Woman Covered With Flowers at Barcelona Cathedral

With this woman literally covered with flowers near Barcelona Cathedral I start my holidays 2017. Let the coming month of August be happy and amusing to many, to those fortunate enough to have some rest from the monotony of a day job. To those who don't, let these days be joyous too. This summer is being terribly hot in Barcelona so I hope this lady gets compensated somehow for her tremendous effort under the sun.

PS: I am trying to revamp the blog. It is taking more time than I thought. A great amount of pictures were hosted in Photobucket.com, a company whose malpractice has ruined the work of many bloggers who trusted them, including myself. I will never choose Photobucket again, you have my word on that!

Rainy Day at Hotel Casa Fuster

Hotel Casa Fuster in Barcelona, works night and day, come rain or shine, to guarantee more than just the simple satisfaction of its clients. No wonder it is a 5 star, Grand Luxe Monument, member of the Leading Hotels of the World. In spite of that, the weather does not help sometimes, and employees have to make an extra effort to make guests feel at home. The picture is taken with a cellphone. 

Casa Fuster was finished in 1911 by architect Lluis Domenech i Montaner, whose works also include, Hospital de Sant Pau and Palau de la Música. This door, was the entrance to the carriages in the house of Mr. Mariano Fuster i Fuster, an illustrious businessman from Mallorca, who gave this house as a wedding present to his wife

Tattoo Boom in Barcelona

I do not know when it started but tattoos, at least beautiful tattoos, are growing exponentially in the city of Barcelona as well as the shops offering this service, of course. I cannot go technical here I am afraid, being a total ignorant in these matters. Some I love, some I hate. I guess it is the blend of the artist with the person that carries them, what makes it a perfect result.

On one of my walking tours around the narrow streets of the Gothic quarter I spotted a couple of subjects to illustrate my point. The moment is what I am most interested in when it comes to street photography so I let you judge about the quality of the artists and the adequacy of the carriers.

Here is an article I found useful if you want directions and advice about tattoos: Where to get a tattoo or a piercing in Barcelona

 

Looking For Photography Inspiration Then Here Is Where To Find It

Taking pictures, having a love for photography or simply using it as a hobby is a wonderful experience to have. It enables you to capture memories, feelings and even specific thoughts during snapshots of time. However, sometimes it can be hard to find the inspiration to take the pictures and take your camera out. Just like writers can struggle with writer's block, photographers can still feel a similar mental block on the inspiratory side of things. I thought I would share with you some of the ways you can find it again.

It’s all around you

Let’s be honest, you shouldn’t really have to step too far from your place to find some form of inspiration. It can be anywhere. You may find it in nature, in the countryside. The weather could cause a flash of inspiration or even head into the city. Try and look at normal aspects of life. The daily commute, people walking, the quiet of the country and open spaces of fields and hills. Look at them from a different point of view and spot the beauty in everyday things and ways of life. Doing this simple trick can often spark some form of inspiration to get those creative juices flowing once more. 

It’s in the things you love

Sometimes you can find the inspiration in the things you love. It might be a particular room in your home that you enjoy spending time in, the way the light enters into a space or hits your garden at a certain time of the day. It could even be in the hobbies you enjoy to do besides photography, the food you cook, the books you read. Take some time out to enjoy the other things you love in your life, and you may find your inspiration returning sooner than you thought. 

You might find it online

Often heading to websites like Pinterest can be enough to ignite some inspiration. But if you are still trying to find a new direction or creativity then why not check out some popular photography blogs like my own. Websites like FujiUser, or similar, who share not just photographs, but their thoughts and ramblings alongside them. Some blogs and sites share tips and platforms like Instagram share daily photo challenges. Sometimes these things are enough to get you snapping away again.

Just keep snapping

Sometimes you just need to snap away and see what comes out after a session. What you thought might not have inspired you at the time, could have turned into a pretty epic photo.

It’s with the people you care about

Finally, we have discussed finding inspiration in the things you love and the places you like to be, but too often you just need to spend time with the people you love and care about to find some inspiration. Take pictures of your children or loved ones, observe them and see what makes them happy or smile. Even just spending time away from the camera and with your family can inspire you moving forward.

