Archive for July, 2009
From the 1st to the 9th of August Barcelona will host a very interesting festival: The CIRCUIT- an international gay and lesbian event. This year it is greater, bigger and even more vibrant! It is by far the most important gay and lesbian festival in Europe.
It will consist of 9 days of culture, art, debates and cinema, all with gay and lesbian motives. The circuit cinema contains a selection of the most awarded gay and lesbian films released during the past few years. It is not expensive, as it is only 5,30€. It is an affordable for cinema experience in a special way. And last but not least, there will be Party, Party and more Party! Gays and Lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders can join several parties every evening with unique DJ’s like Lydia Sanz, Luxury, Yuri, Taito Tikaro, Nano and many many more. The 5th August is, in my opinion, the best party. Starting at 10am, a day and night event will take place at the water park Illa Fantasia. The park on this day is exclusively reserved for this party. There are going to be more than a thousand people from all over the world. Barcelona and the surronding area is the best city for this festival. Recently the city of Barcelona hosted the Pride Barcelona ‘09 festival, which was a great success. Barcelona has always stood for openness, tolerance and multiculturalism and thus it is for sure one of the gay friendliest destinations in the world. The city has so much to offer: a fashion world, the tasty Catalan and of course world wide cuisine and many many other possibilities to spend an exciting holiday! Tickets for every party and event are available at the till of the entrance or directly online here and where you can save some money.
Ever just want to get away for a weekend but the last minute deals are so high in price that you might as well fly to Dubai or Indonesia? For the ease of access to the great city of Barcelona, I have compiled a few ways in which to find flights for a lesser price.
1. Look at airlines. European discount airlines generally sell their tickest over the phone or web and are not available through a travel agent. RyanAir, EasyJet, Air Berlin, Jet 2, Flybe, Bmibaby, Clickair and Myair are eight of the cheapest to find flights. Because there are so many in competition with each other, all the companies are constantly trying to win over consumers through shockingly well-priced deals or packages of sorts, and thus prices are decreased beyond belief at certain times.
2. Time. Consider that if you book in advance, the likelihood of getting a cheap ticket is higher. Equally, with some of the airlines wanting to fill up their planes at the last minute, the prices can drop drastically a day before departure. Furthermore, consistently scan the different offers, and note when they change for a new offer. Its easy to be put of by a current offer only to be dismayed because it ends the following day, and the newer offer is perfect for you.
3. Baggage. Do you really need to take the six pairs of trousers and four coats? Is the hair-dryer really necessary? Basically, the best way to do this is to pack a bag on your back and nothing more. This way you dont have to wait to check in, you dont have to wait for your baggage at the destination airport and risk of lost baggage is largely reduced. Take in mind that most of the airlines make extra money through small print. Read the terms related to baggage size, weight, restrictions etc religiously so that there are no hiccups on the trip.
4. Insurance. Get a single trip insurance, or a year insurance from one of the many sturdy web-based insurance companies. Dont buy baggage and health insurance from the airline providor.
5. Reservations. Although some airlines dont allow seat reservals, some do. Does it really matter if you have to sit alone? Also, priority boarding is pointless as alot of the time people just get on at the same time.
A few examples:
From the UK, dont fly to Barcelona´s main airport (BCN), fly to one of the outer ones such as Girona and Reus, which both have excellent connections to the Barcelona central bus station at Arc de Triomf. Use RyanAir and fly from Birmingham, Luton or Leeds.
From Germany to Barcelona with Air Berlin, the cheapest way is from Dussledorf if you are flying in peak season.
If you are pro-active in your searching, you will most definitely find a good deal. Think that airlines receive such high profits because people are either too lazy to look for flights, or want utter comfort on their short flight to a neighbouring country.
Its final then. The time has come. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the 6ft 3in Swedish striker for Inter Milan has consolidated the transfer and moved to FC Barcelona for a 5 year contract. The 40million euro transfer has come after months of speculation and talk that Zlatan, aptly named “the beast” would move after a 3 year spell at the Italian super-club.
It is an exchange, with Samuel Eto’o moving to Inter in return for Ibrahimovic and 40mil, which in my opinion is madness. Such a deal means that both teams prosper magnificantly as both world-class players were top scorers in their respective leagues. Eto’s helped Barca on to win a Copa del Rey crown, two Champions League trophies, two Spanish Supercopas and three Liga titles, which sets a high precident for the Swedish giant who is currently sporting a chronic knee injury which could offer problems in the near future. Will Barca go from strength to strength? Or will the new dynamic shatter the teams synergy?
