Trendy and posh, funky yet chic- these are just a few of the words that can be used to describe one of the most treasured neighborhoods in Barcelona- El Born.  From designer boutiques to hip nightclubs, El Borne is THE place in Barcelona to see and be seen at any time of day and all year round. Just minutes away from the chaos of Las Ramblas and the crowded coastline of Barceloneta, El Borne is a sanctuary for tourists and locals alike.
The centerpiece of this historical neighborhood is the famous Passeig del Born. Historically, this tree-lined street once functioned as the epicenter of all public festivities in Barcelona, ranging from jousting tournaments and holiday celebrations to the burning of religious dissenters during the Spanish Inquisition. Don’t worry though- these days you’ll need only to concern yourself with dodging the light-up-propeller-helicopter-toy-things (you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about when you see them for yourself) as they fall from the sky back into the hands of the men who will try to sell them to you for a euro just as their toys smack you in the head. No thanks buddy, I think I’ll spend my euro on the Estrella beer that your friend is trying to sell me instead.

Passeig del Born by Day The great thing about Passeig del Born is that there is literally ALWAYS something to do here. Although the ambiance during the day is much more laid back before the dark sets in and the party begins, some sort of excitement can be found around every corner.  The benches on Passeig del Born are undoubtedly one of the best places in Barcelona to sit and enjoy some gelato or a slice of pizza, and “discretely” stare at the well…interesting.. crowd of people as they pass by.
Another one of my favorite places on Passeig del Born to partake in the extreme sport of people watching would have to be the ledge along the “Fossar de les Moreres," a Catalan monument directly across from the Santa Maria del Mar church. While you’re at it, take in a bit of history by reading the poem enscribed on the torch of eternal flames.  It's dedicated to the soldiers who defended Catalonia against the invasion of King Felipe V's troops in 1714, and written in three languages if like me, you’re amongst the unfortunate, non-Catalan speaking crowd. Time will fly by as you take part in the fun of “observing” while simultaneously being “observed” by other El Borne visitors. Before you know it, the sun will be setting over Passeig del Born, as it transforms into it’s nighttime alter ego.

Passeig del Born by Night

There is absolutely no better place to be in the city as the afternoon fades to evening, than sitting at one of Passeig del Born’s numerous outdoor cafes, enjoying a Clara or glass of wine and chatting with friends or that special someone (if you’re so romantically inclined).  Although I’m cheating because it’s not technically ON Passeig del Born, the outdoor tables at the Bubo Wine bar, located right in front of the Santa Maria Del Mar Church, are best location to do just this. Watch the street performers- from guitar and violin players to salsa dancers- as they display their craft against the beautiful backdrop of the immense basilica church that lights up the sky at night. As the sun sets, you’ll slowly notice the bars, restaurants, and the street itself filling up with people. Sunday through Monday you can find groups of friends sitting or standing in groups right in the center of Passeig del Born, talking, laughing, and drinking. The energy is electric on even the slowest of summer nights, as Passeig del Born offers a little something for everyone.

SuiteLife TV's Video Profile of Passeig del Born!

