emoving*

Faith here and there

2011-07-28T01:29:00.010+02:00

A collection of images from cities and villages from around the world depicting the variety of beliefs and different practices related to faith.

religion [noun] the freedom to practice their own religion: faith, belief, worship, creed; sect, church, cult, denomination. faith [noun] 1. he justified his boss's faith in him: trust, belief, confidence, conviction; optimism, hopefulness, hope. 2. she gave her life for her faith: religion, church, sect, denomination, (religious) persuasion, (religious) belief, ideology, creed, teaching, doctrine.

• Buddhism in Tibet

Tibetan Buddhism is most well-known to the world through the office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the exiled spiritual and political leader of Tibet and the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.

Since China occupied Tibet in 1951 almost all traces of Buddhism were destroyed and the Dalai Lama was driven into exile in India along with thousands of people. Despite the extremely difficult circumstances in exile, Tibetans have succeeded in rebuilding their monasteries, preserving their culture and keeping it alive from the exile, not only in India, but in Western countries.
Today Tibet is still occupied by China and Tibetans have a limited religious freedom in their own homeland. However, a few monasteries have been rebuild and monastic education resumed even though the number of monks imposed is strictly limited.
Religion is extremely important to the Tibetans and has a strong influence over all aspects of their lives. Tibetans can be seen practicing their distinctive 'Kora' while spinning prayer wheels, chanting mantras –such as Om Mani Padme Hum–, counting mala or prostrating. Kora is a type of pilgrimage and also meditation, performed by making a walking circumambulation in clock-wise direction around a temple, stupa, or other sacred site.

Sera Monastery is one of the Gelukpa university monasteries of Tibet and is located 2km from Lhasa. It's the best location to witness the Monks debates on the teachings of Buddha and the philosophy of Buddhism.

Ferocious guardians at the entrance of Pelkor Chode Monastery, the main monastery in Gyantse, Tibet. In the Buddhist faith, the Four Heavenly Kings are four guardian gods to protect the Buddha and Buddha's followers from danger.

Buddhists show their reverence to the Triple Gem (Buddha, Dharma and Sangha) by practicing prostrations, a practice that can be seen in Temples or along the streets or roads. Some Tibetan pilgrim their way throughout vast distances, usually from their village to Lhasa and the journey can take from few weeks to several months.

Everyday hundreds of pilgrims go to Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, one of the holiest and spiritual places in the world to pray, prostrate or do the Kora.

Bellow, a Tibetan pilgrim prostrating while chanting mantras and doing the Kora every single day around Jokhang Temple in Lhasa. The permanent dark mark on his forehead is caused by repeatedly placing the head on the floor.

Top picture: Tibetan pilgrims prostrating at the entrance of Jokhang Temple, and two Tibetan women spinning prayer wheels while doing the Kora around Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.

The colourful Prayer Flags, usually found on the peaks high in the Himalayas and on the top of Tibetan houses, are used to bless the surrounding area. Tibetans believe that the prayers and mantras will be blown by the wind to spread the good will and compassion into all pervading space. They come in sets of five flags, one in each of five colours. The five colours represent the elements: Blue: sky, space. White: air (sometimes referred to wind or cloud). Red: fire. Green: water. Yellow: earth.

• Buddhism in Nepal

The largest population of Tibetan refugees from China live in the village of Boudhanath (also called Boudha), about 11km from Kathmandu and it's a UNESCO world heritage site.

Everyday hundreds of pilgrims and monks circumambulate this ancient Buddhist Stupa –one of the largest in the world– to practice the kora and give offerings to their deities.

Prayer flags and a depiction of the Buddha's eyes are frequently seen in Nepal (especially on stupas). They look in all four directions representing the omniscient mind of a Buddha.

Tibetan refugees dressed up in traditional Tibetan costume spin the prayer wheels, always in clock-wise direction, while circumambulate the Stupa, also in clock-wise direction.

Buddhism statues at a small courtyard in the streets of Kathmandu.

Prayer wheels surrounding the Stupa of Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath) atop a hill in the west of Kathmandu, Nepal.

Making offerings is a very common practice in Buddhism and every offering has a specific meaning:

Flowers signifies the practice of generosity and opens the heart.

Incense symbolizes moral ethics or discipline.

Light (butter lamps, candles) signifies the stability and clarity of patience, the beauty which dispels all ignorance.

Food signifies to feed the mind.

Prayers offering light at the Stupa of Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath) atop a hill in the west of Kathmandu, Nepal.

Locals from Kathmandu preparing offerings in Durbar Square, Kathmandu–Nepal.

Worshipers ring the bells at a temple in the streets around Durbar Square, Kathmandu–Nepal.

Buddhist monk doing the kora around the Stupa at Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath) atop a hill in the west of Kathmandu–Nepal. Stupas in Nepal frequently have a depiction of the Buddha's eyes, which look in all four directions representing the omniscient mind of Buddha.

Offering light (butter lamps, candles) signifies the stability and clarity of patience, the beauty which dispels all ignorance.

Buddhists always take off their shoes before getting into sacred sites and also tourists are encouraged to do so.

• Buddhism in Thailand
Nearly 95% of Thailand's population is Buddhist of the Theravada school. Theravada school is based more purely on the teachings of Gotama Siddartha –Buddha– without the refinements added on by later monks. Buddhist believe that existence is suffering, suffering is caused by desire, so the elimination of desire leads to a state of perfect non suffering and non existence called nirvana. This is probably the reason why Thai people is that easy going, friendly and have that constant warm smile on their faces.
Buddhist temples in Thailand are characterized by giant golden stupas, mythological creatures and usually many Buddha images. In front of the main image worshipers arrange offerings such as lotus blossoms and dried flowers.

Buddha postures and the symbolic gestures of the hands of Buddha –called mudras–, are symbols of deeper meaning. In most statues of Buddha he is seated cross legged, which indicated meditation.
If the right hand is raised, palm outwards, indicates protection, peace and the dispelling of fear. The giant reclining Buddha, in which he is seen resting on a cushion with one arm holding his head, refers to the death of Buddha –the point at which he achieved nirvana.

Giant reclining Buddha at Wat Po –The Temple of the Reclining Buddha– at The Grand Palace Complex in Bangkok, Thailand (left).

Statues of Buddha in different postures at caves and temples from Chiang Mai, on the north west of Thailand.

