Crossing things off my list

Originally there was only one thing on my list, but the day got filled.

It started with a long run in preparation for a half-marathon in July.
The heat and humidity wiped me out even though I started at 6:30 a.m.
Truth - this is tomorrow's forecast, but it is virtually the same.

Next up was another new library (more about that later) where I checked out Frankenstein Junior, known as Young Frankenstein in English. We'll watch it to celebrate Father's Day.

I was lucky that the library that had the movie was
within walking distance of the Maker Faire, my first.

The building is made with two different types of filaments so it looks great in person. The geographical piece changed colors as it went. So many cool things that people made

One of may favorite uses for a laser cutter was to make a dollhouse!

I walked to the bus stop and waited across from an
old fire station that is now a training center and museum

Last August we bought special art passport that would get us into six museums at almost half price and would let us skip the line. Three were big ones (Miro, National Art Museum of Catalonia, and Picasso), but the others were all contemporary art museums. One was close to where I wanted to catch the train so I decided to visit.

I liked the building and all the skateboarders outside, but some of the exhibits were disturbing. The forensic architecture exhibit, which I found fascinating, focused on all sorts of crimes and the Martha Rosler: God Bless America! exhibit had a lot of social commentary. I found the combination overwhelming. You can take virtual tour of some of the museum here.

After making an imaginary wish list in the gift shop I headed to the train station along Carrer d'Elisabets and found this cool store that takes street banners and turns them into pencil cases, wallets, messenger bags, etc. I wanted one of everything.

I also want this banner advertising our town's festival.
It is free to look and takes up no room in the suitcase.

Eria

Variations on a theme.

Soaking it up

It was not so far to walk from the end of the train line to the museum, so we did. There is always something to see.

Notice the Papereria on the upper right-hand tile that was outside

this paper good store. I love that!

I like the music building, too.

We could not take pictures in the Picasso Museum,

but I snapped a couple of the exterior and

I couldn't resist this picture from inside the museum. There we were, among amazing
artwork in a beautiful building, but everyday needs still must be met. I love seeing laundry!

I could not take pictures of Picasso's pigeon series, which was new to me,
but I did take a picture in the gift shop. You can read more about the pigeons here.

After the museum we were going to catch a different train and again chose to walk and stumbled across this belated Earth Day celebration. There was a lot of delicious vegan food and a variety of things for sale. Unlike at home there did not seem to be a lot of environmental groups educating people and sharing their ideas.

Our trip finished with a visit to the electronics store, which was filled with many temptations.

I will miss the ease and low cost (two euros) of getting to Barcelona!

Out and about

I think D. could have cycled there faster, but this time he joined us on the train and metro for a family outing to Plaza de les Glòries Catalanes.

First up was Nou Mercat dels Encants. Barcelona Flea Market. Els Encants Vells. Mercat de Fira de Bellcaire.  All names for the same thing.

It has been around since the 14th century, but in this location only since 2013. 

I like the mirrored roof. 

I also liked the little views of Torre Agbar.

There were lots of used things we didn't need,

maybe because a lot of looked like my childhood basement.

The new things were a lot like the Thursday market, lots of underwear, purses, and bedding.

I was surprised how much material was for sale and how hard it must be to get the bolt you wanted.

From the flea market we headed across the square to the design museum, Museu del Disseny de Barcelona.

Construction on the cathedral can be seen from the museum.

Even before mobile phones graphic artists were promoting traffic safety.

D. liked this design of the cubes creating a star.

There was both old and new ceramic pieces, including a display of some of Miró's work and 

some of Picasso's ceramic pieces.

And what would a design museum be without chairs?
I wish they had been displayed together so I could get all the chairs in one picture.

I didn't get a single good picture from the clothing exhibit so this picture is from their video.

Unfortunately the library in the same building was closed, but I enjoyed checking out their exhibit.

D. enjoyed checking out the Bromptom club that had been having lunch at the museum cafe.

I would be happy to go back to the library, but I would pass on the another visit to the flea market.