Barcelona Photoblog

February 23, 2012

Barcelona Photoblog Celebrates Sixth Anniversary, Cheers!

Freixenet bottle [enlarge]

Yesterday, February 22nd, but six years ago, Barcelona Photoblog started a project that was meant to change this author's life a little bit. I have devoted many sleep hours to write almost 2000 posts and lots of long walks around this beautiful city to portray our reality. In 2005 I was lucky to find a good name but had the blog empty for over a year. I had no idea what to say or do. In 2006, there was this French guy, Eric, who had started a group called City Daily Photo meant to publish a picture a day about each member's city. I owe a lot to them and I am thankful for all the help and the enthusiasm the group gave me back then and through the 6 years of blogging. Barcelona Photoblog was also inspired by Barcelona Photobloggers, a solid community of photographers from Barcelona that have always been a reference to me. Bearing both communities in mind, my goal has been to document, report, narrate, highlight as much as I could and with all my heart about Barcelona. I hope I can keep shooting and writing for another 6 years. If anyone found this useful in anyway then every hour was worth spending. I would like to uncork this bottle of cava to virtually celebrate with you all these years of Barcelona images: cheers!

February 19, 2012

Roman Temple, Vic, Catalonia

Roman Temple, Vic, Catalonia, Spain [enlarge]

There are numerous good samples of the Roman past of Catalonia throughout our geography. This Roman temple from II a.c in the city of Vic is not precisely the best example since it underwent two important restorations but the fact is that at least part of a column shaft and the Corinthian capitals on the right hand side of the entrance are authentic. What is certainly special about this temple is that it was discovered in 1882 while demolishing the old Montcada's family castle who lived there in XI century. In IX c. Guifré el Pelós decided to integrate the old VIII c. fortress it had been during Saracen times, into a castle.

February 15, 2012

Gruyere Cheese Wheels, Vic Market, Catalonia

Le Gruyere [enlarge]

If you are a cheese lover you should not miss the sweet, nutty flavor of this exquisite Le Gruyere named after the valley of Gruyere in Fribourg, Switzerland. Such enormous wheels of cheese I found while visiting the Medieval Market in Vic. There were other posts in the past about such market here in Barcelona Photoblog: Medieval Musicians, Rabbit and Pumpkins, Spinning Yarn on a Drop Spindle

January 29, 2012

L'Ou Com Balla or The Dancing Egg, Barcelona Cathedral

L'Ou Com Balla or Dancing Egg in Barcelona Cathedral, Barri Gotic
L'Ou Com Balla tradition at Barcelona Cathedral, Barri Gotic, Barcelona

In the cloister of the Cathedral of Barcelona there is a beautiful fountain decorated with flowers that reminds you of idyllic gardens, of some paradise lost on earth.

It is the Sant Jordi fountain. Surfing over the soft cushion of its water jet once a year you can see a fragile eggshell that seldom falls which is called the L'Ou Com Balla, which translated literally from Catalan means how the egg dances or how dances the egg.

This is not the only place in Barcelona where you can find a dancing egg (there's one a la Casa de l'Arcadia or at Museum Frederic Mares' courtyard for example) but I think this is the one with more tradition, a tradition that goes back to the XIVth century and has to do with Corpus Christi celebrations, the eggshell itself representing the body of Christ.

The exact date to see L'Ou com Balla changes but it takes place at the end of May or in June depending on Corpus Christi Feast.

January 22, 2012

The New Skyline of Barcelona: Corruption and Hedonism

Barcelona New Hotels [enlarge]

Near the forum area and Diagonal Mar, new hotels and office buildings see the light of day like flowers in the spring. Once, we were told that the height of new buildings would be controlled in order to respect traditional Catalan architecture in the city. There were times when only Hotel Arts and Mapfre Tower overlooked the sea, as solitary twins down there by the beach. I am not sure if they ever passed the law but it seems that regulations are there to be broken by real estate companies in connivance with prestigious architects and dubious local government representatives and so the story goes, all of a sudden we have a myriad of new tall buildings on the waterfront or along Diagonal Avenue that may be wonderful for touristic revenues and for the city but that have sent the initial good criteria straight down the drain. This modest blogger does like hotels and beautiful skylines but I can't help being astonished at how power tends to corrupt those we vote.

January 09, 2012

Parc de Joan Miro or Parc de l'Escorxador, Barcelona

Joan Miro Park, Barcelona - Dona i Ocell sculpture [enlarge]

Here is a view of Parc de l'Escorxador or Parc de Joan Miro with the famous Dona i Ocell (1982) by the famous Catalan sculptor (Joan Miro Barcelona, 1893 - Palma, 1983). This shot was taken from the roof of Las Arenas shopping center. The colors are enhanced because I thought the whole scene was rather dull. In fact it still is but maybe with a little luck you happen to focus on the beautiful sculpture in the middle and follow the link to my previous post and better appreciate the work of Joan Miro.

