Expect the Unexpected in Barcelona

If I've learned anything over the last 2 weeks, it's that nothing ever goes the way you'd expect. I certainly didn't expect both the highs and lows I'd experience over the last few days.

For starters, on the third day of my trip, my brand new phone was stolen. Which, they always say, "spain has the worst reputation for pick-pocters!" But you never truely listen until it happens to you. Living in New York has, generally, made me a pretty aware person, so of course I wasn't expecting to be a victim. Although, when you are walking around Spain with your 6'3" best friend with shocking red hair with a backpack and a camera, you are bound to get targeted as tourists. (Not saying I blame you Jason, but I kind of do.)

Anyway, I guess this has all been a lesson in...disconnecting? Disconnecting from the digital world I've spent so much of my time living in, not unlike other humans of my age, in order to become more connected to the real world. I have to say, it's been refreshing! (albeit a little sad I can't watch snaps of what's going on with my friend's back home.) But I think overall, it's been a positive experience not documenting every last thing I've encountered on my adventures. In fact, when you don't have a recording device to replace your memories, your forced to really remember stuff. In that way, I will always remember Barcelona in particular very vividly.

During my week in Barcelona, I ended up having what some would call...a religious experience? Who knew a simple architectural structure could inspire so much emotion, especially for someone who hasn't had much church experience in her life. I was casually familiar with the famous architect and artist Antonio Gaudí, but was not aware of how impressed I would be with his building. The Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família was one of the most awe-inspiring buildings I've ever stepped into, and it's not even complete yet! They have been constructing the building of Gaudí's design since March 19th, 1882. The branching columns and leafy celing structures represent a forrest canopy, which was my favorite thing about it.

Thinking about how many soals have stepped onto those marble floors over the last 134 years nearly brought me to tears.

Gaudí said, "The expiatory church of La Sagrada Família is made by the people and is mirrored in them. It is a work that is in the hands of God and the will of the people."