For our last week in Europe, we returned to Spain where we stayed in a mobile home in Vilanova Park near Barcelona. Sam is a big fan of F.C. Barcelona, because Micah intensely prefers Real Madrid.
One day, we took the train into Barcelona and visited Gaudi's Parque Güell.
"It looks like a fairy tale." -Paul
I like Gaudi's style of architecture,
but it wasn't everyone's favorite (particularly the Barcelona fan).
We have seen many people's favorite city -- Barcelona.
Can you find the washer-woman?
Another picture of the Tongen boys playing in front of impressive sights,
but this one takes the cake, since La Sagrada Família is our very favorite fancy church building. It points to Christ in so many amazing ways!
The wise men, shepherds, angels, the star's tail and Jesus' parents are all focused on Him.
images of worship
"You shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace . . . and the trees will clap their hands." - Isaiah 55:12 Anthony can explain the physics behind these incredible columns, which use mathematical concepts found in trees.
Light (aka color) declares the glory of God. "The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world." - John 1:9
Do the "here is the church" thing with your knuckles, and compare what you see with the roof of Gaudi's school. We were in the "steeple" and we "opened the doors and saw all the people."
These two were old enough to go into the bell tower with me. They were thrilled that step number 200 (out of 398 -- they carefully counted) had a spectacular view.
Glory to God in the Highest is written beautifully across the church building.
After having asked so many times, "How could these amazing churches have been built?!" we have seen one being built, in its 132nd year of construction.
Just as the other side of the building is focused on Christ at his birth, the Passion scenes (showing Jesus' sacrifice for us) adore Him too.
Amazing doorways
Fascinated boys were hearing about Jesus being the hero of the story this church has to tell.
The Apostle's Creed -- I believe.
When the building simply has what it needs with the resources available it has character, or dignity, which is the same thing." - Gaudi. Doesn't that hold true for boys growing into men, too?
It turns out that a simple mobile home can have character, or dignity, too. We had a great week together there.
After being surprised by the toplessness of our first beach outing, we climbed down these cliffs to have a little beach to ourselves one day.
The Mediterranean Sea
was worth the climb.
Yes, we have danced the Macarena in a pool in Spain.
Classic Spain: Un castillo y un torro (a castle and a bull.)
In case if you haven't gotten to ask in our first month back, here are typically our answers to the question, "How was Spain?"
Anthony - "We are glad to be home."
Megan - "Our family didn't fit quite as well as we did in Mexico, but we got to see a lot of amazing sights."
Micah - "Go to Germany."
Paul - "My favorite was Arribes del Duero National Park."
Sam - "Barcelona."
