Barcelona




Large statue in the traffic circle at Plaza España, near my hotel and conference site. Beyond are construction cranes converting an old bullfighting arena into a commercial center.




Just outside the conference building, this fountain alternated colors and patterns constantly.  Note the additional cascades above and below.




Looking back down toward the fountains and statue from a palace-turned-museum building.




The skeletal exterior of a building designed by the architect Gaudí.




The fantastical roof of another Gaudí building, with twisted spires between the curved courtyards (which extend down 6 stories).




Elaborate architecture on a performance hall that I happened across while wandering the old part of town.




After another night of not sleeping, I took a very early morning walk around the gardens and Olympic facilities of Montjuic.




Walking around a castle-like structure (not open this early) gave me views of flowering cacti and shipyards..




The hoopoe is a common Old World bird, but exotic to me.  The yellow head crest can fan up like a mohawk.