Want to know how to flirt in Spanish!?

You're coming to Spain for visit or just moved here,  and then... all of a sudden this beautiful Spanish  girl (or guy!) comes out of nowhere and takes your breath away. but than you remember that you do not have any Spanish flirting skills. No worries, SuiteLife is here to help you out and teach you how to write a letter and flirt in Spanish! Don't be discouraged by your language barrier and try your luck with our great flirting tips below!

Start your conversation with something like:

-¿ Hola, cómo te llamas?      this means   Hi, what's your name? -Soy Peter.                                 this means   I'm Peter. -¿Te puedo invitar a una copa?  this means   Can I buy you a drink? Then go on with a real compliment that makes girls smile.

Pleasant compliments for beginners:

-Eres guay             means "You're cool" -Eres simpática   means "You're nice or friendly" -Eres mona           means "You're cute" -Eres guapa          means "You're pretty" -Eres atractiva    means "You're good looking" a nice compliment ! -Eres preciosa     means "You're beautiful" -Eres hermosa     means "You're very beautiful" -Eres deslumbrante  means "You're stunningly beautiful"

If you're pretty well-versed with Spanish, or getting the hang of this quickly, let's try some more complicated pickup lines with full sentences (but take care to not portray yourself as a womanizer!)

-Tienes una sonrisa muy bonita. Means: You have a beautiful smile -¿Cómo se siente al ser la más bella chica en esta sala? Means: What does it feel like to be the most beautiful girl in this room? -Hola Acabo de darme cuenta, pero  te pareces mucho a mi próxima novia. Means: Hi, I just realized this, but you look a lot like my next girlfriend. -Si la belleza fuera delito, yo te hubiera dado cadena perpetua. Means: If beauty was a crime, I would give you a sentence of life in prison. -Crees en el amor a primera vista, o debo pasar por delante tuyo otra vez? Means: Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I walk by you again? -No hay emociones que puedan describir como me siento cuando estoy contigo. Means: There aren’t emotions that can describe how I feel when I’m in your presence. -bonitas piernas! a que hora abren?. Means: nice legs! what time do they open? (please do not use this one). and even more slang ones: - Estas muy bueno/buena! Means: You're hot! - Estas para mojar pan. Means: You are ready to wet bread (non literal meaning: You're hot!) - "Cuántas curvas, y Yo sin frenos!" Means: So many curves and me without breaks!

What is next?

- me das  tu número? Means: can i get your number? - quieres ir a tomar algo? Means: do you want to go for a drink? - Cuáles son tus planes para esta noche? Means: what are your plans for tonight? - en tu casa o en la mia? Means: to my place or your place? -Quisiera despertarme contigo cada manana!? Means: i want to wake up with you every morning -Quisiera despertarme contigo cada manana!? Means: i want to wake up with you every morning Good luck with your future love ! Tell us your best Spanish pickup lines and let us know in the comments if you have any other great ones! ~Lucie

Passeig de Gràcia - Immerse yourself in chic Barcelona

Passeig de Gracia, also known as Paseo de Gracia is one of the streets in Barcelona that I don't find myself visiting that  often. But when I do, I barely feel like I am in Barcelona anymore. Correction. I realize that I am actually in a big city that offers everything that a shopoholic (Passeig de gracia shops are as vary as possible), a museum and restaurant - lover, could possibly want and need. Because when you find yourself walking around in El Born or Eixample (which I do almost everyday...) or along the beach, I often feel that I am at a summer resort rather than in a big city. But that's not the case. I am in a big city, I Just don't go to those typical big-city-parts of Barcelona that often. However, when my friends come to visit me, I often hear myself saying: Hey, let's go to Passeig De Gracia. And let me just tell you one thing: all my friends that have been here  love love love Passeig de Gracia Barcelona! In other words, there is something magical about this street. Street Profile: Passeig de Gracia - the most exclusive Barcelona street, bringing you a little bit closer to Audrey-ism with stores that carry clothes that you almost would give up your vision to have in your closet.  Get all the information you could possibly need to know about the most exclusive shops, fabulous restaurants and museums. Read and take notes my friends.

Passeig de Gracia by day

Passeig de Gracia is one of the major avenues in Barcelona and also one of it's most important shopping and business areas, containing several of the city's most celebrated pieces of architecture. Furthermore, this street is the home of heavy brand shops and boutiques such as Jimmy Choo, Tiffanys in Barcelona, Chanel,Gucci and Valentino, separated with cute coffee shops and trendy restaurants. However, this street is not always aimed at the ones with a big wallet. Shops such asStradivarious, H&M, Bershka and Blanco are all to be found here.

Passeig de Gracia is located in the central part of Eixample, stretching from Placa Catalunya to Carrer Gran de Gracia. In terms of cost of renting or buying property anywhere in this avenue, Passeig de Gracia is nowadays regarded as the most expensive street in Barcelona and also in Spain - even ahead of Calle Serrano in Madrid.
When living in Gracia (I now live by Plaza de Catalunya), I went to DIR - one of Barcelona's most famous gyms, located on Gran de Gracia. After my one hour - or so of training, I was not ready to go home just yet. Many times, I found myself strolling down Passeig de Gracia in order to do some sightseeing or shopping. One day, for example, I found myself passing by the park and boutanic garden of Jardines del Palau Robert, located on Passeig de Gracia 107. After one quick look through the big glass doors, I could not not go inside in order to look further. A shame that I didn't bring my camera, I thought as I was walking through the beautiful garden where I also visited small art and history museums. When it comes to sightseeing, I would recommend you go and visit one of Gaudi's works. When in Barcelona, this is something you just have to do. Gaudi's work is admired by architects around the world as being one of the most unique and distinctive architectural styles. His work has greatly influenced the face of Barcelona Architecture and you will see his work all over the city - for example onPasseig de Gracia. Casa Battlo, located at 43 Passeig de Gracia - is a building restored by Antoni Gaudi and Josep Maria Jujol, built in the year 1877 and remodelled in the years 1904-1906. The local name for the building is Casa dels ossos (House of Bones) and it does indeedhave a skeletal organic quality. This building looks very remarkable - like everything Gaudi designed. The ground floor in particular, is rather astonishing with tracery, irregular oval windows and flowing sculpted stone work.

