Barcelona Pt 2: Flamenco

On Saturday night we enjoyed a traditional flamenco performance (of course with Sangria-from our sampling throughout the weekend I think the best is Sangria cava brut, a sparkling white wine sangria). I was shocked as to how loud the performance was; the dancers have extreme control and speed with complex rhythms, combined with precision over force. At times you could not hear them taking a step, while at other points it is ear splitting how loud they bring their heels down. It seemed like it was loud enough to cause the same temporary threshold shifts as a rock concert would. The performers were all highly skilled, from the dancers, singers, to the musicians.

Barcelona Pt 1: Gaudi

Marc and I spent an amazing long weekend in Barcelona with Emily and Travis. We saw so much (and took countless photos) so it will take several posts to go through.

Even from the few days we spent there, it is striking how much a specific architect, Antoni Gaudi, has impacted Barcelona. He has a very distinctive gothic modernist style that has shaped the whole of the city. His work is all over from his towering churchs, parks, government buildings, and his own homes. Several of these locations have become world heritage sites due to his profound influence. His use of open spaces, flowing lines, and whimsical, cartoon forms is magical.

Dragon gate in front of the Guell Pavillion

Gingerbread house in Guell park

Steps into Guell Park

Lizard fountain

Sangrada Familia

Sangrada Familia

Commerce building Guell (not positive on this one, we ran across several of his works while going around town, don't remember for sure which one this was)

Spring

The tulips are up. It's official, spring is here.

Daily Commute

Commuting to St. Andrews from Edinburgh definitely eats up a lot of time each day. I was concerned it may pose a problem to commute throughout my program, but so far I am finding treating the train as my second office has worked really well. Another commuter, a teacher at the school, is found of saying the train ride in is the most productive hour of the day. I completely agree. And the trip is stunningly beautiful; the train runs along the coast of Scotland, and goes next to a seal haul out site. And the walk through St Andrews to the lab takes me through the ruins of a grand cathedral, and along the beach. These are a few pics from my cell phone that I have grabbed during a few of my commutes:

Marcs Birthday

I am a bit belated in posting this. Last Wednesday was Marc's birthday, we enjoyed dinner and a movie (the descendants) with friends. A quiet birthday, but with the added excitement of fountain birthday candles. I tried to warn the waitress about them, but she just waved me off saying candles are just fine...have to give her credit though, after her initial surprise with the first one she continued to light them. Happy birthday Marc!