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Spain & Cruise 2024
  • Amy DB
  • Polka Dillow
  • Eo Bodeo
  • Amy DB
  • Polka Dillow
  • Eo Bodeo
  • Sean Beebe
  • Pamela D.

Spain & Cruise 2024

Una aventura de 18 días de Amy, Polka, Eo y 2 más Leer más
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  • Spain & Cruise 2024
    These balconies allowed muslim women to remain hidden while being outsidePastizzi - these are gooood

    Valletta in the Rain

    8 de mayo de 2024, Malta ⋅ 🌧 66 °F

    It POURED. This ended up being our coldest day of the whole trip. I was bummed that the church built where Paul was shipwrecked was closed, but enjoyed learning more history on our tour.

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    The Knights of Malta, officially known as the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes, and of Malta, is a chivalric order that began as a hospice for pilgrims in Jerusalem in the 11th century. Founded by the Blessed Gerard, the organization originally provided care for the sick and poor in the Holy Land. After the Muslim conquest of Jerusalem, the order became a military order under its own charter, responsible for the defense of the Holy Land and the care of the sick.

    In 1530, after being driven from Rhodes by the Ottomans, the Knights were granted Malta by Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor. They fortified the island, turning it into a naval base that played a crucial role in defending Christian Europe from Ottoman invasion, most notably during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565.

    The Knights ruled Malta until they were expelled by Napoleon in 1798. Today, the order is recognized as a sovereign entity under international law. It maintains diplomatic relations with many countries and focuses on its original hospice mission through humanitarian, medical, and relief efforts worldwide. The Knights' legacy is particularly evident in Malta, where their architectural and cultural influence remains a significant aspect of the island's heritage.    Leer más

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  • Spain & Cruise 2024

    Sea Day

    9 de mayo de 2024, Western Mediterranean ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F

    This was a very port heavy itinerary. It was nice to have a day to relax on the ship after all of our exploring.

    We apparently brought Lydia Deetz with us.

    The see through bridge over the promenade was fun!Leer más

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  • Spain & Cruise 2024
    You take an elevator up but have to take the stairs down. It's a bit dizzying!Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-controlThe fruits represent the gifts of the Holy SpiritThe back of the resurrected Christ

    Sagrada Familia - Passion Tower Climb

    10 de mayo de 2024, España ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    Ah, back at my favorite building in the world. The Sagrada Familia is an act of worship in architecture. The towers opened days after the last time we were there, so I was so excited to get to go up them. You can only choose between the Nativity or Passion Tower at this time, and I chose the Passion tower after research. It did not disappoint. What a joy to get up close to Gaudi's whimsical yet profound elements that are hard to see from below.

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    The Passion Tower of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is one of the most striking elements of this iconic basilica, designed by the visionary architect Antoni Gaudí. The tower is part of the Passion façade, which depicts the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This façade is intentionally more austere and stark than the Nativity façade on the opposite side of the church, reflecting the somber theme of Christ's Passion.

    The Passion Tower rises dramatically, punctuated by angular, almost skeletal architectural elements that convey the brutality and emotion of the Passion story. Sculptures by Josep Maria Subirachs adorn the façade, including scenes of the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection, offering a contemporary interpretation that contrasts with Gaudí's more ornate and fluid aesthetic. The tower itself offers visitors the opportunity to ascend, providing breathtaking views of Barcelona and a closer look at the intricate details of Gaudí's design.

    Work on the Sagrada Familia began in 1882, and it remains under construction, a testament to its grand scale and the meticulous care put into its realization. The Passion Tower, completed in more recent phases of construction, continues to draw visitors from around the world, captivated by its profound symbolism and architectural innovation.

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  • Spain & Cruise 2024

    The Passion Facade

    10 de mayo de 2024, España ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    The symbolism is profound. I understand that it's an abrupt change from the rest of the building, but it works for me.

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    The Passion Façade of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is one of the most striking and emotionally intense aspects of the basilica, designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. While Gaudí laid the groundwork for this façade, most of the work was carried out by sculptor Josep Maria Subirachs starting in the 1980s, following Gaudí's death.

    The façade is focused on the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus, presenting a stark contrast to the Nativity Façade on the opposite side of the basilica, which celebrates the birth of Christ and is adorned with joyful, lively figures and decorations. The Passion Façade is deliberately austere, angular, and almost brutal in its minimalism, aiming to evoke a sense of pain, sacrifice, and solemnity. It features a series of sculptures arranged in rows that depict various scenes from the Passion of Christ, including the Last Supper, the Kiss of Judas, the trial before Pontius Pilate, the crucifixion, and the burial.

