Jamikins and Bikerscott do Barcelona and San Sebastian
May 20th, 2014, 01:17 PM
#61
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Could you offer some explanation as to the universally steep entrance charges to almost all of the Modernista buildings of note in Barcelona.
Value for money is a relative thing of course but at least in your British stately home, you are pretty sure to see a bed slept in by Queen Victoria and a garden designed by Capability Brown. Spending €20 to wander around the roof and view a not particularly photogenic city?
Am I missing something? Of course I am - but maybe you might just fill me in.
Thanks for doing the report - a stimulus to the salivary glands as usual.
Value for money is a relative thing of course but at least in your British stately home, you are pretty sure to see a bed slept in by Queen Victoria and a garden designed by Capability Brown. Spending €20 to wander around the roof and view a not particularly photogenic city?
Am I missing something? Of course I am - but maybe you might just fill me in.
Thanks for doing the report - a stimulus to the salivary glands as usual.
May 20th, 2014, 01:38 PM
#62
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SeeDee...to be honest I agree for the most part. Especially for Casa Batllo. The rooms are cool, but there is nothing in them. In hind site I wouldn't bother going inside...but now I have seen it so I don't have to again 
I thought that overall the cost was steep, but it was a fraction of the total cost of the whole trip so why not. And I really wanted to photograph the rooftops. We weren't really all that interested in the other areas of the buildings.
I think the high price is due to them being privately owned and need the money to maintain/restore them (?) I don't think they get government money to subsidise this...?
If I had to do it again I would only do one, probably Casa Mila, but I only know that because I did them both this trip!
If you are big into architecture you may have a different view!
I thought that overall the cost was steep, but it was a fraction of the total cost of the whole trip so why not. And I really wanted to photograph the rooftops. We weren't really all that interested in the other areas of the buildings.
I think the high price is due to them being privately owned and need the money to maintain/restore them (?) I don't think they get government money to subsidise this...?
If I had to do it again I would only do one, probably Casa Mila, but I only know that because I did them both this trip!
If you are big into architecture you may have a different view!
May 21st, 2014, 06:44 AM
#63
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Hi Jamikins, after enjoying your experiences in Barcelona, we been "tagging along" with your days in San Sebastian. So glad the two days of rain didn't interfere with your enjoyment. As with Barcelona, your pix from San Seb are beautiful.
We're currently planning a trip to "the Alps" of Austria, Italy, and Switzerland. However, as we read the TRs of you and others about Spain, s.Italy, and France, we get tempted to completely re-vamp. Among Fodorites, there seems to be a lot less enthusiasm for the areas we're planning to visit. And... there's a lot less confidence in having favorable weather.
Thanks again for sharing your experiences!
We're currently planning a trip to "the Alps" of Austria, Italy, and Switzerland. However, as we read the TRs of you and others about Spain, s.Italy, and France, we get tempted to completely re-vamp. Among Fodorites, there seems to be a lot less enthusiasm for the areas we're planning to visit. And... there's a lot less confidence in having favorable weather.
Thanks again for sharing your experiences!
May 21st, 2014, 08:26 AM
#64
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Thanks Tomarkot! Glad you enjoyed it!!
We had a great time in the Italian Alps last Oct - you might enjoy our trip report and pics here
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-dolomites.cfm
We are also off to the French Alps on Friday so stay tuned...
We had a great time in the Italian Alps last Oct - you might enjoy our trip report and pics here
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-dolomites.cfm
We are also off to the French Alps on Friday so stay tuned...
May 21st, 2014, 02:29 PM
#65
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Yes, Jamikins, we read and really enjoyed your TR & pix from the Italian Alps. In fact, that's where we got the idea to stay in Ortisei and take that unique gondola.
We're thinking that if we're in the Dolomites, and the weather is unfavorable, we'll head south a bit around Lago Locarno or one of the other Italian lakes. It may seem obvious from our concerns about weather that we've already been to a few of these areas and been foxed out of enjoying the mountains. So we're giving it another try. Interesting that you mention the French Alps. We're thinking about taking the train from Martigny to Mt. Blanc. Have a great trip! Thanks again for sharing so many good ideas.
We're thinking that if we're in the Dolomites, and the weather is unfavorable, we'll head south a bit around Lago Locarno or one of the other Italian lakes. It may seem obvious from our concerns about weather that we've already been to a few of these areas and been foxed out of enjoying the mountains. So we're giving it another try. Interesting that you mention the French Alps. We're thinking about taking the train from Martigny to Mt. Blanc. Have a great trip! Thanks again for sharing so many good ideas.