Passieg del Born “Must See’s” Now that you’ve got an idea of what you can expect upon visiting this lively street, here are a list of places you absolutely MUST visit while you’re there. PIZZA DEL BORN
Although for personal pride reasons, my visits here slowly decreased upon being offered a “frequent customer card,” I have to insist that you go Pizza del Born and try one of everything. Often referred to as “the best pizza in Barcelona,” Pizza del Born offers a flavor of deep-dish pizza for any set of taste buds. And with a “happy hour” deal of 3.50 for two slices of pizza and a beverage of your choice, you can’t go wrong. Sit inside amongst tourists and local hipsters or take your pizza to-go and enjoy the summer breeze outside on the stone benches. Personal favorites: Jamón y piña (throwback to an American staple: the Hawaiian pizza) MMMM my mouth is watering just thinking about it.
CREPES AL BORN They had me at “cocktails and crepes.” With a menu that offers a wide array of both sweet and savory crepes and cocktails that are potent and delicious at the same time, this bar located centrally on Passeig del Born is a no-brainer. Sit at the bar and watch the attractive staff mix up €5 mojitos right in front of your eyes, and enjoy yourself amongst a lively and diverse crowd. If you’re feeling crazy, you can throw a €3 tequila shot into the mix. After all, what goes better with a banana and nutella crepe then a little bit of tequila? I’m joking!! But seriously… ORIGINS
This restaurant gets so packed on the weekends that they need 2 locations onPasseig del Born just to meet the demand. I love this place for a few reasons- the first being that the staff is EXTREMELY friendly and attentive. On one of my first visits, the owner himself came out and showed me and my friend exactly how to eat toast the “Catalan way.” Additionally, the extensive menu describes the history of every dish that is offered, so there’s always something to talk about if you experience a lull in conversation! Personal favorite: La ensalada de frutas secas y queso de cabra. Don’t miss it. DE TOT AL BORN
This reasonably priced supermarket in El Borne has a little bit of everything, from some tasty pre-made meals, to food on the shelves that hasn’t actually passed the expiration date!! Not to mention, (lovers of odd soda flavors rejoice): they even have Dr. Pepper and Cherry Coke-a-Cola. Woo hooo! SANDWICH AND FRIENDS
Calm down, food snobs- give me a chance to explain myself. Although it is sometimes regarded as Spanish “fast food,” the menu at El Borne’s Sandwich and Friends has some hidden gems if you know where to look (Personal favorite: La Oliva). And might I remind you that quick service isn’t all that bad!!!!  During the summer the tables outside are always packed with extremely posh looking diners, snacking on their salads and looking through their Ray Ban Wayfarers at their undoubtedly cool blog articles that they’re browsing on the Google Reader of their iPhone 4Gs. And shhhhh you didn’t hear it from me, but if you don’t feel like eating or drinking, the WiFi password normally rotates between “bocadillos” and “cristina” Side note: CASA DELFIN is also another good choice if you’d like to sit outside on Passeig del Born and enjoy some tapas or a glass of wine.

RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER…. There’s just too much going on around Passeig del Born not to mention a few of the neighboring “MUST SEES.” I’ll keep the list very short, as I don’t want to blow your mind with too much Bornformation. (too cheesy?)
PICASSO MUSEUM Museums are a great way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon, but do you know what’s even better than viewing the famous collection of one of the most renowned artists of all time? Answer: Viewing said collection FOR FREE.  Entrance is free after 3 PM every Sunday and all day on the first Sunday of the month. So go to El Borne and get yourself a free dose of culture this Sunday! EL XAMPANET
An authentic Catalan tapas experience. Heart of El Borne. Friendly staff. €6 bottles of Cava. Need I say more?
LA FIANNA With the red interior, dim lights, and comfy couches and sofa beds, it’s clear why this El Borne bar lands on SuiteLife’s list of TOP 25 First Date Spots in Barcelona. Get there early if you want a sofa bed, because this place gets PACKED on the weekends. The food is mediocre, but for €3 you’ll get one of the biggest glasses of wine that I’ve ever been served in this city. The mojitos are also a crowd favorite, so check it out! There are literally so many cool places on Passeig del Born, and El Borne in general, that I feel guilty only including a few.  This street and those around it can provide any wanderer with endless hours of entertainment. So whether you’re drawn to El Borne for the food, shopping, or the culture, be sure to spend a large chunk of you time on Passeig del Born! ~Leslie

Barcelona Street Profile #3: el Passeig del Born

Trendy and posh, funky yet chic- these are just a few of the words that can be used to describe one of the most treasured neighborhoods in Barcelona- El Born.  From designer boutiques to hip nightclubs, El Borne is THE place in Barcelona to see and be seen at any time of day and all year round. Just minutes away from the chaos of Las Ramblas and the crowded coastline of Barceloneta, El Borne is a sanctuary for tourists and locals alike.
The centerpiece of this historical neighborhood is the famous Passeig del Born. Historically, this tree-lined street once functioned as the epicenter of all public festivities in Barcelona, ranging from jousting tournaments and holiday celebrations to the burning of religious dissenters during the Spanish Inquisition. Don’t worry though- these days you’ll need only to concern yourself with dodging the light-up-propeller-helicopter-toy-things (you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about when you see them for yourself) as they fall from the sky back into the hands of the men who will try to sell them to you for a euro just as their toys smack you in the head. No thanks buddy, I think I’ll spend my euro on the Estrella beer that your friend is trying to sell me instead.

