parc guell

So you know how everyone and their mom posts an instagram picture of the "gingerbread houses" in Spain? Well, that'd be Park Guell - Gaudi's visually stimulating, breathtaking creation at one of the higher points in Barcelona. 

For my friend, Kenny and I, finding this famous view was a little more than a hop off the metro and up a few streets. We decided to be "adventurous" and head up the back route of the park, ultimately putting us through a three hour treck to find the spot. Although it was a little longer than anticipated, I in no way can I complain about this adventure. Walking through the natural part of the park (a lot of hill action by the way) took us by schools, shops, amazing homes, a soccer field in the middle of what seemed like no where. Eventually we landed at  an even higher point than what we were ready for and we finally felt like we were making progress. We were still so confused by the lack of gingerbread like houses, but an entire skyline of the city was right in front of our eyes and it was unquestionably one of those, "my life is so awesome" kind of moments. 

After aimlessly wondering, discovering 500 streets, yet still determined to find the actual park, we eventually run into a front entrance gate. There it was, right next to a different metro stop, where we could have entered within minutes (aka Lesseps metro stop). 

No doubt have I been that annoying person that wants everyone to try everything and this sweet straw is one of them. No idea how candy has instilled such a memory, but when I was 12 my mom went to Europe and brought back the most delicious candy I have ever had. I've honestly tried describing what in the world is even inside, but I couldn't tell ya. I searched high and low in the states for this stuff (yeah, my sweet tooth is absurd), although never could I come across it. Needless to say, coming across it at every stand on the streets has be in trouble, but still so so excited.

Gaudi, a spanish architect, and in close ties with Dali, is one of my new favorite artists. His expertise in Catalan Modernism was clearly his calling, as Park Guell claims one of the most beautifully designed spaces I've ever seen. Every piece was so imperfectly perfect. The columns were perfectly alined,

In the middle of the square on the top of the park, Street performers are constantly at works. Sitting up here on my last day, as the sun set, it was set topped off by the violinist and vocals echoing through the park. Each time I had been up here there has been someone new and regardless they have played part in contributing the most amazing soundtrack to an unreal sight.

The ultimate picnic spot, so if ever heading up there be sure to grab a bottle of the 2 Euro wine, a baguette and relax. 

Trecking the "back way" of the park lead us to find a soccer field in the middle of the mountain. It had to have been only field I've ever seen with a few like this.