Worshipers and Buddhist monks giving offerings to Buddha at The Grand Palace Complex in Bangkok, Thailand.

• Buddhism and Hinduism in India

With the origins of Hinduism and Buddhism in India, religion is considered to be extremely important. Of the two religions, Hinduism is infinitely more popular, with an incredible 82 percent of the population practicing it. Within this majority, there are significant differences in the belief systems and caste divisions. Although there is division in some areas of Hinduism, there are many areas in common. They will all go to the pilgrimage sites, coming from all over India and will– if they go to a Brahman priest for birth, marriage and/or death rituals– hear the same Sanskrit verses from hundreds of years ago. In the shadow of Hindu dominance, there are a few followers of other beliefs such as Christianity, Sikh and Buddhism.

Varanasi is a holy city in Hinduism and it's also the place where Buddhism was founded. Being one of the most sacred pilgrimage places for Hindus, everyday its gaths attract hundreds of pilgrims, locals and Saddhus who believe that bathing in the sacred waters of river Ganges they will purify and wash away all their sins.
The river Ganges that ranks among the top five most polluted rivers of the world, is worshiped as the goddess Ganga in Hinduism. Hindus consider its waters to be both pure and purifying.

Holy cow! cows are considered sacred in Hinduism, being free to wander everywhere.

• Muslims in Turkey

Islam is the largest religion of Turkey having around 90% percent of the population registered as Muslim. Muslim is an Abrahamic religion based on the Koran, which is the central religious text of Islam considered as the verbatim word of Allah as revealed to prophet Muhammad.

There are thousands of historical mosques throughout the country. Their cupolas and minarets enhance the skyline of cities like Istanbul where there are around 3000 mosques.

The Islamic Call to Prayer: Muslims are called to pray 5 times a day: at down, midday, middle afternoon, after sunset and at night fall.
This call –adhān in Arabic– comes from a loud speaker on the minarets of every mosque.
Even thought Islamic law doesn't require men and women to be separated in the prayer hall, traditional rules have segregated women and men. By traditional rules, women are most often told to occupy the rows behind the men. Many mosques today will put the women behind a barrier or partition or in separate areas instead of the main prayer hall, which is the area where men do pray.
As ritual purification precedes all prayers, mosques often have ablution fountains or other facilities for washing in their entryways or courtyards. Muslims wash their hands, forearm, face and feet before they pray. Also shoes must not be worn inside the Mosque.
Women should wear loose clothing that covers to the wrists and ankles, and cover their heads with a hijab or other scarf.
Since Atatürk founded the secular state in 1923 banning the use of the hijab (headscarf), this issue debate has been very intense and controversial. Today many women doesn't wear the hijab, especially in big cities like Istanbul. But it's common in rural areas or in those who are more conservative with their religious beliefs.

Top picture shows fountains where Muslims wash their hands, feet, arms and face before the pray at the Mosque. In the next picture men pray in the main hall, while women are kept in a separate area behind them.

Men pray in the main hall of a Mosque, while women are kept in a separate area behind them.

Hagia Sophia is a former Orthodox patriarchal basilica, later a mosque, and now a museum in Istanbul. The top picture (bellow) shows a catholic mosaic probably dating from 1261 when it was the largest cathedral in the world. On the other picture, Islamic elements decorate the main dome, incorporated by the Ottoman Turks who ordered to convert the building into a mosque.

The evil eye is a look that is believed by many cultures to be able to cause injury or bad luck for the person at whom it is directed for reasons of envy or dislike.

A nazar, lucky eye or evil eye stone is an amulet that is meant to protect against the evil eye. In Turkey it is ubiquitous in offices and homes, in jewellery, on vehicles, doors and mobiles. It is usually seen in the form of a flattened bead or hanging ornament, made by hand from coloured glass, and used as a necklace, or attached to bracelets or anklets.

Back to the 11th century, people of Göreme at the heart of the Cappadocia Region, carved out rocks to form houses, churches, monasteries that were decorated with unique frescoes dating from the 11th century. These Christian sanctuaries contain many examples of Byzantine art from the post-iconoclastic period.

• Argentina: land of religion, healers and veneration

A majority of the population of Argentina is Roman Catholic. Despite of a significant number doesn't attend to mass, it's common to see individuals expressing their religious devotion on their daily life, for example they perform the sign of the cross as they pass by a church or religious area.
In the north western provinces Catholic practices might be seen combining catholic icons along with Andean indigenous ceremonies, especially during religious festivals. The Pachamama worship is still widespread throughout Salta and Jujuy along with Catholic beliefs.
Although Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion in Argentina, the country is also home to other religions such as Spiritualism, Jehovah Witness, Mormonism, Shamanism and Buddhism. Evangelical Protestantism is also gaining pace but primarily within the poorer and working class areas.

Veneration of Saints and the dead and stories of miracles play a key religious role for a significant number of individuals in Argentina. Besides traditional religious practices, there are also a number of unconventional practices, usually part of local folklore. One of the most famous is the veneration of La Difunta Correa –The Deceased Correa–. Devout followers disseminated the figure of the Difunta creating small altars in several routes throughout the country, where they leave bottles of water as votive offerings believing she performs miracles and intercede for the living. Other gifts include food, flowers, money etc. Miracles attributed to la Difunta Correa include the healing of the sick and facilitating the acquisition of homes and cars.

Another popular cult is the 'Gauchito Gil' –the little gaucho Gil–, who become a legend after he deserted the civil war forces, becoming an outlaw à la Robin Hood. His followers build hundreds of small shrines of Gauchito Gil along roadsides throughout the country. These shrines are particularly painted in red and decorated with red rags. Pilgrimages are also organised to the main sanctuary to ask for favours to the 'saint'.
Ceferino Namuncurá, son of the Mapuche cacique Manuel Namuncurá, is also source of veneration all over the Patagonia and was later named venerable by the Vatican.
El Angelito Milagroso, an infant who died of meningitis just short of his first birthday, who people recur to for requests and miracles.

Many other beliefs in advocations of the Virgin, saints and other religious characters exist throughout the country, which are locally or regionally popular and church-endorsed.

Left: Image of the 'Gauchito Gil' at one of many shrines on the roads of Argentina.
Right: commemorative plaques attached to the shrine by devotees as gratitude for granted requests.