Passeig del Born by Day The great thing about Passeig del Born is that there is literally ALWAYS something to do here. Although the ambiance during the day is much more laid back before the dark sets in and the party begins, some sort of excitement can be found around every corner.  The benches on Passeig del Born are undoubtedly one of the best places in Barcelona to sit and enjoy some gelato or a slice of pizza, and “discretely” stare at the well…interesting.. crowd of people as they pass by.
Another one of my favorite places on Passeig del Born to partake in the extreme sport of people watching would have to be the ledge along the “Fossar de les Moreres," a Catalan monument directly across from the Santa Maria del Mar church. While you’re at it, take in a bit of history by reading the poem enscribed on the torch of eternal flames.  It's dedicated to the soldiers who defended Catalonia against the invasion of King Felipe V's troops in 1714, and written in three languages if like me, you’re amongst the unfortunate, non-Catalan speaking crowd. Time will fly by as you take part in the fun of “observing” while simultaneously being “observed” by other El Borne visitors. Before you know it, the sun will be setting over Passeig del Born, as it transforms into it’s nighttime alter ego.

Passeig del Born by Night

There is absolutely no better place to be in the city as the afternoon fades to evening, than sitting at one of Passeig del Born’s numerous outdoor cafes, enjoying a Clara or glass of wine and chatting with friends or that special someone (if you’re so romantically inclined).  Although I’m cheating because it’s not technically ON Passeig del Born, the outdoor tables at the Bubo Wine bar, located right in front of the Santa Maria Del Mar Church, are best location to do just this. Watch the street performers- from guitar and violin players to salsa dancers- as they display their craft against the beautiful backdrop of the immense basilica church that lights up the sky at night. As the sun sets, you’ll slowly notice the bars, restaurants, and the street itself filling up with people. Sunday through Monday you can find groups of friends sitting or standing in groups right in the center of Passeig del Born, talking, laughing, and drinking. The energy is electric on even the slowest of summer nights, as Passeig del Born offers a little something for everyone.

SuiteLife TV's Video Profile of Passeig del Born!

Passieg del Born “Must See’s” Now that you’ve got an idea of what you can expect upon visiting this lively street, here are a list of places you absolutely MUST visit while you’re there. PIZZA DEL BORN
Although for personal pride reasons, my visits here slowly decreased upon being offered a “frequent customer card,” I have to insist that you go Pizza del Born and try one of everything. Often referred to as “the best pizza in Barcelona,” Pizza del Born offers a flavor of deep-dish pizza for any set of taste buds. And with a “happy hour” deal of 3.50 for two slices of pizza and a beverage of your choice, you can’t go wrong. Sit inside amongst tourists and local hipsters or take your pizza to-go and enjoy the summer breeze outside on the stone benches. Personal favorites: Jamón y piña (throwback to an American staple: the Hawaiian pizza) MMMM my mouth is watering just thinking about it.
CREPES AL BORN They had me at “cocktails and crepes.” With a menu that offers a wide array of both sweet and savory crepes and cocktails that are potent and delicious at the same time, this bar located centrally on Passeig del Born is a no-brainer. Sit at the bar and watch the attractive staff mix up €5 mojitos right in front of your eyes, and enjoy yourself amongst a lively and diverse crowd. If you’re feeling crazy, you can throw a €3 tequila shot into the mix. After all, what goes better with a banana and nutella crepe then a little bit of tequila? I’m joking!! But seriously… ORIGINS
This restaurant gets so packed on the weekends that they need 2 locations onPasseig del Born just to meet the demand. I love this place for a few reasons- the first being that the staff is EXTREMELY friendly and attentive. On one of my first visits, the owner himself came out and showed me and my friend exactly how to eat toast the “Catalan way.” Additionally, the extensive menu describes the history of every dish that is offered, so there’s always something to talk about if you experience a lull in conversation! Personal favorite: La ensalada de frutas secas y queso de cabra. Don’t miss it. DE TOT AL BORN
This reasonably priced supermarket in El Borne has a little bit of everything, from some tasty pre-made meals, to food on the shelves that hasn’t actually passed the expiration date!! Not to mention, (lovers of odd soda flavors rejoice): they even have Dr. Pepper and Cherry Coke-a-Cola. Woo hooo! SANDWICH AND FRIENDS
Calm down, food snobs- give me a chance to explain myself. Although it is sometimes regarded as Spanish “fast food,” the menu at El Borne’s Sandwich and Friends has some hidden gems if you know where to look (Personal favorite: La Oliva). And might I remind you that quick service isn’t all that bad!!!!  During the summer the tables outside are always packed with extremely posh looking diners, snacking on their salads and looking through their Ray Ban Wayfarers at their undoubtedly cool blog articles that they’re browsing on the Google Reader of their iPhone 4Gs. And shhhhh you didn’t hear it from me, but if you don’t feel like eating or drinking, the WiFi password normally rotates between “bocadillos” and “cristina” Side note: CASA DELFIN is also another good choice if you’d like to sit outside on Passeig del Born and enjoy some tapas or a glass of wine.

RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER…. There’s just too much going on around Passeig del Born not to mention a few of the neighboring “MUST SEES.” I’ll keep the list very short, as I don’t want to blow your mind with too much Bornformation. (too cheesy?)
PICASSO MUSEUM Museums are a great way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon, but do you know what’s even better than viewing the famous collection of one of the most renowned artists of all time? Answer: Viewing said collection FOR FREE.  Entrance is free after 3 PM every Sunday and all day on the first Sunday of the month. So go to El Borne and get yourself a free dose of culture this Sunday! EL XAMPANET
An authentic Catalan tapas experience. Heart of El Borne. Friendly staff. €6 bottles of Cava. Need I say more?
LA FIANNA With the red interior, dim lights, and comfy couches and sofa beds, it’s clear why this El Borne bar lands on SuiteLife’s list of TOP 25 First Date Spots in Barcelona. Get there early if you want a sofa bed, because this place gets PACKED on the weekends. The food is mediocre, but for €3 you’ll get one of the biggest glasses of wine that I’ve ever been served in this city. The mojitos are also a crowd favorite, so check it out! There are literally so many cool places on Passeig del Born, and El Borne in general, that I feel guilty only including a few.  This street and those around it can provide any wanderer with endless hours of entertainment. So whether you’re drawn to El Borne for the food, shopping, or the culture, be sure to spend a large chunk of you time on Passeig del Born! ~Leslie

"Caga Tio" and "Caganer": Two Strange Catalan Christmas Traditions

Caga Tio and Caganer are two very strange Catalan Christmas traditions, and they're often misunderstood, so in true Christmas spirit, I will try my best to give you a clear explanation of what Caga Tio and Caganer are, and also make sure you understand the difference between Caga Tio and Caganer.

Discovering Caga Tio

[caption id="attachment_9901" align="alignleft" width="400"]
Santa may come down the chimney, but Caga Tio "poos" presents![/caption] My first Christmas in Barcelona was really, really good fun, partly because I discovered a new twist on the ever so repetitive Christmas traditions we have in the UK. I would orientate my English classes (I was working as an English teacher at the time) around Christmas themes such as Father Christmas and Snowmen etc. I noticed that every class, somebody would mention Caga Tio, and I had to ask "what is Caga Tio?". To tell you the truth, when they explained what Caga Tio was, I thought they were pulling my leg.

What Is Caga Tio?

Caga Tio, pronounced "Cacka-tee-oh"  is a wooden log with a smiley face painted onto one end. Caga Tio also wears a traditional Catalan red hat and is basically the Catalan equivalent of Santa Clause. Any one with a little Spanish knowledge, knows that "tio" means "uncle", however it also means "log" and Caga Tio translates to "poo Log", Christmassy hey?! "Caga Tio, if you don't poop well, I'll hit you with a stick" [caption id="attachment_9900" align="alignright" width="346"]
You have to "beat" Caga Tio with a stick to make him poop presents![/caption] The idea is that Caga Tio is "looked after" by the kids from the 8th of December to Christmas Eve. They cover his rear end with a blanket to keep him warm and feed him Turron and Orange peel every evening. The more they feed him, the more Christmas presents he will "poo-out" for Christmas. I kid you not people, I didn't believe it either, but it's true, and the story only gets stranger from here. Caga Tio, apparently, needs a little persuasion to "poo" the presents out, so after weeks of feeding Caga Tio and making sure he is warm with his blanket, the kids are given a stick to "beat" Caga Tio with. Only then will he "poo" out the presents. As if this isn't absurd enough, they also have to sing a song..... caga tió, caga torró, avellanes i mató, si no cagues bé et daré un cop de bastó. caga tió!" (poop log, poop turrón, hazelnuts and cottage cheese, if you don't poop well, I'll hit you with a stick, poop log!) Once they sing the song and beat Caga Tio with the stick, the kids look in the blanket which as been keeping Caga Tio warm for the last few weeks, to find their Christmas presents. I can only assume that if the kids aren't happy with their gifts, they beat him some more and throw him in the fire! [caption id="attachment_9904" align="alignleft" width="298"]
Caganer - Welcome to the weird world of Catalonia.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_9935" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Jürgen Salenbacher[/caption]

Jürgen Salenbacher: A Creative Mind in Barcelona

Last night I attended the book launch of the most creative man in Barcelona, Jürgen Salenbacher.  His much-anticipated new book, "Creative Personal Branding", has hit the bookstore shelves and I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy.

