A visit to the Sagrada Família

I overcame my touristophobia today by visiting the Sagrada Família (Holy Family Cathedral) promptly at 9 am when it opened. I like to call it the Sagrada Fromaggio on account of its sensuous food-like appearance. I will upload some pictures soon, but I know they won´t and can´t do justice to a live encounter with this building. It is one of the great masterpieces of Mankind without a doubt. I was reminded of my similar experience on visiting the Kennedy Space Centre - there can only be a few places of such significance on the planet and I am at one now. The Sagrada Família is something of a triple-bill attraction because it is now an old building (started in the 1880s), yet it is still under construction and will continue to be under construction for many more years. Who will be alive to see its official unveiling? This building is naturally very religious, but it is also a breath-taking homage to nature. The columns stretch up like tree branches and the ceiling filters dappled light like a canopy of leaves. All the stone is so alive and with images that are so simple and dear to everyday humans. On the nativity side, I suddenly caught sight of a little group of chickens (in stone of course). The bell towers are capped with bunches of fruit in mosaic patterns typical of Gaudí. I took the elevator up one of the bell towers, and then walked the circuitous route back down. A journey not for the faint of heart: tiny staircases, rather dark at times, with lots of verticals (up and down) and all the while, walking within feet of scaffolding and workers with noisy machines. Crazy. I promise to upload some of the harrowing pictures I took when I find a café that will allow me to do so.
Well, it´s 21:30 and almost time for dinner here in Barcelona.