Barcelona Beach Scene
The first time I saw a surfer on a bike in Barcelona, I thought, that guy has to ride a long way to surf.
It turned out there are fun little waves and warm water right on Barcelona's main beach. Mediterranean wind swell! Who knew?
Early morning in the off season. It's still warm but the summer crowds have disappeared.
Posted on November 18th, 2012
Random in Barcelona
Antoni Gaudi's forever unfinished Sagarada Familia. Not an easy place to make an original photo. Here is my best take on it.
Street scene #1
Placa de Catalunya
Street scene #2
Street scene #3
Posted on November 16th, 2012
Cameras
I was having breakfast with friends this morning and the question was raised regarding the changes digital cameras have brought to the photo world. Obviously, digital cameras have brought huge changes to photography. My favorite: as digital cameras and smart phones have become ubiquitous, photography in public places has morphed into a free-for-all.
With so many people taking so many photographs of the sights and each other, the idea of imposing on someone by sneaking a "candid" photo is out the window. Everyone is in everyone else's photos and probably on a couple of dozen facebook pages. Privacy? You have got to be joking!
In a sense we have all become street photographers, photographing public life. These photos were snapped at Antoni Gaudi's Parc Guell in Barcelona. Amazing architecture and a crazy crowd scene.
Posted on November 13th, 2012
Holy Toledo
How does one photograph the world's largest gothic cathedral?
Inside paintings by El Greco, Van Dyk, Rubens and Michelangelo are casually displayed. There is art everywhere.
My favorite sight was my fellow tourists scrambling around trying to take it all in. Even for a secular guy like me the place was impressive.
Posted on November 10th, 2012
Madrid Night Life
The scene at Cafe Jazz Populart. Nightlife is HUGE in Madrid. Eating, drinking, talking and music into the early morning hours is common.
The Canal Street Jazz Band is rockin' the joint.
A spot at the bar, outstanding music and great people watching. A perfect evening in Madrid!
Posted on November 8th, 2012
People
Bartender, Mercado De San Miguel, Madrid. The market is a popular upscale food court. Madrilenos wander from vendor to vendor picking up cheeses, jamon, paella, wine, seafood, etc. Then they find a table and feast.
Busker, Parque Del Buen Retiro, Madrid.
Outside the Prado, Madrid.
Spanish pride on Fiesta Nacional de Espana, Barcelona.
Posted on November 6th, 2012
In the Streets (travel continued)
The Spanish take their politics seriously. On our first full day in Madrid we saw three anti-austerity marches. After that we saw demonstrations almost daily. Unions, healthcare professionals, students, senior citizens, people from all parts of Spanish society were marching.
It was impressive to see so many young people out in the streets.
100,000 people out in the streets of Madrid protesting cuts to education.
Posted on November 4th, 2012
Travel
I'm just back from four weeks in Spain! Alice, Olive and I were visiting Cooper in Madrid. He's attending La Universidad Carlos III for Fall semester. This is early morning in one of my favorite places in Madrid, Parque Del Buen Retiro.
The park is also a favorite with Madrilenos. It's the Central Park of Madrid.
Roller blading is big in Madrid and the park is a hot spot for it. Here's a Saturday morning roller blade dance group.
Dad and daughter balloon shopping. Between 6 PM and 7 PM the light in Madrid is pretty special.
Evening light, a song and amor in the park
Posted on November 2nd, 2012
SoCal Palms
Seen on an overcast, early morning walk at Doheny State Beach.
Bent palm and gulls.
Posted on September 26th, 2012
Four Beach Scenes
Flags and Palms
Swinger
Surf Swim
Alone on the beach.
Posted on September 14th, 2012