Barcelona-Ole already!
October 30th 2006 23:29
BARCELONO….OLE already!
My recent visit to Barcelona in Spain was truly a pleasing eye opener in comparison to my very first trip in the 70’s when we revised our plan to tour the country starting from Barcelona. At that time we found heavy industrial smog and extremely noisy traffic, so proceeded immediately to the south!
Barcelona is now a city of style. Magnificent grand old buildings, some from the ornate Gothic age, mixed in with architecture in the "modernisme fashion"-much created by the master Gaudi. One cannot escape examples of this 19th century legend through his distinctive works as diverse as churches, private homes, even a winery. Today Barcelona proudly displays his signature ceramic tile work on its tourism materials. Colourful and quirky, his building designs feature flowing undulating lines, and surprising spires, roomy courtyards and sunny outlooks.
One such structure, the Battlo House-now hired out for business functions-features some of the best of his work. Outside the building stands apart from its neighbours, both distinctive and intriguing. What appear as small windows in fact allow huge streams of light inside. It looks like a child’s fantasy made of plasticine. Rounded corners, labyrinth like corridors leading to rooms bathed in sunshine. A courtyard here and there-something to please the eye around each corner.
Another ‘favourite son’ is Jean Miro, born in 1893 his "modernisme" style of art is acknowledged worldwide. He travelled extensively to Paris (where he lived for some time), Holland, Belgium and New York where he held exhibitions of his work. Not content with art, he produced ceramics and sculpture. Galleries around the city contain many of his creations.
My visit to Barcelona coincided with one of their many annual festivals.
One evening while travelling in a taxi, I heard deafening explosions and noticed groups of youths running nearby throwing firecrackers and other incendiaries at anything in their path. When a firecracker exploded in front of our vehicle, the driver, noticing my alarm, explained that it was the ‘harmless’ popular Pyrotechnic festival.
I was pleased to escape to the safety of my hotel deciding to dine inside that night!
Eating is a joy in Barcelona, the location of the city near the sea allows for many delicious meals that include seafood. Prawns, squid, mussels, assorted fish are presented fried, baked or stewed- or cooked in the time honoured favourite- the paella. Dining at the harbour front amidst a line of seafood restaurants, you can see different versions- some contain only seafood with saffron rice, while others include chicken and meat.
Tapas bars are plentiful even though Tapas was not originally from Barcelona.
Starting out as a simple accompaniment to a glass of wine, some Tapas bars or restaurants may offer a choice of up to thirty of these little plates of treats.
Marinated squid, fried whitebait size fish, omelette, grilled prawns, meatballs, octopus- the variety is endless. Some establishments provide an assortment on the bar for you to select from, while others take your individual order from the menu.
Wander around the streets and you will see dozens of little cafes and restaurants with blackboards outside declaring their specialties.
If you are on a self-catering holiday or staying at a hotel- you must buy food for a picnic at some time. Spain has some of the best salamis in the world. With a wider choice than the chorizo or ad hoc sausage you might find in your local food market- you will find a huge range of smoked sausage and hams to build your picnic around. Add some heavy textured crusty bread and a bottle or two or local wine- and you are in business!
If you like shopping, Barcelona is for the discerning. The leather industry provides a wide selection of footwear and bags for all size pocket books! Whatever you pay, it will be a lot more economical than the price at home- so stock up.! Leather garments in the softest hide, assorted designs and colours will also please.
For gifts to take home you can buy beautiful ceramics- I chose a wall hanging from a gallery featuring the seafront complete with little villa, sea, sand and even seagulls. Food lovers can purchase from a wide assortment of flavoured virgin olive oils in decorated jars, or bottles of wine.
…..southern Spain tomorrow
My recent visit to Barcelona in Spain was truly a pleasing eye opener in comparison to my very first trip in the 70’s when we revised our plan to tour the country starting from Barcelona. At that time we found heavy industrial smog and extremely noisy traffic, so proceeded immediately to the south!
Barcelona is now a city of style. Magnificent grand old buildings, some from the ornate Gothic age, mixed in with architecture in the "modernisme fashion"-much created by the master Gaudi. One cannot escape examples of this 19th century legend through his distinctive works as diverse as churches, private homes, even a winery. Today Barcelona proudly displays his signature ceramic tile work on its tourism materials. Colourful and quirky, his building designs feature flowing undulating lines, and surprising spires, roomy courtyards and sunny outlooks.
One such structure, the Battlo House-now hired out for business functions-features some of the best of his work. Outside the building stands apart from its neighbours, both distinctive and intriguing. What appear as small windows in fact allow huge streams of light inside. It looks like a child’s fantasy made of plasticine. Rounded corners, labyrinth like corridors leading to rooms bathed in sunshine. A courtyard here and there-something to please the eye around each corner.
Another ‘favourite son’ is Jean Miro, born in 1893 his "modernisme" style of art is acknowledged worldwide. He travelled extensively to Paris (where he lived for some time), Holland, Belgium and New York where he held exhibitions of his work. Not content with art, he produced ceramics and sculpture. Galleries around the city contain many of his creations.
My visit to Barcelona coincided with one of their many annual festivals.
I was pleased to escape to the safety of my hotel deciding to dine inside that night!
Eating is a joy in Barcelona, the location of the city near the sea allows for many delicious meals that include seafood. Prawns, squid, mussels, assorted fish are presented fried, baked or stewed- or cooked in the time honoured favourite- the paella. Dining at the harbour front amidst a line of seafood restaurants, you can see different versions- some contain only seafood with saffron rice, while others include chicken and meat.
Tapas bars are plentiful even though Tapas was not originally from Barcelona.
Starting out as a simple accompaniment to a glass of wine, some Tapas bars or restaurants may offer a choice of up to thirty of these little plates of treats.
Marinated squid, fried whitebait size fish, omelette, grilled prawns, meatballs, octopus- the variety is endless. Some establishments provide an assortment on the bar for you to select from, while others take your individual order from the menu.
Wander around the streets and you will see dozens of little cafes and restaurants with blackboards outside declaring their specialties.
If you are on a self-catering holiday or staying at a hotel- you must buy food for a picnic at some time. Spain has some of the best salamis in the world. With a wider choice than the chorizo or ad hoc sausage you might find in your local food market- you will find a huge range of smoked sausage and hams to build your picnic around. Add some heavy textured crusty bread and a bottle or two or local wine- and you are in business!
If you like shopping, Barcelona is for the discerning. The leather industry provides a wide selection of footwear and bags for all size pocket books! Whatever you pay, it will be a lot more economical than the price at home- so stock up.! Leather garments in the softest hide, assorted designs and colours will also please.
For gifts to take home you can buy beautiful ceramics- I chose a wall hanging from a gallery featuring the seafront complete with little villa, sea, sand and even seagulls. Food lovers can purchase from a wide assortment of flavoured virgin olive oils in decorated jars, or bottles of wine.
…..southern Spain tomorrow
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