Day 10 - Way Back Home

I am now sitting on a marble near the shore of Ortakoy. It is very crowded here. 4 Indians are chatting in front of me and they are pretty interesting. People are eating oysters, corn and baked potatoes. The hanged flags are playing with the wind and I have no idea why am I writing those on my entry for leaving Barca :)))

On my last day, I woke up and looked at the empty side of my bed...Rodriguez wasn't there but his head's trace was on the pillow. This time I took a shower all alone and went downstairs for breakfast. For my last 4 days, Sergio gave me a present of breakfasts because of deciding to stay more. Good kid!

After the breakfast, I ran out to find an extra luggage. Ah, but before that I went to the musical instruments shop to buy an instrument for dad. After I bought my luggage, I went back to the hotel and packed. After the check-out, they let me to leave my luggages over there and spend my free time...

Then, by chance, dad called me and told that mum asks for a magnet. That was the moment when I realized I didn't buy any...because I don't like them and didn't want to bring magnets as presents...so I started to run faster to find a nice magnet like the ones in museum shops. I walked through the old town, and found a wonderful shop over there. When I left there I had magnets, cute frogs for my parent's house, an eraser for dad and a Pan-Am bag for me. (which I sometimes thinking to give Bert)

My bags were heavy and I wasn't sure if Rodriguez would come back. So I checked how much does it cost from hotel to the airport by cab. It wasn't too much...so I just took it!!

At the airport, I had plenty of time. The line of check-in was my landing on earth. There were 4 Turkish women next to me who talk too much and that was the first time my ears heard some Turkish after 9 days. No, I didn't like it...we had a delay, and a problem with the gate. But it was ok, I made some shopping (with my own money!!!) and then it was the time...

In the plane...I tried to listen to music, read, write, watch outside...but none of them worked. Yip was unhappy...I realized that I didn't miss anything in Turkey. (except some people). My eyes were full of tears...and I was aware that I could stay there forever. Silence for 9 days, not knowing someone in the town, bad experiences, hunger because of tomatoes, and even Rodriguez were not real problems. The way people behave, the freedom on the streets, creativity, and peace were what mattered. On that fucking plane, I understood that I won't stay long in Turkey. One day, something's going to happen and I will leave. Anything can be the reason...maybe I'll fall in love, maybe somebody will call me for a job, or just a moment will come and I'll pack my bag. I guess it will happen in at most one year...yes I'm that sure. Dad always says he is aware I'm not going to stay here since my childhood. Now I know that he is totally right...

I won't write what happened when I'm back because it is something ruining that magic.

That was all. End of Barca. Beginning of awareness!!!

Day 9 - Figueres Accomplished!

And the last day...

It would be understandable if I gave up with Figueres after that horrible experience. But no, I didn't :)

I was planning to go to Figueres on that day and then spend the next day for shopping. Yes! I wasn't aware that my last day is actually this one!

In the morning, I found something in my mailbox. It was saying ; 'enjoy your last day!'! I listened to it over and over again and checked the date...it was really my last day!!!

So, with a hurry I flied to the train station, took the right train this time and after 2 boring hours arrived to Figueres. There was a way to walk to Dali's house. Other than me, many many people were walking to reach it so I just followed them. Rodrigurez was asleep at the beginning, because he got tired with the train trip...

A huge line for tickets were waiting for me. Rodriguez, my dear thoughtful buddy, didn't want to leave me alone and joined me in that line. There was a problem with the 3g around Dali's house, maybe that was why he preferred the live without internet. As you can observe, he doesn't have any blogs or critics. Smart guy :)))

A Russian couple were standing right behind me. After 10 mins, the girl (who is the smallest Russian I've ever seen, even shorter than me and that was an ego satisfaction!) touched my shoulder and asked why is that line for?! I told her we are waiting to enter in, and she asked where are we going to buy the tickets?!