May 22nd, 2014, 12:52 PM
#67
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Jamikins, enjoyed the report on San Sebastian. Wife and I will be there in two weeks and staying at the same hotel. How did you like the hotel and did you try their breakfast? We are doing the same type of eating more tapas/pinchos. Been to Donosti for day trips but never for 3 nights. From there we are going to the French Basque side for 9 nights..more good food & wine.
May 23rd, 2014, 01:29 AM
#68
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In San Sebastián, as in all over Spain, usually ten times more interesting and more affordable breakfast in a local bar than at the hotels. Nothing beats the smell, taste and atmosphere in a popular local breakfast place.
I highly recommend Bar Ostarte just behind Zaragoza Plaza, on the corner of C/San Martín and C/Marina. Two minutes walking from the hotel. http://www.foodspotting.com/places/7...-san-sebastian
I highly recommend Bar Ostarte just behind Zaragoza Plaza, on the corner of C/San Martín and C/Marina. Two minutes walking from the hotel. http://www.foodspotting.com/places/7...-san-sebastian
May 23rd, 2014, 02:48 AM
#69
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Larrya - glad you enjoyed the report. We loved the location of the hotel, and the room was very spacious and the bed was huge. We would stay there again - nothing fancy, but affordable and clean and well located.
We didnt eat at the hotel - breakfast wasnt included in the price. We did what kimhe suggests and found local bakeries for coffee and pastries. You should have no problem finding yummy treats!
You will have a fabulous time I am sure!!
We didnt eat at the hotel - breakfast wasnt included in the price. We did what kimhe suggests and found local bakeries for coffee and pastries. You should have no problem finding yummy treats!
You will have a fabulous time I am sure!!
May 23rd, 2014, 03:24 AM
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Larrya,
Penty of excellent breakfast options on your doorstep, but Bar Ostarte specializes in breakfasts and breakfast pintxos. My mother discovered it when she visited me some years ago and stayed in a hotel close by. A fabulous and friendly little place which gives you a genuine Donostia start of the day.
"Even the little café/bar steps away from our condo (Bar Ostarte) had some great breakfast pintxos!!"
http://www.emyrent.com/en_blog/tag/p...san-sebastian/
Penty of excellent breakfast options on your doorstep, but Bar Ostarte specializes in breakfasts and breakfast pintxos. My mother discovered it when she visited me some years ago and stayed in a hotel close by. A fabulous and friendly little place which gives you a genuine Donostia start of the day.
"Even the little café/bar steps away from our condo (Bar Ostarte) had some great breakfast pintxos!!"
http://www.emyrent.com/en_blog/tag/p...san-sebastian/
May 23rd, 2014, 09:37 AM
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Thank you for your observations on Casa Mila and Casa Batllo; am I reading you correctly in that the buildings are not even displaying much by way of furniture and internal fittings.
One wonders what Gaudi would have made of the design challenge of an en-suite bathroom....
Significantly, nobody has jumped to the defence of the entry charges so here's one punter who will limit his Modernista spending to investing his €20 on a drink or two in Casa Fuster (if they let me in).
One wonders what Gaudi would have made of the design challenge of an en-suite bathroom....
Significantly, nobody has jumped to the defence of the entry charges so here's one punter who will limit his Modernista spending to investing his €20 on a drink or two in Casa Fuster (if they let me in).
May 23rd, 2014, 09:40 AM
#73
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Jamikins, so glad to see your TR - I actually just got back from San Sebastian and Barcelona on Wednesday, and had been hoping to see one from you before I left! We had a great time but I look forward to reading this in more detail and comparing experiences. I definitely know what you mean about the forums though.
Re: <i>I think the high price is due to them being privately owned and need the money to maintain/restore them (?) I don't think they get government money to subsidise this...?</i>
We took a Gaudi walking tour with Runnerbean and our guide confirmed this. The tickets were definitely pricy, but personally I loved Casa Batllo, which was the only one we actually went in.
danon - we loved that restaurant too! A little chaotic (a sign of goodness, I guess!) but the food was amazing.
I definitely know what you mean about the forums though.Re: <i>I think the high price is due to them being privately owned and need the money to maintain/restore them (?) I don't think they get government money to subsidise this...?</i>
We took a Gaudi walking tour with Runnerbean and our guide confirmed this. The tickets were definitely pricy, but personally I loved Casa Batllo, which was the only one we actually went in.
danon - we loved that restaurant too! A little chaotic (a sign of goodness, I guess!) but the food was amazing.
