Anna-Sophia noted that we are much more chill when in Europe. I’m sure the lack of work and the mid-day beer help that, but I do also think she’s on to something. I just love being here!
We spent the morning meandering through some of the architectural wonders of the city before sending Melissa and Sue off to see La Sagrada Familia. While we waited for Rich and Rissa, we sat on the rooftop deck of the hotel and enjoyed the sunshine (I am truly a cold-blooded creature and need the sun to feel alive).
Our anniversary dinner was at El Glop. It isn’t the absolute best restaurant in the city, but it’s comfortable, reliable, and a place that we’ve been to every single time we’ve been in the city.
The next morning we had breakfast at a corgi cafe. Food was great, as was the company. 🙂
After we ate, we headed up to Tibidabo, the hilltop at the edge of the city that we’ve seen a million times but never been to. After a train to a funicular to a bus, we finally made it!
The main attraction here is Sagrat Cor de Jesús del Tibidabo (Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Tibidabo). This architectural masterpiece is a contemporary of La Sagrada Familia’s groundbreaking, but its construction lasted only from 1902 to 1961 so it won that race easily.
This is effectively two chapels in one. At the first floor, the mosaic tile work was certainly unique. Scenes of ships and what we could only guess was a scene of railroad tycoons meeting Jesus…it was all oddly contemporary, yet mixed with traditional Catholic symbolism, to give off the weirdest vibes.
From the first chapel, we took an elevator up to the mid-level deck. From that height, you can see everything in the city laid out before you. I’m not a fan of heights, but it was impossible not to appreciate how spectacular this view was.
Lucky for me, there was even more height to go! A spiral staircase later, and we reached the tippy top of the church. It felt like on a clear day, you could see France from this vantage point!
After several late nights, we had a light dinner on the rooftop, packed our bags, and then turned in for a modestly early night.
Vacation Days 