So does Portugal. After 36 years of searching, I FINALLY found a bottle of the rare red 'Bucacao'!!! I found it at a shop nearby the Vinya del Senor: Vila Viniteca. We also bought a bottle of their similarly uncheap but superb Marques de Murrietta white. That shop has an adjoined deli.
So does Portugal. After 36 years of searching, I FINALLY found a bottle of the rare red 'Bucacao'!!! I found it at a shop nearby the Vinya del Senor: Vila Viniteca. We also bought a bottle of their similarly uncheap but superb Marques de Murrietta white. That shop has an adjoined deli.
0 2024/12/14 14:05:58
A trick shot from the Barceloneta neighborhood.
A trick shot from the Barceloneta neighborhood.
0 2024/12/14 14:19:32
Nimrod, who along with his wife Lilith were the original figures that til recently guarded the Correfoc's Porta de l'Infirm (gate of hell), the point through which all the diables and diablesses ran through to start the whole zany affair. Lilith wazzam (was & still is) a giant green 'vibria' (viper). She carries a trident and wears a brazen bodice. She and hubbie were recently retired for fear of folks stealing them. 'MENYSTIGUT LA PORTA HA DESAPAREGUT' (the door is gone) read a protesting sign.
Nimrod, who along with his wife Lilith were the original figures that til recently guarded the Correfoc's Porta de l'Infirm (gate of hell), the point through which all the diables and diablesses ran through to start the whole zany affair. Lilith wazzam (was & still is) a giant green 'vibria' (viper). She carries a trident and wears a brazen bodice. She and hubbie were recently retired for fear of folks stealing them. 'MENYSTIGUT LA PORTA HA DESAPAREGUT' (the door is gone) read a protesting sign.
0 2024/12/14 20:13:14
Gaudiamus is another 'drac' named for the city's famed hero. Larger than most, this Gracia figure was created in 99 by Dolors Sans. The Poblenou district's iconic monster bestiari is a 'fenix' bird, while the Sant Antoni motif is a 'porca' pig. Sant Andreu always sends their 'bretola' or three-headed Crebrus dog to the Correfoc.
Gaudiamus is another 'drac' named for the city's famed hero. Larger than most, this Gracia figure was created in 99 by Dolors Sans. The Poblenou district's iconic monster bestiari is a 'fenix' bird, while the Sant Antoni motif is a 'porca' pig. Sant Andreu always sends their 'bretola' or three-headed Crebrus dog to the Correfoc.
0 2024/12/14 20:19:11
Just five shots here. There was a palpable sense of mounting excitement in the massive crowd during the hour gap between the end of the kids Correfoc and the start of the Adult version. We chatted on a wet bench with a young German engineer whose dad was from Barcelona. The second that the above fireworks signaled 'the start' and illuminated Gaudi's most famous apartment, the above wavy 'La Pedrera', an ocean of giddy people swept us away from that bench.
Just five shots here. There was a palpable sense of mounting excitement in the massive crowd during the hour gap between the end of the kids Correfoc and the start of the Adult version. We chatted on a wet bench with a young German engineer whose dad was from Barcelona. The second that the above fireworks signaled 'the start' and illuminated Gaudi's most famous apartment, the above wavy 'La Pedrera', an ocean of giddy people swept us away from that bench.
0 2024/12/14 21:23:43
Casa Vicens was all about Gaudi's initial attempt at what became the 'Modernista' movement. In his imagination, that meant flamboyant mosaics and custom fountains. The various doors, windows, mirrors, art and plants were all special in their appearance. This was no place for 'plain.' Here, the ornate tower. There were good rooftop views.
Casa Vicens was all about Gaudi's initial attempt at what became the 'Modernista' movement. In his imagination, that meant flamboyant mosaics and custom fountains. The various doors, windows, mirrors, art and plants were all special in their appearance. This was no place for 'plain.' Here, the ornate tower. There were good rooftop views.
0 2024/12/14 22:51:41
Casa Vicens is a World Heritage Site. Here are the mugs that we bought from the Gift Shop. The motif second-from-right was all over the building.
