Barcelona II: A trek up a mountain to see Gaudi

The next day, we slept until 12:30. Our alarm was set for 8:30. In retrospect, we were entirely too optimistic for people who were functioning on a few hours' sleep on an airport floor. By the time we left the house, it was closer to 2, but we were refreshed and ready to tackle any tourist-trap that beckoned to us. 

Parc Guell is a park that sits atop a hill, designed by famed Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi for a wealthy patron; it is endearingly excessive, dotted with bright tile human-sized lizards, undulating walls, and rustic pavilions and walkways. It was a good thing we were so abundantly rested, as the hike up the city streets turned into a hike up what seemed like a mountain to someone who, yet again, decided to wear heels. (Which one of us am I talking about? It is a puzzler, to be sure, unless you've ever met me before.)

Some graffiti-ed catci on the way up

Beyond this slithering wall, there are stunning views over the city. However, I have so many upcoming panoramic photos I'll spare you for the moment. In the neighboring plaza, there were shacks selling ice cream and wandering visitors and enterprising vendors who had spread out blankets covered in trinkets, scarves, and jewelry. I had my eye on some of their wares, but by the time we returned, the urban guardians (or, as most would call them, the po-po) had shut them down. (Note to parents: po-po means police.)

I like how the columns look like spindly, pigeon toed legs.

Be careful, Hansel and Gretel

The weather was beautiful, once more, the air crisp, and the architecture whimsical and delightful. It was almost a shock to descend once more to the bustling, earthbound streets of Barcelona.