Barcelona Photoblog

August 29, 2011

Las Arenas in Barcelona, From Bullring to Shopping Center

Las Arenas Shopping Mall by Richard Rogers

Inaugurated back in March, 2011 Las Arenas de Barcelona shopping center that arose from the "ashes" of an old bullring is clearly one the best examples of modern architecture in Barcelona.

I took some more pictures of the surroundings and from above that I will post someday but not too many of the building as such. Maybe this link to a gallery published in the Guardian portraying Las Arenas before and after helps.

A long time ago, when this project was starting I published a couple of images where you could see the whole building held above the ground by a steel framework: Las Arenas bullring in Plaça Espanya and Las Arenas: A Historic Barcelona Bullring to Become a Leisure Center. The posts are so old that some links are not working.

Learn more about this project's architect, Richard Rogers.

Las Arenas has 105.000 sq meters of retail and leisure. 12 movie theaters. A fully equipped gym, including a jogging track. A wonderful 360 degree platform around the dome to enjoy one of the best panoramic views of Barcelona city, especially Plaza España and the fountains of Montjuic.

I suppose the place will be crammed packed for La Merce celebrations in September.

Find here the Las Arenas shopping centre's main site, unfortunately just in Spanish.

July 31, 2011

From my Window: Heavy Storm in Barcelona

Stormy clouds, Barcelona, Spain [enlarge]

Apocalyptic weather, ominous skies, gusty winds with hail hitting on windows, branches violently torn off  nearby trees and hundreds of calls for help received at the fire department. It all took but one hour although it seemed like a cyclone or the arrival of a tornado. I was afraid the window pane got broken or something. I even saw a pigeon caught in mid air by the winds fighting its way to the nearest cornice unsuccessfully. And suddenly the heavy rains ceased and the sun appeared joyfully amidst the scurrying clouds. Too extreme weather for this part of the world I guess. Here is another example caught from my window in the past.

July 26, 2011

Bar Terrace at Sant Felip de Neri Square in Barcelona, Spain

Bar Terrace at Sant Felip de Neri Square in Barcelona, Spain [enlarge]

Bar terraces abound in Barcelona but not all of them are so quiet like this at Sant Felip de Neri square in Barri Gotic and that belongs to Hotel Neri. Besides the evident beauty of the whole square, the central fountain, the baroque church of San Felip Neri and all the history behind this mysterious and charming spot of Barcelona I have to mention that in this very spot you are watching in the picture, Woody Allen shot one the scenes of the Vicky Cristina movie. I haven't seen it and although I like his work I guess I didn't miss much, but I realize Woody has great taste for locations and for actresses like...Scarlett Johansson. With all due respect I don't like Pe. Watch this video featuring Plaça de Sant Felip Neri

July 17, 2011

Ethnic Clothing in Barcelona Streets

Purple ethnic dress, Portal del Angel,Barcelona, Spain [enlarge]

I am no clothing expert and when I shoot maybe I look for a certain expression or a peculiar scene and not for how people are dressed, well, not that often I mean. This is not a fashion blog. But I reckon sometimes some colors are striking and even certain dresses stand out in the crowd. This is what looks like an Indian dress or something but don't take my word on that. If you are interested in older posts related to colorful dresses you can check these: Bollywood Dance or Punjabi Dress

No matter how misinformed I am about this topic, I am really glad we have such cultural diversity in Barcelona.

July 11, 2011

Ferretti Ice cream Shop in Barcelona: The Flavored Colors of Summer

Ferretti ice cream shop in Barcelona

Nothing like indulging in the lusty flavors of a given ice cream when the summer time comes.

There are lots of delicious small temptations to try during the season, but certainly there is nothing so voluptuous like a tasty ice cream. Choosing our flavor, while swimming in a sea of hedonist stimuli provoked by so many flashy colors, each of them recalling a story in the back of our mind, is by far one of the most intense food-triggered experiences of our life.

