People, Barcelona

Women do often go topless on the beaches here it seemed pretty common, so for those of you who aren't used to it ( my fellow americans) just be aware, and don't stare because no one else does!!! I don't believe that this is an entirely Spanish tradition, I think that northern European women started this trend in the 60s when they came to Spain as tourists. At the time Spain was under rule by the authoritarian and very conservative leader Franco. The topless trend therefore must have gradually evolved over the years. Don't feel pressured to if you don't want to , and again no one stares.

This is a local custum in Catalonia and other parts of Spain.I found this nice "correfoc" walking by one quarter of the old town not far from Passeig de Gràcia.It consist in a group of people that celebrate some festivals on their neighborhood.They were carrying some fireworks and a small band was playing some nice music behind them, they walks for many streets of the quarter burning the fireworks,it is an amazing and very noisy event,but they have lots of fun.

Catalunyans are really friendly people, but they are horrible at giving directions. Asking a simple question such as, 'can you tell me where Cassanova street is', will merit a long drawn out answer that probably wont lead you to your destination. Go to an information center or consult a map instead.

The Mediterranean is not only key to the industrial and commercial success of Barcelona, but for a city that depends heavily on tourism, the sea ports provide the perfect place for cruise ships from all over to dock. This allows for the influx of thousands of day trippers into the Barclona' s shops, restaurants, and sites.

An added benefit is that whenever you wish to take a cruise of the Mediterranean, you can look for cruises that include Barcelona if you ever wished to go back and visit again (or for the first time).

Can you make out the name on the boat? Look just above the sailboat, below the red smoke-stack. Yes!!! It's the famous Queen Mary 2. We saw it just a week before this picture was taken in New York City! How surprised where we to find it here!

Well, maybe my sister will kill me when see this photo, but is worthy to show it. It's no so clear, but is quite authentic. The photo date from the early seventy. My mother wore my sister with tipycal catalan before a fest, i don't remember whych.
The tipycal catalan dress, people only wear in specyal events. Well, I have not ever wear it. You can see, my sister yes.
Bé, potser la meva germana em matarà quan vegi aquesta foto, però val la pena ensenyar-la. Data de principis dels setanta. La meva mare va vestir la meva germana amb el tratjo típic català abans d'alguna festa.
Aquí, el tratjo típic només es porta en moments especials. Jo mai me l'he posat. Poeu veure que la meva germana, sí.

There inside the courtyard of the cathedral of Barri Gotic, is a well manicured plaza with tall trees, shrubs, and geese. There were a few women who came around to feed them. It was very sweet but the tranquility of the courtyard has a different ring to it when competing with the squaking of happy, hungry geese. But it was sweet of her to do so.

It seemed that there was always an abundance of cats in certain places. Especially at the Castell de Montjuic. But I soon discovered why that would be. There was a very pleasant and friendly man who comes there possibly everyday to work. I believe he is one of the security guards for the castle. He brings with him things for the dozen or so stray cats that hang about areound the fortified walls. It was very nice of him to do and they all seemed very happy to see him.

It is great to see local artists display some of their works. You may see a lot of this along Las Ramblas or even around the Barri Gotic cathedrals. It is at times very genuine and quite good. But all art is subject to many different opinions. There are many galleries in the Carrer Montcada and even some more modern local works on display and for sale near the Barcelona Cathedral. In fact Barcelona has so many areas that are picturesque you may feel as though you are walking through one.

I am not so sure what game this is that they are playing, maybe a version of Bacci Ball or lawn bowling. But during our trip in particular we were able to see quite a few men huddled around talking strategy and really concentrating on this game in particular. Great roars would be heard when something good was done and there was always the buzz of conversation.

What I really loved seeing is all the various groups of people walking the streets of Barcelona. Especially the parks. I loved seeing the well cultured members of Barcelona society getting together for walks or just conversation. It is nice to see that people take the time out to enjoy one another's company.