Lennon, John - Killing The Dove of Peace - Papier Mache Figure

How did you feel the day they shot Lennon? How many times have you felt that sad for someone you didn't know personally? That was one of the few moments in my life when I shed a tear for a "total stranger". With this figure of John Lennon in papier mache I want to honor his memory. If you want to remember him for only five minutes read the lyrics of the song below. I leave you with a final question: Why did Mark David Chapman had to kill the dove of peace?

Mind Games

Were playing those mind games together

Pushing the barriers, planting seeds

Playing the mind guerrilla

Chanting the mantra, peace on earth

We all been playing those mind games forever

Some kinda druid dudes lifting the veil

Doing the mind guerrilla

Some call it magic, the search for the grail

Love is the answer and you know that for sure

Love is a flower, you got to let it, you got to let it grow

So keep on playing those mind games together

Faith in the future, outta the now

You just cant beat on those mind guerrillas

Absolute elsewhere in the stones of your mind

Yeah we're playing those mind games forever

Projecting our images in space and in time

Yes is the answer and you know that for sure

Yes is surrender, you got to let it, you got to let it go

So keep on playing those mind games together

Doing the ritual dance in the sun

Millions of mind guerrillas

Putting their soul power to the karmic wheel

Keep on playing those mind games forever

Raising the spirit of peace and love

Love...

(I want you to make love, not war, I know you've heard it before)

Don Corleone, The Godfather in Papier Mache at Barcelona Store

Papier mache figure of Marlon Brando in the Godfather. Another example of how a character may acquire a life of his own and make the audience forget about the actor in a certain way. In this case this is Mr. Marlon Brando and it is impossible to forget the man behind the character but sometimes we tend to think that they are both different people, that Don Corleone was really there, making polite offers you couldn't refuse. Like the figure in my previous post, this one is also on sale at the same Barri Gotic souvenir shop. I have to say that Hugh Laurie's post has been a total success but in a negative sense. Lots of fans have come to see Dr. House in papier mache and most of them say they wouldn't place such a horrible adornment around the house mainly because the star has not been precisely favored in this artwork.

Dr. House or Hugh Laurie in Papier Mache at Barcelona Store

Dr. Gregory House the main character in House M.D television series has been immortalized in this papier mache figure on sale at a popular store in Barcelona's Gothic quarter near Sant Jaume square. There was a previous post with celebrities like Keith Richards and Woody Allen and in the next two there will be more famous people. Hugh Laurie will have difficulties to get rid of Dr. House, something that has happened to too many actors for the good or for the bad. Will Dr. House obliterate a totally different character like this?: Hugh Laurie in "BlackAdder".

Blowing Up The Color Scale: The Seduction of Red Roses in Barcelona

Oversaturating an image is a risky thing in photography but if not abused it can really draw your visitor's attention. I am trying to get deeper in my "theory" that bright, vivid photographs, especially on the thumbnail level are more probable to bring visitors to your blog. Of course not everything is valid here, if after you zoom in you get terribly disappointed. I accept that reds are too strong in these roses I captured at Rambla dels Flors although I tried not to get that sloppy. I guess there is a long way to master the right balance and I try my best since I am just an amateur in this stuff. I am having a lot of fun in the meantime.

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.

Human Statue of Warrior, Las Ramblas, Barcelona

A Greek Warrior on the Ramblas

Mystery solved. While I was scratching my head earlier trying to place this armor, it turns out we are looking at a Greek warrior sporting a classic Corinthian helmet. And honestly, knowing the history just makes the statue even cooler.

The Corinthian Crest at Sunset

I photographed this warrior just in front of the Liceu concert hall in Las Ramblas. I usually catch these artists in the full, harsh daylight, but this shot was taken at sunset, and the atmosphere is completely different.

The fading light catches the massive crest of that helmet perfectly. The paint job is fantastic—that teal and gold combination mimics the look of ancient, oxidized bronze (or copper) that has survived centuries. Standing there against the warm, blurry lights of the theater, he doesn't just look like a street performer; he looks like a sentinel from the ancient world keeping watch over modern Barcelona.

