Egg Stand, Travessera de Gràcia Market, Barcelona

An egg stand at Mercat de L'Abaceria aka Travessera de Gràcia market in Barcelona. There was a very similar post about another egg stall in La Boqueria. I think both are quite attractive and you really feel like buying dozens of eggs thanks to their imagination and good taste.

Sitting on Plaza del Sol, Barri de Gracia, Barcelona

Not that sitting on the floor on public places like squares is big news but in Gracia quarter for some reason it is almost the usual thing to do. Not that everyone there is a hippie or an "alternativo". Not that all of them are tourists that couldn't care less about local good manners. Possibly not that there's an evident lack of urban furniture to accommodate everybody. The fact is, it is a concoction, a sweet blend, of all that plus an extra additive of cultural engagement and adaptation to the Gracia environment, a living organism that models up its neighbors according to its historical background. In a certain way, that's the good thing about this part of town. Gràcia is a multicultural melting pot with a passion for art, for culture and social cohesion.

Fish Monger Stand: Sea Breams at Abaceria Central Market, Barcelona, Spain

After a rather brief existence this is how it all came to an end. Yep, this is me, an innocent sea bream lifelessly lying somewhere in a Gracia market fish monger stand. It didn't have to be this way, I could have avoided those fishermen and so I wouldn't be here looking at you with such cold fishy eyes. They want to eat me and they don't even know my name. Well, they have this stupid habit of giving names to stuff, so they wonder if I am a gilt-head sea bream, a common dentex or a black sea bream. My friends used to call me porgy although I always preferred, fish, just fish.

Bicing Bicycle Station, Passeig de Lluís Companys, Barcelona

A very common image in Barcelona city nowadays, that of a Bicing station with the usual rack of bikes. This one in particular is the one on the right side of Arc de Triomf monument at Passeig de Lluís Companys. I found the perspective kind of interesting so I thought of sharing it with you. Nice weekend!

Flamenco Fusion Dancer, La Barceloneta, Barcelona

Dancing to the sound of a small flamenco fusion group, here is an artist caught in the very act of expressing her passion with her body. I took several pictures and it was difficult to decide which one was the most dramatic and evocative. I think her frown, her concentration and the hands up in the air finally made me choose this one. The bailaora was really more beautiful in other shots but I preferred to show her wrath, strength and plasticity. This took place at Passeig Maritim de la Barceloneta.

Update: Barcelona Photoblog's picture "Legs" has been selected in Photo Friday - Noteworthy section as part of weekly challenge called "Sexy". Thanks so much to all voters and to Photo Friday for the opportunity!

Estació de França: Barcelona's Most Charming Railway Station

Estació de França or Estación de Francia (France Station) is a magic place for architecture enthusiasts.

As seen from La Ribera quarter on the other side of Marques De L'Argentera avenue the place looks rather dull and does not give you any clue of the beauty inside.

The moment you walk under its gates the light coming through the stained glass both in the domes and walls gently falls on the polished marble floors creating this mysterious soothing church-like atmosphere quite pleasant if you are about to travel. In fact, I felt like skating across the hall in the way a child would do.

The elaborate modernist and art deco motifs and specially those metal spheres hanging from a sort of ring tied to the domes are a pleasure to the eye.

Although the railway station has been there since 19th century the building was rebuilt in 1929 for the International Exhibition by renown Spanish architect Pedro Muguruza who held important positions in Francisco Franco's dictatorial government but that's part of another story.

Soon (not necessarily tomorrow) I will post some details of the ceiling and the train platforms.

Check La Ribera quarter and Estació de França on Google maps.

Art on Exterior Wall Panels, Barcelona

After a building is demolished it leaves behind traces of old rooms and partitions in houses next to them. Many times the unpleasant view can be avoided with exterior wall panels of assorted materials. If on top of them you add some colorful samples of art, an otherwise lousy corner may become a happy canvas to deter monotony.

