carrer Verdi

It's been many-a-days since I last posted.

I've been delayed because there are so many pictures and I wanted to do justice to each of the contestants at la festa de Gràcia, 2008 and the people who were kind enough to let me photograph them.

So, today, I begin with the people on Carre Verdi.

We met Esther, studiously, methodically and carefully mixing the paint on her palette to capture the right mood and intensity of the street.

Esther
Barcelona, 2008

Esther didn’t realize that she became part of the picture for there was a BIG BLACK SPOT on her teeny, tiny upturned nose.

Esther's Palette
Barcelona, 2008

Further down, behind the beverage counter was Julio Soto from Cuba, in Barcelona for about 3 years. He had a bright face y una sonrisa que me encanta. (A smile that enchanted me) and I couldn’t resist taking his photo.

Julio Soto
Barcelona, 2008

He couldn’t resist my effervescent, bubbly and sparkling personality and charm, either. (Wow!! I sound like a cool beverage of lemonade on a hot, humid day!).

I think he was surprised that anyone would want to photograph him because carrer Verdi itself was clearly the star, festooned in array of flamboyant colors that would make a lover of Las Vegas happy to be here.

Anyway, carrer Verdi’s theme was on Mexico. When you look at the flickr photo stream, you will see what a great job they did.

Carrer Verdi received 3rd place of honor out of the 15 of those who participated.

We congratulate carrer Verdi and I thank Julio Soto and Esther for indulging me.

View barcalunacy's la festa Gràcia, 2008 FLCKR photoset.

placeta Sant Miguel

For the past 5 years, placeta Sant Miguel has not ceased to amaze me.

They keep getting better and better, decorating their street with warm and inviting colors.

Someone likes flowers for their display 2 years ago had an assortment of them.

placeta Sant Miguel, 2008

But the real star this year at la festa de Gràcia was the mariposa, or butterfly with the sun strobing the mariposa's shadows on the street, on the displays and the many people.

Placeta Sant Miguel received 13th place honorable mention out of 15 who participated.

Congratulations placeta Sant Miguel!

View barcalunacy's la festa Gràcia, 2008 FLCKR photoset.

carrer Berga

Carrer Berga is a small side street by the Mercat de Llibertat, the furthest away from all the streets that participated in la festa and might easily be forgotten.

But if you missed this street, you should kick yourself and plan on bringing the kids next year,

carrer Berga, 2008

Oh, and stay YOURSELF, because on the last night there is a wonderful GROWN-UP band that plays soothing music and

Oh, get your hips in shape for swaying and gyrating.

carrer Berga, 2008

This year’s theme at Carre Berga was about the Environment, the different ways to recycle and what not to waste.

Berga received 12th place honorable mention out of 15 who participated and a special category award for Reutilization.

Berga, I liked your display and creativity. Sorry I missed hearing more of your music but

I will definitely have a ring side seat next year.

View barcalunacy's la festa Gràcia, 2008 FLCKR photoset.

Cool Calcium Consumption

Calcium is an important vitamin that everyone needs especially women, my doctors have said.

So, for me, it was nice to see that this young girl had taken her doctor's advice.

Barcelona, 2008

With every slurpy, slippery lick, I felt Vitamins A, all the B's, C, D surge through her body.

It was time for me to take my medicine, too.

So, I galloped like a graceful hippo, to Tomo II, a local ice cream joint, and I had my creamy, swirly, cool chocolate amargo (bitter).

 Tomo II, 2008

I felt so much better.

Hey, if you happen to visit Barcelona, I recommend this ice cream place. It's at the plaça Sant Miguel.

Now I will enjoy a break from la festa major de Gràcia, 2008, and eat a healthful scoop of refreshing medicine and be healthy, just like she is.

View barcalunacy's la festa Gràcia, 2008 FLCKR photoset.