This park constitutes the central part of the green belt that, from Carrer del Doctor Aiguader, stretches above Ronda del Litoral to Parc de la Nova Icària. Following the lineal axis which begins in Parc de les Cascades -the first in this long green area- the entrance to Parc del Port Olímpic is a long restful walk with a double line of flag poles where the Olympic flags hung.

On one side of the walk, a large pergola becomes a rest area with benches, children’s play areas and terracotta plant pots holding wonderful ornamental plants. On the other side, looking towards the sea, a wide parterre full of trees, shrubs and palm trees begins and which, as it advances, widens generously to give way to a large semicircular area with pathways, small squares, large areas of lawn and a long winding bench made with pieces of porcelain.

Vegetation

Among the trees in the park a group of carob trees from Tarragona (Ceratonia siliqua) stand out for their beauty. At Parc del Port Olímpic there are also important examples of the white pine (Pinus halepensis) and the stone pine (Pinus pinea), the Ombu (Phytolacca dioica) and the rosewood (Tipuana tipu). The plane tree (Platanus X hispanica), is present both in the long wide parterres at the beginning of the park, as well as in the large areas of lawn which start to appear as the area widens.

With reference to the palm trees, next to the date palm and the Canary Island date palm (Phoenix dactylifera and Phoenix canariensis) large groups of Mediterranean fan palm (Chamerops humilis) grow. There are also many shrubs, such as pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira), abelia (Abelia floribunda), oleander (Nerium oleander) and large areas with the ornamental Juniper tree Juniperus sp.

Art and architecture

At the beginning of the lines of flag poles there is Marc, a sculpture full of colour that the artist, Robert Llimós, dedicated to the memory of his son Marc, who died in a car accident. Towards the centre of the park, in the middle of a small square lake, there is a bronze figure of Cobi, the mascot of the 1992 Olympic Games, created by Xavier Mariscal.

History

Parc del Port Olímpic is, together with Parc de les Cascades, Parc de la Nova Icària, Parc del Poblenou and Parc de Carles I, one of the five large green areas which were built on the old industrial land of Poblenou at the beginning of the 1990s.

Barcelona recovered this land and dedicated part of it to the creation of new green public areas: the Parcs del Litoral. This project formed part of the important urban renovation which was carried out to the coastline of the city in preparation for the Olympic Games of 1992.

Info:

District: Sant Martí

Address: Av. Litoral, at the height of nº 30

Access: Av. del Litoral, Carrer Arquitecte Sert and Carrer Salvador Espriu, and Pl. dels Voluntaris Olímpics

Timetable: Open park

This exhibition organised by Tate Britain in collaboration with the Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais on at the Prado Museum until September 19, seeks to illustrate the influence the great masters of the Renaissance and Baroque movements including Tiziano, Rubens and Rembrandt had on Turner’s work.

Turner is the link that unites the classical and modern landscapes. Art historians have witnessed how the sky takes centre stage in Turner’s paintings and this obsession with the representation of the firmaments is also later seen in Romanticist and subsequently Impressionist work. But what at first glance can be interpreted as Turner breaking with tradition, is in fact the result of his exhaustive research of the classics.

Rivals

An extremely ambitious and competitive Turner was keen on demonstrating in life that his work was up to par with the great contemporary painters. One of his greatest rivals was Constable, who also established his own style of representing the sky. His constant need of recognition was made evident when he asked the National Gallery to hang his painting next to that of French painter Claudio de Lorena, who he greatly admired. His biographies tell the story of how he broke down in tears the first time he saw his work because he was convinced he would never achieve that kind of perfection. But although Turner obsessively goes back to Claudio’s original model – a very bright light, the sun, in the background and in the centre of the landscape – he adds his own elements such as storms, water and wind, themes which are very characteristic of Romanticism.

Shade and Darkness, The Eve of the Flood and Light and Colour are some of the pieces on display at the Prado Museum which were not included in the other exhibitions in London and Paris, but which are intrinsic parts of this artist’s outstanding career, whose work is not seen that often in Spanish collections.

Info:

Starting: 22/06/2010

Ending: 19/09/2010

Where: Prado Museum

Closed / No performance on: Monday

Ticket sales: www.entradasprado.com

Times: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am – 8 pm. During July and August, from Tuesday to Saturday, 9 am – 10 pm; Sundays, 9 am – 8 pm

Price: Box Office: €10 (discounted price €5); www.entradasprado.com and 902 10 70 77: €9(discounted price €4,5).