One of the many red shrines of the 'Gauchito Gil' on the roads of Argentina decorated with red rags.

The figure of the Virgin, saints and dozens of other religious characters exist at this local sanctuary where followers arrive from the distance to listen the message of Jesus and his mother which is said to be passed directly to this individual with stigmas (on the picture-left) during apparitions. Religious devotees visit the sanctuary with the hopes of healing, intercession and supernatural favours. They leave pictures and letters along with gifts such as rosary, flowers, etc.

Religious devotees visit the sanctuary with the hopes of healing, intercession and supernatural favours leaving pictures and letters along with gifts such as rosary, flowers, etc.

Saint Expeditus with his typical iconographic attributes is venerated at this small shrine where devoted arrive with the hopes of healing, intercession and supernatural favours leaving gifts such as flowers and commemorative plaques to thank for granted requests.

Saint Pantaleon figure at a small shrine on the road where locals devotees venerate and assist with the hopes of intercession and supernatural favours leaving gifts such as flowers.

• St. Peter's and The Vatican

While it is neither the official mother church of the Roman Catholic Church, or the cathedral of the Pope as Bishop of Rome, St Peter's is regarded as one of the holiest Catholic sites and also place of pilgrimage.

The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo, the famous painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican illustrates the Biblical story from the Book of Genesis in which God the Father breathes life into Adam, the first man.

Michelangelo's St. Peter's Pietà –Italian for pity– is a subject in Christian art depicting the Virgin Mary cradling the dead body of Jesus.

The Creation of Adam on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel (left), and La Pietà at St. Peter's (right) both by Michelangelo.

References:
wikipedia
http://www.viewonbuddhism.org
http://www.religionfacts.com
http://www.buddhanet.net
http://asiatours.net/thailand/info/buddhism.html
http://www.lotussculpture.com
http://www.asianinfo.org
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/articles/article/Argentina/Religion-in-Argentina/37

London lab

2011-06-16T19:35:00.009+02:00

Cloudy skies, rainy days and a stampede towards the parks when the sun shines over this awesome fast-paced metropolis shared by masses of tourists and mixed ethnic groups living in a cool anonymity.

Here's a selection of random pics of London landmarks, festivals, street and markets from my own collection:

Greenwich

Cupid at Piccadilly Circus

Oxo Tower, South Bank

St. Mary Axe, 'The Gherkin'

St. Paul's Cathedral and river Thames as seen from Tate Modern's restaurant

Albion Riverside Apartments Battersea

Random people at Notting Hill Carnival '08

Fika, Swedish cafe in Brick Lane

Shops in Spitafields

Random people at Ely's yard, Spitafields

Random people nearby Borough Market

Brick Lane street signs

Stage door in Covent Garden

Staircase at Fortnum and Mason shop, Piccadilly

Sir Keith Park Statue, Trafalgar Square

Wild Daisy flowers. Picnic day at Primrose Hill

King's Cross St. Pancras as seen from British Library

Clothes stall at Portobello Rd. market

The tube. Mind the Gap!

Columbia flower market, Columbia Rd.

Nissan Cube installation at the Truman Brewery, Brick Lane

Central St. Giles, Holborn

The National Gallery

Nelson's column at Trafalgar Sq.

Big Ben as seen from Trafalgar Sq.

St Martin as seen from Trafalgar Sq.

Sir Keith Park and The National Gallery

Nelson's column at Trafalgar Sq.

St. Martin as seen from Trafalgar Sq.

Phone box in Westminster on a snowy day

Monument to the women of WWII, Westminster

Snowy St. James park

The Houses of Parliament covered with snow

Big Ben on a snowy day

St. James park on a snowy day

Buckingham Palace on a snowy day

Taxi in Constitution Hill by Buckingham Palace on a snowy day

Constitution Hill

Wellington Arch

Worker at Borough Market

Big Ben

Guard at The Household Cavalry Museum

Admirality Arch, Trafalgar Sq.

Directions in Westminster

London Eye and Former GLC building by river Thames

The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben

London Eye flying over Dali' sculpture

London Eye behind Dali' sculpture

London Eye

Charing Cross Railway Bridge

Hammersmith Bridge

Barclays Cycle hire, Hyde Park

Charing Cross Rd. as seen from Foyles Book Shop

Secret Philippines

2011-06-11T09:38:00.005+02:00

Improvising a trip destination was never as good as Philippines. A quick research on the web only 3 days before holidays started and Siquijor Island came out as the perfect location for a relaxing holidays on a tiny island off the beaten track. Far away enough from London and longer than 30 h of intriguing journey were 2 more reasons that added exoticism to the plan.

Cebu Pacific airlines connected Manila to Dumaguete, the capital of Negros Oriental (Visayas) and Delta Fast Ferry to Siquijor port. The final 30' of journey were on a tricycle (motorbike taxi) from the port to the Islanders Paradise Beach Resort on Sandugan Beach. Only one bungalow on the sandy shore was available and that was lots of luck considering it was the cheapest of the 3 resorts on the beach. Although the original plan was staying for a few days, the idyllic beaches, delicious food and friendly people were the reasons why we ended up staying longer than expected.

Siquijor island has only 102 km long coastline. Renting a motorbike was absolutely worth it, cheap and quick, and a way easy to drive around (I have never drove before!) It costs only 400pesos/day plus petrol, which is sold into coke bottles along the road. But dozens of smiling kids saying 'hello' along your drive, beautiful rice fields, skies of gorgeous colours and sunsets over infinite sea are absolutely priceless. Roads across the highland could be a bit adventurous but will surround you of impressive scenery, including little villages and Cambugahay falls.

Paliton Beach on the South is a gorgeous fishermen beach where there isn't hospitality which is and advantage as the whole beach might be all yours! Just a short ride from Paliton is JJ's Cafe, a popular resort that offers nice food on the shore.
Kagusua Beach is a hidden beach a few steps downstairs on the South. Quiet and idyllic as Paliton but keep an eye on your bag as thieves may be around! On the way back to Sandugan beach we stopped on the road to get some petrol and... surprise! no even a coin left on our little money bag... it was a good reason for us to come back to this side of the island and pay the petrol given by that kind philippino woman, for free. As she said 'it's an emergency!'

