Monday, 6/13, in Barcelona

I had a 10 am ticket for Gaudi's famous cathedral, La Sagrada Familia, the Holy Family Cathedral, and took the metro a little early so ended up across the street in a little cafe for a pastry & capuchino. I checked in, picked up my self-guide kit & began at the front of the church, which is often referred to as a temple. Construction began in 1882 & every piece of stone carried a significance either in how it was carved or the material chosen - i.e., the pillars inside are of many different stones, marbles & granites, and they imitate trees with trunks and branches through which the ethereal light shimmers and shines. The stained glass windows on the east are of cool colors, on the west, warm, so that in the early morning the church is flooded with the blue tones, and glorious reds and golds fill the church in the late afternoon. Walking into the church is an experience in itself - I was there around 11, so color flooded in from both sides and the effect was amazing with each column tinted a different color, due to a system used by superimposing 3 panes of primary colors resulting in a combination of new tones. It was such a moving experience that it actually brought tears to my eyes. I believe it's the most beautiful man-made thing I've ever seen. Amazing figures are carved into the surfaces of the stone - spiritual, human, and animal, as Gaudi felt that all creation is sacred. Construction is on-going and scheduled to be completed in 2026. I'll be 91 and if I'm able, I'd love to come back and see it. The inside is sublime. The outside towers are still going up, with only the lowest ones complete. The main tower will be 172 meters high, just a few meters less than the highest hill in Barcelona, because Gaudi said that man should never try to exceed the work of God. This one place made my whole trip worthwhile, and I dearly hope each one of you can see it one day! It's certainly an experience of a lifetime for me!

I enjoyed a great lunch at me newest favorite restaurant, L'Artisa, a cool melon and mint soup, quiche, and glass of Chardonnay, for 9 Euros! Back to the bnb, gathered up my stuff, took the metro to the airport and flew off to Casablanca, where I changed planes for another 55 minute flight to Fes. My friends were there to meet me and how sweet it was to be with a fellow yogi in Morocco!

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