This is the main library inside the Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, Spain. Its name, Biblioteca de la Ciudadela, suggests that his building was a citadel. Every empty space between the grand columns was occupied by either desks or bookshelves. I hope the students can appreciate the beauty of the space they’re in despite the hectic academic agenda that are likely occupying their minds during the semester.
@ Biblioteca de la ciudadela, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain, Oct 18, 2018
Before checking out the mainland Spain thoroughly, I first visited one of the country’s islands, Tenerife. The island enjoys mild weather throughout the year and it is the off-peak season these days. @Tenerife, Spain, October 19, 2018
Tenerife is a big island. As a volcanic island, you can feel the presence of the volcanic mountains in the center regardless of where you are. The climate is temperate but the flora is surprisingly poor and I hear it’s due to the property or the composition of the volcanic soil. Its size, volcanic origin and the climate remind me of Jeju island of Korea.
@ Adeje, Tenerife island, Spain, October 20, 2018
Teide National Park was another example that taught me water is not essential for beauty. This barren volcanic mountain only supports a limited amount of animals and trees, but the hiking had hardly been boring. I enjoyed the wide variety of shapes and colors and this place, Minas de San Jose, was one of my favorites. We took our imaginary album cover.
@ Minas de San Jose, Teide National Park, Tenerife Island, Spain, October 21, 2018
Drago Milenario, Millenial Drago, is an individual plant of Drago, which is not a tree. Biologically it is in the asparagus family, and Drago Milenario in the picture is found in Tenerife and is thought to have around 800 to 1000 years. With a height of 18 meters, a diameter of the trunk of 20 meters, and more than 300 branches, it is a living reminder that we know little about our planet.@ Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain, October 22, 2018
This view is the closest to my ‘average’ memory of the towns in Tenerife island. I remember the view of the sea, strong sunlight during the day, and busy local lives on the inclined land and the hills.@ Icod de Los Vinos, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain, October 22, 2018[sphere 1526]
@ around the trailhead of Montaña Blanca, Teide National Park, Tenerife Island, Spain, October 21, 2018
After seeing lots of abstract art pieces at the Guggenheim museum, it was easy to conclude that the most popular and engaging installation there was the Puppy (pronounced poo-pee). If you look at it closely, you can see it’s covered with flowers of different colors. To add, I wondered why they had installed something as “easy” as the Puppy in front, when the inside is full of “difficult” ones, at least to a layperson like me.
@ Guggenheim museum, Bilbao, Spain, November 6, 2018
Castro de Santa Trega is the most visited and probably the most characteristic Galician fort in Spain, situated on the hillsides of Mount Santa Trega. It is known that the round shaped houses were inhabited from 100 AD to 100 BC. The roofs have gone, but in the picture, you can see one roofed house, which was later reconstructed.
Unfortunately, I only stayed two nights in Galicia and most of the time it was rainy. But I was lucky to have experienced some of the most Galician things: visiting this fort when the Sun was out and learning some moves of the traditional dance.
@ Castro de Santa Trega, A Guarda, Pontevedra, Spain, November 11, 2018
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The waves were aggressive and were making very loud noises.
@Cabo Vidio, Asturias, Spain, November 7, 2018
One thing led to another and I find myself exploring Tenerife island again after 4 months. And I was happy to bring my company to one of my favorite places on the island.@ Minas de San José, Mt. Teide, Tenerife, Spain