Park Güell: Tickets sold out

 Park Güell is one of Barcelon'a favorite tourist sites, but it is frequently hard to find tickets if you want them right away. The official website usually proclaims "tickets sold out for today." Only four hour hundred people are allowed into the park per half hour.

We bought tickets the day before we went from a travel agency. It was a little more expensive, but worth having the guided tour. Before seeing Sagrada Família, Melanie want to know something about Antoni Gaudí, the church's principal architect, who was also one of the architects of Park Güell. 

"I left the park with a better appreciation for the work of Gaudí," she said. "It helped me understand Gaudí better." Although his work may seem strange because it is a combination of Gothic and Art Nouveau, she could see it in his major guiding themes of love of God, family, and nature. 

Origins of Park Güell

 Park Güell's construction in 1900 coincided with Barcelona's evolution into a thriving metropolis, driven by industry and boasting over half a million residents. The city had dismantled its walls almost 50 years prior, paving the way for the innovative Eixample, a project spearheaded by engineer Ildefons Cerdà. Cerdà's comprehensive analysis of Barcelona's growth challenges, influenced by technological advancements like the railway, led to the expansive Pla d’Eixample proposal, which increased the city's expanse tenfold. His forward-thinking approach aimed to create a more efficient, healthier, and fairer modern city.

Throughout the latter half of the 19th century, Barcelona underwent rapid expansion, with the Eixample area emerging as a prominent bourgeois hub. Simultaneously, development extended into the old manufacturing regions, characterized by a more industrial and populist nature.

The 1888 Universal Exhibition showcased Barcelona's vitality to Europe and the world, highlighting the city as the focal point of a resurging Catalan nation. This event fueled a quest for a new urban artistic expression, giving rise to the prominent Modernisme movement, notably embodied in the heart of the Eixample and exemplified in the distinctive architecture of Antoni Gaudí.

Modernisme and Catalan Culture

The Modernisme movement, akin to other movements like Sezession, Liberty, Jugendstil, or art nouveau elsewhere, differed in its ambition. It wasn't solely focused on aesthetic revitalization; it was a manifestation of Catalonia's yearning for modernization and cultural revival, fueled by Barcelona's dynamism. This broader ambition led Modernisme beyond architecture and visual arts, influencing language, literature, and music as well.

While art nouveau, in its various forms, aimed to establish an international architectural style reflecting the cosmopolitan culture of the fin de siècle, the Catalan movement aimed for a different goal: a fresh blend of tradition and the most revolutionary modern concepts.

In Catalonia, the cosmopolitan essence of art nouveau transformed into a broader aspiration for modernity, rooted in the ambition to propel the country forward while deeply embracing its cultural heritage.

 

 Modernisme in Barcelona

From the 1860s, the development of the Eixample area in Barcelona provided architects with diverse opportunities for creative expression, contributing to the city acquiring one of the most extensive and varied architectural repertoires in Europe. The initial ventures into Modernisme emerged within this broad landscape of historicist and eclectic architecture towards the end of the century.

During the emergence of art nouveau in cities like Brussels and Glasgow, when historicist and eclectic architectural styles dominated Europe, Barcelona was embarking on a uniquely original path. Following the 1888 Exhibition, forward-thinking architects began to reintroduce traditional construction methods such as the Catalan vault and ancient artisanal styles while exploring the expressive capabilities of iron. Esteemed architects like Antoni Gaudí, Lluís Domènech i Montaner, and Josep Puig i Cadafalch launched their careers within this milieu.

As art nouveau gained recognition at the 1900 International Exhibition in Paris, emphasizing nature-inspired forms both structurally and ornamentally, Barcelona became an ideal environment for such ideas. A cluster of architects, including Enric Sagnier and Jeroni Granell i Manresa, incorporated naturalist elements, largely within the eclectic architectural sphere. In contrast, the prominent figures of Modernisme, like Domènech i Montaner and Gaudí, took a more profound approach to interpreting art nouveau, seeking a balance between modernity and tradition, resulting in their distinctive architectural styles.

 

Güell and Gaudí

 The collaboration between entrepreneur Eusebi Güell and architect Antoni Gaudí commenced when Güell encountered a window exhibit designed by Gaudí for glove merchant Esteve Comella at the 1878 Universal Exhibition in Paris. In that same year, Güell engaged Gaudí to create furnishings for the pantheon chapel at the Palacio de Sobrellano in Comillas, a town along the Cantabrian coast, intended for his affluent father-in-law, Antonio López y López. The architect behind this impressive neo-gothic chapel was Joan Martorell i Montells, where Gaudí had previously worked in Martorell's studio.

