Ola Barcelona: Day 2

Second day of Barcelona. We initially wanted to go to Montserrat but we though it'll be too rushed if we go there; so we decided to stay in Barcelona instead as since we've already bought tickets for Sagrada Familia, we head there the first thing in the morning. Unfortunately, when we went outside; it rained. Since it rained, we can't go up the tower due to safety reason. For that, we exchanged our tower ticket for an audio guide for this place.

If you ever plan to visit the Sagrada Familia, I would really recommend to get an audio guide. At least you'll learn something about the place. Sagrada Familia is Gaudi's unfinished work and not complete to this date. Even after 100 years, it is still not complete. The construction started in 1885 and expected to complete is 2026. Hopefully they'll get it done by then. This place is really spectacular. If anybody comes to Barcelona and don't know which one to go, I would really recommend this place; especially architecture students. Architecture student/architect will definitely love this place as it also show why Gaudi designed the place as it is.  We spent about 2.5 hours at this place. You might take less or more time depending on your pace.

The Nativity Facade of Sagrada Familia

The story of Jesus going to Jerusalem on entrance floor

The ceiling and support beams. The support beans are like tree branch and the ceiling is hyperbolic to ensure that the sound of organ can be heard clearly inside the Basilica 

The ray from the colouful stained glass windowa

The way Gaudi designed the arches of inside the Basilica, using sand bag to determine the weight required to support the structure.

Next, we went to Park Guell; metro stop Vallcarca or Lesseps. Park Guell is also one of Gaudi's work located on top of a hill. But don't worry, there's escalator to go up there from Vallcarca station. Entrance to Park Guell used to be free but now visitors have to pay €8 to see Gaudi's work in detail. You can still some of it from outside the barrier since its open air. Besides that, you can see the whole of Barcelona from Park Guell. The view from up here is spectacular.

Escalators heading uphill to the park from Vallcarca station

Barcelona from the top of Park Guell. Spot the Sagrada Familia

Gaudi's work at Park Guell that you need to pay to enter.

You can see some of it from outside

Sellers selling some stuff around Park Guell

After that, we went to Camp Nou; the home of Barcelona FC. Due to time restriction, we didn't go for the stadium tour. We only went inside the stadium shop and took photos around the stadium.

Not a football fan, but who cares. Camp Nou; home of Barcelona FC

Inside the stadium store

Then we head back to Sagrada Familia and had lunch at a Turkish restaurant. Luckily the also sell Spanish food, so we had a chance to try a halal Paella. My verdict, it's like seafood fried rice but a bit watery. But the service of the restaurant was a bit slow.

Oh Paella..

After lunch, we went to get our luggage at our accommodation and head to Barcelona Sants station to catch our train to Madrid. So long Barcelona, I wished I stayed here longer as I've not had enough of you. I wish to come back and explore more of you.

The view from our train. So beautiful

Till then~