Ibrahimovic proudly states that “Barca has an historic tradition. Everyone wants to be part of this great club, they’ve made history and I want to be part of that history.” and Eto’o is happy with the move saying that “At Inter I am starting a new chapter and starting from zero. I am happy with this new adventure and hope everything goes well. I won a lot at Barcelona and I hope to do so in these colours.”
We have no doubt that Eto’o will continue to work miracles, and equally that ‘Ibracadabra’ can live up to his name and work the same magic for FC Barcelona as he did for Nerazzurri.
Jazz. The word has different meanings for different people. Universally seen as an almost experimental musical art form. Traditionally a developed combination of European and African musicality originating in early 20th century southern US.
The amount of sub and fusion genres stemming from and connecting to jazz is a lengthy and varied list. For this reason, Barcelona, Catalunyas capital, has a healthy range of jazz-based restaurants and bars for all people to enjoy. Five of the best in Barcelona:
Harlem Jazz Club
This club is fairly large, and caters to a more stylish market it seems. Its website is straight-edged and smart and entrance is charged at between 4 and 8 euros.
www.harlemjazzclub.es
Jamboree
Dubs itself one of spains mythical clubs, as some of the worlds greatest names played here in the 60´s such as Chet Baker and Ella Fitzgerald. Also playing hip hop and funk, this venue is sure worth a visit.
www.masimas.com
Jazzman
Small, traditional, nicely designed and very attractive. Jazzman is in all senses a jazz club with its petite and yet uncluttered feel.
www.jazzmanbcn.com
Bel-luna Jazz Club
Never visited this club, but it is right in the heart of Barcelona on Rambla Catalunya. Its website is comprehensive as is its menu and word-of-mouth reputation.
www.bel-luna.com
Colours Jazz Restaurant
Colours is stunning. Located on Calle Princessa in Barcelona centre, its restaurant area is on the top floor overlooking the main street. Their club is in the sheltered building, not that they would need sheltering as the outdoor aspect is what gives this restaurant/club so much appeal
www.colorsjazz.com
Go, have a meal, get involved or just sit back and enjoy one of the most interesting and inspiring types of music on the planet…
If you are looking for a bargain, head over to the shopping center La Roca Village. The outlet has discounts up to 60% on designer brands. Located right outside Barcelona there are more than 100 luxury fashion and home appliance boutiques. There are large discounts on brands such as Roberto Berino, versace, Camper, Carolina Herrera, and Loewe.
It is a 40 minute drive from Barcelona, and only 30 minutes away from Girona. Not only are there many stores, but you can also take a break from shopping and grab a bite to eat. There is a something for everyone’s taste. There is a restaurant which has a Michelin Star, as well as traditional Spanish and Mediterranean cusine. There are also many places where you can grab a quick bite. There is also a playground for the kids, when they get tired of waiting in the stores! The village is open Monday through Saturday, and opens at 10 am. There is free parking, as well as a bus serivce from Fabra i Puig Station in Barcelona. For more information you can visit their website here.
Walking around El Barrio Gotic, there are many different plazas which their own unique characteristics. The square itself, La Placa del Rei, is work checking out as it lined with gothic buildings, as well as the facade of the former main Royal Palace, and its watch tower.
Within the square there is the Palau Relial, with the Salo Tinell Banqueting Hall, Palau de Lloctinent, and Capella Sant Agata. Around the city of Barcelona, there are many impressive religous sites including the Capella de Santa Agata. Capella Sant Agata is located on a square that has been part of many historical events. This chapel is part of the Palacio Real Mayor (Main Royal Palace). The chapel was built around the 14th Century in the gothic style, and has a single nave. There is a Romanesque chapel dedicated to Saint Mary under the Capella, as Capella Sant Agata was built on top of the chapel. Inside the chapel there is beautiful stained-glass windows, as well as an alter piece created by Jaume Huguet.