Casa Vicens is a World Heritage Site. Here are the mugs that we bought from the Gift Shop. The motif second-from-right was all over the building.
0 2024/12/14 22:52:19
This 'drac animacio' figure was called 'Loki'. He and his little brother 'Aro' were created in 2022 by Elais Alvarez to represent the El Coll neighborhood up in Gracia. Loki is shown here on display days before the fest at Born's Cultural Center, a former market with ancient foundation ruins on display.
This 'drac animacio' figure was called 'Loki'. He and his little brother 'Aro' were created in 2022 by Elais Alvarez to represent the El Coll neighborhood up in Gracia. Loki is shown here on display days before the fest at Born's Cultural Center, a former market with ancient foundation ruins on display.
0 2024/12/14 20:00:47
Revelers, both local and foreign.
Revelers, both local and foreign.
0 2024/12/14 21:34:28
The eccentric building is known colorfully-tiled Moorish tiles.
The eccentric building is known colorfully-tiled Moorish tiles.
0 2024/12/14 22:52:35
There was a bit of brouhaha with some locals protesting the ongoing effect that tourism has on housing costs and quality of life. Beyond the odd bit of graffiti and a few banners, we experienced exactly zero hassles in that regard. Some locals protested The Americas Cup.
There was a bit of brouhaha with some locals protesting the ongoing effect that tourism has on housing costs and quality of life. Beyond the odd bit of graffiti and a few banners, we experienced exactly zero hassles in that regard. Some locals protested The Americas Cup.
0 2024/12/14 13:17:52
The location was Passeig de Gracia between Rossello and the Catalunya metro stop.
The location was Passeig de Gracia between Rossello and the Catalunya metro stop.
0 2024/12/14 20:34:52
We conclude this overview with a picture of Annibal Palazolo. He is originally from BA and busks in front of the main Cathedral. We visited with him a couple of times, to share our mutual admiration of the Madrid band 'Radio Tarifa' and also buy his own flamenco CD 'Entre Cuerdas.' Next: after a musical interlude--La Merce fest.
We conclude this overview with a picture of Annibal Palazolo. He is originally from BA and busks in front of the main Cathedral. We visited with him a couple of times, to share our mutual admiration of the Madrid band 'Radio Tarifa' and also buy his own flamenco CD 'Entre Cuerdas.' Next: after a musical interlude--La Merce fest.
0 2024/12/14 14:19:44
Intermittent rain resulted in some Correfoc figures being held back in storage coz they were made of materials that could not stand water. Shown here through a window at the Barceloneta district museum housing past Correfoc items, a fierce fanged mask.
Intermittent rain resulted in some Correfoc figures being held back in storage coz they were made of materials that could not stand water. Shown here through a window at the Barceloneta district museum housing past Correfoc items, a fierce fanged mask.
0 2024/12/14 19:47:27
Those neighborhood associations are composed of both children and adults - a wonderful idea.
Those neighborhood associations are composed of both children and adults - a wonderful idea.
0 2024/12/14 19:55:17
There were fire-breathing 'volador/sagresaur' dragon serpents representing evil, sinister eagles, Lleo the lion, angry goats, goofy cartoonish figures and more. Think a really animated Halloween where the-guy-down-the-street-who-does-pyrotechnic-effects-for-movies is in charge.
There were fire-breathing 'volador/sagresaur' dragon serpents representing evil, sinister eagles, Lleo the lion, angry goats, goofy cartoonish figures and more. Think a really animated Halloween where the-guy-down-the-street-who-does-pyrotechnic-effects-for-movies is in charge.
0 2024/12/14 20:00:21
It was as exciting as any stage production or concert anywhere. I thought to myself, "WELL-DONE BARCELONA!" It was then necessary to search for gaps in the crowd in order to squeeze onto the actual street location of the coming Correfoc procession. No easy task.
It was as exciting as any stage production or concert anywhere. I thought to myself, "WELL-DONE BARCELONA!" It was then necessary to search for gaps in the crowd in order to squeeze onto the actual street location of the coming Correfoc procession. No easy task.
