Barcelona Photoblog

March 30, 2010

Lonely?

Lonely, Gran Via de les Corts, Barcelona [enlarge]

I don't have much to say on this one, to be honest with you. As with many photographs you can always interpret and think of a story of your own according to your experiences, your creativeness and imagination. The way I see it, maybe we are talking about loneliness here although I prefer to look at it as yet another street photograph, a glimpse of Barcelona just as witness and not as judge.

March 26, 2010

Zoological Museum of Barcelona: Modernist Tower Detail

Zoological Museum of Barcelona: Modernist Tower Detail [enlarge]

The Zoological Museum of Barcelona which is part of what is known as Museu de Ciencies Naturals  is located in Parc de la Ciutadella. I won't give too much detail, as I just wanted to show the picture and invite you to visit this modernist building. This is a detail of the tower of Moorish reminiscence against the sky. In fact, this is part of the Natural Science Museum which is a group including the Geology Museum (1882) by Antoni Rovira i Trias inaugurated first, the Botanical Garden in Montjuic mountain and this Art Nouveau jewel by Lluís Domènech i Montaner conceived as a cafe for the 1888 World Exhibition, later abandoned and reconditioned as history museum till 1920 when it finally held the Zoological Museum. Usually, it is known as The Three Dragons Castle. By the way, in between the Geology and Zoology museums there is also the Hivernacle, a gorgeous greenhouse. Both museums exhibit some interesting collections donated by Francesc Martorell i Peña, archeologist and naturalist plus later additions. The Zoology Museum is above all a place to remember those times in which natural science was a passion in Catalonia, a historic building with a charm of its own and not a top notch interactive institution. Come to think of it, that's the good thing about these premises, rickety furniture, dusty shelves, musty smell, spiderwebs, last century trophies and fascinating animals looking at you mysteriously. Maybe I am exaggerating here but you get the idea.

March 23, 2010

Sun Clock at Can Palau Restaurant, Vilanova del Valles, Barcelona

Sun Clock at Can Palau Restaurant, Vilanova del Valles, Barcelona [enlarge]

Recently I went to this restaurant in Vilanova del Vallès near Barcelona city to have famous calçots. It was quite a pleasant day after the dull days of winter. There are plenty of restaurants like Can Palau all around Catalonia so I wasn't surprised at all but I have to say the service was good and the place is comfortable specially if you have kids as it is an old masia (sort of rural house related to Roman villas in origin and part of a farm) very common in Catalonia, with terrace and playground in this case. Calçots were succulent and meat, tender and juicy. On a full stomach, I went out to the garden to stretch my legs and found this marvelous sun clock on a decayed wall invaded by a huge withered climbing plant. Just the perfect shot for a perfect lunch on the perfect day.

Can Palau restaurant
Granollers-el Masnou KM 10
08410 Vilanova del Vallès (Barcelona)
Tel.:+34 938456145

March 19, 2010

Casa Macari Golferichs by Joan Rubio i Bellver - Eixample Civic Center, Barcelona

Casa Macari Golferichs by Joan Rubio i Bellver [enlarge]

Another good example of modernista houses in Barcelona is located in Gran Via de les Corts 491, next to Viladomat street. Casa Macari Golferichs maybe is not that relevant if compared to other renown houses in the city but it is certainly interesting and worth the visit. It dates back to 1901 and was built by Joan Rubio i Bellver, the same architect, assistant to Gaudí for 12 years, that created House Roviralta (1903), the Escola Industrial (1912) or participated in the reconstruction of famous Casa dels Canonges. Beyond the pure architectural attraction of this house in L'Eixample Esquerra (left side of the 'Ensanche' quarter) we must say that at present its premises include a civic center, a library and a cultural area devoted to photography (Espai Català Roca) although to be exact the main building holds the Carles Pi i Sunyer Foundation. It was great to capture this beauty and I was specially captivated by this blend of Art Nouveau, Gothic and Neo Medieval elements.

March 16, 2010

Traditional Shops in Barcelona: Costumes by Menkes

Menkes Costumes Shop in Barcelona


The other day while walking along Gran Via de les Corts and near Passeig de Gracia I spotted this well decorated showcase. At first, I was just interested in the colorful display but then noticed the sign specifying the shop had been founded in 1950 and decided to google the name. It happens that the company has stores all over Spain and also in Paris or New York and not only deals with costumes but also distributes and manufactures flamenco items or tailors for the theater among other things. 

