Catalan Modernisme: Stained Glass Ceiling at Palau de la Música

If you think you have seen it all regarding art nouveau stained glass windows or ceilings then you have not visited Palau de la Música, the outstanding representative of Catalan modernisme built by Lluís Domènech i Montaner in 1908.

As many of you already know this is a must see when visiting Barcelona.

There are guided tours so save a little time for admiring it but don't worry if you can't make it to Barcelona,  you can go on an incredible 360 virtual tour inside Palau de la Música Catalana for starters.

Taking pictures is not allowed so I don't know how this snap got into my camera anyway. Check the full view here.

Trencadís Serpentine Bench at Park Guell, Barcelona

Serpentine bench by Gaudi

From 1900 to 1914 Antoni Gaudi directed the construction of this park for Eusebi Güell. 

In 1923, Güell's family gave the estate property to the city. Another jewel for mankind to treasure. How many people came to sit on this bench, how many couples , how many families? 

I gathered some images trying to be original but this was no virgin territory. You almost have to elbow your way to take a decent picture. The sun is disappearing fast leaving behind soft golden tones on top of the broken shards of tile, no one in the way, I can't believe it. Click.

Those Little Moments We Never Forget

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The same day I took the other pictures about the Fisherman and Couple, Peers on Pier or the Boy With Bike Lost in Reflections, I managed to capture this tender moment of a father sharing a magical moment with his two sons. Although you can't see their faces you can feel that the little ones are concentrated on his father words translating plain realism into the language of the fantasy realm where they still dwell. Notice daddy holding their arms tight and the gracious twist in the hand of the one on the right. I remember this first time as if it was yesterday, I remember my father taking me for a stroll near a small wooden pier, there was a little patch of sand...the wood still smells of tar and saltpetre uphere inside my head. Bottom line, be there with them when you have the time, it may look silly or boring but they won't forget it!

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Medieval Characters at Suria

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A page was a boy who acted as a knight's attendant as the first stage of training for chivalric knighthood. These two look somehow suspicious. Hmm...maybe too hairy for being young lads. Of course they can also be soldiers but rather conspicuous ones. I didn't have much time today as I was busy uploading all my previous work to Flickr but an image is worth a thousand words sometimes. The donkey insisted on playing a small part in the play so I gave him a moment of glory.

Recommended: A comprehensive directory about The Middle Ages, Chivalry, & Knighthood.

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Turmeric: A Spice Rooted in Catalan Medieval History

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Resuming our Medieval Fair in Súria, we reach for the spices stall, where I couldn't refrain from firing a bunch of shots on this big bowl of Turmeric, a spice obtained from the dried and powdered rhizome of Curcuma longa, an Indian plant. It is an ingredient in curries and in the Middle Ages its color made it a cheaper substitute for saffron. It originated 4000 years ago and is linked to the Vedic culture in India where it was used as a culinary spice and had religious significance. The name derives from the Latin terra merita “meritorious earth” due to the resemblance to the color of some minerals. It can be used as a dye for cloth or be added to chicken broth or dairy products such as margarine. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric is considered to have medicinal properties as an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory. Although I am not particularly fond of yellow I have to admit that Curcuma makes a wonderful subject for a colorful picture.

Recommended: Photography Tutorials in pdf format at The Radiant Vista. You also have video tutorials, workshops, a wonderful podcast or a photoshop workbench. A must see.

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Gaudi: Lizards at Sagrada Familia

For those of you who are fond of gargoyles,mythological beings,gods or goddesses, serpents, unicorns, gryphs or lizards I let you catch a glimpse of Gaudi's work on the façade of Sagrada Familia facing the upper side of the city also known as mountain side. It is a part that we tend to ignore as it reminds us of some other average churches but if you take a closer look you discover strange creatures for a church or impossible spires multiplying by the dozen on top.

