Some bars and shops in Barcelona feature these well known cows that originally were meant as public art as part of the cowparade and that as everything popular in this life ended up getting into the advertising business to reinvent themselves and get some extra cash to invest in public art. Who knows?
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November 23, 2014
Spicy Orange Cow at Tapas Bar in Barcelona
Some bars and shops in Barcelona feature these well known cows that originally were meant as public art as part of the cowparade and that as everything popular in this life ended up getting into the advertising business to reinvent themselves and get some extra cash to invest in public art. Who knows?
October 30, 2014
5 Secret Hideaway Places in Barcelona, Spain
Over 180 bunkers were strategically constructed on TurĂ³ de la Rovira hill and other high points around El Carmel. The bunkers housed machine guns and artillery used by the Republican army. Though never used for their intended purpose, the bunkers stand today as haunting reminders of Barcelona's war-torn past. Many are now covered in graffiti art, and the bunkers have become popular spots to take in panoramic views of the city skyline.
October 23, 2014
Ethnic Barcelona
October 14, 2014
Trumpeter at Carrer de la Merce
October 05, 2014
Canopy and Crucifix, High Altar, Sagrada Familia
September 11, 2014
V for Victory and Vote: La Diada, 300 years of honor
September 08, 2014
Catalan Housewife
I found this poster the other day at El Raval neighborhood if I remember correctly with this modern Catalan housewife in crocs and fancy earrings gazing at some point far away through the window with determination and pride. I don't know if the message was that the future looks brighter for housewives in Catalonia or that they wanted to sell more washing machines to many of them, but I get the impression that it is always the same old story that women belong in the kitchen. Maybe they just wanted to make this wall look like an open door to any odd kitchen. I leave it up to you to judge by yourselves.
September 07, 2014
Breaking Bad T-Shirts in Gracia Quarter, Barcelona
August 29, 2014
Multiethnic Street Mural at El Raval, Barcelona
August 20, 2014
The Broken Bell of Sant Miquel del Fai
Update: Sant Miquel del Fai, up to now (2017) a private estate, has been bought by local Barcelona authorities by 1.3 M eur and remains close now. It will be opened to the public in 2018. Entrance will be free.
August 06, 2014
Gem Stores in Barcelona: Blue Howlite
Blue howlite has antiinflammatory and detoxifying properties, helps the immune system and it is used to deal with heartburn. It is also good for your memory and it is very soothing in general. It calms your anger, reduces anxiety and tension. It is said to prevent insomnia and help you remember what you dream.
CRISTALLJOIA
Jaume I nº16
08002
Tel: 93 268 44 52
DON MINERAL.
C/ Call, 19
08002
Tel. 933 024 830
VIVES DE LA CORTADA.
C/Call 24-26.
08002
Tel. 933185846
July 28, 2014
Barcelona Buildings Main Entrance: Rambla Catalunya
Barcelona map is studded with numerous emblematic casas modernistas.
Sumptuous Barcelona modernist buildings with exquisite main entrances, built by renowned Catalan Art Nouveau artists along Rambla Catalunya or Passeig de Gracia are a pleasure to the eyes of those who take the time to stop and snoop inside.
This modernist house is a good example. You can find it at Rambla Catalunya near Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes.
That polished floor, the elaborate ironwork and the old elevator so well preserved, make you feel as if you were traveling in time somehow.
Another nice entrance you can admire for example is at the Palau del Baro de Quadras
Here is a list of modernist houses to start your tour or check this previous post: Modernist Building, Rambla Catalunya 61 next to Arago St.
July 19, 2014
Catalan Cuisine Suggestions: Restaurant La Violeta, Castelltersol, Barcelona
Today I want to suggest Restaurant La Violeta in Castelltersol (there should be a letter cedilla after the R but Google spiders don't like foreign letters too much), a Catalan municipality that is part of Barcelona province which historically devoted to the textile industry and took its name after a castle that dates back to the ninth century. Restaurant La Violeta and the hotel with the same name, are located in a house from 1860, restored in the 90s. Apparently is just another normal local restaurant, but I have to say that if you happen to be nearby you shouldn't miss it because its cuisine is certainly worth tasting. When I say nearby, I mean, you could be watching eagles fly in renown Cim d'Aligues natural park or admiring the views at Sant Miquel del Fai.
