Today I’m looking from one piece of Gaudi architecture to another, and up close and personal with these formidable Warriors. I seemed to fool most people with What’s up, Doc? yesterday. It’s my final Gaudi building but I’m not yet done with Barcelona. By my reckoning there are still five days of squares to come. Where next, I wonder?
And so to the last of my Gaudi buildings. You had a peep inside Casa Milá (La Pedrera) on Silent Sunday yesterday, but it is the Warrior Rooftop which is truly spectacular. Scroll down the above link to catch a glimpse of the Butterfly and Flower Courtyards, and of the Gaudi exhibition in the attic. You might recognise the photo below, which would make a good brown for Jude’s Colours. I’m not sure about the warriors- a sort of beigey-brown? You can find a full history of the building in the La Pedrera section of the link. And an open top bus is a great way to see Barcelona.
I guess it’s about time to post my last sequence of windows from Barcelona. Life is moving forward at quite a pace. At this rate I’ll soon be looking back at 2013! Anyone for a last wander in those Barcelona streets? Just click on a photo.
I can’t leave without one last salute to Gaudi. He gave me so much pleasure with his beautiful houses, Casa Batllo and Casa Mila.
The stairwell at Casa Batllo- a vision in blue
The romance of stained glass
And in Casa Mila, curtains rustle romantically at the window
I’m joining Dawn again this week in her Lingering look at Windows. Why not come and play? Soon it will be Christmas windows! Just click on the link.
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!
restlessjo 
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