The Art of Negotiation

For anyone and everyone, finding peace and quiet in this tumultuous world can be difficult.

And, for the cute little girl who was sitting on the ledge, content and happy, her time of peace and quiet was invaded by the loud demand of a little boy wanting to take her space.

She stood her ground, but after much hand waving, cajoling and whining, the little boy won but not before he gave her some candy.

Their hero

While I was walking towards my favorite mercado, I heard a commotion of adult and children voices in front of the Restaurant Corea Gayagum, well known in la vila de Gràcia neighborhood.

There was this fellow trying to hoist a balloon to the kids on the balcony but the balloon kept slipping from the children's grasp.

I saw this scene unfolding for 20 minutes or so. I have no idea the length of time the actors in this play were involved before I came.

As I clicked, I kept wondering why the man didn't bring the balloon upstairs, or why they didn't come downstairs.

No matter - they were all having fun.

Thumbs Up!

She stands out.

Almost hard to do with the decor lit in bold bright blue neon lights.

Thumbs Up!

Oh, the obvious to you might be her beaming orange hair, but really, she colors your grin with her contagious smile.

FYI: Me (obviously) outside looking in AND her hair has NOT been post processed.

View barcalunacy's A Candid View of Everyday People FLCKR photoset.

Hola! Diga!

Do you remember the old high school senior pictures from way back when?

No. Marisa and Celsa didn’t graduate from anywhere when I took their photo; even though it certainly appears that they did.

They work at La Taberna del Cura, where just about every Sunday, we stand in line with the many others humans, to buy pit de pollastre or rotisserie chicken, and hear the famous words greeting us and every customer,

Hola! Diga!

We met Marisa for the first time; she captivated us with her warm persona, good natured spirit y una sonrisa que me encanta (a smile that enchants me).

Marisa, 2008

We see Celsa’s cheery face each time we go there. She is a person with a wonderful personality, disposition and a great wink of the right eye.

Celsa, 2008

And the hats! Overwhelming, remarkable and colorful, eh?

So, if you don’t want to cook, or you want to picnic some where with take out food, not to be confused with fast-food, and you don't mind waiting, then go to la Taberna.

La Taberna del Cura, 2008

Or eat in the restaurant, that is adjacent to the take-out area. You won’t be sorry. The lunch specials are delicious and very affordable.

It’s located on Carrer Gran de Gràcia. You will see many people lined up to buy not only pollo, farm or range raised, but rabbit, lamb and other good food.

La Taberna is an off shoot of the famous Botafumeiro restaurant, known for its quality seafood, ornate décor and attention to their customers.

It’s a classy, elegant and refined joint and La Taberna a few notches down, fitting my requirements, casualness.

Take One and Cut!

It is not my way to take photos of people sitting in an outdoor café but I couldn’t resist just this one time.

When I first saw him, I thought him a most striking man.

I think the white beard and white hair added to his maturity.

plaça Rius y Taulet, 2008

So, I picked up my camera, ever so delicately, and shot the one shot.

Who does he look like to YOU?!

And, more importantly could it be?

You tell me.

La Diada Nacional de Catalunya

I love Spain. They have a holiday practically every month and the natives here just got back from a month long vacation.

Memo: If you work for the American Consulate you get the United States’ and Spain’s federal and Catalunya’s holidays.

Forn de Sant Tirs (Gràcia)
Barcelona, 2008

Tomorrow, September 11th, is a holiday in Catalunya with festivities, political demonstrations, and concerts to be held through out the province.

It is a day to remind those of Catalonia’s fall on September 11, 1714 to Philip V, their eventual loss of self-government and condemnation of their language, further repressed during Franco’s regime.

Around 6 years after Franco’s death, the Government of Catalunya made September 11th the National Day of Catalonia or La Diada as it is commonly called.

For now, I upload a photo of pastries to give you a taste and flavor of the holiday. (Pun intended). The pastries are decorated in the colors of the Catalan flag.

Forn de Sant Tirs (Gràcia)
Barcelona, 2008

Come back tomorrow to see pictures of the festivities.

P.S. Ironically, the United States remembers its own 911 and I will never forget too.

Hasta Mañana

Sundays in Barcelona are peaceful with families strolling along the sidewalk, activities in the plaças and on rare occasions and I do mean RARE you see somebody actually working.