Passeig de Gracia by night

Passeig de Gracia is famous for its chic and trendy restaurants. One of these is Parco Sushi Sashimi, located on Paseo de Gracia 119. I don't know about you, but I am a big fan of sushi - and sushi restaurants. I love everything about it. I mean, after all, this is where you will find the best cocktails and service, the perfect atmosphere on that Saturday night and hip people from all over the world. On Passeig De Gracia, you will find this sushi restaurant, famous for its amazing food and drinks. The dress code is a little bit nicer than other typical Spanish restaurants, so start scanning your closet right now for that little black dress. This restaurant is unquestinably one of the best and most exclusive Japanese restaurants in the city with a stylish atmosphere. Average cost per person: 60 Euros. Reservations highly recommended.
Other Barcelona restaurants, located on Passeig de Gracia, that I recommend you to go visit are the following:

• Restaurant Bilbao. C/ Perill 33 One of the best restaurants serving Catalan cuisine in the city. Very friendly service. Average cost per person: €35. Reservations highly recommended. Tel: 93 458 96 24

• Botafumeiro marisqueria Gran de Gràcia, 81. One of Barcelona’s famous seafood restaurants only 5 minutes away from the apartments. Average cost per person: €70. Meals served non-stop from 1 pm to 1 am                  www.botafumeiro.es Tele: 93 218 42 30

Passeig de Gracia living - The home of the exclusive hotels

If you want to enjoy this summer on top of one of the best terraces of Barcelona, don't miss ALAIRE Terrace of Hotel Condes de Barcelona, located on Passeig de Gracia 73-75. This is the perfect place to stay during your visit in the city or for that Saturday lunch or Sunday brunch (wow, that rhymed!) The other weekend, I was having lunch with some friends at this 4 Star Hotel, located in an emblematic corner of the city where you can contemplate the spectacular sights, surrounded by other beautiful hotels (all with rooftops and pool areas!).
From the ALAIRE hotel terrace, you have an amazing view over the famous Gaudi building on Passeig de Gracia. I suggest you bring a camera and make a visit!
The Mandarin Oriental Barcelona is one of the newest Mandarin Orientals. The hotel is situated in an elegant mid 20th century building near the Casa Battlo by Gaudi with its fabulous facade. The rooms have great view over the city and some even has terraces. The hotel design takes inspiration from its original Spanish heritage and mixes it with modern Spanish design. There are s one can love about this hotel. The fact that each room has a free standing bath, the white mediterranean brasserie Blanc serving up Catalan specialities and the modern Bankers Bar with outdoor terrace. But my favorite part of the hotel has to be the roof top sun deck with plunge pool and views over the city. For more information or to make reservations please visit www.mandarinoriental.com or call 0080028283838

Plaça de Catalunya

The first kind of art that we can find in Paseo de Gracia is -lower your eyes- the ground! With this orignal type of tile which was created by Antoni Gaudi.

Let's discover Paseo de Gracia more and more with the # street number.

At the very beginning of Paseo de Gracia, #1, there is a beautiful Apple store and #4 Catalana Occidente, an insurance company.
8# Then, on your right, there is Casa Antoni Rocamora designed in 1914 by two brothers, Joaquim and Bonaventura Bassegoda,  this building looks to renaissance gothic with lots of ornamentation.
#13 Comedia, a cinema with 5 auditoriums.
#16 Zara home, a nice furnishing store where you can smell a pleasant interior fragrance which creates a family atmosphere and provides a feeling of well-being. It helps you transform your ideas into reality to decorate your dream home. #19 Borsa de Barcelona, The Stock exchange of Barcelona has a privileged location but nowadays the street is more filled with tourists than with businessmen; times are changing.
#35 Casa Lleó Morera created by Lluis Domenech i Montaner.
#41-43 y #35 are  "Illa de la Discòrdia"  (Block of Discord). #35 La Casa Lleó Morera,  #41 La casa Amatller  designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch and  #43 Casa Batlló designed by Antoni Gaudi, (part of the "World Heritage Site") constitute the Block of the Discord. The name "Illa de la Discòrdia" was given because the buildings are very closely constructed, all at the beginning of the 20th Century and designed by three of the most important architects of the Catalan Modernism whose styles were very different.
#66 Casa Vídua Marfà.
#68 Hotel Majestic 5 stars.
#96 Vinçon opened its doors to the public in 1941, founded by Enrique Leviand Hugo Vinçon. During this period the business’ main activity was the wholesale of porcelain, fine china and glassware. Between 1967 and 1990 they decided to venture and explore the emerging industry of the contemporary design of household objects. From this point onwards innovation happened at all levels and the foundation was laid for what eventually would become one of the most exclusive and representative stores in Barcelona. Today their brand enjoys international prestige.
#102 Hotel Paseo de Gracia 1 star.
Junction between Passeig de Gràcia and Avenida Diagonal.

Luxury shops, don't go too hard on the credit card !
#115 Cine Casablanca Kaplan with 3 auditoriums. The Cine Casablanca opened on 13th December 1980. The cinema was named Casablanca in homage to the 1942 Michael Curtiz film "Casablanca". Unfortunately  it was closed in 2011.
#132 Casa Fuster, a luxurious  5 star hotel classified as a monument hotel ends Passeig de Gràcia on a high note ! With 96 rooms and suites, gymnasium, panoramic terrace, etc., Casa Fuster proposes a distinguished service and is an excellent place for visitors or businessmen. It's also where Woody Allen always stays when in BCN.
Map:
Have you checked out all of these sites yet? What's your favourite part of Passeig de Gracia? Let us know in the comments! Charlotte Giver&Lucie