Pink Flowers Fantasy in Rambla dels Flors, Barcelona

And as one is never enough here goes my second post on flower stalls along Rambla dels Flors. Another bouquet, this time a pink bouquet or is it magenta? Well who cares! The thing is it must be nice to see this on the front page along with the previous post. Call me weird but I sometimes like to combine pictures according to colors in my blog, I find it interesting. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't. Have a nice day my friends.

Purple Flowers Fantasy in La Rambla de las Flores, Barcelona

A close look on a bouquet of purple flowers in a stall at Rambla dels Flors. As you know Las Ramblas de Barcelona is divided into different sections which I won't recall here not to repeat myself. One of them though is La Rambla de las Flores, a group of flower stalls set along the way which help to create a special mood in this famous part of town.

Save the Earth: Portrait of Human Statue in Las Ramblas, Barcelona

Rescuing Mother Nature from the Archives

I decided to dig into the hard drive today and rescue an old character from the archives in a shot I hadn't published before. It is this incredible "Mother Nature" figure—or at least, that is what I call him. It is definitely a he, but the spirit of the character is pure Earth.

He is dressed as some sort of tree or forest deity, covered in earth-toned body paint with delicate vines tracing up his arms and face. But the real showstopper is that headpiece. It looks like a mass of dried roots exploding backward from his head, defying gravity as if the wind is permanently blowing through them.

The Missing Sphere

In this particular angle, the transparent sphere he usually holds is almost hidden, tucked away near his chest. You can just barely catch the glint of the glass. If you want to see the full setup where the sphere is totally visible, you should definitely check out my original post: Street Artists in Las Ramblas - Human Statue.

There is something about his expression here—solemn, looking off into the distance, hand raised—that feels like a warning or a plea. Maybe "Save the Earth" isn't just a catchy title; maybe it's exactly what he is trying to tell us while we rush past him to buy souvenirs.

Seasoned Human Statue II in Las Ramblas, Barcelona, Spain

The Seasoned Statue Returns

Here is another shot of a street artist—a human statue—that actually appeared in Barcelona Photoblog a long, long time ago. You might remember him from my previous post: Seasoned Human Statue Sitting in Las Ramblas.

I call him "seasoned" not just because he looks like a veteran of the street, but because of that incredible weather-beaten look he cultivates. The metallic silver paint settles into every line and furrow of his face, making him look less like a person and more like a piece of galvanized steel that has withstood decades of storms.

Suiting Up in Silver

His previous photo focused mostly on his face, so it didn't really show off the suit too much. I thought you would like to see this angle because it highlights the costume work. The jacket, the tie, the shirt—everything is stiff with that same textured silver coating.

He looks like a businessman frozen in time (or maybe carbonite), pausing for a moment of reflection amidst the chaos of the boulevard. Even his glasses seem caught in the transformation. It is that commitment to the "heavy" look of the materials that sets the pros apart from the amateurs.

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.

Colored Flowers Bouquet Detail in La Rambla dels Flors, Barcelona

Due the success the larger picture of flower bouquets in La Rambla dels Flors had, I have decided to perform a little cropping to show you a small detail of the image in my old post. I was wondering how the saturated colors of these artificial flowers would look against the black and white picture I posted yesterday. I want to thank Strangetastes from St. Louis Daily Photoblog for the kind suggestions about other members of the City Daily Photo group who are really good at taking black and white pictures.

Flute Player in BW, Tres Tombs Parade, Barcelona

Black and white pictures are scarce in Barcelona Photoblog as many of you know. There are a few exceptions though. Take the case of this flute player, this flutist girl I captured during last Tres Tombs parade at Sant Andreu quarter. I loved the original image but sometimes I get so carried away by the light that I end up choosing the bw option. I know I am not good at black and white photography but you never know if you don't explore other fields. Not that there's anything special in the action or the subject but I do like the way she spots the camera as she walks and gives me this wary look.

Barcelona City of Angels

Not that I ever counted all the angels in Barcelona! I just wanted to use a poetic license to honor my city and what better than this angel you can admire right after you leave Sant Jaume square on your way down Carrer de la Ciutat. You will find a small set of stairs to your right and voilà.

Contrabass Player at Barcelona Cathedral

This contrabass or double bass player was part of a small band performing in front of a group of sardana dancers. The place is the square facing Barcelona Cathedral or Santa Eulalia Cathedral (video). If you check blogger labels below you'll find other musicians or instruments featured in Barcelona Photoblog in the past.

