Barcelona Metropolitan Issue 228 by Barcelona Metropolitan

JANUARY 2016 Nº 228

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Peace of mind Mental well-being in the city

flying solo? How to work freelance in Barcelona

masters of disguise The Hollywood effect in Poblenou

if the shoe fits… A different way to enjoy the snow

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MUSIC

FASHION

RESTAURANT REVIEWS

A PLACE OF MY OWN

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contents

METROPOLITAN contributors

{ISSUE 228} JANUARY 2016

RegulaRs 06 08 10 33 34 36 49 50

New in Town In the City A Place of My Own Fashion Travel Food & Drink Coaching Column Interview

FeatuRes 12 RePORt: JaNuaRY Blues? Clare Sheppard takes an inside look at mental wellbeing in the city. 18 sKIN DeeP Oscar-winning special effects straight from Poblenou. 28 BuRN CalORIes, NOt euROs Keeping fit in Barcelona without a gym membership. 30 HOW tO...WORK FReelaNCe A guide to the bureaucratic and often-confusing world of the autónomo. 34 sKIs DOWN! Enjoy the winter white out like never before with a pair of snowshoes.

WHat’s ON 20 22 24 26

Music Art Misc. Pullout Calendar

DIReCtORIes 41 43 44 49

Food & Drink Health & Beauty Business Jobs

Publisher The Noise Lab S.L. Managing Director Andrea Moreno Consulting Editor Esther Jones Editor Carol Moran Art Director Aisling Quigley Account Executives Jalil Alui, Richard Cardwell, Rebecca Marcos, Nicolás Zdravko Reyes Sales Assistant Callum Fraser Editorial Assistants Eimear Corrigan, Rachel Huffman, Christina McKeon Frutuoso Design Assistant Toby Golus, Jessica Goring Contributors Miquel Hudin, Melissa Leighty, Alex Mackintosh, Sam Mednick, Toni Rocamora, Clare Sheppard, Tori Sparks, Sam Walker-Smart, Sam Zucker Illustrator Ben Rowdon Editorial: editorial@barcelona-metropolitan.com Advertising: ads@barcelona-metropolitan.com General: info@barcelona-metropolitan.com Carrer Duc 6, 08002 Barcelona. Tel. 93 451 4486 www.barcelona-metropolitan.com The views expressed in Barcelona Metropolitan are not necessarily those of the publisher. Reproduction, or use, of advertising or editorial content herein, without express permission, is prohibited. Depósito legal: B35159-96

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Sam Walker-Smart has always been a film fanatic, eventually earning a degree in the subject in 2010. Also possessing a passion for a good tale, Sam soon started writing for publications such as Little White Lies and CLASH Magazine in the UK, interviewing and reviewing artists and groups of various genres. Having recently moved to Barcelona, he now spends his time exploring the city and enjoying the first-rate cafe culture and atmosphere.

Jessica Goring London-born and Australian-raised, Jessica moved to Barcelona in 2013. After finishing university in Sydney and working at creative collective, The Glue Society, she decided it was time to travel and head back to the motherland. Back in the UK, Jessica worked as a freelancer focusing on art direction and as a stylist for an interior designer, which is where her interests really lie. As well as working for Metropolitan, Jessica is learning Spanish and loves exploring all the markets the city has to offer.

SAM ZUCKER is originally from Boston, Massachusetts in the USA. He studied ecology, photography and Spanish at Hampshire College (Amherst, MA). He then went on to train as a chef at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (Hyde Park, NY) and earn an introductory certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2013. He currently lives in Barcelona and works as a culinary tour operator, photographer, social media community manager, and food/travel writer for several outlets, including his blog, Zucker & Spice Travel (zuckerandspicetravel.com). Follow his expat life, travel, and food adventures in Barcelona on Instagram @saz444.

