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Sabrina Simpson's avatar

How interesting to learn all that about Gaudi! Thank you for explaining so much so well! We had a wonderful time exploring everything BUT the Sagrada Familia when we visited Barcelona for a long weekend ages ago. We stayed near one of his houses and spent a lovely afternoon in Park Güell. But now I am intrigued to learn more about his connection with your Great-Grandfather. How exciting! Loved all the photos too! Nice work on this one!

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Andrea Eschen's avatar

Well, you'll, preferably we'll, just have to go back to Barcelona to see the Sagrada Familia. There's so much to see in that fascinating city that it's worth another visit. However, we're not the only ones who want to see the Sagrada Familia. We stayed in an Airbnb a few blocks away and we counted eight groups of at least thirty tourists waiting to get in. That's plus the hundreds that were already inside. But it's still worth it.

Thanks for your nice comments.

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Jayne Marshall's avatar

I also learnt a lot - really enjoyed this, thank you Andrea. And looking forward to reading more about this family connection too!

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Andrea Eschen's avatar

Thank you, vecina. I trust you've been to Barcelona and seen some of these sights for yourself. If not, it's very worthwhile. Just keep your valuables at home. More on that later.

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Jayne Marshall's avatar

Uh oh! Sounds ominous… I have been there, yes. And now you mention it someone tried to steal my Dad's wallet!

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Nevill Eschen's avatar

This is deliciously interesting! What a mind that guy had, and he was born at the right time to bring these ideas to fruition. I loved the interiors and close-up photos of the tile work. Let's hear it for the builders, contractors, tile artists and everyone else who were able to construct the swooping lines, irregular shapes and color themes of Gaudí's vision.

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Andrea Eschen's avatar

What a lovely comment, Nev. Thank you. It's true! They were creative geniuses. Imagine being able to think like that! He was way ahead of his time. So glad you enjoyed this. Don't you think it calls for a trip to Barcelona :) ?

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Elizabeth Bonbright's avatar

Your first impression of Gaudi’s work as “weird” aligned with my own original thoughts. Then in 2019, I saw the magnificence of his creations in person in Barcelona and immediately felt awe then love. His use of color and curves reflect nature. I’m a huge fan! 💖

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Andrea Eschen's avatar

I think his work must take some getting used to before one (or me) can appreciate it. Next time I go to Barcelona, I want to tour the other houses. And of course now that I know more about him and his work, it makes more sense, especially the incorporation of natural and organic shapes. You likely feel the same.

Thanks for commenting, Barcelona buddy.

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Robin Moore's avatar

I loved visiting Casa Batllo, Casa Guell, and Park Guell when I was in Barcelona a few months ago. I was completely taken by his work. Unfortunately I couldn’t get into the Sagrada Familia but I have some wonderful photos and memories from the places I did see.

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Andrea Eschen's avatar

I'm so glad, Robin, that you also experienced the wonders of Gaudi and you also found it beautiful. The different kinds of creativity in humans astounds me. He was a genius. Next time, the Sagrada Familia for you. Takes your breath away.

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Jolene Handy's avatar

Fascinating, can’t wait to hear more about the connections!

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Andrea Eschen's avatar

Thank you, Jolene, for your comments and reading. I hope that with next week's post you'll also find the similarities to Chicago's architecture movement at the time. It's so interesting that despite the vast geographical distance and culture that there's a similar evolution with the Chicago School. And of course, soon we'll discuss it ALL in person. Can't wait for that and to discuss the Palmers and Pullman and so much more.

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Jolene Handy's avatar

Can’t wait!

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BIBIANA's avatar

Me encanta Gaudi, esperc con suspenso escuchar la historia entre este tremendo artista y tu bisabuelo.

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Joseph Dwyer's avatar

Thanks Andrea. Cynthia and I had the chance to visit Sagrada Familia a few years ago. Sunny day - the light flowing in was mesmerizing. Definitely worth a visit and, at least a few years ago, folks could get tkts in advance to avoid the long lines.

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Andrea Eschen's avatar

Amazing the light, isn't it? No matter what one's religious beliefs are the place makes one think about creation and the wonder of the universe.

These days one definitely needs to buy tickets in advance. Otherwise, entry is impossible. We stayed in an Airbnb a few blocks from the Sagrada Familia this last trip. Every time we walked by, there were at least eight tour groups of thirty or more people waiting to get in.

Thanks for your comment. I'm glad you enjoyed your visit there.

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Sonia's avatar

What a beautiful piece, Andrea. The way you described every detail made me go back to Barcelona.

You made a perfect x-ray of Gaudi's work... Forms, colors and textures... Yes, he was truly a genious!

I am so curious now about El Capricho but also about that chat Fabio's had with the arquitect... ;-)

Lovely piece and fabulous photos...!!!

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Andrea Eschen's avatar

Thank you, Sonia, for reading and your kind comments. Guadi was a genius. It still boggles my mind that someone could come up with such odd forms and shapes and make them go together in such a cohesive, beautiful way.

Fabio has had lots of chats with statues of famous people in Spain, including with Woody Allen in Oviedo. Fabio's very popular, you know. :)

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