Several years later, Martorell entrusted Gaudí with another project, further solidifying the partnership between the two architects. This time, it involved designing the porter's gatehouse and stables for Finca Güell (1883-1887), a property owned by the Barcelona businessman in Les Corts, situated to the west of Barcelona.

The creation of Park Güell

Martorell, a highly esteemed architect at that time and someone Gaudí always regarded as his mentor, wielded significant influence over Gaudí's future body of work.

 In 1886, Eusebi Güell assigned Gaudí the task of constructing his new residence, the Palau Güell, situated on Nou de la Rambla street in the city's historic district. Subsequently, in 1895, Gaudí collaborated with Francesc Berenguer to build a winery in Garraf county. In 1898, he conceived the design for the church in Colònia Güell, which housed the workers from the substantial textile factory owned by the industrialist on the outskirts of Barcelona. Finally, in 1900, Gaudí received the commission to create Park Güell.

Güell possessed a unique understanding of the significance behind Gaudí's architectural vision. Their connection went beyond that of an artist and patron; it was a genuine tale of friendship. For a considerable period, the Güell family resided in the expansive family estate (now a school) situated on the land where the project was developed, while Gaudí himself lived in one of the two houses constructed there.

Even during the businessman's lifetime, the park held the distinction of being one of Barcelona's foremost tourist attractions. The expansive square within was frequently utilized for hosting Catalanist events, traditional Catalan sardana dancing, and various civic and social gatherings.

 

Source: Official Website for Park Güell, Photos by Melanie Fisher

 

Incomparable Sagrada Família

 

Sagrada Família Church in Barcelona, Gaudí's masterpiece

 The one thing my wife wanted to see this trip to Barcelona was the Basilica Sagrada Família. But, the third week of October while we were there, it was almost impossible to find tickets. Tickets from the official site, which cost 26 to 40 euros, were sold out. We visited Julia's Tours across the street and fortunately Melanie was able to get one ticket for the next day's tour. 

Before going to the church, she arranged to visit Park Güell, a wonderland created by Antoni Gaudí, the principal architect of Sagrada Família. "Once I visited the park," she said, "I was better able to understand Gaudí, and his love for God, family, and nature, all of which are portrayed in his work."

The Sagrada Família, probably the most renowned church in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, is an ongoing construction project and the largest incomplete Catholic church globally. Originally commenced in 1882 by architect Francisco de Paula del Villar, Antoni Gaudí took over in 1883, infusing his unique blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. Gaudí dedicated his life to the project and is interred in its crypt, yet by the time of his passing in 1926, only a fraction of the structure was finished.

Funded solely by private donations, the construction faced setbacks during the Spanish Civil War when anarchists damaged portions of Gaudí's original plans. Resuming progress post-war, advancements in technology accelerated the construction, but significant challenges, including the addition of ten spires representing Biblical figures, persisted. Originally projected for completion by 2026, the centenary of Gaudí's death, the COVID-19 pandemic caused delays, pushing the potential conclusion to certain aspects of the project to around 2040.

Critics have lauded the Sagrada Família for its unprecedented design. Rainer Zerbst remarked that finding anything akin to this church in the history of art is nearly impossible, while Paul Goldberger hailed it as the most remarkable personal interpretation of Gothic architecture since medieval times.

 Source: Wikipedia; Photos by Melanie Fisher

How Pumpkin Seeds Improve Sleep and other suggestions

Pumpkin seeds are good for insomnia

One in three adults suffer from insomnia, and our dietary choices might be to blame! 

Read below for advice from Alex Ruani, Chief Science Educator at The Health Sciences Academy, and Anna Mapson, Registered Nutritional Therapist from Goodness Me.

Key findings:

• Don't throw the pumpkin seeds out this Halloween, as they can spook away insomnia! 
• Citrus fruits might make for tasty and healthy snacks, but they can disturb your sleep - and so can garlic! 
• Certain supplements are better to avoid before bed!

 

The worst foods for your sleep

1. Sugar

Several studies have linked increases in sugar consumption to disturbed sleep patterns, more restlessness during sleep and shorter uninterrupted sleep. Consuming sugary foods like cookies and sweets late at night can disrupt our blood sugar levels, making it difficult to fall asleep.