Catalan Culture Explained

So what is Catalan culture? How is it different to Spanish culture? At first sight, you may have come to Barcelona and noticed a different language written on the signs around the city. That's because you're in Catalonia - one of Spain's comunidades autonomias (autonomous communities) which has not only it's own language but also it's own distinct culture. Catalan culture, despite being less renowned than it's more famous Spanish cousin, boasts a huge history as well as it's own unique traditions and cuisine. Taking the time to discover some authentic Catalan traditions as well as those well known Spanish ones will only make your trip to Barcelona an even better one. Want to know more? Take a look at what makes Barcelona even more of a special and unique place with SuiteLife's own guide to Catalan culture!
1. Catalan food When you think of eating in Spain, automatically images of paella and tapas spring to mind. Whilst you can easily experience these here in Barcelona, there is so much more to try! Catalan cuisine is a good mix of seafood and meat based dishes due to Catalonia's proximity to both the sea and mountains (mar i muntanya). In fact, whilst here in Barcelona, you may have already tried some Catalan food and not realised it. Catalan cuisine is always changing much like any other. There are so many different Catalan foods and it would take a long time to list them all so below are some of the most iconic and common foods that you may come across. Bon profit! (Catalan version of Bon Appetit!) Pa amb tomaquet (toasted bread with tomato, olive oil and salt) - an incredibly popular food whether in a sandwich or eaten as tapas. It sounds so simple but is absolutely delicious! A basic in Catalonia which you can find pretty much in any bar or restaurant - the Catalans believe it makes bread much more exciting and we agree! Guaranteed that you will miss this when you leave Barcelona.
Calcots - the closest thing that you could compare these to are spring onions or leeks. Eaten during the season, which is around January, February and March. When you eat them, they will usually be cooked by barbecuing them or putting them in the oven. When they're ready, you simply peel them and dip them in Romesco sauce. Amazing!
Botifarra - a type of Catalan spiced sausage. You can get black or white botifarra and it is usually eaten with pa amb tomaquet or as tapas. Escudella - a type of Catalan stew. Made up of meat, beans, potato and cabbage. Usually eaten during the winter. Fideua - the Catalan version of Spanish paella. Instead of rice, the Catalans use a short noodle, similar to macaroni. Sometimes, squid ink is used, leaving the noodles with a dark colour and giving the dish a different taste. 
Crema Catalana -  a rich custard base topped with a contrasting layer of hard caramel (think Creme Brule) Mel i Mató - A type of creamy cheese similar to ricotta, served with honey. Mató cheese is made from whey. It was very popular in medieval times, where it was served on its own or with scented orange flowers. If you are keen to try the best of Catalan cuisine, then you should check out this restaurant which has been voted as making the best Catalan food in Barcelona!

2. Catalan language

Catalan people, for the most part, are bilingual in both Catalan and Spanish (and increasingly those working in the tourist industry speak English well too), so language barriers whether you speak Spanish or not are not extremely high. However, you will notice that Catalan people are immensely proud of their language and you will hear Catalan everywhere you go in Barcelona. This is mainly due to the fact that the Catalan language was oppressed during the Franco dictatorship (1936 - 1975) and the desire for Catalonia to become an independent state away from current Spain. Foreigners are not usually expected to know any Catalan, but knowing one or two words will go a long way. Bon dia (similar to buenos dias in Spanish) - Good day/Hello Com estas? (similar to como estas in Spanish)- How are you? Be, gracies. I tu? - Good thank you. And you? Adeu - Goodbye Si us plau - please Moltes gracies - Thank you very much Parles angles? - Do you speak English? Com es diu.....en Catala? - How do you say.......in Catalan? Interested in learning Catalan? Feel free to check my previous blog on learning Catalan in Barcelona - 'Learn Catalan - the easy way!'

3. Catalan fiestas

Who said that the Spanish were the party animals? The Catalan's put on a good show too! In Barcelona alone, there are events happening all the time and every neighbourhood has their own unique party through the year. Whilst there is a party for almost every occasion, many are neighbourhood parties and most tourists unfortunately miss them or happen to stumble across them. Thankfully, SuiteLife publishes a blog every month detailing the major events coming up in that month to keep you in the loop of the best things to do. La Merce - Held for a week in September every year - THE biggest party to hit Barcelona and probably Catalonia during the year. Originally a religious celebration of the Virgin of Grace, the fiesta (or more appropriately festa) now includes a whole range of Catalan traditions such as Castellers, the Catalan Wine Fair, La Sardana as well as a variety of music performances. This creates a mad and fun atmosphere. You have to go to the Correfoc! Dia de Sant Jordi - Catalonia's answer to Valentines Day. Instead of 14th February, it is held on 23rd April, and rather than focussing on lavish presents between loved ones, Sant Jordi is considerably more traditional. The man gives his lover a single rose and the woman returns the gift by giving him a book. Visiting the Ramblas will be the most obvious sign of this occasion with the number of stalls selling roses. Rumour has it that this is the day where Catalonia makes almost half of its total annual book sales! National Day of Catalonia - Held on 11 September, this day commemorates the defeat of the Catalans by the Spanish in 1714. Although there are usually demonstrations, this is a great day to experience many aspects of Catalan culture and see how much passion people in Catalonia have for it! It is also worth mentioning that it is one day where you won't here any Spanish except from foreigners and will see almost every building with a Catalan flag!

4. Catalan culture : traditions and emblems

As with any culture, Catalan culture has it's own traditions. As a foreigner, you may find some of them rather odd but you will not forget them once leaving Barcelona! The Catalan burro (The Catalan donkey) - The 'national' symbol of Catalonia. Their take on the bull as a symbol of Spain. It's origins lie with a breed of donkey native to Catalonia and Catalan speaking areas. The donkey emblem has many interpretations as to what it means. Some say it represents Catalan's as hard workers whilst others say it is there to make fun of the Spanish bull. We'll leave you to decide that one.....
Catalan flag with a blue triangle and white star - the blue triangle and white star on the Catalan flag simply represents Catalan independence. Castellers - Human towers which are a unique tradition to Catalonia. Back in 2010, they received UNESCO protection which makes them culturally exclusive to Catalonia. Most popular in the town of Tarragona (where they hold contests to see who can get the biggest human tower!), they can be seen all over Catalonia particularly during big celebrations such as La Merce. The idea is to build the biggest human tower possible and then disassemble the quickest. A great deal of trust and concentration are needed for this! Nowadays, it is open to men, women and even children! Definitely a must see if you're in Barcelona for a celebration. Check out this blog for more info!
La Sardana - this is a traditional dance of Catalonia said to have links with Catalan nationalism. I have included a link to a video of this dance below! If you want to see a Sardana dance in Barcelona, you can see it during some festivals or at the Teatre Mercat de les Flors theatre (I would recommend checking their website beforehand at www.mercatflors.cat) As you can see, there is a lot more to Catalan culture than meets the eye! This makes Barcelona even more of an incredible place to visit and if you visit during a fiesta then you are surely not going to forget the experience! Have you seen/experienced any of the above? Or do you know of any other unique Catalan traditions that you'd like to share with us? Leave your comments below! Moltes gracies! Chris

Namaste: The BEST Yoga Studios in Barcelona!

