[vimeo 128597809 w=700&h=400]
Tag Archives: Catalonia
Barcelona
If there was one place we really didn’t expect to be disappointed, it was Barcelona! However, such is life. We spent 3 days there, with only half a day of sunshine. The attractions are very spread out so hard work to get to, though we took the tourist bus, it still took ages. It is VERY crowded! In the end, we decided there was no point hanging around to take exactly the same photos that have been taken 1000’s of times already, when we weren’t even enjoying ourselves! So, we left. We think cities are best done as seperate trips, from a hotel in the centre, so it’s easy to nip back and have a rest in the afternoon, so we may take a week by air some time.
Anyway, you know what this is. Started in 1882 and declared half finished in 2010, it is supposed to be completed by 2026. The reason it has speeded up is that modern methods are being used. Instead of having stone masons on site, the stone blocks are now cut by computerised machines off site and then placed in position. It is incredibly popular, and people were obviously enjoying themselves photographing it, in spite of it being covered in netting and scaffolding and cranes.
Girona
After such a great day in Figueres, Girona, could have been a let down, but it wasn’t. It’s a lovely town.
This is the most famous view. Continue reading
Figueres
The Dali Museum is AWESOME, in the truest sense of the word. We had such a good time there! Not easy to photograph, but we tried.
Exterior, before it opened.
The Spanish Border and Dali Country
The first thing you notice when you cross the border is that Spain is a much poorer country than France. The roads are in less good condition, the houses look more neglected. I must admit, at a first glance I thought, crikey, I want to go back to France! Then I thought, how ridiculous, the first time we went to France, I was desperate to get back to England and familiarity. How strange that after three visits, I now feel perfectly (almost!) at home in France. Anyway, I am getting used to Spain, although not having any Spanish is a hindrance!
Our first stop is at Port Lligat, where Salvador Dali lived for many years. 
The house of Salvador Dali at Port Lligat. He lived here with his wife Gala, who features in many of his paintings, for about 50 years. They originally bought just one fisherman’s cottage, single storey, then bought all the attached ones, extended upwards, and also bought the land around. The house is a labyrinth!