Bus: 9, 10, 14, 19, 27, 34, 37, 45

Metro: Atocha (L1)/ Banco de España (L2)

Five new sections have been published: “Madrid for You Health and Well-being”; “Madrid for You Free”, “Madrid for You Nightlife”, “Madrid for You Gay” and “A Sunday in Madrid”

“Madrid in 100 phrases”, in English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Japanese, includes the translation into Spanish of the one hundred most common expressions in different situations.

With summer here, the Madrid Tourist Board has launched a set of new publications offering assistance and information for tourists. It has expanded the “Madrid for You” series, currently divided into 10 sections aimed at specific tourist segments and profiles. A further five new sections have been added this summer to the already existing Shopping, Tapas and Wine, Family, Sport, Museums and Monuments sections.

“Madrid for You Health and Well-being”, where to pamper your body, mind and spirit. “Madrid for You Free”, all the cultural, architectural and entertainment activities you can enjoy in Madrid without spending a single Euro. “Madrid for You Nightlife”, where to go to enjoy Madrid’s vibrant night life. And “Madrid for You Gay”, the main events held in the city which are aimed at the LGBT community.

The Tourist Board has also published a new section entitled “A Sunday in Madrid”. After the hustle and bustle of the whole week, Sunday is perhaps the best day to enjoy Madrid at its finest. To help you make the most of this day, the capital has a vast array of activities on offer during the morning, afternoon and night, many of which are free.All of these activites are included in this publication, which seeks to encourage tourists to participate in them and extend their stay in Madrid.

And lastly, it has published the mini dictionary “Madrid in 100 phrases” in English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Japanese.This publication includes the translation into Spanish, from each one of these six languages, of the one hundred expressions most commonly used in different situations: greetings, transport, accommodation, in a restaurant, shopping, in a tourist information office or visiting a museum or monuments; as well as practical vocabulary of great use for visitors

The Elmoro series for men and Aliso for women are athletic and smart. These short and long sleeve Ts wick, stretch, dry quickly and block out the sun with 25 UPF.
Find out more: www.mountainhardwear.com

Find out more:www.mountainhardwear.com

That is the opinion of Primus, who are now launching their popular Vacuum bottles in a strong look. Beside the new appearance in six gaudy colours the insulation is outstanding. Being double-walled and made of eco-friendly powder coated stainless steel (18/8), the Vacuum Bottles are not only extremely sturdy, but keep your favourite drink nicely hot (or cold) for a long time.

The popular double-walled stainless steel Vacuum Bottles are now available in colours we aren’t used to see on this type of products – turquoise, green, pink, cerise, orange and yellow. Within the new products, good insulation ability, low weight and long duration are combined. The eco-friendly powder coating protects from scratches and gives the robust bottles an elegant and breezy look. The Vacuum Bottles feature a lid with practical Quick-Stop closure. It allows you to pour out the content without removing the lid by simply pushing the button. A second push seals the closure and keeps the heat inside. An additional outer lid also works as a cup. The Vacuum Bottles come in two different sizes, 0.35 and 0.75 litres. They will be available from the end of June at specialized outdoor retailers.

Although the name “Lizard” tells you a lot, in fact this innovative Soft Shell all-rounder is more of a chameleon: Ideal for the generation of outdoor athletes who want to follow a number of different sports and need equipment that adapts quickly to perform in any terrain, doing any activity. This innovative Haglöfs range includes the Lizard Q Top for women in stylish colors and a comfortable fit. Thanks to the two integrated Flexable™ fabrics, this practical slip-on jacket is especially breathable and stretchable. The men’s model is also available in the latest colors, adapts to any outdoor challenge, and is guaranteed to soon become your gear of choice. Breathable panels under the arms as well as offset seams on the shoulder plus articulated sleeves ensure good air circulation and maximum comfort. The Haglöfs Spring/Summer Collection 2010 also includes Soft Shell Lizard Shorts. Made likewise using Flexable™ material, both the women’s and men’s versions are the perfect accompaniment to the Lizard Top. If you feel like a swim in a cool lake on your next trip in the mountains – no problem, because the Lizard Short is dry in next to no time.

LIZARD Q SHORTS

LIZARD Q TOP

LIZARD TOP