So it happened as I crossed the street, I saw this man stooping, wiping, and painting the steel persiana with the orangest gloves you ever so and a most serious look.

Barcelona, 2008

I began taking pictures and explained that his motions and silhouette were more to my interest and not his face.

As he relaxed (in that way I have of making people feel good), I complimented him on a job well done. He explained that he promised the proprietor 8 years ago to do this job and the day finally came when his chips were called in.

She had nagged he said (but I think he really meant a gentle nudge) to do the job and under what circumstances he agreed now to do it, I will never know.

She, the proprietor, was his wife and we all know that wives are these patient, good-natured and understanding genders.

NO?

View barcalunacy's A Candid View of Everyday People FLCKR photoset

plaça Rius y Taulet

Many years ago, what seems like a googolplex amount of time passing, the Smurf’s were a popular television show, as American Idol and Dancing with the Stars are today.

Come one Halloween year, I convinced one of my sons to be Papa Smurf. I didn’t sew then and I don’t now but I thought my brilliant, outlandish idea would be fun, using old clothing and what not.

plaça Rius y Taulet, 2008

Oh, yes! The best part of my imagination was working and coming to reality. You, who have no stitching skills, would appreciate this. I made the hat out of felt material, and I got ballerina shoes, improvising them to look like Papa Smurf’s shoes.

Now wait!

I, his mother, in my creative wisdom, used Elmer’s glue (yes, you read it correctly) to paste about 20 cotton balls, on his cute little face. (Yes, I am biased.)

My son was Papa Smurf and I was swollen with pride and his face was just swollen.

plaça Rius y Taulet, 2008

Oh, how he would have been at home at plaça Rius y Taulet.

Plaça Rius y Taulet received 7th place honorable mention out of 15 who participated in la festa, Gràcia! 2008.

Congratulations to you!

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

Ice-Cycle

Chocolate!

Chocolate cake, chocolate candy and better yet chocolate ice cream, I like a whole lot.

The best I’ve tasted is at a place called Tomo II, here in Barcelona, where I wrote a post previously.

However, a blogger pal, Toti Spinelli of Argentina challenges my fact finding find of the best chocolate ice cream saying that I must come to Argentina for they have the best.,

Barcelona, 2008

Well, maybe, perhaps, and perchance I will get to South America, and see for myself.

What restaurant, café or fast food place can you go into and not gain weight?

None!

What restaurant, café or fast food place can you go into and weigh less?

The Caruba in Rius y Taulet.

Their café descafenado (decaf coffee) con leche aparte (with milk on the side) and pan tomaquet (tomato bread) are delicious, scrumptious and guaranteed to bring you back to the Caruba.

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.

carrer Bruniquer

I couldn't make it to all the streets that participated in la festa major de Gràcia, like I would have liked.

However, I wouldn't have missed carrer Bruniquer for 2 years ago they had a simple display but vibrant colors.

I was using my wide angle zoom lens and I desperately wanted a human for depth.

So here comes Mark, the grandson of Luis and the brother of Aina, who accommodated my pathetic need to shoot a good photo.

carrer Bruniquer, 2008

By the time these photos were taken, the prizes had been awarded and carrer Bruniquer received 9th place honorable mention out of 15 who participated and a special category award for Innovation.

Their theme was Glacat, meaning frost or ice. Their displays were creative, fun and the street was inviting.

carrer Bruniquer, 2008

I would like to mention that Luis is the president of the block for la festa and a terrific warm man.

I was ecstatic, elated and exhilarated to meet you Luis, Aina and Mark

And,

Congratulations on your awards. Well done!

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.

Chaotic Frenzy

La festa de Gràcia, 2008 has officially opened and the barrio of Gràcia is full of life for the next seven days!

On Friday, about 8 am, cannon like sounds were heard throughout my neighborhood announcing the Feast of the Assumption, a Catholic, HOLYDAY of obligation, the festa of Gràcia AND

A HOLIDAY, meaning a day off for the majority of the people.

We headed for placa Rius y Taulet and didn't expect the crowds that had already gathered there.

plaça Rius y Taulet, 2008

Of course, we were about 2 hours behind everyone else and I suspect some fun stuff had already happened.

When we got there, we followed the sounds of pulsating drums and saw people rhythmically moving and swaying.