Pirena Dog Show: Boxer

A photograph of a boxer during a dog show taken from my archives. To be precise the animal was participating in a race along with other dog breeds and the show was part of Pirena 2007. To get a better idea about when this happened and what Pirena is please check my previous post: Pirena 2007

Blue Princess Costume With Crescent Moon

A lovely princess in blue looking the other way as if to look into the future with sorceress intuition. I love it when kids stop to think this way. Is it that their innocence just gives them a detached rose-colored vision of the world or do they really see beyond? Do you remember what we used to think when we were staring like this? No, you can't, but they do look as if being somewhere faraway beyond the yellow brick road.

Costumes from Around the World: Barcelona Carnival 2008

More colorful costumes. Participants went by fast so I couldn't take notes or grab the names of the countries. I vaguely remember the name was shouted over a distant loudspeaker but I must work harder with my brain trainer nintendo game to recover the original status my numbed mind once had. Please help me find out what country was this woman in blue from. Yes, I know, you don't have the pleasure to know her but any idea about her traditional dress?

Carnival in Barcelona: Football Lady

Today I want to show you another carnival image, yes, yet another. This time we leave folklore for a while and set eyes on the weird football costume the lady in my picture is pompously wearing. I don't have the slightest idea about the meaning of the dress but she did let her imagination go. I realize I am being a real pain in the a.. with so many carnival photos. As you can guess I need to go out and take some fresh shots but believe me I don't have much time lately. I am aware of that and I do know the kind of images you prefer, me too! Today I added some extra memory to my PC and everything is working faster so maybe I squeeze more minutes for the posts. I never was too serious about buying memory cards and today I realized how wrong I was. It feels like being younger or getting your sight back, if you know what I mean.

Carnival Costumes: Bolivian Devil, Barcelona Carnaval 2008

Now that we can easily distinguish the Bolivian flag next to our character we can dare to say that this is a Bolivian costume. Thanks to this clue and jumping to the conclusion that this must be some devil figure it is not difficult to investigate Bolivian carnival and discover that a devil dance or diablada is suppose to inagurate the famous carnaval in Oruro, Bolivia. The story deviates a little from our subject which is Barcelona but I guess many of you would like to learn about colorful costumes and traditions in South America. Please read the whole article about Bolivian Carnaval here. Today I was not pretty satisfied with the image so I asked my wife: What do you think? No need to say she didn't like it either. I had the hunch. But the figure is so hideous, and to make it worse, the fact that it was on top of a passing truck looked so bizarre and out of context, that I thought, hey, why not!!!. What do you think?

Carnival Costumes: Indian Chief Feather Hat, Barcelona, Spain

Another one for the road, a boy wearing an Indian Chief feather hat during Carnival 2008 celebrations in Barcelona. I am trying to get more colorful pictures, I calibrated my monitor recently but as you know that's not an easy task. My screen is relatively big but not too good in quality. It looks somewhat softer now but I can perceive all the gray scale tonalities. Maybe in my attempt to make my images more contrasty they show too dark on your monitor. Perhaps they look more saturated now. No matter what the final result is I hate dull pictures, at least unintentional dull pictures. We may not be good photographers but at least let's avoid that disgusting washed out look. I know many of you obtain quite colorful images full of contrast, any tips that might help us all enhance our photos?

Barcelona Carnival Costumes: Clowns in the Mirror

Barcelona Carnival costumes detail. Two clowns or is it just one, looking at herself in the mirror? As usual this picture looks better if enlarged. I could have cropped the faces but I wanted to keep the hand gesture and the out of focus clown in the far right to emphasize the fact they are on top of a carnival float. Am I digressing here? Well at least she is cute and those piercings give her quite a modern look. See if you can find her clown nose.

Carnival Costumes: Girl With Mantilla

Another carnival photograph taken in Barcelona. This time, a girl covered with a colorful mantilla or manta cloak. Our Carnival 2008 has been a total success and fortunately it started to rain just when celebrations ended around 11:30 at night.

