If you were planning on going to Barcelona, be sure to hop on over to Figueres (about an hour and a half by car), where Salvador Dali's museum, curated by the man himself, stands in an old theatre in the center of town. Figueres, the hometown of the artist, lies in the foothills of the Pyrenees in the province of Gerona (Catalunya), not far from the French border.
Interestingly, the theatre housed Dali's first exhibition, and was thus a perfect location for him to build his shrine. As anyone remotely familiar with his work can imagine, the building itself as well as its surroundings are adorned with bizarro objects, such as several enormous eggs that seemingly balance atop the front "tower", not to mention various sculptures and statues that are scattered about the plaza behind the theatre, where the actual museum entrance can be found.
For 11 Euros, it isn't cheap, but definitely worth the bucks if you're tired of the same old same old. Upon entering the museum, walk no further than five steps to find a luminous atrium festooned with latrines (as well as other random articles such as giant drawing mannequins) that seemingly worship an antique black Cadillac which stands dead-center. This phantom cadillac is then further topped with even more peculiar objects. Detail need not be touched in reference to the dolls that sit front seat, exuding a creepy reality that triggers a surprisingly strong concern for their welfare. Be inspired, and/or scared.
Moving on, one can follow a labyrinth of drawings, paintings and videos, often stumbling upon outlandish installations that serve well in highlighting the fact that the man was totally insane.
Whether or not a fan of surrealism, it sure is an entertaining visit. Don't forget to check out the supplemental building down the street, which houses his "jewel" collection. Among a plethora of sparkling decor, the dark, shadowy corridors showcase gaudy brooches, necklaces and hair pieces that one might wear to a ballroom dance with their dead ancestors, in a dream, of course.
To get there by public transport, take the Barcelona-Portbou train from Barcelona Sants station (approximately two hours).
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Your travel life sounds so amazing Renee and you look beautiful in your picture.
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