Cold again in Barcelona. Back to attend this year’s Mobile World Congress.
Staying at the same flat, “39 steps” – a bargain at this time when hotel prices are considerably jacked up because of the conference that brings in some 50,000 people – just off La Rambra.
The little time I have to myself, outside of the Congress, I have passed it meandering, under the rain, in the streets of El Born, the heart of the old city.
Fascinating church to visit, Esglesia de Santa Maria del Mar, a monument of pure Catalan gothic style (it was built around the 14th century in a mere 60 years– no time for different styles to mix!) Very sparely decorated – thanks in part to anarchists of the beginning of the 20th century, we are told, who “freed” it of any “decorations” it may have had…
Walked to the old market (“L’Antic Mercat del Born”) under heavy reparations (Carrer del Comerç)
Gentrification has been underway for some time now, judging by the upscale stores (Carrer del Rec) and restaurants around. Real estate prices have come down somewhat , given the deplorable state of Spain’s economy, but they were too high to start with, as a young professional in the business who lives nearby commented to me.
A peek into the Picasso Museu along Carrer de Montcada in a series of medieval buildings – no time but to wander into the museum bookstore (get a 2007 photography taken in the “Bonsucces” street, where “39 steps” is, the latest edition – 2011 – of Wallpaper City Guide on Barcelona…and an introduction book for children on Picasso, “en français” for little Béatrice!).
Meandered back to La Rambla via the Barri Gotic neighborhood (Catedral, still under renovation;got myself a few warm wool sweaters at a shop there (Joana M. Prat – www.joanamprat.cat).
Note to myself: next visit, go to the Pedrables Monastery with its 40 meter long Gothic style cloister, and home to a museum that houses the Thyssen Bornemiza Collection.
February 17, 2011