Carnival Costumes: Three Men In White, Barcelona, Spain

This is my second image about Carnival costumes. As I said most of them are regional clothes mainly from the immigrants, the new Catalans that added the brightest colors to Carnival celebrations in the city of Barcelona. This year a new variant has been introduced in the event: the Rua, that is, all the participants in the parade (about 3000 people) walked along Passeig Maragall, a long avenue in the Nou Barris and Horta Quarters about 20 minutes from the city center (subway or bus). As you can imagine to have such an important event happening in front of your door once in a life time makes all the citizens in this part of town quite happy. No more traffic jams going downtown to find that there's no room to watch the parade and then walk your way back because the subway is packed with people or buses won't stop. It was about time authorities organized Carnivals in other areas of Barcelona. I don't know who the smart guy or girl was, but hey, you can have yourself a couple of drinks, I pay!

Carnival Costumes: Sisters on Fire

With this post I start my Barcelona Carnival series. Most of my coming pictures are costumes, specially regional costumes. But as you can see kids make better images due to their spontaneity and that ability to find magic where our untrained eye hardly sees happiness and beauty.

Carnival Time in Barcelona!

Hereby I want to make clear that this blog is not dead. No way! With this enthusiastic cry of joy I want to declare carnival season open in Barcelona Photoblog. I know many of you wanted to know about this important event in Barcelona so I have a whole set of carnival images coming your way. Please forgive my irregular posting, I think sometimes we need a little break to gasp for some fresh air. By the way this February my photo blog will be two years old. I don't believe in celebrations but I am happy to be around and be able to share some time with you.

Casa Rocamora: Renaissance-Gothic-Inspired Art Nouveau

Casa Rocamora on the corner of carrer Casp and Passeig de Gracia very near Plaça Catalunya. 

Manuel Rocamora belonged to a Catalan bourgeois family that was prosperous making tallow candles and soaps. He was a collector of art thanks to his mother. The family industry of spark plugs and soaps was called Rocamora y Cia, and owes its growth to trade with the Spanish colonies of Cuba and Puerto Rico. It was founded as such by Marcos Rocamora in 1845. 

At the end of the 19th century Barcelona appears as the great Spanish soap-making center, and all due to the Rocamora family. Its growth is closely linked to trade with the colonies, for this reason the loss of colonial trade meant the bankruptcy of the factory. The factory will close its doors in 1956.

Casa Rocamora, one of the most beautiful representatives of Catalan Art Nouveau with a touch of Renaissance Gothic influence was built by Bonaventura and Joaquim Bassegoda in 1914. 

It is not the first time I include this house in Barcelona Photoblog but since the last picture was taken with an old camera which didn't favor the building too much I thought, why not giving it a second chance? Please check my original post: Catalan Modernisme: Casa Rocamora

Coach Drivers in Sant Andreu Quarter, Barcelona, Spain

These two coach drivers were taking part of Tres Tombs parade in Sant Andreu quarter recently. Although I decided to add some effects to the picture, both the drivers and the people in the background were really there, I mean there are no tricks as to the scene. I have only played with photo filters over the image in black and white to visually detach both the coach and the onlookers from the background.

Brain Cut at Cosmocaixa Science Museum, Barcelona, Spain

Where did all the knowledge go? In what secret chamber were my feelings stored? Which intricate volutes concealed the mistery of my soul? My nightmares, my childhood, my secrets, all that love, my deja vus, my premonitions, my nostalgy, my fears, is that all erased forever more? My humanity, my morality, my religion, my sense of beauty, my taboos, my sexuality! Oh Lord! What mighty purpose is there behind experiencing life so vividly and having to perish by natural laws?
The brain cut that serves as the inspiration for this philosophical conundrum was photographed inside Cosmocaixa Science Museum. In case you want to know more about your brain take a look at The History of the Brain

Cocoa Fruit and Grains Detail in Chocolate Trade Show, Barcelona

From last Barcelona Chocolate Trade Show is this basket with cocoa grains next to the original fruit. The basket was displayed in a beautiful stall adorned with all sorts of antiques related with the elaboration of chocolate.

Food in Barcelona: Cheese Cake Detail

Food also has a small corner in this blog if it is made in Barcelona of course. This cheese cake I saw during a chocolate trade show some months ago and is coming out of my archives cause I was having a lot of trouble to find more time for my photo tours around the city. We have been moving our office to another quarter and guess what, I am working downtown so luckily I will capture more interesting shots soon.