Calling all Barcelona yoga enthusiasts! The Best yoga studios in Barcelona are not hard to find if you know what you’re looking for! Ranging from mild to wild, yoga studios in Barcelona offer Hatha, Kundalini, Ashtanga, and Bikram, and are something for everyone, from beginners to the most experienced of practitioners, to check out.

Hatha

The word Hatha comes from the Sanskrit words “Ha” meaning sun, and “tha” meaning moon. Hatha was invented by Yogi Swatmarama sometime in the 15^th century and is characterized by a practice which combines postures, breathing, and meditation to achieve relaxation and enhance flexibility and strength. Less technically speaking, it is what people generally think of when they hear the word “yoga.” There are no “required” poses but the instructors should give plenty of modifications to either take it down or step it up a notch in intensity. If you're looking for yoga studios in Barcelona, the aptly named “Yoga Studio Barcelona” offers four different levels of Hatha yoga classes, including a Level 1-2 for people who are athletic but have never done yoga before. Classes run all week but fill up fast so get there early. If you want to find yoga studios in Barcelona but need the classes to be in English, the Well Woman Center on Monday and Tuesday afternoons and Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. has them. You can check out their website or go to their group on Meetup (Vinyasa Flow in English).

Kundalini

Not going to lie, I have never personally tried Kundalini yoga classes in Barcelona. But don’t stop reading yet! It is apparently one of the most popular styles of yoga as any search will turn up dozens of results. Kundalini yoga is characterized by a dreamlike, meditative state in which the body is awakened through the gradual release of untapped energy (pranayama) from the seven chakras. It is represented by the serpent, said to lie coiled at the base of the spine and wait for release. It is a deeply spiritual practice, which begins with a chant or song and meditation, followed by an “awakening” of the limbs through different postures, and another chant or song and meditation in closing. And by the way, they wear flowing white robes and speak in Sanskrit. So if you’re looking to engage in some lighthearted conversation with classmates or just stumble into a class after work this might not be the best option. Nevertheless, just reading about it has made me curious and if I decide to go I will definitely check out one of these two studios in Barcelona: The “Shuni Yoga” yoga studio in Barcelona literally has classes all the time, and even one for women only. Located in Sagrada Familia, its website has all the info you need. “I good, All good,” or “Yo bien, todo bien,” is the simple but groovy motto of “Kundalini Yoga West in Barcelona.” They offer a free class if you’ve never been before!

Ashtanga

I’m going to depart slightly from giving advice on yoga studios in Barcelona, to say that Ashtanga literally changed my life. I was fortunate enough to study under Debra Corso in Orlando, Florida who inspired others through her insightful prologues and hands-on instruction. There is an adherence to structure in Ashtanga, which if you have a good teacher, makes it very easy to lose yourself in the practice.  It is not something that you can master on your first try but if you enjoy it, then you will go back week after week to do the same postures until you THINK you’ve mastered them, at which time your instructor should and will (hopefully) throw in another element to make it challenging again. This is the type of yoga where you turn yourself into a pretzel, ok? The classes are longer – usually an hour and a half to two hours, instead of the standard one hour and fifteen. It is my personal favorite, if you make it through the first forty-five minutes without feeling totally overwhelmed then chances are by the end of class you’ll be a convert too. Ashtanga Barcelona Yoga is AWESOME. Their classes are open to students at 7 am, but technically don’t start until 10:30 am, giving ample time for relaxation and stretching before class. There is also a beginner workshop on Saturdays and Sundays on the last weekend of each month.  One suggestion is all you need here.

Bikram

Ah Bikram yoga…criticized by some, loved by many. It is not for the faint of heart!  The Bikram yoga studio in Barcelona is frequented by many different types of people as it has become something of a craze, spreading with intensity (pun intended) around the globe. This is the type of yoga where they raise the temperature of the room to the ungodly temperature of 105 degrees to allow for deeper breathing and greater flexibility. I have only tried Bikram yoga once but I have several friends who practice nearly every day of the week and who have even participated in the trademark “thirty day challenge” (practicing every day for thirty days). I guess the good thing about Bikram, and the reason so many athletes and exercise aficionados are crazy about it, is that it provides instant results. Personally, I’m not a fan of sweating profusely but if you want to give it a shot here is the link to Bikram yoga classes in Barcelona: Barcelona Bikram has a 15 euro introduction rate, meaning you can take an unlimited number of classes for a whole week. There regular classes go for 15 euros each so this is great value but it does make me wonder if the weekly rate is offered because they don’t expect you to come back, hehe. There are many other styles of yoga but these were the big four which came to mind as I was writing this article. What styles of yoga have you tried? How have you found yoga classes in Barcelona? Which ones are your favorite/least favorite? I look forward to reading your answers! Namaste. Kathy

Carrer Joaquin Costa: Barcelona Street Profile

El Raval is famous for being kind of an infamous neighborhood and we feel like that is total bullsh*t! This is an amazing, eccentric and eclectic neighborhood with many awesome things to do and today we take a look at one of its emblematic streets, Carrer Joaquin Costa.

History

The street name came from the Catalán politician, lawyer, historian and economist who was known to be the major representative of the "Regenerationism", which was an intellectual movement that searched for the causes of Spain's (as a State) decadence. The street is located in the Raval neighborhood, part of the old town. It starts from the metro station "Universitat" and goes down until reaching the center of Raval at equal distance from "San Antoni" and "Liceu" metro stations. As many other streets of this neighborhood, Joaquin Costa is a narrow, charming street full of shops, bars or restaurants, but also public buildings such as the Goya Theatre and the Centre Aragonés.

