Investing in a Gesture

If world leaders had someone to wipe away the tear lovingly from their cheek, the rest of us would benefit.

Cervesa de Nadal --- not Rafael Nadal!

Holiday beer may be common in Barcelona, Spain and the rest of the world, but I've never seen holiday beer on the other side of the pond. And, the best part is that the beer pictured and promoted here is Voll-Damm.

I like Voll-Damm a whole lot.

No:  it's true!

It's a robust beer with a savory flavor like filet mignon sauteed with soy sauce and ginger. Yum-Yum!!

Voll-Damm helps me relax, and the best part, my head feels great. Many wines and beers leave me with a headache and I would have my customary maybe 1 or 2 drinks a year.

So: put away the Xanax, celebrate your holiday and enjoy!

Ancient Communication Device

The rare telephone booth brought to my eyes a warm feeling of nostalgia like meeting a dear old friend. I wondered if I could I be seeing the last of the public phone booths here in Barcelona.

I can imagine a 15 year old of today might say, "I sort of remember that machine" and a child 10 and under might ask, "What is that"? They might also wonder and ask about the typewriter, letters received through the post, and even sit in awe of a home cooked meal rather than squirm in the back seat of a car while driving through a drive-in.

I know life is ever evolving, changing and I suspect for the better. But, I like to get my mail delivered by a human, I like the melodic and even sound of the typewriter and I enjoy making a good meal.

You know! I think I'm feeling a bit of a wake up call and I'm going to modify my life from a slither to a crawl and pretend I'm kid again.

The Longest Catalonian Flag on the Block

On November 09th, 2014 Catalans went to the voting polls and the results showed more than 80% of the voters had general discontent for Madrid's central government and voiced their desire to be liberated from Spain.

I have no idea what or when the next step will be but, you can be sure of excitement, work, passion and frustration from both camps.

A Scrap of Success

They feed the birds the real deal meal and she's no slouch.

Indecisive Moment

To uncover the Big Answers to life's problems, you sometimes have to pull out the stops and engage in a truly in-depth search, and follow every lead unflaggingly, courageously and unstoppably until you unearth the truth you truly need! Remember all you learned from reading The Prophet.

This principle also applies when you lose your camera in your purse.

Her and Her Device

Private public places are hard to find.

Mass Tourism Kills the Neighborhood

 

What happens when you sell real estate to an investor with no personal ties to the community?

What happens when the investor rents apartments to young tourists who party like the wholesome frat boys of "Animal House"?

What happens when the young party animals socialize like there is no tomorrow on a daily basis and disrupt the peaceful nature of a community?

What happens is a sign like in the photo.

Ellusive Garbo in Barcelona

She caught my eye and I caught my breath; was it SHE? Was I really in Central Park, New York and not Barcelona, Spain?  Was I dreaming?

The woman who was maybe SHE had the captivating swagger of assurance, positiveness and -- hauntingly -- the loneliness of THE LOOK.

But SHE was and is Garbo, long dead now, swagger, assurance and loneliness long gone.  Maybe, after all, I wasn't dreaming, but was, nevertheless in a dream -- hers.

Crappy Tuesdays

 

Good morning San Francisco!!

It's been a rainy, cold, 54 degree afternoon this crappy Tuesday in Barcelona.

Sunny Spain is a myth on a day like today and many more days for Barcelona's winter has begun.

Shucks! I'm not asking for pity,

For I know it's not the Windy City.

But I let you know,

While it's not snow,

It still feels pretty shitty.

Three Folks and a Fountain

For those who want to live in the shadows, LCD lighting should be reconsidered.

Ara és l'hora

Ara és l'hora

The HOUR IS NOW

 Today, Catalonia is voting on a referendum that will let Madrid, the central government of Spain, know that Catalonia wishes wants to be treated fairly.

About a month ago, Scotland was given the opportunity to vote whether it should leave the United Kingdom or not. Scotland chose to stay.

Scotland's action lit a fire under the average Catalanian. Madrid let Catalonia know that to VOTE to secede from Spain would be unlawful. In other words, NO VOTING on secession or for anything else is allowed.

Here's the rub: So, right now, Catalonia is VOTING on a referendum that will let Madrid, the central government of Spain, know that Catalonia wishes wants to be treated fairly. Today, they just want a VOTE.

Disclaimer: I am not from here. I'm an expat who admires the passion the Catalans have for their culture and language. I'm not certain that I understand the political maneuvers of Catalonia and/or Madrid. I'm just an average Jane, trying to make sense out of the nonsense I see.

Sun Strokes

Bypassing Airport Security

Birds eye view de la Catedral Basílica Metropolitana de Barcelona or the Barcelona Cathedral.

Charlie

Charlie is a kiosk owner, blessed with great teeth, an infectious smile, and the body of a running back.

And, of course, I'm to high minded to notice.

Step Sisters

(A half embrace times a half embrace) + a step up ='s closeness.

Practicing my math skills and honing my low and less than carefree style of writing.