There are lots more to see around and also underwater. Siquijor waters have great corals and sea life to explore but sometimes it could be a bit difficult to find snorkels and masks to rent. Kiwi Resort, just at the end of Sandugan Beach may have some but maybe is a good idea to bring your own gear if you can! They also offer scuba diving classes and PADI certificates. At night their bar is the only one on the beach and it's also a good place to meet people.

Far away from the mass tourism and from the rest of the world, Siquijor Island is a way close to the idea of paradise :)

Dumaguete port. Siquijor Island on the horizon line

Sunset in Sandugan beach

Bangka, fishermen boat

Sandugan beach at low tide

Tide is coming up at Sandugan beach

little philippino fishermen

Paliton Beach

Bangksa at Paliton Beach

Paliton Beach

sunbathing

Sunset in Sandugan beach

locals catching seafood in Sandugan beach and thousands of crabs invading the beach at sunset

hammock in front of Islanders Paradise Beach Resort

Sunset in Sandugan beach

locals catching seafood in Sandugan beach and thousands of crabs invading the beach at sunset

Kagusua beach

sunset from Islanders Paradise Beach Resort, Sandugan beach

Islanders Paradise Beach Resort, Sandugan beach

sunset from Islanders Paradise Beach Resort, Sandugan beach

Buying petrol sold on the road bottled into coke bottles

beautiful rice fields next to the road around Siquijor Island

Gorgeous scenery on the main road around Siquijor Island

Tricycle, typical taxi from Philippines

Hairdresser in Larena Town, Siquijor

exploring the highlands in Siquijor

Cambugahay falls, Siquijor Island

Sun drying fish at Lazi market

rice is sold into leaves knitted baskets in market at Lazi

sunset from Islanders Paradise Beach Resort, Sandugan beach

sunset from Islanders Paradise Beach Resort, Sandugan Beach

thousands of crabs invade Sandugan Beach when sun sets

Paradise is in Paliton Beach :)

Paliton Beach

Fishermen keep nets in huts at Paliton Beach

Siquijor harbour

Bangka at Siquijor harbour

Siquijor harbour

locals swimming next to Siquijor harbour

bye bye Siquijor, salámat ho! (thank you!)

tricycle at slum in Intramuros, Manila

Walking on the spanish rampart of Intramuros, Manila

little philippino kids playing on a tricycle in Intramuros, Manila

On the way to China Town, leaving Intramuros behind us and crossing Jones Bridge on the Pasig River, Manila

tangled wires in China Town, Manila

jeepney [bus] from Manila

Plaza Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz Church, Manila

Essential Córdoba (Argentina)

2011-06-07T15:32:00.005+02:00

Combining modern architecture with the beauty of its colonial past and European influence, Córdoba has many hidden treasures that date from the XVI and XVII Centuries, when the Jesuits settled down in the region, leaving their cultural heritage in what is now the Manzana Jesuítica (Jesuit Block) also known as the Manzana de las Luces (Block of Enlightenment). Thanks to UNESCO that declared it as Cultural Heritage in 2000, today we can still enjoy the beauty of its ancient cathedral, churches, schools, courts, monasteries and the oldest university of Argentina.

The appearance of the city is in continuous mutation, the real estate boom is a fact and gives a new skyline to the city, but down in the streets some of those treasures from past centuries are disappearing or fading out by modern billboards, carelessness or urban sprawl that gives way to modern buildings. The lively quarter of Nueva Córdoba is a clear example of this: students from all over the country move here when they start university and the impact of that can be seen on the dozens of bars, restaurants, lounges and clubs spread over its bubbly streets where life never stops.

Emerging artists have now their new space at Paseo del Buen Pastor as well as artisans and independent artists at Paseo de las Artes where stalls, shops and galleries of handicrafts, antiques, art, clothes and food keep expanding considerably during the last few years. As the weekend starts, crowds wander around the streets, rooftop terraces and comfy restaurants get busy when the sun goes down and live music comes from bars.

Architecture, arts and culture are blooming along with public areas where contemporary art can be seen at the colourful rings of Plaza del Bicentenario, next to El Faro (The Lighthouse), or visiting the renewed Museo Provincial de Bellas Artes Emilio Caraffa (MEC), Museo de Bellas Artes Palacio Ferreyra and Museo Municipal de Bellas Artes Genaro Pérez.

Museo de la Memoria is also a new spot that brings back chilling memories from the excesses of Argentina's military dictatorship. Just next to the Cathedral, this museum occupies the building used as a clandestine center for detention and torture of suspected political agitators that were kidnapped by the dreaded D2 (Department of Intelligence).

Food, vegetables, meat and lots more of yummy flavours have their own space at the old building of Mercado Municipal or North Market, which is surrounded by quaint shops, cafes, restaurants and wholesale shops.

There are also those hidden treasures that can only be found walking down the city centre streets and pedestrian area, and looking up to the sky: domes, cupolas and memories from an architectural past that has to do with European influences, most of them now forgotten in time or hiding behind big trees and billboards. But despite of it, they still keep that fine beauty that make them unique enriching the cultural heritage and identity of Córdoba.

Cupola and staircase of buildings from city centre

Staircase of building at Rivera Indarte and 9 de Julio

Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús / Colegio Nacional de Monserrat

Colegio Nacional de Monserrat (Manzana Jesuítica)

Colegio Nacional de Monserrat

Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús (M. Jesuítica)

Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús (Manzana Jesuítica)

Iglesia de Santa Teresa y Convento de Carmelitas Descalzas
de San José (Manzana Jesuítica)

Parroquia Sagrado Corazón de Jesús de los Capuchinos as
reflected on bar glass from El Buen Pastor, Nueva Córdoba

Parroquia Sagrado Corazón de Jesús de los Capuchinos

Sagrado Corazón de Jesús de los Capuchinos

Plaza del Bicentenario and Faro del Bicentenario

Plaza del Bicentenario

Cathedral

Cathedral as seen from Cabildo

Cabildo ceiling

Cabildo

Cathedral

Compañía de Jesús as seen from Museo
Histórico de la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba

Museo Histórico de la Universidad Nac. de Córdoba

Museo Histórico de la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba

Mercado Municipal (Norte)

Butchers at Mercado Municipal (Norte)

Signs around Mercado Municipal (Norte)

Sausages at Mercado Municipal (Norte)