Shops on Joaquin Costa

- Fusta'm
Looking for a unique workshop? Then you'll love Fusta'm! It all started almost 4 years ago with an idea of a couple, which was to restore old pieces of furniture from the 50's, 60's or even 70's styles. You'll find only authentic furniture, lighting and different decorative trinkets. Not only is it possible to buy these awesome pieces but you can also rent them for special occasions, events. P.S : Entering the shop, if you're curious enough, you'll see behind the seller an old tapissery which is of origin. Fore more info, check out Fusta Website - A la Premsa d'Aquell Dia: The one-of-a-kind shop in Barcelona
The story begins 20 years ago when, after a few trips around Europe (more precisely to Belgium, France and England) seeing a few shops selling unique old newspapers and magazines, a couple and their daughter decided to create their own shop back in Barcelona. They first settled in Carrer del Tigre in the Raval Neighborhood before moving to the next and current street Joaquin Costa 4 years ago because the shop was getting too small to stock all the newspapers and magazines they wanted. Even if one can think they also sell French magazines (because of the few "Paris Match" in the window display), they actually only sell Spanish newspapers. But if you're interested in old newspapers in other languages they might help you find it by contacting some colleagues around Europe. The best example the couple told me was this time where a client wanted an english newspaper talking about the  titanic as it was not famous enough to talk about it in the Spanish newspapers. They finally found one that they bought for 12500 Pesetas (75€)!
According to the couple, the two kinds of articles most wanted are the newspapers first step on the moon and the World Wars. When going out of the shop, you can stop by the "Lletraferit" Library Café just accross the street and grab a café con leche while reading a book! This place was actually funded by Diego Gary, son of famous French writer Romain Gary and American Actress of the 60's Jean Seberg. Fore more info check out A la Premsa D'aquell Dia Website - Bubub Bubub also caught our attention because of its old sign representing a cartoon dog, bringing back its past of Toy shop. Nowadays it is a small Greengrocer with great fresh products for a decent price! Vegetarians are gonna love it.

Bars

Betty Fords Bar is a pretty famous bar located in this street, known for hosting hipsters but also for their good cocktails and burgers! Excellent place to start your parties!
If you're interested in a completely different kind of bar, we recommend you to go to Granja de Gava, a unique centenary bar which, as its name suggests, was a farm originally (Granja means Farm). It also saw the birth of a famous Catalán writer Terenci Moix in 1942. When you enter the bar, you can hear a soft jazz music and see an astonishing statue in papier-mâché of a giant fat lady decorated by a huge slice of pizza on her head. There are also art exhibitions, for example there is currently oil paintings of the local Marta Cino which are actually for sale.
Olimpic bar will be for people who don't want to spend much money or beat about the bush: 1€20 a beer, 3€50 a Mojito, Caipirinha or Spritz, that's right. And if you don't believe me, check this out:
No wonder it is always packed... Finally for the story, this awesome street once hosted one of the most famous Serial killer of the city, Enriqueta Marti who was called "La Vampira del carrer de Ponent" (Ponent street being the former name of Joaquin Costa street). So that you understand why she earned this name, she used to kidnapp dozens of children, make them prostitute and/or kill them. And with the rests (skin, blood, fat, hair, bones...), she'd make potions, balsams, etc. What a lovely person she was! :)
Cheers, Florian

Learn Catalan - The Easiest Methods

Want to learn Catalan? Follow the Suitelife guide to learning Barcelona's second official language.
If you want to learn Catalan, then it could potentially be one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences when coming to visit or live in Barcelona. Simply knowing some basic words and phrases will unlock a whole new side to this incredible city. With the buzzword of the day being 'independence' and with the Catalan language being classified as a minority language within the EU (despite having more speakers of it than more famous languages like Danish), your efforts are increasingly likely to be more appreciated than perhaps anywhere else in Europe. And where better to learn Catalan than in the Catalan capital itself?

What is Catalan? Is it hard to learn?

A better question is - what is Catalan not? For sure, it's not a dialect of Spanish and it is not a lovechild of French and Spanish. It is a language in it's own right and has about 11 million speakers in Catalonia, Andorra, Valencia, some areas of Southern France and even an area of Sardinia, Italy! If you're fortunate enough to have a grasp of the basics of Spanish, French, Italian and/or Portuguese then you are in a great position to start to learn Catalan!

Should I Bother Learning Catalan?

It all depends entirely on your motivations and what you want! If you know at least the basics of Spanish (or Castellano as it's known in Catalonia), then you will get by in Barcelona just as well as anywhere in Spain. Lots of people speak reasonable English too. If you are living in Barcelona for a few months or longer then knowing some basic Catalan will make the city feel more homely and will also serve you well in day to day things such as understanding utility bills, medical forms and other official paperwork as well as advertisements and signs in public places. Being an international city, Barcelona is full of language schools which offer a variety of courses. The main problem is that language schools can be an expensive and inflexible way to learn Catalan especially for those who work or study here in Barcelona. The Universitat de Barcelona for example offers Catalan classes all year round for students and non students, but prices start at 60 euros to 160 euros for UB students and from 160 euros to 210euros for non students, so you will need a lot of dedication if you wish to learn Catalan. Fear not though! There are ways to learn Catalan which offer more flexibility at a minimal cost (and some which are free!) Want to find out how? Read on!

3 Great Ways to Learn Catalan Quickly in Barcelona

1. The popular and traditional classroom method - Lessons from the Generalitat

Why we like it - free tuition (for basic courses), benefits of learning from a native speaker, formal, potential to earn a qualification.
The Generalitat (Catalan Government) offer free Catalan courses (basic courses  only) to anybody wishing to learn in a bid to promote the Catalan culture  amongst non-Catalan residents of Barcelona. Lessons are given in Catalan so you get used to hearing the language straight away. Unfortunately, finding information on the Internet was like finding a needle in a haystack, but eventually I found the details on their website (see above link). The only effort and cost involved with this method is enrolling (which you can do at the Caja Madrid building in Placa Catalunya), going to the classes and purchasing a course book. If you're serious about learning Catalan then this is a good way of doing so.