Trasmediterranea Ferries: Juan J Sister

Trasmediterranea ferry, Juan J Sister, maneuvers in the vicinity of Grand Marina Hotel (WTC Barcelona), in Barcelona harbor. The picture is taken from Montjuic mountain, a wonderful spot you should visit to really appreciate the beauty of the city. 

This company with a hundred years of history, operates a wide variety of routes in the Mediterranean sea. Since June 2017, Juan J Sister covers the route from Mahon harbor in Menorca to Barcelona. 

Juan J Sister ship characteristics and on board services

Montserrat Aerial Cable Car or Aeri, the Door to a Magic Journey

Opened in 1930, Montserrat aerial cable car or Aeri as it is called in Catalan, has long been one of the main attractions when it comes to visiting the impressive mountain range of Montserrat and its world famous monastery. Its secure structure has withstood the test of time including some damages during the Spanish Civil War.

At about 50 kms distance from Barcelona (an hour by car or 1 h 44 min by train from Plaça Espanya), the Aeri, will be the best start to a magic journey to the heart of the holy mountain that keeps the iconic figure of La Mare de Deu de Montserrat.

You can buy tickets online at Aeri de Montserrat official site.

Mercat of Sant Antoni: Restored Market to Open in 2018

After 8 years of work, the remodeled Mercat de Sant Antoni is expected to be open to the public during the first months of 2018. With an important investment made by its own market stand owners and the local government, around 60 million EUR all in all, another jewel in the history of Barcelona, will be recovered in all its splendor. Do not expect it to be just like La Boqueria or at least that is the intention of the project that seems very concerned with the avalanche of tourists in Las Ramblas.

The addition of more space, including two new squares plus the inclusion of a small museum (an archeological excavation site has unveiled part of the old city walls and Via Augusta) promise to make this 135 old market something more important than just a collection of stands. There will be 4 underground floors, two for parking lots, 1 for storage and 1 for commercial areas.

The origin of the Mercat de Sant Antoni is a remnant of the 13th century Mercat dels Encants, a marginal market outside the walls that was moved to Carrer del Consolat in 1850. In 1882, Rovira i Trias finished building the iron market, and there were almost no houses in its surroundings, the working class neighborhood of El Raval.

Update 02/02/2018: According to several sources the restored Mercat de Sant Antoni will be opened by the end of April or beginnings of May. Local retailers have accepted the proposal of using awnings for the Sunday market and the book market. Such awnings will be located in the areas which were previously the market yards, now regained for public use. Lighter retractable metal canopies in a highly resistant metal structure will be used.

3, 2, 1, Queso!

It may seem like taking a photo is as easy as pressing a button on a camera, but therein lies the difference between a quick snap and art. Anybody can take a picture; children can do it, even a dog could probably do it if you trained it to. It’s not the action that captures the moment, but what the moment in itself is that you are capturing; it’s what you see behind the camera from your own eyes which is often the hardest thing for the camera to be able to interpret. Barcelona has within it everything that you could wish to capture on camera.

 Picture Credit

Where To Start

You don’t need a top of the range DSLR to get started - this will probably slow you down and put you off what you’re doing if you don’t understand what all of the different modes are and how they can be utilised within photography. You will need something that is a great example of an entry-level camera, such as a Nikon 3300D. If you bundle up and get a kit which includes the lens that you need to capture different scenes such as portraits and landscapes, you’ll be doing yourself a favour in the long-run as your passion grows (and it will grow fast!). Find some local photography workshops to attend to get yourself to grips with what you’ve got or are going to get. The best tips are learned from the experts, and you can then expand on these to suit you and your own shooting style. Everybody has their own different ways of taking a picture, just as everybody has a different approach to cooking, painting or driving a car; it’s your take on things which will make your photos personal to you. 