Cava is the name for a type of Catalan sparkling wine, and is produced mainly in the Penedes region in Catalonia. Cava comes from the greek term “high end table wine” and the latin word “cave,” and “cellar” in Catalan. Cava was originally produced in caves to help the aging of the wine. Cava has become a large part of the Spanish and the Catalan tradition.
The cava is categorized by different dryness of the wine; brut nature, brut(extra dry), seco (dry), semiseco (medium), dulce (sweet). Even though Cava is made through the “Champage method” wines only from the Champagne region of France can be called Champagne. In 1872, Josep Raventos Fatjo was the first to produce the wine in the Sant Sadurni d’Andoia region of Catalunya. Thousands of visitors each year visit the winery and cellars where cava originated. During the holidays and special occassions the Spanish drink lots of cava. Cava is served cold at around 46 to 48 degrees Fahrenheit, and is served in a flute glass to preserve the bubbles. Compared to champagne prices, cava is very reasonable and tastes great! You can tell if you are drinking real cava, because the cork is marked with a four-pointed star. Compared to other types of wines, Cava does not get better with time and actually deteriorates. Cava is the perfect drink during the spring and the summer, as it is light and refreshing and goes well with many different dishes. Salud!
Today is time for a well known movie. Do you remember “L’Auberge Espagnol” from Cédric Klapisch? To remind you a bit about the film: “L’Auberge Espagnol” is a 2002 French released movie which is coming out in English speaking countries as “Pot Luck”. It is an amusing French movie about Xavier, an economic student from France who is moving to Barcelona for 1 year to study in the European exchange program Erasmus.
It was a well-done film about him living-together with 6 other students from all over Europe. They all experience many adventures together and the most funniest part of the movie is that there are many funny but realistic clichés about the countries the young students are from. It is not that they want to slam some cultures, because even when the viewers of the country recognise themselves they have to laugh. It is such a great film, and so real. This maybe because Céderic Klapisch had the idea of the movie when he visited his sister in here in Barcelona, during her exchange program. He was so impressed by the way that she lived with several other cultures in a foreign country that he had the idea to set it in an Erasmus-movie. Barcelona is a good choice for the movie set, because thousands of students come every year here for doing their studies or to gain work experiences. And due to the fact that Barcelona is a very important part of the film setting you can boo movie walking tours through this peachy city in the motto of “L’Auberge Espagnol”. These beautiful scenes of Barcelona were combined into an interesting tour through the big metropolis. The tour contains about 12 sightings in Barcelona such as Plaza Reial, Playa de Barceloneta, MACBA, Parque Güell…
“L’auberge Espagnole” generates the feeling that nothing could be better than to be young and living in Barcelona. Thus go ahead and have a look at this intersting city!
Looking to drive a moped or motorcycle in Barcelona this summer? Not sure of legislations and red-tape? Its a simple but fairly lengthy process that will require a bit of thought, good for reducing the motorcycle mortality rate however, with Barcelona having more bikes than Rome, Madrid and London. Lets begin with legislation.
Any person over 16 can drive a motorcycle from 50cc to 125cc, and those over 18 can drive a motorcycle exceeding 125cc. As it stands, every person wishing to maintain any sort of licence to drive (be it motorcycle, car, moped, quad bike) must have passed a stringent theory test followed then by a practical test (with some variables requiring auxillary tests). The usual laws concerning helmets and pillions (backseat riders, children under 12 not allowed) must be observed depending on your licence and it is habitual to carry your licence and details around at all times due to a potential loss of 3 points from your licence and a fine of up to 300 euros being given if not presented when asked (usually at roadblocks). From 1st January 1997, three types of licences became available, all of which are valid for 10 years:
The A1
Permits you to ride any bike up to 125cc and not over 11kW (stands for kilowatts, the metric equivalent of 14.5 Break Horse power, BHp). You will take your practical test on a bike between 70cc and 125cc
A restricted
A restriction of 2 years to a machine not exceeding 25kW (33BHp), after which you can ride anything
A unrestricted
Obtained on a machine of 35 kW (46.6BHp) but must be over 21 years old
To learn to drive, a valid provisional licence must be held or a full driving licence , available from Dirección General de Tráfico office (Barcelona´s traffic office) and for a more comprehensive information range click here. Insurance will depend on the specifications of your bike (engine capacity is measured in cubic centimetres cc and power output is measured either metric or imperial with 1 BHp equal to 0.75 kW), the amount of time you have been driving and the charges of the local council.
