Flamenco Fusion Dancer, La Barceloneta, Barcelona

Dancing to the sound of a small flamenco fusion group, here is an artist caught in the very act of expressing her passion with her body. I took several pictures and it was difficult to decide which one was the most dramatic and evocative. I think her frown, her concentration and the hands up in the air finally made me choose this one. The bailaora was really more beautiful in other shots but I preferred to show her wrath, strength and plasticity. This took place at Passeig Maritim de la Barceloneta.

Update: Barcelona Photoblog's picture "Legs" has been selected in Photo Friday - Noteworthy section as part of weekly challenge called "Sexy". Thanks so much to all voters and to Photo Friday for the opportunity!

Estació de França: Barcelona's Most Charming Railway Station

Estació de França or Estación de Francia (France Station) is a magic place for architecture enthusiasts.

As seen from La Ribera quarter on the other side of Marques De L'Argentera avenue the place looks rather dull and does not give you any clue of the beauty inside.

The moment you walk under its gates the light coming through the stained glass both in the domes and walls gently falls on the polished marble floors creating this mysterious soothing church-like atmosphere quite pleasant if you are about to travel. In fact, I felt like skating across the hall in the way a child would do.

The elaborate modernist and art deco motifs and specially those metal spheres hanging from a sort of ring tied to the domes are a pleasure to the eye.

Although the railway station has been there since 19th century the building was rebuilt in 1929 for the International Exhibition by renown Spanish architect Pedro Muguruza who held important positions in Francisco Franco's dictatorial government but that's part of another story.

Soon (not necessarily tomorrow) I will post some details of the ceiling and the train platforms.

Check La Ribera quarter and Estació de França on Google maps.

Art on Exterior Wall Panels, Barcelona

After a building is demolished it leaves behind traces of old rooms and partitions in houses next to them. Many times the unpleasant view can be avoided with exterior wall panels of assorted materials. If on top of them you add some colorful samples of art, an otherwise lousy corner may become a happy canvas to deter monotony.