Jet lag getting better. Awake at 6am this morning. We had tickets for Sagrada Familia today for 9am so off we headed to attempt the Metro for the first time, which is pretty easy. The metro pops you right outside the church so as you come out, there it is, although surrounded by fences as the building work is going strong. Will be interesting to look at my photos from 10 years ago and see the differences.

Stopped in a local cafe for breakfast, practiced some of my spanish which is slowly coming back before we went and lined up for entry. Very organised. Had us up on the stairs in lines waiting for 9am and then advised only one person from each group to go and collect the audio guide. And then we were off. It was nice being in first, at least you get to enjoy it for a small while without hundreds of people so would highly recommend getting 9am tickets.

Most people know the story of Sagrada Familia but basically it started being built back in the 1800's and then Gaudi took over with this incredible plan. He oversaw the Nativity Facade being built and the beginning of the interior before he was killed stepping back into the path of a tram. However, he left so many plans and models, they were able to continue his work. The other side is the Passion Facade but is very modern.

The interior is supposedly complete and back in 2010 the Pope was here to consecrate it as a Basilica. For some reason the altar was surrounded by fencing for some more work. The columns are meant to replicate trees and all the stained glass windows let in such amazing light. You really just have to see it for yourself to enjoy it.

We had tickets to go up in the elevator on the Passion Facade side. Up 65m, out to look and then you had to walk all the way down these circular steps. Mum did very well, although for some reason even though she is afraid of heights, decided to look down the central part of the stairs...stupid!! But she made it and it was worth going up.

We spent about 3hrs in total looking around and taking it all in. So many things to look at and just enjoy really. He really was incredible. Finally headed out and wandered around the whole of the church from across the road to get some photos and take it all in.

It was then time to sit down and have some lunch and a break before making our way to Parc Guell. This is where the disappointment hit. It was a long trek from the metro to the Parc and then after walking up the hill and up the escalators and then more of a hill, arrived to find they now charge an entry fee and have timed tickets and next availability was 7pm. It was only around 2pm at this stage. Very disappointed. This park was built for the people and now the government is making a small fortune from it. 8 euro per person, 400 people every 30mins. What a rort. We were told by the staff it was because after someone damaged the famous lizard they needed to preserve it. I think they are doing that and more but not much we could do. Could walk around the park but just couldn't get into the main part that everyone comes to see.

I knew mum wasn't looking forward to the long walk back so after some asking, found a bus that would take us back to the metro. Worth the 2 euro!! Back to the hotel and after a 2min change into swimmers I was in the pool. So refreshing and so needed.

Relaxing couple of hours by the pool with some sangria before we headed down to La Barconeletta for a walk by the beach and dinner. So many restaurants to choose from. Chose one and had a lovely meal. The prawn cocktail mum had for entree wasn't the best but her fish and my mussels were pretty good, as was the Sangria to wash it all down!! Back on the bus and we jumped off in front of Casa Batllo to see it and La Pedrera lit up at night before walking back to the hotel. Mum was exhausted and it took her all of 2 seconds to fall asleep once her head hit the pillow. I think that is a sign of a good day.