Entries about barcelona

If you are lucky enough to visit Barcelona this spring or summer (2011), you should not miss the Salvador Dali show. In the center of the Barri Gotic sits the magnificent Barcelona Cathedral. The Dali show is in the plaza surrounding the Cathedral.

Dali is the essential Catalan artist. His whimsy and surrealism captures Catalonian spirit. Perhaps he created it. This exhibit displays paintings, sketches, and sculptures by the artist as well as photographs of the artist. It’s a comprehensive show that is enlightening, fun, puzzling, and entertaining. Just like Dali himself. Mostly known for his wild mustache and his painting The Persistance of Memory, there is a great deal more to be learned here about this complex artist. He started life with the name of his dead older brother. If that’s not enough to make you loopy, his mother died when he was sixteen. He dabbled in films, set design, and was the first artist to experiment with holography. He married the great love of his life and when she died, it is said that he lost his mind and his will to live.

If you don’t have time for a side trip to Figueres where the artist lived and the Dali museum is, you should not miss this show.

Returning to Barcelona means a return to La Boqueria right in the middle of La Rambla, the most famous boulevard in the city. My favorite market in Europe, La Boqueria is the perfect first stop in Barcelona to have a snack of tapas and shop for a picnic. Before I leave I’ll load up on goodies to bring home. But as soon as I arrive, I need to have tapas. The classic tapas place is Bar Pinotxo, run by Juan and his family since forever. Belly up to the bar and grab a stool if you can find one. If not, wait because it is so worth it. Try anything. It’s all good. If it’s early in the day, try an empanda or an ensaimada with a cup of coffee. Or, try a bowl of Juan’s indescribable chickpeas. Hearty and full of flavor, this dish alone makes me come back to Barcelona.

Now that you have a full belly, wander the aisles and you’ll find fresh produce, fish, spices, and an overwhelming array of cheese and meat counters. This is a great place to buy fixings to take with you when you go sightseeing. We bought bread, jamon, and machego cheese at Aroma Iberic and we were set for the day as we went in search of all things Gaudi. We nibbled as we went. NOTHING in this world is tastier than iberico jamon on a piece of fresh bread, topped with a slice of cheese. For dessert, load up on chocolate treats at Vidal Pons. I’m definitely going back. Soon.