2. The Internet method - Livemocha

Why do we like it? - free, super flexible, ability to learn and practice with native speakers, learn at your own pace .
A revolution in language learning and based on the principle that language learning should be accessible to all and shouldn't be difficult and expensive. Livemocha is a language learning website that combined with the benefits of a community based/social networking site which gives users the opportunity to practice what they learn and get feedback from native speakers. To top this off, learning Catalan is free! You simply create a log in account (you can do this by integrating your Facebook account too), find the course you want to follow and within minutes you have the world at your fingertips (excuse the pun). Learners can then access vocabulary, grammar, writing, reading, listening, speaking excercises as well as being able to try your new skills out with a native speaker! At the time of writing, Livemocha were developing a smartphone/tablet application, making this an even better way to learn Catalan! If like me, you have no time to do a formal course, then this is a brilliant way to start. Personally, I've had a very good experience so far!

3. The fun and sociable way - Language exchanges

Why do we like it? - natural way of learning, most flexible, meet local people and make new friends
There is simply no better way to learn a language than having a beer and chatting with a native speaker. For some, it is daunting, but for those willing to get over their inhibitions, there are many Catalan people who are more than happy to share their language over a beverage or two! For those unfamiliar with this method, it is simply where you and a person who natively speaks a language that you wish to learn practice that language for x amount of time and then swap and speak your language (ie: for example, you speak English for an hour and then you swap andtry to speak Catalan for an hour and learn that way). In an international city like Barcelona, it isn't difficult to find organised language exchange event in local barsbut are usually only really known by word of mouth. Fortunately, there is a great resource to find such events in the form of Couchsurfing. Whilst being a website where local people give travellers free accommodation, this is also a great way of knowing what is going on in the city and getting in touch with locals. Thankfully, the Barcelona Couchsurfing community are extremely active and provide information of language exchanges happening all over the city. Overall, a really relaxing and natural way to learn Catalan whilst also making new friends too. Details can be found within the Barcelona group on the Couchsurfing website (above).
So there you have it! These are the best ways to learn Catalan as voted by Suitelife. If you have caught the language bug and want to learn or improve your Spanish, then why not check out our Suitelife sister blog to this one - 'The best websites for learning Spanish'. Had a Catalan learning experience? Got any tips? Feel free to share them with us on the comments section or on our Facebook and Twitter pages. Bona sort! (Good luck) - Chris

Facts About Barcelona

You may have been to Barcelona before, but here's some interesting facts about Barcelona you may not have heard.

#1 Why did Antoni Gaudi only work for private clients?

Actually, Gaudi started working for the city Counsil. He was asked to create a special street lamp in Plaza Reial. But when his masterpiece was finished and he finally recieve his paycheck from the City Council, half of the agreed amount of money. From that moment, Gaudi swear never to work for the public sector again. And he kept his word. Read more facts about Gaudi's Life or about the 1 day Gaudi tour.

#2 More than a street

One of the most famous streets in Barcelona, if not the most famous one is Las Ramblas. The street was originally a sewage filled stream bed and an important drain to lead away the heavy rainwater from the Collserola hills during spring and autumn. Las Ramblas is a merge of 5 different streets Rambla de Canaletes, Rambla dels estudis, Rambla de Sant Josep, Rambla dels Caputxins, Rambla del Mar and it's 1.2 kilometers long. Interesting fact about Barcelona don't you think?

#3 An Eiffel Tower in Barcelona?

All of you know the Eiffel tower in Paris. It attracts millions of people every year. Well actually, this very tower was proposed by Gustave Eiffel during the Universal Exposition of 1888, which took place in Barcelona. However the Catalan Government weren't really impressed by this very expensive metal "thingy" and therefore they refused to have it in Barcelona. Well, that was quite a mistake, wasn't it?

#4 Portal de l'Àngel Avenue: Busiest Street in Spain

This is one of the most famous shopping streets in Barcelona. It hosts about 3500 visitors per hour, it is the busiest street in all of Spain. With it's wide range of fashion and clothing stores, Portal de l'Àngel Avenue is also the perfect place to see some of the gotic architecture in Spain.

#5 Barcelona Beach is a Baby

Everyone loves a trip to the beautiful beaches in Barcelona, but did you know it didn't existied untill 20 years ago? Before that, the seaside were reserved for industrial enterprices. But when Barcelona was chosen to host the Olympics of 1992, they created beaches on the seaside. Now it's one of the top places to be in Barcelona. If you liked this fact about Barcelona you should take a look at our Barcelona Beaches Free Ebook.

#6 Blind Restaurant

The visual impression of food is sooooo overated! The restaurant "Dans le noir" is one of the few Blind Restaurants in the world. Here you'll experience eating without seeing anything which will enable you to enhance 2 of your other senses, your taste and the smell. In the restaurant the guides are blind, so you'll be in the safe hands of professinals at all time. This will help you to completely enjoy and have fin with this unique experience. Check out our Dans le Noir blog here for more info!

#7 The mysterious origins of Barcelona

Nobody really knows, that's the reality. But some say the city was founded 400 years before Rome by Hercules, other say that it was founded by the father of the famous Carthagenian General Hannibal, Hamilcar Barca, who named the city Barcino. All that we know is that the Romans founded a city next to the mount Taber in 100 BC and wall ruins were found in the current Barrio Gotico. If you would like to read more about this fact about Barcelona read this blog how Barcelona got it's name .

#8 Fancy a Mammoth?