Its worth waiting until you are 18 and going straight to the A licence, otherwise you are bound to the A1 licence unless you retake the A test. Remember, when parking lock your bike securely in a well lit area, but most importantly enjoy the fresh mediterranean air and the beautiful view as you cruise through the streets of Catalunya`s capital.
The discoteque “Clap” in Mataro is ideal for students, music lovers, dancers and party-goers alike. With its elegant blend of several different atmospheres, this club combines to create a truly memorable experience.
Just 40 minutes north east of Barcelona (easy to get to by the seaside train line or car, as Barcelona to Girona is just one long stretch of motorway called the N-11) is the small town Mataro, where town fiestas and beach parties are commonplace. The club is located just inland of the shoreline within walking distance from the Mataro train stop. Time to break this down: Barcelona is a hugely cosmopolitan area responsible for a great range of people, ideas, functions and directions. Music is a large part of this culture and many of the more well-known clubs play music to attract tourists and crowds, most specifically R and B, Pop and a general mix of old classics to new chart topping hits. This is where Clap differs. With a loyal following in the surrounding towns, clap maintains a varied playlist which supersedes the commercality of the average club and provides the consumer with a very diverse experience. Up and coming events are regularly broadcasted on thier website as is their top playlists and photos to entice the customer. At the end of the day this is a business trying to secure profits, but Clap does it with class, keeping an underground and charming edge to its music and environment and believe me when i say this, it is worth a visit.
Dont miss it! July 24th sees the Latin hip hop group play in Barcelona´s Poble Espanyol venue. With unique vibes and tight rhythms, this night will be a guaranteed party, so get tickets while they are still available.
Founded in 1999 in Cuba, founding members Youtel and Ruzzo emigrated to Paris and joined Roldan Gonzalez and Flaco-Pro to form Orishas, a fusion mix of Latin and Cuban rhythms and hip hop of Northern America. With such a rhythmic mix taking place, Orishas became famous overnight and gave youngsters an identity in which they could relate to, as the band set out to oppose “Castro´s ideal of a colourless society”. Although Amenza (meaning threat in english) was formed in the early 1990´s, they never took off and subsequently evolved to form Orishas (the word actually meaning a group of deities in African religions). The release of A Lo Cubano in 2000 brought wide international attention and from then Orishas have led a steady story of success with three more highly acclaimed albums and a greatest hits mix entitled Antidiotico. Orishas are to many people very unique as they set themselves apart from the crowd and push to create the music fusion they pioneered and bring it to mass audiences for global enjoyment, and although this has proved controversial, it has earned them a following and lots of respect. Head down to feel an atmosphere that will leave you sure about one thing: rhythm mixed with pop culture works.
The Festival Grec, held once a year in Barcelona is an attractive event for tourists and domestics alike. With a great mixture of theatre, music and dance, this festival ticks most peoples boxes.
From June 20th to August 2nd the city is spectacularly transformed into a huge and everpresent stage in which a huge range of culture shows take place. At the centre and perhaps the biggest venue is the the Teatre Grec, an open air building reminiscent of the Greek Ampitheatres of old. A massive variety of other venues are open for this festival however including Teatre Borras, the Sagrada Familia library, Mercat de Les Flors and Caixa Forum (the list goes on…) For the commercial crowd, highlights from the past include Craig David, Joss Stone and Brian Wilson, but these are just a few of the more well known names that compose this fantastic festival. The organisers of the festival try exceedingly hard to bring new diversity to the festival year after year. In terms of transport, the excellent metro connections are all you need, and tickets can be bought from a range of sources. Without further ado, get yourself down to one of the many events happening in this vibrant period and experience some of the most interesting and wonderful things Spain has to offer!
If you are a fan of loud noise, bright lights and running like a maniac, CorreFoc (literally meaning fire run) is for you. As June marks the beginning of Catalunya´s festival season, CorreFoc is a typical Catalan and Valencian event, held in the smaller towns surrounding the Barcelona centre and attracts huge crowds of all ages looking for gregarious thrills.
