Hey ho

I’m not one for souvenirs, but this delicate folding paper sculpture of the Sagrada Familia sort of grabbed my eye in Barcelona. 

I’m looking at it now, as I sip a McCafe in the cool and quiet of the kitchen.

It’s 15 degrees and pleasant 

And there’s no radio or bustle.

Which is what I want after Spain and a mad work day yesterday.

Today will be serene in comparison .

Tourists can spoil holidays, even if you dare to realise that you are a tourist too!

But despite my fellow travellers , I adored Barcelona. With its wide tree lined avenues contrasting so much with the gothic alleyways, and it’s history and grandness…I enjoyed the city so much.

Of course the Sagrada Familia was the highlight for me as when Jane and I walked though the door blinking away the harsh sunlight , we were literally overwhelmed by a brilliant cave of colour and a blast of fanfare from the huge cathedral organ.

I had a lump in my throat 

And could literally only mutter “ wow!” as soaring pillars fashioned into the trunks of giant trees took my breath away.

Gaudi ‘s house  Casa Batilò had the same effect on me as I was overwhelmed in tears by listening to the words of one of the Batilò’s daughters as she recalled her idyllic childhood in a home, so delicately designed, it almost hurt to experience it.

I’m feeling happy

Happier than I’ve probably felt in a few years and like a child may wish for when at a friend’s wonderful birthday party, I don’t want that feeling to end

Hey ho

 

Two Old Queens

 Dog walking early and back to work today

Oh lord I’m totally buggered but happy …it was worth it.

Jane gave me a gift when I met her in Sheffield and it’s been with us to Manchester Airport then back to wales where she’s sat in my window seat enjoying the view over Trelawnyd’s fields 

Two old Queens live in the village 

Homeward

 

It’s almost time to leave for home.

Barcelona has proved to be a bit of gem and it is a city that I would quite happily return to on my own if the need arose. 

I’m sat with my third leisurely coffee. Jane is off walking the streets, and it’s still incredibly hot.

I feel very fortunate that that I finally got here given the flight cock ups of last year, but also lucky that in a few days time I’m off to London to see Nu and the National Opera.

Strike that, I’m not lucky, but I am fortunate 

I’m fortunate that I’ve saved my overtime money and am able to do these nice things in Life.

Life feels so much better when you make the effort……

A House Of Colour and Light

 Gaudi’s house , Casa Batllò was a beautiful and humbling experience. At times through the audio guide I felt father emotional listening to the thoughts of the home by the Batllò’s daughter.

“ A house of colour and light “ she described it.

A mooch through the Mercado de la Boqueria The Gothic Quarter,, 

Chocolate churros, mexican bomb patas, The Ramblas, 

Fucking knackered 

It’s all in the Hands

A bit of back street flamenco 

Somewhere in downtown Barcelona 

Fantastic

 

Some pictures of the day

It’s very hot

I’m totally in love with Gaudi

And tapas

Sterner Stuff

 

We were delayed a few hours at the airport but were refused to be stressed by it all.

Subsequently we travelled the train and metro at rush hour and found our delightful apartment out near El Putxet at Dusk. Jane has gone out to buy provisions 

I’ve opened a beer

I think there’s a pretty school outside and a relaxing dinner is on the cards

It’s been a long day 

Miss Saigon

 Much criticism has been launched at the new version of Miss Saigon , all rather unfairly I think. Bloody hell I remember seeing it in 1989 when North Walian Jonathan Pryce played the engineer with silty eyed prosthetics and a Kung Foo accent.

I loved the Crucible’s version. Jessica Lee ‘s vocals matched Lea Selonga’s anyday and Joanna Ampil brought a different energy to the usual male role of The Engineer. She was fabulous as was Shane O’Riordan who played John.

On the way to Manchester now and the airport.