NO PAELLA, POR FAVOR: (Conclusion) The Genius Madman Cometh to Barcelona

When in Barcelona, it is inevitable that the name of the famous architect Gaudi comes up. And why not? Some of the most iconic attractions in this city are his creations, foremost being the  Basilica de la Sagrada Familia (which, incidentally, is not yet finished! Target completion is during 2026, the centenary of Gaudi's death).


First, a bit of info on Antoni Gaudi. As a student, he showed tons of promise, leading one of his professors to remark that he was "either a genius or a madman". His first public commission was designing lamp posts at Placa Reial, which proved to be successful. Unfortunately, he got into a dispute with the city council over the sum he was to be paid.

His private commissions (notably for rich textile industrialist Eusebi Guell) were critically acclaimed, yet invariably marked by massive cost overruns.

Gaudi was a person of contrasts. He was hard to deal with, being a loner AND a perfectionist. Yet he was also profoundly religious, and gave all his money to the church. He devoted the last years of his life totally to the construction of the Sagrada Familia. He died tragically -  struck by a tram one evening, and expiring in a hospital a few days later.

One of his worthiest creations was Parc Guell, a total flop of a real estate development (think of it as an exclusive private subdivision), but teeming with his genius.

"Parc Guell was envisioned by his friend and patron, Eusebi Guell, to be an utopian retreat far away from the hub hub of the city, construction started in 1900. However, due to World War I and the resulting crisis, work ground to a halt in 1914. At this point, only two of the planned sixty houses had been built. 

Eventually, Parc Guell was used for parties and conferences, until it was acquired by the Barcelona City Council and transformed into a public park in 1922. It was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984." [Source: Antoni Gaudi: His Works in Barcelona]

Check out the details on these windows:

 

Here's a close-up of the bevy of ceramic tiles:

From the main entrance of the park, and right up the staircase is this dragon fountain, an irresistable photo-op for most tourists:

Then we have what was supposed to be the Market Hall for residents, with the ceramic artwork on the ceiling:

 How's this for a closer look of the artwork? ;-D

 

And the piece de resistance. These undulating, sensuous multi-colored benches, with their vibrant mosaic tiles, are truly marvelous! Under the right weather conditions, one can sit here all day, admiring the view of the city below (well, if not for the hordes of other tourists taking photos!)

 

 Also worth a visit to is the Gaudi House-Museum, where the architect (with his father and niece) lived from 1906 to 1926. This house was actually the 'model unit' for Parc Guell, although i don't think Gaudi did any sales-pitching to prospective buyers at that time! ;-D

 

 Here's this lovely female performer, playing a Coldplay tune on her violin, right outside the museum.

A visit to Barcelona is not complete without seeing at least one of Gaudi's works.  I heartily recommend the Sagrada Familia (book in advance online to avoid two-hour queues during peak season, and make sure your ticket includes a ride up to one of the towers); Parc Guell; and even taking in a FREE Gaudi walking tour for an overview of his other works - Runner Bean Tours is a very good choice.

Parc Guell is a EUR10 taxi ride away from the Las Ramblas area, taking approximately 30 minutes. Please check their official website for opening hours, ticket prices and other info.

NO PAELLA, POR FAVOR: (Part 4) Life is like a Flamenco Show - you never know what you're gonna get.

One of the much-awaited highlights of our tour was the flamenco performance in Seville. Our guide Ieva reminded us to be on time, as the performance venue was small, and seating was on a first-come, first-served basis.

She repeatedly stressed that we were going to watch the 'traditional' flamenco. Unfortunately, yours truly did not comprehend the full significance of what she was saying then, and here lies my tale. 

All i knew about flamenco was that it was a form of Spanish music and dance - someone strumming their guitar, while a couple or a group of people danced vigorously (akin to tap dancing) with arms and hands flailing about.  Well, apparently i was wrong!