Súria Medieval Fair: Vth Edition

Súria Medieval Crafts Fair took place this weekend in Poble Vell, the old part of this fortress town. The origins of the fortified villa can be traced back to the XVIIth century when it started to grow around the castle already built in the Xth century. There was a need to protect the salt route along the Cardener river nearby (salt was exploited in the Cardona Valley since Roman times)and also because this land marked the limits between Christians and Saracens. Other important events in the history of Súria have been the cruel Carlist wars in the XIXth c. or the exploitation of potash deposits in the area discovered in 1912. So far so good...As an introduction after yesterday's vegetable stall I show you some folks in town dressing in medieval costumes. An archer and a lord perhaps? I specially like the staring into space of both of them. I was really lucky. From here, congratulations to the artists and citizens of Súria, an attractive Catalan town.

Red Hot Pepperoni at Suria Medieval Fair

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In an effort to show you fresh samples of Catalan culture, my wife, my daughter and I visited Suria Medieval Fair for the first time. This is an annual market similar to the one we saw some posts ago, in the sense that you could buy local products but much more curious as it is also devoted to depict and stage on site the daily life inside medieval markets common long ago in this fortress town located in Bages, a comarque part of Barcelona province. I won't get into further details here as I plan to show you more representative pictures in coming days along with some history and comments on different trades. So for the time being enjoy this shocking image, specially those of you who love red. Take a look at another shot to see these pepperoni in context.

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Passion Façade at Sagrada Familia: The Last Supper

I couldn't help resuming architecture pictures. I promise I will try to quit the habit. Here it goes: This is the Last Supper, a sculptural group or scene on the left hand corner of Passion Façade at Sagrada Familia.

The sculptures by artist Josep Maria Subirachs date back from 1987 when he moved to the cathedral to continue the master's colossal dream. I not only recommend reading his biography but also to discover his work.

Regarding the image, I only have to add that it was shot from behind the fence in the staff parking lot, thus the low angle and the few saints. I think it has been shot less from this side of the building.

Hmmm...how can I be so naive?!

Color my World

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A brief stop along the way. No more people for today but a whimsical play with colors. What can be more color-ful! Yep, very funny...Not that I am relaxing with my posting, it is just that I am exploring new stuff and it doesn't allow for more. If not take a look at the time I publish this. This box brings back memories about my childhood days a long, long time ago. Of course we could talk about quality, about brands, about drawings we made or just the nice smell but I leave it all up to your imagination.

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People in Catalonia: Dancers

I hope you don´t mind I keep posting pictures of Catalan dancers in Monistrol de Montserrat and not about other topics although it is late as usual and I ought to go to bed. Good night and have a nice weekend!

Boy with Bike Lost in Reflections

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Amazed at how the light and colors can change so much in just a while and depending on the direction of your lens, I turned around and left the girls from my previous post, to focus this time on a young man facing the pale sun rays twinkling here and there on this side of the pier. I could have tweaked the image in PS but I am getting fond of soft natural color subtleties. You can't get minimalist if you don't discover the fundamentals first!

Recommended: Underwater photography by David Doubilet. This renown photographer presented Come to the Bottom of the Sea! exhibition (it was over past Nov.7th)) at BCN Dive event in Fira de Barcelona.

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Peers on Pier in Barcelona

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The same day I photographed the fisherman and the couple at the end of Bogatell pier last week, I managed to take snapshots of these two young ladies chatting on the pier nearby. I shot at least four times but some guy fishing in the background kept spoiling my composition. At last, he moved aside by chance (notice the rod on the floor) and let me capture them plus the Barcelona Forum solar panel in the distance. If you are interested in a cropped version using Fred Miranda's BW Workflow Pro photoshop action, specifically the Quadritones option, click here. Don't forget to always enlarge the main picture in the post!

Recommended: Take a look at this Flicker Related Tag Browser. Enter any word, for example: "pier" and then move your mouse to browse a visual cloud of related tags.

