This piece comes from Chuai Lam’s casual writings, likely penned between 2020 and 2022. Reading his reflections from that turbulent period evokes a strong sense of déjà vu — a vivid reminder of the time when I often looked skyward, longing for travel and the wonders of the world beyond.

Chuai Lam reminisces about journeys, people, and — naturally — unforgettable meals. There were countless places he hoped to revisit: Barcelona and Gaudí among them.

困在家后,什么地方都到不了了,就算最近的澳门去一下,隔离14天,回来又要14天,白白的浪费将近一个月,值得吗?想去的国家太多了,既然出不了门,唯有做梦时走一走,算是名副其实的梦游了。BBC有个节目,所到之处都是大家熟悉的,但全部是一般旅客不知道的地方。刚好我都住过,看起来十分亲切。

前后介绍巴塞罗那,这是我30多年前拍快餐车时住过一年的都市,后来也经过三四次,但游客太多,又有时有吉普赛青少年抢劫事件发生,已经失去了兴趣,不过怎么也好,等可以旅行时也一定要重游。

最好等到 2026 年圣家堂完成时去看看。这是多年来的心愿。高迪的建筑在1882年开始动工,一直没有停过。我去时,一切还没有上过颜色,游客对他也不太注意,我就住在附近,一有空都把头藏进去研究,对他的一草一木都感兴趣,当年还结识了一个年轻的雕刻家叫Etsoru Sotoo。每天辛辛苦苦的刻石,他说只要能为教堂献上一份力量,就是一生最大的满足。巴塞罗那冬天冷起来也相当厉害,我看他衣服单薄,冻得全身发抖。在我拍完戏离开时,把所有的御寒的衣着都送给了他。当今他已经成了名人,不知会不会记得,教堂完成时,他人一定在,也想找他坐下来聊聊天。

RIP — Chuai never made this trip. As some say, Gaudí’s work is touched by the divine — perhaps he and Chuai are now in conversation about it in heaven.