Modernisme: Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló one of the most exuberant and renowned representatives of Modernisme or Catalan Art Nouveau in Barcelona, by Antoni Gaudí, is located at Passeig de Gracia, 43.

Built between 1875 and 1877, became the property of Josep Batlló Casanovas by 1900 who first thought of demolition but then fortunately after four years decided to commission Gaudí to renovate the building.

These few words are just an introduction to the whole story which you can discover along with excellent pictures at the official Casa Batlló Site.

You almost have to stand in line for a good shot here, flashes firing all over your head, so I guess I must be traveling in somebody's photograph on the way home.

See Casa Batlló Picture on a Google Earth Map

Port Vell, Barcelona: Ictineu II Submarine

At the harbor of Barcelona, in front of the Imax Port Vell cinema and near Maremagnum shopping center  there is a reproduction of The Ictineu II, the first combustion driven submarine and anaerobic engine, invented by Narcís Monturiol i Estarriol who was born in Figueres, Catalonia (Spain) in 1819.

The first successful combustion powered submarine was launched the 2nd of October 1864.

Monturiol died tragically and impoverished in Barcelona in 1885.

Check Ictineu II Submarine on a Google Earth Map

Recycling and Poverty in Barcelona

Many people in Barcelona make a living gathering cardboard, metal or plastic scrap from regular garbage or recycling containers. I was taking coffee when I saw this man passing by with an enormous cart, he was going very fast so I had to run two blocks after him to shoot. Sometimes it seems kind of cruel to photograph people in such situation, I just wish my image humbly contributes to cause a stir in the consciousness of our community.

See Picture of Carrer Industria on a Google Earth Map