Image Source

What To Shoot

Barcelona offers some of the best sights and buildings to practise your photography on. Palau de la Musica Catalana, the famous music hall, offers so many astounding and unique shots with natural light flooding through its big, open space. The stained glass windows filter through dapples of colours which in turn reflect off the furniture and decorations within the hall. If you prefer to shoot outside, walk along and take in all of Gaudi’s fantastic architecture which adorns the city. The free movement of the lines of his buildings is unlike anything anywhere else in the world, and with so many angles to aim, there is sure to be a shot within your camera’s memory that you have taken that hasn’t been captured by anyone before. Especially with the continual work of La Sagrada Família expecting to last another 20 years, there is always going to be something new to snap. From buildings you can then move on to people; street art is a fascinating subject, and no more so than on the streets of Barcelona. Be sure to keep it as natural as possible and capture people as they are going about their day-to-day lives. A picture tells a thousand words

Nocturne Carnival Thoughts in Some Barcelona Bar

Carnival in Barcelona or in any other part of the world is not just parading and dancing like a wild animal in costumes. Carnival is an attitude, a change of look, a detachment from the usual you and in a way, a special opportunity to release the inner child that still dwells in there somewhere. This girl wearing strange glasses and big flowers in her hair in the most pure bailaora de flamenco style and with reminiscences of La Martirio, has a cool glamorous something under the mysterious lights of the Carnival night and is indeed a good example of what I meant.

India to Barcelona made easy

A lot of Indians are now traveling to Europe for their holidays, and Spain is one of the top destinations on their list for its beautiful beaches, wonderful architecture and lovely people. No holiday to Spain is complete without visiting Barcelona and Madrid. One of the cheapest options available from India is to book a tour by Yatra using coupons from 7coupons.in

A typical tour is 5-6 days long and currently costs approximately 2000 USD per person. The tours commonly start with a 2 days in Madrid to visit Golden Triangle of Art, Cibeles Palace and Fountain, Royal Palace of Madrid. However people like to spend more time in Barcelona for its rich architecture and beauty.

Barcelona Holidays 2017: Some Good Reasons to Visit Us!

2016 is about to expire, disappear, vanish from our lives forever and ever and we will set eyes on the future that lies ahead like we and all human race have been doing from eons ago. We decide that maybe the next year, always considering the kind of calendar you use, all of our dreams may fulfill. Yearning for a blissful tomorrow is wonderful to shape up your optimism but if you do not take some preliminary steps that pave the way for it to really happen then everything will be as uncertain as the wheel of fortune or some cheap charade.

Not everyone has the same kind of dreams or plans, but traveling to other countries is the best choice to radically clearing up the background images behind your monotonous ordinary life. Barcelona might be the perfect destination awaiting to color your world next year. A city that will never disappoint you, not because I say so and live here, but because of lots of good reviews received daily online and in the streets. It is true that petty theft is alarmingly growing, and so you should take every precaution to see it coming, it is true that we have big crowds of tourists in the downtown area, well, like in Rome, Paris or any other major city, but there are numerous good reasons to 'take the risk':)

Things like the mild Mediterranean weather and the beautiful beaches should shift the balance in our favor

but of course, that is not enough. Our strong point besides the beautiful waterfront, the mountains, the two rivers, the wonderful nightlife, the excellent food, the affordable prices, the kindness of the people, the efficient services of transportation...is architecture. Arts and culture is what we are really good at.

There many ways to explore the richness of Barcelona while you are planning your future visit or once you are already here with us. Travel guides have always been among the best resources that may be useful to you but nothing like a good interactive guide of Barcelona like the one Avis has created to discover the best local hotspots and guarantee that you do not miss a thing, or better said, that you find the real thing.

Perhaps you should take a glimpse at my modest work throughout these years to get a small tapa of our city and then take a fantastic city break by ordering your main course: Barcelona Holidays 2017

Here is a suggestion to start planning your visit: Barcelona holidays 2017 offered by the specialists at Sunmaster

This article has been sponsored by AVIS and Sunmaster

Sagrada Familia: Ceiling Detail

Here are a couple of images put together portraying details of the ceiling inside Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona. There are many of these ornaments that remind me of royal seals or who knows, cava corks. Anyway,I just wanted to show you yet another beautiful spot of this magnificent masterpiece of art. I hope to recover my normal posting soon. I never find the right moment to find the strength to get into blogging again.

