Gaudi's Sagrada Familia in a new "light"

Wow, these images are unbelievable!  Well, as you know well, La Sagrada Familia, is Gaudi's most famous unfinished work.  After Gaudi's death it continues to be worked on by different architects.  And since it was first begun 130 years ago now, it has been built from donations. Gaudí himself said: "The expiatory church of La Sagrada Família is made by the people and is mirrored in them. It is a work that is in the hands of God and the will of the people." The building is still going on and could be finished some time in the first third of the 21st century

So it was absolutely breathtaking to see that Montreal-based studio Moment Factory is helping its cause by celebrating the basilica's intricate design and presenting a figurative interpretation of Gaudi's intent when he created the unique facades of the famous basilica.  The project was realized in front of a crowd of 32, 000 people.  The first multimedia projection on Antoni Gaudi's Sagrada Familia: A large-scale piece, entitled 'ode à la vie', tells the story of rebirth and hope, cast on the basilica’s distinctively intricate nativity façade, presenting a figurative interpretation of the creation of the universe. the work was informed by original color sketches by the renowned architect, for whom color was the 'essence of life'.

Source and Credits via

Toddling in Dupont Circle

The temperatures are so pleasant around here, we decided to go to the circle and lay down on a  blanket to enjoy the sunny skies, the scenery and the people.  There was even jazz music faintly playing. I took some books, packed lunch and we spread out and had a blissful time.  I took my camera, of course, and shot around all things lovely.

How is the temperature in your "neck of the woods"?

Adventure: Camino de Santiago (Part 1)

I first learned of the Way of St. James (El Camino de Santiago) a system of historic pilgrimage routes to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, almost 20 years ago from one of Paulo Coehlo's books. Tradition says that Saint James, one of Jesus' disciples, is buried there.  It's been one of the most important pilgrimage routes since early medieval times.  Some of the earliest records indicate that the route has been traveled since around the 8th century. 

There are different routes to reach the Cathedral in Santiago. The French Way  starts off from the French Pyrenees through the interior of northern Spain .  It’s the most famous and followed route of El Camino de Santiago. Then there's The Northern Way which starts off at the Basque Country follows the northern coast of Spain  (along the Atlantic ocean) and the mountains of Asturias until Santiago. It has breathtaking landscapes and it’s less crowded. Another route is The Silver Way  starting from Seville in Andalusia, and following an ancient Roman route which merges with El Camino Frances in its final part. If you enjoy a good hike then The Primitive Way or Original Way (Camino de Santiago Primitivo) crossing the high mountains of Asturias, is the ideal route. And The Portuguese Way (Camino de Santiago Portugues) from the Portuguese city of Porto.

The pilgrimage to Santiago has been one of my dreams.  In my bucket list, if you would.  Some of my friends have  made the long month pilgrimage, and is something that changes your life's perspective. When my kids are old enough, and I have reached that age where solitude and reflection become permanent guests in your house, I will walk to St. James Cathedral.

For some, it's a reflective walk, consecrated entirely to the spirit and surrounding nature.  For others, is a way to explore afoot the geography and culture of the region.  Both ways are acceptable as long as you take it to heart and know how to transcend your experience.  The road is filled with physical and mental challenges. The views are both magnificent and humble. You might walk past medieval dirt roads and creeks or Roman bridges and centuries old ruins, along side old monasteries, family-run farms, millennial forests, as well as through major town roads, crowded beaches, miles long prairies and rolling hills.   There are rest stops along the way. Old monasteries or abbeys that now cater to the pilgrim, as well as cafes to calm your hunger and thirst.  I love the names of some of these places, such as La Taberna de Gaia a medieval style tavern in Leon, right at the foot of a magical place with breathtaking views. These are places were spirits whisper in your ears, where ghosts might roam free, and where your warrior goes to battle with its ego. At the end, a new man is reborn.  A transformational journey that is worth considering.

I'm speechless amidst all this beauty! I admit that sometimes my adventures are more ethereal than terrestrial, but this is one adventure I would take in a snap. Just thinking that millions of people all the way from medieval times have walked these routes is mind blowing. What sort of things did they experience? What were their loads? These roads tell thousands of stories, nation states were being born, war and peace were clenched in battle with each other, and people's destinies were being forged as they walked these paths. I would love to be part of that. How about you? Would you take this adventure?

All photos by Jose Ant. Gil Martinez used with permission.

Morning dew: The end of Summer

Capital biking

Photo by Josh Bassett 

I was never one to really love biking.  You might gasp, but the truth is that I was more into tomboy sports as a kid, especially those that required balls.  Touchball, baseball, kickball, throwball, you name it.  And when we didn't have a ball, we would make one up.  With duct tape, packing tape, newspaper and gift wrapping tape. 

Photo via 

I now I live in city where everyone bikes everywhere.  The Capital Bikeshare program is a hit, and one of the{stupid} reasons why they kicked out our last Mayor (this was costly mistake!)  But now, we are all thinking how did this city managed without bikes before?  The truth is that our biking program is one of the most successful in the country.  Mayor Fenty smartly allocated resources for infrastructure like permanent bike lanes and biking protocols for riders.

Photo by Joe in DC 

And to think that many opposed this program as costly, unnecessary, and yes, elitist.  I love bikes, and just wish I was brave enough to ride them. 

Photo by Josh Bassett

Last three photos by me.