Shakira's hips might not lie, but it turns out they're still pretty offensive, at least to the authorities in Barcelona.
The Colombian pop star had a great time dancing with fans in Barcelona's famous Pla de Palau fountain last week during a break from filming the video for her next single, Loca. Later, she got onto the back of a motorcycle sans helmet and (literally) rode off into the sunset. Reportedly, the footage was to be used in a promo for the song and video. ]]>
If only we had a dime for every time we've flashed our bra at the airport security check, we'd have just about enough to buy a stick of gum. And you know why? Because we are not Gwyneth Paltrow, who apparently decided that the weather in Barcelona was cold enough to wear a scarf, but so hot that a handkerchief of a tank top would do for the flight home.
Alas, the tank top didn't do very well, and now pictures of Paltrow not only looking haggard at the checkpoint are out on the web, but they include her flesh-colored bra, which, unless you do a double-take, looks like fully nude side-boobage. We're going to jot this down in our no-nos list of in-flight fashion, for obvious reasons. Also, doesn't that scarf kind of look like a neck brace until you see the whole picture? ]]>
Globetrotters who consider shopping a touristy gimmick are probably thinking more about Duty-Free boutiques at the airport, or landmark-shaped tchotchkes that fanny pack-wearing travelers just love to hoard. Then there's a clique of plastic-toting trippers who carve out quality time for retail indulgence. These hard-core consumers come back with heavier suitcases and cool keepsakes from their time away. That means no "I Went to [Blank], and All I Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt" shirts.
Jaunted's favorite shopping 'hoods are those that the locals frequent as much as savvy out-of-towners—places that have everything from the chicest clothes by local designers to uncommon home wares. We're less interested in the obscene glitz of Rodeo Drive than we are with destinations that have something unique to offer, like our suggestions below.
Jaunted's Favorite Local Shopping, Around the World, after the jump. ]]>
Our new President has inspired artists working in all mediums. One of them, Jorge Rodriguez Gerada, was inspired in a very big way.
Last November, Gerada sculpted Barack Obama’s head on a Barcelona beach that was so large it could be seen on Google Earth. The sculpture was 140 yards long by 80 yards wide, took 500 tons of sand, gravel and pebbles, 50 volunteers and more than $13,000 to complete. The size was meant to represent the importance of the American vote to the entire world. But because it was carved in sand, the weather has washed it away.
Still, President Obama’s face isn’t Gerada’s only "heady" project. He has also been working on the “Identity Series”, giant charcoal drawings of random people on walls throughout Barcelona. The blending of charcoal, the wall, and weather, is the most important part of the process. The intent is to have identity, place and memory blend together to become one.
Since 2002, the giant faces have adorned the streets of Barcelona, known as one of the street art centers of the world for more than two decades. Other noted artists, including Banksy, have also been encouraged by the city to tag their streets. Though the city is known for its art, there are no formal graffiti tours. Luckily, in most cases, you won’t need a guide to find unique pieces, just start walking.
Related Stories:
· Jorge Rodriguez Gerada [Official Site]
· Jorge Rodriguez Gerada [NY Arts]
· Jorge Rodriguez Gerada The Identity Series [Jay You]
· Obama Gets A Really Big Head [WTOP]
· Street Art coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo: Jorge Rodriguez Gerada]]]>