This mirror image of an upside down chandelier in the attic of Gaudi’s Casa Mila thoroughly captivated me. I edged close to admire the delicate threads, looked down, and an immediate smile came to my lips. Genius to place the mirror beneath, reflecting the vaulted brick arches so subtly.
To be truthful, I spent so much of my time in Barcelona looking up, I developed a bit of a crick in my neck. But it will be a pleasure this rainy morning to amble through my photos and relive a few moments.
Up on the roof, I could see for miles!
Was there ever a stranger landscape?
But what joy it brought!
Where to next? How to portray a city that so many others have known, yet which produced pure childlike delight in me? For years the name Barcelona had conjured images for me, yet none truly lived up to the reality of this city. Yes, it has its dirty, gritty side. Which city doesn’t? And I got footsore and weary. I never know when enough is enough- just ask my poor husband! But the magic was all there.
And speaking of magic and genius, it’s epitomised by Parc Guell
The sunlight was so bright, I’m disappointed at the quality of my images
But nothing can take away from the beauty of this place!
And I was lucky! The park wasn’t too busy.
Many of the benches were empty and I could admire the intricate details.
You know that in the Sagrada Familia I spent a lot of time gazing upwards in wonder, but I also ascended the Passion Tower. Lots of opportunity to look down. So I did!
How amazing to see the city from this angle
And look down on the newest constructions.
This figure looks down on the city- with compassion?
While the workers whizz up and down on cables!
It is an awesome and moving spectacle.
I always have a penchant for climbing stairs to acquire a better view, but a lift or a cable car is just as good, and in Barcelona you are spoilt for choice. The Cathedral roof was a good place to start (as distinct from the Basilica of Sagrada Familia) but the weather that day was a gentle grey. Never mind- lots of sunny days to come.
The highest point I reached was Tibidabo, with the assistance of a funicular I’m pleased to say, and it was still hard work. Then there was beautiful Monjuic- and that’s a tale for another day!
The promise of things to come from the Cathedral roof.
The heights of Tibidabo
It was quite a way down!
I love a novelty shot! Looking up, reflected down, in the harbour.
And looking over his shoulder at the beach. “Come back later”, he said.
I had to share this view with a seagull.
Who didn’t really seem to mind- seen it all before!
I really should stop now- you’ll be getting dizzy!
In the gardens of Laribal, on Monjuic.
What can I say? I’m in love with the place. You might have guessed by now that this is my entry for Marianne at East of Malaga’s CBBH challenge: Looking down.
Who to introduce is often a problem at this stage of things, but I know that, if you haven’t already met her, you will be enthralled with the work of Seonaid at Breathe of Green Air. And there are so many fine photographers out there that it really can be quite intimidating. I came across James at JDT Photography quite recently and was extremely impressed.
Just remains to say thank you to Marianne. Don’t forget to visit!
These are very beautiful pics of Barcelona. The detail of the tiling on the buildings was amazing and that man who did the Simpsons sand sculpture deserves an award.
Many thanks for sharing!
Vijay
– HalfEatenMind
It’s such a beautiful place, Vijay! A photo opportunity wherever you look. 🙂
I am captivated by your photography and your writing is never boring. I enjoy mosaic that is free and unrestrained as Gaudi.
I saw similar on Sentosa Island and the porcelain covered Wat Arun in Bangkok you would love that.
I can picture you clinbing up to scary heihgts with your camara.
Thanks for the links Jo.
You’re very welcome, Jack, and thank you for the kind words.
I would love to do some travelling in the Far East but time and money make it highly improbable these days. Happy with what I have. It’s a beautiful world and here comes another lovely sunrise 🙂
Jo, enjoyed your descriptions about Gaudi’s creative masterpieces. I remember being very impressed with how he incorporated natural elements into his designs. Wishing your neck a speedy recovery!
Thanks! It’s wrapped in a warm English scarf right now, Tricia 🙂 The seasons have definitely changed.
Here as well, though today we’re delighted to have pure blue skies and sunshine. Out we go to run errands shortly. Wish you a splendid day, Jo!
You too, Tricia. Many thanks 🙂
All your pictures are wonderful! I can’t wait to get there myself!!
Thanks a lot, Julia 🙂 You won’t be disappointed!
Fantastic stuff Jo! And you went up to the top of La Pedrera and the Sagrada Familia too I see 🙂 I’m yet to do those yet!
Glad to see you had an amazing time – I had no doubt you would of course 😀
I was up and down like a yo-yo, Carl, but you’re right- brilliant city! Glad you liked the post. I’ve just this second put up another! 🙂
Cool beans, I’ll be sure to check it out! 🙂
Very nice photos. I love Barcelona & Gaudi, but I’m always amused by the universality of the Simpsons!!!
They get in everywhere, don’t they? 🙂
Many thanks for taking time to comment, Marc.
Thank you for showing me so much thatI had to miss during my two-day-for-a-seminar visit. The queue for that tower was two hours long when I was there. I love your enthusiasm and your energy!
Thanks, Viv. Busy writing the walking tour, but have to quit soon for t’ai chi. Take good care 🙂
wonderful fresh photos of that captivating city Jo, well done!