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IN THE CITY

new

THE MOTHERSHIP HAS LANDED

IN TOWN

NOT JUST ANOTHER FAST FOOD JOINT

T-BURGER STATION. CONSELL DE CENT 329. WWW.T-BURGER.IT Explicitly stating ‘we are not fast food’ as soon as you walk in, this American diner-inspired restaurant in the heart of Eixample sets itself apart by bringing a sophisticated twist to the classics. Having already successfully launched in 11 locations throughout Italy—after recently bought by the Italian fashion designer Fendi—T-Burger Station opened its doors in Barcelona in early November. It puts a strong emphasis on the ecology and sourcing of its products. The beef is imported from Northern Italy, and all other ingredients are locally sourced but reasonably priced; the signature Bacon Cheeseburger costs €10 and they also offer an interesting selection of children’s meals. Hot dogs, which can be scarce in the city, also make an appearence on the menu. And if that is not enough to convince you, the delectable cereal-coated chicken dippers are a taste sensation.

SOOTHING SMOOTHIES

LE PETIT BROT. DOCTOR DOU 10. PETITBROT.COM The warmth and friendliness of Le Petit Brot gives you the sensation of being in someone’s country kitchen, in the centre of the Raval. The shelves are lined with fresh wheatgrass and bean sprouts, giving customers an idea of just how fresh their produce is. Nothing goes to waste here with even the pulp being used to make tasty crackers and cakes. The smoothies and cold-press juices are made to order and nutrient-filled, with no additives or preservatives. The owners, Barcelona-born Laura and Czech native Ales, meticulously chop the ingredients ensuring you get the right amount of each flavour. Their passion is obvious. Whilst living in Belfast, the couple decided on a life change and became vegans, inspiring them to create what they call their ‘living juices and foods’. The organic ethos also stretches to the design of the space. Constructed and designed using recycled materials and natural paints, El Petit Brot is a beacon of sustainability. Drop by for a smoothie, juice or if you’re short on time, a quick shot of freshly chopped wheatgrass. A selection of daily dishes, homemade raw food snacks such as kale chips, sprout salads and even raw vegan cheesecake are also on offer.

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THE MOTHERSHIP. D’ÀVILA 102. MOTHERSHIP-LAB.COM Since opening at the end of November, Poblenou’s new creative space is placing itself firmly on Barcelona’s cultural map. Previously a printing factory, the building has been converted and transformed, to create a space that can host a huge variety of events, from product launches, fashion shows and corporate meetings to art, charity, cinema and television events. The multi-use space has a professional kitchen that provides a full catering service—ideal if you’re thinking of hosting work meetings or parties. Owners Charlotte Dubois and Martinho Nunes, a fashion stylist and DJ/producer respectively, have brought their fashion, artistic and music geniuses together under one roof (a glass roof, in fact, which allows sunlight to flood in throughout the day), to create a dynamic blank canvas for cultural events. Already home to monthly music concerts that support local bands, as well as hosting national and international artists’ exhibitions, the Mothership has landed and is here to stay.

5 WAYS TO KICK-START THE NEW YEAR JOIN THE CENTRE EXCURSIONISTA DE CATALUNYA Want to get out and about more? The CEC has been offering city folks easy access to the mountains since 1876. They organise getaways every weekend throughout the year, plus talks and workshops in Barcelona. Winter activities include skiing, walking, cycling and climbing. The annual fee is €132, or €26 for people aged 18-25. www.cec.cat SING YOUR HEART OUT Start the year singing. Natalie Ross (www.lovesinging.co.uk) is a singing teacher from the UK, now based in Barcelona. She offers popular and contemporary singing for all ages in English. And once you’ve gained some confidence and feel like enjoying your talents in company, check out Barcelona’s English Choir, barcelonaenglishchoir.com.

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COELIACS, REJOICE!

