Pictures I

Last night the metro was still busy at 11pm. Among the passengers was a guy about my age, who unlike the rest of us, looked bright and awake. He had a big camera slung round his neck and seemed to be taking close ups of things around the carriage. I noticed him pointing the lens towards my feet and heard the click of the shutter. I glanced up at him with a questioning sort of smile and he smiled back and leant straight across to show me the result - my battered trainers and the wheel of someone's pushbike.

Barcelona was sunny today, the light was clear and the air was warm. I felt like taking pictures too, but had to rush from one class to another and once I'd finished it was dusk.

I did take one important picture this week though - of a hand puppet known as Mr Monkey. He makes appearances in my class of six year olds sometimes, and this Easter he's going to travel to England with me. I took a snap of him on his first leg of the journey and showed it too the children, who found it very funny.

Spring in Guinardó

Chau, febrero

3 beautiful things:

Turning a corner (emotionally, mentally) after a difficult few days.

A run in the park just as the sun is dipping behind the moutains that circle Barcelona. As I approach a summit I notice a man standing quietly, facing the last of the light. His eyes are closed and he's taken off his shoes. He looks so peaceful that I am distracted from my lead-legs and bursting lungs.

Six year olds helping each other to complete an exercise in their books. Sure, there is an incentive (gold star for your folder, anyone?) but it is a lovely thing to see.

Sunday sun

I was too hot in my coat a couple of days ago, sitting next to a pool full of goldfish.

A stretch of city beach on Saturday. Children clamber about on a climbing frame which looks Spiderman-ish to me, and rather fun. A friend told me about a year ago that she had a go on one during a school trip with her pupils, and confirmed it was indeed a lot of fun. At the time I didn't know her very well, and this, coming from someone who is normally quite dry and sensible, was totally unexpected in the best sort of way.

My Sunday lunch - barbecued calçots (sweet oniony vegetables), a delicious sauce to dip them in, bread, some local wine and an orange.

The drive home on a golden afternoon. It's a novelty being in a car after only really using public transport in Barcelona. We're full of calçots and in a good mood, flicking between radio stations (mostly religious broadcasts, 80s hits or adverts) and laughing.

Nice Things

Beautiful things this week:

Steaming dumplings in a Tibetan restaurant. There's a calm music playing and no smoking is allowed; bliss in a country which has yet to impose a ban.

A shop called 'Nice Things' which I find pleasing. It is full of lovely, if quite expensive stuff. I buy a badge with a knock-kneed bambi creature on it.

Playing pool under a bright overhead light, and I feel a bit like I'm in the scene of a film. Especially when I pot several balls in a row.

Montjuic Cemetery