Restaurant at Mercado Municipal (Norte)

Signs at Mercado Municipal (Norte)

Cafe around Mercado Municipal (Norte)

Sign at Mercado Municipal (Norte)

Shop around Paseo de las Artes

Shop and galleries around Paseo de las Artes

Shop and galleries nearby el Paseo de las Artes

Bar nearby Paseo de las Artes

Street art nearby Paseo de las Artes

Antiques shop around Paseo de las Artes

Shops around Paseo de las Artes

Cupola and wires in city centre

Traditional advertising billboard

Synagogue

Shop around Mercado Municipal (Norte)

Iglesia de la Merced

Typical moving van parked in front of Iglesia de la Merced

Iglesia de la Merced

Iglesia de Santo Domingo

missing people's pictures at Museo de la Memoria

personal objects of missing people at Museo de la Memoria

Museo de la Memoria jails

missing people's pictures at Museo de la Memoria

Museo de la Memoria

Cathedral as seen from Museo de la Memoria

demonstrations are almost a weekly scene on the streets

Cardboard collectors and water carriers

Teatro del Libertador

Supreme Court and Paseo Sobremonte

Supreme Court

La Cañada and typical tree, the 'tipa'

vintage signage

Selling fruits on the streets of Nueva Córdoba

The Calicanto building as reflected on frontal building

trip to the future: amazing Thailand

2011-01-13T04:21:00.024+01:00

2550, indeed. It's August 2550 on the Buddhist Calendar which is used in Thailand and it corresponds to 2007 on our Western calendar. It was a bit shocking when I saw it for the first time on newspapers and monuments and for a while it was quite nice to think that i could have travelled with the time machine!

Sawadee Bangkok!

I started my lone trip in Bangkok arriving to Suvarnabhumi Airport which is located 30km east of Bangkok. At that moment (2007) high-speed rail link to the new airport was under construction and the best way to get to Bangkok city was by taxi, which I booked outside of the terminal and It cost me around THB 400 (Thailand baht). Booking a taxi in Thailand is always tricky as most of taxi drivers prefer arranging a closed price to use the taxi-meter.

I spent 4 days in Bangkok and I immediately fell in love with Thailand and its laid back, peaceful and smiley people. In less than a week I had already got the feeling of being away from home since months! Thailand it's the top relaxing trip I have ever done!

Thai people are lovely, extremely helpful and always smiling. In contrast, Bangkok is a polluted metropolis with two different faces, where it's possible to walk the quite and narrow streets of traditional old neighbourhoods, markets and gorgeous Buddhist temples, ending up on the 85 floor of the Baiyoke Tower II (304m) in the modern hub of Siam.

Bangkok's traffic is always chaotic and there are many mains of public transport to move around. You can catch an old bus with a lady selling the tickets on board, and changing to the ultra modern skytren. The faster ways to move around Bangkok are by tuk-tuk, skytren and boat on the Chao Phraya River, which despite of diesel pollution it's a great experience, and on top of all, offers you a fantastic view of the city skyline that will make you realize where you are: Bangkok, the bustling metropolis and trading center of Southeast Asia.

Young monks at The Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand

Driver of an old bus and on board ticket seller, stuck in Bangkok traffic jam

Bangkok's skyline and traditional boats on the Chao Phraya River

Baiyoke Tower II and skytren at Siam Square, Bangkok

Taxi boats on the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok

First place I went to see in Bangkok was The Grand Palace of Bangkok, which is a short walk from the famous backpackers area of Khao San Road and it's really impressive and has breathtaking giant golden stupas surrounded by temples and mythological giants and creatures. The visit is worth to the minimum detail and you can delight yourself by standing at any corner and just observing the life happening in front of you, as many little monks in bright orange costume visit the palace, pilgrims and worshipers pray with deep devotion offering lotus flowers, incense sticks, candles and food to Buddha. It's really magic!

The guardians of the Emerald Buddha are impressive and colourful giant demons (yaksha) at the entrance of Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)

Wat Pho, the Giant Reclining Buddha, which is 46m at the base and 15m height it is a must see at the Grand Palace complex and it represents it pass to the nirvana and its death.

Giant golden stupa at The Grand Palace Complex, Bangkok

Prayer monk offering incense, flowers and eggs to Buddha

Lotus flowers offered to Buddha

People pray and offer incense and flowers to Buddha

Yaksha, the giant demons guardians of the Emerald Buddha

Giant golden stupas at The Grand Palace complex, Bangkok

Giant Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, The Grand Palace

Accommodation in Bangkok and street food:

The cheapest area to stay in Bangkok is the lively and well known Khao San Road, which it's been backpackers's heaven for years. As prices vs. quality may vary, the easiest way to get a room is walking around to check a few hostels until you find your favourite one.
Lots of street food stalls are everywhere an at all times! delicious fruits, smoothies, seafood, pad thai... it doesn't matter you are hungry or not, you will keep eating and drinking just because food is gorgeous and incredibly fresh and cheap! And the best of all: it's highly safe and recommended trying all types of food from the street!

Fresh made and delicious fruit smoothies on the streets of Khao San Rd., Bangkok

Little and narrow streets of Khao San Road, Bangkok. Thailand

Choose your favourite sea food and it goes to the grill! on the streets of Khao San Rd., Bangkok

Cooking pad thai in the streets of Khao San Road, Bangkok. Thailand

Selling fresh fish in a street market around Khao San Road, Bangkok. Thailand

North of Thailand: Chiang Mai and 'Long Neck' Women

Next destination was Chiang Mai, the largest city in the north of Thailand, which is 700km from Bangkok and surrounded by mountains and beautiful nature. There are cheap flights to get to Chiang Mai from Bangkok, but I decided to adventure myself in a 16h journey by train departing from Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok.
Chiang Mai itself has not much to offer apart from temples and markets, but it is a key place to move around and see gorgeous nature, to go trekking or visit tribes on the jungle.

