Barcelona Photoblog

June 21, 2010

Ginseng Root Sample in El Born, Barcelona

Ginseng Root Sample in El Born, Barcelona [enlarge]

Ginseng roots have this peculiar shape which might look kind of bizarre inside a pharmacy container. They remind me of an alien foetus in formaldehyde about to move or some abyssal creature in a natural science museum. But as ugly and uncanny as it may seem, ginseng, derived from the Chinese term rénshēn or "man root", is almost a miraculous plant due to its many virtues when it comes to healing and keeping a healthy balance in our body. I am not familiar with traditional medicine but the age factor is changing my approach towards conventional methods lately. According to what I read, this is good to treat depression, diabetes, cholesterol problems, or even our good old German friend Alzheimer, if you know what I mean. And then there's the eternal concern about impotence which this human-like root seems to handle quite efficiently. Of course, you should consult this with an expert cause there are side effects too. I found this beautiful specimen at a small store in El Born area. According to their description they sell: grains, flour, dried fruit and nuts, herbs, spices, soy, soy milk, pet food, rice, pasta and much more. Here is the location on a map.

Open Mon-Fri 09:15-13.00/16.15-19.30, Sat 09:15-13.30.
Pg Picasso 34, Ciutat Vella, 08003, Barcelona.
Tel: 93 319 7 636

June 16, 2010

Plaça de les Olles, Barri de La Ribera, Barcelona

Plaça de les Olles, Barri de La Ribera, Barcelona [enlarge]

In the old part of town, Barcelona can boast of several squares with this atmosphere of intimacy only given by the very architecture, by the space in between buildings. I mean, behind the next corner you may find a hidden spot with no sidewalks, few trees...sort of esplanades with terrace chairs and a fountain at most. In those places you certainly travel in time and in that sense you are just another old villager, part of the historical settings, part of the scene. A good example is Plaça de les Olles at Barri de La Ribera in the center of El Born. I am not fond of making gratuitous publicity but a few exceptions when it comes to recommending places to visit or enjoy the local food do help. As it happens to be in the picture here is a link to an interesting place to have tapas and taste some excellent wine: El Celler de La Ribera. At least the terrace well deserves spending a buck or two.

Celler de la Ribera
Plaça de les Olles 6, 08003, Barcelona
93 3107845

June 14, 2010

Flamenco Dancer in Sant Andreu Theater, Barcelona

Flamenco Dancer in Sant Andreu Theater, Barcelona [enlarge]

This is a flamenco dancer performing at Sant Andreu theater. I happened to be there cause my daughter is in a small local dance school near home taking hip hop lessons. They include other styles in their repertoire like flamenco, salsa or bollywood dance so they were giving this end of the course performance where all classes had their chance to show what they learned during the year. We were lucky to sit up front so it was interesting to capture them from a very low angle.

June 10, 2010

Playing Petanca, Passeig de Lluis Companys, Barcelona

Old men playing La Petanca, Passeig de Lluis Companys, Barcelona

Here are some old men, retirees perhaps, playing petanca in Passeig de Lluis Companys, next to famous Arc de Triomf.

According to wikipedia: 'Pétanque (French pronunciation: ​[petɑ̃k]; Occitan: petanca [peˈtaŋkɔ]) is a form of boules where the goal is to toss or roll hollow steel balls as close as possible to a small wooden ball called a cochonnet (literally "piglet") or jack, while standing inside a circle with both feet on the ground'

This as you know is quite common in Catalonia and I have covered it in a previous post.

I like the fact they are standing in groups and they are quite concentrated in the strategy of the game.

June 08, 2010

Moving in Barcelona

Moving in Barcelona [enlarge]

Moving to a different house or apartment in Barcelona is of course as in many cities something very common. It is not strange to see these huge ladders with a lifting platform hanging from balconies here and there. This was not always like that. I remember that in the 80s heavy furniture in general had to reach upper storeys by means of pulleys hanging out from the roof or using the staircase or elevators if any. In the picture, moving service staff at work in one of those El Born buildings with the beautiful arcades right in front of Ciutadella parc.

June 06, 2010

Barcelona Railway Stations: Estació de França

Barcelona Railway Stations: Estació de França [enlarge]

Railway stations have that certain nostalgic mood associated to departures, to waving goodbye and leaving your beloved behind. Many times we think of steam, of steel, of ticket collectors and whistles as if we were in the XIX century, maybe evoking famous movies, you know, the kind where the guy runs along all the platform to find the girl and hold her hand or to try in vain to get her off the wagon. After I finished writing these words I found there was a good article about trains in films. Among other things the author talks about the different emotions triggered by a railway station. I think Railways in Film by Jiro Hanyu fits the kind of atmosphere I wanted to portray with this photograph of Estació de França in Barcelona.

