Where is the most ridiculous place you have ever been scared? Like heart racing, palms sweaty, eyes wide open, praying with every breath, SCARED? I have a couple. What can I say? I am an over-achiever! My most unique scary place was a church! Sagrada Famila in Barcelona, to be precise. (PS If you have read my earlier blog posts, you will recall I also had a few scary encounters in Spanish bathrooms too. Must be something about Spain?)

Sagrada Familia is an architecture marvel and one of Gaudi’s most famous works. The outside of this church reminds me of one of those long skinny candles that when you burn the wax drips down and collects in layers at the bottom in a massive gooey blob. (I am sure Gaudi would really appreciate that comparison!!). The inside, however, is spectacular, and totally worth a visit!

Aside from admiring one of the largest tourist attractions in Spain, I had to face a fear. Once inside, I knew my fear was lurking around the corner, literally. The tickets were purchased in advance, this was happening. Our party of four entered the tower elevator. All of us knowing this elevator was special, it only went UP!  You had to find your way DOWN. Now seems like a good time to mention the towers of this church are over 30 stories high? YES, I said OVER 30 stories high! And the number of stairs you have to take down; 504!

Once the elevator doors opened, I was instantly surprised, and not in a good way. At the top, the only stairs we found were going UP. Wait a minute. I was told we were going down the tower stairs, no one said anything about going UP!  How much further UP do I have to go? I was stuck, with no option but to follow the crowd.

As we kept following the path eventually we reached the circular stairs that took us down down down. We were incased in a tight circular tomb. (Does this sound like fun yet? Anyone?) I asked my hubby go first. Unfortunately I had to keep my eyes open, so my plan was to stare at his back the whole way down. I also put my hand on his shoulder and it never left that spot!

There were a few detours along this path; a side observation decks,  and windows, so so so many windows. Remember we had 30 stories to climb down! Our foursome remained in tact until the deck detour.  Two went out onto the deck to admire the view.  One didn’t stop at all, he broke off from the group and just kept going down the stairs. Once again, I felt stuck. I wanted to follow my husband down, but that meant putting on a brave face while he went out on the observation deck.  It also meant a slower trip down with more pit stops, and photo ops.

All four of us walked the same path down the church tower. We each had to go down the 504 steps. But our experiences were all VERY different.  One had the quickest trip of all, tunnel vision, no stops. no distractions, just powered through. Another savored the views, and captured amazing memories as the group photographer. Another took in all the sites, enjoyed all the stops, but also had to be physically tethered to a scared-y cat the whole way down. The last one took the long scenic way, head down, and appreciated the experience only after reaching the safety of the ground floor.

How interesting it would be for each from our foursome to chronicle our version of our Sagrada Familia day. What would each narrative reveal about us? Our faith? Our fear? Our perseverance? Our determination? Our bravery? Our generosity? Our kindness? Our sense of adventure? Unfortunately, you all are stuck with just my scaredy-cat’s version only.

But the question begs to be answered…. Mamas, who from our foursome do you relate too? What is your ‘baby’ tower journey revealing about you?