Glad you like them, Christine 🙂 I’m busy writing about a walking tour right now.
great, I will love reading that … we walked a lot but just on our own 🙂
Beautiful Barcelona. Spectacular view and architectural/ Artistic structures!
It was a real treat, Mr. T, and I loved it! 🙂
Wonderful memories in this post of all those amazing places. Sounds like your birthday was fantastic!
It was a great day, Tonya. Highs, lows and definitely one to remember 🙂
One could get a bit dizzy……even looking at the pictures. 🙂 All quite lovely!
I’m often dizzy. Don’t seem to improve with age either 🙂
Well I can certainly see where you would get a crick in your neck…the beauty in this city above especially…the creativity is beyond.
It’s gorgeous, Laurie (and exhausting- in a good way!) 🙂
I thought you would be captivated by Barcelona, Jo. And no wonder you’re footsore – you really got around! 🙂 Thanks for the fabulous images. ~Terri
Highs and lows, Terri- my speciality! Many thanks 🙂
Oh what a truly wonderful city. Jp I think we will have to visit sooner rather than later. I’ve had a other people saying it is a great city to visit. I’d love to explore it.
We did a walking tour which I would also recommend, Michelle 🙂 (post to follow, when I get caught up 🙂 )
Indeed, sounds a fantastic destination to visit!
Beautiful photos.
Thanks for sharing..
I totally enjoyed it, Swati. Thank you 🙂
You are a champion climber – very well captured… 🙂
With tired old legs to prove it (and a worn out husband 🙂 ) Many thanks, Drake!
Ah , you have left us in no doubt about what a great time you had Jo! I didn’t get to quite as many high spots during our visit. Love the Maremagnum shot. And hubby’s long-suffering pose 😀 Happy to have you back!
I wasn’t sure what he would think of Barcelona, Madhu, as he really doesn’t like cities, but he was won over by the Gaudi stuff. The draughtsman in him was amazed, as I’m sure you must have been too. The attention to detail and the imagination is beyond awesome. Thank you 🙂
Those are truly amazing photos Jo, the way you captured the light and the lines is awesome. Barcelona seems like a very interesting city to enjoy with a camera!
Barb, thank you so much. These are just a few of 600 and more, many of which are disappointing, but what a photogenic city! 🙂
Great photos of a great city! I studied abroad in Barcelona five years ago and you have brought back some of my favorite parts. I love that you said it brought about a “pure childlike delight” in you because that is how I felt the whole four months I was there. Glad you enjoyed it, what a special place to spend your birthday! You have made me want to go back immediately!
Thank you for leaving such a lovely comment 🙂 What a place to study! I envy you that. We did a walking tour with a “local” at the start of our visit and it was a revelation.
The upside down chandelier looks like a crystal crown. Love the perspective! Happy to see you enjoyed Barcelona. 🙂
It was so unexpected! Yes, I loved Barcelona. Exhausting but beautiful.
Will get to reading and catching up with you late this week (I hope 🙂 )
Barcelona is tops on our list. Can’t wait to hear back from you about the book!
Haven’t even started to read it yet, so it might be a struggle for this week, sorry 😦 I’ll get there!
You really crammed in a lot to your visit didn’t you? Thanks for sharing all the photos. I loved Park Guell- there is nowhere like this, truly unique.
So much more than I’ve got in this post, Col, but I’ll probably never go back.
Thanks for your kind review on SS. I want to do a Girona guide on there, when I can manufacture some more time. Will check you out too 🙂 Anything new?
wow! great photos! I didn’t know there was something to go up in at Sagrada Familia. have to put that on my list for next time. I’m so glad you had such a good time in Barcelona. It is indeed quite a fabulous place and I can’t wait to go back. Looking forward to more photos too 🙂
It’s expensive (about 19euros) for entry + a tower, Tobyo, but when you think of what you can pay for a concert ticket… and it’s an incomparable experience 🙂 Many thanks!
Love Barcelona! Would you believe I selected a view of the city from the Tibidabo for this challenge as well? I haven’t finished it so I’ll look for other photos.
My grandfather told me once that his grandfather was a stonemason and worked in the construction of Casa Mila. I wish I knew his name so I can look him up in the records, if there are any.
It is totally amazing watching the masons zoom up and down the building as you wander round, Ana. Talk about job satisfaction!
My Tibidabo shots aren’t great, but I enjoyed the experience of being up there. If I don’t spot it when you publish, send me a link 🙂
Great post and pictures!I didn’t get a chance to visit the interior and top of the Sagrada Familia so thanks for showing me what I missed, lol
Thank you! The interior is a revelation. I’d done the auto tour on video as it seemed a lot of money to pay for entry, but it was totally worth it. 🙂
Fabulous post Jo with lovely photos – looks like you had a wonderful time 🙂
It was fantastic, Suze 🙂 Need a holiday to recover- can I visit you in Malta? I’ve always fancied all that Knight’s Crusader stuff.
Back home now Jo – I think you’d really like Malta – all that history from the Crusades to WWII and links with the UK
Thought you might be- blinked and missed it! 🙂
Oh I do envy you being in that wonderful place, and seeing all the fabulous buildings. I must plan another trip.