June 03, 2010

Down El Born Streets

El Born, Barcelona, Spain [enlarge]

Walking down El Born streets in Barcelona. Early in the morning. The smell of night and terraces still fading away, diluting in the puddles left by cleaning city services. Sidewalks populated little by little. Lamp post bulbs still warm. Artists setting up their painting boards. Curious cameras stalking behind corners.

June 01, 2010

Barcelona Bars: Opening Ceremony

Barcelona Bar, El Born [enlarge]

A small bar called Rincón in El Born neighborhood. One of the many terraces in Barcelona city to enjoy the fine weather and the great food. Most of them do not need to be very pretentious to offer good service and quality products for a reasonable price. Before the play begins, the staff needs to set up the stage to amuse the audience. On many occasions these are family businesses as seems to be the case here. This is what we would call el bar de la esquina (the corner's bar), our friendly place to chat over some beers with our neighbors. A tradition that is clearly losing ground to modern times and new business models.

May 31, 2010

Building at Carrer del Triangle and Carrer del Rec, El Born, Barcelona

Building at Carrer del Triangle and Carrer del Rec, El Born, Barcelona


Here in Barcelona, we could say we have our own Flatiron building in El Born at the intersection of Carrer del Triangle and Carrer del Rec figuratively speaking of course. Here you can appreciate this triangular building in Earth view at Google maps.

May 28, 2010

Gracia Quarter Streets

Gracia Quarter Streets [enlarge]

Some Barcelona quarters have a certain aura, some kind of mood. That atmosphere can be perceived even in individual streets taken out of context, with no extra reference, just by taking a quick look, if you have been in that neighborhood before of course. The combination of architecture, people clothes or even the way light falls upon its streets due to their orientation towards the Sun, the amount of trees, or how high its buildings are, may be relevant to determine what part of Barcelona we are talking about in just a wink. And this one is...Gràcia, of course.

May 27, 2010

Hanging Market Scale in Small Barcelona Shop

Hanging Market Scale in Small Barcelona Shop [enlarge]

Hanging market scale in small Barcelona shop next to Mercat de l'Abaceria in Travessera de Gràcia. The open maize ears, those corn cobs decorated with their own husk as well as the sifters on the wall really grabbed my attention. I would say this was mostly a grain shop judging by the content although the onions would be really out of place.

May 24, 2010

Egg Stand, Travessera de Gràcia Market, Barcelona

 [enlarge]

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.

May 19, 2010

Sitting on Plaza del Sol, Barri de Gracia, Barcelona

Plaça del Sol, Barri de Gràcia, Barcelona [enlarge]

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.

May 18, 2010

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

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

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.

May 16, 2010

Bicing Bicycle Station, Passeig de Lluís Companys, Barcelona

Bicing Bicycle Rack, Passeig Lluís Companys, Barcelona [enlarge]

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!

May 14, 2010

Flamenco Fusion Dancer, La Barceloneta, Barcelona

Bailora de Flamenco - Flamenco dancer at La Barceloneta

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!

May 12, 2010

Estació de França: Barcelona's Most Charming Railway Station

Estacio de Francia or French Station railway station in barcelona spain

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.

May 10, 2010

Art on Exterior Wall Panels, Barcelona

Art on Exterior Wall Panels, Barcelona [enlarge]

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.

May 09, 2010

Guided Bike Tours at La Barceloneta, Barcelona

Guided Bike Tours at La Barceloneta, Barcelona, Spain

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

May 06, 2010

Romantic Gardens in Europe: Parc del Laberint, Barcelona

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

May 05, 2010

Gracia Neighborhood: The Town Inside The City

Gracia quarter in Barcelona, Spain [enlarge]

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.

May 04, 2010

Running Kid at Parc del Laberint, Barcelona

Running Kid at Parc del Laberint d'Horta, Barcelona [enlarge]

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.

May 02, 2010

The Kid and the Skateboard

Kid and Skateboard [enlarge]

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!

May 01, 2010

Cheap Strawberries in Barcelona

Cheap Strawberries in Barcelona [enlarge]

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.

April 29, 2010

Catalan Sausages: Botifarra d'Ou

 [enlarge]

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.

April 26, 2010

Modernist Building at Plaza del Sol, Gracia Quarter, Barcelona

Modernist Building at Plaza del Sol, Gracia

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)

April 25, 2010

Old Lady at Mercat de l'Abaceria Central de Gràcia

Old Lady at Mercat de l'Abaceria Central de Gràcia [enlarge]

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.

