12.10.2012

With Great Gratitude (& BARCELONA!)

Hola!
You know, I never imagined that I would be able to see and do the things we have in the past couple years. To live in Paris, to be able to travel to such amazing places, to have so many loved ones able to visit us and to have met so many new friends over here. I am so happy that living in Europe allows us to see my family in England more frequently. Plus, this year we are able to fly my mom over so we will all be together! There is so much to be appreciative of. And to do it all with my best friend and true love! Well,t's overwhelming to say the least. 
Kyle and I have both experienced our wonderful moms unfortunately stricken with unwelcome circumstances that limited their opportunities to do everything they wished. Kyle has taught me that instead of being angry for the hand they were dealt, we need to learn from it and make the most of each day. So, that's what we are doing! Making the most of every second here, while we can. 
We try to approach each experience with great gratitude and express how thankful we are constantly. So, I just want to say it again... We are forever indebted for these amazing times and the great people in our lives! :)

And Now... BARCELONA!
There are a million wonderful things to say about Paris. It's gorgeous, magical, romantic, cultural, historic, stylish, exciting, full of possibilities - the list goes on for miles. However, one thing I would not necessarily say about Paris is that it's particularly happy. Barcelona is HAPPY! It's so lively and energetic, with friendly people and lots to see and do. From the whimsical Gaudi architecture and beautiful art nouveau buildings, to the local food and drinks and the colorful culture, it's a great city. 
We could not have picked a better weekend to go, either. We landed in this
Only an hour and a half after taking off in this
It's hard to say what I liked most about Barcelona, but the Gaudi work is definitely at the tip top of the list
Casa Batllo







 Getting our learn on. Gaudi and his work are so fascinating to me. He was really ahead of his time (most of his work was completed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries). So interesting. 

 La Pedrera

Gaudi was innovative in so many ways, one of them was being "green" before being green existed by using recycled materials. 



Sagrada Familia
There are no words to describe Gaudi's church. The shock you get at the first sight when you walk inside... it's unbelievable. It's not possible to capture it in photos, but here is our best attempt. You simply have to see it for yourself.



I found this aerial shot online. It's not the best quality, but it gives a good idea of how wild and imaginative the church is.
 Just some of the other beauty in Barcelona








It may be silly to some, but to us a shower that you can open your arms in and not touch the walls is a thing of beauty.
 Peace offering.
(Yeah, I buy bananas and carry them around with me)
 Hook - a crazy pirate themed bar with tons of bric-a-brac and whatnot 
 Sampling the Catalan wine

The famous Boqueria market - if you can dream something up, you can find it here


 Veggie lover's happy place

 Meat lover's happy place
 I'll pass






 Hangin' with my skinny friends
 The beautiful beach!

 It is remarkable what a little sunshine does for your soul


 Even this dog was having the time of his life!
 Kicking back and soaking it all up before heading back home. Ahhhhh glorious. 

Disclaimer: I realize that I have a serious excessive picture taking issue. I mean, we were only there from Friday afternoon til Sunday afternoon. It was just all so awesome though and I'm not sorry :)
Bisous!
Maygan