I excused my way through the crowds, and I could see the TALL PEOPLE dancing in the middle of the placa.

Devils danced and the crouching dragon I mentioned in a previous post was there including Gaudi's lizard.

These 2 animals charged the toreador who then pierced its skin. This is the closest I will probably get to a bullfight, even though I think all there knew they were not really real bulls.

Next, other devils, I think, dressed in yellow pants and blue capes dancing in a circle told us to move further away.

I hesitated just enough to see the entire sky lit with fire and the sparks landing on my body, singing my skin in places it shouldn’t have been.

A burning feeling told me shouldn't be there.

plaça Rius y Taulet, 2008

People were scattering everywhere.

I got some photos of people running and you can see the black devils shooting the fire crackers and smoke is everywhere.

I felt like Robert Capa (the famous war photographer) but really, I don't have deadlines to meet, ( no, it's true), I don't get paid ( yes, even truer) and this blog is purely for fun (that's a fact).

I've got to prioritize my free time better, I think.

When all calmed down, again some folks made a circle and shot what I think were muskets. For them to shoot again, they had to fill the barrel of the rifle with gun powder.

Anyway, the photos on flickr represent about 2 hours of my day at Rius y Taulet.

It took another 2 days for my body to recover, to sift through the photos and to decide what to show for this post.

Wow … another 4 days to go.

P. S. Rius y Taulet creative theme seems to be the Smurfs. In my opinion, they are a contender for first place.

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

Head Rush

Those who practice yoga say that standing upside down, or inversions, help to stimulate the flow of blood, bringing oxygen to your brain.

You can chose to use gravity boots, a yoga sling, inversion tables or a plain wall.

But, I found a young boy, who took inversion to another limit, blending his mind, body and spirit'

And the funny thing, he was having FUN!

Barcelona, 2008

La Festa, Gràcia! 2008 has informally begun.

At the Jardinets, on Gran de Gràcia, the carnival has arrived.

And what a treat to see the kids on rides and parents enjoying cotton candy.

Friday, the 15th begins the official festa and I will write more about its history.

Barcelona at its Finest

I share with you a post called "Tranquility".

These pictures were taken with a Dimage Z1 and I've saturated a few of the photos.

Original post: 06/27/06

Here’s Barcelona at its finest.

What better way then to spend a day in bed at the park.

plaça de Gal.la Placidia, 2006

Or eat a meal in peace.

plaça de Gal.la Placidia, 2006

Or to hide behind the flowers, away from ME?

plaça de Gal.la Placidia, 2006

Wondering what the day will bring.

plaça de Gal.la Placidia, 2006

The envy of all women, to be adorned by a sea of beauty.

plaça de Gal.la Placidia, 2006

Even the city revels in its own reflection.

plaça de Gal.la Placidia, 2006

But as for me, I walk in the shadows of light, looking for YOU!

plaça de Gal.la Placidia, 2006

View barcalunacy's plaça de Gal.la Placidia FLCKR photoset.

Camouflaged, Shrouded and Sealed

The adjuntament of Catalunya has provided for participants of la Festa, Gràcia, 2008, hidden places where they can make in peace and house with no fear of vandalism their goons, goblins, aliens and who knows what else.

Sh! Don’t tell a soul. I found ONE!

plaça Rius y Taulet, 2008

Yes! They caught me coming around the corner with my trigger finger ready to take aim and shoot.

They were to fast for me.

They began putting a clear plastic wrap around the monster.

I could almost guess what it was but they stealthily and frantically began to hermetically seal the fiend, as you can clearly see in the picture.

Yep. They were fast, but they couldn't fool me.

I know a crouching tiger when I see one.

P.S. The festa will be held on August 15th to the 21st in the vila de Gràcia.

Grandma! I miss you

A long time ago, I met a step uncle, now dead, whose hobby was photography.

I wish now I had paid attention when he explained the f-stop and such, but then photography for me was an expensive hobby and I couldn’t put into action what he taught me, then. How depressing.

Barcelona, 2008

He went to many places in the world, shooting role after role, as if he had a memory card. Gosh, he would go nuts, today!

One day he gave me a gift, a photo, framed that is still hung in my home.

It was a picture of a simple Mexican woman, squatting on a cold, stone floor, cooking.

