Tango Dancers II, Ramblas, Barcelona, Spain

I am not too talkative today and besides an image sometimes speaks for itself. You all know what tango is. I only have to say that you can watch dancers like this couple at Las Ramblas in Barcelona. By the way this is the second time they appear in my blog, see the previous snap which is very similar although less contrasty: Tango Dancers in Las Ramblas I

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Small Colorful Bouquets of Paper Flowers in Las Ramblas, Barcelona, Spain

In trying to keep the colorful posts cause I think most of all like bright colors, at least that's my impression, I chose a bunch of small paper flower bouquets on sale at the stalls along Rambla dels Flors. I am not happy with the level of detail, that is, upon taking a very close look at the flowers but it was almost dark, I had to fire my flash, ask for permission to shoot, watch not to be shoved onto the flowers by passerbies, hold one cigar in my left hand which the stall owner asked me to keep an eye on and last but not least finish fast so my wife and daughter didn't get too tired of waiting.

Marble Living Statue With Lady In Las Ramblas, Barcelona

A Touch of Marble and a Lot of Friendship

Since today's post is going to deal with awards and friendship, I couldn't think of a better image to start with than this one. What better symbol of connection is there than a handshake? Here we have one of those anonymous Barcelona street artists—a "marble" statue completely draped in white cloth—breaking his frozen character to share a warm moment with a tourist.

I love the contrast in this shot. You have the cold, rigid appearance of the statue, mimicking stone right down to the draped fabric and the face covering. And then you have this lovely lady in a bright turquoise dress, wearing a smile that is as sunny as the street itself. She looks proud and happy, like a child meeting a hero. It’s a funny, sweet reminder that behind the "stone," there is a person smiling back.

You Made My Day Award

Speaking of making people smile, I was absolutely thrilled to be granted the "You Make My Day" award by Beautiful Places blog (Update: 2025 link not available anymore). It is a wonderful site that you should visit often, and I want to say thanks so much to them. It really means a lot to me that you chose my blog.

As part of the tradition, I want to pass the torch to 5 blogs that always manage to make my day a little better. A big thank you to these creators for always being so supportive and friendly. It is a real pleasure to know you, and I highly recommend everyone check out their creative work:

• Secrets by Quintarantino
• Com Imagens by Daniel and Carol
• Nashville Daily Photo by Chris
• Wailea Daily Photo by Kuanyin
• Momentos by Dsole

The Rules (and a Note)

Please don't worry if you break the chain; I won't consider it rude at all since I am not a huge enthusiast of strict rules myself. But mostly, I just like that someone thought of me, which is really flattering. So, I took my time to think of people I care about, like you guys.

For the record, here are the rules I was given:

1. Write a post with links to 5 blogs that you like (update: as 2025 first two are not working anymore).
2. Acknowledge the post of the award giver.
3. Display the "You Make My Day" logo (I put it on my sidebar).
4. Tell the award winners that they have won by commenting on their blogs or emailing them.

Mermaid Captured in La Rambla, Barcelona

Fishing for Sirens on Las Ramblas

I captured this mermaid with my trusty Nikon D70s while going on a little "fishing expedition" for human statues along Las Ramblas. And let me tell you, there were plenty of fishy things in that sea of tourists—mostly pickpockets and trileros (shell-game swindlers) trying to trick people with their cards. Those are dangerous species you definitely want to avoid playing with.

The Modern Odysseus

But this encounter was different. I felt charmed and subdued by her irresistible, silent chant. In the spirit of Greek mythology, I almost tried to tie myself up to that black cast-iron lamp post standing right next to her and cover my ears like a modern Odysseus to resist the temptation.

But it was no use. She pulled out a small jewel box covered in shells, insinuated a silver-painted smile, and I succumbed instantly. One more euro for the catch of the day!

Tango Dancers in Las Ramblas, Barcelona

After some hieratic figures of human statues I decided to show you the tango dancers of Las Ramblas, Barcelona. They definitely make up a much more dynamic image. There isn't much to say here, only that you can find them almost at the end of the street near the sea, more or less next to the wax museum alley. The middle sidewalk along Las Ramblas seems to be less crowded in that area and some interesting quick performances take place. I was lucky to find a YouTube video with the same couple dancing in Las Ramblas, it is called Tango Dans La Rue

Spanish Paintings in Las Ramblas, Barcelona: Collage

Here is a collage of Spanish paintings about topics such as bullfighting and flamenco plus some everyday scenes of Barri Gotic or El Raval streets, two quarters nearby Las Ramblas in Barcelona. Paintings like these are frequently ignored by Barcelonians and I guess this happens in other cities like say Paris, London...,but they obviously trap tourists like ants on a sugar lump. I don't say it isn't art but they are mostly centered on cliches and contribute to enhance them. When we visit Paris or London they do the same to us and we bite on the bait! Come to think of it I would do the same if I were to paint for money. So this is not the artist's fault, it is the cultural authorities' responsibility to promote a more representative art without forgetting, and I stress this, the cliches which are also part, in this case, of Spanish culture.