It starts in the main square, and if you havn´t already got kitted in a hood, gloves, long trousers and top and most of all a bandana around your face (some people even wear sunglasses or masks) then you better do it because this festival isn´t for the weak-hearted. Trumpets sound after a short motivating speech and the crowds flow through the streets carnival style following huge dragons (dracs) and drummers dressed as devils (diables). The auxiliary devils then light flare fireworks and spark-sticks and run through the crowd, with the people chasing them and trying to grab onto their devilish clothing. In Badalona, the public get on their knees in front of the running firework-wielding devils and chant “No Pasarán” (They wont pass). A high point of the fire run is waiting under windows of the residential apartments shouting “water, water” until you are ´doused´to put out the flames.
It is an intense mixture of fire, water, sweat, laughter and noise and although you will maintain a few minor burns and get fairly wet (if you so choose) will thoroughly enjoy the experience.
As any tourist will undoubtedly experience, the initial perspective of a world city is governed by superficiality. Beautiful cascading buildings coupled with fresh and tasty dining, topped off by the heat of the mid-evening sun on your neck amalgamates to create an atmospheric picture.
For music lovers and anyone who maintains a nostalgic streak, Barcelona is completed and remembered by its plethora of streetside musical activities. Take a quick right onto a rustic side street in the gothic quarter and be met by a motion picture of a disguised paradise with its soundtrack being eloquently provided by a 60+ veteran of paco de luciaesque guitar. Take another right and find youself in an open square experiencing fine samba-jazz with the odd couple dancing heroically as the onlookers, mostly tourists, nodd their heads in appreciation. The picture being painted here is the vibe that the music of Barcelona applies to seemingly everyday continental activities. The large Plaza Catalunya and its surrounding concrete tributaries (most notably Las Ramblas) are sure places to encounter live music as is the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia.
In the gothic quarter it is hard to miss the gothic Barcelona Cathedral, known as Le Seu, and is a must see while in Barcelona. The official name of the Catherdral is Cathedral de la Sant Creu i Sant Eulalia.
The patron saint of Barcelona is Eulalia. The young virgin, Eulalia of Barcelona, suffered martyrdom during Roman times in Barcelona. The Barcelona Cathedral is located at the Placa de la Seu, in a large square surronded by cafés, street performers and shops. In 1298, the construction of cathedral began under the King Jaume II. However, it took two centuries for the church to be built due to civil wars and the black death, which were constantly hitting the city. In 1460, the building was built, however it was not until 1889 when the gothic facade was completed. The design for the facade were based on the work of the French architect Charles Galters.The towers which were built between 1386 and 1393 are more than 50m tall. Next to the Cathedral is a Gothic Cloister where there are thirteen geese. The geese represent the age of Eulalia(13) when she was martyred. The Cathedral is near the metro stop Jaume 1(Line 4) and Plaza Catalunya (Line 3, Line 1).
Barcelona has many beautiful parks, such as Park Guell and Parc De la Ciutadella. However this park is a little bit different than the others. Horta Labryinth Park is a hidden park up in Montbau. What makes this park different, is that it is a huge maze. It is also the oldest and one of the most beautiful parks in Barcelona.
It was built during the 18th century by the architect Domenico Bagutti to design a landscape for Antoni Desvalls. In 1971, the park was given to the city, as the family could no longer keep up with such a garden. It is 17 acres of romantic green gardens, waterfalls, statues, and a labryrinth in the middle.The Labryrinth has many mythological creatures around the park. Get lost in a maze and head over to Horta Labyrinth Park, located on the metro stop Mundet (Line 3). The park opens every day at 10 am until sunset. It costs 2 euros to enter, however on Sunday and Wednesday it is free.
If you find yourself wondering what it would be like to visit Barcelona, and what would be the best way to plan such a visit, there are numerous possibilities for you.
