The New Skyline of Barcelona: Corruption and Hedonism

Near the forum area and Diagonal Mar, new hotels and office buildings see the light of day like flowers in the spring. Once, we were told that the height of new buildings would be controlled in order to respect traditional Catalan architecture in the city. There were times when only Hotel Arts and Mapfre Tower overlooked the sea, as solitary twins down there by the beach. I am not sure if they ever passed the law but it seems that regulations are there to be broken by real estate companies in connivance with prestigious architects and dubious local government representatives and so the story goes, all of a sudden we have a myriad of new tall buildings on the waterfront or along Diagonal Avenue that may be wonderful for touristic revenues and for the city but that have sent the initial good criteria straight down the drain. This modest blogger does like hotels and beautiful skylines but I can't help being astonished at how power tends to corrupt those we vote.

Parc de Joan Miro or Parc de l'Escorxador, Barcelona

Here is a view of Parc de l'Escorxador or Parc de Joan Miro with the famous Dona i Ocell (1982) by the famous Catalan sculptor (Joan Miro Barcelona, 1893 - Palma, 1983). This shot was taken from the roof of Las Arenas shopping center. The colors are enhanced because I thought the whole scene was rather dull. In fact it still is but maybe with a little luck you happen to focus on the beautiful sculpture in the middle and follow the link to my previous post and better appreciate the work of Joan Miro.

Gramophone or Phonograph, Casa Mila aka La Pedrera by Gaudi, Barcelona

A beautiful example of phonograph or Gramophone invented by Edison in 1877. This vintage record player can be admired at Casa Mila aka La Pedrera by Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona.

2012, New Plans: My Family

The new year is around the corner one more time and in these times of crisis, we should invest in more secure markets, some prefer gold, I prefer my family. Here's my daughter impersonating the black swan I think. Watching them grow to become teens, watching their ambitions, their plans for the future does make you wish for a better world, for a happy new year! Come to think of it that is all we've got that really matters, our family, our friends.