Sunday 19 July 2015

Barcelona

Back to my Barcelona thoughts - postponed by last week's news.

Just in case even a mention of the word Barcelona gets you singing, here is the link to accompany you:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0wdxj8-mAU

Right, now we're all humming, I'll add a word or two about the city.

Another time, I wouldn't choose to go in July. I went with a friend, and we were limited by her leave arrangements. We had a wonderful time - but did have to weave our way through crowds. There were stag and hen parties (why they go all that way, spend all that money, just to get drunk I've no idea. But they were having a good time.) Then millions (or so it felt) taking a break before the mayhem of the school holidays. Several of the major sites had so many visitors they were organising timed entrances with three hours to wait - which is not a problem in such a lovely city, but does give you an idea how many people were there.

I have heard that there are local people who are complaining that the city is drowning in tourists. I can see what they mean - it was hard to find any local people going about local things unless they were dealing with tourists. On the other hand, tourists are now the life-blood of the city.

It's the extraordinary Gaudí architecture that draws people there. And it is wonderful - much of it on such a huge scale that photographs cannot possibly do it justice. So here, to give you a flavour of the city, are a few photographs of chimney stacks.

These two were taken from rooftops:



This was taken from the top deck of a bus:


And here's another rooftop:


Finally, a facade taken looking up from street level - to hint at the breadth of Gaudí's extraordinary vision. Not a straight line in sight!!


It's such an unusal city I can only give you a hint of its complexities. Architecturally it's unlike anywhere else - and a worthy city for the wonderful song!

7 comments:

  1. Wow! amazing pics. I've never been to Spain..Italy is BH's country of choice, but these were breathtaking. Less so the 'tourist' thing. Though I guess if you go out of season,it isn't such an issue.

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    1. I used to think of Italy first, when going to Europe - but this trip, and Madrid not long ago, has made me have a rethink.

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  2. Great photos! Barcelona is getting near the top of our list, of places to visit, It does sound crowded though. Maybe go out of season.

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  3. I love those chimneys. It looks like an amazing city but I now can't stop singing that song!!
    ...Barcelona - It was the first time that we met
    Barcelona - How can I forget...

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    1. Oh good, so glad I'm not the only one singing ...

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  4. I love Barcelona. We holidayed there twice staying both times in apartments in the Gothic part. At the bottom of the entrance to the apartment there was a little cafe with tapas it was so good to eat and drink and just walk upstairs to bed. I think it's always busy there it attracts so many people. I love your photos.

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