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CowParade: Ms. Moolevard on the Boulevard at Illa Diagonal, Barcelona

I swear I don't get any commission for showing this cow, it is just that I like the beautiful design and colors on this Ms. Moolevard on the Boulevard by Amber Felts, part of the CowParade scale model collection being sold at one of the stores in Illa Diagonal Shopping Center, Barcelona. I should say that CowParade organizes exhibitions in different countries which some of you have probably seen. Remember those lifesize cows painted in flashy colors scattered somewhere in your city? According to what they state at the website, CowParade "fosters art education through its Cows in Schools(TM) program and benefits charitable causes through its one-of-a-kind cow auctions". What's more if you are a real artist, not my case, you can apply for designing new cows.

Catalan Folk Dance Troupe

This is what is called Esbart Dansaire, in English a Catalan Folk Dance Troupe. I photographed them while visiting the annual market fair at Monistrol de Montserrat, and I am not sure if they are local Esbart Monistrol Dansaire or Esbart Rosa d'Abril of Castellterçol (another Catalan town). I apologize for not grabbing the name properly. Anyway, the most important thing here is that you get in touch with Catalan traditions and get to know other folk dance expressions different from Sardanes, which are much more extended. The very first troupe danced as far back as 1902 in Vic, Girona but the traditions they represent were originated long before.

Boy in Blue: Kid Playing at L'Illa Diagonal

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Weekend!, buying sweaters for the sudden drop of temperatures in Barcelona. I am at the upper floor of L'Illa Diagonal shopping center. Aware of the sound of the many kids shouting down there in the hall of the main floor I look down and spot this huge box full of blue balls. As I told Kris and Edwin recently I have a knack for blue so I couldn't resist firing some shots. It was almost impossible to isolate just one kid, thus the custom vignette applied.

Recommended: People of Indigenous Cultures by Phil Borges...you won't regret!

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Fisherman and Couple in Bogatell Beach, Barcelona

Today I will be brief. This is just a picture I took at the end of one of the piers in Bogatell Beach. I arrived and fortunately there was just one fisherman with baggy trousers, suspenders and a hat (that's is not common here). On the other corner there was a young couple. Previously I went past a model having a pro photo session and changing her dress up behind an improvised curtain but I settled for my perfect match of the day at the far end of the wharf.

Check an Aerial View of this Pier at Bogatell Beach in Barcelona.

Giants at Monistrol de Montserrat near Barcelona

You probably have seen them in pictures. They are omnipresent in our traditional celebrations making children laugh or panic. They are the giants (gegants - cat.). I can never tell which character they represent. Women mostly represent queens, princesses or important ladies and men may be kings, catholic or moor but also just warriors. Of course you can find all sorts of other characters such as peasants, old people...Some say they are documented as far back as the XIV century, and that they first appeared as male characters. Later came women in the XVI century (discriminated as usual). Giants are made of papier mâché, sustained by a frame of wood to raise it from the inside. Carriers are organized in groups or associations called colles. Remember that there are also small figures called capgrossos (big heads - literally.) This picture was taken just in front of the town hall (ajuntament) at Monistrol de Montserrat. If you want to see them in action check this wonderful videos: Gegants at YouTube

Biker's Beer Pump at Escriba's in Barcelona

Today it was a holiday, so we went to take a walk along the beach now that warm days are coming to an end. The day was sunny but a little foggy so most of my pictures came out dull and boring. We approached this restaurant with terrace facing the beach called The Xiringuito of Escribà, yes the same family that runs the pastry shops at Las Ramblas (remember my post: Antigua Casa Figueras ) and Gran Via, and while waiting for the waiter to accommodate us I set eyes on this beautiful beer pump fancied after a motorbike engine. The small letters on each side read "Escriba since 1908" and "For rock 'n' roll and its faithful beer drinkers", see detail here.