0 2024/12/14 21:23:55
There was no doubt whatsoever now that the kids version had been the opening act to warm up the crowd. Things were by now darker (in more ways than one), explosions were louder as all Hell broke loose. It wasn't really that dangerous but one had to keep one's wits about them.
There was no doubt whatsoever now that the kids version had been the opening act to warm up the crowd. Things were by now darker (in more ways than one), explosions were louder as all Hell broke loose. It wasn't really that dangerous but one had to keep one's wits about them.
0 2024/12/14 21:34:16
Color was everywhere.
Color was everywhere.
0 2024/12/14 22:51:56
Here is Loki during the start of the parade. We learned that those drum troupes above serve an additional purpose: their relentless beats signal the location of unexploded firecracker caches to those paraders like the one shown here. The goal is to warn those wearing Loki-like figures to keep a distance so as NOT to accidentally spray their firecrackers too close to those caches.
Here is Loki during the start of the parade. We learned that those drum troupes above serve an additional purpose: their relentless beats signal the location of unexploded firecracker caches to those paraders like the one shown here. The goal is to warn those wearing Loki-like figures to keep a distance so as NOT to accidentally spray their firecrackers too close to those caches.
0 2024/12/14 20:00:56
We will continue to cover La Merce fest in the next posts. But first, some reading reccos.
We will continue to cover La Merce fest in the next posts. But first, some reading reccos.
0 2024/12/14 21:34:38
No matter what the rumors say: the cafe is OPEN.
No matter what the rumors say: the cafe is OPEN.
0 2024/12/14 22:52:44
These kids will never forget the moment. We see them at recess the following day. Sister: "AND THEN THE DRAGON BEAST SHOT SPARK FIRE AT RAIMUNDO AND EVERYTHING! HE STARTED CRYING!" Brother Raimundo: "LIAR! I DID NOT!!!'
These kids will never forget the moment. We see them at recess the following day. Sister: "AND THEN THE DRAGON BEAST SHOT SPARK FIRE AT RAIMUNDO AND EVERYTHING! HE STARTED CRYING!" Brother Raimundo: "LIAR! I DID NOT!!!'
0 2024/12/14 20:35:18
By this point, you could tell that everyone was anticipating the REAL adult Correfoc.
By this point, you could tell that everyone was anticipating the REAL adult Correfoc.
0 2024/12/14 20:35:49
The end of the kids correfoc. It began to rain. A cold rain not conducive to people with illness.
The end of the kids correfoc. It began to rain. A cold rain not conducive to people with illness.
0 2024/12/14 20:35:59
This figure was much taller than a basketball player. Dig the claws. Next: *The Adult Correfoc, one of Barcelona's Great Travel Moments. We recommend that you wear eye goggles and like that.
This figure was much taller than a basketball player. Dig the claws. Next: *The Adult Correfoc, one of Barcelona's Great Travel Moments. We recommend that you wear eye goggles and like that.
0 2024/12/14 20:36:10
First, an overview.
First, an overview.
0 2024/12/14 13:14:43
I second what Percy says about wishing those with health concerns all the Best. Those interested in Spain may want to view our new TR 'From Born to Bielsa.' Born is one of the neighborhoods where we rented in Barcelona, while Bielsa is a mountain town up in the Pyrenees. We also visited the French Pyrenees. I am done. the pyrennial travelerz
I second what Percy says about wishing those with health concerns all the Best. Those interested in Spain may want to view our new TR 'From Born to Bielsa.' Born is one of the neighborhoods where we rented in Barcelona, while Bielsa is a mountain town up in the Pyrenees. We also visited the French Pyrenees. I am done. the pyrennial travelerz
0 2024/12/14 21:54:02
We had a nice chat with this pair. The mentally-challenged son bearing the trident on the right was this year's kids Correfoc parade leader. I explained to his dad on the left how I'd once been a Spec Ed teacher and after that we hit it off.
We had a nice chat with this pair. The mentally-challenged son bearing the trident on the right was this year's kids Correfoc parade leader. I explained to his dad on the left how I'd once been a Spec Ed teacher and after that we hit it off.
