Beads Necklaces

During my visit to Monistrol, there was this stall selling beads necklaces. I reckon this is quite common in many countries so there's no need to tell you a story about the origin of beads or to start talking about religion and rosaries. I saw a line of those necklaces and decided to play with dof for a while. Remember in the next days I will show you market products from Monistrol de Montserrat and folk dancers that participated in recent local celebrations.

Evil Mask, Monistrol de Montserrat

You know the devil disguises or manifests in oh so many ways. One day he may be McCain Trump himself, some other day the hideous child of our neighbors, maybe a cat, a pumpkin or simply an evil mask with firecrackers inside, as is the case of this one at Monistrol de Montserrat.

It was on one of the stalls of the market organized during the Fira de la Coca i el Mató 2008 (a local food fair).

Remember this fair at Monistrol has been featured here in the past, as for example in: Say Cheese.

I would like to go around with this for Halloween. In fact there was an old B movie where the devil himself wandered among the crowd for the famous celebration and everybody mocked at his attire, with tragic consequences, of course.

Follow label Monistrol below for more.

Wooden Toys, Las Ramblas Stall, Barcelona

Rambling Las Ramblas of Barcelona, camera on hand and nothing else to do, I decided to leave human statues alone for a while and concentrate on small details. Hundreds of souvenirs were shouting at me to be under the spotlight, to step into the limelight. Hey, me!. Forget about her! She's too ugly. I couldn't resist that urgent cry and headed for the little elf or whatever that was and gave him his moment of glory. Lady elf wasn't bad either. I suppose taking these wooden toys home would make your kids very happy or not?

And finally talking about tiny characters, did you know that every Saturday closest to June 25th the Smurfs celebrate their anniversary, Global Smurf Day?

Neocon Danger in Europe

Apropos of this flashy protest sign warning us about the danger of neocon offensive attacks over Europe, I wondered what a neocon is after all. It sounds like Vietcom but it doesn't have anything to do with it obviously. I hate it when I use the wrong word to refer to something, so in order to avoid stupid mistakes like saying that ecologists are the new communists, as ex-president José María Aznar recently said, I sat and read some articles. Among them I found one titled So, what is a 'neocon'? which is quite illustrative. In spite of all the reading I jumped to the conclusion that this is a complex subject and that there are many possible lines of investigation considering each neocon and the scenario. You have to learn about weapons, state monopoly, powerful influences, factions, bankers, corruption, religious sects, pharmaceutical industries, vast media holdings and even evolutionist theories! But let's resume the article. Here are some key phrases that cleared some doubts: "...people who came to the realization that modern liberalism was not the kind of liberalism that they had subscribed to...", "...concerned about forging national crusades that can tap either the American public's patriotism or its desire for reform...", "...they are influential because they promote each other...", "...they say that America is a nation uniquely equipped as the sole remaining superpower to order the world and spread our values...". After I read this a new question started popping out in my mind: Is McCain a newcon? Given the evidence and according to analysts, he is. Following that line of thought I asked myself: Is José María Aznar a newcon? Yes, the man that proclaimed that global warming is not a scientific truth and that the process may not be affected by the human factor, is a newcon. If you want to meet the authentic newcon check Aznar, interviewed by the BBC. I think I understand the sign in the image a little bit now although it may have been drawn by "ecologists" of course.

Jogging in La Rambla, Barcelona

Jogging in Las Ramblas de Barcelona is so difficult that instead of that we should call it dribbling or slalom. In spite of that, stubborn athletes you can find all year long in any part of the world. I don't know, you are in the middle of a safari in Africa and suddenly you see a jogger waving at you right behind the lions.

Joggers do take it very seriously sometimes. An old man may be mugged in a dark suburban street while a person in a hooded sweater passes by swiftly as a ghost in a Japanese horror movie, unaware of the crime and lost in that podcast on the benefits of sports, so lost that may even end up in the most transited and smoggy street of the city.

In our case here, there was some kind of cosmic impasse and for some milliseconds there was no one near the jogger, probably due to the use of a special force field or protective shield invisible to the human eye. Come to think of it, she was just a lucky tourist on the wrong street.

Coming and Going, Carrer Petritxol, Barri Gotic, Barcelona

Petritxol street at Barcelona gothic quarter, the hot chocolate and churros street

Resuming Barcelona as a topic, here I leave you with a view of carrer Petritxol at Barri Gotic.

