30.4 (1987-88): France-3, Kariin, M.A.

30.4 Spain with Kariin Bostrom, Dec. 1987

30.4.1 Introduction: Kariin Bostrom

30.4.2 Barcelona

16 December, 1987, I arrived in Barcelona and met Kariin Bostrom, a beautiful Norwegan. While in Barcelona, we read together George Orwel's "Homage to Catalonia". We were both interested in visiting all of the places described in this book about the conflicts between the different anti-fascist groups during the Spanish Civil War (1936 to 1939). The pro-Republic, anti-Franco forces of the Soviet-supported communists (the United Front) were directed by Stalin to fight the socialist and anarchist forces, such as the PUOM (popular front). This split contributed to Franco's victory.

We visited the famous work of modern architecture by Mies van der Rohe, which was built as the German pavilion for the 1926 fair. It is known as the "Barcelona Pavilion".

Click to enlarge this map of Barcelona:

We saw Barcelona, Madrid and then decided to celebrate Christmas together in a remote resort. We chose Cadaques.

30.4.3 Madrid

While we were in Madrid

30.4.4 El Escorial

We went NorthWest of Madrid to visit the Spanish Renaissance Palace of El Escorial (built 1562 - 1582).

30.4.5 Spanish Countryside

30.4.6 Christmas in Cadques

We chose to spend Christmas in the town of Cadques on the Mediterranean coast.

30.5 Paris with Karin Bostrom, Dec. 1987

30.5.1 Introduction

30.5.2 Paris with Kariin

We then went on to Paris, 27-30 Dec. 1986.

We flew to Oslo on 30 December, 1986, in time for New Year's celebrations.

30.6 Oslo with Kariin Bostrom, Jan. to March 1988

30.6.1 Introduction

30.6.2 Paris to Oslo, Norway

We flew from Paris to Karin's hometown of Oslo, Norway, on 30 December, 1987, arriving just in time to buy the requisite bottle of champaign for New Year's celebrations. We spent that evening amongst crowds of Oslo people on a hill watching fire works.

Karin's apartment is located by the red dot on the map above. We visited the Gustav Vigeland sculpture park, Oslo's largest public park, full of sculptures (see below). I returned to Canada March 1988.