Some creative souls had been around town decorating the signs. Particularly the ones of not entering. I love them!
Thursday, February 6, 2014
The city of fantasies
Perhaps, I've fallen in love with Barcelona. Perhaps, we've even reached the point of a steady relationship. In that case, it's definitely a very harmonius relationship. I fall in love in cities very easily. Remarkably more easily than I fall in love wiht men. Fortunately, cities don't feel neglected or cheated upon even if you have a crush on several at the same time. I'm all in for happy city love stories.
Despite my many city loves, Barcelona is something quite of it's own (as are New York, New Delhi and Copenhagen - in their ways). This November, I visited for the 7th time. I was supposed to go there writing, but then I slipped in Sweden and the itinerary changed into concussion and relaxation instead of typing. Luckily, Barcelona is quite allright for spending non-writing time.
My concussion symptoms weren't too bad, while I was in Barcelona. As long as I rested properly and didn't get in the company of too many people og complex situations, I was ok. Not sitting in front of a computer, propably helped as well. All in all, it was probably my well-being in Barcelona that tricked me into thinking I was all well when I returned. But leave that b..... concussion. It has already taken up way too much time and energy.
I was in Barcelona. It was November. The sun was shining and Nifle joined most of the time. As did Signe for a couple of days. The nights were cold, but while the sun was out, it was quite pleasant to have a cortado in the sun. Or two. Wearing shades and conversations. And it seemed like the sun had coordinated it setting with the shops reopening after siesta and a few hours of shopping before evening drinks and Catalan dinner.
One of the major charms of Barcelona is its ability to keep being intruiging, keep showing more sides. From your first visit and the overwhelming statues and life at the Rambla, Picasso, Miro and the Gothic quarter. Beginning to stroll the small alleys and streets, exploring Gaudi, tapas, squares, people, life. Further on getting more around in the city. Getting used to the metro. Exploring new areas. Finding the perfect sea food restaurant. The absolutely perfect one. And the authentic local steak house with huge steaks from Girona and old radios. Learning that the museum of modern art: MACBA has changing exhibitions that are almost always excellent (haven't seen one yet that weren't). That Modernista is much much more than Gaudi and still fascination. That Barcelona has at least 10 ramblas, most of them more interesting than the famous one. That it is perfect with a wide sandy beach in the center of a city.
Oh yeah, I am definitely in love.
When you can't write - it's lucky you can bring a camera:
Despite my many city loves, Barcelona is something quite of it's own (as are New York, New Delhi and Copenhagen - in their ways). This November, I visited for the 7th time. I was supposed to go there writing, but then I slipped in Sweden and the itinerary changed into concussion and relaxation instead of typing. Luckily, Barcelona is quite allright for spending non-writing time.
My concussion symptoms weren't too bad, while I was in Barcelona. As long as I rested properly and didn't get in the company of too many people og complex situations, I was ok. Not sitting in front of a computer, propably helped as well. All in all, it was probably my well-being in Barcelona that tricked me into thinking I was all well when I returned. But leave that b..... concussion. It has already taken up way too much time and energy.
I was in Barcelona. It was November. The sun was shining and Nifle joined most of the time. As did Signe for a couple of days. The nights were cold, but while the sun was out, it was quite pleasant to have a cortado in the sun. Or two. Wearing shades and conversations. And it seemed like the sun had coordinated it setting with the shops reopening after siesta and a few hours of shopping before evening drinks and Catalan dinner.
One of the major charms of Barcelona is its ability to keep being intruiging, keep showing more sides. From your first visit and the overwhelming statues and life at the Rambla, Picasso, Miro and the Gothic quarter. Beginning to stroll the small alleys and streets, exploring Gaudi, tapas, squares, people, life. Further on getting more around in the city. Getting used to the metro. Exploring new areas. Finding the perfect sea food restaurant. The absolutely perfect one. And the authentic local steak house with huge steaks from Girona and old radios. Learning that the museum of modern art: MACBA has changing exhibitions that are almost always excellent (haven't seen one yet that weren't). That Modernista is much much more than Gaudi and still fascination. That Barcelona has at least 10 ramblas, most of them more interesting than the famous one. That it is perfect with a wide sandy beach in the center of a city.
Oh yeah, I am definitely in love.
When you can't write - it's lucky you can bring a camera:
Perfect everyday café life at Placa del Sol
I've probably clicked this sculpture 4 or 5 times during my visits in Barcelona. It keeps being picturesqe.
Excellent tapas restaurant: Cal Pep
Street in my favourite neighborhood El Born
The flea market Els Encant Vells. Viewed through the mirroring ceiling
Els Encant Vells
MACBA - yet again an excellent exhibition
There's always a million skaters in fromt of MACBA. Apparently, it's the perfect place for skateboarders and luckily they're allowed to stay. Barcelona is a city meant for living.
Street art
More street art
A spot in the sun in Eixample
Barcelona is a cycling city. A golden cycle city.
I passed by this bench right on time for the last rays of sun of the day and wanted to click a picture in the exact moment as the cyclist passed by, turned around right in front of me and made the perfect shade and moment.
Street life. Or perhaps rather arcade life.
I said it before, I'll say it again, Barcelona is a city for living. Here, a student studying in the sun.
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