Barcelona: Gaudí’s Playground
Barcelona is a city I return to time and again, most recently in February of 2025 while training other traveling teachers. The mix of French and Spanish influences remind me of New Orleans. One thing that surprises many visitors is the language barrier; Spanish is the primary language of all of Spain, but Catalán is also spoken here and is one of the official languages of Spain. If you find yourself in Barcelona, you can still use Spanish, and I urge you to see La Sagrada Familia, the church Antonio Gaudí designed in the 1880s that is nearing completion. He also designed Parc Güell and two houses in the city, Casa Mila and Casa Batlló. Be sure to sample your way through la Boquería market as you take a break from shopping and strolling La Rambla. Sometimes, I go to a tablao Flamenco, but it’s honestly more authentic in Andalucía (Southern Spain). You can also walk to the marina for a great sunset over the Mediterranean Sea.
La Sagrada Familia
The exterior of the church has three façades: the Nativity Façade (depicting the birth and early life of Christ), the Passion Façade (depicting the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus), and the Glory Façade (currently under construction but will show the resurrection and ascension of Jesus). The interior has stained glass that change the hue of the basilica at different times of day. Interestingly, Gaudí planned all of his architectural calculations around multiples of three (3 for the Holy Trinity; 33 for the years of the life of Jesus, etc.). It’s worth buying a ticket to go inside, as tickets fund the construction.
Casa Mila
Casa Milà, also known as la Pedrera, is an architectural wonder. The house is built around a courtyard, and the upper level has a walkway where you can look out over the city. It was the last private residence designed by Gaudí in the early 1900s.
Casa Batlló
This emblem of Catalonian modernism was designed as a private residence for the Batlló family. It was actually a complete renovation and redesign of an existing home. The rooftop design earned it the nickname of House of the Dragon.
I took this photo, as you can tell, on a rainy day one spring. Even in the cloudy gloom, the building stands out.
Parc Güell
Security (“Gingerbread House”)
Two-Story Design
World’s longest (and most comfortable!) bench
La Boquería
La Boquería market has produce, fresh seafood, famed Spanish hams, local cheeses, and fresh fruit juices. It houses several restaurants. I always stop here and wander between stalls, looking at all the beautiful foods. It’s a great place for lunch! Just note that it is closed on Sundays.
The Traveling Teacher 