrate around the chamber.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

Pisa! The famous city where it seems compulsory for tourists to pose with their hand held out, supporting the tower from crashing down. It seems like the locals also have a favoured pose. Hand stretched out waiting to take your money. 15 Euros to climb up a tower they couldn’t even build straight!


The Leaning Tower.

But you can’t go to Pisa without climbing that tower can you? It’s a strange feeling climbing the spiral staircase. Similar to climbing the stairs when you’ve had a few too many.


The Staircase.

The architect of the tower is unknown. Presumably after the tower reached the third floor in the late 12th century and the tower already beginning to lean, the architect managed to avoid attributing his name to the work. It took over 150 years to finish the work.



One of the Bells.


Top of the Tower.


The entrance.


Piazza del Duomo at night.