barcelona cathedral part 2 (sunday)

After my lunch, I went back to the cathedral and paid my entry fee. I really don’t mind supporting the cathedral. I went inside and looked in the choir stalls first. They’re made of old wood with spires off the top and coats of arms painted around the inside. They’re from 1340!


Then I toured some of the chapels around the outer edge. I peered into each gated altar. It seems sad to fence off the poor saints and other guys.


At the front of the cathedral, there is a hole under the stage. Down there, is the crypt of Santa Eulalia, Barcelona’s first patron saint. Inside, there were candelabras lining the edge of the room and red curtains along parts of the stone walls. The ceiling of the crypt mimicked the ceiling of the cathedral. In the center, was what looked like a raised coffin made out of carved ivory or marble. The saint stood on top of it with a halo, holding a baby.

There were really good views of the ceiling from down by the crypt.

Next, I wandered around a bit more, almost disappointed at spending the 5 Euros. I felt I’d practically seen everything I REALLY needed on viewing number one! The map in my book showed something off to the side, but I couldn’t find an open door to SEE whatever it was. I realized that one of the chapel/altar doors was open on the opposite side. I’d thought it was odd before, but now realized that it was the (not-so-)secret passageway to the lift to the roof. THE ROOF. On my way up the elevator, I could already tell that the pictures from the roof would be my favorite from the trip. There was scaffolding on the roof to walk on. From the top, you could see lots of the city: the ocean, lots of other church towers, Sagrada Familia, palm trees. It was wonderful.



After the roof, I wandered around the cathedral, taking pictures in a different setting on my camera in case it worked better. I felt that my trip had been much more fulfilling.

Here’s the main view in the cathedral.
From there, I decided I was done. I accepted it. I went out the side door and found out that I’d finally found the passageway to the other part of the cathedral that was on my map.

It was an outdoor cloister from the 14th century! It was almost immediately my new favorite part of the whole cathedral, tied with the roof. It had arches and mini chapels along the outer edge, just like the main cathedral, but in the center, arches opened out to the sky. There was a lush garden in the center with a collection of white geese inside with a pond.

There were palm trees and plants climbing toward the sky. There were also a few statues frolicking in the garden. Ok, so they weren’t frolicking, but if I was in there, I sure would be! The gardeny bit was so tropical and ancient, like it was undiscovered or something. I walked around the edge but basically just stared into the center.
There were red candles lit at each of the various caged saints.


I walked around the full square and went into the museum on one side. The things it had were really ornate. There was a nice gold crown and intricate ceiling paintings. No photos allowed, though.
Back at the start of the square, I realized I hadn’t really admired the fountain. It said it was drinking water so naturally, I had a sip.

It was practically overgrown with moss on top though! There was a statue in the middle of Sant Jordi.
From there, I decided I’d seen enough. I didn’t miss Asia as much after that experience. I wandered various alleyways past about a dozen dogs, several doors that were REALLY tall, but I witnessed only open about halfway down, some scenic planter boxes, some neat graffiti, some creatively painted buildings, some nice green trees, and some shops. I eventually ended up at Port Vell. It was rather scenic as well, but in a less ancient, old-cute way. It was more new-posh pop sort of way. It had yachts parked in the water and a mod sculpture. I was disappointed because my camera battery died just as I was ready to document the scene. If only I hadn’t taken so many photos of the folk dancers!! I went around the edge and landed on some steps to watch a band play for a bit. They were really good and they all danced in unison to their own music—a little rock step periodically in each of the songs. They were cute enough and good enough that I decided to buy their CD.
Then I took the metro home, tested out the internet café up the street, and then got back on the metro to meet Steph and Mikaela for dinner. I had half of a chicken.
After dinner, I finally met Alix, my other flat-mate. She was very nice and gave me a password for THE INTERNET!!!! I think Rik is a little more at-ease now that she’s home (he was suddenly in a bathrobe)! Also, I tested out my CD, and it is NOT the band that I heard. Pissed. Overall, though, a really good day!