Modernist Balcony in Barcelona, Spain

This was a dull picture with blown up skies, askew and no size enough to properly crop, but yet it was a beautiful Catalan Art Nouveau (Modernisme) balcony I thought you might like to set eyes on. There are images I shoot so badly that it becomes really hard to use them afterwards. I tried to pretend a soft color, almost black and white with some grain but not on the stained glass windows. Both the balcony and the windows are a little emphasized with some light. I hope you appreciate the architecture in the end which is the main purpose of a wasted hour of image processing.

Strong Horse at Tres Tombs Parade, Sant Andreu, Barcelona, Spain

I swear I had never seen such strong a horse although I am aware of morphology and breeds. This animal in the equine world would be the equivalent of a pro bodybuilder on growth hormones. Look at those legs, that's not only hair! And that in the background is not a cardboard rock. No, that was a huge stone on top of a sturdy cart. It makes no sense to force the beast to handle such a heavy load for such futile purpose but traditions are traditions and Tres Tombs parade is no less.

Horse Closeup At Tres Tombs Parade, Sant Andreu, Barcelona

This is a close shot of a horse during Tres Tombs parade in Sant Andreu district, Barcelona. It was a very bright day but I think it turned out right in spite of the harsh light. Further on I will explain what this parade is about.

Columns at Park Guell, Barcelona, Spain

These are some of the 86 Doric columns under the terrace at Park Guell, Barcelona. The place was featured in Barcelona Photoblog a long time ago so here's a link to: Park Guell Columns

Serpentine Bench Detail at Park Guell, Barcelona, Spain

Serpentine bench detail at Park Guell by Antoni Gaudi

A detail of a serpentine bench at Park Guell, Barcelona. Not the first time I show you these modernist benches by Gaudi. Using the trencadis technique he composed curious patterns that not only included color tiles but several other pieces that look like bottle bottoms to me. If you enlarge the picture you will be able to see what I mean.

For those of you who have not visited the park I should say that the undulated benches encircle a big terrace with a view over Barcelona and the sea. More posts about serpentine benches in Barcelona Photoblog: Mosaic Work Called Trencadis by Gaudi, Mosaic Serpentine Benches Landmark of Barcelona and Trencadis Serpentine Bench at Park Guell.

Three Little Pigs Photograph

Three little pigs playing in the straw. I am sorry but it was impossible to catch them all facing the camera, so one of them is clearly being somewhat rude. Those of you craving for more city pictures may be disappointed when I make these abrupt changes of topic. I think it is good to diversify and to create expectations about the future, like, what the heck is gonna show next time? The place, the medieval fair of Suria again. Long time ago, I know, this is from my archives so the poor creatures are not with us anymore.

Park Guell, Barcelona - Entrance Tower With Spire And Trencadis Work

This is a detail of one of the two towers at the main entrance to Park Güell on Carrer d’Olot, the fairytale gatehouses that once served as homes for the park’s keepers.

In the picture you can see a very slender spire crowned by a four‑armed cross, a small mushroom‑like cupola with a faintly oriental air, and the peculiar battlement running around the edge of the roof, an unlikely combination you would normally associate with storybooks or very wild dreams.

Notice the impressive trencadís work on the roof, the shimmering mosaic created from irregular shards of ceramic tile that has become one of Gaudí’s most recognizable signatures throughout Park Güell and the rest of his Barcelona architecture.

Collier Making Charcoal - Medieval Occupations at Suria

This collier making charcoal, is a black and white picture rescued from my archives and taken long ago in the annual medieval fair of a town called Suria. The man, a neighbor of this fortress village, was impersonating a coal burner next to this sort of rudimentary pit kiln. Back in medieval times there were lots of occupations which are long forgotten now or that have considerably changed. Read more and check pictures of old trades in my previous posts about Suria: The Potter, The Stonecutter and The Basket Weaver. Today's image looks better if enlarged.

