Gawking at Gaudi's works

Gaudi was an architect in the 1800's who created buildings that no one has since been able to replicate. His buildings have intricate detail, colour and shapes that were never used during this time. Most of his works like he was on an acid trip whilst designing them, they are whack, but all that whack seems to have led to an array of stunning architectural works throughout Barcelona. 

Casa Batllo is one of the ridiculously amazing buildings along the Passig de Gracia, a main street in Barcelona. It sits there framed by the sun and the sidewalk trees amongst the monotonous classic, brown, brick buildings that have become shop fronts. The facade is made up of pastel colours that dazzle in the light and odd balconies that look like bones. Gaudi designed this apartment building for a rich aristocrat but it is now empty and on show for the public.  

This is the building next door which was designed by a rival architect. 

We also made the trek up to Park Guell. It is like another world as you follow a pathway not knowing where it is taking you, as it leads you further and further through the park. The instant impact of the tiled mosaic sculptures that greet you and the possibilities of where to begin your adventure make the 20 minute walk up hill to reach the park well worth it. It was orignally designed by Gaudi to be an estate for the city's richest people to live in. As they did not like his finished work, it was turned into a park by the council. 

There are only two buildings in this park, the rest of the area is made up of twisting, sandy pathways and mosaic staircases that all lead to the highest point, leading to the amazing view of the city. This is the view over the park, the 'gingerbread' house that Gaudi designed at the entrance of the park ensures visitors enter into an adventure of the imagination. 

There is a constant possibility of further discovery that sustains your enjoyment of Gaudi's fantasy world.

Bartering for a few trinket bracelets. 

Breathtaking views of panoramic views of Barcelona complete the journey 

Parts of Prague you shouldn't miss

These are the parts of Prague that may have only stolen a few minutes of our time, but should never be missed. 

1. The Lennon Wall. 

Since the 1980's it has been full of Lennon inspired graffiti and even when it was painted over by angered Communist Czech Authorities it was covered with flowers and lyrics the next day. It has layers of messages and pictures that force you to stand there looking over the wall again and again. We made our own little contribution to the wall.

2. The Charles Bridge

The Charles Bridge connects Mala Strana to Stare Mesto and is a honeypot for tourists. It is lined with artists drawing caricature for tourists, one-man puppet shows, bands busking and mass groups of tourists with foreign guides waving their flag to keep their group together. We found the best way to wade through the people was head down and charge forward. At first we found it entertaining sussing out the other tourists and picking which caricature artist was the best, but towards the end of this hectic bridge we were prepared to jump overboard to avoid the crowds. 

The bridge is lined with statues of saints that tour groups stand around and ogle at for hours. As we were power walking past, I snapped up a photograph of this fellow with a halo around his head, he was my favourite.  

Half way across the bridge the pain of mass people was getting to us.

3. Nationale-Nederlanden Building

This striking building at the corner of an intersection, designed by eminent architect Frank Gehry, is unlike any of the other buildings you see in Prague. Apparently he pinched in the waist of the building so the neighbours view wouldn't be spoilt. 

3. Stare Mestro

Stare Mestro reels in the tourists with its tacky souvenir shops and over priced restaurants lining the street. But when you delve further in, you find the amazing astronomical clock built in 1410 and a few other eye catchers. 

4. Wine and Dine 

We had two favourite watering holes in prague. Our favourite lunch spot, Cukrkavalimonada served the most amazing simple pasta dishes and savoury pancakes. The interior is dark with wooden floors and benches but lit by a seeping sunlight through the windows and a dazzling chandelier in the middle of the store. 

A "Latte"

Gorgonzola and Walnut Pasta

On our last night in Prague we thought we hit a goldmine when we arrived at Noi. Living in the UK for the past 5 months has deprived me of a decent thai dish which is why I was so surprised at this little gem in Prague. It was the best thai I have ever had, which was heightened by the dimmed lighting and rustic interior. I would go back to Prague soley to visit this restaurant again, that good!

DOX Gallery

The DOX Gallery was in Prague and featured fantastic contemporary art pieces. We spent an hour and a half walking in circles in the rain trying to find this gallery but once we walked in it was immediately worth it. I loved every moment spent here, so if visiting Prague you must visit.

My favourite was the photographs by Martin Parr. His photographs are hilarious, capturing the written truth hidden in society. Each photograph has highly saturated colour which makes them vivid and intense which doesn't come up as well in my photos but they are still great!

This was called 'Bored Couples'.

These were photographs taken at a bar called 'Blue Light Disco'.

This was in the ladies bathroom, it's great.