For starters, I recommend you don't miss their special tapas, like Formatges arrebossats amb melmelada de violetes (breaded cheese dice in violet marmalade) in the picture above, or the Patatas Bravas a la Violeta. In fact, my wife and I fell in love with that violet flavor and that's why we always try to return when we have the chance. They have a nice selection of salads like the season salad with nuts, cheese, quince and apple.
For the main course, you can either have pasta dishes like the Rossejat de fideus mariners (a sort of Paella but with noodles and sauce) or a good shrimp risotto. I would go for the Arros amb llamantol (rice with lobster) but as you can see in the image, pan fried tuna can suit you well for less money. We were fortunate it was summer and they had the Gazpacho, one of the best I have tried, out of Andalusia of course.
For dessert, there was this homemade ice cream with strawberries that was just the cherry on top of the day. As to the price, it is slightly pricey, not much, but you get quality food and they are not minimalist at all, if you know what I mean. More details on their website following the first image.
July 08, 2014
A Day at Cafe Zurich, Barcelona
June 02, 2014
Wrought Iron Door by Manuel Ballarin, Palau del Baro de Quadras, Barcelona
This exquisite modernist wrought iron door was made by artist Manuel Ballarin i Lancuentra.
From his foundry Casa Ballarin, the most important in the city by the end of the XIX century came out most of the iron art works present in the buildings by architect Puig i Cadafalch like Casa Amatller, Casa Macaya, Casa Serra among others.
Check this lamp post at Passeig de Gracia by Ballarin or this remarkable gates detail at Casa Marti.
May 08, 2014
Grape Vine Rootstocks of D.O Montsant
The Romans used to cultivate vineyards in these valleys located in a vast area of Tarragona province that was once under the sea and where limestone and clay prevail. In fact, this kind of soil has an incredible drainage capacity, something that is ideal for obtaining good wine. These rootstocks in the picture above, are 80 years old! Their roots grow one meter every ten years in search of subterranean water, so there are 8 meters of root below the surface. Isn't that amazing? Old vines, that is, any of those over 50 years old are more resistant to external factors. Such vines produce less grapes but with a higher quality. The entangled roots of the flowers in the image give the vine the opportunity to retain some water before it inevitably sinks down the natural drain.
Montsant wines due their history of success to Carthusian Monks established on these hills in the Middle Ages although they did not become particularly popular until XIX. These wines are basically an association between Grenache and Carignan grapes although some other varieties are used like Merlot or Syrah for example.
D.O Montsant has gained recognition in the international arena over the last 10 years and has been declared as 'a great discovery' by prestigious magazine 'The Wine Spectator' recently among other outstanding reviews. To conclude, I would like to point out that over 70 % of the total amount of bottled wine in this cooperative of wine makers is sold abroad. According to them, this is due to the fact that their production is relative small and competition is harder in Spain plus a relative lack of trust of Catalans towards local wine. I have to say, that as a local, it is true that many times we choose wine from other D.O's like Ribera de Duero or Rioja. This attitude is clearly changing at the moment as marketing of local wines improve.
May 01, 2014
Ceiling Frescoes by Salvador Dali at Palace of the Wind, Dali Museum
Palacio del Viento
DalĂ created this painting in his workshop in Portlligat, but it was eventually placed on a large scaffolding and installed in his Theatre-Museum. On the first floor of the town theater, the Sala Palau del Vent (‘Wind Palace Room’) was the site of DalĂ’s first exhibition in 1919. The painting is based on the poem "L'EmpordĂ " by Joan Maragall, which alludes to the EmpordĂ region of Spain and the tramontana, a strong wind that blows through the region.
