Centennial Olympic Park Is a Lovely Spot To Visit In Atlanta.

The first thing that attracted me as I approached the Centennial Olympic Park was the voice of the singer, Tina P as she performed in the concerts on the recreation side of the park at Southern Company Amphitheater.

It could be heard all the way for quite a distance  till we reached the ‘Fountain of Rings’, and then I got distracted with the children playing in the interactive water sprinklers. We had just missed the 6:30 session of computer-controlled lights and jets of water that synchronizes with music. But it fun, watching young kids in the water play area that consists of 251 jets over five large olympics rings.

There were different flags surrounding the fountain area, that represented the host countries of each summer Olympics preceding the 1996 games.

Eight 65 foot tall light towers reminds me of classical Greek marker columns.

There were several pieces of sculptures scattered through the park.

The walking path was paved with small engraved bricks, alternating light and dark red, with short messages, bought by people who supported by contributing towards the cost for construction of this park.

                                                                                                           

We sat in the park for sometimes and then walked on the other side to enjoy the excellent views of the park and the surrounding area in a joy ride on the 200 foot ferris wheel, till the sun begun to settle down.

Sagrada Familia - An Architectural Beauty

The first time I saw Sagrada Familia, I was stunned by its beauty. Late evening, it was my first day at Barcelona and my BIL and my cousin took me for a drive to show me few monuments around the city. Even in the dark, I could not help gaping at this artistic architecture. My BIL promised to bring me back the next day.

Sagrada Familia is the Roman catholic church designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi. It looked incomplete and there was some construction still going on although it is the world heritage site, BIL informs me that the construction has been going on since many years, since its commencement in 1882 and it will be completed in 2026, the centennial year of Antoni Gaudi’s death.

The present design is based on restructured versions of lost plans as well as modern adaptations. In the 20^th century the stones were carved by hand but the current technology allows the stones to be shaped by milling machine. You can see the contrast in the type of material that is used and the color of the stones.

We made one complete round around the church, it was late evening, so we waited for light to brighten up the church and give it 3D effect.

The interior is complete with light seeping in through stained glass windows and artistic carved high pillars.

Worth a visit.