Tomatoes, Garlic and Olive Oil: The Cornerstones of Mediterranean Health

Well maybe I exaggerate a little bit, but olive oil and vegetables surely are the basic ingredients of a Mediterranean healthy diet. So why not showing some good tomatoes with garlic (good for the bones, or so they say!). As you can guess this dish wouldn't have surprised me much if it weren't for the marvelous display. One thing to point out here is that traditionally we use small juicy tomatoes (not these salad ones) to rub a toast or a slice of bread, which is then dressed with olive oil and salted. The toast garnished in such a way is called torrada de pa amb tomàquet and can be eaten as is or accompanied indistinctly with slices of ham, sausages, salami...anchovies sometimes or whatever you can think of. Garlic on the toast is optional but widely used and it must be rubbed first, before tomatoes of course. To finish, just remember this picture was taken in Monistrol de Montserrat in Barcelona. More to come...

Pumpkin Stall at Monistrol de Montserrat

To continue with the stalls at XIII Fira de la Coca i el Mató at Monistrol de Monserrat let's visit the pumpkin stall. These ones looked so fresh and ripe that I couldn't resist their spell. Besides, I remembered that Halloween was coming and thought you might enjoy the sight as much as I did.

Candy Stall at Monistrol de Montserrat, Barcelona

Yesterday we visited Monistrol de Montserrat at Bages in Barcelona province and took some pictures of XIII Fira de la Coca i el Mató (a small market held once a year to sell local products, mainly coca - very similar to pizza dough with lots of homemade ingredients on top - or mató - a soft fresh cheese served with honey). I will start with some candy for your eyes and in coming days you will see the different stalls and local people dancing in colorful costumes. The sweets I tried were extra size, delicate and flashy in colors.

Futuristic Square at Maremagnum, Barcelona

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No, this is not a roof, nor the surface of Mars, it is a small square next to Maremagnum shopping center. I really like those peculiar hills you wouldn't expect to see in a park. Maybe that becomes customary in the future, who knows?

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Poverty in Barcelona: Tramp at Maremagnum

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Alienated, abandoned, neglected, homeless tramps. Poverty goes with society, it has been there before and it will be there in the future, it is the byproduct of human ambition. Being different and impaired is punished with ignorance and rejection for the sake of the pack. When are we going to think and act as civilized animals instead of just animals?

Aerial Photo of Maremagnum in Port vell, Barcelona via Google Earth.

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Clouds over Badalona Beach

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Dull skies may have a special attraction of their own which is hard to find sometimes I know. Winter is coming and nothing seems bright and cheerful, but you can always give nature a second chance and find beauty in black ominous clouds or rough gray sea. I have desaturated colors a little bit, but believe me the day was already dull. As a matter of fact this a view of Badalona beach in the outskirts of Barcelona as seen from Sant Adriá Marina.

Google Maps Aerial Shot of Badalona Beach

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Parc del Laberint in Horta Quarter, Barcelona

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Parc del Laberint in Barcelona. I already have several posts about this romantic park situated in Horta quarter. I like those kids playing hide and seek somewhere inside the maze. I hope tomorrow or this weekend I have plenty of time for fresh topics. I must go on a tour around Barcelona soon to replenish the archives.

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Reflections on New Building near Plaza Cerdá

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Today I will just post another reflection this time on a building which is part of a big project in Barcelona called Ciutat Judicial or City of Justice just in front of Plaza Cerdá in Hospitalet de Llobregat. A group of new high rising buildings will be the headquarters of the main judicial bodies in Barcelona. Built on the same place where the old Caserna de Lepant or Lepant Military Headquarters used to be, they should be finished by 2009. The skyline of Barcelona will push a little higher to impress those entering the city via the airport highway.

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Agbar Tower Reflection on a 22 @ Building

To continue with the mirror series today I want you to look at Agbar Tower's reflection on a 22 @ District building. It is hard to photograph this tower by Jean Nouvel and still be original. I don't know how many pictures have been taken from this angle but following that rule of thumb I'd better stay at home. I had a great time this day. It was sunny and I was walking through this side of 22 @ district where buildings are about to be inaugurated and streets are still closed to traffic, so it was some kind of urban oasis (notice the contradiction). I had all the time in this world to stand in the middle of an intersection and shoot at the building. I recommend you take a look at these fantastic images of Agbar Tower by Desenfocado or by Bob.

