Bull city

Yes, it's been a long long time since I've came up with a post that has any semblance of appeal and interest. Basically it boils do to procrastination, work, AWOL-ing in the lost Land of the Turtle, and uh, more work.

Anyway here is the long lost photo post of the obligatory "generic tourist pictures"! Pictures are from when I went to Spain last year (yeah, yeah) and Alvin (and his Grey's Anatomy-esque friend) dropped by from his busy work of saving patients and delivering babies to accompany me on a whirlwind tour around Barcelona.

Our first stop was the famous Sagrada Familia. Interestingly I didn't know it was still under construction, and well at 11 euros each we didn't feel like forking out the cash to see the insides of an incomplete building. So we just stood around and grab the best shots we can.







Then we went on to Park Guell, which I feel has quite a interesting history. Guess housing busts aren't a modern economic woe. Getting there was an uphill effort, literally. Which is why I'm thankful they build escalators to get there.


It's quite picturesque; a wide area that's nice for jogging and walking. Views from the hill.




This little lizard is quite famous; it is a highlight of the park. And it also representation of the mosaic art items prevalent in gift shops around Spain.



The following day we went to the cathedral, which turned out quite like how you picture in those books. The dark and forbidding halls emanates an aura of serenity, of smallness, and intrigue. For some reason when I think of old churches, I always picture a lady running up to stairs of a cathedral, banging frantically on the wooden door while shouting, "Sanctuary, Father. Please, I seek sanctuary!"

And unlike the Sagrada Familia, it is complete. Although I think at that time it's undergoing some maintenance.







And for me, nothing screams "old church" better than unreachable colour-tinted windows! Woot!


Montjuic. Uh, looks nice but we didn't go inside.



Then we looked at our map and thought of making a short romp around the park. Before that though, we stopped at a place called La Cascada. Me and Alvin and had no idea what it is, but thought it'd be interesting to go there, just in case it turns out to be a regulare perforamance venue for Cascada. We were a little disappointed that it turned out to be this Cascada instead. But oh well, we still grabbed some cool pictures!






We also dropped by Montserrat. Which was located in some mountains, hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Where the pious folk can pray and seek enlightenment in peace and solitude; cut away from civiliation and modern amenities. Well, except the little train track that goes up all the way to the mountains (45 minutes), which carries throngs of noisy and curious tourists. And other than the little bakery, cafe, and gift shop over there, which is totally irrelevant as I'm sure the priests there subsist only on dry bread and plain water.

View from the monastery overlooking the mountainside.



The main entrance of the monastery.



Statues of patron saints


There's even one of Saint John Baptist de La Salle! Which of course I grabbed a picture with!



Supposedly there are choir performances at certain times by the castrated choir boys. Well, that's what I imagine they are anyway, but since I didn't see them there's no way to verify either way.

More colour-tinted windows!


A few more miscellaneous pics:

A statue which-name-I've-forgotten.


The jetty near my hostel.