Monday

TOLEDO



























If you are going to Madrid, a day trip to Toledo is almost a "must visit." Toledo is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
















Known as the “city of the three cultures”, because Christians, Arabs and Jews lived together there for centuries, behind its walls Toledo preserves an artistic and cultural legacy in the form of churches, palaces, fortresses, mosques and synagogues.















AQUEDUCT OF SEGOVIA

The aqueduct of Segovia is one of the most significant and best perserved monuments left by the Romans on the Iberian Peninsula.

WHAT A CITY...




It's one of the most famous castles in Spain due to the fact that a lot of Spanish kings resided here and because of its beautiful exterior.












SEGOVIA



Everyone told us to go to Toledo.. because was amazing, with such history..
But if you like fairy tales, castels, history, you can't miss Segovia..
We found Segovia more beautiful, with more life and site seeing than Toledo..
Paul and I wanna go back again and spend a couple of nights here..




Segovia is Spain and Castile at its best - twisting alleyways, the highest concentration of Romanesque churches in all of Europe, pedestrian streets where no cars are allowed, the aroma of roast suckling pig around every corner - all surrounded by the city's medieval wall which itself is bordered by two rivers and an extensive green-belt park with miles of shaded walks.









MADRID


I stop in Madrid so many times.. Or for fuel, eat a little snack.. but i never stayed there...
Because of visa issues, Paul needed to leave Portugal and went somewhere in Spain to get a propoer visa.. (crazy!) So, we went to Madrid!
Madrid is a city that becomes truly great once you get to know its unique barrios. Spain’s capital is a wonderful city year-round, but you’ll especially appreciate being here when the weather’s warm and the kaleidoscopic variety of life Madrid-style courses through the streets or takes up residence in the city’s plazas.


Unfortunately, on this trip we didn't have time to explore all the barrios..


We did a tapas crowl we drinks..awesome!!













Sunday

WALKING IN MONTSERRAT


If you enjoy walking there are also some interesting walks through the mountains where you will experience magnificent views of some of the most unusual rock formations in the whole of Catalonia. You can take a funicular to the top of the mountain and from there you can choose a number of different walks, all with amazing views of the Catalonian countryside.




Of course, Paul and I went for a walk.. a massive walk.. and once again we got so excited that we forgot that de funicular ends at a certain time (Ithink is 5pm..not sure).. And sundenddly a group of teenagers pass running and saying that maybe we will not making the time to catch the last train.... PRRONTO!!!!!!!



RUNNN... so, here we were in the middle of the mountains running for the last train.. eventually we catch it!!
The best day of this trip, no doubt about it!!!!












MONTSERRAT MONASTERY

Montserrat is a spectacularly beautiful Benedictine monk mountain retreat about one hour North West from Barcelona by train.
Not only is Montserrat Monastery of significant religious importance but the natural beauty surrounding the monastery is simply breathtaking.







Paul kept talking about this place, that everytime we met someone from Spain, they told him that he must go! And I'm Portuguese, a neigbour of Spain, had no idea that this exist..
I was stoked!!


















STREETS OF BARCELONA



Wednesday

SAGRADA FAMILIA




You actually can see inside Sagrada Familia the workers working.. And, of course, Paul and I spend a lot of thime watching and debating ideas regarding the way the built.. We love it.. try to figure out those things.. So, if someone is into architecture or development.. Spend time there!



Some of the workers are really old, and spent all their lifes working there.. and the weird thing is that most likely they will not see the final result..
The cellings are awesome!! Everything is full of detail, every square metre...



























SAGRADA FAMILIA


In 1882, the original Sagrada Família Gothic church project, designed by Francesc de Paula Villar, was taken over by the young Antoni Gaudí, who transformed it into the most fascinating church of all time. An architectural bible called the Sagrada Família which has become a Barcelona icon.





The building, which is still under construction, has lent its name to the area and made it world famous. After all, the Sagrada Família is a vibrant neighbourhood with its own unique personality.
The Sagrada Família is Gaudí’s best-known work and has become an undisputed symbol of Barcelona. Extravagant, ambitious and controversial, this unique modern cathedral has been under construction since 1882, and is expected to be completed by 2030.

So, hopefully when I'll be 47 years old and Paul 50, we go back to check the final result..

One thing that should be interesting is collecting photos from all the different stages that the Sagrada Familia pass through and make an exhabition
..












GRÀCIA - PARK GUELL


Park Güell was an attempt to create a housing estate in a natural setting in the neighbourhood of Gràcia: an ambitious property development project commissioned by Gaudí’s patron, Eusebi Güell. Only two were actually completed, and Gaudí lived in one of them. It is now a museum devoted to the architect’s life and work.



Gaudí’s characteristic vivid imagination is revealed in the different elements that amaze visitors from around the world that visit this World Heritage Site.







If you are in Barcelona you must visit this place..
We sped an all afternoon here, just enjoying ourselfs and trying to absorv everything from this site..
We had a lot of fun.. besides my huge headeack!!