Reflective Light Shaft in Barcelona Forum

If you visit the Barcelona Forum building (posted last April 20th) don't forget to step right under this beautiful light shaft with silver reflections bringing daylight to the lower gallery. Or maybe you prefer blue reflections as the ones in this old picture of mine taken a few meters away. These could have been just plain shafts but as you see aesthetics and practical design are not antagonical. Last but not least, remember that a virtual tour or a view of the big solar panel were also featured back in April this year.

Google Earth Satellite View of Barcelona Forum premises.

Barcelona Forum Area: Stiltwalker

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While entering Barcelona Forum Area this weekend to visit the II Saló de la Xocolata, an event organized by prestigious chocolate companies to get in touch with the public (let's call it publicity campaign), we found this funny stiltwalker giving children a warm welcome. Here you have two more snaps in a different pose: 1 and 2.

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Catalan Modernisme: Old Pharmacy and Laboratory

It is late and I am very tired but I don't want to let my window to Barcelona closed tonight, so I leave you with this modest but beautiful sample of Catalan modernisme, a street lamp on the entrance of this old pharmacy and laboratory, near the city center. 

Pharmacy Viladot, as such is the name is located on the corner of Ronda de Sant Pere, 40 and Bruc, 8 in Barcelona. There is not much left of the once rich interior except for part of the cabinetmaking work such as the central column lined with noble wood, the small counter or the stained-glass windows that decorate the windows inside. The exterior of the building is still almost intact with these beautiful flower decorations and the modernist lamp.

Architect Felix Cardellach was commissioned by lawyer Francesc Xavier Palomas i Bons that in fact gave the indications himself of how he wanted the establishment to be, and its decoration. This was the year 1905.

But Dr. Joan Viladot i Cardona who bought the pharmacy in 1925, commissioned the renown ceramist Lluís Bru, to add some panels made with ceramic mosaic, with the words "Farmacia Laboratorio" that you can read nowadays.

The business was kept by the Viladot family until 1987.

Notice the elaborate ironwork and specially those little floral adornments on the metal stems along the wall. Here are two more images, a close up of the lamp and a general view from the middle of the street. Nice weekend everybody!

Barcelona Photobloggers Opens Exhibition: De la Red a la Pared

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This picture of woman sculpture, sitting and holding her knee, was part of a temporary exhibition some months ago at Illa Diagonal. I rescued it from the archives too. The anecdote here was that it was allowed to take photographs of the exhibition but not of the shopping center, thus the policeman in the background pretending not to see. He had already warned me seconds before and kept an eye on me. One of the many funny or compromised situations a photographer, amateur or pro has to experience every once in a while. I wanted to show an image of one of the many exhibitions in Barcelona this year to make a point today:
Barcelona Photobloggers , the community made up of more than 50 photographers and representing all photobloggers in Barcelona, opens an exhibition called "De la Red a La Pared", from Oct 19th to Nov 9th at Fotonauta Gallery in carrer Vic, 15 (see Google map). Admission is free. More than 300 pictures taken by 22 members will be exposed and everyone is invited (if you are in the city of course). I have to say that this author could not participate but will encourage the work of the group that represents us all. Here is a link to an article, announcing the exhibition, which appeared today in ElPais.es, the online version of one the most prestigious newspapers in Spain.

PS: Here is a last minute link to one of Barcelona Photobloggers members: Desnivell, showing a fresh image of the exhibition.

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Las Arenas Bullring in Plaza Espanya, Barcelona

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As I have not much time lately I am tidying up my archives, now that I can post bigger images. I once published a small image about Las Arenas Bullring, that mastodontic engineering work in front of Plaza Espanya. Summing up, it consists in lifting up the whole coliseum that once held the arena where bullfights took place by means of huge jacks and props to make way for an underneath path among many other things and...check full details or links in the post. Feel free to ask once you come back. Another image here, showing the left side and what used to be the main entrance in this other.