Hua Lamphong Railway Station, Bangkok. Thailand

Night train Bangkok-Chiang Mai. Thailand

Night train Chiang Mai-Bangkok. Thailand

Little monks in the streets of Chiang Mai. Thailand

People from the streets of Chiang Mai. Thailand

Night Market, Chiang Mai. Thailand

Crispy bugs are sold in the streets of Chiang Mai. Thailand

Tuk-tuk in the streets of Chiang Mai. Thailand

Rickshaw in the streets of Chiang Mai. Thailand

Rambutan fruit, delicious! Fruit market in Chiang Mai. Thailand

From Chiang Mai I went on a day trip by jeep to Mae Hon Son on the northwest of Thailand and close to Burma's (Myanmar) border, to see the place where long neck women (known as giraffe women as well) live in. It was quite a long journey trough gorgeous scenery, visiting orchid gardens, temples, giant Buddhas and caves with stalactites, stalagmites and underground temples.

Gorgeous scenery on the way to Mae Hon Son, somewhere in the northwest of Thailand

Orchid

Gorgeous scenery on the way to Mae Hon Son, somewhere in the northwest of Thailand

Beautiful orchids

Giant Buddha's head, somewhere in the northwest of Thailand

Giant Buddha somewhere in the northwest of Thailand

Amazing temple on the way to Mae Hon Son, somewhere in the northwest of Thailand

On the road, on the way to Mae Hon Son, somewhere in the northwest of Thailand

Once we got to the village where 'long neck' women' live I've got mixed feelings about visiting them as they are victims of tourist exploitation and the place looks like a tourist market where these poor women are kept as part of a human zoo.
The 'long neck' women are war refugees from Burma (Myanmar). They escaped the oppression in Burma in the late 1980s and moved to the Thai border area where Thai authorities allow them to live, but they don't recognize them as Thai citizens and they don't allow them to move.

The tradition of the 'long neck' was about to disappear as many women began breaking it, but in recent years the practice of applying brass coils to women gained popularity in Thailand when the authorities realized the business they generate by bringing loads of tourists which money benefit a few businessmen that run the villages.

Long neck woman at Mae Hon Son village, Thailand

Young long neck woman at Mae Hon Son village, Thailand

This is how 'long neck' women look when they remove the brass coils

Long neck women village at Mae Hon Son, which is actually a touristic market run by a few businessmen that get profit from these Burmese refugees exploited and exhibited as a human zoo.

Time to relax: heading to paradise in south Thailand :)

After more than a week going up and down and having seen loads of beautiful temples and landscapes, it was time to enjoy the stunning white sandy beaches of South Thailand. Air Asia has tempting low cost flights in and around Thailand, which is convenient to save money and time as train journeys may take endless hours. A short flight took me to Krabi, a tiny, relaxing and charming village near Pukhet where it's worth a night stay just to take a boat to Phi Phi Don Island :)

Krabi's night market is the perfect place to have dinner, meet local people and tourists before going for some drinks at any of the many reggae bar in town.

I made the mistake to take the speed boat to Phi Phi Don which bumps on the water all the way to the paradisiac Island and I ended up at Phi Phi Don Hospital, almost fainting due motion sickness! Caring was really good, they gave me a Reliveran injection and 2 hours later I woke up to paradise: Phi Phi Don village and its lively streets full of fruit markets, shops, live music bars and the 2 bays one each side of the village looked like the perfect place to relax. Slowly I made my way through the little streets and found a place to stay.

There are many gorgeous islands nearby and it's a short sail to get to any of them.

Bamboo island which has not accommodation, has the most clean, white sandy beaches and turquoise waters.

Phi Phi Leh (Maya Beach), famous for Leonardo di Caprio movie 'The beach' it's simply amazing surrounded by 2 steep limestone cliffs that rise vertically out of the crystal clear emerald green water.

Snorkelling around the islands is one of the most amazing experiences having the chance to see colourful fishes, corals and even sharks!

On the speed boat from Krabi to Phi Phi Don, southwest of Thailand

Bamboo lsland... paradise near Phi Phi Don, southwest of Thailand

Bamboo island... paradise near Phi Phi Don, southwest of Thailand

Bamboo island... paradise near Phi Phi Don, southwest of Thailan

Dragon fruit in a fruit market on the streets of Phi Phi Don. Thailan

This was a bit scary as we were snorkelling around Phi Phi Don, southwest of Thailand

Snorkelling and sailing around Maya Beach (Phi Phi Leh), southwest of Thailand

Sornkelling and sailing around Maya Beach (Phi Phi Leh), southwest of Thailand

Leaving Maya Beach (Phi Phi Leh) at dusk, southwest of Thailand

Durian fruit on the streets of Phi Phi Don, southwest of Thailand

From western to eastern islands: Koh Tao!

It's really easy to move around Thailand as there are plenty linked trips by bus, boat, plain, etc. Leaving Phi Phi Don early in the morning and after a long journey by boat-bus-boat I got to super touristic Koh Samui at the end of the day, stopping just for a few hours and carrying on my boat trip to my little paradise Koh Tao, where I spent the last week of my holidays.

Koh Tao may not be the most gorgeous island from Thailand, but its tiny size and laid back village make it the perfect place for a relaxing holidays. Accommodation is cheap and location is simply gorgeous. My bungalow made of bamboo was a few steps from the sea and I've got the privilege of sleeping while listening to the sound of the sea, watching the most amazing sunsets from my balcony while having a Singha beer.
Along the beach there are many restaurants that offer fresh fish and sea food, chill out bars and beach bars with thai cushions to relax and enjoy fire games spectacles. As well as scuba diving schools and a wide range of massage and pampering sessions to treat yourself even more!

As it's a small island it's really easy to move around and enjoy the different beaches like Mango Bay, which is a short trip by taxi boat and it's really worth it to spend the day there, having lunch at the restaurant on the top of the hill while enjoying the stunning view of the bay from the terrace.

Nang Yuang Island is a little paradise located at only 15' by boat from Koh Tao and its stunning beaches are one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. The little islands are interconnected by a long white sandy beach and the clear emerald water has an untouched coral reefs. This stunning panoramic scene can be seen from the top of the hill which is reachable by a foot path.

Long beach, Koh Tao, southeast of Thailand

Long Beach, Koh Tao, southeast of Thailand

Warning sign underneath palm trees in Long Beach, Koh Tao, southeast of Thailand :)

Lovely Thai people selling corn on the cab in Koh Tao, southeast of Thailand

Sunset at Long Beach, Koh Tao, southeast of Thailand

Fire games on the beach, Koh Tao, southeast of Thailand

Dusk seen from my bungalow in Long Beach, Koh Tao, southeast of Thailand

Nuang Yuang Island, near Koh Tao, southeast of Thailand

Stunning panoramic view of Nuang Yuang Island, near Koh Tao, southeast of Thailand

Triggerfish as seen while snorkelling around Nuang Yuang Island, southeast of Thailand

A shoal in Mango Bay, Koh Tao, southeast of Thailand. Paradise!