It was too too too crowded inside...I couldn't count the people around! The square in which his car is placed was full of people. It wasn't possible to get near to it...and at that moment my very lovely camera decided not to work anymore...yes it did! I renewed the batteries, but no...it wasn't working and it was too shiny for iphone. Rodriguez offered me help, I left him and camera alone...

There were circular corridors in the house. Dali's works were exhibited on that walls as groups. As every artist, he used to had specific concepts for specific times...Some of them were really interesting, because I haven't seen them before. But it wasn't possible to stand in front of something and watch the details. People were pushing you behind! Meat market!

The underground chambers in which his jewel design were exhibited were really good. I mean jewels yaa, I cannot imagine what would happen if he was the designer of my 'wish tree'!!!

In the other building, it was possible to see Dali-Gala personal stuff. Their bed, bath tub...after being faced with all those house concepts (Gaudi first, then Dali) I understood that I won't live in a regular place in future. Actually it's not hard to see that for the people who have seen our house in Ankara. With a psycho father like mine, I cannot be expected to be normal. (An example for my 'after friends', the curtains in our saloon are hanged on real trees...we went to the forest and picked the most suitable one. Then shaped it to fit perfect. And after every washing, we are hanging-curling it differently...my favorite was sultan turban:) )

To tell the truth, I was expecting somewhere more personal. But most of the place was full filled with his works, like paintings, designs...but I was excited to see the way he lived...anyway...

After leaving his house, Rod and I went to the 'Dali Jewels' exhibition. That was perfectly impressing. He made some mechanical components. There was a brooch in the shape of a heart, and it was beating!!!! Very detailed, very clear, very innovative and very aesthetic work...I can't get them out of my mind.

I had plenty of time for the departure. So, I went to a place to eat. I had the best meal of mine in whole trip. And the best sangria! Of course my head started to spin after a while, because it was poli poli poli poli zesti and the glass of sangria was huge :))))

In here, I wrote and drew a card for Astro. As usual, I had my colored pencils in my bag. As I was drawing on the card, the father-son Germans (yes German again) were watching me surprised. After a while, the boy couldn't stop himself and asked what am I doing. Here is the real conversation;

-Excuse me...what are you doing?

-I'm just writing a card to a friend of mine.

-I am sorry but...how old is he?

:))))

I couldn't answer that question...yes it was childish again, and not possible to understand for a cold German :)))

1 hour later...Me, Rodriguez, and Cin (that's my ipod's name) were on the train again...back to Barcelona. For our last night :(

Day 8 - Nice Night of the Disaster Day

Yes, I'm back... :)

After that unpleasant experience I stayed at my room for a while. If I were in Istanbul or somewhere else in Turkey, it wouldn't be a problem but living something like this in Barcelona was very bad. And the only one I shared this with was Astro, because he was the perfect match. Let me write what would have happened if I told others;

Mum : would die

Dad : would start to drive Barcelona because he can't get in a plane

Volkan : would not hesitate to come immediately and kill that man whatever it takes

Bert : would call the turkish embassy and ask for Fenerbahçe fans in Barcelona and send a bunch of holigans

Katie : would have nervous breakdowns

Yaso and Izo : would not say a word

So, Mr. Astro Nayths was the right choice because he was calm, rational, caring as usual! Although not saying it clearly, he made me remember his concerns about human trafficking and other stuff when I told him that I'll travel alone :))))

Anyway, after a few hours of rest I decided to go out. Barri Gotic was my destination because the square over there was always crowded. When I arrived there, there were many people around, and a band playing music. They were really good...I bought a sandwich and ate it sitting on a bench...while eating it, I was looking around and noticed a museum again : Museum Diocesa. It was a nice one, with the drawings and explanations of Gaudi's churches...and there was other stuff, guest painters and some interesting swords and that kind of things...