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Barcelona Port: WTC, Cruisers and...Pigeons?

Here is a view of Barcelona Port, specifically Port Vell (Old Port) with World Trade Center building in the back, some cruisers and a lot of pigeons baking in the sun. I would like to mention my friend Kris from Little Town in Hungary who also included pigeons in her post yesterday. Once, long ago, in my childhood days I thought they were beautiful. I reckon they might be for those of you living in places where they are not crawling and creeping like rats as it happens here and in many countries. 

The other day I was fighting over a McDonald's hamburger with one of those predators. No wonder they swarm freely in the harbor area, they don't have natural enemies, just hunger, viruses and maybe seagulls, another growing menace in modern cities. Hey, don't misinterpret me, I love animals...birds too, but not THAT many!.

Relevant information: Barcelona World Trade Center, located at the end of Moll de Barcelona (Barcelona Wharf) was created by US architects, Pei, Coob, Fred & Partners, authors of the glass pyramid at the Louvre Museum. For more details check the official site mentioned above. Cruisers like the ones in the picture depart from international seaport terminals on both sides of Barcelona wharf. The big metal structure is the tower of Jaume I, communicating the port with a neighboring hill called Montjuic by means of a cable car known as the Montjuïc Teleféric. Amazing view from there!  

La Diputació: Barcelona Provincial Council - The Building

This is a balcony on La Diputació de Barcelona (Barcelona Provincial Council). The building is located at Rambla de Catalunya, 126, almost touching Avinguda Diagonal.

This modernist house called Can Serra, was built from 1900 to 1907 by architect Puig i Cadafalch. In 1986 a new building was raised behind Can Serra, which really holds the administration offices.

Barcelona Provincial Council is divided into 12 departments that implement its program in the province of Barcelona: a network of 311 municipalities. Changing the subject, sure I can show you a more pragmatic shot of La Diputació building. Remember there was a previous post of mine back in April related to Sant Jordi where I published another picture of the council.

Photography Tutorials: Luminous Landscape, sober in design but extremely useful.

Casa Batlló: Harmony and Chaos

An unusual sight of Casa Batlló, the famous building by Antoni Gaudi. I had already shown the modernist house in an older post, but I had this close up of the façade and I didn't like the blown sky in the image, so I thought to go and give it an "artistic" look with photoshop. In case you think I shouldn't have massacred the photograph this way, take a look at the original here. I had a good time though. As to the title chosen, I think Gaudi conceived this chaotic mask-like balconies using that harmonious perfection only complex mathematics can create but that sometimes geniuses easily produce using that mysterious inner inspiration you call gift.

Façade in Bergara Street, Barcelona

Remember yesterdays' picture about Hotel Regina, well, turn around and look across the street at this precious old building's façade.

Recommended Links: High Dynamic Range Photography Tutorial

Google Maps Image of Bergara Street and Hotel Regina in Barcelona, Spain.

Regina Hotel in Barcelona: Wrought Iron Marquee Detail

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Best Western Regina Hotel is just a block away from Plaza Catalunya and not very far from Las Ramblas, at carrer Bergara 2-4. It features 4 stars, has 99 rooms, was built in 1917 and restored in 2002. As this is not a hotel guide I am not going to analize its services but just suggest you admire the beautiful marquee in blue with stained glass, excellent representative of Catalan Art Nouveau or modernisme.

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MACBA: Contemporary Art Museum of Barcelona

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MACBA: Contemporary Art Museum of Barcelona, is meant to be "a purveyor of different services for different subjects" instead of a "mere producer of exhibitions" according to their own definition. The building by Richard Mier was inaugurated in 1995. The American architect plays with the use of light in creating spaces. See another Macba photo here where part of the façade is detached from the main building to let the light flow inside. There are some cozy terraces to sit in the sun at least at this time of the year. The big squares surrounding the museum are a good place to relax and read, although depending on the amount of skateboarders that think modern esplanades and walls are the ideal place to practice.

