09/25/2026
TBT!
My husband and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary in June. We went on our first cruise and enjoyed going to Europe for the first time. See my previous posts from June to see our visits to Italy and France. Our final country was Spain and I think we saved the best for last. Barcelona was extraordinary. Something I have wanted to see in person for over 30 years was The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia. Seeing Gaudi’s masterpiece in person was emotional for me. We studied Antonio Gaudi in one of my design classes in college and there were pictures of this church in my text book (30+ years ago). When we walked up to it, it took my breath away and I started crying. This basilica is truly something to behold… The intricate details, the thought process, the color choices, the story it tells, the height and sheer scale is truly breathtaking. The Pope agrees! We missed him blessing the basilica by ONE day - consecrating it on the exact day of Gaudi’s death 100 years later. You guys. Construction on this basilica started in 1882. 🤯 If interested, look up “God’s architect” Antoni Gaudi along with the Sagrada Família. Pictures don’t do justice to the intricate, colorful and masterful depictions all around the building with nothing looking the same, yet everything tying together. One facade has yet to be finished - another decade seems to be the hope. I plan to be back to see it done… I recognized several of Gaudi’s other buildings right away. Barcelona was vibrant, clean and energetic. It was the perfect end to our anniversary trip. ❤️🇪🇸