April 21, 2010

Belly Dancer in Barcelona

Belly Dancer in Barcelona [enlarge]

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.

April 19, 2010

Innocent Happiness

Kid smiling [enlarge]

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?

April 16, 2010

Liquorice Sticks and Garden Cutters

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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.

April 13, 2010

Boqueria Fish: Fresh Gallo

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: 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.

April 12, 2010

Ramblas Angel

Angel human statue in Las Ramblas de Barcelona [enlarge]

This angel was mentioned before in Barcelona Photoblog: Angel or Devil, a popular living statue in Las Ramblas. That time I thought to emphasize the face and not the wings but I owed you the full size human statue. The rest, the pop art background blurred with radial effect on CS4 maybe is too daring but I had fun doing it. Good week everyone!

(Barcelona Photoblog has been kindly listed among the 50 Most Amazing Architectural Photography Blogs by Photography Colleges, a good guide to find online photography tuition. I wanted to thank them and show you my Architecture and Sculpture in Barcelona set on Flickr, a collection of pictures you can find in my blog archives as well)

April 09, 2010

Under the Sea

Submarine View by Maremagnum Pier in Barcelona [enlarge]

Strolling along Maremagnum pier and in spite of pollution I found this paradise lost. The picture is rather bizarre but I like to see how life grows in its own mysterious ways. Have a nice weekend!

April 08, 2010

So Close and Yet So Far

So Close and Yet So Far [enlarge]

I had my doubts about the title this time. The picture could have been called Bad Companies, Dubious Shelter, Not So Safe, Sour Sweet Dreams or whatever. I finally decided for how something that is so close to this person like Bank Santander in this case can give him so little and yet ironically offer improvised shelter. Framing is awful, sorry about that. Red I kept to stress the logo of one of the most prosperous banks in Spain. The rest is obvious.

April 06, 2010

Jogger in Gran Via de les Corts, Barcelona

Jogger in Gran Via de les Corts, Barcelona [enlarge]

Good weather is around the corner. The time will come when we will have to take those T-shirts out of the drawer and let them gently wrap around our bellies not always fitting the way we expect. While watching this jogger running along Gran Via de les Corts in Barcelona and noticing that well known slogan on his Nike sweat shirt - Just do it -, I can't help laughing to myself: Just do it? Come on! During these Easter holidays I got into my sports clothes, took a deep breath to wake up early and jog around the neighborhood. I can swear I tried my guts to just do it but suddenly my legs ceased to exist, disappeared, gone, kaput as if by chance I had trodden on wet cement. My brains were somewhere else, betraying me in connivance with my feet, stubbornly advising to halt. If at least I had brought a couple of beers with me I could have carried them easily on top of my belly and go sipping happily along the sidewalk. Just do it? I wonder who the heck came up with that slogan. Maybe it's only about will. Or they are telling you, just go and buy those fabulous running sneakers. You'll be as fatter as can be but it will be fun and you'll look so smart that you won't even care about your shape! 

Note: The above story is only fictional. The author is in shape and has nothing to do with or against multinationals.

April 05, 2010

Easter in Barcelona: La Mona de Pascua

Easter in Barcelona: La Mona de Pascua [enlarge]

Today we celebrated the end of Easter our own way. Easter Monday is a holiday in Catalonia and in other parts of Spain while in Madrid for example it is a normal working day. For this special celebration it is customary that the Godfather or Godmother brings La Mona de Pascua to kids in the family. Monas may adopt many different shapes and are built on top of a cake or look like tortell de reis (a sort of roll making a circle) although lately the design is so sophisticated that the base is less important and it ends up being an haute cuisine work of art made of dark chocolate and nothing else. Of course it can simply consist of a chocolate egg or animals like those in today's picture but most of them resemble toys either representing famous characters or elaborate houses, ships and a long etc. Small chicks and colored feathers are very common as decoration. There are slight variations in traditions, ingredients and shapes depending on the region so I have sticked to the case of Catalonia. By the way, the word mona comes from Arabic munna meaning provision to the mouth. I hope you have enjoyed these Easter holidays.

April 04, 2010

Barcelona Metro: The Underground Man

Barcelona subway [enlarge]

Barcelona subway according to my opinion offers a rather good service and it is quite modern if compared to other cities. But I am not here to praise our underground system or to talk about finding directions either. Everything is well indicated as you can see. I just want to show the silhouette of this man under the spotlight and let you make up your own story. Happy Easter!

April 01, 2010

Swing Kid

Kid standing on swing, Barcelona [enlarge]

Anonymous kid standing on a swing under the last rays of the sun in a lonely cold winter afternoon at the park across the street as taken by my daughter, Sara, from our bedroom window. Happy Easter everyone!

