Skywatch Friday - de-countrified in Barcelona
I'm pushing it a bit with the 'sky' aspect of this post, at least in this first photo. Classic how-not-to-do-it white-out sky behind the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Shooting into the sun is never a good idea. The guide books advise visiting the cathedral before 8 am - while the sun is on this facade and before the tour buses have arrived. But having jumped in a taxi at the end of the conference I was attending, jumped out to take photos, and then jumped in to another taxi and headed for the airport, high quality light was never going to be the main consideration.
The detail was astounding - and for me, disturbing. I'm not a great fan of the 'melting' school of art, as in Dali, and the detail below evoked for me a monstrous mouth, with echoes of giant squid along the lines of Davy Jones in 'Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End'
It would take many return visits to absorb all the detail. And building work continues, as can be seen by the attendant cranes and scaffolding. The completion date is estimated at 2026, the centenary of the death of Gaudi, the original architect.
A different Barcelona landmark now, seen from our conference venue of the Open University of Catalonia. The 'Torre Agbar' is very similar to the London 'Gherkin', but outdoes it in terms of nicknames. Wikipedia notes that it's known as 'the suppository', and then coyly says that it's also known by more scatological names. A Spanish delegate we we were chatting to about it giggled when we asked her for more detail, but refused to divulge.
Another view, this time from beside our hotel. It came in very handy for navigating, including at night when it's illuminated.
Not only was I de-countrified, but my trip away combined with demands of work have completely put me 'off my stot' with blogging. A very useful Scots expression, it means to be thrown out of your routine, to be off-balance in some way. To 'stot' means to bounce. Hopefully I'll bounce back soon.
More skies from around the world are at Skywatch Friday.
The Sagrada Familia is really an amazing building. Nice to see your photos from Barcelona. I've enjoyed looking through some of your blogposts. Lots of great photos. Will come back here. Scotland is very interesting with a lot of old buildings and beautiful nature.
ReplyDeleteI recently watched a documentary about the Sagrada Familia and it has quite an interesting history. Hope they finish it!
ReplyDeleteLa Sagrada Familia is a fantastic building who has an interesting story. I have been in Barcelona a couple of times. I love the city -and the other amazing buildings designed by Gaudi.
ReplyDeleteI've seen tv programs about this building. Very interesting and yes, a little bit spooky looking. Wonderful that had the opportunity to travel here and see it in person.
ReplyDeleteInteresting architecture with the first structure. Cannot say I am a fan of it, but I do hope they finish.
ReplyDeleteI blogged on the Sagrada Familia when we visited Barcelona a few years ago - and had many of the same "shooting into the sun" issues that you did. I think I cheated and only took "Detail shots" of that side of the building!
ReplyDeleteI'm always conflicted about religious monuments. Without them we would not have the great works of architecture and art which inspire us. Yet the time and money spent on them would seem better served elsewhere. Sadly the vision for La Sagrada Familia appears to have been lost through time, misfortune and ego.
ReplyDeleteInteresting architecture...but I'm with you...not my favorite!!! I haven't been to Barcelona...would love to go!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice and interesting posting.
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