Barcelona

Looking down on Barcelona

ImageThis 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

Up on the roof, I could see for miles!

Was there ever a stranger landscape?

Was there ever a stranger landscape?

But what joy it brought!

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

And speaking of magic and genius, it’s epitomised by Parc Guell

The sunlight was so bright and I'm a little disappointed at the quality of my images

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!

But nothing can take away from the beauty of this place!

I was lucky, the park wasn't too busy.

And I was lucky!  The park wasn’t too busy.

Many of the benches were empty and I could admire the detail.

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

How amazing to see the city from this angle

And look down on the newest constructions.

And look down on the newest constructions.

This figure looks down on the city- with compassion?

This figure looks down on the city- with compassion?

While the workers whizz up and down on cables.

While the workers whizz up and down on cables!

It is an awesome and moving spectacle.

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 promise of things to come from the Cathedral roof.

The heights of Tibidabo

The heights of Tibidabo

It was quite a way down!

It was quite a way down!

I love a novelty shot! Looking up, reflected down, in the harbour.

I love a novelty shot! Looking up, reflected down, in the harbour.

And looking over his shoulder at the beach.

And looking over his shoulder at the beach. “Come back later”, he said.

I had to share this view with a seagull.

I had to share this view with a seagull.

But he didn't seem to mind!

Who didn’t really seem to mind- seen it all before!

I really should stop now- you'll be getting dizzy!

I really should stop now- you’ll be getting dizzy!

In the gardens of Laribal, on Monjuic.

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!

Six word Saturday

6ws-participating-in-bannerBarcelona- a feast for the senses!

You knew I'd get there, didn't you?

You knew I’d get there, didn’t you? Fabulous Casa Batllo!

I’ve been overwhelmed by all your birthday messages and good wishes, and would simply like to say thank you to my wonderful blogging friends.  I will be slow getting back to you as I have a zillion things to do and 600+ photos to sort through.  I just wanted to let you know that Barcelona fully lived up to expectations, and to share a few thoughts.

I've never seen anything more beautiful than Parc Guell!

I’ve never seen anything more beautiful than Parc Guell!

Or heard anything more noisy than these geese gaggling!

Or heard anything more noisy than the geese, gaggling at the Cathedral!

Or been more surprised by a hospital!

Or been more surprised by a hospital!

Or loved detail more!

Or loved detail more!

And patriotism!

With a dash of patriotism!

Or loved Christmas decorations more, even before they've been lit!

Or loved Christmas decorations more, even before they’ve been lit!

Or taken a more wonky photograph in a famous loo!

Or taken a more wonky photograph in a famous loo!

Or loved a theatre more!

Or loved a theatre more!

Or climbed more steps!

Or climbed more steps!

Or seen more boats!

Or seen more boats!

And definitely not bigger or more smiley boats!

And definitely not bigger or more smiley boats!

But you know what the finale is, don’t you?  Never have I been more in awe of a piece of architecture!  It is magnificent!

The Basilica of Sagrada Familia

The Basilica of Sagrada Familia

Expect to be bored lots more in the coming days!  I had the BEST time.

Thanks as always to Cate for letting me abuse Six word Saturday.  The links or header will take you there to join in the fun.

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Six word Saturday

6ws-participating-in-bannerNo time for colour- Barcelona tomorrow!

Here it comes!

Here it comes!

I type this while looking over my shoulder at the prettiest of sunrises, and with a stomache churning with excitement.  It’s all been a little frantic because my daughter arrived home yesterday evening and we have so little time.  The Whitby Goth Festival is on this weekend, and she and Leo intend to visit on their way home tomorrow.  I would LOVE to be there but I’m up at the crack of dawn for my Barcelona flight. (she promises to share photos!)

The iconic Sagrada Familia- with grateful thanks to Wikipedai

The iconic Sagrada Familia- with grateful thanks to Wikipedia

I have no illusions that I will be able to take photos like this, but you’d better believe I’m going to try!  The forecast is for rain on Sunday, when I arrive, but sunny thereafter.  I can’t wait!

Total fantasy!  Casa Batlo- courtesy of Wikipedia.

Total fantasy! Casa Batllo- courtesy of Wikipedia.

Will I be in Casa Batllo on my birthday on Tuesday?  I don’t really know, but I can think of worse places.  I will be home for Six word Saturday next week though (shame!).

Many thanks to Cate at Show My Face.  Click on the logos or links to play.

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