Barcelona Attempts to Regulate Impact of Tourism in the City

Last year Barcelona had the pleasure of giving accommodation to 8.303.609 travelers. This astonishing figure, that represents an increment of 5,4 % against previous year, would please the majority of local citizens and institutions if it weren’t for the fact that all in all they spent 2,1% less than in 2014. Low budget tourists increase in spite of the fact that the economy is getting better thanks to the constant flow of cash that evidently creates new jobs especially during the high season. During a whole decade, low cost travellers have been the general tendency in the city so according to many, new regulations should be implemented. Starting this year, representatives of hotel sectors, local authorities and boards of neighborhood members managed to reach some sort of agreement that controls the impact of tourism per areas in the city without restraining the successful figures of the Catalan economy.

 It is a fact that everyone has the right to travel according to their own pocket and it is difficult to apply the right of admission as if you were in a bar or something. Perhaps our town hall should read articles like this: Making tourism more sustainable

When it comes to low budget tourism it is inevitable to think of backpackers but as I said not everyone has the money to stay at Hotel Mandarin and you can find tight pockets in many illustrious hotels.

If you happen to be a backpacker and you want to visit Barcelona, you might consider this short list of hostels, quality and stylish hostels where you could vindicate your right to know our culture, enjoy your great holidays, study, find a couple, establish, integrate into our society or be a mere temporary visitor without no one telling you what you have to do and for the less amount of money you can pay. The only thing we ask is that you feel at home and you treat the city as such. By the way, this is valid for the spending kind too. Welcome to Barcelona everyone!

      • Casa Gracia 

      • St.Christopher's Inn 

      • Urbany hostel 

      • Kabul Hostel 

For those who simply want to search for the perfect hostel online, you could try Hostelz.com

Crypt Pillars and Ceiling at Sagrada Familia Cathedral

Close your eyes and think about architecture, try to establish a pattern of what is something astonishingly beautiful for you and for people in general and I am sure that when you open them again you will hardly come even closer to what Antoni Gaudi should have had in his mind when he created these beautiful pillars and that odd ceiling for his Sagrada Familia Cathedral. Who would have thought of such daring strange shapes then, by the end of the XIX century and who can think of them right now unless you take a computer and use an advanced software to calculate mathematical possibilities for architectural impossibles.

10 Fun Things to Do in Barcelona

Barcelona is among the most popular choices in the world, when it comes to holiday destinations. This is because there are so many great things to do there – like these ten.

1. Taking a stroll

Barcelona offers great weather for wandering and attractions unique to the city. Montjuic Castle, Parc de Joan Miro and Parc de la Ciutadella are among the stunning parks and buildings that you can enjoy at any time of the year.

2. Take in a concert

While Barcelona is home to many concert venues, perhaps the best is Gran Teatre del Liceu. From the luxurious red carpeting and gold leaf, to performances of Beethoven, Wagner and the annual Christmas concert, this is a pleasure to visit.

3. Take the Picasso tour

Picasso spent his youth in Barcelona and you can grab the chance to visit haunts like the site of his former home on C/Merce, hit Els 4 Gats, where he spent time with the likes of Salvador Dali and finish at the Museu Picasso.

4. Attend a Barcelona match

Barcelona is a city passionate about football and for anyone with an interest in sport, a visit to Camp Nou will be essential. Obviously this is best outside of summer, so you can take in a La Liga fixture.

5. Tibidabo

This enormous mountain overlooks the city and yet many visitors neglect it. During the summer months it will provide superb views of the entire city.

6. Las Ramblas

This area of the city is very tourist-heavy, but still well worth a visit – especially off-season. Then you will best be able to enjoy the shops, street performances and colour of this vibrant locale.

7. Steel Donkey Ride

This means a bicycle, but the rides take in less touristy spots – such as El Borne’s back streets, the Gracia village district and the Poblenou ruins. This is perfect for anyone who wants a more individual experience of Barcelona.