There are people out there that are content with just “crashing” into a city, where they will stay for maybe about a weekend, and try to see everything they can. It is always an admirable thing to travel, yet in such a way as that, I feel like there is simply no enjoyment or no chance for true appreciation. Well, for those who really are trying to get intimate with the city, and know its true nature and way of life, there are companies that help you do this. Many will promise services that are supposedly unique and fancy, but few really come through with their promises. That is why I would like to talk about Barcelona Guide Bureau. For travelers who do want more than just a superficial view of the city, you have BGB as an effective guide. With tours in over 7 languages, and the important acknowledgment that no two clients are the same, Barcelona Guide Bureau is the right key to the beautiful city of Barcelona. As one of the most complete organizations that I have ever seen, the people of the company take great pride in their work. Whether your trip has to do with travel agencies, museums, companies, government agencies, academic institutions, hotels, you name it. This Guide Bureau has contacts and partnerships unlike many others, and has been doing business with them since 1990. To further share their legitimacy, they will take care of you from the moment you arrive at the city, to the moment you return. With the options of either offering their sightseeing vehicles, or matching vehicles to your needs through other companies, transportation will definitely not be a problem throughout your stay here. In their accessible website, you can begin by reserving the components of your stay. Simply said, Barcelona Guide Bureau will happily take you in their hands, and act as more than a guide for you before, during, and after your stay in Barcelona. They are a true example of a company that fosters nothing but excellence. Do not hesitate to place yourself in their care.
Believe it or not, but there is a good possibility to enjoy a hot summer day in Barcelona in a very cool, sportive and relaxing way. Orthos is a company that offers Yoga, Jazz dance, Hip Hop and folk dance courses which always remain on a physiotherapeutic background.
Orthos has been in business for over 30 years, constantly developing new and advancing methods every time. Meanwhile the company has more than 32 offices in Spain, Portugal and Argentina. This company has spread their knowledge around to other countries.
Their first objectives were constantly the same. Continuous implementation of new physio- and health science knowledge and applications, formation of the best trainers, ambitious business based on clear defined quality rules ( I.S.O.) and the targeted orientation to the business. It is a company that offers courses which continuously change and improve with new experiences, a company that meets challenges. To be sportive and carry out healthy and sportive things is crucial for most people, and that should become a daily habit and part of everyone’s lifestyle.
It is very important to become a regular practitioner of such activities, and with Orthos, this is possible. There are usually Spa and Sport complexes at locations where you never stop learning and are always trying something new. Who would like to go to a fitness studio that has not changed or advanced in the last 30 years, in both decoration and teaching aspects? The answer is, nobody who is considered about themselves, and their well being. Thus if want to do something really good for your physical and mental health as well as your well being, have some fun and relax a bit, go to the Orthos office in Barcelona on C/Cócega 371. Easy to reach with the metro lines L3 (green, stop: Diagonal) and L5 ( blue, stop: Verdaguer).
Barcelona is known for its late nights and crazy night life. Razzmatazz is a huge club located in the industiral part of Poble Nou. What looks like an old factory building is actuallly a nightclub with several floors. The club has five different rooms, with music of all different taste.
There is an indie rock room, two techno rooms, a pop room, and a chill out space with electro and disco acts, as well as a rooftop to socialize. Razamatazz is also a popular concert venue, so there is usually a live band playing. Razzmatazz is one of Barcelona’s most important alternative music venues, so if you are a music lover, it is a must. And if you want a break, you can head to another area of the club. After all it is five clubs in one. The cost is usually around 15 euros, which incluces a drink, since there is usually a band playing, and the ticket will usually get you into all 5 rooms. There are many bars around the club so it is not difficult to get a drink. It is around a 5 minute cab ride from the city center, and close to the metro line Bogatell or Marina on C/ Almogavers 122. For a serious night late out, this is the place to go. For more information check out their website, as they have a list of concerts.
The aquarium in Barcelona, L’Aquarium, is a must see for familys with kids and young ones. It maybe hard to believe the aquarium is the second largest tourist attraction in Barcelona with more than 2,056, 400 visitors a year.
The aquarium is a great place to go when it is raining, or you want to escape the heat. The aquarium is located down by the sea in the Port Vell, which is near Las Ramblas, and has other activities, such as a movie theater, and IMAX, and a mall. The aquarium has 35 different aquariums, which contain over 11,000 animals of 450 different species. There are fish that come from all around the world, however the aquairum does show more of the Mediterranean and the Carribean waterlife. The aquarium has the best Mediterranean exhibit in the world. In the 80 m, underwater tunnel there are shark’s swimming over your head, as well as other fish which allows you to seem them up close. There is also a large aquarium with penguins. Make sure to bring your camera, as there are many photo opportunities. The aquarium is closest to the metro stop Drassanes(line 3) and Barceloneta (line 4). L’aquarium opens at 9:30 everyday, and closes at different times depeeding on the time of year. For more information you can go to their website here.