0 2024/12/14 19:43:22
We rented two different apartments in Barcelona. The first week was in Born (la Ribera) then the second week was in Gracia (thx Maribel). Details to follow.
We rented two different apartments in Barcelona. The first week was in Born (la Ribera) then the second week was in Gracia (thx Maribel). Details to follow.
0 2024/12/14 13:15:40
We had a good time in Barcelona. Everywhere we met with friendly residents and good vibes.
We had a good time in Barcelona. Everywhere we met with friendly residents and good vibes.
0 2024/12/14 13:21:39
There was some unseasonal rain. Luckily, it occurred early on, while I was bedridden with fever and my wife was hack-coughing as never before. Seen above, trendy Passeig de Gracia which is the spine for La Ruta Modernisme in the Eixample (ay-SHAM-pluh).
There was some unseasonal rain. Luckily, it occurred early on, while I was bedridden with fever and my wife was hack-coughing as never before. Seen above, trendy Passeig de Gracia which is the spine for La Ruta Modernisme in the Eixample (ay-SHAM-pluh).
0 2024/12/14 13:23:20
0 2024/12/14 13:24:30
But Barcelona has plenty of other attractions. Seen here, the colorful glass dome of the city's Palau de Musica. Thanks for the tip to visit this gruezi! We skipped the famed Sagrada Familia, BUT are happy to pass along the following logistical tip for those interested in seeing it from nearby. Both the Colon plus the Sercotel Rossello hotel roof terrace cafes offer excellent views. Reserve ahead.
But Barcelona has plenty of other attractions. Seen here, the colorful glass dome of the city's Palau de Musica. Thanks for the tip to visit this gruezi! We skipped the famed Sagrada Familia, BUT are happy to pass along the following logistical tip for those interested in seeing it from nearby. Both the Colon plus the Sercotel Rossello hotel roof terrace cafes offer excellent views. Reserve ahead.
0 2024/12/14 13:24:43
As with other festive events, banners representing barrios (or in this case another town) were part of the show. The gegants that they lead about represent various historical figures.
As with other festive events, banners representing barrios (or in this case another town) were part of the show. The gegants that they lead about represent various historical figures.
0 2024/12/15 13:35:47
Gegants are lovingly created with paper machier and fiberglass. They can reach as high as 5 meters. The robust individuals who volunteer to go inside them and carry them around are always covered in sweat afterwards. The towering King above was from Zaragoza, a town whose name I could not begin to properly pronounce, nothing like its phonetic appearance! The guy inside this gegant was actually a young keyboardist named Andrieu. We had a long chat during a break.
Gegants are lovingly created with paper machier and fiberglass. They can reach as high as 5 meters. The robust individuals who volunteer to go inside them and carry them around are always covered in sweat afterwards. The towering King above was from Zaragoza, a town whose name I could not begin to properly pronounce, nothing like its phonetic appearance! The guy inside this gegant was actually a young keyboardist named Andrieu. We had a long chat during a break.
0 2024/12/15 13:41:01
The angry 18C painter Francisco Goya next to a character called Giganticus or somesuch. This pair were also from Zaragoza and like all other gegants would do a twirling dance to historical music during the various downtown parades. If the parade took them along medieval alleys here, it would be called a 'toc a plagar'. Btw, Goya's wife trailed behind.
The angry 18C painter Francisco Goya next to a character called Giganticus or somesuch. This pair were also from Zaragoza and like all other gegants would do a twirling dance to historical music during the various downtown parades. If the parade took them along medieval alleys here, it would be called a 'toc a plagar'. Btw, Goya's wife trailed behind.
0 2024/12/15 13:41:26
The King and Queen? Am I right, Enric? Maribel?
The King and Queen? Am I right, Enric? Maribel?
0 2024/12/15 14:06:09
Spain's Jewish heritage was represented. First the husband...
Spain's Jewish heritage was represented. First the husband...
0 2024/12/15 14:08:13
0 2024/12/15 17:45:10
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