Long Beach, Koh Tao, southeast of Thailand

Chilling out at my bungalow made of bamboo in Long Beach, Koh Tao, southeast of Thailand

bye bye paradise... bye bye Koh Tao... bye bye Thailand :(

Sadly my holidays met the end of the glorious days in paradise and I found myself on board of the ferry that took me to Thailand mainland, where a coach was waiting for me to take me back to Bangkok. The total journey from Koh Tao to Bangkok took me around 8h. Final destination was Hua Lamphong Station, from where I caught a taxi to Bangkok International Suvarnabhumi Airport...

Koh Tao seen from the ferry to Thailand mainland... :(

day trip to the White Cliffs of Dover

2010-10-31T21:16:00.004+01:00

To make the best of the last 'long' day before the clock goes backwards and it gets darker at 4.00pm I decided to go on a day trip from London to Dover to see the famous White Cliffs by the English Channel.
Ignoring forecast heavy rain I caught the Southeastern Train from Charing Cross Railway Station and almost 2 hours later I got to Dover, delighting myself with the gorgeous scenery of the British countryside.

Dover is famous for its white cliffs but there are also many other historical places to see as Dover Castle just on the top of the hill by Dover town, and ancient ruins from bronze age. Dover is also known because of it port where ferrys and cruises depart and arrive from and to France and other destinations in England.

The east side cliffs are a short walk on the left hand side from the Railway Station. It is easy to find the way by following the signs that lead to one of the most spectacular scenery of England, having a fantastic view of France, only 34 km on the other side of the English Channel.

There are many marked walking trails to explore the area. One of the nicest ones is a 4 miles stroll to South Foreland Lighthouse, St. Margarets Bay, which takes around 2 hours, depending on your pace.

South Foreland Lighthouse, St. Margarets Bay

The English Channel. On the other side: France

South Foreland Lighthouse, St. Margarets Bay

St. Margarets Bay

South Foreland Lighthouse, St. Margarets Bay

Down cliff path to reach sea level

Getting back to Dover

Awesome view of France, 34 km on the other side of the English Channel

Dover Castle at dusk

Dover harbour at dusk

india on my own | 08.05

2010-09-05T02:49:00.365+02:00

When I decided to go to India by myself I knew It would be challenging but I would never imagine myself living such a great experience during these short 15 days around Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Although sometimes it was tough, I will go back as many times as I can!

Landing in Delhi at midnight and being by myself on an improvised trip was an exciting beginning of my lone trip to India. With a cocktail of excitement, intrigue, concerns and adrenaline spinning all over I made my way walking through customs, pretending to be indifferent to all these dark, bright and inquisitive indian eyes on me! My guts become a big knot and the feeling of insecurity was increasing as walking through the poor illuminated lounge. The careless aspect of the airport was typical from developing countries, with dozens of touts trying to catch new customers for their taxi. But I was looking forward to meeting the taxi driver arranged to pick me up. And there it was my name written in a paper hold by that indian tuk tuk driver that took me to the Hotel Fifty Five in Connaught Place. That half an hour journey was as much unforgettable as I was scared and excited at seeing India for the first time, with its cows crossing highways and cars driving on the left!

Maybe it was me, but everything looked scary: the airport, the surrounding area, the location of the hotel, the people from the hotel (especially the guy sleeping on the floor of the dark corridor). Everything looked decadent and poorly illuminated. But it was only me, just being scared in a completely new environment and culture.

Breakfast on the rooftop of the Hotel 55 in Connaught Place, New Delhi

The morning after I went for breakfast on the rooftop of the hotel and while planning my day I had my first contact with a typical travel agent tout, who of course managed to take me to his travel agency to sell his business. That was exactly the opposite of what I had planned but in the end it was the right choice as I met a travel companion who easy a way my plans of dealing with Indians by myself!
The next day and after going sightseeing Delhi we started the trip around Rajasthan by car and with driver. A bit more expensive and less adventurous trip but a memorable experience anyway.

Being in the streets of Delhi was shocking from the very first minute. Unforgettable sights and the feeling of being in another world! The density of the air and the strong and strange smells plus the messy, noisy and overcrowded streets, the massive poverty of families living in the dirty streets together with cows and dogs… Hundreds of motorbikes, bicycles, cars, trucks, buses, tuk-tuk, all of them speeding and blowing their horns at all times.

Traffic lights are part of an urban landscape that no one pay attention to. It seems the rule is "there is no rule", just blow horn and make your own way to cross the street among the chaotic traffic! Without forgetting the camels, elephants and holly cows that circulate the streets with the same freedom than the vehicles! I had not enough eyes to catch all the scenery around me. It was a strong invasion to all my senses at the same time: too many things and colours to see, too many smells, noises, tastes coming to me so fast that i wasn't able to process them all, or to understand what was going on! Indian people are obstinate, they don't accept a 'no', which sometimes was tiring and frustrating, so going back to the hotel for a moment was a kind of appreciated and relaxing feeling. But despite these mixing feelings I loved India and I would go back every time I can!

On the second day we started our trip to Rajasthan stopping in Agra to see the Taj Mahal. During the following days we visited Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur, Amber, Pushkar and Udaipur, going back to Delhi to take a train to my last destination: Varanasi.
From Varanasi Simon carried on his one year trip and I found myself on my own, realising how crazy I was by going to India by myself!

A few hours later I caught the train to Delhi, where I got about 6am in the morning when shops were still closed. While waiting for the travel agent was open, just in front of the cinema in Connaught Place were the longest 3 hours of my life! I was catching the attention of every indian male passing by, who insistently stopped and hound me about going out with them, but it seems they don't understand the meaning of the word 'no'.
Nevertheless it was a great experience and once the travel agent opened the shop I went there as arranged, hoping to feel 'safer' than in the street. But even this 'dirty bastard' travel agent tried his best inviting to stay at his place instead of booking a hotel for me! Maybe he was being hospitable but considering the situation I rather went to a hotel, left my backpack and made the most of my last day in Delhi visiting the places I couldn't see when just arrived.
Around midnight I was on the plane back home and my mind was a big mess. My big adventure was over and many images, feelings and memories were spinning on my head. One of my big dreams came true and it happened in a magical way.