In the center of the painting, DalĂ depicts himself and Gala in a forced perspective, creating an allegorical representation of the different stages of his life. The painting can be seen as a kind of idyllic journey through DalĂ's dreamlike memories. At the end of the painting, DalĂ again depicts himself and Gala, this time contemplating the ship of destiny that is about to depart.
Some of the key elements of the painting include:
- A rain of gold coins falling on the viewer, which DalĂ claimed was one real coin.
- A reference to Lullian wheels, a type of symbol used by the Catalan mystic Ramon Llull.
- Elephants with insect limbs.
- The outlined silhouettes of the princes of Spain, who are the current king and queen of Spain.
- The silhouette of the photographer and friend of DalĂ, MelitĂ³ Casals, "Meli."
The painting is a complex and allegorical work that offers a unique glimpse into DalĂ's life and work. It is a masterpiece of Surrealist art, and it is one of the most important works in the DalĂ Theatre-Museum.
Salvador DalĂ's painting The Palace of the Wind is a complex and enigmatic work that is full of symbolism. It was created between 1969 and 1973 for the ceiling of the "sala nobile" or rest room of the old municipal theatre in Figueres, Spain. The painting is now on display in the DalĂ Theatre-Museum, which is housed in the same building.
The painting consists of five panels, each of which is filled with images that are both familiar and strange. The central panel depicts a large, golden sun that is surrounded by a swirling vortex of clouds. The clouds are populated by a variety of figures, including a woman with a long neck, a giant lobster, and a group of musicians. The other panels depict a variety of other scenes, including a landscape with a castle, a seascape with a boat, and a cityscape with a cathedral.
The Palace of the Wind is a visually stunning work that is full of DalĂ's signature surrealist imagery. The painting is a testament to DalĂ's incredible imagination and his ability to create images that are both beautiful and disturbing.
The Creation of the Painting
DalĂ began working on The Palace of the Wind in 1969, shortly after the purchase of the old municipal theatre in Figueres. The theatre was originally built in 1847, but it had fallen into disrepair by the time DalĂ acquired it. DalĂ planned to transform the theatre into a museum dedicated to his work, and The Palace of the Wind was to be one of the centerpieces of the museum.
DalĂ worked on the painting in several different stages. The first panel was completed in 1970, and it was hoisted into place on the ceiling of the sala nobile on November 13, 1970. The painting was taken down the next day, however, so that the restoration of the theatre could continue.
DalĂ continued working on the painting in his studio at Portlligat during 1971-72. He completed the central part of the painting during this time, and he also added the side panels. The entire painting was finally put in place on the ceiling of the sala nobile in 1972 but officially declared completed by the author in 1973.
The Symbolism of the Painting
The symbolism of The Palace of the Wind is complex and has been interpreted in many different ways. Some scholars believe that the painting is a representation of the EmpordĂ region of Spain, where DalĂ was born and raised. The EmpordĂ is a region that is known for its winds, and the swirling vortex of clouds in the painting could be seen as a representation of the region's strong winds.
Other scholars believe that the painting is a more personal allegory, representing DalĂ's own life and work. The central panel of the painting depicts a large, golden sun that is surrounded by a swirling vortex of clouds. The sun could be seen as a representation of DalĂ himself, while the clouds could be seen as representing the challenges and obstacles that he faced in his life.
The other panels of the painting depict a variety of other scenes, including a landscape with a castle, a seascape with a boat, and a cityscape with a cathedral. These scenes could be seen as representing different aspects of DalĂ's life and work. The castle could be seen as a representation of DalĂ's childhood home, while the seascape could be seen as a representation of his travels. The cityscape could be seen as a representation of his life in Barcelona and Figueres.
The Legacy of the Painting
The Palace of the Wind is one of DalĂ's most famous paintings, and it is a centerpiece of the DalĂ Theatre-Museum in Figueres
April 27, 2014
Meat Grinder for Sausages
April 22, 2014
Pigeon on Street Water Tap
April 17, 2014
Fruits of the Forest Icecream in Barcelona
April 15, 2014
Paella Menus at La Barceloneta: Lover's Choice
April 12, 2014
New Trends: Facial Massage, Carrer Carders, Barcelona
April 07, 2014
Top 3 activities in Barcelona
March 27, 2014
Catalan Modernist Ceiling at Hospital de Sant Pau to Celebrate Barcelona Photoblog's 2.000.000 visits!