Google Maps Image of Macba: Contemporary Art Museum of Barcelona

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La Font de Canaletes: Barcelona City's Icon

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The upper part of Las Ramblas in Barcelona, is called La Rambla de Canaletes, precisely because it features La font de Canaletes (Canaletes Fountain). A brief history of Las Ramblas, now that I issued the topic, will introduce you to this icon of FC Barcelona fans and the city. As some of you already read in my previous posts, Las Ramblas were just a muddy path next to the city walls and a stream carrying rain waters towards the sea - the name Rambla in Arabic means strand or riverside. That was long before the walls were extended beyond the path, engulfing the Raval quarter, taking the city limits to nowadays' Avinguda del Parallel. The path turned into a wide road lined with trees by the end of the XVIII century. Part of the old city walls had been demolished and houses were being built along the way. In the second half of the XIX century, the second line of walls fell too, and the city grew as well as the flourishing Ramblas, which were divided into five imaginary parts: Rambla de Santa Mónica, named after a church, Rambla dels Caputxins, after a Capuchin friars' convent, Rambla de Sant Josep or Rambla de les Flors (due to the many flower stalls), Rambla del Estudis, named after a XVI demolished university, and Rambla de Canaletes, where our old XIX iron fountain is. Tradition says all those who drink from Canaletes return to the city. Of course try not to coincide with a day in which FC Barcelona soccer team fans celebrate a victory (quite often lately), as the place is stormed traditionally by a jubilant crowd being the fountain their highest totem and one of Barcelona's most appreciated landmarks.

Recommended: Footloose in Spain’s Capital of Style, Barcelona, an article by Matt Gross that recently appeared in the Travel section of New York Times. And second best, Gridskipper, the Urban Travel guide, also featuring Barcelona (with a group photo pool on Flickr).

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Street Artists at Work in Las Ramblas: Cleopatra

With today's post I think my series about Las Ramblas street artists or living statues is over, at least for now. I leave you with these lovers from different epochs. The modern Romeo is a tourist of course and the queen is Cleopatra I suppose, judging by the scepter, bracelets or familiar tiara. For a small amount she would hold your hand and caress it with her cheeks, for quite a long time.

Ronaldinho Gaucho in Las Ramblas, Barcelona

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Don't you leave Barcelona without posing next to Ronaldinho Gaucho, winner of so many awards with FC Barcelona, Brazilian soccer virtuoso, featured in so many TV spots, video games, and even in cartoons. Look at this lucky tourist side by side with her idol, isn't she plethoric?...Yes, I know, shame on me. How do I dare! Don't tell me there is no resemblance though. Sorry Ronnie, just joking. Care for a link, here it is Ronaldinho Gaucho Official Web Site. See this other picture of the artist impersonating Ronaldinho. It took him a lot to smile, wearing such big false teeth, but he was funny saluting the surfer's way.

Recomended: Search for Ronaldinho's Bio or anything related to him and Barcelona FC in my FCBarcelona swicki.

Now a different suggestion: Visit Digital Photography School, for tips and lessons.

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Barcelona Living Statues: Scary Embrace

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I know many people will take pictures similar to mine in Las Ramblas but I do not collect images of Barcelona street artists or living statues for the sake of art, but to share them with those of you who have not visited our city. I was lucky this time to be on the right spot for a fortunate combination: a beautiful girl in the hands of evil. By the way, is he some sort of Star Wars' Darth Maul in black and white sent by Sith forces. Wasn't he red?. Any help here? I chose another one, closer, so you could better appreciate the artist and the improvised model.

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Street Artist at Las Ramblas, Barcelona: Equilibrium

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Barcelona street artists are experts in disguising and improvisation. They will do just about anything, including levitation to squeeze a couple of bucks out of your pockets. The trick is self evident here but you have to accept that we wouldn't have thought of doing that. I like the expression of surprise in the face of that boy, tiptoeing backstage to determine whether the yogi is really floating on thin air or not.