Some people come and some other go for time immemorial. Streets remain but they will also disappear some day and Barcelona will not be the same.

History is caged in this part of town and without it we will be dehydrated, decaffeinated or whatever "de" something you may think of. So let's protect our history and restore the Gothic quarter!

By the way, remember it is traditional to have churros at carrer Petritxol!

Baturricos Playing Bandurrias, Torre Llobeta Square, Barcelona

There you go, yet another image about jotas. This time I've got the musicians. Men dressed as baturros (the link is in Spanish I know. It refers to the different nuances of the word in our language, some good and some bad) a term that refers to peasants from Aragon playing traditional instruments like this Bandurria (Mandurria). Remember this group was part of Festa Major celebrations at Torre Llobeta square in Nou Barris, Barcelona. There are many Barcelona inhabitants coming from different regions of Spain, so I found it more than adequate to show them in Barcelona Photoblog.

Three Jota Singers From Aragon, Spain

Following in the steps of yesterday's post about Festa Major de Vilapicina i La Torre Llobeta in Barcelona, today I show you three jota singers in traditional dresses from Aragon, Spain. Notice the colorful shawls and the hair-cages with "false" braids. If you are fond of Spanish traditions and you are interested in knowing how a jota sounds please watch the video.

Jota Dancer from Aragon at Festa Major of Vilapicina and Torre Llobeta, Barcelona

I have been taking pictures at the Festa Major de Vilapicina i la Torre Llobeta, a sort of popular celebration. Each municipality in Barcelona has its own party on a given time of the year and this one was very near to my place. The lady wearing a traditional dress and shawl is a jota dancer from the region of Aragon. She is a member of the dance group Abenjot representing such region of Spain. It is not by chance that I choose October 12th to post this, as it was the day of Virgin of Pilar, the patroness of Zaragoza, capital of Aragon.

Monge, Philately and Numismatic Store, Barri Gotic, Barcelona

If you ever collected postage stamps then this image will bring back some memories. Come to think of it, stamps are just stamps, a tiny jagged sticky-on-one-side piece of paper but this obsession for antique or rare "pieces of paper" is more than a hobby for many people. I remember well how I used to collect them when I was a child. I had this album that had the black and white image of the future stamp you were suppose to find and stick in place after buying or trading with other collectors. I had some rare stamps of China which were a real beauty, generally with socialist allegories on them and other stamp collections organized by countries. I also had reproductions of the first stamp, the Penny Black issued on May 06 1840, as the one you see engraved on the glass of this remarkable epoch philately and numismatic store (A. Monge, carrer Boters, 2) at the Gothic quarter of Barcelona. But why did they create stamps after all? Postage used to be paid upon delivery and it happened that many letters were rejected by the addressees so a pre-paid delivery system was imposed in 1837 in which the stamp became the proof of payment.

Now you can share music with me: barnasound or listen while you browse via blip.fm player on my sidebar.

Crossroads Signs, The Nature of Symbols

Crossroads signs are one of those hallmarks of civilization, they are part of a universal symbolic language. We take them for granted but basically wouldn't live without them unless we carry a gps of course. To talk about signs we should first understand their nature, that is, what they are and how they signify. Greek philosophers defined significance as a relationship between two things, signs and the things they signify. One of the terms in the relationship causes another to come to mind. There are things which are not signs, things which are signs of other things and finally there are things that are always signs. Some act as signs whether we want it or not, like natural signs. Some others have to acquire the signification as is the case of signboards. Almost everyone would identify this post as a crossroad sign, almost every mentally healthy individual would understand which direction to follow. Many would notice that there is a color code combined with the size of the letters. Latin derived language speakers would interpret many of the words. And you can even imply that these are pedestrian only roads and that there is a subway station nearby. Did you see how easily do we communicate each other? Here is another idea to think about, one of the synonyms of crossroads is...crisis! But that is part of a different story.

Gargoyle at Plaza del Rey, Barcelona

In the previous post we talked about witches and mystic places so why not keeping the same mood to contemplate in awe this devilish gargoyle at Plaza del Rey. A horrible creature twitching every muscle, stretching to howl in a sinister gesture. I try to imagine the creepy sound while a shiver comes down my spine. Fortunately there is only silence, a trail of water perhaps coming out of the snout. You know what, this twisted cry reminds me of the Scream by Munch. You don't hear it but it gives you the creeps.