This is one of the ceilings inside one of the many pavilions in the modernist complex at Hospital de Sant Pau.
All buildings have been restored and opened to the public inside a complex called Recinte Modernista. Now a small fee is charged to enter and admire these beauties reborn.
This and other pictures I have, were taken with a cellphone and do not make justice to the real thing. The impression I get when I take a look at the result of such magnificent restoration is that everything has turned back to be like brand new, as if the hands of the skillful craftsmen had been working on those mosaics and those stain glasses yesterday.
A whole range of architectural wonder has been unveiled for all the world to see.
(By the way, I am happy to announce that today Barcelona Photoblog has reached 2.000.000 visits since it first saw light back in 2006. It's been years of hard work and of meeting very nice people here at the blog. I hope you have enjoyed it somehow. That really means something to me. Thanks to all those that made this incredible figure come true, thanks for your time and your comments. Happy to share my modest work with you all)
Update: In 2017 Barcelona Photoblog reached almost the 3 M figure but I decided to stop using the website that kept track of my visits.
March 17, 2014
Catalan Blood Sausage or Botifarra Negre, Vallverd d'Urgell, Catalonia
March 10, 2014
Cistercian Architecture: Poblet Monastery, Catalonia
March 05, 2014
Barcelona Carnival 2014: From a Child's Perspective
Barcelona's Carnival 2014 is coming to an end, as today is Ash Wednesday. Images from the parade will remain vivid in our memories but who knows how magic they can be in the eyes of a child. The world seems so different through the lens of an innocent soul that even from the distance while sticking her face against this glass, this girl must think the parade is some sort of fairy tale, full of giants, weird creatures and creepy monsters that decided all of a sudden to jump out of her parents' bedtime stories. This girl is my goddaughter.
March 03, 2014
Carnival 2014 in Barcelona: The Actors
February 08, 2014
Frederic Mares Museum, Barcelona: An Act of Faith
January 14, 2014
Love in Barcelona and Beyond
Couple kissing each other - Las Ramblas - Barcelona |
When I take a picture of a couple sometimes I feel I am violating something sacred so I tried to conceal the faces. Who they are, is irrelevant. It should be. Love can happen to you, can happen to me. The way I see it, is that this is something so deep that I could write a book about it. I would only say, that for me, love is like washing away the rest of the scene. I am sure that Las Ramblas, this extremely busy street, disappeared for an instant around this kiss, passersby became but silent blurry ghosts, signs got distorted, and a sudden secret swirl of energy started to form around the lovers, that mysterious matter, that causes numbness inside our brains, that gives you a lump in your throat, pushes your stomach against your bones, right beneath your diaphragm, dilates your pupils, accelerates your pulse, sends shivers down your spine, opens up your pores, boosts up your senses up to the point you fall into a trance and you are no longer there, but somewhere inside the soul, not just your soul, but some other person's soul and that my friends, is the real magic of it all, to walk into somebody's beautiful soul, unexplored, full of treasures, full of light, richer than yours sometimes, because yours you apparently know already, which of course, is not completely true. But you don't want yours, you want to walk along this new path, to enhance your experience, expand your senses to the world beyond and the only tool you've got is something right behind your eyes connected to something in your chest that is capable of seeing without using your vision and transforming reality into whatever whimsical image you could think of. To be more precise, you are not precisely thinking. I am sure this comes from a place inside our hearts.
Lovers' hearts are prepared to catch the weakest universal signals and fine tune them into a perfect symphony without having super powers, without knowing about music or instruments, they are simply connected to the source and the source is not outside, it comes from within.
Let's respect the peace of this moment, this private kiss, let's envy in a way, the ones who are able to know love, real love and wish we can find it some day, in this life or in any other life.
Have you ever felt this way? How would you describe love?