In that 1/30 of a second, he captured her thin frame, chiseled face and multi-colored dress

But,

The tanned, veined hands caught my eyes.

Something felt familiar and my throat lumped.

I missed grandma.

P.S. The photo is of an 88 year old woman I saw sitting in a plaza I will not name. There were pigeons and I mean a googolplex amount of pigeons on and around her.

She let me get this close, so out of consideration, I will not show her face.

Crapper Unscripted!

Where is the one place where if you want to be alone, read, write, cry and do whatever?

Like you, maybe, I would choose the bathroom.

It is a more confined, cloistered, comfortable and PRIVATE place.

Not like the damaged, defective, dusty and dry toilets, you see here.

 

Crapper Unscripted

Barcelona, 2008

More importantly what do I write that would please you and me and make this photo worthwhile?

I could speak about the sublime beauty of the purity of line bringing within the realm of discourse the substructure of critical thinking.

Or, about the internal dynamic of the biomorphic forms verging on codifying the exploration of montage elements.

No. I won't bore you with technical terms of minilism.

Why did I eventually shoot this photo?

Simple. Because I turned the corner.

27°C/82°F

While the temperature might not be high, the humidity is and my clothes, face and hair can certainly attest to that.

Anyway, I am again posting The Unhot Dog, reminiscent of the "old" days when the soothing sounds of the fountains were heard, and where birds (and plenty of them) were quenching their thirst.

Original post: 07/03/2006

Click HERE to view the video in Quicktime.

I returned back to the plaça hoping to get more shots of Diego of Brazil. My main objectives were to get a better handle of the wide angle lens, lighting and motion, but, alas, Diego was no where to be seen.

My backup plan, if Diego was a no show, was to practice shooting photos of a running fountain and capture in midstream that ONE drop of water I’ve seen in books and magazines.

But, instead, I had an unexpected visitor … a beautiful POOCH sitting in the fountain’s water. I got a few stills of him and then he left. He had enough.

I had a gut feeling he might return.

So ... I set my camera, like a true photographer I am, ahem, to video mode and luckily for me, he came back.

Smart dog!

Lucky me!

la Festa, Gràcia! 2008

From August 15th to the 21st, the barrio de Gràcia will host a festa where various neighborhoods will compete with one another for first prize ... Creativity.

la Festa, Gràcia! 2008

In 2006, carre Verdi/Robí was the WINNER. I wasn't here for the 2007 Festa, and I missed being here like a dog denied a ham bone.

To get a peek of what I am writing, read further and be sure to click on the VIDEO.

It's really, REALLY worth seeing.

Who knows. You might plan your vacation to enjoy the festa next year.

Original post: 09/01/2006

THE WINNER!!!!

Verdi Rocks!

Last in a series of the Festa Major de Gràcia, 2006!!

Placed 1st in the Best Decorated Street entry category and 1st for Creativity and Best Decorated Ceiling at the Festa Major de Gràcia, 2006.

What a night it was the night I went to see the displays at carrer de Verdi/Robí.



The night before the very last night, my camera, my partner and I barreled over to Verdi: How exhilarating, invigorating, enlivening, exciting and electrifying the evening was! It was also a turn-on.

So different was this street when the neighbors (vecinos) were setting everything up for the festa. They slaved away on their displays and put together the ghooly Star-Trekky-type-space-aliens.

There were jillions of folks of all ages, sizes, shapes and genders holding hands, dancing, and singing.

You could feel the music, thunderous, pulsating, fresh-from-the-jungle music that made it a veritable moral obligation to shimmy, sway and swing.

If you don’t believe me, think I’ve gone berserk with my verbs, check out my video proof.



Click HERE!

Did I forget to mention the gigantic hullabaloos of balloons, gargantuan portions of eats and oceans of drink everywhere the eye could hear, the ears to sing to?

If I don’t mention the lights, you’ll send a firing squad up before me. And what would happen then?? Lights lit up the Aliens, (definitely not of this or any other world), breathtaking lights that made these Un-humans appear to be aflame with fun and fun-loving.

View barcalunacy's Catalunya’s carre de Verdi y Robi, 2006 FLCKR photoset.

View barcalunacy's COLLECTION of 7 streets in la festa de Gràcia,2006 FLCKR photoset.