Guided Bike Tours at La Barceloneta, Barcelona

I am not a biker myself but I have to admit riding bicycles is fun and at the same time helps to alleviate dense traffic in modern cities. Barcelona is more and more bike friendly thanks to the zeal of local authorities. On the wake of such events, travel agencies and tour operators found a gold streak and started offering guided bike tours covering popular spots in Barcelona. Perhaps riding along La Barceloneta beach is one of the most rewarding tours. Other posts showing groups of bikers listening to their tour guide were: Bike Tours in Barcelona Waterfront and Guided Bike Tours in Barcelona

Romantic Gardens in Europe: Parc del Laberint, Barcelona

Parc del Laberint d'Horta is not Versailles perhaps but it has its charm and it is amidst a very bucolic environment that is above all relaxing and ideal specially for tourists tired of stressing walks around the city. What can you find here? From the point of view of resorts, very little, in fact just a bar but from the point of view of art and beauty your spirit will gain in strength. There were other similar images in Barcelona Photoblog ,taken with a poor quality camera by the way, like: Labyrinth Park in Horta

Gracia Neighborhood: The Town Inside The City

As the title suggests the Gràcia quarter in spite of being a consolidated part of Barcelona city still makes you feel as if you were visiting the neighboring town it used to be back in early XIX when Eixample was just a plan in Ildefonso Cerdà's mind and there was nothing between them and the city behind walls (notice in this Wikipedia image the original urbanistic plan depicting the old city below, the symmetric blocks of future Eixample and the Gracia ville up north). Not that this is an external municipality anymore and its ways are not by any chance provincial in the pejorative sense of the word but the fact that most of its streets are pedestrian friendly, the fact that there is an intense small business activity, the fact life is so "extroverted" here, with neighbors spending more time on the sidewalks, on the squares, on the bar terraces than at home, really creates a comfortable, homy atmosphere that permeates your every pore upon trespassing its boundaries no matter which direction you are coming from. I hope this everyday scene adds up to what I wanted to convey in today's post.

Running Kid at Parc del Laberint, Barcelona

Parc del Laberint (Maze Park) in Horta is a romantic garden at the slope of Barcelona hills. The park, a very idyllic spot and highly recommended to our visitors, has been featured in Barcelona Photoblog in the past although I plan to show two or three new pictures soon. On our way to the exit my daughter Sara and I spotted this kid running against the fence full of flower vines. I told her that there might be a good capture there as she was carrying the camera. She pointed and took a whole series. This in my opinion was the best. Hope you like it too. Of course, that would make her very happy.

The Kid and the Skateboard

Although I am not pretty satisfied with the result I liked the scene. A boy wearing a FC Barcelona soccer jersey rides on a skateboard which is almost his size inside Travessera de Gracia market. Nice new week everyone!

Cheap Strawberries in Barcelona

A fruit stand in front of Travessera de Gracia market. Nothing out of the ordinary except that it was very cheap. Finding bargains while buying good fruit is not that easy in these times of crisis. It struck me they were selling such beautiful strawberries for just one euro/package. Other products such as mangoes or yellow melons were being sold at 1 euro per unit. I have to confess that I do all the shopping at the supermarket around the corner so findings like today's remind me of the advantages of a good morning walk near traditional markets.

Catalan Sausages: Botifarra d'Ou

A close look on one of the most delicious sausages in Catalonia: Botifarra d'Ou (literally, although I don't think there's an equivalent in English, Egg Sausage). As the name suggests it is made of eggs and meat. It is served in slices and has a more delicate texture and taste than other sausages. According to Catalan traditions Botifarra d'Ou is served the first day of Carnival aka dijous gras or dijous llarder (Fat Thursday)

If you missed other posts dealing with Catalan sausages please check: Botifarra Negra, Botifarra de Pagés or the whole story: sausage. This picture was taken at Mercat de l’Abaceria Central in Gracia quarter.

Modernist Building at Plaza del Sol, Gracia Quarter, Barcelona

At Plaça del Sol square in Gracia quarter, the most bohemian neighborhood in Barcelona, there's a modernist building that really stands out due to its wonderful preservation. I have seen it in hundreds of pictures but I wanted to show my own version.

These pastel colors are real so imagine what a feast it was for my eyes to be able to contemplate this beauty from a terrace table across the square in the company of friends and chatting over some beers.

Buildings like this you have a gazillion in the city and believe me my friend, you don't need the beer to get a sudden break of emotive architectural admiration cause the sober ones seem to have the same expression of awe before most of them.

Come join us, it is fun, cultural and educational! By the way, you can even sit on the very floor of the square to have a pleasant chat or enjoy the best local paella at L' Envalira (Catalan link) next door. Envalira (Link from monopolizing travel company Tripadvisor)

Old Lady at Mercat de l'Abaceria Central de Gràcia

Patiently waiting for her turn this sweet old lady seemed to have stopped time in Mercat de l’Abaceria Central at Travessera de Gràcia, 186 one of the almost 45 markets there are in Barcelona city. The image of elderly people carrying a shopping trolley bag is quite familiar over here as it is relatively easy to buy food just across the street and important markets are just a few bus or subway stops away. Gracia quarter is one of those neighborhoods with a little bit of everything, shops, bars, terraces, architecture, art galleries, pedestrian-friendly streets, trees, beautiful squares and a bohemian atmosphere. Curiously this quarter I haven't covered much in Barcelona Photoblog in the past. I hope I change that soon.

