Barcelona - Sunday 13 October

Our last day in Barcelona, and we were keen to pack in as much as possible that morning before needing to catch our flight. We packed our things and left them at reception, then headed out to queue early for the opening time of the Casa Mila (La Pedrera). We didn't have to wait too long, and found our way into this building that looks like melting ice-cream on the outside! It is classed as a world heritage site by UNESCO! 

Built by Gaudi between 1906-1912, we enjoyed a fascinating visit a couple of hours long. I especially enjoyed the fourth floor apartment, decorated and furnished in the style it would have been originally occupied in. Every aspect of the design contributed to the excellent livability and functionality of the apartments, including the atrium for maximising light, storage areas, skylights, fans, chimneys and ventilation areas. The areas covered with mosaics or tiles looked very similar to the things we saw in Park Guell. The rooftop area, with it's unusually designed chimneys, gave great views over the city. And the large attic area was set out with models, videos, and explanations of Gaudi’s designs and unique ideas about structural engineering. Fascinating!

La Pedrera

La Pedrera

After this we walked around, looking for somewhere for a brunch/lunch. We wasted a lot of time looking for something gluten free, and in the end I was happy to settle for a fruit salad with yoghurt. I was keen to use any scrap of time I could scrape up, to see one more thing - the Ramblas pedestrian area of Barcelona. It was difficult getting our bearings, but we eventually headed off at a brisk walk and managed to dodge our way between people and along the streets towards the Plaza Catalunya at the head of the Ramblas area. I got a brief glimpse of what lay ahead in the Ramblas, but alas, we really needed to get back in a hurry to be ready for our pick-up back at Quartprimera, and transfer to the airport for our return home via Dubai.

We rushed in, farewelled our hostess, and then waited on the street, increasingly anxious because our transport (Barcelona Day Tours again) was running half an hour late (due 1:25 pm! In the end, our hostess phoned them for us to confirm that they were indeed on their way. And finally, we made it to the airport on time!