I would like to suggest today some Photoshop Killer Tips by Matt Kloskowski via Layers Magazine

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Autumn Falls Over Vallgorguina Near Montseny Mountains

Everybody has its secret place to enjoy the beauty of autumn. This is one of my many hidden glades. The town is called Vallgorguina, near Montseny mountain and out of Barcelona. Well, in fact it is not too poetic and by any means secret because those rustic tables and benches are used for public costilladas (derived from ribs), a sort of BBQ where you make your own fire with the wood you buy there. You have to rent the grill but you carry your own meat. You pay the restaurant nearby for using the tables too. So as you see enjoying the fall is not that cheap anymore. One curious thing, the area is said to be a magic place where witches celebrate their aquelarres or sabbaths. Locals say they gather near the Dolmen of Piedra Gentil when there's a full moon. So try to finish your ribs before dusk.

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The Digital Era And The Evolution of Tourists

The digital era has arrived in photography too, and some species like these hunters have evolved into more complex organisms or individuals. Hunting mechanisms have been perfected so shooting is no longer associated with reloading. This photographer is proudly carrying his Sony dslr camera looking for fresh preys to take home as trophies. The woman follows absently, almost frightened by the unknown perils behind every corner of Barri Gotic. Now seriously, I took this picture last month in the Gothic quarter and this kind couple happened to be admiring the streets of Barcelona. They looked passionate and interested in what they were coming across, like children with a new toy, so from here I wish to thank them for their visit. I hope they had a nice stay in the city.

Suggested link: 30 Beautiful Photoshop Illustration Tutorials via Six Revisions.

Do you want to be amazed today, check Dave Hill Photography

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Las Ramblas: The Most Frequented Street in Barcelona

Las Ramblas, a small scale Catalan version of the Champs Elysées, is perhaps Barcelona's most frequented street and not precisely by the locals. Hordes of tourists wander up and down around the clock under the plataneros (hybrid plane trees) of the famous walk. This is how it looked on a Saturday morning last month. Recently, authorities met the local guild of stall owners to listen to their complaints and they have started cleaning Las Ramblas from pickpockets, trileros (a sort of shell game swindlers) and other petty criminals. In return the stalls will be replaced more than a meter backwards so they are not another obstacle in the way. Workers alleged that the living statues are also responsible for jamming the area as each of them gathers their own circle of admirers. Besides, there is the ever growing number of visitors. Did you know that according to a recent report by Saffron Brand Consultants, Barcelona is the third most attractive city for tourism, business and foreign investment after Paris and London from a list of 72 European cities. The data was obtained after interviewing 2000 people and considering different factors such as location, culture, history, food, business potential and residents attitude towards visitors.

Now for you to rejoice here are some breathtaking shots: The Earth From Above via The Boston Globe

A Wedding Photograph From Barcelona

This is something I never tamper with, brides. There are authentic specialists that do wedding photography like Bambi Cantrell for that. I wish I could learn from them but I will have to accept the inevitable I am not good at wedding photography.

This is just a random picture taken during a walk with my fellow photo bloggers. The place, Via Laietana. Who was getting married?, a lucky couple unknown to me and most of the passersby. Congratulations to the newlyweds! She was truly amazed at the many cameras pointing at her. To tell you the truth, I was there for the vintage car and ran away with more than I expected!

Do check this article about Barcelona as a destination to get married

Exotic Animals in Barcelona: Pyxicephalus Adspersus

The exotic animals market in Barcelona is a prosperous business but I am not here to denounce anything. Many things are not right in this world. It is just this stupid obsession we humans have to collect things up. I will merely show you the frighten face of this beautiful Pyxicephalus adspersus or African Bullfrog. Check this other bullfrog image by Phil Bishop found via CalPhotos database. I had to look at several pictures to find the correct name since I foolishly forgot to take it down properly. Well, in fact he doesn't look scared but I imagine he must be under stress in the hands of this disgusting pale being that curiously comes everyday and feeds him. Here is a comprehensive database on amphibian species: AmphibiaWeb.