So we duly walked to the venue, Casa de la Memoria. It was indeed quite intimate, much smaller than i had expected - people in the front rows were literally a step or two away from the stage. A crew member announced that taking photographs was not allowed, except during the final ten minutes of the show; and they would give the signal accordingly. 

The performers - a male guitarist and a female singer - appeared on stage and sat down. 

'Hmmm, no dancers in sight. Strange," i thought to myself.

Things did NOT start out promisingly. The singer did not so much sing as wail. And wail she did, very very plaintively AND in quite high volume at that.  Despite my attempts to focus my attention, i couldn't help getting restless. 'Hayy, when will she ever stop?'

Then the male dancer made his appearance. Looking dapper in a dark blue shirt and black trousers, with his hair immaculately slicked back, he gave quite a whirling dervish of a performance. At the end of his solo, he was soaked and breathing hard, and his hair was tousled, oozing magnetic charm. Bravo!


Now, it was the female dancer's turn. As the male dancer sat down and joined in the clapping (palmas), the singer and guitarist continued on. 'Why don't they dance together?' i thought. With her sharp, angular facial features emphasized by her tightly bunned hair, she likewise danced with much gusto and feeling; and the audience was quite appreciative.

Finally, my wish was granted! Them dancing together! Check out the photos below from my tour mate Lisa:

And some photos from tour mate Susan:
 

As we exited the theater, our group was abuzz with chatter over the flamenco performance. Apparently, i wasn't the only one who wondered why they only danced together in the end. And some tour mates commented on the dark / plain attire of the performers - they had expected the costumes to be more bright and colourful.


Ieva explained that 'tradicional' flamenco tells a sad story. (So i guess this might explain the separate dancing? The lovers are star crossed and not meant for one another, maybe?) 

Further, apparently this was what she meant by 'authentic' flamenco, as opposed to the 'touristy' shows meant for . . . well, tourists who want a rousing show (like me!!! :-D)



I joked with her and my tour mates that i would come up with my own flamenco version, which would have:

- more dancing together of the couple
- more colourful costumes
- audience participation (i.e. pulling in unsuspecting members to join in in the finale)
- male dancer dipping the female in the end, and sealing it with a long, sensuous kiss (on the lips, por favor!)
- more cheerful singing!

In short, ditch 'tradicional' and go for touristy! We want a happy, storybook ending where they lived happily ever after!!! ;-D


For more info about flamenco, check out this Wikipedia entry.

NO PAELLA, POR FAVOR: (Part 3) DE LOCOS TAPAS IN RONDA

(Above) De Locos' signage, and our guide at the window.


Next stop of the tour was Ronda, the most famous of the pueblos blancos (white towns) in Andalucia. Ronda also happens to be the birthplace of bullfighting in Spain, so a visit to the Plaza de Toros (a bullring cum museum) is definitely in order.

Also not a bad way to spend some time is the Museo del Bandolero, a blatantly romanticized homage to notorious bandits such as Luis Candela, etc. 


As recommended by our guide, our group took a leisurely stroll past the tourist sites and leather goods stores, and came upon De Locos' quaint facade some fifteen minutes away from the town center.

This small tapas place is run by owner-chef Guillermo and his wife. Guillermo bore quite an uncanny resemblance to the actor Sylvester Stallone, but proved to be much more jovial and gregarious than his doppelganger.  He regaled us with jokes (some of the green variety), and explain their menu in detail.

 

(Above) Guillermo taking down our orders.

Here's some photos i had taken of our meal, and i must say they do not do justice to the tapas and desserts, which ranged from very good to great to simply awesome! 

Salmon Sashimi

Moroccan lamb

Smoked fish salad

(Sorry, i forgot what fish this was! :( )

Carpaccio with parmesan ice cream

 

Here's a closer look at the parmesan ice cream, which was the bomb! :D i could've inhaled a tub of this in one go, haha. 

Iberian pork sirloin

Cheesecake

Gin and tonic ice cream

Too bad the Mojito ice cream was out of stock! We wanted to try it as well.