2. Citrus fruit

 

Citrus fruits might make for tasty and healthy snacks, but they can disturb your sleep - and so can garlic! This is because they are likely to worsen reflux symptoms during sleep. This can disrupt your sleep, especially if you suffer from conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux.

Those with reflux problems should avoid fatty foods, tomatoes, citrus fruit, and allium vegetables like garlic and onion.

 

3. Too much water 

 

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is vital for a healthy lifestyle, but too much water just before bed can increase the risk of insomnia. By maintaining hydration levels throughout the day instead of just before bed, you can avoid multiple trips to the bathroom.

 

4. Alcohol 

Alcohol might make us feel sleepy, but it's not going to allow for a deep restorative sleep. You may wake in the night, or wake up feeling sluggish in the morning. Increased alcohol consumption can also lead to hangover effects like headaches, digestive discomfort, tirednessand thirst. These effects can significantly affect daily functioning and even disrupt sleep quality the next night.

5. Caffeine from coffee and chocolate

It's widely known that caffeine is a sleep disruptor and even that midday coffee might interfere with your ability to sleep. Research has shown that consuming 400mg of caffeine six hours before bedtime can postpone sleep by as much as one hour. Apart from the well-known caffeine sources like coffee, tea, cola, and energy drinks, caffeine can also be present in certain foods. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, cookies, and candies can contain significant levels of caffeine, potentially causing delays in falling asleep if consumed before bedtime.

The best foods to help you sleep

1. Carbohydrates, like pasta and rice

Carbs have a bad reputation, but they are vital to our diets and they can actually help us sleep better! This is because they increase the availability of tryptophan in the brain, an amino acid that produces melatonin.

Opting for complex carbs such as brown rice, wholegrains or starchy vegetables can avoid spiking your blood sugar.

2. B vitamins from protein, such as poultry and nuts

 

B vitamins play a crucial role in brain function and are involved in the production and use of melatonin and other sleep neurotransmitters. Even a slight deficiency in any of these B vitamins can lead to disrupted or lower-quality sleep.

 

Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal-based foods such as oysters, fatty fish, poultry, eggs and dairy products. For vegans and vegetarians, it's important to focus on incorporating high-quality protein sources in each meal, including options like nuts and lentils.

 

3. Melatonin from plant foods, like peppers

 

While the body can produce its own melatonin, it's interesting to note that certain foods also possess melatonin and its natural sedative properties. Plant-based foods, in particular, are rich sources of melatonin, including vegetables (particularly peppers), mushrooms, legumes (beans and lentils), and select berries (such as sour cherries).

 

4. Seeds for magnesium production

 

Make sure you don't throw the pumpkin seeds out this Halloween, as they can spook away insomnia! This is because they contain magnesium, an essential mineral that not only acts as a muscle relaxant, but also enhances the secretion of melatonin, helping to promote sleep.

 

Other great sources of magnesium are shelled hemp hearts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, almonds and dried thyme.

 

5. Zinc from cereal grains

While magnesium can help with sleep induction, zinc is said to help with the quality of sleep. Both human and animal studies have associated zinc intake with improved sleep quality. Good sources of zinc include oats, wheatgerm, sesame seeds, oysters, meat and eggs.

Can supplements affect your sleep? 

Certain supplements are better taken in the morning or noon, in order to protect the quality and length of your sleep. This is because these supplements contain ingredients like sugar or caffeine, which could disrupt sleep. It's best to avoid the following supplements before bed: 

• Vitamins B
• Multivitamins and energy herbs
• Vitamin D
• Calcium
• Vitamin C

Additionally, some vitamins, such as A, D, E, and K, are fat-soluble and are best absorbed when taken with meals. Take these vitamins with breakfast or lunch to avoid consuming larger meals in the evening, which is discouraged due to the possibility of indigestion.

Spoiler alert - pumpkins can scare away the late night insomnia blues!

This information is provided by Mattress Online. The company consulted with nutrition specialists to provide insights on foods that can promote a restful night's sleep and those to steer clear of.

 

Sources mentioned: 

• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12119-insomnia 
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29241421/ 
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24235903/

 

 

Mr. Meant-To

Mr. Meant-To
Author Unknown
 

Mr. Meant-To has a comrade,
And his name is Didn’t Do;
Have you ever chanced to meet them?
Did they ever call on you?
These two fellows live together
In the house of Never-Win,
And I’m told that it is haunted
By the ghost of Might-Have-Been.