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Under the Archway, Carrer del Bisbe, Barri Gotic, Barcelona

Walking in slow motion under the archway at Casa de los Canónigos in Bisbe Irurita street, if you really concentrate you can manage to stop time for a couple of seconds, while you bathe in the bright light of the sun. You should stay there, spreading your arms in the way only a child can do, stretching your head back up to face the backlit figures, the same sculptures that have witnessed the existence of so many souls. Quiet now, you almost hear them murmuring. They have this melancholic expression and they are whispering: "I am with you my son, please don't worry, people come and people go, you don't need to hurry. Some have left, others will come, but the flame is always burning. The world is cruel, there is pain, the flesh hurts but I am here to save you from your demons, I will sacrifice myself for you. Go and cross this bridge now, you will not remember me, but I will always be with you". And then you'll feel a sudden cold breeze and a little pain on your neck and shoulders of looking up so intensely and you will ask yourself: "What the heck was that?

Please, this is only a fiction, do not block the archway. Wear some protection, looking directly at the sun may hurt your eyes badly. Do not ask passerbyes if they also heard that. They know but they will act normal and pretend nothing happened. 

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Jamon Serrano Tastes Better At The Source

One of the most representative Spanish products is jamón serrano (cured ham). Like any other traditional product, serrano ham's quality may vary according to many factors, the breeding farm conditions, the swine diet or the curing process. The same happens with cheese for example (exclude the pig). It is not the same to buy an imported Italian cheese than to go and visit the town where it was made and try it on site. First of all, there it will be cheaper and you would get a higher quality product. So the same story applies to our cured serrano ham, even for us inside the Spanish market. It is not the same to buy a Jabugo serrano leg at La Boqueria market (today's picture is taken there although it doesn't seem to be Jabugo) than to visit Jabugo town in Huelva mountains. I know what I am talking about, because I've done it myself. Of course you can buy one here for Christmas at a higher price, but you know in your heart that the leg you are buying may not be as good although it carried the Jabugo stamp on it. The same happens with olive oil. When on holidays I buy olive oil in Candon, Huelva or Priego, Córdoba. I can find similar stuff sometimes in El Corte Inglés shopping center, but my tongue tells me it is not the same. I don't know, maybe it is due to storage problems, transportation, hot weather, intermediaries, lower quality lots destined to major dealers, who knows. The point is, jamon serrano tastes better at the source (not the pig farm of course). Besides there's the external factor, the good beer, the nice weather, the tapas and the friendly people who cuts it for you. Even in Jabugo or any other town famous for selling good products, you can fall in the typical tourist trap and buy to the wrong stuff. Where am I getting at? Well, what I mean is that quality can be lost along the way and that you'd better visit those local markets to find cheap gourmet delicacies, Spain is still full of them. Visit them before they disappear forever.

Recommended readings: 

• All about jamon 
• Introduction to Spanish ham - Serrano and ibérico

Dali, Artist, Star and Icon

There are artists who have to wait until death to become famous, others are worshipped long before they even grow old. Such is the case of Salvador Dalí. Not only because of his surrealist paintings, his sculptures, his drawings. Not even for his multifaceted creativity in other areas like fashion, photography, theater or jewelry! Not just for that overwhelming legacy. He was also widely known for his eccentricity. And every eccentric carries his own cohort of detractors chewing on his bones and flesh like worms in a sort of symbiotic relationship. Relevant personalities and experts that get their moment of glory by feeding on crumbles left by the host and unknowingly magnifying his fame. Of course this is not always the case. But Dali and his genius, put a blemish on the bad reviews of all those who did not have the vision that only a gifted mind can give you. As talent always wins over mediocrity and shortsightedness. Dali the artist and Dali the star, altogether have evolved into a new parasite-proof living organism: Dali the icon. It is very hard to libel on icons. Once they reach the "divine" category your words may become heretical. By the way, I almost forget, this balcony you probably have seen at the end of Las Ramblas, near Columbus monument. There was this man painting on canvas. First I thought the other guy was his model but the female figure on the painting clearly discarded him. I would like to know how much was that huge Dali painting to the left? Bidding is open.

Unlike recent posts, in this one I am going to stick to the subject regarding suggested links. An icon is an icon and I don't want to sound apocryphal. Ladies and gentleman, welcome to the Salvador Dali Museum.

