Wednesday, 24 July 2024

Last day in Spain 24th July

24th July

Went the long way to Cadaqués in the morning. The direct bus went at 08.15 but as breakfast was at eight it was much more civilised to take the 08.45 train, closer too.

Figueres bus station 
The route went to Figueres and then by bus to Roses, I hadn't been there, with a change to Cadaqués. All very exciting!
The bus station was the best bit of Roses
Temperature in Figueres 25° at 09.00.
The winding road over to Cadaqués (with cyclists)
Having seen Roses I don't particularly want to go back, it is a sprawling town/city spread along the coast in a continuous tourist trap.
I forgot to bring my hat so had to buy another one 
The bus climbs the hill up and over to Cadaqués, I'm starting to be a local! and I then walked round the coast to Port Lligat and Dalí's house.
Dalí's house 
There was a French film, with subtitles, showing in a small room, stable?, that usefully passed the time until I could visit the house.
Entrance hall
Small groups are given guided tours of the house, which explains the shortage of tickets, before being let loose in the garden.
The library 
He had bought it as a small fisherman's cottage and expanded as the neighbouring properties became available. He built extra stories where needed.
Winter sitting room
The building is fascinating as an example of how his crazy ideas were translated into a livable space, not being hampered by building regulations no doubt helped.
Bedroom 
He moved out after Gala died and never returned so the house is basically exactly as he left it. He took his books  and some of his art was moved to galleries but the two unfinished pieces he was working on are still in his studio.
The studio

The studio
The garden is mainly terraced olive groves and a rather surreal swimming pool.
Swimming pool detail 
Interestingly, while he encouraged his many famous friends to visit no one stayed there as there was only one bedroom for himself and Gala.
Terraced garden
A very worthwhile visit, I'm glad that I stayed on for it.
Llança 
Bus back to Llança then and a walk down to have a last look at a Spanish beach, still not impressed, before my final night in Spain.
Llança church entrance

2 comments:

Andy said...

Did you see the toilet in Dali's house? Sorry to be scatological but his diary contains a lot of entries describing his bowel movements! I hope you got your moneys worth. Andy

Roger B said...

Of course, although I didn't inspect the bowel movements