" Waste bins "

I know waste segregation is common in most part of the countries,
but for someone (like me) who lives in a third world country,
where the word "segregation and being discipline" seems next to impossible.
this is a perfect example.


* where was this *
near Parc Güell
BCN

" the fairest of discords "

Because we only get to travel during the holidays,
where there are longer vacation days,
spending Christmas in Barcelona was a memorable experience for us. ^0^
But most of the time x'mas were spent in southeast asian countries.
and during that season, the streets are pretty lively and festive,
and shops even extend their closing time.






That was quite the opposite when we're in Barcelona.
Almost all of the museums are closed,
except for Casa Batlló and other Casa's by Gaudi.
even finding a place to eat was difficult.
except for tourists (like us) and a few commuters and locals.
We had Passeig de Gracía all to ourselves
and you don't even have to worry about pickpockets!
i guess, they needed a break too.
This was before lunch by the way,
so the streets were still quiet and deserted. ^0^







We highlighted our map and head to the fairest of discords =
Mansana de la Discòrdia.
We lazily walked from our hotel to Gran Via (de les corts catalanes),
all the way to Passeig the Grácia (the Eixample area)
and saw a handful of nice architecture from a whole lot of Casas here and there,
following Cadogan's handy guide book.
Now some people adore food, while others like shopping.
Me, I love gazing at different structures and they never seem to bore me.
I was enjoying capturing every moment,
There was no one blocking my view or someone popping out of nowhere,
the weather was breezy but not too cold and the street literally became our 'museum.'
yes, the tempting thought of shopping and buying a few things
did crossed my mind now and then,
but what can we do, the whole area even the biggest El Corte Ingles was also closed, so... :(



Aside from admiring the works of Gaudi's Casa Batlló's Exterior.
we didn't get the chance to see its interior.
haha, the stingy mode got the best of us. ^0^
spending 17 euros for the entrance and an hour or more inside
didn't seem a good idea at that time,
we wanted to do more sightseeing.

there was Lluís Domènech i Montaner.
his works are utterly astounding,
we were too late to discover that he's famous for designing
Palau de la Musica Catalana, which we didn't get to visit.
But at least, we got to see Casa Lleó Morera.
which isn't hard to find as the one occupying that space right now is the famous Loewe .
















Beside Casa Batlló's museum is Casa Amatller,
the façade, which is decorated with ceramic plaques of blue, pink and cream tiles,
with unending geomteric patterns are called Sgraffito.
It was designed by Puig Cadalfach, yet another remarkable artist.
I could go on with more pleonasms so for now, let the photos speak for itself. ^-^








Here is Casa Batlló's exterior.
a contrast to its next door façade.
Josep Battló was a known tycoon who got bored and commissioned Gaudi to revamped
the whole thing.





The nice flow of Trencadis, the signatured undulating curves,
bulb dome and the cross of St. George was among the many highlights of this museum.





It's already past 2 in the morning and i'm still typing,
my mind isn't sleepy yet but my eyes are seeing double already. ^0^
I'll try to post more of this walk on my next post.

" La Cava de los Faros "

( Shutters closed taken during xmas 2011 )


It is an old liquor store and delicatessen that's been here for ages.
It would've been nice to take a look inside though.

* where was this *
Plaça de la Universitat, 5
Barrio: El Raval
BCN

" Llenas "

one of the many vintage stores along the streets of Barri Gothic.


the two facades of this store- Papereria and Imprenta
that shows impressive artworks on its doors.

* where was this *
Barri Gothic
Barcelona

" Paseando en Parc Güell "

There's so much to see inside Parc Güell,
not only can you catch sunrise and sundown, the stunning views of Barcelona and the quirky designs of Gaudi.


the shadow play! that's us.