Full Disclosure:

To me personally, Jürgen is a close friend and we did our MBA together here in Barcelona.  To the world though, he is one of the leading authorities on the creative economy, innovation, and branding.  His accomplishments are too vast to list in their entirety, but here are the highlights:  Jürgen's clients over the years include Coca-Cola, Durex, Levi's, Lego, Luis Vuitton, Adidas International, Roca, and Mattel.  He has led branding strategies for Michael Ballack, Muhammed Ali, and the Kingdom of Bhutan.  He's even won the famous Red Dot Award, amongst many others.  Since 2006 he has somehow also found time to be a professor at IED Barcelona where he teaches Masters-level classes in Communication Strategy and International Marketing Strategy.  All that AND the striking good looks of Pierce Brosnan!

Jürgen Salenbacher's book:

As his website succinctly explains "Salenbacher looks at the origins of today's crisis and examines the work of leading theorists in business culture before explaining how our success in exploring change rests on our ability to think creatively".  We all know that life = change.  Whether you are an entrepreneur, an employee looking to contribute more, a creative type, or just someone facing change and major life decisions, this book is for you.  Interspersed with challenging and eye-opening exercises, "Creative Personal Branding" can help you put your life in perspective and strategically plan for the big question that we all ask ourselves, "what's next?". [caption id="attachment_9939" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Jürgen Salenbacher & Benny Mouckley[/caption] I've only had time to read the first two chapters since last night, but I'm already impressed and will be furiously reading the rest of the book over the holiday break.  I suggest that anyone looking to take life by the horns and embrace change, instead of being paralyzed by it as most of us are, buy this book today! For more info and to purchase a copy see Jürgen's website here. Cheers, Benny

Living in Spain – “An Angel” – Animal Rescue

After a life changing crisis Judith Lynne decided to leave her well known habitat in Denmark and pursue her dream of living in Spain, here she discovered the joy of giving and began to support the local animal shelters. Here’s her story on how she devoted her life to help the animals.
”And there I was, suddenly all by myself as if the ”gold carpet” was ripped from underneath my feet”, Judith Lynne. Judith Lynne lived a joyful life in Denmark with her husband but one morning after 23 years of mornings together the unthinkable and worst possible thing happened, Judith’s husband didn’t wake up. No sickness, no indisposition, no possible warning that could have changed the outcome. Only 60 years old and he just didn’t wake up. Judith went into a chock and didn’t know where to go from here, she felt like if someone had pulled out the carpet underneath her and her comfort zone was suddenly gone. After a while in sorrow Judith made the decision to realize a lifelong dream of leaving Denmark and move to a sunnier and warmer climate. So she chose Benalmádena Costa in Spain.
“I guess it felt natural to pick things up during a walk on the beach, so I did” Judith Lynne. She spent a lot of time walking down beaches in her new hometown; here she collected different types of seashells. Judith had in her past been very creative so she started painting and gluing in the small shells, creating small pieces of art. In the beginning she just kept them for herself and had them display on shelves, till one of her friends told her she should try and sell them. While she was now living in Spain she wanted to give something back to the Spanish community, she felt as if she needed to do something for her new country, so she decided to spend the entire income from the sale of the shells to buy supplies like food, blankets, gift cards for the vet and cleaning devices for the local animal shelters.
The number of abandoned and homeless animals in Europe is estimated to be around 100 million. It’s hard to find the exact number because there’s no registry (obviously) on most of the stray animals. But in Spain there are estimated to be 800.000 stray dogs, but still the numbers are inconclusive. Even though the animal shelters work 24 hours pr. day taking care of the animals, trying to find new owners and families, they still receive neglected animals every day and night, so the clinics are overcrowded. They don’t have enough resources to take care of them all and the money is short when there is no state or government support. Some of the reasons why these animals are abandoned are because people don’t realize how much work and money you need to put in an animal every day. Some can’t afford keeping their beloved pets or otherwise they don’t get the animals neutered so they multiply uncontrollable leaving the problem even bigger. The animal shelters in Spain rely on private donations as they are not funded or supported by public institutions. Even though the Shelter’s find new and loving homes for most of the animals, cats and dogs are thrown away like trash every day and the shelters are again in need for help and support.
More ideas and creative art pieces has developed through the years and she is now a local known artist with success! Especially her keychains, the small “guardian angels” has become very popular and are sold all over the world. Coincidence? I don’t think so. These guardian angels represent not only Judith’s nonprofit organization “AnAngel” but also the purity of good deeds and faith to humanity! Judith loves living in Spain and she is grateful for the gracious people she has met along the way. ”I really enjoy to be creative and it is an even greater joy to help those who cannot ask for help by themselves” Juddith Lynne. Juddith has now been living in Spain for 8 years and is the founder of the nonprofit organization “AnAngel”, she even adopted a gorgeous kitten from one of the shelters she’s supporting!
Remember it doesn’t matter who you are or where you are, if you’re big or small, help is well appreciated everywhere and you’re the only one who stands in the way of your dreams! If you know any nonprofit organizations like “AnAngel” please do drop a comment below!

