The World in Photopoetry: Barcelona

Barcelona is unforgettable. Sacred like the Gaudí work in the Basilica of Sagrada Família. Dynamic like its central avenues where the folks walk day and night. Fresh like the seafood in Barceloneta. Elegant like the landscape surrounding it. I arrived there for real holidays, after a hard trip in Morocco. Firstly i visited Madri where i met Dario, mexican guy who was travelling around the world like me. I’d met him in Brasil 8 months ago and without notice i saw him again. Crazy coincidence. The hostel was cozy and the city, frenetic. Everynight there was a party around. So i went to La Bola, a famous restaurant where you can try the heavy dish called Cocido Madrileño, the spanish version of the Brazilian Feijoada. After meal, una siesta in the park for relaxing. It’s interesting that everyone takes a nap in the afternoon, even if they are wearing black suit and social pants. In Sao Paulo, it wouldn’t work like that.

Then, i went to Barcelona, after a short passage in Toledo. I received the hearty welcome of Ralph, German-Born who likes to host brazilians. In his apartment, other 2 brazilians were surfing. So we walked through small alleys to find hidden pubs in the hearth of the city. Despite being a little bit dangerous, it’s fine take a walk with someone that knows the place. It’s somehow similar to the game Resident Evil. There, sellers with cheap beers hidden in culverts try to push them on you. I didn’t dare to drink it. The catalan night is very funny and the city is full of brazilians. It’s a place for real holidays but not to rest.

During the day, the city is other. I went to visit the Gaudí House and his imposing Basilica of Sagrada Família. Its architecture is futurist and bold. The Church was so impressive that i thought i was in a church built in the next century, it was a new dimension. Barcelona is sunny and its district called Barceloneta seemed to me other city. The houses and streets are outstanding. I enjoyed a delicious poisson and a great wine. I spent only 4 days there since i had a flight to Swiss. I thanked Ralph for his help and i took the road again in direction of the super-rich Geneva. But i can’t forget Barcelona and one day i will be back to that little piece of dangerous paradise.

Lucas Ramalho