To be examined: JPG Magazine- you post your best pictures there and in case you are published in the print edition, you win a yearly subscription and 100$. Important, you hold the copyright. Worth trying? Maybe I check that.

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Weekend, Barcelona: Turistic Bus Stop in Plaza Catalunya

On any Saturday or Sunday morning in the neuralgic spots of the city you see this image which is becoming more and more frequent as the flow of tourists grow beyond expectations. A huge number of people standing in line waiting for the Bus Turistic to come. I was waiting in front of the Triangle for my wife, and took my camera and shot at the innocent victims (not mine) suffocating under the morning sun.

Google Maps Aerial Image of Plaça Catalunya in Barcelona

Nativity Portal at Sagrada Familia: Three Wise Men

Gold, Incense and Myrrh in the Hands of Gaudi's Three Wise Men. 

A magic moment immortalized by the craftsmanship of this master of architecture. Notice how the figures seem to be carved out of the very stone and the capricious pleiade of ribbon-like protuberances or adornments on the cathedral's walls. 

The Nativity Façade or Nativity Portal has been covered in previous posts, so feel free to browse or search for Sagrada Familia or Gaudi in my photoblog. I have used Photoshop in this picture, specifically Fred Miranda's fantastic BW Workflow Pro plugin.

Pottery at Mercat de les Flors Wall in Barcelona

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This pottery exhibition mounted on a wall at Mercat de les Flors just in front of Institut del Teatre always calls my attention. It is a good wall to play with perspective but little illuminated as it is in a sort of corridor between the two buildings. It was midday, bad time for pictures, but there was no choice. Watch detail on the corner of the building.

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Modernist Ceiling at C&A Pelayo in Barcelona

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You all know C&A: A department store with good prices and some nice stuff to buy (unless it has not been ransacked by clearance sales-o-holics). What nobody had told me was that I was going to come across with this beautiful modernista ceiling in white crowning what seems to be the attic or some upper gallery. The only thing I know is that the shop is located in carrer Pelayo, 54 and that it must have been an old modernist house like many in this area. If anyone can provide some more information I could post it somewhere. Here is another view of the ceiling.

Recommended:
As you can see I have implemented some new stuff, like the Diggit! and Del.icio.us links embedded in the 'post footer' section of my template. Thanks to Techwrap for code and instructions.

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Catalan Modernisme: Antigua Casa Figueras in Barcelona

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Antiga Casa Figueras at Rambla, 83 ("antiga" meaning "former") is a patisserie built in 1820 and decorated by Antoni Ros i Güell in 1902. If you visit this small exponent of Catalan Modernisme you will be able to admire a widespread selection of mosaics, wrought iron, stained glass,stucco and furniture (see detail here). The shop is currently Pastisseria Escribà, a delicatessen and pastry shop in the hands of Christian Escriba, son of Antonio Escriba, the "Chocolate Magician". Christian Escriba is a renown artist who blends pastry with design and fashion. His works have been sold or exposed in most famous shops in Europe.

Recommended: Now that we mention this exquisite pastry shop, I suggest you take a Barcelona: Chocolate Tour at this interesting blog called In Praise of Sardines.

Google Maps Image of Antigua Casa Figueras or Escriba Pastry Shop in Barcelona.

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Living Statue at Las Ramblas, Barcelona: Devil's Work

I have seen the Devil at Las Ramblas, Barcelona, he wasn't wearing Prada though. Who says the Devil does not rest. One of Barcelona's most famous living statues and mysteriously ignored by my camera until now, was taking a break after a hard day's work. There was no smell of sulfur, like Chávez said of Bush, but it was terribly hot that day. Damn it!

Some other devils captured at Barcelona Photoblog:

Evil mask

Ramblas Devil: Dial 666

Bolivian Devil

Lucky Devil Indian Bobber Harley-Davidson

Le Diable Vert Absinthe