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Bike Rack on Las Ramblas de Barcelona

About time I captured one of those images of mutilated bikes tied up somewhere for no apparent reason. Now that I finally made it (hooray!) I will try to forget it right away. Let's issue a formal complaint first: please, stop urinating on Las Ramblas! It smells and what's worse, it spoils my pictures. Yes, that blurry thing behind the bicycle fossil is nothing but a conspicuous stain left by humanoids on a booze spree. "Hey dude, enough moaning. Step out of the way. Can't you see that's my bike! And stop takin' pictures of my rack or I will get very pissed off".

The Barcelonians: Man Leaning on Wall, La Merce Church, Barcelona

This is my new addition to a set I will call The Barcelonians. Not that I am trying to emulate The Americans by Robert Frank , oh no (ironic). No, seriously, I love the idea of grouping people from all countries, statuses, genders, or age that are considered to be Barcelonians. Understand by that, anyone living in the city no matter what creed, race, nationality or money in the bank. I don't want to get too ambitious nor dare to imitate the masters (God forgive me). Ok let's cut the crap. Here is a man coming out of La Merce church, leaning on the wall as he walks, due to some leg impairment. That's it.

If you want to appreciate good photography then do check The Americans page at artsy.net

Christopher Columbus' Lion

Standing the battering of time this lion at the base of Christopher Columbus's monument in Las Ramblas, permanently guards the majestic column from where his master watches the horizon pointing towards the new world not too sharply. Gaietà Buigas i Monravà was the artist in charge of building the monument that was completed in time for Barcelona's Universal Exhibition in 1888. In coming posts I will show you more details of the column. These are old pìctures of mine: Columbus on his pedestal and Columbus as seen from Las Ramblas.

Suggested Link of the Day: Top 100 Tools for Learning 2008

Street Dancing in Barcelona

Frozen in time. Do you remember the Matrix? You know, the bullet scene and all. I wish I could change the perspective here and show you the street dancer from different angles. If you like street dancing, hip hop, want to see a freeze or are just curious about the image, please visit previous post: Urban Street Dance in Barcelona.

Photographer's corner: Advanced Photography Tips

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Hot Suissos at La Granja Pallaresa, Carrer Petritxol, Barri Gotic

Dessert shelf at Granja La Pallaresa - Barcelona

As I promised the other day in my Churros post, this is a detail of La Granja Pallaresa at Carrer Petritxol in Barri Gotic, one of the best places in the city to have a wonderful hot suisso, that is, chocolate with whipped cream on top.

You may try churros, porras or melindros with a swisso or suizo. Leave your diet at home if you have in mind to visit La Pallaresa.

Please check these recipes of menjar blanc (almond cream) and crema catalana (Catalan custard) which I noticed on the shelves after examining the picture closely.

By the way, Granja Dulcinea on the same street is also great.

In case you wonder what a granja is you should know that it means "farm" from "dairy farm" (originally granjas were shops selling dairy products).

Medieval Craft Trade Fair: Glass Miniatures

During a medieval craft trade fair that was organized in a town called Suria I caught this artisan working the glass to create miniatures by means of a torch. It is hard for me to understand how medieval this craft can be considering the safety glasses he is wearing and the lighter but if they created this fair which is celebrated every year by the way, they should know better. Other trades and crafts were previously posted here: the stonecutter, the basket weaver, the collier, the potter.

Immigration in Barcelona, The New Catalans

Immigration is one of Barcelona's major concerns according to polls. Many times this concern grows parallel to the feeling of insecurity that is increasing lately. This leads to consciously or unconsciously blame immigrants who are an easy pray to racists or bigmouths of all sorts and social statuses. I wonder what such people would think if they were in their shoes.

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Taking a Break in Barri Gotic

This gentleman is as tired as I am when the week comes to an end. Like tourists taking a break in Barri Gotic, shall I rest to think of fresh ideas for new pictures.

Influential Bloggers' Tips: Nine Lessons in Search Engine Optimization by Michael Martinez via SEO Theory

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Woman and Child Detail, Folk Song Sculptural Group, Palau de la Musica, Barcelona

Woman and child, a detail of Miquel Blay sculptural group on one of the corners of Palau de la Musica Catalana, the modernista or Catalan art nouveau concert hall.

