Finally Barcelona!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After an overnight train ride from Paris, we arrived in the city of Barcelona! I was not really sure what to expect, but was immediately at ease in what we saw. We took a guided bus tour through the city and was able to view many of the city's sights, including the Sagrada Familia, an amazing church in downtown Barcelona (#1 tourist attraction and more photos later), the Olympic Village, as well as my first glimpse of the Mediterranean.

Barcelona is known for its connections to one of its well known architectural artists. Antoni Gaudi, who was born in 1852, hit the architectural world by storm. Today his works would most definitely be known as a "green" style of architecture-filled with the use of recycled goods. He even covered the top of one of his buildings with coffee and tea cups he had cut in half...very cool.

His work is all over the city of Barcelona. His style was greatly influenced by forms of nature and is reflected in the use of unpolished stones, twisted iron sculptures, and organic-like forms are all traits of Gaudi's amazing style. What was most striking to me was his use of mosaics and recycled tiles, plates, and cups to create brand new works of art. Absolutely beautiful to experience...The colors...The POP of color...the idea that nature can blend so artfully into a landscape...catches you off guard at times...