Museu Vil·la Casals - Museum on the life of Pau Casals

Pau Casals (photo credit from Fundacio Pau Casals)

On September 11th, Catalan National Day, we went to visit the Museum Vil·la Casals which is located on the beach a few minutes from El Vendrell. The Museum is situated in a former of home of Pau Casals, one of the most well-known and respected cellists and composers of recent history.

He is Catalan and was born in El Vendrell in a home near the Placa Nova at the center of town, which can also be visited. He is especially noted for transforming the way cello is played, for his commitment to peace and non-involvement in politics, and composing a song which became the anthem for the United Nations.

Although he passed away in Puerto Rico, his remains have been returned to El Vendrell, where he is buried. On Catalan National Day, one of the cultural activities listed in El Vendrell's event calendar, was paying respects to his resting place and leaving flowers.

A visit to the Museum Vil·la Casals will provide you with an overview of his life, which is done via audio/video presentations in each room in conjunction with artifacts preserved from his life. The home itself is located on the Mediterranean Sea and contains beautiful gardens and sculptures. It is not a large museum but well worth the visit if you are interested in history, music and culture.

Museu Vil·la Casals (photo credit: National Geographic)

Calafell's Medieval Market

Every year in Calafell, they have a medieval market in the old part of town surrounding the castle. The tiny roads become over taken by booths selling a variety of different things: cheese and meats, artisan crafts, spices and herbs, handcrafted instruments and goods. There is also an abundance of fresh breads and baked foods sold, while meat roasts on large grills. Vendors dress in medieval attire and there are medieval flags strewn throughout. Hay bales are set up as seating at the tables where food is served. There are activities for children such as riding mules and learning pottery.

Castle of Calafell decorated with flags

Playing the instruments of old in the appropriate costumes

Outdoor grill with a selection of meats

Dining area

One view of the market, including large crowds, booths and flags

Mule rides for children

Pottery lesson (so cool!)

Dragon lamp for sale

Wooden shields and swords for sale

Medieval market meets modernity

Eagles for shows at the Islamic area of the market

Fresh herbs, teas and spices for sale

The Old City of Girona

We arrived early and it was a bit overcast. Nevertheless, it was gorgeous.

We visited the old city of Girona a few weeks ago and it was so colorful and green. It is situated on the banks of a river and somewhat reminded me of Venice. The locals have painted the house these incredibly vibrant and warm shades of red, oranges and yellows.

The town is covered in Catalan independence flags, which was quite a sight, in and of itself.

We only had time for a walking tour - not to enter the city's main sights such as the Cathedral, museum, or enjoy the view from the old city walls but it left such a strong impression that I am eager to go back. Here are a few photos of its charm.

The Cathedral

Details of the Cathedral

A freaking cool modern door.

Walking through one of the plazas, enjoying the shade.

The narrowest of walkways.

Large keys being sold at an outdoor antique market.

Outside the entry of one of the churches, there was this decoration in the cobblestone.

We started climbing the wall but turned back after we realized how far up it is.

The church tower from the walk to to the top.

A door suspended on the city wall. I wonder where those stairs lead.

Antoni Gaudí's Casa Batlló in Barcelona

At first, modernist architecture did not appeal to me much but with time, it's growing on me. This week, I was able to visit Casa Batlló with my friend Roxanne and it was gorgeous! Every room was different, unique and full of subtle details. The visit comes with an audio guide, which provides helpful insights into these details that would otherwise be missed. These are just a few snapshots from our visit.

Also, fun fact: the verb "gaudir" means "to enjoy" in Catalan. Que gaudeixis!

Spine-shaped wood and ergonomic handrail at the main entrance of the home.

There are no straight lines in this home; every surface is curved.

The chandelier from the room with the mushroom fireplace.

This living room has a very sea-like theme - the ceiling reminded me of a shell.

Some of the shades of blue from the living room.

The tiles on the lower levels are a very light blue whereas the higher you climb, the darker they become. This has to do with the need to lighten up the space based on how close it is to the natural light.

Here you can see the darker tiles. The windows also became smaller on the higher levels.

Gaudi used recycled pieces of glass for this detail.

Gaudi-style flower pots on the patio.

Some roof details...

If you decide to visit Barcelona, I highly recommend visiting this site. For more information, visit the official website.

A view of the exterior of the home on Passeig de Gracia (it's third from left).

A *free* walking tour of Madrid's main sites

Here are some photos from our one day in Madrid before the Baha'i Youth Conference, which I'll tell you about soon, and if I can find even more time, I will write more about Madrid!

Beautiful architecture on Calle Mayor

Loving the colorful buildings

One of the entrances to the Plaza Mayor

Plaza Mayor

Cute little bookshop on a side street (near Puerta del Sol)

Kilian in the Plaza de Oriente

Palacio Real

Alumdena Cathedral

Exploring Madrid's side streets (Plaza de la Villa)

Parque del Retiro

Parque del Retiro

Parque del Retiro

Puerta de Alcalá