The title of the sculpture is Cançó Popular (Folk Song), a lyrical representation of Catalan culture and traditions.

Girl with Beautiful Legs in Plaça del Rei, Barcelona

I was trying to think of a better title for today's post. We were standing on Plaza del Rey waiting for the steps to empty and sit for a group photo during Europe Photobloggers Meetup 2008. A man, obviously her partner, was taking pictures. We were camera in hand, more than 30 considering how many we were and some of us started shooting over the man's shoulder.

To keep her identity unknown I decided to include this one with her head turned up. So I reckon all the attention deviates to her beautiful dress and legs. I have to say that this subject made me recall some interesting comments under another photo including legs at Chromasia. We were having an argument on whether a picture of just women's legs is somewhat degrading. Of course I haven't changed my mind. Legs are just legs and if beautiful they are to be admired.

The Gargoyles of Death, Plaza del Rey, Barcelona

Half-bred uncanny creatures, stalking from above and ominously spitting rivers of water as if announcing the downfall of man and the arrival of an ignote, unfathomed gloomy world. 

Sunday morning on your way to church. A long, long time ago. You have a sudden urge to pray. Things are not going too well lately. Mysterious deaths scamper through the city. Hundreds, perhaps thousands of people are doomed by now and nobody knows why. Is it God's wrath? Is it one of the seven plagues? 

Some say it comes in the air or that it dwells in the pestilent waters of the outskirts. Almighty God! What is that! A filthy rat!. Get out of my way, you abominable evil creature. I wonder why there are so many. Stop looking at me, you hideous gargoyles...

In 1589 1/4 of the population in Barcelona, 12.000 to 13.000 approximately, succumbed to bubonic plague. Here is Plaça del Rei, the place where the gargoyles are.

The Art Nouveau Lamp in Barcelona, Europe

Decorative arts, architecture and other forms of artistic expression lived an authentic ecclosion by the end of XIX and the first years of XX c. in Catalonia as part of a cultural and political movement known as Renaixença which was spurred by the new spirit of the wealthy local bourgeoisie and their quest for industrial expansion, the influence of Paris and other industrialized European countries as the new model to follow in opposition to the retrograde, stale Castilian yoke. The cultural side of this renaissance, this art nouveau and the way it manifested in Catalonia is called Modernisme. A lamp was just a lamp but all of sudden there was an urge for innovation and new trends, an outburst of creativity that said hey this is our art, it is Catalan, we borrowed some elements from the most modern and fashion countries in Europe and Asia, we improved it and lifted it to the category of divine, we are educated, passionate for art, powerful and basically we don't need your Royal Majesties anymore, in fact we never did. Of course this is history in a very personal and simplified way. Here is another modernist lamp.

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Opera Singer in Barri Gotic, Barcelona

On the quiet streets of Barri Gotic there was this opera singer delighting passerbyes with passionate gesture and a powerful voice.

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The Best Churros in Barcelona - A Short List

A close look at some good Barcelona churros

A now for something completely different: Churros!!!

I have been browsing in search for good recipes or the history of churros. According to Wikipedia: 'A churro (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈtʃuro]) is a fried-dough pastry—predominantly choux—based snack' and there are many recipes out there for some exotic and appealing churros.

No, I just wanted to show you this picture to evoke those good memories every citizen in Spain has involving churros or porras which is a bigger, thicker variety made in Madrid.

The experience of waking up early to go and buy churros for a good weekend breakfast is unforgettable. There are street stalls or caravans in Barcelona neighborhoods where they cook homemade churros which you can smell from some blocks away but they are fewer than in the good old times.

And what about those who on their way to bed after a long crazy night grab a bag full of churros to soak them in hot chocolate. That is one of the best remedies in the world for a bad hangover.

Needless to say that there are small traditional places called granjas selling good churros in Barcelona. The best according to many is on carrer Petritxol, near Plaza del Pi in Barri Gotic and is called La Pallaresa.

Here is the short list of best places to have churros in Barcelona recommended by Barcelona Photoblog

1. La Pallaresa
2. La Nena
3. Dulcinea 
4. Viader 
5. Xurreria Laietana 
6. Xurreria Trebol 

Learn more about historic carrer Petritxol or watch for churros at La Pallaresa in the next post.