According to chef Guillermo, their resto has been around for 16 months. Judging from the taste,  quality and presentation of the food, i'm very sure they'll be around for a very long time!

Here's Guillermo saying goodbye to us! 

De Locos Tapas is located at Arquitecto Pons Sorolla, 7, Ronda. Check out their website at www.de-locos-tapas.com, or on Facebook.

NO PAELLA, POR FAVOR: (Part 2) Hamma' Time in Granada

Granada was quite a picturesque place, with the 'star' attraction being the Alhambra (well worth the visit, i must say). There is a bus service that deposits one right on the main entrance, although it is not so far from the city center as one would think; and can actually be reached on foot, if one doesn't mind a bit of exercise.

And a good place to relax and unwind afterwards would be in the 'Hammam'  (Arab Baths).

Check out the cozy reception area, and the skylight.

One does have to make a reservation ahead of time, and wear a bathing suit while inside the actual bath area (fear not if you didn't bring one, they will sell you one for EUR12.00!)
 

One can avail of the complete 'ritual', composed of: the baths (hot, lukewarm and cold pools); relaxing massage; and the 'traditional' massage using a Kessa glove and red grape soap; or you can pick and choose which service(s) you like. 

Some things to bear in mind: The massage lasts only 15 minutes (yes, 15 minutes). So if you are used to 60- or 90-minute massages,  you might feel short-changed. Also, there is no fixed sequence as far as using the facilities are concerned. Depending on the number of other guests, etc., you might get called for your massage at the start, and just take your time dipping in the pools afterwards. Or vice versa. 

The baths area is co-ed, by the way (i can imagine my salacious-minded readers licking their lips already, tsk tsk). As if one can see anything much in the relative darkness.

And the cold pool is really, really, really cold!

 

(Photo above) No, this is not the toilet, hehe. It is where one disposes of used bath towels.

And after that relaxing time spent in the baths, relax further with cups of their mint tea. Quite refreshing, i must say.

 

HAMMAM ANDALUS GRANADA is located at C/ Santa Ana, 16 (a few steps away from the Tourist Information Office). More information on opening times, rates and services at http://granada.hammamalandalus.com/en/ 

NO PAELLA, POR FAVOR: (Part 1) Street performers at Puerta del Sol, Madrid

(Joined Intrepid Travel's 'Highlights of Southern Spain' tour during Sept.-Oct. 2013, and here are the highlights of the highlights. Hehe ;-D)

First day in Madrid. After unloading my bags in our hotel, Hotel Moderno (which wasn't modern at all!), i went out for an exploratory walk.

Literally ten paces away from the hotel entrance was Puerta del Sol ("Door of the Sun").  This bustling square is located in the center of Madrid, and is considered the symbolic heart of Spain, being kilometro cero (Km. 0) of the network of Spanish roads. As such, it is the scene of New Year's Eve countdown celebrations, AND anti-government rallies and protests. 

Ah, here's the de rigueur  statue of Charles III. 

 And here's the symbol of Madrid, which was ubiquitous - it seemed like very lamp post and trash can in the city had it! What is the bear chomping on? I would have guessed cauliflower, but a walking tour guide subsequently informed me it was, in fact,  a strawberry tree ("madrone").

Puerta del Sol bustles with people at all hours of the day and night, by virtue of the nearby subway station, and numerous restaurants and shops in the area. It is also the starting point of local walking tour groups. There are many street performers as well, ranging from a magician doing Houdini-like tricks; mimes standing still, waiting for the tourist to take a photo besides them for spare change; etc.

This pair, in particular, arrested my attention.  This exotically-turbaned duo sit still for hours, with the guy (shown below giving us the thumbs up sign) holding a wooden pole, with presumably a small seat, for the woman on top to sit on.

I wondered, how do they keep still for so long? There must be a trick somewhere. But after a few minutes of observation, it really looks like the simplest explanation is the right one - they simply can do it.  (His right arm must be like Popeye's, underneath his shirt. Haha!)

  

They do look like they're about to levitate at any moment, no?