© irene waters 2015
© irene waters 2015
© irene waters 2015
I’m on a Spain bent with Wordless Wednesday set in the Spanish countryside and Friday Fictioneers set in Barcelona so I thought it was time to post a few other Spanish photographs and memories of the wonderful contrasts, great artists, innovative architects and the world’s largest camping ground (or at least the biggest we have ever seen as we were lost in it for numerous hours and had to get help to find our way out.
We entered Spain from France around Perignon and were thrilled to find as we crossed the border that suddenly every body could speak English. The shops were full of wonderful items; none of which we bought because we believed we would see the same items time over time and probably for a cheaper price once we were away from the border. It was our first experience of wine being sold in 20 litre plastic drums. The Spanish, we decided, must be a society of big drinkers.
From there we travelled down the Costa Brava coastline making a nostalgic trip to Lloret de Mar – a town where Roger had been when he was about 18 with 4 of his friends – and a swim in the Mediterranean Sea. From this point it was difficult as neither of us spoke Spanish and not a soul seemed to speak English. Then on to Barcelona where we saw Casa Batllo. For once our lack of pre-research was a failing as we missed many of the other Gaudi buildings that were there to see in the city. If you want to see more of the genius of Gaudi and other works he created in Barcelona (particularly the rooftop of Casa Mila) I recommend this National Geographic site.
Instead, after I was conned out of ten euros (at least I wouldn’t play for the 100 euro they were insisting upon) we decided it was time to leave the city and we headed south. Eventually camping in the big campground at Tarragona, another large city. Wanting to avoid the cities we headed west towards Zaragoza making our way to Pamplona. The countryside and the River Ebro and its tributaries were spectacular.
© irene waters 2015
© irene waters 2015
We unexpectedly came across this church de Montserrat as we travelled west. This was another of Antoni Gaudi’s works.
© irene waters 2015
© irene waters 2015
© irene waters 2015
© irene waters 2015
© irene waters 2015
© irene waters 2015
Pamplona was a nightmare for us. We looked for the old town but couldn’t find it. We drove in circles for hours. We wanted to see where the running of the bulls was held. Eventually we gave up and drove out of town camping in a free camp spot in the middle of nowhere, seemingly deserted by all. We headed back to France travelling up the French Riviera. Although it was a spectacular trip and Roger wanted to immediately head to Spain to live, I was relieved to be back amongst French speakers. At least I could again communicate. I agreed to move to Spain when I could speak Spanish. The lessons have yet to begin.
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
That first building is quite magnificent! (I’m assuming that’s the Casa Batllo)
I’m surprised at how dry the countryside looks – perhaps because of the time of year?
And that rock structure in the last photo – wow.
An interesting post. We have a Spanish friend who keeps inviting us to go and visit him – your post has stirred up some interest, I might just do that! 🙂
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Yes the first building is Casa Batllo. I had the impression we were travelling through desert country for some part of the journey. The yellow fields were wheat or some type of crop that had recently been harvested. The natural rock formations seemed to come out of the blue so unexpectedly you were stunned by the shapes and structures.
I don’t know where your friend lives but I’d certainly recommend a trip in the north from east to west. 🙂
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He is from Murcia, which I think is more south. One day, when I’m grown up and rich … 🙂
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Perhaps he’d like a trip north – when you’ve grown and become rich. LOL 🙂
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Love the Gaudi architecture!
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Me too.
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Great photos. That church is amazing.
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I agree Dawn.
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I adore Gaudi! We took the kids for a long weekend ten years ago and on the Sunday morning, having woken at 6 for some reason we left them watching TV and using a walking tour in our guidebook, traipsed the back streets viewing a whole range of the grand to the miniscule, Gaudi and Gaudi school. I was drunk on the architecture when we got back and needed a rest while the kids were champing at the bit to get on. Love the photos Irene.
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Thanks Geoff and for your memories. One day I will go back and do just what you did. It has taught me that setting the compass and not having any idea of where you are going and what there is to see when you get there is not the way to travel. A little research will be done in the future and I won’t miss a building.
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I was bowled over when I first encountered Gaudi’s architecture. What a brilliant man he was. The Santuari de Montserrat de Montferri is lovely. Did you go inside?
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I agree that Gaudi was brilliant. All his work stops you in your tracks. Unfortunately we chanced upon the church and it was closed. I would have loved to have gone inside. Did you? I bet it was spectacular.
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The Gaudi architecture is breathtaking – you’ve outdone yourself with these photos, Irene!
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Thanks Noelle but I think Gaudi has to be credited with creating pieces that ask to be photographed. 🙂
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Wow! Love the photos and the post! Thanks for packing us along in your digital suitcase. 🙂
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I love having stowaways. 🙂
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I should have known that you were here Irene, so we could meet. Great that you had so many nice experiences 😀
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A few years back now but if I’m ever there in the future I will certainly let you know. 🙂
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Thank you Irene, it could be fun to meet 😉
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