Savings Allegory Sculpture, Caixa de Pensions Building, Via Laietana, Barcelona

On April 1st of the year 1917 Caixa de Pensions i d’Estalvis de Barcelona building at Via Laietana, 56-58 was completed by famous Catalan architect and artist Enric Sagnier. Nowadays it is one of the venues of the Supreme Court of Catalonia. On one of the corners you will appreciate this sculptoric group which is an allegory to savings. Remember La Caixa is an important savings bank in Spain. The sculpture was made by Manuel Fuxà. Perhaps you want to see the whole facade of this neomedieval building in Via Laietana or want to investigate further on La Caixa and its founder.

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The Kiss

Love is a topic I don't deal much in my posting because I think adding too much sweet may be noxious. Now that I slipped, I am going to suggest this photo essay called Famous Couples, a gallery with some of the twentieth's century great romances. Of course we would not have chosen many of those but there is one that helped me make up my mind about selecting the link: Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward.

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Urban Street Dance in Barcelona

And this is what the street dancer in yesterday's post was looking at, one member of his crew performing a freeze. Here is a video with a basic freeze guide. Please don't try this at home.

Profile Portrait: Barcelona Street Dancer

Walking along Portal de L'Angel some members of Barcelona Photobloggers found a group of street dancers. We were pretty tired after a long day's photo walk but still gathered some strength to take some snaps. Here is a profile portrait I could catch of one of the hip hop dancers. He was crouching, arms resting on his knees as the rest of the members improvised. Soon his turn would come. Tomorrow I will show you what he was looking at.

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The Feminine Touch

Routine is something that I really hate. Posting always the same kind of topic is really boring not only for you but for me as a blogger. Let's leave art aside for a while and refresh ourselves with an innocent image, that of a baby girl photographed from a different angle. Some friends came by and left the girl toddling on the wooden floor. I noticed she was wearing this tiny hair clip that barely succeeded in its task but clearly gave her the feminine touch.

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La Merce or Our Lady of Mercy in Barcelona: A Brief History

What better to commemorate the festivities of Our Lady of Mercy or Mare de Déu de la Mercè or Virgen de la Merced than showing the Virgin itself.

This is the way she appears on top of the church that goes by the same name. As you know every September 24th Barcelona honors La Merce with numerous activities all over the city.

I just wanted to say that La Mercè is of course one of the many ways to refer to the Virgin Mary. According to religious scriptures she appeared to Pedro Nolasco in the form of Our Lady of Mercy and commanded him to found the Mercedarian Order. She carried two bags of coins to pay the ransom of Christians caught by the Moors. That's why she is also known as the Lady of Ransom. The order was officially constituted by King James of Aragon in Barcelona on August 10, 1218 and approved by Pope Gregory IX on 17 January 1325. Although the Virgin manifested on August 1st, the date was later changed (1696) to September 24th.

Find an image of Mare de Deu de la Merce in another post.

Rose Window, Santa Maria del Pi Church, Barcelona

This is a detail of the rose window at Santa Maria del Pi, a 14th-century Catalan Gothic church in Barri Gotic quarter, Barcelona. It is near Las Ramblas and La Boqueria market on Sant Josep Oriol square. Do you want to stand on the square and take a 360º look? check the Santa Maria del Pi virtual tour. You will notice that today's picture is perhaps more dramatic than the original. Find the church on a Flickr map.

Barri Gotic Musicians: A Little Chat

Musician in Barri Gotic, Barcelona

Musicians like Barri Gotic to perform.

The narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona are pleasant to stay in the shade, away from nearby noisy streets. Besides, acoustics is great.

Many times there are small groups playing on the same site as they are supposed to play on spots assigned by local authorities. So you probably meet the very same artist depending on what time of the day or the week you visit a determined street.

This man here was about to start and was having a little chat. There was this sun ray falling directly on his head acting as a natural spotlight. If you want to know more or check a full view of the street don't miss: Barri Gotic: Street Musicians Paradise?

Mexican Hats in Barcelona

We accept not without remorse and anguish the presence of assorted souvenirs that are made to content visitors who are curious about Spain, its culture and its many regions. We accept with resignation folklore and stereotyped patrons which are not necessarily linked to this part of the country but what we can't definitely understand is what the heck do Mexican hats have to do with us. With all due respect to Mexican culture which is rich, colorful and beautiful, I wonder why we sell tourists tokens that are alien to our traditions and what is worse mislead tourists that think we sleep siestas leaned on a porch hidden under the brim of our enormous hats.

