Corner stories

Carrer de la Mercè

In a city as old and diverse as Barcelona, there are many nooks and crannies that could tell a story, but not only nooks and crannies have stories to tell, corners do too. Or at least, some corners get my imagination going and so I can imagine stories being told about such corners… here are a few corner stories – enjoy!

Mercè is a bitter one. When young, she had been fresh and saucy, and quite popular with the sailors, even if she’d had a sharp tongue. But after all those years steeped in shade, keeping her wits about her, she has become dull and resentful. The only thing that gives her some joy is the tavern on the ground floor, where cheap but good wine and little fried fish are served almost daily, and where, in the evening glow of the lantern, and socialising with the clients, she once again feels young and desirable.

Carrer Bellafila

Bellafila gathers her friends around her for a good old chin wag. Neither she nor her friends have lost that soft roundness that made them all so attractive in their young days, and time has been clement in other ways too, for they have not withered much at all, and their skins remain quite smooth, even at such a respectable age. Which is why Bellafila and her friends, still so close after all these years, continue to be the most popular ones in their cosy neighborhood.

Portal de l'Àngel

Àngel is a pompous old fart. Strutting his stuff daily, giving himself airs and graces, as if he owns the world. He’s after Anna, but she won’t have anything to do with him, despite his years of trying to woo her with expensive gifts. He just doesn’t get it. Silly old man.

Carrer Comtal

Comtal would very much like to be in the movies, but his moment passed many years ago when he became an architect instead. Yet he still continues to dream, and lives his life in the way he thinks a hero of the silver screen would have done. He pays special care to his looks, and not a day goes by without him slicking pomade into his once black hair, or trimming his slim moustache very carefully, just in case he runs into the lovely Anna.

Carrer València

València looks back on her life with satisfaction. She had her brood of kids, who all grew up and did well for themselves, and now, in her old age, look after her and make sure she is well every day. She always was stout and a little matronly, but despite the years, she has kept her chiseled looks and still is a fine woman whom Rambla (who lives just around the corner) continues to admire in secret.

Gran de Gràcia

Gràcia reflects on her life as the Grande Dame of the theater. She could sing and dance, and oh could she act! Nobody was better that she was, at portraying a young girl from the countryside in those pastorales, or the countess, princess or even queens in those operas…   There wasn’t a role she could not take on and shine in. She’d wowed them all, brought them to their feet with their applauses, bravos and encores, been showered with flowers and champagne after each show. Sh’e d been fêted, wined and dined by the city’s finest and handsomest men. (And women.) Been given small and large gifts and oh so many gorgeous jewels. But now, so many years later…

Gran de Gràcia

… she is content to live in her pretty home, with her memories of a full life, in which she’d loved and been loved, by many, but most of all, by her one faithful love: Barcelona.

Happy Leap year everyone! And to those who were born on this day (especially Deloris) Happy Birthday!

Gran de Gràcia