Gaudi, Font Magica, and Nude Beaches

OK, not completely nude, but definitely some topless women. It was hard not to notice them, and it was hard not to notice my son noticing them. But the trip to Sitges, a beach town 30 minutes south of Barcelona by train, was a nice diversion from the heat and bustle of the big city. The Gothic Quarter, where our house is, and the city in general come alive after about 6:00 p.m. until quite late. We stayed out to watch the Font Magica, or Magic Fountain, one of the oldest (or the oldest?) light-music-water fountain shows in the world. I remember going to see it back in 1989 and being so impressed, so I wanted to take the kids, and it did not disappoint. The amount of water shooting into the air is impressive enough, but the changing water displays, and lights, set to music, is just fun. And when the music changed from some classical and patriotic-sounding fare to modern pop music, the crowd came alive. It was a blast.

And the trip to Gaudi’s Parc Güell was also a hit, although jet lag and adjusting to the Barcelona heat played a roll in that outing.

Here are some pics so far:

Originally part of a commercially unsuccessful housing site, the idea of Count Eusebi Güell, Parc  Güell is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Works of Antoni Gaudí,” as are Palau Güell, Casa Milà, and the Sagrada Família, which are on our list to see after Arthur gets here.

The inner plaza is filled with 86 columns, and the exterior ones are all slightly tilted.

Above the plaza of columns is an undulating bench covered in mosaic.

The guard tower as you enter the park.

Looking down on the mosaic lizard that greets you as you climb up to the column-ed plaza.

The sloping columns plus the tree-shaped stalactites and caverns throughout the park, all man-made, create the sensation that the architecture is one with nature.

I can’t help it—I love this fountain show and took a ton of pictures of it. The pictures don’t do it justice, but it is really fun!

Dancing and partying at the Font Magica!

Even Anna got over her grumpy jet lag that night and started to party (man, was she grumpy!!!)

Body surfing in the Mediterranean.

We rented beach chairs and umbrella. Such a nice day!

The beach town of Sitges. It is friendly not only to topless sunbathers but also to the Spanish gay community. There were quite a few people in tight bikini bottoms — and nothing else — both men and women.