Visit La Boqueria Market in Barcelona!

Most important cities in the world have markets which they are more or less proud of, not because we as inhabitants are going to earn profit from selling products but due to the fact that major markets are a representation of traditions and cultural legacy handed down from past generations.

What I mean is that we as a community are proud of El Mercat de la Boqueria or Mercat de Sant Antoni or Mercat del Ninot, because part of our history is present in those premises, in the architecture, in the products sold, in the way they are displayed, in the way things are cooked or the advice they give us to prepare a nice dinner the way our grandparents did, in the daily thriving of so many families that have been in this trade for ages.

This is what we are and how we are and is good to see that visitors like it and get to know Barcelona in one of the most ancestral ways of doing it, by the food. Check this video of La Boqueria Market by denniscallan.

Remember you can spot La Boqueria market on my Flickr map!

Europe Photobloggers Meetup 2008 in Barcelona: Macba

During Europe Photobloggers Meetup 2008 we visited several interesting spots in Barcelona city such as the Macba museum (Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona) in El Raval quarter. The square in front of the art center is normally frequented by skateboarders but we spotted none in the area that morning so we stood there for a while taking pictures of one another. Fortunately our long photo walk split into two days and brought forth many good shots. No need to say that the meetup was a success. Once more Europe photo bloggers got together to share experiences and enjoy the pleasure of taking photographs. 

Barcelona and Its People: Trapped Thoughts

Crossing Via Laietana street and headings towards La Ribera quarter there was this old man wearing a sort of handkerchief or improvised turbant. I don't think it was for religious beliefs. Anyway, I thought he looked tired and absentminded and that there was a wretched story behind his stooping figure. He was trapped in his own thoughts. 

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Curly Endives or Chicory Detail at Boqueria Market, Barcelona, Spain

Resuming my previous post a couple of days ago about La Boqueria market at Las Ramblas, I wanted to share some green with you. Salads are not my favorite. I am more of a carnivore, meat lover, red fan. Nevertheless I reckon the other half of the world goes crazy about chewing up leaves, gnawing on stems and grazing in one way or another which is totally respectable. Here is a detail of a curly endive or chicory that we call escarola. This might lead to confusion cause escarole in English is a plant with broader leaves. Escarola is a rather common green salad in Catalonia, some people love it. I don't. It tastes bitter and is beyond my crunching noise limit. Anyway, the serrated leaves are beautiful and carry lots of healthy minerals, or so they say. I have accentuated the colors using lab color effect. I digress. I hope vegans and vegetarians don't take me too seriously today. I recommend this site (Notes from Debbie's Kitchen) with lots of veggie recipes classified by key ingredients and clearly illustrated with pictures. And I forgot to say that La Boqueria market is just the right place to quench your green thirst.

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Lips

This is a tribute to the legendary figure of Marylin Monroe and Marylin Monroe's Lips by Andy Warhol. I took this picture in a shop somewhere in Barri Gotic. Both Norma Jean and the mannequin seem to be having some conversation. Now that I brought the topic to light maybe you want to remember some famous quotes by Marylin.

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Herrings, Boqueria Market, Barcelona

There are several markets in Barcelona but La Boqueria or Mercat de Sant Josep in Las Ramblas is one of the most renown for historical reasons and why not, due to its location. The place gathers locals and tourists alike and making your way through the narrow corridors is an adventure. Not that you can find whatever you want here but there's the usual belief that if they don't have it you won't find it elsewhere. Besides the fruit stalls which are a must-see, the seafood section is also worth visiting. Today I show you a detail of some herrings which caught my attention. I think they are smoked, but I can't tell a smoked herring from a salted one. In fact I can't tell a sardine from a herring and definitely herring is not part of our daily diet. I suppose many of you do eat herring frequently so why not checking this suggestive site with plenty of herring recipes. 

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Street Artists: Las Ramblas Clown, Barcelona

Among dozens of human statues in Las Ramblas de Barcelona you may now and then find other "minor", less sophisticated and striking ways of artistry equally respectable and venerable as is the case of the Clown. See this artist in context using my geotagged Barcelona photos set on Flickr.

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