There were plates on the second floor's ceiling. I was standing under them and looking. The man who is responsible from that floor came near to me and said that he is impressed. He told me that he likes those plates but nobody notices them. That I was the only one who looked up and saw them. He said that I'm going to be very successful with that 'detail-catching' habit :)))

After that, I had a walk around. Stopped by a cute cafe and had a glass of sangria...some shopping of course. I was feeling bad, that was my right!!!! :)

I decided to try for Figueres on the next day, and spend my last say for buying presents...but I couldn't do that :)))

Day 8 - Figueres Disaster

Just to please my Astro,

I'll write quick not on my first trial to figueres.

We woke up in the morning, as usual Rodgiuez didn't want to leave. Renfe station was in Passeig De Garcia, so we decided to walk there...we bought our tickets, and get in the train. One train. Because nobody told us which train to take! But we were thinking that it is the true one...

On the fifth station, we faced with the ugly train. We just ran out of the train, and passed the way under the railroads in order to find somebody...the ticker girl wasn't speaking English, and there wasn'y anyone else except a man who is in his 40's...and the station was very little, looking like abandoned...

We said 'Figueres' to the girl and she showed us the other port. So we went there and started to wait. But there wasn't any trains after 10 minutes...the only thing in that station was that mani and he was looking at us all the time. Then he made some gestures and hand movements. We thought that he was trying to tell us something about the train...but it wasn't...he was trying to contact...

Rodriguez got angry, and I didn't care, we just looked to the other side. After 15 minutes, we worried about that train, and decided to go back to the ticket office (by passing the tunnel under the railroads) and ask her again. When we reached the tunnel, we realized that man is coming towards us...we fastened our steps, but while passing through him, he grabbed my arm...and pulled me towards himself...at that moment, the world stopped spinning. My mind went somewhere that I don't know, and fear filled all of my body. I don't know how did I do it, but I made a quick moment and rescued myself...then ran up the stairs as fast as I can...

Thank God, there was a couple...I went near to them and started to wait the train back to Barcelona. I was afraid. It wasn't a good idea to insist on going Figueres...

He followed me. On the train. After that, on the subway. Until I arrive Las Ramblas...I was totally scared, and by chance I saw a police car...I went there and told them what happened. they immediately surrounded me, took that man and arrested him. Then one of the cops gave me a lift to my hotel...

I'm really going on quick, because it was not pleasant at all...I never felt that much scared...there weren't any people...he could do anything to me...

Day 7 - L'aquarium

Rodriguez and I, on the aquarium way :)

It was too late when we went bed, we took our time to sleep in the morning because it was going to be our 'camp' day for Figueres. Unlike some other people, we didn't went and dive into sea, we just went to L'aquarium :)))

We had great expectations like those huge tanks' apperance, their similarity to Mediterrenean...

But there was only Medi, no sign of terrenean :). They put some fish into the tanks, like a pet shop. And made a big tank to call it 'We are giving you the experience of Mediterranean'. Like a joke!

First of all, tanks were small for sea animals. Come on yani, they used to live in sea, a huge sea! You must be generous!!!

The big tank which has a tunnel design was also too small. I counted 7 or 8 sharks in it. It's not even enough for 2 or 3 of them! Poor guys...they were turning and turning around...

And the poor penguins...I hope it's cold in their tank!!!

To evaluate, as I said, tanks were so small for those animals first of all. And they weren't clean at all. I got really angry at that! If you are keeping those animals in, you have to provide them the best conditions. But no...!!!

One day, if I have enough money (we are going to spend most of the money for a rounded house), I'll build and aquarium which has all facilities to keep those animals as home. And find a way to get closed all other aquariums around the world!

But the seahorses were very cute. Somebody just gave birth, there were microscobic seahorses. In want to feed a seahorse. I really do. Can somebody tell me where to adopt one? Of course I have to keep it in my bedroom, otherwise stupid deaf cat will....:)

Anyway, after that we had a little walk and made some shopping from on street shops which are build for sunday. Not for me, this time I only shopped for my mother :)))

We spent the rest of the day by resting...we had to, because Rodriguez insists of loving me. I'm trying to tell him that this harms both of us, but no...