Circuit Training Workout on the Barcelona Beach

If you're looking to pay sometimes astronomical gym prices in order to accomplish a little sport in Barcelona and you love exercising indoors, then skip this blog because it isn't for you! If you want to enjoy the Mediterranean Sea, the sun, and get some fresh air into your lungs then please keep reading. Run like a beast along our route from Barceloneta Beach to Bogatell Beach, which includes 3 stops in which you'll be able to do some exercises! After that you will do the same but going from Bogatell back to Barceloneta. If you're a little out of shape like us, and don't want to pass out along the way, we suggest you run on the pavement and not in the sand (that's for the hardcore peeps!).  After building some resistance, its worth running on the sand as it's very good for your legs and feet, and is much easier on your back.

Strength Training Workout Map

The first stop is located between Barceloneta and the 2 towers of Ciutat Villa Olympica. There are often a lot of people at this 'workout station', and most of them tend to be juiced up gorillas working out a little but mostly admiring their own muscles. Anyways, just ignore them, they're not looking at you anyways. The second stop is just before Bogatell Beach, and for me, this is the best one as there are a lot of great machines you can use and  it is not so crowded. The last stop is not so far from the second. There is an upright bench press where you can workout your arms easily. But, big muscle men beware: don't expect too much from this device, the weight is pretty light, so it is more for muscle toning. This circuit training workout is one of my favourites and it's perfect to get in shape no matter where you happen to be. Enjoy working out in front of the sea with a little bit of salty air!

Body-building devices by stations:

This circuit training is about 5.5 kilometers in length. I swear that if you do this every 2 two days, you will be in perfect shape in one month and you'll have that sexy summer BCN beach body! For more information, check our blog about Running in Barcelona or about general sport in Barcelona. Also checkout our free ebook on Barcelona's Best Beaches. What are you doing for a little exercise in Barcelona?  Any good tips? Cheers ! Hugo

QUICK-TIPS ON CATALAN CULTURE

Knowing Catalan culture is a very useful tool if you are living or traveling in Barcelona. For example, if you don't know that Barcelona is the capital of Catalunya, then you may as well be wearing a sign saying "I am a tourist." But you don't have to be an expert! Just knowing a few bits and pieces on Catalan culture can go a long way. So don't be a completely uninformed foreigner. Read on to learn some quick facts about Barcelona's autonomous community. Also be sure to read some fun facts about Barcelona and the history of how Barcelona got its name.

SIMPLE INFO ABOUT CATALUNYA

- Catalunya is located in the Northeast part of Spain and Iberian Peninsula. - It borders France to the north and the Mediterranean Sea to the east. - Covers 32.114 km2 - Official population is 7.535.521 - Official languages are Catalan, Castellano (Spanish), and Aranese.
- Catalunya is an autonomous community of Spain, meaning: - This region of Spain has its own self-government - It has the rights of nationalities and regions. - It manages its schools, social services, urban/rural development, health care, etc. -Catalunya is one of the most economically dynamic regions of Spain. With Barcelona as its capital, it is also a huge tourist destination and international cultural center.

Cool Historical Facts about Catalunya

-The origin of the name 'Catalunya' has diverse interpretations. The 2 most popular are 'Land of the Castles' and 'Land of the Goths' -It was once conquered by Rome and became part of the Roman Empire.
-Catalan culture began to develop in the Middle Ages when certain regions of the Iberian Peninsula were ruled by Frankish counts. -Once a part of the the Kingdom of Aragon, Catalunya became a maritime power by trading goods.
-Catalunya has had a long history of both gaining and losing its autonomy. -Catalan culture and nationalism was severely repressed during the regime of Franco (1939-1975). -Catalunya recovered political and cultural autonomy in 1978 when Spain adopted a democratic Constitution.