This Ferretti ice cream shop called my attention while walking the streets of Barri Gotic (carrer Boters 8 near Plaza de la Catedral). Nothing special to it except this franchise sells homemade ice cream or artisan gelato and that my friends is a luxury nowadays.

You can check a review of Ferretti in Foursquare. For more genuine Italian gelatos read this other post:
Where to have the best real Italian ice creams in Barcelona

July 05, 2011

Jack Nicholson in Papier Mache, Barcelona, Barri Gotic

Jack Nicholson in Paper Mache at Barcelona Shop

Yet another famous actor in papier mache at the same shop at carrer del Bisbe, near Plaça Sant Jaume in Barri Gotic, Barcelona, the one and only, Mr. Jack Nicholson with his eternal smile.

Dr. House who appeared in a very successful post here in Barcelona Photoblog in the past, has been moved as you see to a less favorable place in the display.

June 27, 2011

Sant Felip Neri Square, Barri Gotic, Barcelona

Plaza Sant Felip Neri in Barcelona

This is Plaça Sant Felip Neri, a small and very quiet square in Barri Gotic, Barcelona.

If you go up Carrer del Bisbe and take the narrow street on the corner of the archbishopric to the right, you will come across an archway that leads to this magical spot protected by leafy trees pierced here and there by beams of light that hit directly on the fountain you see in the picture (check location of Felip Neri square here).

The place holds the church of the Congregation of the Oratory of Barcelona founded in 1673 by Oleguer de Monserrat, a priest that had been in touch with the Oratory of Sant Felip Neri during his stay in Rome.

You should know that during the Spanish Civil War the square was bombed and the blast was so powerful that three houses, the church and the convent received considerable damage, up to the point that the iron doors of the church fell on the presbytery.There are still marks on the walls reminding us of such terrible events. What a contrast with the peaceful atmosphere you breathe in this quiet recess far from the mundane noise of neighboring alleys.

June 26, 2011

Sleeping on the Streets of Barcelona

Sleeping on bench, Portal de l'Angel, Barcelona [enlarge]

I am not sure about the status of this guy. I don't know whether he is homeless, drunk, a combination of the two or simply an intoxicated tourist who knows? I just noticed there was a wonderful light falling on him while lying there on that granite bench at Portal de l'Angel street in Barcelona, one of the richest streets in Spain. In spite of the Starbucks coffee on the right, the scene has this sort of religious mood at least for me, don't ask me why.

June 24, 2011

African Top Manta Hawkers in Barcelona

African Top Manta Hawkers in Barcelona [enlarge]

It is not unusual to find African hawkers selling false Louis Vuitton and Carolina Herrera handbags in Barcelona. Holding the ropes tied to their blankets (sp. manta) they quickly pick up the merchandise in case the police show up. This picture was taken at Passeig de Gracia although it could have been taken anywhere in the city.

Note: I recently improved my gear. I was in love with my Nikon D70s but I got a brand new D7000 (bought in the US cheaper). I am trying to get used to all the new features but man, am I happy! I hope the new stimulus makes me publish more frequently.

June 19, 2011

Watching Barcelona Leaves a Tattoo Engraved in Your Memories

Tattoo, Mirador de l'Alcalde, Barcelona, Spain [enlarge]

Like I said, the beauty of Barcelona city as seen from Mirador del Alcalde in Montjuic mountain overlooking the metropolitan area will leave some good memories in your mind maybe as colorful as the wonderful tattoos shining bright on this girl's shoulders.

June 11, 2011

Guided Bike Tours In and Around Barcelona: Discovering Passeig de Gracia

Guided Bike Tours In and Around Barcelona, Spain

Although not precisely a bicycle enthusiast and certainly not an expert rider, I must admit that it must be a thrill moving around Barcelona on a bike. The more bicycle friendly the city gets the more frequent it is to find groups of riders exploring not only the small alleys of the old part of town but also big arteries like Passeig de Gracia (picture).

There are several companies providing this guided tour services in Barcelona. You can easily see the name of the agency on the guide's T-shirt (Barcelona Ciclo Tours), but of course you have a great selection where to choose from. Here is a good list of bike rentals in Barcelona.