Day 6 - Ep 2 - Cosmocaixa

A whole entry is gone! Notes lost it! I can't believe that happened amaaaaan!

I have to write it again now...

We went the hotel for our next visit. Took the subway to Tibidabo, in which 'Vicky Christina Barcelona' was shot. We were going there just to please a man called Astro Nayths who can be a real heartbreaker sometimes.

After the subway we saw the signs to our destination but they were showing a uphill :s. Thank God, there was a little tram station right there. The man who sells the ticket helped us, and promised to show where should we drop off. The tram was like the one in Taksim, but blue-yellow. Like TD sponsored it :)

We reached there after a little walk. To where? :)

COSMOCAIXA , Museu de la Cienca :)

It was too big. Really. It's set on a 30.000 something of area :)

There was a part called AbraCadabra which is about audio/visual stuff. They put a camera obscura there! Not good as ours but it was nice :) We still lead the pinhole camera league :p

It was followed by pre-historic times and then Darwin. A road from Darwin opens to the natural life area. Fishes, frogs, snakes, and plants... While you are walking in the forest, some ground birds come and stand in front of you :)

But it was hard to stay long, because it was 'zestainomai' again. ( this is the only greek word that I know but I can't believe how useful it is, this teacher is really good at his job:) )

Anyway, we skipped some parts of the museum. I had some fair reasons for that and Rod supported me. But those 'good reasons' made us sad at the end. We don't want to talk about that subject and the rest of Cosmacaixa.

And while all those were happening, Astro was missing. Rod called FBI, but they told us to wait for 24 hours. What a shame!

At last he showed up when we were resting, and we took back our red report on Interpol :)

Finally we got hungry, and go out to have dinner. Found a little cute please...but at the middle of our meal, a power breakdown occured :) so we ate it with candle light. And wrote our cards under candle light also, very romantic :)

On the way hotel, we bought ourselves cafe latte and had another balcony trip...

Day 6 - Ep 1- MACBA

Yes, finally I finished my medical examining. It's good to have a doc father, he can take care of Rodriguez even he is far away.

The situation is not good. We'll see what's going on when I'm back but doc said that it seems not good. Looks like a hernia :s

Anyway this morning me and of course Rodriguez decided to go to MACBA, contemporary art museum of Barcelona. That's where Lokum (Thorsten Herken :) ) recommended me. Rodriguez didn't leave me alone, he is a pure art lover!

MACBA has 3 floors and many exhibitions. But the ones I liked were Bennet Rossell's and Fischer's. I wanted to kill Wolman because of the usage of 60mins 35mm's stock for nothing! We have to pay for it!!!!

Rossell's exhibition was wonderful. He drew many little things on everything. By little I mean little, not more than a height of 1cm. And although being that little, very detailed. I spend most of my time watching and figuring those details. His equipment was there too, he used to work with a magnifying glass!

And his films...those flicker effects...were really good! Thanks to my contemporary art teacher (Nursen Bakir) fof making me watch good examples of that. So I can decide good and bad.

Rossell is an artist, what he had done is art unlike others. Modern art sometimes, actually most of the time seems stupid to me. Painting two canvases with grey and put together cannot be art. Or placing bricks randomly on floor. I bet the artist didn't place them on purpose!

Art has to tell something. Drawing a cube on a piece of paper is nothing for me. It can't tell anything. Yes I admit that creativity that comes from simplicity is the perfect one (for me) but that's not it...I find those things snob. Not artistic or creative. And sorry my friends but I can't understand people who stand in front of those things like they're examining and understanding something...

After MACBA, I bought a very complex mousetrap to Bert that will help him to catch mice in their house with Katie :)))

Rodriguez started to murmur again, so we came to our room. I'm telling him that I have a conservative(!) family but he doesn't understand...

While we were resting, cleaning ladies knock the door. I tried to tell them that I'll leave the room in 30mins but we couldn't get along :) finally my best friend in the hotel Sergio called and dealed :)))