Amazing Catalan Culture Aspects

Japanese Restaurant in Barcelona : TEMAKI-YA

To find a delicious Japanese Restaurant in Barcelona is very easy, , but do you know that the fast-food version of Japanese restaurants has also landed in our city? Quick, and something you can eat with your hands, healthy and tasty-as-hell, the Temakis, as this half-japanese half-brazilian treasure is called, have came to stay!
TEMAKI?!? What is it? What the f*** has Brazil got to do with that? Ok, I'll try to tell it quickly: A Temaki is a cone-shaped hand-rolled sushi filled with rice, salmon, tuna, vegetables, cream-cheese, avocado, or whatever else the cook might want to use to surprise you! Still can't figure it out? Don't lie! You already saw the pictures! But you see, it's irresistible, isn't it?! Delicious fast-food became popular in Brazil a few years ago - after the boom of japanese restaurants - and has been growing more and more every year, gaining market ground on traditional fast-food like hamburgers and pizzas. So, after vacations in Brazil, Carmen Pereira and Gabriel Miranda , two Brazilian that has lived in Barcelona for 20 years now, saw the opportunity of bringing the concept of the Temakerias to Europe: Healthy, quick, tasty and cheap! The japanese restaurant in Barcelona, Temaki-ya (Temaki Now) has a classic temakeria style: simple and clean, no tables - just high seats - ingredients on display, and a cozy atmosphere. For a Brazilian like me, it was like being back in Sao Paulo! I was also surprised with the variety of the menu , there are around 50 options of Temaki, and also includes others japanese specialities - don't miss the Hot-rolls. Creativity at its best! It's impossible not to find one you like (I bet you would eat at least 80% though).
So, if you're tired of the tons of mainstream japanese restaurant in Barcelona, you have to try Temaki-ya. Actually, it should be in your MUST-DO list! It's delicious, healthy, cheap and innovative! What more could you want? Go check it and give us your feedback! Where is it? At Calle Gignas, 28 (El Gotico), close to Plaza Sant Jaume! For more info check their website! There you find opening hours and extras! Almost forgot! If you like their Facebook page, you'll be updated with discounts and promotions! The most famous, for example, is that every Thursday, every temaki you buy,  you get the second one for only 1 euro (as you can see at the image below)! Irresistible!
Jack!

Mamma Mia, This Is The Best Pizza in Barcelona!

Yesterday I went with some friends to eat a pizza in Barcelona, after an amazing  day in Montserrat. We were sitting in the bus, on the way back, tired and sleepy, and started to dream about pizza, like Homer Simpson. Mmmm pizza... I'm Italian and rarely go to a pizzeria in Barcelona because most restaurants serve just an imitation of the authentic Italian pizza. I remembered many friends recommending this place, I was still skepical (because they're not Italians!)  but decided to go anyway. Wanna know how it was? The best. Simply the best pizza in Barcelona I have ever had; and I've had a lot!
The staff is Italian, the menu is really Italian, prices are Italian too! The ingredients are premium quality, especially (Her Majesty) Mozzarella di Bufala, the original and only one. And the attention to detail is "tipica napoletana". Go and see with your own eyes: look at them cooking with the concentration and the engagement of a painter, or a pianist. It's amazing! Everything on the menu is really typical Italian food, from the starters to Limoncello. Take a look below:
Pizza Margherita for 4€, Melanzane alla Parmigiana (you must try!), Tiramisu for 3€, Limoncello & Caffè Espresso for 1€... Close your eyes and you are on the Amalfi Coast...
....and then you wake up and you are eating an amazing, delicious and homemade pizza in Barcelona!
NAP Neapolitan Authentic Pizzeria, Carrer Gombau 5, 08003 Barcelona Metro L4 Urquinaona or Jaume I). Open every day 1,30-4.30pm, 8pm-12am. Link: https://www.facebook.com/nap.bcn?fref=ts Suggestion: If you are a big group, try to be there before 10pm! La vita è bella!   :-) Did you try pizzeria NAP yet ? Let us know in the comments below what you thought about their pizzas! Have a nice day ! -Elio