Tuk-tuk

Camels on the streets of Agra

Tuk-tuk ride and sharing roads with cows on the way to Taj Mahal, Agra

Cyclo rick-shaws drivers resting under trees' shadow

Fatehpur Sikri [ghost town]

Siesta in Fatehpur Sikri

Traffic on the road to Jaipur

Snake enchanters in the streets of Jaipur

Musician in Amber Fort

Jaigarh Fort

Siesta in the streets of Pushkar

Streets of Pushkar

Barber shop in Phushkar

Camel ride to the desert nearby Pushkar, Rajasthan

Sas Bahu Temple

Carved walls of Sas Bahu Temple

Sailing river Ganges at 6:00am in Varanasi

Saddhu by river Ganges in Varanasi

Sailing river Ganges at down in Varanasi

Indian men washing their clothes on a ghat by river Ganges, Varanasi

Varanasi as seen from river Ganges

Varanasi is the holiest city in India and as the sun rises many pilgrims, worshipers
and saddhus bath in river Ganges to wash away their sins

Worshipers and Saddhus in ghat by river Ganges

Jama Masjid in Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi, is the largest Mosque in India

Woman begging money at Jama Masjid gate in Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi

Little muslims at Jama Masjid in Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi

Humayun's Tomb, Delhi

Last rays of sunshine on the flight back home

snowboarding Italy

2008-04-20T11:29:00.006+02:00

Dolomitas

Alleghe y el lago congelado

Vista de Alleghe y los Dolomitas desde nuestra ventana

Vista de Alleghe y los Dolomitas desde nuestra calle

Preparando para descender en Passo Pellegrino, Dolomitas

Impresionante vista de los Dolomitas a 1918m en Passo Pellegrino

Paisaje nevado y congelado en el cañón

Cascadas de agua congeladas en el cañón

Vista de Alleghe al otro lado del lago congelado

Lago y fuente congelados en Alleghe

Vista nocturna de Alleghe

Italia en barco

2006-06-18T15:49:00.014+02:00

O il dolce far niente a Tropea!

Siamo in partenza al porto di Barcellona! llegando a Civitavecchia (Italia) después de las 20 hs de barco para cruzar el mar Mediterráneo! un viaje alucinante, viendo atardeceres increíbles en un mar infinito, tomando el sol en la terraza y junto a la piscina.

Unas 12 horas más tarde estábamos cruzando el estrecho entre las islas de Córcega y Cerdeña donde era posible ver nítidamente el contorno montañoso de ambas islas que se dibujaban en el horizonte a ambos lados del barco.

Ya caída la noche y esperando poder ver el partido de fútbol entre Argentina y Costa de Marfil del mundial Alemania 2006, encontré las comodísimas butacas de la sala de cine donde pude festejar el triunfo de Argentina por 2-0! Simplemente espectacular!

Al día siguiente desembarcamos en el puerto de Civitavecchia y luego de un corto viaje en tren llegué a la bellíssima cità di Roma donde tuve la suerte, entre tren y tren, de volver caminar otra vez por las entrañables callecitas de Roma, tocar las paredes del Coliseo, tirar la monedita en la Fontana di Trevi, donde el destino me demostró una vez más que el mundo es demasiado pequeño ya que me encontré una ex compañera de trabajo en Barcelona (Andrea de Colombia). En mi afán de querer ver tooodo de Roma una vez más me perdí por sus callecitas hasta encontrar Piazza Spagna y el Panteón. Tampoco me quise perder el vaticano y claro, mi querida Piazza Navona! para la próxima será repetir Trastévere.

Sólo unas horas más de tren y amanecí en Tropea, un pueblito medieval construido al filo del acantilado en la región de Calabria, allá bien al sur donde casi termina el continente y pegadito a Sicilia.

Nunca había escuchado hablar de Tropea hasta que mi amiga Nat me lo recomendó (grazie mille principessa!) Qué lindo pueblito! qué playas! acantiladas y de arenas súper blancas! el mar tan cristalino y que nada tiene que envidiar al azul turquesa del Caribe! un paraíso para descansar, olvidarse del mundo y ver los atardeceres más románticos que tiñen el cielo y el mar de rosas, naranjas y violetas increíbles, dibujando la silueta de las Islas Eolias en el horizonte, con el siempre humeante volcán de Stromboli. Las Eolias son 7 islas: Lípari, Vulcano, Salina, Panarea (VIP), Stromboli, Filicudi y Alicudi. Menos Panarea que pertenece al del jet-set, las demás se pueden visitar en un día de barco, saliendo tempranito desde Tropea.

Lípari fue la primera en que bajamos, es un pueblito antiguo muy chiquito pero con historia. Por ahí estuvieron griegos, romanos y hasta el mismísimo pirata Barbarroja. En Vulcano mejor ir con más tiempo para subir al cráter y ver el humo que de él emana con nuestros propios ojos. El azufre provenientede las emanciones volcánicas además de teñir la isla de un color amarillo, impregna el aire de un fuerte y desagradable olor. Ésto parece no importarle a alguna peronas, que en cambio aprovechan para darse un relajante baño de fango de volcán en el pantano que está a los pies del cráter.

La siguiente parada fue en Strómboli, un volcán gigante que también está en continua actividad y que también se puede subir hasta el cráter. La última vez que despertó fue en 2003 y hay muestra de ello en la negra pared occidental.

Ya de vuelta en Tropea, nada más queda que disfrutar del dolce far niente aprovechando sus idílicas playas, la cucina calabresa con il pesce spada, la pizza hecha en horno de leña y la cassata! Siempre acompañadas de la simpatía de los italianos que están más que dispuestos a ayudar y hacer sonreir.

Ya al final de las vacaciones no hubo más remedio que tomar el tren de vuelta a Civitavecchia donde otras 20 horas de barco me devolvieron a las costas de Barcelona donde me estaban esperando las torres Mapfre, el Tibidabo y la antena de Colserolla, la torre Agbar y las chimeneas de Badalona dibujando el horizonte de la Ciutat Comtal.