Or, to save on postage...

I know I've been lazy, but here are some of the photos from my recent European Whirlwind Trip. Since I have a lot (and this is going to become more of a photo blog for this theme), I'm going to post one location a day. However, no fear, if you miss a day and you can't get to the previous day's link, I will post it with the new pictures. I hope you enjoy them.

As I flew into Girona, I caught a glimpse of the clouds out my window. We were over the Mediterranean at the time, but it was pretty amazing to see. Just before this, you could see the sea and this blanket of clouds coming up.

On our way to Parc Güell, we had to go up some steep hills. This was one of the escalators before the steeper walking portion.

The entrance to Parc Güell

Just inside Parc Güell

This park was designed by Antonio Gaudí. In fact, it seems like most of the city is designed by him. It's quite amazing.

Parc Güell

The ceiling of the above pillars was covered with mosaics.

Bird nests in Parc Güell

A random building in Parc Güell

A view of Barcelona and the entrance to Parc Güell from the park

If you look at the left of the picture, you'll see some spires coming up with cranes in between them. That is the Templo de la Sagrada Familia.

Parc Güell

After we left Parc Güell, we found this sign protesting a road. The ironic part is that it's in German. This seemed to be a recurring theme on my trip. We ran into German everywhere we went. In fact, one our roommates in Barcelona was from southern Germany. It must be a sign that I really do have to learn German.

A random church in Barcelona

I thought it was interesting that it was squished between these two buildings.

The funicular we took up Tibidabo Hill

Temple de Sagrat Cor on Tibidabo

A view of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea from the Temple de Sagrat Cor
On the left of the picture, you'll see Torre Agbar (the bullet-shaped building), and in the center you'll see the Templo de la Sagrada Familia.

Temple de Sagrat Cor

A view from the Temple de Sagrat Cor

This gives you an idea of the landscape: hills, city, and sea.

Camp Nou Stadium
Although I am a Real Madrid fan and this is the FCBarcelona stadium, it's important to scope out the competition.

The Passion Facade of the Templo de la Sagrada Familia
As Rachel pointed out, it's interesting that this side is very angular and sharp.

Stained glass window in the Templo de la Sagrada Familia

Inside the Templo de la Sagrada Familia

Notice the interesting design on the ceiling. This is a very impressive building...not to mention massive!

Torre Agbar as seen from the Templo de la Sagrada Familia

This building is lit up with different colors at night. Unfortunately, we didn't see it.

Spires on the Templo de la Sagrada Familia

Templo de la Sagrada Familia

I really like this picture. Oració is the Catalán version of oración, which means prayer.

The Nativity facade of the Templo de la Sagrada Familia
In contrast to the Passion facade, this side is a lot more rounded and soft.

The Templo de la Sagrada Familia

Since the building is massive, and in the middle of town, it's difficult to get the whole thing in a shot (if you're in the vicinity). This was the best I could do. However, I do like how the trees frame it. Stewart said it looks like one of the shots they show you of Temple Square during General Conference.

A random building in Barcelona

I thought this was an interesting building, so I took a picture. You'll probably see a lot of crooked pictures on here. *shrug* So I'm not a professional photographer.

Casa Mila aka La Pedrera

This is another Gaudí creation.

Casa Batlló

Here we have another Gaudí creation. I have seen this in pictures before, but I had no idea it was colorful! I was pleasantly surprised. For those interested, the balconies are meant to be skulls, and the pillars, bones.

The Olympic Stadium

The grounds by the Olympic Stadium

The strange structure in the background belongs to the telephone company.

The grounds by the Olympic Stadium

It was such a nice day and we had time, so we thought we'd relax for a while.

One of the many footprints on the Passeig de la Fama by the Olympic Stadium

Castell de Montjuic

While the castle was not exceptional itself, the views were spectacular.

A view of the harbor from Castell de Montjuic

The gardens in front of Castell de Montjuic

We saw a lot of cats at this castle. There was one in this garden, but we counted about 9 in the back gardens.

A view of Barcelona from Castell de Montjuic

In the foreground is the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.

A view of Barcelona from the Castell de Montjuic

This was the best I could do at zooming in the Templo de la Sagrada Familia. Rachel's zoom was much better.

Another view of Barcelona from the Castell de Montjuic

This and the previous picture were taken from the roof. The Templo de la Sagrada Familia is on the far left, partially cut off. In the middle you can see Torre Agbar.

Barceloneta Beach

We sat on the beach for a while, just relaxing. It was windy and the water was definitely too cold for swimming (not that we brought swimsuits).

A windsurfer at Barceloneta Beach

I really like this picture with the jetty.

One of the many seagulls we saw at Barceloneta Beach

A gliding seagull at Barceloneta Beach

Yes, my picture is crooked. I was lucky to get a shot of this guy at all.

Boats near Barceloneta Beach

I really love this picture too! It was hard to see how it had turned out on my camera, but it turned out way better than I thought.

Rachel with the palm trees on the way to Maremagnum mall

A building in Barri Gotic (the Gothic Quarter)

La Seu (Barcelona Cathedral)

Unfortunately, scaffolding was part of our trip. We saw it everywhere!

Inside La Seu

The back of La Seu

Fortunately, the backside was not covered with scaffolding. Unfortunately, it was wedged into small alleys, so it was difficult to get a full shot.

Castell dels tres Dragons (aka the Museu de Zoologia)

This is located right next to Ciutadella Park.

Entrance to Parc de la Ciutadella

The waterfall and el Carro de l'Aurora in Parc de la Ciutadella

Unfortunately, you can't actually see the chariot because I didn't take a picture of it. It was covered with scaffolding at the top of the fountain.

Close up of a statue on the previous fountain

I do have a couple pictures of myself in front of this fountain, but my hair looks like I'm competing in an afro contest.

The stone mammoth in Parc de la Ciutadella

The promenade between Parc de la Ciutadella and the Arc de Triomf

There are wild parrots living in the tops of the palm trees in Barcelona. My camera didn't allow for the proper zoom to get a picture of one, but Rachel got one.

Arc de Triomf

No, we were not in Paris...nor does this have the same color. I have no idea why Barcelona has this, but it was built about 80 years after the one in Paris.

A view of the promenade through the Arc de Triomf

Palau de la Música Catalana

This is on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. It is rather spectacular. Stewart called it rococo, although I'm not sure it's meant to be. Unfortunately, because it is located in narrow alleys, it's difficult to get the entire building in any shot. So, I'm including several shots, just so you get the idea.

Palau de la Música Catalana

After leaving the Palau de la Música Catalana, we turned a corner and found this church (or just interesting building). So, I took a picture.

Plaza de Catalunya

There were a ton of pigeons crowded around a little snack stand there. At one point, something scared them and several flew directly at us. Rachel was terrified because of her experience with the movie "The Birds."

An interesting building on la Rambla

La Rambla is a touristy street with lots of restaurants and stands (that sell anything from chinchillas to lemon trees).

Another random building on la Rambla

Rachel in front of the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria

This market is on la Rambla and sells fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, cheese, candy, etc. It is phenomenal! I would eat at the fruit stands every day if I lived nearby. They sell yummy fruit juices for 1 euro and delicious fruit salads for 2 euros. Mmmm!