Spain (Barcelona & Madrid) - June '05

Barcelona...

Europe’s most unconventional church, the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia, is an emblem of a city that likes to think of itself as individualistic.



It's a greatest work of a well known architect, Gaudi since year 1883. At his death only one tower had been completed, but work resumed after the Civil War and several more have since been finished to his original plans. Work being continued even till now and financed by public subscription. Find out more about SagradaFamilia

It is designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Parc Guell is Anotni Gaudi’s most colourful creation.

He was commissioned in the 1890s by Count Eusebi Guell to design a garden city on 20 hectares (50 acres) of the family estate.




Mercat de Sant Josep, also Known as La Boqueria, which is Barcelona's most colourful food market. However, the fruits there are not cheap, though spain is one of the largest fruit exporters in Europe region.

Here is the typical Paella dish. Personally, I would say that it is quite similar to Chinese seafood fried rice, though the rice texture is much softer. To me, it looks more attractive than it's taste.

Spanish delicacies

Madrid...

Palacio de Cominicaciones, occupying one corner of the Plaza de Cibeles, this impressive building is the headquarters of Spain’s postal service. There was an Olympic logo on top of the building, as Madrid was bidding to host the 2012 Olympic, but defeated by London at last.




Templo de Debod, the authentic Egyptian temple of Debod was built in the 2nd century BC. It was given to Spain in 1968 by the Egyptian government as a tribute to Spanish engineers involved in rescuing ancient monuments from the flood-waters of the Aswan Dam on the River Nile. Find out more about Templo de Debod.



Puerta de Europa twin towers survived a financial scandal and now seem to defy gravity as they lean over Paseo de la Castellana. These are the first leaning towers that we have seen so far. Next, I am looking forward to seeing Pisa tower. Find out more about Puerta de Europa.




Protestors went naked to against increasing dependency on fossil fuel that caused global warming. The group appeared suddenly right behind us, while we were about crossing the remaining half of the road. After the trip, then only we learnt that it happened in many countries on the same day. That's really a cool experience.