Belly Dancer in Barcelona

As I don't want to be accused by adepts and opponents alike because of my ignorance in this matter I prefer to leave you the link to the Wikipedia article explaining what belly dance is, the Western and the Eastern approach as well its different variants. Dancing is beyond the purpose of Barcelona Photoblog although many of the different belly dancing schools in the city well deserve some promotion. Come to think of it, I don't have any particular preference so why don't you check all there is to it at World Belly Dance or on Belly Dance Superstars. The only thing I can tell you is that watching it from a short distance is fascinating and hypnotic.

Innocent Happiness

It all started one day when you were cast onto the stage of life without permission, from nothingness. You showed under the limelights with an impeccable brand new soul, a pure heart and a neat innocent smile. You just wanted to know and you asked for nothing in return. Magic ruled in the small kingdom of your playroom and worries were not part of your vocabulary. And then they taught you manners and gave you some tuition so you behaved like them. It took a lot of work but finally they managed. You became one of them but you lost something along the way, your innocent happiness. Where did it go?

Liquorice Sticks and Garden Cutters

This picture is not about tools but these cutters on top of a bunch of Liquorice sticks do look nicer and add up to the idea of gathering roots, the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra. This I found in a market in a town near Barcelona which is irrelevant now. I am sure you know Liquorice and maybe you like the flavor. I prefer it this way, as is, in its natural form, something which is common in Spain. I certainly don't like the taste of liquorice candies. It has medicinal properties but I think you better read all the information following the link above. By the way, we call it regaliz.

Boqueria Fish: Fresh Gallo

As with all species mentioned here in the past, there is a certain percent of error in the classification I give since many times I forget to write down names when I take pictures. This one looks like a John Dory or Zeus Faber (Gallo, Ceo, Zeo or Pez de San Pedro in Spanish).

The name Gallo (rooster) is also given to other species of fish in Spanish that are different in appearance and have different scientific names such as Lepidorhombus wiffiagonis aka Megrim.

This is not an ichthyology treaty so just concentrate on the fresh appearance and the fact that you can buy some at La Boqueria market in Barcelona or maybe other fish posted in Barcelona Photoblog recently.

Update 2023: Due to the huge popularity of the original post (for reasons still unknown to me) the frustrated scientist in me (who dreamed of being a marine biologist) has decided to abound in the topic and do some justice to the beauty of a John Dory or Gallo fish.

The Zeus Faber: A Remarkable Species with Many Common Names

The Zeus Faber, also known as the John Dory, is a unique and iconic fish species found in the coastal waters of the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean and Black Seas. As a fan of marine biology and ichthyology, the study of fish, I am fascinated by this distinctive fish and its many common names across languages.

In English, the Zeus Faber goes by several colorful names, including John Dory, St. Peter's fish, and dory. The name John Dory is thought to be a corruption of the French jaune doré, meaning golden yellow, referring to the striking yellow and black patterning on the fish's body. St. Peter's fish comes from the myth that the dark spot on the fish's flank is the thumbprint of St. Peter, left there when he removed a coin from the mouth of a fish.

In Spanish, this fish is known by two main names: gallo and pez de San Pedro. Gallo means rooster in Spanish, an apt description of the Zeus Faber with its tall dorsal fin resembling a rooster's comb. Pez de San Pedro mirrors the English St. Peter's fish, referencing the biblical apostle.

In Catalan, Zeus Faber is called Gall de Sant Pere or Gall or Sant Pere. Gall means rooster, like the Spanish gallo. Sant Pere means St. Peter.

It is fascinating how the common names in English, Spanish, and Catalan all draw comparisons to a rooster's comb or reference St. Peter. These creative names speak to the Zeus Faber's distinctive appearance and religious legends surrounding the species. However, it is important to note that gallo in Spanish refers to a different fish species in some regions.

Taxonomy and Classification

From a taxonomic perspective, the Zeus Faber belongs to the family Zeidae under the scientific order Pleuronectiformes. As a flatfish, it is closely related to other dorsally-asymmetrical fish like sole, flounder, plaice, and halibut. Its genus name Zeus derives from the Greek god, while its species name Faber comes from the Latin word for craftsman.