Children Photography: Tres Tombs Parade, Sant Andreu, Barcelona, Spain

This two children were driving a small coach in the Cavalcada dels Tres Tombs (Tres Tombs parade) in Sant Andreu district, Barcelona. I won't give you details about the parade because I want to concentrate on the kids' pose and due to the fact that I will post many more related images next week. I have pointed out sometimes in this blog that I love the way children behave in front of the camera showing that part of the soul we stubbornly try to hide every single day of the year. Take a look at each of them, dressed in elegant aristocrat costumes...the boy is concentrated so much on the reins that nothing in this world could distract him away from such magic experience; and what about the little girl, with that stern look, half conceited, half irritated and still finding some time to wave a hand with noble grace. Children can always surprise you with the most spontaneus gesture and they almost always look great in pictures, but still there are ways to take the most out of that sudden improvisation. Here are some tips about children photography:
The Complete Guide to Children Photography: This is a good course to get a general idea about how to approach a child in photography to get the best results in your pictures.
Depth of Field: DOF is used consciously or by chance but to make the best out of it we must know how it works in detail. Discover this excellent tutorial about DOF.

Boats on Sant Pol de Mar Beach Near Barcelona, Spain

A glimpse of Sant Pol with some fishermen boats lined up on the sand in the middle of the winter it is always a pleasure to the eyes. To know more about this beach and its town visit my previous posts: Sant Pol de Mar, Maresme Coast, Catalonia, Spain and Sant Pol de Mar, Maresme Coast, near Barcelona.

Sant Jaume Square: View of Palau de la Generalitat in Barcelona, Spain

Sant Jaume square with Palau de la Generalitat in the background, a place many of you will remember if you've ever been to Barcelona. In case you haven't, you ought to know that Palau de la Generalitat is the headquarters of the Government of Catalonia and of the Presidency of the Generalitat. The building was originally designed by architect Marc Safont and erected under his supervision in XV c. over a previous property bought by the Council, further undergoing important structure transformation and blending of architectural periods. The façade and two important sections are of renaissance style but once the Courts took over the building in the XVIIIth century the chapel was extended and the bell tower was crowned according to the predominant Gothic style. In 1914 a major restoration was carried out to recover the palace to its original preservation state right before the occupation by the Courts. Those works were directed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch, the prolific modernist architect many times featured in this blog as for example in my post: La Diputació (Barcelona Provincial Government) not to be mistaken with La Generalitat!.

Modernist Balcony, Ali Bei Street, Barcelona

Catalan Art Nouveau also called Modernisme treasures real beauties when it comes to balconies. Take a look at this building for example at carrer Ali Bei with protruding windows covering part of the main balcony. A long time ago another building on the same block (about two doors away) was featured in Barcelona Photoblog: Art Nouveau Balcony

Butterfly Shot to Welcome the New Year

To celebrate the start of a new year and though this poor white lepidopteran aka butterfly is long gone since I took this picture in Sant Pol de Mar last October, I decided to show you something fresh that mitigates the sad and transcendental mood portrayed in the previous post, that is, last year!

Sunset Farewell at Barcelona Port

 

To kiss goodbye 2007 I should have published this image in due time. As it is written somewhere in the stars that my daily posting mission is too heavy a cross to carry sometimes, I come to you from the future to talk about the end of the year.

I had chosen this elder couple looking far away in the distance, perhaps taking their last pictures of Barcelona before turning back home, to make some kind of allegory about time, age, hope and whatever good thoughts this image may inspire. I let you with them watching the sun slowly set over Montjuic mountain. Tomorrow it will be just another day on earth, let's take the most out of it.

Guardia Civil Patrol Boat at Barcelona Port

A sunset image taken at Barcelona Port with a close look on a Guardia Civil patrol boat. Besides the Spanish police boat, the World Trade Center building in the background and the Jaume I cable car tower are also worth mentioning.

Ecuadorian Dancers Wearing Traditional Costumes

These dancers wearing traditional costumes of Ecuador were part of an event organized in Nou Barris quarter some months ago. The picture I recovered from my archives since I forgot to show you in this previous post called Bolivian dancers.

Sarcophagus in Pedralbes Monastery

Although part of the tomb of Queen Elisenda de Montcada which you can see in the Pedralbes Monastery Museum site, this one is a small sarcophagus where the Queen is represented as an abbess and not wearing the crown as the sculpture on the main tomb.

Violin Player or Fiddler

This man was playing the violin in a clear country music style. I think the beard totally characterizes this fiddler in his role so I decided to post it for you.

Musician Playing Celtic Melodies

This woman was playing celtic tunes with this beautiful anglo concertina in Sant Iscle de Vallalta near Barcelona.