MALBA is a must

Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (MALBA) is on all the lists of places one must go when in Buenos Aires. So is tango. And we didn't do that. But I love art museums and this is modern art, a favorite.

Not speaking Spanish was a bit of a challenge, but not much. There were many interactive aspects and live performances, which made it fun. The best part was seeing the work of Argentinian artists in the various genres. I'm always glad when a museum is not too big because it's so much to take in!

And although the permanent collection was amazing, the top floor with contemporary work really begs questions. Why must modern artists focus nearly exclusively on misery and macabre?

For example, there was this wonderful exhibit of photographs displaying exaggerated acts of everyday aggression. Why not exaggerated acts of everyday hilarity? That would be AWESOME. But no.

And then there was this (real) man and attached to his clothes were strings to all sorts of macbre stuff placed around the room and everytime he moved they squeaked. Why the torture? Why not a camera attached to a computer and everytime someone looks at the camera and smiles something lights up around the room and a flower blooms. Okay, that does sound lame. But you get the idea, right?

A Piece of ... Art

It was a beautiful day for a walk so we took ourselves to the art museum just a few minutes from our apartment. Museu nacional d'Art de Catalunya had multiple sets of long, steep stairs up to the front of the museum punctuated by fountains and waterfalls. Thankfully, there were also escalators tucked along the sides because at this point our legs have done more walking than we probably do in a YEAR!

And what's up with creating contemporary statues of naked people with no arms? Really? I fail to comprehend. It's not as though the statue was so delicate and old that the arms broke off. Is it some kind of statement?

This journey actually started a day or two earlier. I had worked all day in my little room in the apartment and Rich had been out all day checking out the markets and wearing his legs out. At the end of the day I was itching to go outside and he was ready to relax. So I took a quick jaunt through the neighborhood on my own. When I saw this pretty tower in the evening sun I was enchanted enough to snap a photo. Then a little further across a large street I sighted the grand entrance to an art museum.

I reported back to Rich and we scheduled to explore. Doesn't the statue above look like she's just overwhelmed by the interest of so many visitors? The museum was a popular place! It was set atop a hill that provided panoramic views of the city below.

It's Origami! It's a Museum! It's Superman!

So excited on our first day exploring the old city in Barcelona that we headed out early... say 9am or so. Who knew that the city sleeps until 11am? Las Ramblas was full of people, but not so many and the street vendors were just beginning to set up their wares. A man was painting his face and his wings were waiting patiently to join his back.

Do you notice how the pavement appears to be undulated? It is an illusion! It is actually quite flat and easy to walk on.

When it's early morning what is there to do but have coffee? We found ourselves down a tiny dead-end alley with a crowd of people waiting. The museum had yet to open. But look at the beautiful origami in the window and then, wait!, is that Superman atop the museum? I wanted to share with you my discovery as I saw it. In the window. Just as he is about to take off!

Look who carried the cat in!

Today in Barcelona we tackled the Picasso Museum first thing and then we rambled. The old city is full of winding streets that are completely paved - like alleyways. Thankfully there are drainage grates and little, roaming, mobile street washing machines. To clean up after trickling streams and other items that dogs (and humans no doubt as well) leave behind. Peeewww!

And then we happened upon... Rambla del Raval (a paved walkway with an open market); and noon; and a really big, round cat; and tapas; and beer; and kisses!

Me and the Guys

I visited San Diego for the first time ever. Where to go? Balboa Park! Museums and I usually get along quite well and this was no exception. There was a wonderful cluster of museums, a tram ride around the park, and, of course, natural wonders to explore as well.