Sunday 26 February 2012

...because of the coolest DJ mixing deck I've ever seen....






I went to the inauguración (opening)of a very cool and chic new bar, in Sarria, last night called Dime which means "tell me" in spanish. In the US a dime is 10 cents. So, I guess this is a place to tell me your 10cents worth!! (something the spanish don't mind doing!!) 


I am besotted with it and want one! 
Uber cool technology!


UN BESO: DJ decks at Dime X

Friday 24 February 2012

...because there is something going on with the Catalan ass...



Yes, the Catalan ass (and I do mean donkey), the burro catalá,  has been adopted by Catalan nationalists as their symbol in opposition to the Toro of Castillian Spain.  It can be seen randomly around Cataluña... on the back of cars, motos... or, on occassion, on balconies.



The Ass vs the Bull




....to be continued....
(being a Taurus, I maybe biased!)

UN BESO: from the bull & the burro X

Monday 20 February 2012

..because Carnaval doesn't just happen in Brasil...

Carnaval!!
...from El Mercado..


...to balls of fun for the fiestas...
...all dressed up with somewhere to go...! 


Carnaval originates from the Italian Catholic festival 'Carnavale' which means "to put away the meat" - as it is held the days preceding Lent.   It is a time to get dressed up and get out and enjoy some fun before the serious fasting of Lent begins! (in theory)


UN BESO: Carnaval!!! Barcelona 2012

Saturday 18 February 2012

.. because beer comes in a vending machine at the movie theatres...





This is at Cine Verdi is where they show films in Version Original, foreign movies with spanish subtitles. We call them 'Art House', in Barcelona they are called 'Film Verdi' in reference to the cinema that shows them.  Apparently best viewed with a beer...?!


UN BESO: Cine Verdi, Gracia x

Tuesday 14 February 2012

...because Valentines Day is not really a 'day' here...but they are trying...

..main street...
... my favourite magazine...

... my bakery....
...my flower shop...

...amongst others ...


...oh! and there he is... my valentine!
UN BESO: from Sant Valentino x 
Maybe he will turn up for the Spanish version of Valentines Day ...Sant Jordi in April...?! ..stay tuned....

Sunday 12 February 2012

...because another week means another fiesta...

...for this one, take the patron Saint of Barcelona...
... on her night in the middle of winter..

...add the ladies of artes..

...and letters...

...and a building in Plaza Sant Jaume...


...and then add lights and music...

...for a spectacular show...










UN BESO: from Santa Eulália and the Winter light show X

Thursday 9 February 2012

...because around almost every corner there is another modernist masterpiece...
























Hospital Sant Pau was a commissoned extension, in 1900, of Hospital de la Santa Creu (built 1400s).  Architect Lluís Doménech i Montaner (yes, that is one person's name), was commissioned to expand and modernise the hospital and it has become another piece of iconic Barcelona modernist architecture. It is now going through another 21st century update.
Just around another corner....

UN BESO: Hospital San Pau x

Wednesday 8 February 2012

...one of my best friends has an obsession with jamón, this is for her..








It is also, most certainly, an obsession for the spanish. That is why they have shops dedicated to Jamón. 
I don't eat red meat. No como carne. The Spanish don't understand the concept of that. It makes for interesting reactions of puzzlement and disbelief. 
However, if you like jamón, this is the land to be in!


UN BESO: Jamón Jamón Jamón x