Say “cheese!” or “look at the little bird”… Today, these expressions seem very archaic. Now we all have digital cameras, but when we were children we all had a throw away camera. And how proud we were with our little flash, with the 36 pictures or with our submersible cameras! Then you had to wait about four days to have your pictures developed, put a cross if you preferred them in shiny or matte finish, double copies and finally you had them in your hands. It was a kind of magic ritual.

A rainy winter afternoon, you decide to organize those piles of printed photos that you have accumulated in various folders and albums. You put them all on the floor and organize them by subject and each one awakes in you a special feeling or reminds you of a person, place or past time. You kept the negatives just in case you needed more copies. Do you remember?

The best photos are those taken by children: they feel very happy because they suddenly feel very responsible and capable of carrying out this task. But then you see the photos and the child has turned into a type of samurai warrior because he’s cut half of your head off, or the photo is tilted and out of focus or even caught the exact moment in which you adjusted your panties! A picture is not just an image, it also tells a story. Maybe one day you’ll have to explain to the coming generations how the old photographic process was carried out.

We all still take bad pictures, but it doesn’t matter now because thanks to programs like Photoshop, we can do miracles. We have created a new art: the art of re-touching photos. Now we only print photos for those special occasions because the tradition and the charm of developing them has all been but lost. If you look at the tourists, you’ll realize that they don’t look at what they photograph: that is, they see the beautiful facade of the Casa Batllò in Barcelona, look through the lens, click the shutter and keep on walking. They rarely stop to contemplate the whole picture.

Although today the way of taking pictures is a little more robotic, people can appreciate photojournalism and its great photographers throughout history. Whether they are naked scenes, street scenes, landscapes, portraits, details, black and white or colour pictures, with a Polaroid or with a digital camera, the chances to experiment with your creativity are endless. And what a nice feeling when someone likes your photo! Robert Capa used to say “If your photo is not good is because you’re not close enough.” A picture is especially good when it stirs emotions.

As we all take photos, anywhere and at any time, perhaps the magic lies in being original. If you miss the nostalgic dimension of photography, just say: look at the little bird!

Barcelona may be an ideal spot to take pictures. The Catalan capital is an outdoor, colourful museum. Enjoy the Mediterranean Sea, Las Ramblas and take as many pictures as you can! And while you are there, why not rent apartments in Barcelona to find the best accommodation.

The Shadow of the wind, the bestseller of Carlos Ruiz Zafón conquered the hearts of readers all around the world. It is set in Barcelona, in the years after the Spanish Civil War and shows us a mystical Barcelona full of dark alleys, hidden places and intriguing inhabitants. Join us on this journey; follow the footsteps of Daniel Sempere and Fermín as they try to resolve the mystery of Julián Carax.

We start down at the old port, where the modern Maremagnum shopping centre is. When Clara didn’t show up at Daniels birthday party, he stormed out of the house and wandered through the streets, before he finally sat down at the steps by the water. It was here that Laín Coubert first approached him. You can see Montjuïc from here, though the cemetery where Daniel’s mother is buried lies more to the west.

Head down the Ramblas, until on your left side you see the beautiful Plaza Real. In the middle you’ll find an emblematic fountain, surrounded by palm trees. The square is always bustling with people, since there are numerous restaurants and bars to be found. But it’s also the place where the wealthy Barceló and Clara used to live, in their spacious and luxury apartment. And on a dark and rainy night, it was below the arches of this square that Daniel met the drifter Fermín, who would become his good friend.

As you continue along the Rambla, imagine what it must have been like in these days without the souvenir shops, street actors and entertainers. It was on a misty morning at the beginning of the summer of 1945 that 10 year old Daniel followed his father to the cemetery of forgotten books. Sadly, even the ‘large door of carved wood’ that gives access to this mythical place was invented by the author, but those of you who are suspicious can go see for yourselves in the Calle Arco del Teatro.

Almost at the top of the Ramblas, on the right side is a busy shopping street, the Calle Santa Ana. Nothing to see but big chain-stores such as H&M, but in this very street used to be an old and dusty bookshop, specialized in collector’s editions and second-hand books. Sempere & Sons, the lifework of Daniel’s father and their home. At the end of this street, turn right towards the cathedral. It dates back to the 13th century, and on its steps is where the parents of Julián, Antoni Fortuny and Sophie Carax first met.

A great part of the novel takes place in Tibidabo. The famous ‘Avenida del Tibidabo’ was constructed in the 20th century, and soon it became a neighbourhood for the upper class, who contracted the best architects to build gorgeous modernist houses. The old blue tram that Daniel takes (under the watchful eye of the conductor) is still running. Could it be that one of these fairytale houses is the Angel of the Mist, where the remains of Pénelope Aldaya lie? Was it here that the final battle between Julían Carax and inspector Fumero took place? Is there a house somewhere with a fountain in the garden, the hand of an angel emerging from the water? Who knows?

Now, let’s return to the barrio gótico to end the day with a drink and a snack in Els Quattre Gats (Calle Montsió) where, according to Fermín, they serve the best ham sandwiches in a 3 mile radius! It is also the place where Barceló held his literary meetings, and where Daniel’s parents first met in 1932.

Want to experience a different Barcelona, see with your own eyes where Julian Carax became Laín Coubert? Rent the best apartments in Barcelona, and experience the love story of Daniel and Bea all over again.

The Fifth Avenue, the Champs Elysees or Las Ramblas are some of those streets that do not need to be located on a map to know where they are. And if not, what is the first thing that comes into your mind when you think of a landmark in Barcelona? That’s right; you’ve hit the nail on the head: Las Ramblas.

No matter what time it is, Las Ramblas never sleeps. Whether at night or day, this beautiful pedestrian street is always a bubbling with life where tourists and locals stroll up and down. And with good reason! This walk placed in the nerve centre of the city, offers so many incredible things that one does not know where to look.

Las Ramblas begins in the famous Catalunya Square and finishes at the Columbus Monument and is divided into different parts: Rambla de Canaletes, Rambla dels Estudis, Rambla de Sant Josep, Rambla dels Caputxins and Rambla de Santa Mònica.

Las Ramblas has a special charm that no other streets in the world have. On one side, there is the Gothic Quarter, on the other, the Raval. The two most attractive districts of Barcelona frame it giving it a surreal magic touch that mixes new and old elements: the best restaurants, clothing stores, museums like the MACBA and monuments like the Cathedral.

But you do not have to leave Las Ramblas to find all this. The famous Liceo theatre is located in the middle of Las Ramblas. The best operas and ballets of the world take place here. One of the most special charms in Las Ramblas is the different kiosks and stalls with animals and flowers that are scattered through the entire street. These stalls are open all day long. People used to buy souvenirs and flowers and take a look at the animals. Some of the more modern wonders are the street artists who include surrealistic mimes who look like real statues, musicians, dancers, and painters.

Who has not ever heard about the Boqueria? It is probably the most famous market in all of Spain and it is located right in the middle of Las Ramblas. This charming market is part of the history of the city and thousands of people visit daily its beautiful multicoloured stalls full of fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, fish and other things.

On both sides of Las Ramblas there are plenty of hotels, restaurants, bars and shops suitable for all tastes and wallets. Not to mention the lovely terraces where many tourists have a drink (almost always sangria) and eat something (almost always paella).

Do you need any more reasons to go to Las Ramblas? Book now your flight tickets and rent Apartments in Barcelona. You haven’t lived if you cannot say; I’ve been to Las Ramblas, the world’s most magical street!