To back track a bit, our time in Barcelona was really incredible. In comparison to Madrid, it was definitely less crowded and many more people spoke English. Everything seemed more spacious and I overall thought it was more beautiful. Regardless, I am very happy to have experienced both. It has shown me two very different sides of Europe and I can really only be thankful for that.
On Saturday, we took the metro to the Sagrada Familia, which is a Catholic church that is still in the process of being built. With really no idea what to expect, I was blown away when we arrived at the church. It is going to be the tallest Christian church in the world and when started in 1882, it was estimated to take 200 years to build. I have never seen a building so beautiful before. As you can see from my pictures, it is exquisite in its architecture. On one side, the death of Jesus is portrayed on the outside, and the other is the birth of Jesus. The other two sides, which will be dedicated to Mary and the glory of Jesus, are not finished yet. I was captivated by the images of Jesus’ death. It is meant to tell a story, with images like the betraying kiss, Jesus falling, and His crucifixion. Right in the center, there is the image of His face upon a cloth that the woman wiped upon Him. This cloth is called “Veronica”, which has nothing to do with the name of the woman, but the word itself means the “Face of Truth”. This was so amazing to me. Plus this was only the outside! The inside was just as incredible, if not more. My pictures cannot even give it justice. To just touch on one of my favorite things, above the alter, there is the crucifixion of Jesus underneath an umbrella like structure. Around the umbrella, is wine and wheat, representing the blood and life. It was a very beautiful structure. I could write and write about this experience, but it’s really something someone has to see. I hope to go back, for it is to be finished in hopefully 20 years.
 |
| So beautiful. |
 |
| The inside! |
 |
| The facade of the birth of Jesus |
Beyond that, our weekend in Barcelona was spent doing all kinds of things. We wandered through a park that looks out over the city of Barcelona and we were able to see the ocean.
Despite the heat, it was a wonderful afternoon just exploring the city. On Sunday, we went to a Spanish mass in the Cathedral of Barcelona (couldn’t understand a thing), then the beach, had some ice cream at a suggested gelato place (favorite place thus far- SO GOOD) and then walked one of the more famous streets in Barcelona to Hard Rock Café for a late dinner. The majority of our walk was along the boardwalk and everywhere you looked one could see palm trees, the ocean, or sailboats. Aaaah everything was so beautiful!
The beach though.. oh gosh, what an experience! What up topless women and lots of speedos! Culture shock all over again. Let’s just say I’m glad we don’t do this in America. It challenges my views in that we value our bodies by covering them, whereas they do so by being free in them. But overall, I don’t think this is something I’ll ever really be comfortable with. I guess that’s just something Europeans and Americans see differently. Which is good I think. After a delicious American meal at Hard Rock (I can’t help but love American food!), we made our way back to our apartment to call it a night.
I’m learning so many things each day and I feel like so much has happened in only a week’s time. I wish I could express all of these things, but it’s so much just for me to take in! Nice, the next part of our journey, is meant for some relaxation and beach time, which I am looking forward to. Know that I am always thinking of those of you back home and praying for you always. I know God has so much more to reveal and show me and that I am excited for. I will write again soon, until then, bonjour! J
God bless,
Jen
No comments:
Post a Comment