Picasso museum and paella dinner. The El Born Cultural Centre & Picasso Museum visit and lecture was with an expert guide. The museum has one of the most extensive collections of Picasso's work to be found anywhere in the world. This we find out in light of Picasso’s refusal to return to Spain because of the 1930s Spanish Civil War.
During the afternoon, take advantage of free time to explore Barcelona. Again, an opportunity to use T10 card for public transport. Later, another lecture by expert guide about the division in Spain. Provided a great perspective on Catalan culture and the question of Catalan independence. A special vote to be held in a week (Nov. 2014) to determine popular support for separation from Spain.
My Observations
Weird day. Like being on the movie set of “Star Wars.” We walked to Casa Mila apartment building. Got inside and took elevator to roof. The fireplace chimneys and room vents look like Darth Vader – 2 kewl. From there, went down a floor to attic area to look at some special architectural exhibits. Nice details showing the building in small scale. From there, we go down floor by floor. Stopped at each one, to view an apartment, that was decorated like it was decades ago. Hard to realize the building was constructed in 1910.
From there, took bus to “Old Town” (Born) area and learned about excavation project - El Born Cultural Centre. Renovations were to be made at a public market area that had been in use for many years, with some expansion planned. When digging started, came across remnants from the the city in centuries past. Construction halted and market is now an archeological museum.
Next off to the Picasso Museum. Great to see so much of his work in Spain. Although he was born in Spain, Picasso remained in France at the start of the Spanish Civil War in the early 1930s. He vowed not to return until dictator Francisco Franco had died. Picasso died first. Later, some art work was available in Spain. Of course in his home away from home, there is another Picasso Museum – France.
After Picasso Museum, more sights to view in Old Town. From there, back to hotel, for a Q&A session with local Catalan family. Mom, dad & teenage girl. This was a chance for us to feel free to ask questions. Whether they were prepared to respond was up to them. They did answer many differing topics; health care, economy, employment, family life and education. We found that all schools provide classes to learn multiple languages. All 3 spoke Catalan and English. Most of the county also favors English as a preferred choice for second language, since it is the language of worldwide business. After English, might come German. Many students take advantage of a college level 6 month program of study in another country. Germany seems to be preferred because German economy is good, so are the chances of getting a job there after graduation.
When questioning some guides or presenters we met on various prior trips to Europe, find that many have graduate degrees, but jobs and pay are lacking.
A few times, the term “Erasmus” was used. This educations support program is involving EU countries as well as countries that were formerly colonies of those countries. One excerpt from an Erasmus website provides a good overview.
What is it?
Erasmus+ aims to modernise and improve higher education across Europe and the rest of the world. It gives students and staff opportunities to develop their skills and boost their employment prospects. Good practices will be shared between universities and businesses in Knowledge Alliances.
Higher education institutions from participating countries can work with those from neighbourhood countries, non-EU Balkan countries, Asia, Africa and Latin America to develop their educational systems.
The link below provides a much better understanding and scope of intents and application. Spain unemployment rate for those college age thru mid-30s is 25%. Portugal doing better, still unemployment about half at just over 12%. All felt that employment brings not only stability to country economics, but also to politics. I agree.
Here are internet links for highlights:
El Born Cultural Centre http://elborncentrecultural.bcn.cat/en
Picasso Museum - Spain http://www.museupicasso.bcn.cat/en/
Picasso Museum - France http://www.museepicassoparis.fr/en/
Catalan independence http://endlessmile.com/catalunya-cause-for-separation/
Rick Steves guide book writers country view http://endlessmile.com/personal-typical-research-day/
Spanish Civil War http://www.donquijote.org/spanish-civil-war
Erasmus Education Program http://www.google.com/search?Erasmus+eu+education
Photo 1. A view down the boulevard Passeig de Gracia with Casa Mila just below sun spot.
Photo 2. Inside courtyard of Casa Mila.
Photo 3. Our group at bottom of courtyard looking up. Most impressive. (-:
Click here for today's online photo album.
https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/Day9Of2721Oct14TuesdayBarcelona