June 01, 2011

Pa de Pages, Our Modest Catalan Bread

Pa de Pages, Vic, Catalonia

In Catalonia when we make things we make it big like say, this modest, tiny, insignificant bread. Hansel and Gretel would have had bread crumbs enough to leave a generous trail behind them, feed the birds and make a nice toast at the end of the road. Pa de Pages is, I quote: "...a rustic round loaf, baked in a shaped tin, containing wheat flour, water, salt and starter dough. It has a generous crumb and thick crust. The body of the bread is dense and rich in flavour, and it can be kept for several days providing that it is bought unsliced..." (Gastroteca.cat). I recommend you browse this interesting site to find a quite complete compilation of Catalan products and recipes.

May 24, 2011

Tools, Vic, Barcelona

 [enlarge]

Anvil and hammer. Two tools that changed the history of men. This picture was taken in Vic at a local fair. Sorry I haven't been around here lately. I have not forgotten about the blog. It's just that I am too busy, not so much to post but to take pictures. Anyway I'll keep trying.

May 16, 2011

Delishop, Mallorca 241, L'Eixample, Barcelona

Delishop, Mallorca 241, L'Eixample, Barcelona [enlarge]

Sometimes it is hard to talk to you about nice shops in Barcelona without making the whole post look like a commercial. This is not an ad. You have my word on that. When I browse for places I would love to visit I enjoy reading about interesting spots and I really don't mind some promotion in posts as long as I don't smell the money. Not that I wouldn't accept it here but I prefer sponsoring on the sidebar better than an advertisement-ridden content. Once said that, allow me to show you this snapshot taken at the Delishop at carrer Mallorca right before the clerk turned his back to ask me if he could be of help. The place has nothing special to it except for the looks and that practicality implied in a take away. And that is precisely why I love the place. It is on my way to work and it comes handy when I am in a hurry. Service is good and food is properly displayed. I thought it was a very big franchise but upon visiting their web I found that they are just a couple of young entrepreneurs with an interesting story behind. I guess that made me like the place even more. Now that I give them good reviews why not suggesting the link, don't you think? Maybe I can get my chicken rolls for free!: Delishop, Mallorca 241

Note: I am really interested in knowing your opinion about giving helpful reviews and tips in Barcelona Photoblog the way a travel guide would do or not. I mean, taking pictures inside places and giving my opinion now and then against the usual neutrality of my posts in that sense. Do you have the same problem in your blogs?

May 09, 2011

Skateboard Pals, Passeig de Lluis Companys, Barcelona

Skateboarders, Passeig de Lluis Companys, Barcelona [enlarge]

Skateboard pals, taking a breath under one of those beautiful modernist lamps at Passeig de Lluis Companys in Barcelona. I have been out for some days so forgive me for leaving the blog a little unattended. It is great to rest for a while along the way. Next month I change gear so I hope photographs come out more frequently and improve a little a bit. Of course, the gear is no guarantee to take good pictures. That, I'll have to learn in the long run.

May 05, 2011

Outdoor BBQ Grill, Deltebre, Catalonia, Spain

Outdoor BBQ Grill, Deltebre, Catalonia, Spain [enlarge]

A scene I found interesting the other day at the beach. An outdoor barbecue grill very near the water at Illa de Buda in Delta de l'Ebre. It is easy to find places like this in Catalonia but they are usually inland. There is a whole ritual around making fire and cooking around such public grills. You usually bring your own meat or fish and you can buy wood or coal at some facility nearby. Like it happens in most barbecues, the fact of gathering several people around the fire be it friends or members of the family turns it into a social event that may include not just the desired lunch but games like soccer, cards, parcheesi, etc. Besides showing you how these public BBQ grills are, I was interested in those people concentrated on the fire, the smoke spreading all over the place and that guy going towards the beach that of course has nothing to do with the barbeque but contributes to the depth to the image.

