La versión en español está después de la versión en inglés.
I took a ride to the aquarium shop this morning with San Geraldo. He had a cardboard cut-out of his aquarium footprint to give him a general idea of how much wood and rock he’ll have room for. Of course, he had pages of copious notes, with drawings of his “seafloor” plan and questions for José. When we arrived, he realized all he had in the bag was the cardboard folded in half. It was a wasted trip for him, except that we were able to talk to José about the fact that SG has hit a few snags with the assembly of the base cabinet. One part simply won’t fit and he’s been unable to get the doors adjusted correctly. He was going to use L-brakets to attach the piece that won’t fit, but José told him he shouldn’t have to do that with a brand new cabinet, so he wants to take a look. Ah well.
SG then took a taxi back home and I took a long walk. It’s less than 25 minutes from there to home, but I spent an hour and half meandering and taking pictures. A commercial avenue, Avenida de Barcelona, runs a long way and I walked the entire route before weaving (and doubling back a couple of times) in and out of narrow, windy, picturesque streets. Many shops were closed for summer holiday, but I wasn’t shopping anyway.
I passed a plaza I’ve passed a few times before. It’s dedicated to the poet Juan Bernier and has part of the facade of the old convent, Santa María de Gracia which stood in that space from 1475 until 1974. I never noticed, however, the bronze statues on the plaza. The work is called Pozo de las Flores (Well of Flowers) and is the third grouping by sculptor José Manuel Belmonte, created in 2022 in honor of the patios of Córdoba and their caretakers. You can see the other two here and here.
Two nights ago, on the recommendation of blogger Debra She Who Seeks, we watched “Remarkably Bright Creatures” on Netflix. We loved it and send thanks to Debra. Blog reader Olivia recommends the book and I plan to get it.
If I had to choose a favorite pastry from Córdoba, it would be the Pastel de Córdoba pictured above. Filled with cabello de ángel (angel hair) which is candied pumpkin jam.
Esta mañana fui a la tienda de acuarios con San Geraldo. Llevaba un recorte de cartón del espacio que quería para su acuario, para hacerse una idea de la cantidad de madera y roca que tendría. Por supuesto, llevaba páginas llenas de notas, con dibujos de su plano del “fondo marino” y preguntas para José. Al llegar, se dio cuenta de que lo único que llevaba en la bolsa era el cartón doblado por la mitad. Fue un viaje en vano para él, salvo que pudimos hablar con José sobre los problemas que San Geraldo ha tenido con el montaje del mueble base. Una pieza simplemente no encaja y no ha podido ajustar las puertas correctamente. Iba a usar escuadras para fijar la pieza que no encaja, pero José le dijo que no debería tener que hacer eso con un mueble nuevo, así que quiere echarle un vistazo. En fin.
San Geraldo volvió a casa en taxi y yo di un largo paseo. Son menos de 25 minutos desde allí hasta casa, pero pasé una hora y media deambulando y sacando fotos. La Avenida de Barcelona, una avenida comercial, se extiende a lo largo de un largo trecho y la recorrí entera antes de adentrarme (y retroceder un par de veces) entre calles estrechas, sinuosas y pintorescas. Muchas tiendas estaban cerradas por vacaciones de verano, pero de todas formas no tenía intención de comprar.
Pasé por una plaza que ya había visto varias veces. Está dedicada al poeta Juan Bernier y conserva parte de la fachada del antiguo convento de Santa María de Gracia, que se alzó en ese lugar desde 1475 hasta 1974. Sin embargo, nunca me había fijado en las estatuas de bronce de la plaza. La obra se llama Pozo de las Flores y es el tercer conjunto del escultor José Manuel Belmonte, creado en 2022 en honor a los patios de Córdoba y sus guardianes. Puedes ver los otros dos aquí y aquí.
Hace dos noches, por recomendación de la bloguera Debra She Who Seeks, vimos «Remarkably Bright Creatures» en Netflix. Nos encantó y le damos las gracias a Debra. Olivia, lectora del blog, recomienda el libro y pienso comprarlo.
• Plaza del Poeta Juan Bernier. Al fondo, a la izquierda, se pueden apreciar las esculturas de bronce y la pérgola.
• Abuela y nieta. Se supone que hay macetas en esos soportes azules. Supongo que ha hecho demasiado calor como para molestarse. Volveré a tomar más fotos más adelante este año.
• En una de las esquinas de la plaza.
• Otro recordatorio para que tengas cuidado por dónde pisas.
• Demasiado cerca de casa. Nunca me había fijado en esto. Un edificio de apartamentos llamado Cristóbal Colón. No me gustaría verlo cada vez que vuelva a casa.
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What a glorious day and promenade you had. Such pretty street to walk and thing to see and wonder. And looks like you had the streets to yourself!!! And that opening picture!!! My waist expanded at just the sight of it.