It was my first and probably last trip, Joan, so I had to make sure it was good 🙂
well you certainly captured some wonderful shots of Barcelona.
Fabulous pics of this amazing place, Jo. How I would love to go to the top of the cathedral now it’s finished. What a marvellous view from up there. Wasn’t Gaudi an absolute genius? 🙂
Absolutely, Ad! Loved it 🙂 Thank you!
Tuning in to Rafa v Novak right now 🙂
Looking at your pics again, especially the one from the Passion Tower, has made me feel sick with longing. 🙂
I’m still working on keeping that “bubble” intact, Ad 🙂 Walking tour next, or Lingering windows? Help! It’s all decisions 🙂
Such great photos of that beautiful city! I need to go back there soon!
Happy you liked them, Angela 🙂
Thanks for the wonderful reminder of Barcelona Jo – and I hope you had a great day on your birthday during your trip 🙂
They have only just introduced a fee for the entrance to Parc Guell, so that might have been why it was quiet.
Great photos, Jo – I know what you mean about the bright sunlight – it seems to affect so many of my photos, too.
I LOVE, love, love Gaudi and Barcelona.
My birthday started out at Parc Guell, then up to Tibidabo and down to the harbour, all in radiant sunshine. What more could I want, Marianne? 🙂 Thanks, hon.
Lovely photos – looks like you had a fantastic trip!
Thanks, Lucy 🙂 Exhausting in places, but I tend to be good at that. I loved the city. You’ve been?
About 6 or so years ago – on a long weekend at the Grand Prix in fact! Great city, really enjoyed it.
What a wonderful trip! I hope you neck is feeling better. 🙂
It’s grand, thanks 🙂 Shoulders hunched against the cold now!
Gaudi is one of my all-time heroes. What vision and imagination. I understand thyat when he was killed, by a passing tram I believe, they mistook him for a tramp because of his scruffy appearance, I love that about him. I have been to Barcelona, and it is a treasured memory
It is quite incredible in places, Peter. Happy to share some memories with you 🙂
Absolutely, incredibly gorgeous! So much to see and shoot. Great job, Jo. Did you get back to see Homer and the rest?
I didn’t, Gem. We’d already walked miles and were on the home straight (and it still took us another couple of hours!) I thought he’d done a cracking job already 🙂
That he did. 😉
That sand sculpting is fascinating to watch.
Enjoy the week, Jo.
It’s flying! 🙂 Hope yours does too, and hurries that hubby home.
Another city I haven’t visited so thank you for the tour, I’m so glad not to have to experience all those heights in person 🙂
Great photos Jo, and it sounds as though you had a great birthday.
Jude xx
Thanks, Jude 🙂 I certainly did. Especially the cable car and boat rides 🙂
Great pics! Love the Simpsons, lol
Yes, I did too! He waved me off wanting me to come back when it was finished but I didn’t have time, and I thought it was pretty darn good anyway 🙂
It’s flippin’ amazing!
Absolutely brilliant ,you have captured the very essence of Barcelona for me. The memories came flooding back.
Thank you so much, Sue. I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
You made me want to go back 🙂 I guess the light in some pictures was too bright, but imagine 7 days of rain – you had a sweet deal, Jo, and I like all of the posted pictures. The one that is missing is of the b-day girl on the park bench 🙂
You weren’t paying close attention, Paula- I’m in there. (such a tease! The “quirky” photo of the Maremagnum shopping precinct in the harbour shows me pointing my camera at the building, while Mick leans on a lamp-post, waiting. I look better in miniature 🙂 )
Feeling any better yet?
I think I will have to ask for prescription glasses 😦 the only distinct figure I saw taking pics is a girl with a pony tail. No, my fever is worse and temp up so I had to ask for sick leave after all…
Oh dear! Sounds like under the duvet is a good place to be. No partner to pamper you, just yet, either!
At least you’ve got blogging as a distraction. I’m off to a Blood donor session now. Catch you later. 🙂
What??? You are giving blood???? What type are you, just in case? 😉
Boring “O”+. Mick’s “O”negative so a bit more exciting. I’ve gone 🙂
They are all so beautiful photographs dear Johanna, you really did a wonderful collection of Barcelona, Thanks and Love, nia
Thanks, Nia! Makes me want to go back and do it all over again! 🙂
So beautiful, Jo. I’m surprised you came home! Loved the heights of Tibidabo!
It was a struggle, Jill, but the other half insisted! 🙂
Oh, Jo, your enthusiasm is infectious, and it makes me long to be back! It sounds like you had a wonderful time. Your iconic shots bring back many happy memories for me. How I wish I was back there…. Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, all of it is marvelous…. 🙂
I’m getting quite giddy going up and down through my photos, Cathy. Lovely to look back at a place you’ve been with someone else’s eyes, isn’t it? 🙂
Yes, it’s so much fun, Jo. I’m looking forward to all your posts. 🙂
Love the shot with the seagull 🙂
Thanks! He thought about flying away, but couldn’t be bothered. Well, it was a long way down 🙂
And the view is so lovely from where he was, why bother leaving 🙂