Come Travel with Me . . . We Won’t Be Long . . .


I’d say there have been enough words around here lately, wouldn’t you agree? In the last week, I’ve written about struggling against depression, dipped into some memories about birthday parties, and tried to think about my response to What I Wore posts by Women My Age.

Enough words already! I’m going with pictures today, some eye candy for you straight from Barcelona. These photos were taken this past June near the lookout point at Montjuic (not far from the Miro building, about which more later, in another post). Besides the stunning views across the very impressive cargo port, we were struck by the gorgeous mosaics of stone, glass bottle tops and bottoms, various metal fittings, cleverly repurposed, all arrayed in wonderful geometries.

Honestly, this is just a taste. I have scads of photos of this terrace — I’d only just get my camera tucked back in my bag when we’d turn another corner, and I’d be digging it out again. It’s easy to see this as another example of the phenomenon that so influenced Gaudi’s work — the wealth of artisanal skills in Catalonia that inspired him to stretch what could be done in architecture. . .

So how’d I do? Less than 200 words, not bad at all. . . I hope you enjoyed the little jaunt to Barcelona. . .

And I hope you’re getting ready to embark on a lovely weekend. . . .

12 Comments

  1. Madame Là-bas
    24 August 2013 / 3:19 am

    Barcelona is so unlike any other European city that I have visited! Each is beautiful in a different way but Gaudí and the Catalan culture are unique. Your earlier blogs made me think about revisiting Barcelona and Girona (another fascinating Catalan city). The great thing about travel is that it provides us with many beautiful memories.

    • materfamilias
      24 August 2013 / 10:19 pm

      I know nothing of Girona — off to look it up right now. And you're so right about the travel memories. . . .

  2. Lorrie
    24 August 2013 / 5:37 pm

    This post is a wonderful reminder to look everywhere – up, down and all around – when out and about. Gorgeous mosaics. I think they'd make lovely fabric designs, too.
    We've been to Andalucia and would love to return there, now adding Barcelona to the list of places to visit, too.
    Apropos of your last post – you look perfectly chic and comfortable in your role as tourist.

    • materfamilias
      24 August 2013 / 10:21 pm

      Yes! Sometimes there's just as much to see at our feet as there is at eye level — here, I'd say the mosaics even compete with the stunning view.
      Oh, for another lifetime to travel. Andalucia should be on my (very long) list as well!
      And thanks for the WIW compliment. It was a very warm day with an abundance of walking. . .

  3. LPC
    24 August 2013 / 5:51 pm

    This may come across the Internet as weird, so I apologize in advance if so, but I think you and your husband are the real eye candy! Such a good-looking couple.

    • materfamilias
      24 August 2013 / 10:22 pm

      You're calling me half of an eye-candy couple, and you apologize?? No need, absolutely no need at all. And on our 39th wedding anniversary, it seems particularly welcome! Thanks!

  4. Vivian
    24 August 2013 / 6:47 pm

    Love the variety of materials in these mosaics! Must put Barcelona on our list of places to visit. Thanks for the weekend eye candy. Non-fattening but delicious!

    • materfamilias
      24 August 2013 / 10:22 pm

      Glad you enjoyed — Barcelona is full of eye candy!

  5. Susan B
    24 August 2013 / 9:47 pm

    That mosaic work is indeed inspiring. I love the use of bottle bases.

    • materfamilias
      24 August 2013 / 10:23 pm

      Me too — and some of the metal components were brilliant — rebar, gears, all and sundry . . .

  6. Anonymous
    25 August 2013 / 11:28 pm

    I just adore your posts and look forward to each and every one! You have such great insight and express pure honesty…..you address my very needs….thanks so much for taking the time to write and reflect, especially, when I know you entertain such a busy schedule. Your blog is very much appreciated for all of us in our 60's. Thank you!

    • materfamilias
      26 August 2013 / 6:31 am

      This is so kind of you to say. I will admit to putting time and effort into my posts, so it's really lovely to get such appreciative feedback — thank you!

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