A day trip to the coast starting with a stop in Girona. Was not familiar with the town, but it is historically beautiful (used in Game of Thrones scenes) and picturesque along a river. Seems that biking is the local sport and people come from all over to bike in this area. Food is delish, France not far away, ocean and Barcelona are close by. Nice location!
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| fisherman homes along the river |
Girona has a surprising number of urban traditions and tales. One is that you will be shown favor by the ruling monarch by demonstrating your loyalty - a kiss to the lioness's butt! With Covid in 2020, it became illegal to kiss the butt - but you can touch it with your hand.
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| Lioness of Girona |
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| Covid, no kiss butt sign |
In Girona, they love their flies which they attribute to forcing French troups to leave town in 1286. So, no killing of flies. And fly tributes are everywhere including this giant one on side of building. St. Narcis caused the flies to arrive to protect his town of Girona. While a Christian priest, he had fled persecution using his cleverness - hence the foot. As patron saint of Girona, his flies keep it safe.
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| Dali's eggs and bread |
Next stop was Figueres, birthplace of Salvador Dali. As an adult, he returned to convert a war torn theatre into his home town museum. He hand made the bread loaves seen dotting the walls-each unique. He also liked eggs which are seen everywhere.Dali designed the museum and created work just for it. Surprisingly, no clock paintings and there were early paintings for the final versions, located in St. Petersburg.
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Atop the structure, long loaves, odd statues
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| Atrium with boat atop a pillar, water 'dripping' from the inside |
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| like |
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| self portrait |
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| Gala |
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| inspiration: Velaquez |
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| Dali interpretation |
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| inspired |
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| more bread! |