January 03, 2012

Gramophone or Phonograph, Casa Mila aka La Pedrera by Gaudi, Barcelona

Gramophone or Phonograph [enlarge]

A beautiful example of phonograph or Gramophone invented by Edison in 1877. This vintage record player can be admired at Casa Mila aka La Pedrera by Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona.

December 28, 2011

2012, New Plans: My Family

Makeup: Stark Staring

The new year is around the corner one more time and in these times of crisis, we should invest in more secure markets, some prefer gold, I prefer my family. Here's my daughter impersonating the black swan I think. Watching them grow to become teens, watching their ambitions, their plans for the future does make you wish for a better world, for a happy new year! Come to think of it that is all we've got that really matters, our family, our friends.

December 20, 2011

Catalan Modernisme: Cal Calixto, 26 Calle de la Diputación, Sant Sadurni D'Anoia

Stained Glass balcony at Cal Calixtus house, Sant Sadurni D'Anoia

This beautiful balcony partly covered in stained glass can be admired on a house at 26 Calle de la Diputación in Sant Sadurni D'Anoia not far away from Cavas de Freixenet, the renown Catalan cava cellars. This is the exact spot in town to find Cal Calixtus (1885) which is the name of this beautiful sample of Catalan modernisme.

December 14, 2011

The Three Chimneys of Fecsa's Thermoelectric Plant in Barcelona

Three Towers, Fecsa, Sant Adria, Barcelona

The Three Chimneys or Towers of Fecsa's old power plant which are visible from almost every spot in the city of Barcelona have been featured in Barcelona Photoblog in the past: The Three Chimneys in Sant Adria del Besos so I will not repeat the content of that post.

In this case I only want to say that even though they are obsolete and not meant to last for too long now, they have this ominous and mysterious look at dusk.

December 07, 2011

What Will Cagatio Bring For Christmas?

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El Tio de Nadal or Cagatio (Christmas log, pooping log or shit log) a piece of wood that kids hit on Christmas eve or Christmas day with a stick so it poops presents to the beat of a monotonous song (here is a good example of Caga Tio found on Youtube), is deep rooted in Catalan traditions and strangely blends with imported gift couriers like Santa or the Three Wise Men, and being just a log and all, the point is that it surely is time enduring. It has even evolved from just a simple wooden block to a smiling face wearing a Catalan hat (barretina).

But why am I talking about Christmas presents and Tió so early in December? You should know that our pooping log is to be fed and taken care of in advance (starting Advent for many people or by Immaculate Conception Day on December 8 for some) should you want to have good presents by Christmas (usually it delivers just candies, nougat, sweet stuff till it starts pooping odd things like herring, coal, garlic, onion which are a clear sign for kids to stop asking). Hitting a log and getting gifts back in return is kind of a contradiction, a rather violent thing to teach a child you might say. There are opinions about this. It seems that this is due to the fact that at present, in those houses where there is no fireplace, the beating is just an imitation of the act of poking the fire but I am not sure children are aware of that. Tió, really means, any thick log cut into pieces to feed a fire. And it is meant to be burnt a little for the gifts to start showing.

By now, you have figured out what Caga Tió will bring for Christmas if handled with care, if well fed and protected under its comfortable blanket by the fire. However, I wonder, in these times of global crisis, in this period of domestic chaos, of intestine struggle between right and left, rich and poor, banks and indebted citizens, what a log can poo, other than disenchantment.

November 22, 2011

Gaudi Chimneys: The Amazing Surreal Shapes of Catalan Art Nouveau

Amazing Chimneys on the roof of Casa Mila or La Pedrera building by Antoni Gaudi
Chimneys by Gaudi - Casa Mila aka La Pedrera's Roof

When you step into Casa Mila's rooftop, you enter a surreal realm of uncanny figures begotten in the womb of some eerie creature or conceived in the unfathomable labyrinth of a very insane but wise mind, figures that remind alien chrysalids about to eclose or deceiving chess pieces that seem to move ominously behind your back.

Apparently they are only chimneys but definitely there is something mysterious about them, as if they had been alive and were now under some spell. Some may resemble totems, others look vigilant towards the horizon like soldiers watching from the battlements of some medieval castle. Many interpretations are possible here. Whatever your appreciation is in the end, you certainly will not remain indifferent.

November 17, 2011

Dry Reeds on Delta de L'Ebre Beach, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain

Reed root abstraction on Delta de l' Ebre beach, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain [enlarge]

Sometimes an abstraction can be created out of the most unusual things. It is all in your head or on many occasions inside mother nature's head which is more complex and experienced. Any odd root, next to the soil where it is supposed to grow is no big deal but what if we put it upside down against a seascape? It is very common to find dry reeds along L'Illa de Buda beach, Deltebre, Tarragona but this sort of Martian scene, is in fact part of a natural park, 320 km² of wetland on the Mediterranean coast which is a paradise for birds and well known for its rice crops, its paellas and the history behind agricultural villages near Ebro river mouth.