March 30, 2010

Lonely?

Lonely, Gran Via de les Corts, Barcelona [enlarge]

I don't have much to say on this one, to be honest with you. As with many photographs you can always interpret and think of a story of your own according to your experiences, your creativeness and imagination. The way I see it, maybe we are talking about loneliness here although I prefer to look at it as yet another street photograph, a glimpse of Barcelona just as witness and not as judge.

March 26, 2010

Zoological Museum of Barcelona: Modernist Tower Detail

Zoological Museum of Barcelona: Modernist Tower Detail [enlarge]

The Zoological Museum of Barcelona which is part of what is known as Museu de Ciencies Naturals  is located in Parc de la Ciutadella. I won't give too much detail, as I just wanted to show the picture and invite you to visit this modernist building. This is a detail of the tower of Moorish reminiscence against the sky. In fact, this is part of the Natural Science Museum which is a group including the Geology Museum (1882) by Antoni Rovira i Trias inaugurated first, the Botanical Garden in Montjuic mountain and this Art Nouveau jewel by Lluís Domènech i Montaner conceived as a cafe for the 1888 World Exhibition, later abandoned and reconditioned as history museum till 1920 when it finally held the Zoological Museum. Usually, it is known as The Three Dragons Castle. By the way, in between the Geology and Zoology museums there is also the Hivernacle, a gorgeous greenhouse. Both museums exhibit some interesting collections donated by Francesc Martorell i Peña, archeologist and naturalist plus later additions. The Zoology Museum is above all a place to remember those times in which natural science was a passion in Catalonia, a historic building with a charm of its own and not a top notch interactive institution. Come to think of it, that's the good thing about these premises, rickety furniture, dusty shelves, musty smell, spiderwebs, last century trophies and fascinating animals looking at you mysteriously. Maybe I am exaggerating here but you get the idea.

March 23, 2010

Sun Clock at Can Palau Restaurant, Vilanova del Valles, Barcelona

Sun Clock at Can Palau Restaurant, Vilanova del Valles, Barcelona [enlarge]

Recently I went to this restaurant in Vilanova del Vallès near Barcelona city to have famous calçots. It was quite a pleasant day after the dull days of winter. There are plenty of restaurants like Can Palau all around Catalonia so I wasn't surprised at all but I have to say the service was good and the place is comfortable specially if you have kids as it is an old masia (sort of rural house related to Roman villas in origin and part of a farm) very common in Catalonia, with terrace and playground in this case. Calçots were succulent and meat, tender and juicy. On a full stomach, I went out to the garden to stretch my legs and found this marvelous sun clock on a decayed wall invaded by a huge withered climbing plant. Just the perfect shot for a perfect lunch on the perfect day.

Can Palau restaurant
Granollers-el Masnou KM 10
08410 Vilanova del Vallès (Barcelona)
Tel.:+34 938456145

March 19, 2010

Casa Macari Golferichs by Joan Rubio i Bellver - Eixample Civic Center, Barcelona

Casa Macari Golferichs by Joan Rubio i Bellver [enlarge]

Another good example of modernista houses in Barcelona is located in Gran Via de les Corts 491, next to Viladomat street. Casa Macari Golferichs maybe is not that relevant if compared to other renown houses in the city but it is certainly interesting and worth the visit. It dates back to 1901 and was built by Joan Rubio i Bellver, the same architect, assistant to Gaudí for 12 years, that created House Roviralta (1903), the Escola Industrial (1912) or participated in the reconstruction of famous Casa dels Canonges. Beyond the pure architectural attraction of this house in L'Eixample Esquerra (left side of the 'Ensanche' quarter) we must say that at present its premises include a civic center, a library and a cultural area devoted to photography (Espai Català Roca) although to be exact the main building holds the Carles Pi i Sunyer Foundation. It was great to capture this beauty and I was specially captivated by this blend of Art Nouveau, Gothic and Neo Medieval elements.

March 16, 2010

Traditional Shops in Barcelona: Costumes by Menkes

Menkes Costumes Shop in Barcelona


The other day while walking along Gran Via de les Corts and near Passeig de Gracia I spotted this well decorated showcase. At first, I was just interested in the colorful display but then noticed the sign specifying the shop had been founded in 1950 and decided to google the name. It happens that the company has stores all over Spain and also in Paris or New York and not only deals with costumes but also distributes and manufactures flamenco items or tailors for the theater among other things. 

As I think some shops well deserve the free ad I give you the link and leave it up to you whether to spend your precious time following it or not: Menkes

And now that we are at it, I wonder what your opinion is about indirectly promoting brands, companies or products when writing an article due to the very nature of the content or the photograph in this case.