Barcelona Brunch: A view you cannot resist

Barcelona Brunch combines most of my favorite Sunday activities - a killer view of Barcelona from above, enjoying all-you-can-eat delicious food, chillout music and fresh cocktails. Oh, pardon me, how could I forget - and all that in a pool located on the 11th floor of a quite futuristic-looking hotel. Yeah, it does sound tempting, right? The Barcelona Brunch, offered by hotel Barcelo happens every Sunday and is one of the best ways to spend your afternoon, especially if you are not a tourist and rushing around to check out the usual spots around the city. Besides, let's be honest - a lot of places are actually closed on that day, so is there a better way to relax after a long week?
As you can see in the link, the price of the brunch is 25 euros. I won't comment whether that's a lot or not, after all it depends on your budget, but what can I say from my personal experience is that its totally worth it. The brunch itself starts at 12:00 and there's enormous variety of food which would satisfy even the most picky ones. The personnel is very friendly and positive and there's a DJ spinning tunes in perfect synchron with the ambient environment you can see on your right. Ahh, and don't get fooled by the fancy look, being dressed-up is not necessarily at all. After all, the brunch is all about being comfortable. After your Barcelona brunch, you can head to the 11th floor of the hotel where you can enjoy the amazing view of Barcelona with a cocktail (all for free) in your hand. For those of you, interested in photography, the place offers very interesting angles of the city. As I mentioned, there's a pool on the 360º terrace of the hotel. Don't expect olympic size, but its good enough to make you feel you are in paradise!
To quickly sum up, this place has everything to offer for a proper Sunday Barcelona brunch. It costs 25 euros, it is every Sunday and the hotel is located in the Raval neighbourhood. Check out the flyer. Do you like how this sound? Don't hesitate and go charge your batteries for the next week. Hasta luego, Ivo

Discover the Work of Joan Miro - One of Barcelona's Most Famous Artists - at the Joan Miro Foundation.

[caption id="attachment_16825" align="aligncenter" width="420"]
Gold Of Azure by Juan Miro[/caption]
A cute ET like Sculpture will greet you when you arrive to the Joan Miro Foundation, revealing some of the essence of the work of Miro. Indeed his work is as unique and childlike as this character so don't hesitate to bring all your family. Even kids will enjoy this museum.
Before going to the Joan Miro Foundation, I didn't really know Miro's work. I saw some of his work in art magazines and books like the Triptyque (the three blue paintings with bursts of color and marks exhibited at the Georges Pompidou center in Paris). However, I didn't know what to expect from this exhibition and I was blown away by it! I just fell in love with all his work with the simplicity of the paintings and the use of the colors.

The Joan Miro Exhibition.

When you go through the exhibition you can see the evolution of his work, the change in the geometry, the color or even the material. At the beginning of the exhibition you can see that for Miro there was an importance placed on the symbolic and the poetic nature of life. He has been classified as a cubist surrealist artist. During his life, he goes through different phases showing influences from Van Gogh to Paul Cezanne. But throughout the chronological exhibition you will understand that Miro's main obsessions were birds, women and stars. The last part of his life was especially dedicated to those three topics. My favorite Miro painting is the "The lark's wing ringed in the blue of gold meets the heart of the poppy asleep on the field studded with diamonds" this one for me is the most romantic. It is quite simple but the choice of the colors and the title reveals everything. [caption id="attachment_16812" align="aligncenter" width="286"]
"L'Aile de l'alouette encerclée de bleu d'or rejoint le coeur du coquelicot qui dort sur la prairie de diamants"[/caption]

"You are not alone" exhibition.

At the Joan Miro Fondation, there are also some temporary exhibitions. Currently showing is the "You are not alone" exhibition from the 1st of July until the 18th of September.

Even if it is not so present in the media Aids is still here and, of course, a lot of research to fight it is still ongoing. To make people aware of this everyday fight the Joan Miro Fondation welcome the exhibition "You are not alone". "You are not alone" exhibition is here to show the different visions that artists from everywhere in the world can have about Aids. Fourteen artists from Asia, Africa, and America are exhibiting here. It shows you how Aids affects people from different countries, cultures, and lifestyles. This exhibition is sponsored by Fundacion Banc Sabadell. It's the fruit of the collaboration between the Joan Miro Fondation and the ArtAids Fondation thanks to the work of the current FRAC Nord Pas de Calais director; Hilde Teerlinck, and Irene Aristizabal; the assistant curator, with the collaboration of Mr Han Nefkens. After Barcelona, this exhibition will move onto the Museo de Arte Contemporanea de Vigo (MARCO). This museum is one that you can't miss when you visit Barcelona. Miro is one of the most famous and best representatives of Catalan culture, so a visit is highly recommended to discover his work and vision. Don't forget to see the current exhibitions especially the "You are not alone" exhibition. Don't forget that you can visit it with the "Articket". For more information read this blog about the Articket : "Articket Barcelona : Check out 7 great Barcelona museums for one awesome price!" You can get more information about the Joan Miro Foundation at their website "Joan Miro Foundation" -by Kok Natha HEN.