November 08, 2011

Trencadis Detail: Z, La Pedrera, Barcelona

Trencadis detail at La Pedrera [enlarge]

Shards of tile, irregularly distributed creating harmony out of an apparent mess. Somewhere some symbols may be found left behind by the artist on the tile. This a detail of one of those chimneys on La Pedrera or Casa Mila's roof. If you want to see how trencadis looks here is an arch found on the same roof. Soon, more details.

November 02, 2011

Trencadis Butterfly at Casa Fajol next to B Hotel in Barcelona

Casa de la Papallona next to B-Hotel as shot from Las Arenas leisure center [enlarge]

How can a place evolve so much, how can you witness the pass of time by taking a glimpse at just one odd corner of your city? You can easily guess in this picture which building came first: yes, Casa Fajol also known as Casa de la Papallona (Catalan word for butterfly) dating back to 1912. Is it possible to combine historic buildings with a touristic resort and a leisure center? Well, our architects do think so, and who are we to contradict their expertise. In 2005 they built a 3 star hotel (B-Hotel), with a fantastic swimming pool overlooking Plaza Espanya and Fira de Barcelona, that our butterfly almost touches with her antennae. That must be good for our visitors, a room with a view over our culture. But why not framing the whole scene from the platform of a brand new leisure center like Las Arenas literally rising over an old bull ring to really appreciate the clash of styles? Barcelona is the perfect spot.

Disclaimer: This post is meant to bring debate over architectural topics, culture and the pass of time and is not interested whatsoever in what should have been done or who is to blame for such contrasts.

October 24, 2011

Cava Bottles at Freixenet Cellars

Cava Bottles at Freixenet cellars [enlarge]

Some cava bottles (Catalan 'champagne') on a rack, at Freixenet cellars in Sant Sadurni de Anoia. More to come in next posts.

October 15, 2011

Rusty Nail on Old Beam

Rusty Nail on Wooden Surface [enlarge]

This nail, bolt, stud or whatever the rusty thing might be called, was piercing a very old beam outside a famous Cava (Catalan 'champagne') company which I plan to feature in coming posts. Being passionate about rust and textures in general, I thought this image was a good way to introduce tomorrow's story. Enjoy the week-end everyone! Don't forget the big picture! (click on the image)

October 11, 2011

Lupin Beans or Altramuces Pickled in Brine.

Lupine or Altramuz [enlarge]
White Lupins (Lupinus albus) or Altramuces are normally taken as a pickled snack food that accompanies beer in Spanish bars, as for example in Andalusia. It is very nutritious although I don't like it much. I've read it is rich in protein. I still think they taste bitter. Sorry for not being very talkative today.

October 05, 2011

Flamenco Dancers and the Photographic Process

Flamenco Dancers [enlarge]
There comes a time you really don't know what to do with a picture that went wrong somehow. Shall I use BW or sepia? Or shall I be bold enough to simply post it as is? There are purists and photo editing enthusiasts and everyone must cast their verdict but in the end the first person to be happy with the result must be you. Maybe not everything you do may be accepted as art, but as part of a creative process, photography, no matter how realistic it might be, implies perception, inspiration, technique and that mysterious magic nobody teaches you at school. Have you seen a child's face showing you that simple drawing you already discarded as too rudimentary? Did you notice how proud your kid was? Are you sure you saw all you had to see? Would two different people value the drawing the same way? What I want to say is that the important thing is to say something, convey your message based upon your own experience and reality. Where was I? Oh, yes. Here is a group of flamenco dancers each of them in what I thought was an interesting pose. The texture is just an additive to give some mood. I am not sure where I was heading to but had a good time editing!

October 02, 2011

Plaza Espanya: A Neuralgic Spot in Barcelona City

Plaça Espanya or Plaza España, Barcelona [enlarge] 
Here is a panoramic view of Plaza España (sp) or Plaça d'Espanya (cat). The name of the place has been mispelled on purpose in the title of this post cause Google seems to have problems with Ç and Ñ, two letters that you won't find in an English keyboard. In fact it is possible that you are not able to see them while you read this article. I digress. Plaza Espanya is a neuralgic spot in the city of Barcelona for several reasons: it is an important crossroads connecting important streets like Gran Via, Avinguda del Paral-lel and Carrer de Tarragona among others (Plaza Espanya on Google Maps); it is next to the Fira de Barcelona area, where important trade fairs take place every year; it is the main access to Montjuic fountains and Palau Nacional where MNAC museum is; La Merce celebrations are held here and in the Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina which is that promenade behind the two Venetian towers in the background. Plaça Espanya was built for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition. It is said that this very spot witnessed many public executions back in the XVII century. Recently the whole place has gained relevance due to the inauguration of Las Arenas center from where I took this picture. Don't forget to click on the image for a larger view!
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