Do you like mammoths as much as we do? Have you always wanted to meet Manny from the movie Ice Age? Then check out the Mammoth Museum in Barcelona, a museum as rare as its subject! You'll find real mammoth skeletons but also a life-sized reconstruction that you can touch, photograph or even hug. Everything but bringing one home for your kid(s). I know, some kids (even big ones) are gonna cry here. You'll find the museum located on: Montcada, 1, 08003 Barcelona, Spanien

#9 St. George's day – the Catalán Valentine’s day

It’s a national feast day, and people give presents to their beloved ones, mostly roses and books. UNESCO was inspired of this, and named April 23^rd as the International Day of Books. Check out our other blog to learn all about Dia Sant Jordi Barcelona. Thanks for reading! Hopefully you know a little bit more about Barcelona now and can get to dazzling your friends with your new found facts. Any more to add? Let us know you're favourite fact about Barcelona in the comments! - Erin

Absinthe Bar Barcelona - Where To Look

Absinthe is a strong alcoholic drink (typically between 50-75% alcohol) produced from the extract of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), fennel and anise. The herbs are left to infuse in strong alcohol, afterwards the liquid is distilled. Depending on the wanted flavour different types of herbs (usually between 10-15 varieties of herbs) is added which also (because of the green leaves) bring out the green colour and thereby the intoxicating drink gets its nickname “the green fairy”. The history goes that absinth was invented in Switzerland by a French doctor who claimed that it had medical benefits. French soldiers would often be given the strong drink as a protection towards diseases. But as time passed by they began to notice that the “medicine” probably wasn’t as healthy as they first assumed, sure it could cure a flu in a couple of hours but even worse in some cases it was believed that absinthe could cause brain damage, and it was therefore banned in Switzerland and a number of other countries, but not in Spain, they kept producing the liquor. Barcelona is forever intertwined with Absinthe- the green spirit that supposedly carries hallucinogenic properties. Absinthe is a unique centuries-old drink that has experienced a revival since many of the bans on the cocktail in Europe have been raised. In Catalonia, the drink has continued as a low-key part of its culture. In Barcelona, absinthe bars have been open since the 19th century. Given absinthe's storied past, absinthe bars draw crowds as tourist attractions. But don't get us wrong, many of the bars are authentic and serve the real deal. Here are a couple of the most famous absinthe bars in Barcelona we think you should checkout:

Marsella

Marsella is probably the most famous absinthe bar in Barcelona! Amoung the oldest bars in the city, Marsella have been serving Absinthe for almost 200 years. The decor gives away the bars true age- antique chandeliers hang from the ceiling and detailed wood trimmings cover the bar area and walls. A glass of absinthe, a sugar cube, and a bottle of water should net you 5€. Have too many of those puppies, and you may start to see Marsella's famous past regular- Ernest Hemingway.

Absenta

This cozy bar is packed with old trinkets, and you will immediately notice the gaint ferry mannequin on the ceiling! The low-lighting gives the bar a unique feel.  Absenta Bar serves 20 different variations of absinthe, just don't try them all at once! The absinthe bar is in Barceloneta and is an easy walk from the marina or beach.

Bar Patís

Located at the end of Las Ramblas toward the Christopher Columbus monument, Bar Patís is a tiny bar with charm. With odd assortments of decoration everywhere, the place is never dull. They have had a candle burning on the bar for five years that has grown into a colorful heaping tower of wax. And of course, they serve absinthe. Enjoy a drink while being entertained by scheduled performances on the small corner stage.

Bar Absenta

Not to be confused with the other Absenta bar (Absenta is Absinthe in Catalan), Bar Absenta is also located in El Raval. If you haven't passed by in a while, this absinthe bar is for you! The drinks are among the cheapest in the city. Beer can be had for a single euro and absinthe will set you back 4€. Not sure how to drink absinthe? It's easy - the bartender will pour you the alcohol and give you a fork, sugar cubes and a bottle of water with a hole in it. You places the fork over the rim of the glass and balance the sugar cubes on the prongs. Then you pour the water over the top until the sugar dissolves into the absinthe. This is to give it its distinct flavour and to water it down a little so you don't, ya know, die. Any other absinthe bars in Barcelona you recommend? Let us know below.

Everything You Need to Know About Free Parking in Barcelona !

Well, to be honest, it’s not easy to find free parking in Barcelona, sometimes it could even turn into a nightmare! Anyway, we’ll give you some inspiration on where to park for free in Barcelona.

1 GOD BLESS WEEKENDS

First of all, know that during weekends you can park for free in Barcelona (almost) everywhere. Just make sure there is the panel “Prohibido aparcar Laborables de dilluns a divendres 8-20h” which means “parking forbidden from Monday to Friday 8-20h”.

2 IKEA

Not really close to the center, but as a free parking in Barcelona it could be useful. God bless Sweden too, and not only for the low cost furnitures. Address: Calle ciencias, 100. 08907 Hospitalet de Llobregat (Metro L1 “Hospital de Bellvitge”).

3 LA MAQUINISTA

The Shopping Mall La Marquinista has a subterranean parking with 4.800 places. It’s free and there is no time limit during the day, but it’s closed during the night. Don’t worry: there is also an exterior parking, where you can leave your car for free 24/24h. Address: Calle Potosí, 2. 08030 Barcelona (Metro: L1 “Torras i Bages”).

4 AVENIDA DIAGONAL

Another interesting solution to park for free in Barcelona is around Plaça de Pius XII, where Avenida Diagonal crosses Avenida de Pedralbes. There are lots of smaller streets where you can leave your car in absolute safety. Metro L3 "Maria Cristina".

5 PARC CIUTADELLA

Next to Ciutadella Park, in Calle de Ramón Turro, it’s possible to park for free. Metro L4 "Llacuna".

6 ZONA UNIVERSITARIA

If you come to Barcelona during the night and you are lucky enough, you’ll find a place in Zona Universitaria. And it wouldn’t cost a euro! Metro L3 "Zona Universitaria".

7 MONTJUIC

Close to “Fundación Miro”, in Montjuic, there are many free places. Really interesting option for parking in Barcelona before a hike up the mountain. Metro L3 "Poble Sec".

8 CALLE ICARIA

Around Calle Icaria, 30 minutes walking from La Rambla and very close to Metro L4 “Vila Olimpica” there is an entire area where you are allowed to park for free.

9 PARKING VIAJEROS

Ok, this is not for free, but Parking Viajeros offers the lowest fares. It’s a subterranean, watched parking. The staff speak different languages (English, French, Spanish, Portuguese). The price is 28€ for 4 days, which is the minimum stay. Extra days will cost you 7€ per day. Open 24/24. Address: Carrer Carreras i Candi, 65 Barcelona. Metro L5 “Badal” and L1-L5 ”Mercat Nou”.

