Gaudi's Architecture: Casa Batllo

Casa Batllo was the 2nd building of Antonio Gaudi's that we visited.  Set in the middle of Barcelona's main shopping street, it's unusual design stood out from the rest of the architecture.

The colourful mosaics that decorate the exterior and the unusually shaped windows were what I loved most about this building.

The interior was simple, filled with lots of light, coloured by the stained glass it came through.

The only part that was remotely ornate inside the building were the lamp shades that adorned the ceilings.

And the winding staircase that led to the top of the building.

The multicoloured chimneys on the rooftop were also stunning against the blue background of the sky.

Another beautiful Gaudi building.

Gaudi's Architecture: Sagrada Famillia

Barcelona, amongst many things, is famous for architecture inspired and created by Antoni Gaudi.  There are many key pieces of architecture; The Sagrada Famillia, Casa Batllo and the palace in Park Guell.  All amazingly beautiful in colour and slightly abstract.

Inspired by nature and his environment, The Sagrada Famillia, was the first building of Gaudi's that we visited.  His play on light and colour made the perfect backdrop for many of the statues that occupied the interior of the church.

The interior was also slightly gothic in style.  The image of Jesus on a cross, seemed a lot rawer than the conventional designs that you see in standard churches.

The nativity facade on the front of the church also sets it apart from other basilicas.  So intricate in detail, depicting one of the most well known stories in history.

You can also take a tour of one of the spires.  As you would expect, it is narrow and winding, not somewhere to be if you don't like small spaces.

Rambling Around in Barcelona

It's March and yet it feels like Spring.  Almost summer by UK standards.  I have never been to Barcelona, but the more I walk around, the more I wonder why I haven't visited sooner.

It is such a beautiful place; it's definitely up there on my list of favourite cities and a clear contender for one of my favourite in Europe.

There is the main street that goes through the heart of the city centre, know as The Ramblas.  It is surrounded by different architecture and the streets are lined with market stalls selling souvenirs, Spanish delicacies and artwork.

Just off this street is the main market.  I love markets.  Everything looks how it is meant to; fresh and vibrant in colour.  You forget what really fresh, local produce looks like when you shop in a big supermarket.

Then there is the city edge by the water.  Admittedly everything looks better in the sun when it is shinning.  But most definitely the sea that sparkles a beautiful blue under the gaze of the sun.

The view is almost exotically tropical.  This palm tree makes me feel like i'm somewhere in the Caribbean.

And this surfer dude, soaking up the rays of the sun as he dries off from his surf, makes it look like the temperature is around 30 degrees Celsius, rather than the low 20's it is in reality.

A beautiful 1st day in Barcelona.

Carnival

Carnival.  That was the theme of tonights party for Mara's birthday.  It also meant that tonight was a costume party.

My heart always sinks a little at the thought of a costume party.  Not because I don't enjoy them when I'm there, but because it means that I have to do some prep before the party to get a concept and costume together.  It is no longer a simple exercise of putting make-up on.

Last time there was a costume party, I paired up with my Spanish Amiga, Ilda, to get me into the spirit of it and to get it sorted.  This time there were 3 of us; me, Ilda and Verena.

You'd think that with 3 brains it would mean that we would get to an idea quickly, but it was surprisingly difficult.  More so because it was difficult to get some time together to think it through.

The only thing we all agreed on upfront for the costume was to wear brightly coloured wigs.  It was only the night before the party that the theme of a porcelain doll costume was born.

On the night of the party, the 3 of us met at Verena's for finishing touches to our costumes as well as to have some dinner and pre-party drinks.

I was going to forgo the make-up but after seeing Verena's artistic transformation, it was inevitable that I would be made over too.

Carter Babies in the Cotswolds

I think it is an understatement to say that I am biased towards the Carter Babies.  I adore them so much that they can do no wrong.  Luckily Sam is way too young to realise this.

Princess I don't think has cottoned on yet, or maybe I haven't realised that she has me right where she wants me; wrapped around her little finger.

I think I get distracted by the bright blue eyes and the golden hair and the smiles.  Particularly Sam.  You just have to look at Sam and say 'Hi Sam' and he rewards you with the biggest smile you have ever seen.

Although when I have a camera in front of my face and his, I think he's like 'not again Aunty Nim'.  He is very personable and likes people so perhaps its because he can't see my face that you see the little whimper of a cry.

Today we went to the Cotswold Wildlife Park as my birthday treat.  Sam pretty much missed the entire day as he was snug as a bug asleep in his pram.  Whereas Princess was so excited to see all the animals.

So well behaved.  Looking in the tanks to find the animals.  Politely asking me to lift her up so she could see.  Always holding my hand with a massive grin on her face.

The number of meltdowns of other kids I saw as I walked around the park was amazing.  This is the most we had to contend with.

I'd take this any day.  And this was only because she was tired and it was the end of the day and all she wanted to do was sit on a train.  I think I have a lot to be biased about.