We are fortunate to have two very special tour guides for our trip to Spain –Claude & Cristina Baud. They are knowledgeable about the regions of Spain, the sites we will visit, Spanish history, Spanish foods and wines – making them perfect guides for our trip!  They are interesting, engaging and charismatic. Claude and Cristina are committed to Pack a Fork! guests having a great experience in the country they love so much.

Claude Baud comes from five generations of Swiss hoteliers. Claude attended the Hotel School of Lausanne in Switzerland. He worked as a chef at the Hotel Tamaro in Ascona, Switzerland. He has also been a maitre d’ in restaurants around the world. Claude speaks four languages: English, Spanish, French and Italian. He is a food and wine connoisseur. He has taught culinary classes specializing in paella and tapas. Claude has been traveling and exploring the regions of Spain for 35 years. He has also traveled the planet and led tours. He is truly a ‘man of the world’.  Claude has brought community together through food and wine his entire life.

Cristina Baud is a native of Madrid. Cristina’s compulsive craving for travel has taken her to over 38 countries around the world. From these travels, she has gained considerable insight in to numerous cultures, peoples, traditions and religions. Cristina has dedicated much of her life to learning and relishing her country of Spain’s traditions and customs. In spite of her extensive travels, Spain is where her soul feels most engaged with its diverse culture, colorful traditions, innovative cuisine, rich history and passionate people.

Claude and Cristina have three sons. One lives in Barcelona. They also have one grandson. The Bauds are from Boulder, Colorado and also own a home in southern Spain.

 

 

Reason #2: Immersing ourselves in the world of Gaudi architecture and the Catalan Modernist Movement (also called the Catalan Art Noveau movement)

Barcelona claims to have the greatest collection of Art Noveau buildings of any city in Europe. The style in Spain, known as Catalan Modernism or Catalan Art Noveau, flourished due to the works of its famed architect, Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926). The Catalan Moderism movement created the unique cultural heritage of this city. No other city has as many buildings on the UNESCO World Heritage List as Barcelona. Our guides are Barcelona experts and will lead us through three of of Gaudi’s best-loved landmarks – La Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila/La Pedrera (the stone quarry) and Park Guell. We will learn about the Gaudi’s work which was supremely original and unconventional for its time. We will study Gaudi’s ingenious architecture from concept to intricate details.  Our guides will ‘walk, talk and teach’ about the Catalan Modernism movement by immersing us in Gaudi’s world.

La Sagrada Familia:

La Sagrada Familia is Europe’s most unconventional church. Begun in 1883, it became Gaudi’s greatest work as well as his life’s work. He did not complete the basilica before his death and work on the site continues today. La Sagrada will ultimately take longer to build than the Egyptian pyramids. It is hoped to be completed by 2026 – the centennial of Gaudi’s death. We will experience Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia – both it’s exterior and interior taking in how nature influenced every detail in his intricate modern design. Gaudi disliked straight lines and angles because they don’t often appear naturally. Instead he based his design on the swirling curves of nature. There is endless natural symbolism within La Sagrada Familia.

The inside is supported by large pillars that look like trees. For example, one pillar has a turtle at its base and another has a tortoise to show the balance between land and sea. Gaudi analyzed plants, animals and geothermal formations as well as the orbit of the stars which all influenced his design. 

This holy place was to be seen from any point within the city. The glass mosaics at its highest points when reflected by the sun or moonlight act as beacons to guide seafarers home.

 

Casa Mila/La Pedrera:

Casa Mila built between 1906-1910, is popularly known as ‘La Pedrera’ (the stone quarry). La Pedrera has also been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. La Pedrera is considered Gaudi’s greatest contribution to Barcelona’s civic architecture. At the time, La Pedrera was controversial due to its undulating stone facade, twisting wrought iron balconies and unique elements. It was designed as two apartments structured around two open circular courtyards.  Gaudi’s style in La Pedrera reflects the rhythm of nature and the force of geometry.

The ironwork balconies are like seaweed against the wave-like walls of the stone building.

The roof-terrace is its own unique space with architectural structures, ventilation towers and chimneys. It was innovative for its time providing a space to view the city of Barcelona from above. We will experience and learn about Casa Mila’s innovative architectural elements – the exterior, balconies, courtyards and roof-terrace.

 

Park Guell:

Park Guell was commissioned by Eusebi Guell who wanted to create a stylish park for Barcelona aristocracy. Park Guell contains amazing stone structures, stunning tiling, fantastically shaped buildings and a walkway supported by twisting rock pillars that seem to growing out of the ground like tree trunks. Park Guell is on Carmen Hill in the Gracia disctrict of Barcelona. It has sweeping views of the city to the waterfront. Built between 1900 and 1914, it is, again, a reflection of Gaudi’s love for nature and organic shapes. Park Guell is a dedicated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Park Guell is skillfully designed and composed to bring peace and calm to visitors.

The focal point of the park is its terrace surrounded by a long bench in the form of a sea serpent. The curves of the ‘serpent bench’ are decorated with ornamental mosaic patterns, shapes and colors.

Our guides will prepare a picnic for our time at Park Guell. We will relax, take in this tremendous environment, the panoramic views of Barcelona and further immerse ourselves in Gaudi’s vision.

Pack A Fork! is about a providing cultural immersion through seeing, doing, creating and learning. You will experience new ways to see the world through this multi-faceted approach. Designed for inquisitive travelers, Pack A Fork! provides women an opportunity to travel and experience a region through its culture and local cuisine. Our Spain trip is for inquisitive travelers – those who want to satisfy their curiosity through fun, active, immersive experiences. Is is about a new way of guided travel where you become completely engaged in cultural and culinary experiences. This trip is for those who want to ‘do’, not just ‘see’ – those who want to stretch their minds, their skills and their culinary creativity. Our Spain tour will give you a fresh perspective about this part of the world having explored the Basque and Catalan regions this way.

You will: 

• Experience the best of Barcelona – from a local’s perspective
• Stroll Barcelona’s Las Ramblas taking in the palatial buildings, cafes, artisan shops, dancers and street performers
• Dine at Barcelona’s oldest restaurant
• Learn about the world of famed Spanish architect – Antoni Gaudi
• Do a ‘tapa crawl’ (like the locals) to some of  Barcelona’s tapa and wine bars
• Take in the best views of Barcelona from two Gaudi landmarks  – La Sagrada and Park Guell
• Tour local markets
• Learn about Spanish wines and cava in a wine seminar
• Wander through rural medieval towns
• Enjoy picnics  
• Walk the beaches on the Costa Brava
• Hike in the Pyrenees
• Cook Basque pintxos with a chef
• Experience two of northern Spain’s most notable art museums
• Discover the city of San Sebastian known for its seafood and exceptional gastronomy
• Taste Spanish 5* gastronomy at our Farewell Dinner 
• Have time to yourself for rest, discovery on your own or with new friends

So, Pack A Fork! and come ‘adventure’ with us!