OTHERWISE…

For what concerns paying for parking spots, they are managed by the company BSM. On the website you will find a map displaying all the parking in Barcelona . Yes, the prices are high (2,89€ / hour, 37,45€ day ) but the subscriptions they offer are quite interesting.
Please leave us a comment if you know some other free parking in Barcelona! ~Elio

Top 10 Interesting Meetups Barcelona: Number 9 is Definitely the Coolest!

Have you guys ever heard of a platform called Meetup? Whether you recently settled in Barcelona or have been living in the Catalan capital for a while, I bet you sometimes struggle to find an activity to spend your spare time doing. Let's put it this way, it's a beautiful Sunday afternoon and you fancy a football game for a bit of exercise, but you end up staying home doing nothing as none of your friends want to play or no pitch is available! We've all been there, right? Well if you never want this to happen again, search no more, Meetup is there for you! This website is the world's largest network of local groups. It makes it easy for you to organize a local group or find an already existing one. It is currently "booming" and SuiteLife has selected for you the top 10 most interesting meetups Barcelona.

#1 BARCELONA PREMIUM LIFESTYLE

Are you wishing to explore quality lifestyle in Barcelona? Then this meeting is definitely what you need! This meetup will allow you to travel and explore rich Catalunya culture and heritage sites but also to hang out in some of the most stylish and trendy Bars and Lounges of Barcelona. So if you want to enjoy the "upper class" fashionable events in Barcelona, wait no more and join the "Barcelona Premium Lifestyle" Meetup.

#2 GREEN DRINKS BARCELONA

If you have an interest in supporting a sustainable and responsible world or you have a "green" business or job, Green Drinks Barcelona meetup is made for you. This meeting is all about exchanging ideas and shooting the wind with environmentally and eco-conscious people with different backgrounds who have an interest in or support a green philosophy, either in their personal or business lives. Whether you're just interested in green-related topics or you are highly involved in green projects, you are warmly welcomed to join this group!

#3 BARCELONA AMATEUR MUSIC MAKERS GROUP

This group's objective is to be a meeting point for amateur musicians, singers and songwriters in need of meeting other similar musicians to perform their musical projects or even just to enjoy a good chat time or jam. Are you looking to start a band? Or maybe you're just a band with a missing bass player? You might even just be a musician seeking to share your performance with other persons? Whatever your situation is, this Barcelona meetup is perfect for you!

#4 ENGLISH SPEAKING GAY MENS' DINNER GROUP

This is surely one of the most original meetups in Barcelona! If you're part of Barcelona's gay community and an English speaker who likes to enjoy a nice night out for dinner with new aquaintances, you might want to join this group. It can help you meet new people in Barcelona whilst practicing and improving your English abilities. And if your level of English is not great, No worries! Let them know and they will place you in a table where you will feel comfortable with people who have the same level as you. So now, no more excuses!! If you want more information about the meeting, click here!

#5 FREE BARCELONA WALKING TOUR WITH A CRAZY SPANISH GUY

So you're visiting Barcelona and tired of asking locals what to visit, where the cheap restaurants are and how to get to this place etc...Don't worry, Jorge is there for you!! He is a Spanish teacher willing to share with you all his extensive knowledge of Barcelona. He will show you all the secret places in Barcelona in a funny and very friendly atmosphere. So if you don't want to hire a Tourist Guide and want something more friendly and authentic, join Jorge's Free Barcelona Walking Tour With a Crazy Spanish Guy!

#6 BARCELONA GASTRONOMIC SOCIETY

Have you had enough of eating Tapas or Paella in Barcelona and feel like adopting tastier and healthier eating habits? Then you should consider joining this group!! Its aim is to provide information about recipes, restaurants, and things to do in and around Barcelona that are gastronomy-related.  It will let you know the in and outs of Gastronomy in Barcelona whilst meeting and chatting with a very diverse and international audience. The philosophy of the group is well defined in their slogan: "Eat, drink, chat. Repeat". Don't hesitate and join the BCN Gastronomic Society here!

#7 PHOTOGRAPHY BARCELONA

As we all know, Barcelona truly is a wonder and the most famous places in the city are full of people taking pictures to capture that beauty. That's usually what we all do on our first time in Barcelona, right? But if you want to learn more about Photography in Barcelona, the Photography Barcelona meeting is the place to be! You will learn about photography from the very basics to advanced techniques whilst going around Barcelona and discovering its most secret spots. What a fun and social way to improve your level of photography skills and know more about Barcelona at the same time!!

#8 EXPATS IN BCN

Let's be honest, this one is a must!! If you're an expatriate or a "guiri" as they say here, it would be a mistake not to join this meetup! Indeed, it will allow you to meet a lot of new people, make new friends and practice English,Spanish or whatever language that someone from the group is able to speak. Above all, you will have a great time with people coming from all around the world and discover Barcelona all together! Exciting, Isn't it? Don't wait longer and join the Expats in Barcelona group!

#9 ENGLISH AND BEERS

You've been eager to improve your English skills in Barcelona but the temptation of going out with your mates and enjoying Barcelona's crazy nightlife has ruined all your plans? What if you could do both at the same time? That would be nice, wouldn't it? Well this group makes it possible for you to go out and practice english! The meetings are held by an English teacher from the United States. He will teach you English in an immersive environment and an interactive setting to improve your conversational skills. Of course, all of that while having a drink!!!

#10 GET OUT OF BARCELONA

Last but not least, the Get Out Of Barcelona meetup group! Yes, it is sometimes very pleasant to leave town and go explore other parts of Catalunya. That's what this group is made for. It basically allows people to leave the city for a day or two. Most of the activities take place on the South side of Barcelona. It often is a hike followed by a barbecue and a few drinks to get to know people. Sports, good music, delicious food and fun is what this group is all about. I hope this selection will make you want to join one of these meetup groups in Barcelona! Do you guys know any other interesting meetup groups in Barcelona? Have you ever taken part in one of them? Feel free to let us know in the comments section! :) Cheers, Rémi