As hundreds of tourists flocked day in and out.
People watching is yet an interesting spectacle.
Here are some memorable images I've brought back from our trip.



an outdoor cafe inside the park.



random tourists young and old.



the stripe guy, long hair and his über cute dog.



stop staring! two guys and their shades.



just tired... desperately needed a power nap.



there's always a group of young kids who would persuade me to take a picture of them!
the last time was in Berlin.
i mean how could I say no?! ^0^
they seemed harmless and so eager to say cheese!
i wish i knew at least one of them so that I could send back their smiles!






well, even the smallest ones needs some chirping too.



lost in the crowd...think she was munching an apple..



err, think he's sleeping...



again, can't resist this creature.
i;m sorry, not good with dogs, so wouldn't know what breed this is.



and the last one,
would've thought that this bird was on top of this guy's head,
but look closely,
it's actually standing on one of those tiles.


i wish everyone a good week ahead!

* where was this *
* where was this *
take the metro- Lesseps
bus No. 24 from Plaça Catalunya
Barcelona

" Parc Güell "

the colonnaded pathway inside the park is one of its signature design,
that transcends Gaudi's creativity.
But for that right timing,
where someone's head or hand wouldn't popped out of nowhere
seems almost impossible.









the view of the terrace walls.
they are actually inspired by bird's nests.




I've already shown the horizontal side of this but thought I'd share the vertical
shots as well.
^0^

the doric columns and the circular tiled ceilings on the wall.





yet another shot of the Pavillion.



and my favorite were these tiled Trencadis.
they came out so washed out blue on my camera,
thankfully,
Pepperoni had better shots. ^-^





We were hoping to see more but the sun was about to set and
catching a great angle means you have to click fast.
It was a nice and peaceful walk though,
contrary to what I've read where lots of pickpocket thieves await.



There were a few hawkers and a couple of street artists,
there was actually one, who was selling his souvenir items on the colorful
tiled seats,
If you're like me, who gets easily drawn at the view and the vast space,
you'd forget he's standing there.
I almost crashed his merchandise had it not been Pepperoni who warned me that he was there, phew! that was close.

* where was this *
take the metro- Lesseps
bus No. 24 from Plaça Catalunya
Barcelona

" Parc Güell "

This park needs no grand introduction as I think
we all know it's one of the greatest works from Antonio Gaudi.



In fact, it's a must-see sight when you visit Barcelona,
you don't wanna miss it!



But did we all know why this was named Park Güell? ^0^
Thanks to my reliable travel book,
I read that a certain Eusebi Güell was, during the time,
one of the richest man in Barcelona.



He gave Antonio Gaudi, who was then, still a fresh graduate and
at the peak of his prime, received his first commission to do
some minor works for the gate, stables and some lodging for the Finca Güell.
Eusebi was so pleased that he commissioned him to do more of his estates.







Years later,
Gaudi started working on his new project, which was the Park,
an ostentatious display of undulating curves, broken tiles or the perfect word
would be Trencadis, and a whole lot of
eccentricity as some might call it.













It was what they would call their paradise aka " Utopia."


and indeed it is.
the scenic beauty was breathtaking,
I think during crowded days,
you have to blocked out the hordes of tourist and simply take it all in.
You see a bit of Barcelona in a whole new level.





The Park is big though,
you have to do a lot of climbing, a bit hilly,
so better wear some comfy shoes.
or another option would be to take a taxi.
but it's worth it once you're there.



what the park would look like on this point of view.



the details are just as interesting.



every angle, every corner is perfect for a photo op.
just seconds away from this creature flying away.


Once inside, the first thing you'll notice are these two ginger bread like houses.
my version that is. ^0^

They're bright as skittles-colored-candies and almost a replica of
Hansel and Gretel version.
Again, the nice swirls and sloping roofs, mosaics and Gaudi's steeple with its
double cross on the good children's house.







More on this series.

note: From autumn onwards,
Entrance to the park isn't free already.
the catalan gov't issued a new mandate for a fee of 5 euros for non-residents of the city and those who are empadronado (registered with the city council)
will be exempt.

Ps:
thanks for bearing with my unscheduled posts.
I think i'm so way behind already. ^0^
I wish I could share half of my dilemma and spill it out here.
But that wouldn't be about traveling already,
that would be me, ranting and worrying about this and that. ^0^


Happy weekend all!

* where was this *
take the metro- Lesseps
bus- No.24 from Plaça Catalunya
Barcelona