8. Skateboarding

Perhaps surprisingly, Barcelona is a European skateboarding centre, and a visit to the Plaza del Angels will be the ideal activity for any teenagers you have with you.

9. Visit the Casino Barcelona

The city has several casinos, but the Casino Barcelona is the best. Poker is the popular game here, with the numerous tournaments having built the reputation of this casino. If you don’t fancy the hassle of going to actual casino try some online mobilepokies with sites such as mobilecasinoaustralia in the comfort of your own room. However you will also find slots and other table games in the actual casino.

10. Try the cuisine

One of the best restaurants for sampling local Basque cuisine like Pinxtos is Euskal Etxea, making this a great stop for those who want the authentic culinary experience.

There is so much to sample in Barcelona, if you research and explore a little.

The Best Spanish Restaurants in Hawaii

Hawaii offers plenty of culture throughout its many islands. But if you want to try something a little different and you are tired of having the local cuisine, rest assured that there are also several Spanish restaurants that you are sure to love. Check out some of the best Spanish restaurants in Hawaii in the list below so that you can plan for a fun night out with your date or your family.

Coquito's

Coquito's is a great Spanish restaurant that is located in Waianae on the island of Oahu. It is ranked one of the top restaurants in Waianae, so you definitely will not go wrong by having lunch or dinner there. The food is authentic Spanish cuisine, and the service is impeccable, with friendly staff that is prompt. Plus, the price is right for the value that you get for the money at this eatery, so you can definitely splurge on a large meal that your entire family will love.

Grondin

Offering delicious Spanish cuisine, Grondin is an ideal spot for those seeking the perfect place to eat on a Friday night or during the weekend. The menu is reasonably priced and there are plenty of food and drink options available to satisfy everyone's cravings. Many people who visit are pleasantly surprised by the bit of Spanish and French fusion on the menu, and they also really enjoy the atmosphere and overall vibe of this establishment as well. And because it is conveniently located in Honolulu on the island of Oahu, you can enjoy this restaurant many times throughout your stay if you are planning on being in Honolulu.

Bar Acuda

If you are planning on staying at a top Kauai hotel, look no further than Bar Acuda, which is one of the best restaurants on the island. This establishment features locally sourced, fresh ingredients that are perfectly paired together to provide you with an array of Mediterranean options, from Spanish and Portuguese, to Italian and French cuisine. It is also one of the best places to relax with your friends, sip on delicious wine, and share tapas with one another.

Cactus

Cactus is a restaurant located in Kailua on the island of Oahu, and it offers a mix of Spanish, South American, Chilean, Latin, Brazilian, and Mexican cuisine, so there is definitely a wide variety of options on the menu and many different flavors to enjoy. Head over there for a fun happy hour with delicious drinks and appetizers, or go for a full dinner complete with dessert. No matter what you choose, the service will be friendly and accommodating, and you are sure to have a great time.

Remember that, in addition to heading out to these Spanish restaurants, you can also enjoy other local and global cuisine throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Many of the resorts on the islands, such as Koloa Landing Resort, even have their own award-winning restaurants on-site, so you definitely do not have to go very far to enjoy an unforgettable meal during your trip.

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El Vaso de Oro: Authentic La Barceloneta Style Tapas

They say that an image is worth a thousand words, so see for yourselves in a nutshell all that El Vaso de Oro can give you and don't just take my word for granted.

Notice that the place is crowded with people that look pretty satisfied with the quality of the food, the special charm of the place and the friendly professional waiters (that one leaning on the counter, is an authentic showman and almost the soul of the bar). But let's go with the food, cause no matter how warm the atmosphere is, you go there to entertain your stomach and then let your mind do the rest.

El Vaso de Oro is well known for its Solomillo con Foie (Sirloin and foie gras), which is highly recommended but it also serves great Ensaladilla Rusa or delicious croquettes. Besides that, you can try their Patatas Bravas (fried diced potatoes with spicy sauce) or the great variety of seafood and why not their good serrano ham. Considering they have an exquisite draft beer of their own and the fact that they really know how to pour one in a flute glass, I can say that what you really have to worry about is your diet and how sober you'll get back home.