As I think some shops well deserve the free ad I give you the link and leave it up to you whether to spend your precious time following it or not: Menkes

And now that we are at it, I wonder what your opinion is about indirectly promoting brands, companies or products when writing an article due to the very nature of the content or the photograph in this case.

March 15, 2010

Bollywood Dance in Barcelona

Bollywood Dance in Barcelona [enlarge]

To resume the dancers series from previous posts here are these young ladies doing the Bollywood dance. This is a topic I am not good at so I will let you watch the photograph and maybe leave a link here to a Bollywood dance video. As the flamenco or the hip-hop images this one took place at an audition in La Masia cultural center in Nou Barris. Enjoy the new week.

March 11, 2010

Astray Tourists: Directions in Barcelona

Tourists: Directions in Barcelona, Spain [enlarge]

Finding directions can be tough, specially when you are not good at spacial orientation like me, you know. I am one of those that can't find the car in the parking lot or wouldn't tell right from left after turning myself around. So I understand that in spite of how well designed streets are in a given city, people get lost. Besides there's an extra difficulty, we get clumsy when we are taken out of context. It seems that besides our capacity to know where we are and to follow signs properly, besides our ability to interpret a map, we need a general view of the whole map in our minds. And that's when geography might help. There are cities in the middle of a prairie that if it weren't for the Sun or the stars do make it difficult to reach your destination. Should you get lost in Barcelona, something impossible in the Eixample quarter by the way, always remember that you have mountains around, streets have a certain slope and the sea is right there going down every road. Once you spot those, then think you have two rivers in the other axis. So, when you face the mountain side you've got Besós river to the right and Llobregat to the left (towards the airport). Of course, relevant buildings or streets also help particularly when no slope is visible as in the old part of town (that means you are near the sea!). In general, if you bear in mind that bird's eye view perspective you'll be on the right track. It's funny but this is the second photograph I take of several people around a map and both look like Japanese tourists to me. Is it a matter of idiosyncrasy?. Maybe Western people are more like: "Hey, I carry the map cause I'm good at it". I don't know. How is it in your city? Is it difficult to find directions?

March 09, 2010

Snow Covered Scene in Barcelona

 [enlarge]

To many this would be a rather obvious image of any odd park in any odd country. But this was Barcelona yesterday and to witness a similar scene  we have to check our archives and go back to 1962 for example when another heavy snowfall took place. There was a certain light at dusk that gave the view a sort of Christmas mood or should I say Easter in this case?.

March 08, 2010

Snowing in Barcelona

Snowing in Barcelona [enlarge]

As many of you already know or will find out in today news, Barcelona has experienced a rather infrequent phenomenon in this city, a snow storm. At the beginning, it seemed to be the "usual" thing, some flakes that turn to rain drops before touching the ground but the situation got worse and worse along the day till the point that train and bus services were stopped, cars were advised to stay at home, classes were interrupted for 142,000 students at 476 public schools, all came to a halt except for the subway, that will run non-stop all night long, something that only happens on weekends. Commuters were not that lucky and had to remain wandering in hope the service was restored. There were no trains going North, many flights were canceled or delayed, 200.000 people lost their electric power supply mostly in Girona. Tomorrow who knows what the situation will be. At the moment, the snow storm seems to be over and slowly we recover from this one-day nightmare in a city that is not prepared at all for such inclement weather. Here's a small video I captured with my cell phone

Thirsty

Thirsty kids at fountain in Plaza Tetuan, Barcelona, Spain [enlarge]

Some kids drinking and playing with water at a fountain located at the base of the Dr.Robert monument in Tetuan square, Barcelona. There is not much to say here but I liked their innocent game. Check previous post to learn about the monument: Dr. Bartomeu Robert Monument.

March 05, 2010

Barcelona Garbagemen: Somebody's Got To Do the Dirty Job

Barcelona Garbagemen [enlarge]

Garbage men, garbage collectors or trash men as you prefer to call them are people we take for granted. I mean, they are there but they pass you by and you pretend they are part of the urban furniture. That's how we thank people that clean our crap. These people should be paid more respect. In fact all those that wake up very early in the morning to do their job, "lousy" jobs no one's willing to do, deserve some respect. Dirty jobs that somebody's got to do.