Mistress Maddie:
There were plenty of people on the streets. Odd that I happened to capture empty streets in these shots. More to come.
Those statues, with the others you have featured, as such a joy! It’s good to see a sculptor who can actually do realistic human faces. I’ve seen some monstrosities over the years.
We have always said that walking anywhere in Spain is a bit like an obstacle course – if it’s not wonky pavements like the one you pictured, it’s hidden kerbs or steps or changes of level… Jx
Jon:
Yes. This sculptor is exceptional. Wish we had more works by him. Fuengirola should take a lesson. Some of worst public art in that city. We quickly learned in Sevilla that we had to carefully watch where we stepped. I still sometimes forget (because I’m too busy looking up and around).
I though SG ordered some other substrate than the expensive stuff Jose recommended. Is Jose ging to visit your apt to check on the cabinet? What is that old arch?
ellen abbott:
He changed his mind about the substrate. And, yes, José is going to stop by.
Ellen Abbott:
Sorry, forgot to answer the arch question. That’s the remainder of the facade from the 15th-century convent I mentioned.
The book about the octopus was so wonderful I don’t plan to see the movie! I don’t want to disturb the delicate balance of my response. Definitely read it, Mitch. Boud
Boud:
I don’t blame you. I’m glad I saw the movie first. I found it exceptional. But had I first read the book, I don’t think I’d want my imaginings to be disappointed.
I’m sure José will sort everything out — he seems very keen on good customer service! Glad you enjoyed the movie too — it seemed fitting, given your current aquarium adventure. I recognize the ancient Roman column embedded in the wall from previous photos you’ve posted. But I must say that those streets and sidewalks are nothing but lawsuits waiting to happen. Is Spain a very litigious society? It perhaps should be.
Debra:
Yes, José is really good. That column is actually a new one for my collection. They’re everywhere. When it comes to pavement, Spain is clearly not a litigious society. We quickly learned that it’s up to us to mind where we’re going. Otherwise, I suppose, they’d have to pave over entire cities. They do, however, tend to monitor manhole covers.
I envy you the streets to explore. The aquarium project sounds far to complicated.
David:
SG likes complicated.
Hey! Gregg said to tell you to tell SG to look up Chili Rasboras (espei rasbora). They’re his favorite tiny schooling fish…gorgeous and they look especially good against lush green live plants. 🙂
Jennifer
Jennifer:
Will do! It looks familiar, like he may have it on his list. Sorry to bring out the nerd in Gregg with no good outlet!
Edit to my last comment: chili rasboras and espei rasboras are two separate fish. Gregg likes them both but the chili are his favorites. And as I type this he’s still talking….full on fish nerd talk LOL. Like I’m going to sit here and keep typing to tell you all the stuff he’s saying SG should know. 😅
Jennifer
When I read “Remarkably Bright Creatures”, I could hear Marcellus’ voice very clearly in my head. I don’t think I could watch the movie 🙁 Olivia
Olivia:
I can understand that. I’ve seen plenty of good movies after reading and loving the books, and I was usually disappointed. I’m glad I saw the movie first.
What a great walk! I’ve heard very good things about “Remarkably Bright Creatures” (the book) and didn’t realize it was a movie too. I’ll read it one of these days. Bummer that SG forgot his notes but hopefully the cabinet will be sorted out, anyway.
Steve:
I think José will be here perhaps Sunday to see what he can do. A great guy.
The sculptures of abuela y nieta are so realistic they almost frighten me. As if the artist used real humans to cover in bronze. But at the same time, the realism is fascinating.
I have not seen the movie made of the book Remarkably Bright Creatures although I did read the book. As so often happens, I did not find it as brilliant as almost everyone else did. I think I have weird literary tastes. I do plan on watching the movie. I love Sally Fields. I mean, who doesn’t?
Somehow I don’t think that tile rendering of the arrival of old Cristopher is what the scene actually looked like when it happened.
Mary Moon:
The sculptor uses real people as his models, which is obvious. I recently found a photo of the abuelo and child. The abuelo was actually the sculptor’s father.
I’d give the movie a try because it’s magical and, well, Sally Field.
I snarled at the depiction of Columbus and his crew. That was before they murdered, raped, and dragged the welcoming natives into slavery.
Oh, I just saw that movie, while I was in Portland (Oregon) last week… my host, Tish, has seen it at least three times, and really wanted me to see it. Very good 🙂
(Did you remember yet that you missed Friday? 😉
Judy C:
Oh, yeah, I remembered yet. What a jerk I am. I wrote you about a half hour ago.
I didn’t know or had forgotten you know Debra. It gladdens me we are all connected so.
Urspo:
Yes, I do love the circles we make.