Sagrada Familia

For the first time in a few weeks I slept without ear plugs.  One of the staples of the Camino commuity.  It was nice.  The place I have is a suite and I have a small kitchenette.  Stopped at a "Supermarcado" and picked up a few things for breakfast so that I can control the time.  it's amazing how far 5 Euro will go in the supermarket!  Breakfast will be some pre-made waffles with jam (I don't think the Spanish have maple syrup or mustard for that matter), orange juice and an apple.  Bought some mixed nuts/seeds for my trek home.

The night before, I purchased a ticket to get into the Sagrada Familia, one of the most visited churches in the world (yes even if you include the Vatican).  The architect was a man named Antoni Gaudi who has designed a number of churches (some I saw on the Camino).  But his greatest work is the Sagrada Familia found in Barcelona.  The structure is hard to describe.  It' a mixture of a number of different architectural styles as well as original designs by Gaudi.  My ticket was for 1:00 PM, so I had time to go for a walk in the morning.  

I am going to have to wean myself off of the walking (put on 17 Km's today), because it because such a ritual while on the Camino.  I noted there was a shopping center

within about 3 Km's so I decided to head over there.  A nice warmup before breakfast.  When I got in the place I was a little shocked.  Not what I've been used to over the past few weeks.  Although I sent this picture of my wife and she noted that this was HER kind of Camino!  Wandered around to see what kind of stuff.  Modern.  Same stuff that we have in a lot of cases.  Wandered through the Watch section.  Found one that now commemorates the completion of the Camino.

Next I grabbed a taxi to go the Sagrada Familia.  Made it in and had a self guided tour (in English of course).  Here are a few shots of the magnificent structure:

Once I was done there, I decided to head for the beach.  How could one go to Barcelona and NOT go to the beach and put my feet in the Ballarat Sea?  I walked to the beach and found a great spot.  Removed my shirt and used it to lie on.  Made sure I turned over every now and then - one would not want to burn and then have to sit on an airplane for a long time with significant discomfort.  Here's a few pictures from the beach:

You can see the toenail that turned black

Had a quick bite to eat from a restaurant just off the beach.  Wish my wife were here to enjoy this with me.  Next time I come to Europe, I know she'll be with me.

Heading home tomrrow.  Not necessarily looking forward to the long flight - but definitely looking forward to getting home to the family.  I think I'm on Pancake duty on Saturday morning!

Buen Camino 

Curt