THE BEAUTY OF BARCELONA

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BARCELONA

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as the capital and cultural hub of the autonomous region of Catalonia,

the city has a long and glorious history of its own.

Catalonia was a leading trading power in the Mediterranean during the 14th and 15th centuries, with enterprising merchants and bankers, and no feudal remnants whatsoever. United with the Kingdom of Aragon in the 12th century, the region became part of Spain in 1469 with the marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella

. The Barcelona Cathedral, whose original was destroyed in 925 by Al-Mansur. It was then started to be rebuilt in 1046 by Bishop Guislabert and construction has finally been completed at the end of the 19th century

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Barcelona now is a beautiful city with beautiful cathedrals and a beautiful boardwalk.

The most memorable places in Barcelona was La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and La Ramblas...

Sagrada La Familia

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The new Cathedral originally designed by Antoni Gaudi (1852 – 1926), who worked on the project for over 40 years, devoting the last 15 years of his life entirely to the endeavor, the project is scheduled to be completed in 2026. On the subject of the extremely long construction period, Gaudí is said to have remarked, "My client is not in a hurry." After Gaudí's death in 1926 work continued

The heart of the city is La Rambla, the wide, main pedestrian-only boulevard stretching from La Placa Catalunya to the harbour.

Street performers, sales people, musicians, foodvendors attract visitors to the city

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At the port end of La Rambla is the Monument a Colom, a tribute to Christopher Columbus, an Italian actually, who distinguished himself in the service of Spain discovering the New World
      The Magic Fountain, made by Carles Buigas in 1929 on the Universal Exhibition grounds, is a spectacular water ballet with a great play of color , light and music

PICTURE PERFECT - ROADSIDE

ROADSIDE RAINBOW

ROADSIDE space along the interstate highway system has to be one of the most neglected examples of landscaping in the nation's urban areas. Think of it. There are thousands of miles of interstate highways inside ...

(March 2008, taken by the mobile phone)

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SOME HEARTS

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I never really thought that I'd spend as much time in airports as I do. I love them and I hate them. I love them because of the peculiar

atmosphere and the people I get to watch. But they are also the same reason why I hate airports. It all comes down to "hello" and "goodbye"...

I have great difficulties with saying goodbye. Watching people cling to each other, crying, and holding each other in that last embrace makes me appreciate what I have even more. Seeing them finally pull apart, extending their arms until the tips of their fingers are the last to let go, is an image that stays forefront in my mind throughout the day.

When you were saying goodbye I heard you say,

I wish you enough...

That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone... and the meaning is :

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much
bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Goodbye."

So I’m back from Barcelona safe and happily and I‘ve reached my target 

I have been reading your comments and I wanted to thank you for all your words of support and encouragement.

My friends, I wish you enough...

 

A DIOS

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I’ll give you all a break for a 7 days. Tomorrow is starting my business trip to Barcelona...I leave this picture for you to observe in my absence that beautiful Spanish architecture and folklore...

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Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and the capital city of Catalonia. This place has won the esteemed 1999 RIBA Royal Gold Medal, mainly because of the structural designs of edifices. Not all cities have had the prestige of having that award. It used to be just architects who win awards like these, but Barcelona has pretty much done it as a city. Part of these sites are works of the celebrated architect Antoni Gaudi, responsible for the great but still-in-progress temple of the Sagrada Familia (construction of this started in year 1882 and is due for completion in 2026).

Barcelona is one of the best places in the world to appreciate the Mediterranean atmosphere.

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For me the one of the most brilliant jewels of universal architecture is the Alhambra (in Andalusia) a series of palaces and gardens built under the Nazari Dynasty in the 14th C...

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Entry for May 16, 2008

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THE TAURUS MAN

. The Taurean's characteristics are solidity, practicality, extreme determination and strength of will - no one will ever drive them, but they will willingly and loyally follow a leader they trust. They are faithful and generous friends with a great capacity for affection When you first meet a Taurus Man, you immediately realize you're standing in the presence of someone very special. One of greatness, in fact. The steadfast calm nature that you see before you is only a prelude to a man full of passion and romance. There is no one quite as methodical or careful when choosing his soul mate, but once his queen has been decided, she will not only be held forever in his heart, but entwined into his soul. Extremely loyal and faithful, the Taurus Man, puts others to shame in his undying devotion to the woman by his side To love a Taurus Man will be deliciously gratifying and divinely inspirational. A silver-screen Cassanova on one hand and a most fulfilling best friend on the other. Hopes and dreams will be easily shared under the glistening stars. Fate will never seem so glorious. His hand over yours will send tingles down your spine weather it be your first meeting or across the table on your golden anniversary. If you treasure this man half as much as he treasures you, you'll be on your way to earthly ecstasy . .

Celebrity Taurus Men :

 

David Beckham ~ May 2, 1975

George Clooney

~ May 6, 1961

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Dear Fred

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I bring you a basket filled with wishes that today is the most beautiful day ever for you.

May happiness and joy accompany your days...

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HAPPPY BIRTHDAY

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HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

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My mother was so sweet
Sweeter than all sweets you eat'
She was gentle and kind
and worked by using her mind.
Her ears were sharp like a knife
and she was a perfect wife.
If someone was in need, oh dear
My sweet mother was always there

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PICTURE PERFECT - GOSSAMER

Gossamer is excellent

to use for decoration around

the home and for parties.

The lightweight, transparent 

material allows light

(MOMA NYC, March 2008, Canon IXUS 500)

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