Barcelona's Whimsical Parc Güell

One of my favorite spots while in Barcelona was Parc Güell. Just like Mercat de la Boqueria captured the flavors of Barcelona, Parc Güell captured the essence of it. This park, which is more like a modern day Alice in Wonderland, draws together the whimsical works of Gaudi, the sounds of Spanish music and a hilltop view of Barcelona as the backdrop. Coming from the back of the park, I first came across arched stone structures that hung with vines and led the way to Gaudi's own home--a pink house nestled in the heart of the park. From Gaudi's home it was a few steps to the famous sea serpent, a long mosaic colored bench that winds its way around a square of musicians, locals and tourists. It's at this bench that I felt Barcelona's playfulness--children playing soccer on one side, guitarists and people dancing and clapping to Spanish music on the other. From the sea serpent the scene melted into a classical setting with columns, mosaic roofs and violinists taking advantage of the acoustics under the sea serpent bench. At the official entrance to the park sits Gaudi's iconic mosaic lizard. The lizard, which looks as though it is basking in the sun and munching grass, is nestled on the steps overlooking Gaudi's gingerbread-like buildings and wrought iron gate leading to the tapas bars and shops outside.