Significance in Architecture

The things that I am getting the opportunity to visit are things that others only dream about. The Sagrada Familia, the Sacred Family, was, to say the least, one of the most amazing things I have ever had the privilege of visiting. It was absolutely breathtaking. When we walked out of the subway and it was right in our faces, I gasped out loud. There is so much detail and symbolism that has been integrated into this building, I can very much believe it has taken over a hundred years to get this far. The fact that they aren't going to be done with it for another twelve years really says something about the importance of this building to natives. It was very eye-opening to be in a place that others worship and feel is holy ground. Unfortunately, the extreme amount of tourists negatively impacted the experience. There were many gift shops within the church itself, and the basement has been turned into a museum. Surely this was not Gaudi's vision of how the building was to be used. It is a shame that they have taken a wondrous work of craftsmanship and twisted it into a money making, tourists trap. Although I do not personally believe that the Sagrada Familia is a house of God, I could see how, through another person's paradigm, God could reside in such a place. The extremely tall towers are strong and cold and bring a feeling of distance from the ceiling (heaven). It's strange seeing my Heavenly Father portrayed in such a distant way. They have shrouded Him in mystery and dehumanized Him. I have never experienced anything like it, and it is the exact opposite from my own paradigm of God. It was a revolutionary experience in that way.

Following the theme of Gaudi's architecture, we proceeded to the Park de Guell where the famous mosaic wall is. It was extremely apparent that it was the same designer as the Sagrada Familia, yet the two locations had different emotions attached to them and were therefore treated differently by those visiting.  The park was a place of pleasure and nature. Although the Sagrada Familia was inspired by nature, the park was carved into it. The mosaic brought color and therefore life and a sense of whimsy to the very green, mono-toned hill. The bridge and columns found there were carved directly from the rock that naturally was placed there. I could see how people that visited this park felt very comfortable there. There were many people asleep on patches of grass or leaning against a palm tree. Gaudi very successfully created an oasis on the countryside through his revolutionary architecture.
The interaction with a waiter
at dinner exemplified the male Spaniard personality. The man was very insistent that he got his way in terms of the seating arrangement and how the check would be calculated. These men are classically aggressive, somewhat stubborn, and require compliance to their demands unless you also have a strong will and a sharp tongue. Passive aggressiveness seems to be the style here, whereas America shows anger more outwardly. I can relate to passive aggressiveness, as it is my own style of anger.