Barcelona Photoblog

November 18, 2006

Those Little Moments We Never Forget

Those Little Moments We Never Forget [Much Better Enlarged]
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The same day I took the other pictures about the Fisherman and Couple, Peers on Pier or the Boy With Bike Lost in Reflections, I managed to capture this tender moment of a father sharing a magical moment with his two sons. Although you can't see their faces you can feel that the little ones are concentrated on his father words translating plain realism into the language of the fantasy realm where they still dwell. Notice daddy holding their arms tight and the gracious twist in the hand of the one on the right. I remember this first time as if it was yesterday, I remember my father taking me for a stroll near a small wooden pier, there was a little patch of sand...the wood still smells of tar and saltpetre uphere inside my head. Bottom line, be there with them when you have the time, it may look silly or boring but they won't forget it!

November 17, 2006

Medieval Characters at Suria

Medieval Characters at Suria
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A page was a boy who acted as a knight's attendant as the first stage of training for chivalric knighthood. These two look somehow suspicious. Hmm...maybe too hairy for being young lads. Of course they can also be soldiers but rather conspicuous ones. I didn't have much time today as I was busy uploading all my previous work to Flickr but an image is worth a thousand words sometimes. The donkey insisted on playing a small part in the play so I gave him a moment of glory.

Recommended: A comprehensive directory about The Middle Ages, Chivalry, & Knighthood.

November 16, 2006

Turmeric: A Spice Rooted in Catalan Medieval History

Turmeric: A Spice Rooted in Catalan Medieval History
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Resuming our Medieval Fair in Súria, we reach for the spices stall, where I couldn't refrain from firing a bunch of shots on this big bowl of Turmeric, a spice obtained from the dried and powdered rhizome of Curcuma longa, an Indian plant. It is an ingredient in curries and in the Middle Ages its color made it a cheaper substitute for saffron. It originated 4000 years ago and is linked to the Vedic culture in India where it was used as a culinary spice and had religious significance. The name derives from the Latin terra merita “meritorious earth” due to the resemblance to the color of some minerals. It can be used as a dye for cloth or be added to chicken broth or dairy products such as margarine. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric is considered to have medicinal properties as an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory. Although I am not particularly fond of yellow I have to admit that Curcuma makes a wonderful subject for a colorful picture.

Recommended: Photography Tutorials in pdf format at The Radiant Vista. You also have video tutorials, workshops, a wonderful podcast or a photoshop workbench. A must see.

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