May 02, 2011

Fishing Lead, Delta de l'Ebre, Tarragona, Catalonia

Fishing Lead, Delta d'Ebre, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain [enlarge]

Nothing you haven't seen before. Just a fishing lead hanging from a rod and a beach. Although this activity is regulated and there are certain hours and areas to fish, walking under a nylon line along the shore is something very common here. I only tried fishing once to find out I am not patient enough and I am more of the diving kind. If you ever went snorkeling, you probably have watched through the goggles at that man on the pier, wasting bait totally unaware of the deserted underwater prairie you have the privilege to explore. But fishing rods have that certain romantic look, they are part of the landscape, just like fishermen boats are in a painting and they meet their purpose which is, triggering a hypnotic status in the mind of the fisher-to-be. Maybe the most interesting thing here is the location, a wonderful natural park with wild beaches called Delta de l'Ebre, in the province of Tarragona, Catalonia. Towns nearby are popular among other things for the fantastic paellas, smoked eel tapas, frog legs, angulas (young eels), etc.

April 26, 2011

Faithful Friends, Passeig de Lluis Companys, Barcelona

Faithful Friends, Passeig de Lluis Companys, Barcelona

Friendship, love, hate, happiness or sadness are a universal asset, inherent to the human race. Friendship knows no creed. Anyone that is able to love, to be kind, to do good, to cultivate friendship is a person and not "the source of all evil". We tend to stigmatize religion, we foolishly fear the unknown, people that look different.

These two Muslim women, for example, covered with what we, out of our own ignorance, would refer to as just "a beautiful piece of cloth", are in fact wearing one of the many types of Hijab as part of their own traditions. Nonetheless, very often they are looked over the shoulder by many and are generally misjudged by the western world.

If I look underneath their headscarves, I just see two wonderful friends, maybe more valuable as persons than many ignorant racists of the so called First World. This is a delicate issue and perhaps the mere fact of musing on it sounds silly or irreverent. My anticipated apologies for that. By the way, let's not forget that other well known "good citizens" of this planet wear or have worn a veil and nobody ever cared. So this is another example of how absurd a debate (the use of the Hijab) can get to be. The picture was taken at Passeig de Lluis Companys, Barcelona.

Update: According to Gurvinder in the comments below (thanks!), these women are Sikh so they are wearing Chunni or Dupatta. If that is the case, this is proof of my poor and shortsighted "Western" approach to the matter. Sikh or Muslim, my point about racism is still valid.

April 17, 2011

Forest Fire in Collserola Mountain, Barcelona

 [enlarge]

Watching a forest fire from your own window is one of the saddest views you could ever have. This afternoon a small fire swallowed part of the woods on this hill at Collserola mountain. Now that I write this, at night, everything seems to be under control, but mother nature is not always that lucky. It is true that many forest fires start by a mere accident, like lightnings on a storm but the great majority are due to cigarette butts, bottles that act as a magnifying glass and outdoor barbecue grills which are forbidden. But the worst cause is forest arson which is probably what happened here. This is not the first time there's a fire around Barcelona, in fact one year several hills were completely devastated by the flames. The wind makes things worse and the fact the city is near is dangerous at least for those living at the slope of the mountain.

Update: April 18th: The police identifies three 14 year old teenagers as the authors of the fire yesterday Collserola Fire News in Spanish

April 15, 2011

Pottery: From Clay to Ceramics

Making pottery [enlarge]

The art of spinning a piece of clay, shaping it up with your bare hands until it becomes a jar, an amphora, a pitcher, a mug or whatever has been always a fascinating process for me. I remember pottery workshops at school and how clumsy I was. But if obtaining an object out of the blue may look mysterious in a way, placing it in a kiln to bake it is certainly magical. As usual, I wonder who was the first to have the brilliant idea of cooking a block of mud. Granted that this someone may have discovered some wet clay mound accidentally solidifying under the sun but it takes centuries to take that clay and put it in the fire to produce an object. And if that is not enough, glazing it and placing it back in the kiln to make it colorful is a great sample of the evolution of tools and skills throughout history, the history of our civilization.
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