Blogs from Girona, Catalonia, Spain, Europe - page 10

Hot hot hot in Figueras. Almost two hours away from Barcelona by train but a comfortable ride. Having to line up in the hot sun to get into the Museum was a turn off but you'll find that everywhere, especially in summer with throngs of tourists. Teatre-Museu Dali was interesting albeit packed with tourists. I like taking my time looking at pieces but it was a bit hard being sandwiched right, left and centre. Still, Dali is an intriguing character and gives me the impression of doing things just to screw with the viewer´s head and I find that sickly funny.... read more

As a virgin to Spanish soil, I had anticipated this moment for many a long hour. What would Spain look like, taste like, smell like? People from all over had crowded my vision with their own anecdotes and feelings, and the pre fabricated images of a lazy siesta-ing country were at the forefront of my remarkabley un-vivid imagination. I was feeling a bit lost about the whole thing. And then I arrived in Girona. The absolute image of what I imagined a Spanish town to be, without me even quite knowing what I was expecting. Archetypal ancient ruins, classic cornices and windows, gothic architecture and little hidden gardens containing fruit trees all over. Sweeping cobblestone streets, coffee and cigarettes, flags billowing gently in the breeze and the sound of laughter and the accordion on the wind. ... read more

Another warning of upcoming postings. I have been keeping up with the details of our travel on the handheld computer but only figured out that all wifi in France is pay only about when we were leaving (actually I found out how we could buy wifi for all day for a good price when we stayed at this 4 star campground but we were so busy on the waterslide and archery course and beach that this didn´t suit Manya´s birthday plans. We have made it officially from Switzerland to Spain, having crossed the magnificently mundane border yesterday (a mere tiny roadsign and a run down and boarded up customs office that seemed to signify a desire to never again have borders seperating these countries. It hasnt taken long to get into Spanish time--since dinner isn´t served ... read more

On my Switzerland I made a stop in the town of Figueres near the French border. This town is a real dive with one amazing site: the Dali muesum. Designed by the artist himself it's nothing like a mueseum and is more like a Surrealist playground. There tons of surrealist objects, hidden rooms, holograms etc. There is the Mae West apartment and a car suspended by chains filled with sea uchins. ... read more

Costa Brava is the name given to the northenmost stretch of the Catalan coast which runs from the Spanish-French border to the mouth of the Tordera, between the towns of Portbou and Blanes. It is the coastline of the Emporda and Selva regions. The city of Girona is an important feature of the hinterland.... read more