March 15, 2010

Bollywood Dance in Barcelona

Bollywood Dance in Barcelona [enlarge]

To resume the dancers series from previous posts here are these young ladies doing the Bollywood dance. This is a topic I am not good at so I will let you watch the photograph and maybe leave a link here to a Bollywood dance video. As the flamenco or the hip-hop images this one took place at an audition in La Masia cultural center in Nou Barris. Enjoy the new week.

March 11, 2010

Astray Tourists: Directions in Barcelona

Tourists: Directions in Barcelona, Spain [enlarge]

Finding directions can be tough, specially when you are not good at spacial orientation like me, you know. I am one of those that can't find the car in the parking lot or wouldn't tell right from left after turning myself around. So I understand that in spite of how well designed streets are in a given city, people get lost. Besides there's an extra difficulty, we get clumsy when we are taken out of context. It seems that besides our capacity to know where we are and to follow signs properly, besides our ability to interpret a map, we need a general view of the whole map in our minds. And that's when geography might help. There are cities in the middle of a prairie that if it weren't for the Sun or the stars do make it difficult to reach your destination. Should you get lost in Barcelona, something impossible in the Eixample quarter by the way, always remember that you have mountains around, streets have a certain slope and the sea is right there going down every road. Once you spot those, then think you have two rivers in the other axis. So, when you face the mountain side you've got Besós river to the right and Llobregat to the left (towards the airport). Of course, relevant buildings or streets also help particularly when no slope is visible as in the old part of town (that means you are near the sea!). In general, if you bear in mind that bird's eye view perspective you'll be on the right track. It's funny but this is the second photograph I take of several people around a map and both look like Japanese tourists to me. Is it a matter of idiosyncrasy?. Maybe Western people are more like: "Hey, I carry the map cause I'm good at it". I don't know. How is it in your city? Is it difficult to find directions?

March 09, 2010

Snow Covered Scene in Barcelona

 [enlarge]

To many this would be a rather obvious image of any odd park in any odd country. But this was Barcelona yesterday and to witness a similar scene  we have to check our archives and go back to 1962 for example when another heavy snowfall took place. There was a certain light at dusk that gave the view a sort of Christmas mood or should I say Easter in this case?.

March 08, 2010

Snowing in Barcelona

Snowing in Barcelona [enlarge]

As many of you already know or will find out in today news, Barcelona has experienced a rather infrequent phenomenon in this city, a snow storm. At the beginning, it seemed to be the "usual" thing, some flakes that turn to rain drops before touching the ground but the situation got worse and worse along the day till the point that train and bus services were stopped, cars were advised to stay at home, classes were interrupted for 142,000 students at 476 public schools, all came to a halt except for the subway, that will run non-stop all night long, something that only happens on weekends. Commuters were not that lucky and had to remain wandering in hope the service was restored. There were no trains going North, many flights were canceled or delayed, 200.000 people lost their electric power supply mostly in Girona. Tomorrow who knows what the situation will be. At the moment, the snow storm seems to be over and slowly we recover from this one-day nightmare in a city that is not prepared at all for such inclement weather. Here's a small video I captured with my cell phone

Thirsty

Thirsty kids at fountain in Plaza Tetuan, Barcelona, Spain [enlarge]

Some kids drinking and playing with water at a fountain located at the base of the Dr.Robert monument in Tetuan square, Barcelona. There is not much to say here but I liked their innocent game. Check previous post to learn about the monument: Dr. Bartomeu Robert Monument.

March 05, 2010

Barcelona Garbagemen: Somebody's Got To Do the Dirty Job

Barcelona Garbagemen [enlarge]

Garbage men, garbage collectors or trash men as you prefer to call them are people we take for granted. I mean, they are there but they pass you by and you pretend they are part of the urban furniture. That's how we thank people that clean our crap. These people should be paid more respect. In fact all those that wake up very early in the morning to do their job, "lousy" jobs no one's willing to do, deserve some respect. Dirty jobs that somebody's got to do.

March 02, 2010

Stop Bullfighting Sign at Plaza de Toros La Monumental, Barcelona, Spain

Stop Bullfighting Sign at Plaza de Toros La Monumental, Barcelona, Spain  [enlarge]

This is a detail of the box office window at La Monumental bullring in Barcelona, a place that is becoming rather obsolete these days in this part of the peninsula. The slogan is a whole declaration of principles: Neither Art Nor Culture, This is Torture, a polemic topic that as usual has defenders and detractors. I don't have nothing against traditions but all living things are to be respected and we don't have the right to kill them just for fun. It is too high a price to pay.
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