Chefprefers BLOG

Before long, we were on the train to Barcelona, the 4-hour journey took us through the coastal inlets and along a spit stretched beside the Mediterranean Sea. I’d only known about Barcelona through the 1992 Olympics and their football team. However, I was introduced to a well-known Architect. I have seen nothing like his works other than a Dr Seuss cartoon, perhaps the Dr was inspired by his work. Certainly, his house reminded me of it. Some of his designs are in well-known movies I’ll let you guess. (Photo). Although Antoni Gaudi’s greatest fete was to build a church (Sagrada Familia). This massive building has archways and towers in the Center of Barcelona. Even though he died in 1929 his work is still being worked on today. The six towers of the Sagrada Familia are represented by Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary and the four Evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). The tower of Jesus Christ is the tallest of all, at 172.5 metres, topped with a huge four-armed cross. The tower of the Virgin Mary is crowned with a shining star. The towers of the Evangelists, at the very top, have sculptures of each of their symbols, the tetramorph: man, lion, ox and eagle. Out the front are 6 nativity scenes made to tell the famous Jesus Christ story. From birth until he was brutally executed.

Let me digress

Why would you not believe such a story? I think. This Jesus story has been told over and over for thousands of years. It’s like every time I go to Church. They tell me a snippet of the tale. “Jesus is our saviour and he died for our sins.” It’s like the Vietnamese monk who burned himself to death, due to the prosecution of his belief. The thousands of Japan soldiers who fell on their sword during the world war who died for their country. Are these similar actions? Although, one would say the Jesus forgave his prosecutors, is that the difference? Perhaps. However we know that both the latter are well documented and the former relies on the biblical story. All tell a meaningful story, a lesson. We should take notice, otherwise history will repeat itself. Guess what? it does over and over. We tend to forget too often, although Antoni Gaudi doesn’t make us forget because it’s carved in stone on the walls of the Sagrada Familia. (Photo). I liked the city and would return if I had another opportunity. Next up, the Adam and Eve story that went South.