    The design employs straight lines and rigid geometries to convey the harsh reality of Christ's last hours, creating a profound emotional impact. Above the portal, there is a large cross and a canopy, and inscriptions in various places that carry biblical texts related to the Passion of Christ. This façade faces the setting sun, which casts long shadows over the figures, enhancing the dramatic effect and emphasizing the themes of sacrifice and redemption.    Leer más

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  • Spain & Cruise 2024
    Underneath the aquaducts
    Wouldn't it be amazing if suburbia was like this?!

    Parc Güell Upper

    10 de mayo de 2024, España ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F

    Whew - it's a hot day at Parc Güell! I loved getting to share two of my favorite places in the world with Mom & Dad today.

    Sean got me a book about Gaudi as an early Mother's Day present!

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    Parc Güell, designed by Antoni Gaudí, is a vibrant public park in Barcelona that showcases whimsical architecture and colorful mosaics. Originally intended as a residential estate, it was converted into a public space when the project failed commercially. The park features organic curves, avoiding straight lines, and is famous for its serpentine bench and dragon fountain, both adorned with Gaudí's signature trencadís mosaics. Set on Carmel Hill, Parc Güell offers stunning views of the city and remains a testament to Gaudí's creative vision, blending art, architecture, and nature into a delightful urban escape.    Leer más

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  • Spain & Cruise 2024

    Casa Batlló and Eixample

    12 de mayo de 2024, España ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F

    For Mother's Day I wanted to walk the Eixample and visit more of Gaudi's famous buildings that I hadn't been in before. We were't able to go in all of them due to time, but just the facades and lamppost benches make my heart sing!

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    Casa Batlló is one of Antoni Gaudí's most celebrated works in Barcelona, a stunning example of his unique approach to Modernist architecture. The building features a vibrant, organic façade with flowing lines, intricate balconies that resemble masks or sea creatures, and a roof that mimics the back of a dragon. Inside, Gaudí's design continues with sculptural staircases, skylights resembling tortoise shells, and a striking, noble floor. Casa Batlló is not just a building but a work of art, illustrating Gaudí's ability to blend functionality with fantastical forms.

    Eixample, the district where Casa Batlló is located, is famous for its grid-like layout, wide avenues, and modernist architecture. Designed by Ildefons Cerdà in the 19th century, the area was a part of the city's expansion beyond its original medieval walls. Eixample is characterized by its orderly street grid and chamfered corners, which enhance visibility and ventilation. The district is also home to many of Barcelona's architectural treasures, including Gaudí’s Casa Milà and the Sagrada Familia, making it a central area for those interested in the city's iconic modernist heritage. Together, Casa Batlló and Eixample embody Barcelona's architectural innovation and are key destinations for understanding its cultural and historical progression.    Leer más

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  • Spain & Cruise 2024
    The soft colors of the ceiling against the bold outlines of the gates!The attics are so cozy and mysterious at the same time

    La Predrera (Casa Milà) Interior

    12 de mayo de 2024, España ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F

    I chose Casa Milà as the one building to visit today. The famous roofline drew me in, but the interior's whimsey and thoughtfulness was so lovely!

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    La Pedrera, also known as Casa Milà, is another of Antoni Gaudí's architectural masterpieces located in the Eixample district of Barcelona. Completed in 1912, this building is celebrated for its undulating stone facade and wrought iron balconies and windows, designed to evoke the natural forms of sea waves and plant life. Casa Milà stands out for its lack of straight lines and was controversial during its construction due to its bold, unconventional design.Leer más

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  • Spain & Cruise 2024

    La Pedrera Roof

    12 de mayo de 2024, España ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    I can't believe that the original plan was just open to the courtyard below. I guess Gaudi must not have been thinking of toddlers...

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    The roof terrace is particularly notable, featuring whimsical chimney structures known as "witch scarers," which are covered in broken ceramic tiles. The interior of the building is just as innovative; the attic, which houses the Whale Skeleton Room, consists of 270 parabolic arches that resemble the ribcage of a giant beast. Now a museum, it offers visitors insights into Gaudí's architectural vision and his techniques.Leer más

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  • Spain & Cruise 2024

    Castell de Montjuïc

    12 de mayo de 2024, España ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F

    We discovered that Castell de Montjuïc is free for entry for the last hour or so, so that was a nice surprise. We had just enough time to get up to the top.

    We met the nicest American ladies who asked if they could take Mother's Day pics for me. :)

    The view of Barcelona, the ocean, and the port from here is spectacular!    Leer más

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