Dali and Gala

The terrace at Gala's castle.

The long lonely road to the fort.

Depending on how you look at it. Lincoln or a naked Gala?

The entrance to Dali's museum. A car where it rains inside the motor. Who is the voluptuos woman on top?

Figueres is not a place one would naturally detour too unless they know of Dali. Our stay in a nearby farmhouse meant we could cycle into town and enjoy all that the city had to offer.

It was not the most leisurely journey to town. Playing chicken or dare at traffic lights and roundabouts with juggernauts and boy racers was a stomach churning way to begin and end the day but all part of the fun. The 5 daughters all opted for a day lounging by the pool and at the farmhouse and left us to our dose of culture.

Sausages anyone?

Despite the heavy decision over where to park the bikes, the day proved to be so worthwhile. We managed to fit in lunch, a tour of the city taking in Dali's old haunts, entry to his musuem/theatre, perusual of his art and gems finishing off with a steep climb to an isolated and desolate fort. Yet again all for a canny vista of the town. I cycled my way up in gears of 1/1 looking like I was auditioining for the circus. Throughout the trip this became known as "doing the Coco" as in the clown. My legs could barely pedal to move that bike up the hill. I was further hindered by my own laughter.

Another day we cycled to Gala's castle in Pubol, easily my favourite side trip. The colours of the hills, the soft breeze and this mini castle located in the middle of nowhere held me entranced. The terrace and pool exude peace and tranquility. One can imagine Gala reading a note from Dali requesting permission to visit her. Somewhat old fashioned when you consider they were married but surely what kept the flame lit after so many years.

They certainly had an unconventional relationship. A women who left her husband in the 1930's would have found herself the subject of much ridicule and judgement. I some how doubt that Dali even considered what others may have thought of him and if he did I am sure he could not care less!