Sunday, March 03, 2013

Exchange Adventures: Costa Brava & the Land of Dali

One of the things I was looking forward to most in Spain was a trip to the Costa Brava.  This area is known for being a gorgeous side of Spain and for being the land of Salvador Dali.

The day started with renting two cars in Barcelona and driving to Figueres, home of the Teatro Museu Dali.  Per the website, "The Dalí Theatre-Museum, the largest surrealistic object in the world, occupies the building of the former Municipal Theatre, a 19th century construction which was destroyed at the end of the Spanish Civil War. On its ruins, Dalí decided to create his museum."

The place is unlike anything I have ever seen - each room, hallway, and design feature is a work of art in itself.  The pictures don't do it justice.  I think it is remarkable that Dali designed the place he was to be buried (and he is, you can visit his tomb inside) and the way he wanted people to remember and experience his art.









After experiencing the museum, we drove to Portlligat to see Dali's house. From the website, "The present Portlligat House-museum was Salvador Dalí’s only fixed abode from 1930, the place in which he normally lived and worked up till 1982 when, upon Gala’s death, he took up residence at Púbol Castle."

It is a bit of a trek to get there, but it is so worth it. If you go, make sure you make reservations as they only let a small group in every ten minutes.  Again the pictures do not do it justice.









Obligatory couple shot outside his house:
After touring the house, the group headed back into Cadeques to walk along the water and enjoy a long lunch in town.  It was a splendid, beautiful day and a fantastic insight into Salvador Dali. This might have been one of my favorite days of the trip yet, if it's possible to say rank them. If you ever have the opportunity to do this, I highly recommend it. 


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