In class these past few weeks we've been learning about the amazing, innovative and genius architecture (engineering) of Gaudí, who lived and designed- in Barcelona. During the first 5 weeks of our trip here we visited La Pedrera (aka Casa Mila). Another Gaudí "house," also located on Pg De Gracía, a famous shopping boulevard here in Barce, called Casa Batillo is also open for visits. We weren't going to visit both La Pedrera AND Casa Batillo but our interest in Gaudí was peaked by our teacher and we just had to see it! And boy, are we glad that we did! Gaudí designed the whole house based on an under the sea theme. Everything, from the furniture, to the handrail banisters to the tiles and light fixtures are reminiscent of underwater themes. There is BEAUTIFUL stained glass everywhere, of varying and gradient colors and ceramic tiles, too. Gaudí did not build a SINGLE straight wall in the house! Imagine that! The walls are all curved and molded (by hand) in circular shapes and round arcs. Not only is this aesthetically pleasing, but it also is functional. It allows for light (from skylights as well as windows) to fill the space. The air moves smoothly throughout the house thanks to Gaudí's genius and far ahead of his time inventions of air slots in the doors. The rich mahogany mixed with forged steel fixtures is such a royal and expressive look. It was honestly breathtaking. The tour ends on the roof, covered in hand broken tiles (a technique called "Trencadiz") and sculptures. You can look out to the city of Barcelona below, with all of its amazing architectural wonders, taxis whirring by and ocean in the background. It was an amazing experience.
When I say we've been living it up, I'm not lying. Friday night we attended a concert of "Opera y Flamenco" at the Palau de la Musica Catalana. This is another famous architectural wonder. The ceiling centerpiece of stained glass is jaw-dropping. Everything on the walls and ceiling is covered in bright colors and ornate decorations. We loved the show, too. There were several males and female voices accompanied by string instruments (including the BEST classical guitar I have ever heard in my life!!) and Flamenco dancing in traditional costumes with clapping! The mix of opera music, flamenco dancing and classical instruments sounds strange but it was amazing. It was an aesthetically pleasing masterpiece of a show. Afterwards we wandered out into the barrio gotico to take a few drinks at a bar. It was a night of humidity and darkness but the narrow cobblestone streets were full of young people and middle aged folks, everyone in hot, summer clothes, speaking a variety of languages and drinking and laughing. The city was alive and dancing right along with us.
In exactly 7 days we will be back on a plane to the USA. I cannot lie and say that I am not counting down those hours until I am back in my parent's arms, back to HOT (not perpetually cold) showers, back to a REAL pillow and a REAL bed and a ceiling fan and all of my other creature comforts. But a part of me will miss Spain, too. Since we depart so soon we invited our entire host family (Montse, her son Didac and his girlfriend Ana) to take a late lunch with us today. We went to an AMAZING hole-in-the-wall rice restaurant that Didac recommended in our neighborhood. It was the best paella/rice dish I have EVER HAD in my entire life! We had a blast! After the meal Montse gifted us girls little fans!! We have all been complaining of the heat and she had suggested days ago that we buy a small, hand fans like many of the women here carry in the street to battle the intense Mediterranean sun and humidity. We couldn't find a good one when we went to Madrid and we basically gave up after that. Seeing our struggle she purchased the PERFECT thing and we were so happy! It was a delightful exchange and yet another fantastic time with our host family. She made the experience great.
While it is hard to live in someone else's house, with different cultural norms and rules, I learned a lot from doing so. It was not always easy or fun, but we know we are going to miss her a lot when we leave. I tear up thinking about saying goodbye. She has been our rock these past 10 weeks- helping us with directions, trying to keep us from being hungry and teaching us a MOUNTAIN of information, vocabulary and speaking skills. I have realized that all that matters is perspective. If Monj and I had been negative about all that we are lacking here (because there is a lot) we would have had a horrible time and also missed the boat entirely. We have had an amazing summer simply because we made it thus for ourselves.
(Sidenote: the restaurant was completely gluten free friendly and had clearly marked what dishes I could and could not eat right on the menu. Furthermore, they had gluten free bread for me to enjoy with everyone else, hot out of the oven, before the meal! I was so happy and also felt like less of an outsider with my food allergies. I was able to take part in the human, social aspect that comes along with sharing food and laughter simultaneously...)
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