March 02, 2010

Stop Bullfighting Sign at Plaza de Toros La Monumental, Barcelona, Spain

Stop Bullfighting Sign at Plaza de Toros La Monumental, Barcelona, Spain  [enlarge]

This is a detail of the box office window at La Monumental bullring in Barcelona, a place that is becoming rather obsolete these days in this part of the peninsula. The slogan is a whole declaration of principles: Neither Art Nor Culture, This is Torture, a polemic topic that as usual has defenders and detractors. I don't have nothing against traditions but all living things are to be respected and we don't have the right to kill them just for fun. It is too high a price to pay.

February 28, 2010

Hip-Hop Dancer, Barcelona

Hip-Hop Dancer, Barcelona [enlarge]

My daughter's young hip-hop teacher during a performance in La Masia cultural center in Nou Barris. I couldn't know less about hip-hop being from the old school and born in 63 but I have to admit that movements rock and look swell in a photograph. The most interesting thing was not in isolated frames (come too think of it if it weren't for the clothes and shoes there is no hint of hip hop in this shot) but in the full series: hip-hop dancer.

February 24, 2010

Dr. Bartomeu Robert Monument by Catalan Sculptor Josep Llimona, Plaza Tetuan, Barcelona

Dr. Bartomeu Robert Monument by Catalan Sculptor Josep Llimona, Plaza Tetuan, Barcelona [enlarge]

On Plaça de Tetuan, Barcelona at the intersection of Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes and Passeig de Sant Joan, there is this magnificent monument built in honor of Bartomeu Robert aka Dr. Robert, physician, teacher, renown Catalan politician and city mayor after 1899. Based on a project by Domenech i Montaner, the monument was finished by sculptor Josep Llimona in 1910. It was originally located at Plaça Universitat but later dismounted and stored during Franco's dictatorship. The sculptures remained well preserved till they were set back in place at the new location in 1985. The main figure is on the other side but this group of people representing the Catalan family and Catalan workers really caught my attention, in the morning light against the sky.

February 23, 2010

Casa Ramon Oller, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 658, Barcelona

Casa Ramon Oller, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 658 [enlarge]

Modernista balconies are authentic Barcelona hallmarks. Catalan Art Nouveau is everywhere, in every detail and displayed in full splendor. Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, one of our main arteries holds very good samples of this art such as this apartment building at number 658. The place you see here is a restoration made in 1900-1901. The original house dates back to 1871 and had been designed by Eduard Fontseré. The reform was carried out by architect Pau Salvat i Espasa (1872-1923) later on. Notice the magnificent ironwork especially on the tribune and the leaded glass panels.

February 22, 2010

Flamenco Dancer: Hands

Flamenco dancer's hands

Flamenco artist during an audition at La Masia de la Guineueta, a cultural institution in Parc Central de Nou Barris. I was there to see my daughter dance, not in this category but in hip-hop and I was sitting in the first row. I took some more pictures that I will probably show soon. Look at the hands and the elegant pose. Such beautiful back and shoulders she has! Happy entering in the new week.

February 17, 2010

Carnival in Barcelona: La Merce Market

Carnival in Barcelona: La Merce Market [enlarge]

Another picture from this particular series taken in La Merce market last weekend during Barcelona carnival celebrations. I guess it is not very comfortable to work wearing a joker costume but it all helped cheering up the season and the lousy weather.

February 16, 2010

Barcelona Carnival: Fantasy of a Little Princess

Snow White costume - Barcelona Carnival in La Merce market [enlarge]

I don't really know what the costume is about. Snow White perhaps. Whatever it is who knows how many fantasies populate this child's mind, how different can she see the world through her rose colored infant glasses. Perhaps this market is full of fairies hiding behind those huge stands from where they gently offer treats. I couldn't resist using the classic color isolation trick.

February 15, 2010

Barcelona Carnival: Butcher in Disguise at La Merce Market

Butcher lady holding carving knife and wearing carnival costume

La Merce market in Nou Barris quarter (Pg Fabra i Puig 270-272) participated as usual in the Barcelona carnival activities. As it is traditional at this time of the year workers wore costumes while serving clients. In the picture this lady butcher with wig and red hat had no problem in skillfully slicing that chunk of meat. Maybe you came out with some artificial hair in your food but who cares, it is carnival time.

February 11, 2010

Mosaic: Els Gegantons del Pi by M. Guivernau

Els Gegantons del Pi by M. Guivernau [enlarge]

Mosaic at Barri Gotic by M. Guivernau near Plaça del Pi. I don't remember the exact point. Most of these mosaics are on carrer Petritxol but this one in particular I cannot recall. I have been busy lately so I just post the picture and a short text.
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