El Rodafonio – The Craziest Musical Contraption Ever Created

Yes, indeed. It's New Year's Eve - time for some music, good cheer and reflection on the events of the past year. Hey, great to see you. Thanks for dropping out of cyberspace. I managed to hold onto your spot at the VIP table despite the crowds so grab yourself a mug of coffee, a virtual treat and let the music begin!

The street theatre scene in Barcelona was completely transformed in 2010, with the invention of the Rodafonio – perhaps the weirdest musical contraption in the world. Created by renowned designer and musician César Alvarez Bayer, it consists of a gigantic wheel that’s four meters high and only 15 cm wide, like a huge waffle iron.

The wheel can accommodate a crew of five – the members of the Catalan music band ‘Factoria Circular’. Three musicians sit inside the wheel in their respective metal circles, playing their musical instruments – a guitar, a saxophone, and a set of drums – to various tunes, while occasionally spinning inside the giant wheel. The other two members are actors who pedal the wheel into motion, bringing the huge mechanical device to life.

Whoa! Sounds like a party to me. Where do they set off the fireworks?

See ya, eh...and party hearty this New Year's Eve all the while managing to stay off the radar, if you know what I mean!

Bob

Comment and picture from Tomas in Toronto about yesterday's 'open-air urinals':

I have seen similar open public street urinals in Amsterdam. However those are probably 100 years old.

Of course my brother and I had to use these... and here is a picture. I should have taken one with feet visible.

My reply:

Thanks Tomas...but a 'selfie' would be too much information!

Happy New Year!