May 23rd, 2014, 10:28 AM
#74
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SeeDee - <i>Thank you for your observations on Casa Mila and Casa Batllo; am I reading you correctly in that the buildings are not even displaying much by way of furniture and internal fittings.</i>
I can't speak for Casa Mila, but Casa Batllo didn't have any furniture in the rooms themselves (they did have several replicas of Gaudi designs at the end of the tour). It would have been fantastic to see it, yes, but it would have been a traffic jam nightmare - the house was pleasantly full as it was. Personally I'm glad we spend the €20 to see the inside of one house, at least - I thought it was amazing, specifically the light well. Not something I'd do repeatedly, but I'm glad I did it once. Others disagree, of course!
We also saw Palau Guell, but got lucky on that one because we were there on International Museum Day and Palau Guell is owned by the city (or some public entity) and was therefore free that day. It's cheaper - I think the usual cost is €11? And there is an ensuite in there.
I can't speak for Casa Mila, but Casa Batllo didn't have any furniture in the rooms themselves (they did have several replicas of Gaudi designs at the end of the tour). It would have been fantastic to see it, yes, but it would have been a traffic jam nightmare - the house was pleasantly full as it was. Personally I'm glad we spend the €20 to see the inside of one house, at least - I thought it was amazing, specifically the light well. Not something I'd do repeatedly, but I'm glad I did it once. Others disagree, of course!
We also saw Palau Guell, but got lucky on that one because we were there on International Museum Day and Palau Guell is owned by the city (or some public entity) and was therefore free that day. It's cheaper - I think the usual cost is €11? And there is an ensuite in there.
May 23rd, 2014, 10:56 AM
#75
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<am I reading you correctly in that the buildings are not even displaying much by way of furniture and internal fittings.>
Fully equipped apartment in Casa Mila/La Pedrera, including the en-suite bathroom ;-)
"the original use of each of the rooms has been maintained and decorated with period furniture, works of art, ornaments, fabrics and household accessories that place the apartment in the context of its time and show how it was lived in." http://www.lapedrera.com/en/la-pedrera-day#_284
Fully equipped apartment in Casa Mila/La Pedrera, including the en-suite bathroom ;-)
"the original use of each of the rooms has been maintained and decorated with period furniture, works of art, ornaments, fabrics and household accessories that place the apartment in the context of its time and show how it was lived in." http://www.lapedrera.com/en/la-pedrera-day#_284
May 23rd, 2014, 11:44 AM
#76
I finally started reading this and am loving it! Your photos are stunning - the food shots are some of the most sensual I've seen!
We were in Barcelona in 2004, and fell in love with the Gaudi sights. Casa Batllo had just been opened to the public in its entirety, and we were blown away by it. Your Tr is making me sorely tempted to return, but I'm planning a trip to Andalucia & Madrid/Toledo for next year-- I can't afford to return to Barcelona.....yet!
By the way, I'm planning trips out for the next few years, too, but only in my head. My husband only wants to hear about trips one year at a time! Glad that I can be understood here! And since we began to travel to Asia, too, it's added a long list of more places to visit. I could easily go to 2025 now!
We were in Barcelona in 2004, and fell in love with the Gaudi sights. Casa Batllo had just been opened to the public in its entirety, and we were blown away by it. Your Tr is making me sorely tempted to return, but I'm planning a trip to Andalucia & Madrid/Toledo for next year-- I can't afford to return to Barcelona.....yet!
By the way, I'm planning trips out for the next few years, too, but only in my head. My husband only wants to hear about trips one year at a time! Glad that I can be understood here! And since we began to travel to Asia, too, it's added a long list of more places to visit. I could easily go to 2025 now!
Jul 7th, 2014, 10:00 AM
#77
I've always been impressed by the photographs you two take. In one post, you mentioned what camera you use. Tracy is looking for one (that I will then try to steal). Could you re-post that info. Thanks.
Jul 7th, 2014, 10:04 AM
#78
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Thanks Maitai and progol!
I use a Nikon D5200 and love it! Honestly to improve your photos with any camera just work on your composition. Google Rule of Thirds in photography - using this alone you will notice a huge difference even on a point and shoot!
Happy travels!
I use a Nikon D5200 and love it! Honestly to improve your photos with any camera just work on your composition. Google Rule of Thirds in photography - using this alone you will notice a huge difference even on a point and shoot!
Happy travels!