All in all, this is a small and rather noisy bar with an attractive decoration and a lot of history behind. Be prepared to eat while standing behind other lucky customers that take long to leave their seats. Be prepared to fight a little bit to be heard and served, but rest assured that you will enjoy good tapas in a traditional La Barceloneta neighbourhood style. 

El Vaso de Oro: Address: Carrer Balboa, 6
Phone: +34 933 19 30 98

Cloister at Santa Maria de Santes Creus Monastery, Tarragona, Catalonia

This splendid Gothic cloister arcade can be admired at one of the gems of Cistercian art in Catalonia, the Santa Maria de Santes Creus monastery (1160).

Cistercian architecture is well known for its austerity, following the precepts of Abbot Bernard of Clairvaux (St. Bernard), who was against any sort of superfluous adornment that distracted monks from their religious path.

Although the original cloister was Romanesque in style, most of it was demolished and replaced by this sober but admirable Gothic architecture.

Santes Creus is not the only Cistercian monastery built throughout the 12th century in Catalonia there are also the monastery of Poblet (1150) and Vallbona de les Monges (1157). Santa Maria de les Santes Creus holds the royal tombs of Peter the Great and of James II and his wife Blanca of Anjou, as well as the great admiral Roger de Llúria. How to go from Barcelona to Santes Creus Monastery

New Stained Glass Windows at Sagrada Familia Cathedral

Here is a detail of one of the stain glass windows at Sagrada Familia Cathedral. Many of these stained glass works of art are meant to harmonize with the light according to the season and the hour of day. Inside the cathedral, you notice that on the Nativity side green and blue tones are predominant, colors that announce Jesus birth, in opposition to red, yellow and orange on the Passion side. New stain glass has been designed by artist Joan Vila-Grau following strict original indications by Gaudi.

Quick Tips for Choosing a Hotel in Barcelona

Jorge Franganillo

Whenever you book a trip, one of the most important decisions to make is where to stay. Even if you're hoping to spend your time out and about, a good night's sleep is essential. You don't want to be kept awake by partying downstairs, next door or outside. And you certainly don't want to spend your time in Barcelona staying in a dirty or unsafe room. Whether you go for cheap and cheerful, or you're looking for the ultimate luxury, choosing the right hotel could make or break your vacation. Try using the tips below to pick the right place for you and have an enjoyable time in Barcelona.

Set Your Budget

The first thing you should decide is how much money you want to spend on your hotel. If money is no object, you can look at four and five-star hotels that have everything you could need. But if you need to watch your wallet, it's better to set yourself a budget. There are different levels of accommodation you could choose from, from hostels or pensions to budget and luxury hotels. If you want to stick to somewhere in the middle, look at three-star hotels.

Choose Your Requirements

You need to think about what you're looking for in a hotel. Barcelona has a lot to offer in terms of accommodation, so narrowing down your wishes will help. Perhaps you have to have a pool, or you want somewhere with a bar. Are you looking for a hotel in a certain location or one with a gym? Remember that the price will be influenced by the location and facilities. So don't expect to find everything you could ever need at a budget hotel.

Use Booking Sites

The easiest way to find a Barcelona hotel that's perfect for you is to use booking sites. Visit Venere or a similar site and browse through the many hotels available. You'll be able to look at photos and read information about each hotel. Then you can book your stay without having to leave the site. Most sites also have ratings and reviews too, so you can see what other guests thought.

Check the Photos

Having a look at a hotel's photos is always a good idea. If you love photography, it's an even better idea. You could find a hotel that's perfect for taking a few shots. If you can, try to find photos taken by guests too. Doing so will give you a more accurate picture of the state of the hotel, and not just a carefully-controlled professional image.

Read Reviews

It may seem obvious, but reading hotel reviews is essential. You don't want to check into an awful establishment, only to find it could have been avoided if you had read the reviews. However, they're less important for more expensive hotels. And if you want to stay closer to the center of Barcelona, you probably won't find anywhere horrible.

There are lots of hotels to choose from in Barcelona, and some of them are beautiful buildings. Just take your time choosing one to make sure you don't get duped.