The Zeidae family contains just one other species - Zeus gurnardus, or the gurnard John Dory. The John Dory is larger in size and has a deeper body than the gurnard John Dory. Both species are found in the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic.

Key Characteristics

The Zeus Faber exhibits several unique external characteristics that distinguish it from other fish:

• Tall, extended first dorsal fin resembling a rooster's comb
• Distinctive black and yellow color pattern on body
• Large, spiny head
• Small mouth with teeth
• Asymmetrical, flat body shape
• Dark spot on flank thought to be St. Peter's thumbprint

The John Dory can grow up to 60 cm in length and weigh up to 2.3 kg. It has a compressed, oval-shaped body and is broader than it is deep. The eyes are located on the right side of the head, with the left side of the body appearing white or blind. Small, fine teeth line the jaws.

The flank patterning features a golden yellow background with six distinct black vertical bands. Black or blue markings surround the pectoral and caudal fins. The John Dory's scaleless skin is very thin and semi-transparent.

Habitat and Distribution

The Zeus Faber inhabits the coastal waters over sandy, muddy, and rocky seafloors along the eastern Atlantic coast from Norway to South Africa. It is abundant throughout the Mediterranean and found as far east as the Black Sea.

John Dory live mainly at depths between 10 - 250 meters, but occasionally venture to 350 meters deep or come to the surface. They prefer saltwater temperatures between 10 - 20°C. Though mostly solitary, these fish occasionally form small schools around rocky coastal areas or reefs.

Predators and Prey

With its large mouth and sharp teeth, the John Dory is an opportunistic carnivore that feeds on a variety of smaller fish, cephalopods like squid and octopus, and crustaceans. Some key prey items include anchovies, sardines, mackerel, shrimp, and crabs.

Despite being predators themselves, John Dory fall prey to larger carnivorous fish like groupers, larger tuna, barracuda, and sharks. Their camouflage coloration helps them avoid detection from above. John Dory have also been observed following venomous weever fish, likely for protection from predators.

Gallo in Spanish

As mentioned earlier, the name gallo in Spanish also refers to a different species - the whiff, or Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis. The whiff belongs to the same order as the John Dory, Pleuronectiformes, and shares its asymmetrical flat shape. It is found in the northeastern Atlantic and Mediterranean.

Like John Dory, whiff possess camouflaged coloration, although they lack the distinctive patterning. Instead, whiff display sandy brown, yellowish, or reddish hues to blend in with seabeds. They have a slightly oblong, oval profile.

While whiff and John Dory overlap in range, their depth and temperature preferences differ. Whiff stay closer to shore in shallower, warmer waters of 80 - 150 meters depth. The similar body shape and habitat likely accounts for the shared common name of gallo, despite being different species.

Culinary Significance

The Zeus Faber holds an important place in European cuisine and food culture. In England, the John Dory has long been revered as one of the finest eating fish. Due to its notoriously low population numbers, however, it remains an expensive and prized delicacy reserved for gourmet seafood lovers.

Valued for its fine white flesh and subtle flavor, John Dory are often baked, pan-fried, or grilled. Chefs carefully fillet the spiny fish to remove bones and skin. The meat stands up well to a range of sauces and spice rubs.

In Catalonia, John Dory appears in classic seafood stews and rice dishes.

Overfishing Threats

Regrettably, John Dory populations have declined over the last several decades due to overfishing. They are extremely vulnerable to trawl and gillnet fishing methods. Their habitats have also been degraded by destructive bottom trawling practices.

John Dory reproduce slowly, taking 2-3 years to reach sexual maturity. Their low fertility and slow growth mean they are very slow to recover from population declines. For these reasons, sustainability organizations like Seafood Watch recommend avoiding Atlantic-caught John Dory.

However, fisheries in the Mediterranean have made progress with more responsible management. Mediterranean-caught John Dory are a better choice for sustainability. With conscientious consumer demand and smart regulations, we can prevent the loss of this iconic species.

The Zeus Faber remains one of the most unique and cherished fish in the ocean. While many know it as John Dory, St. Peter's fish, or gallo, marine biologists recognize its scientific name that pays homage to both mythology and taxonomy. Safeguarding this species for future generations will require a collective effort between scientists, fisheries managers, chefs, and consumers who appreciate its value. With some care, this fabulous fish can continue thriving for centuries to come.