MESSIE SIN GLUTEN. SIRACUSA 15. WWW.MESSIEPIZZA.ES/MESSIE-SIN-GLUTEN This gluten-free (and intolerance-friendly) pizza haven recently opened in Gràcia and is located just steps away from its wellestablished sibling, Messie Pizza. Messie Sin Gluten brings the outdoors indoors with astroturf flooring, terrace-style decoration and lots of natural light, thanks to the glass doors. “We’ve even painted the walls a light pink and white, the same as the street walls are painted outside, to feel as though you are sitting outside on a terrace, still part of the neighbourhood even as you dine,” owner Eric Luthringer explained. He believes that Gràcia is the most food-conscious barrio in the city, where the most experimental eateries can be found. “I wanted to open a place where gluten-frees could bring their non-gluten-free friends and all could dine together and enjoy the same great food, without there being different menus or even the risk of contamination, which is a big worry for those who suffer from intolerances.” Messie Sin Gluten offers pizza, pasta, salads and an array of beverages, including 20 gluten-free beers. And it’s not just gluten-avoiders who can enjoy eating here—Messie Sin Gluten is very accommodating to those with other allergies, including lactose and nut-free diners, with a kitchen and trained staff who are meticulous when it comes to ensuring dietary requirements are adhered to.

PAMPER YOURSELF Wash away any January blues by treating yourself to a spa day at the 19th-century Balneari Prats in nearby Caldes de Malavella. Their day packages include a massage, time to enjoy the thermal waters and a tasty lunch in their restaurant. See www. balneariprats.com for more information. GET YOUR BUSINESS OFF THE GROUND Do you have an idea that you’re itching to turn into reality? Barcelona Activa should be your first stop. Their daily twohour information sessions are free of charge and will take you through the basic steps to getting your business set up. www. barcelonactiva.cat TAKE AN UPCYCLING COURSE Tight budget in January? It’s time to learn the art of upcycling. Millor que Nou (millorquenou.cat) offers free courses on creating new from old, as well as workshops on fixing household goods and bicycles. See upcoming courses on their website. Sepúlveda 45-47.

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IN THE CITY

streetlife

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ROGENT

EL REFUGÍ. Rogent 18. restaurantelrefugibcn.com The restaurant El Refugí presents a fresh take on gastronomy. Given 24 hours notice, they will buy the ingredients you request and cook them to your taste. This approach—from the market to your table—guarantees fresh, preservative-free food. It’s designed for people with special dietary needs, as well as anyone who feels like being pampered for the evening.

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METROPOLITAN PEOPLE

ALBERT TORRES ARTESANIES. Rogent 21. www.alberttorresartesanies.cat Whether you’re looking for furniture, mirrors, wood carvings or one-of-a-kind gift ideas, this shop offers unique, handmade items. Artist and craftsman Albert Torres is the director of the store, which is a full-on family affair with his wife, Glòria, managing the day-to-day and their son, Adrià, helping out whenever he can. Together, they provide a warm, personalised service with scrupulous attention to detail. Albert, among other artisans, contributes his best pieces to the sales floor, where signs of some peculiar personalities are brought to light.

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Running through the heart of Clot, the pedestrianised street of Carrer de Rogent brings neighbours together and has a distinctly family feel.

EL GRANER. Rogent 69. This shop offers heaps of earthy delights. Specialising in dried beans, grains, cereals and seeds, all the products are kept in lined, open burlap bags, which allow customers to see and smell exactly what they’re purchasing. There is also an endless supply of fresh herbs that adds colour to the wooden interiors and will satisfy any cook’s shopping list.

EXTREM CLOT. Rogent 24. Well organised and far from overcrowded, Extrem Clot offers gourmet products at a reasonable price. Customers can easily find what they’re looking for, be it high-end extra virgin olive oil (by the bottle or case), cosmetics you won’t find at your normal supermarket, gluten-free foods, delicious marmalades or hunks of cheese kept cool and accessible in a mini-fridge.

WHAT SIMPLE THING IN LIFE MAKES YOU HAPPY?

NATALIA, 25, RECRUITER

MANUEL, 42,

“A good powernap always makes me feel good! No matter how stressed or worried I am, I always find time to switch off for a while and recharge my batteries.”

“Eating chocolate! And because I make cakes for a living, it makes me happy when I work hard and see people enjoying what I have created. Achievement makes me happy.”

CONFECTIONER

EMILIA, 20,

STUDENT

“Drinking a cup of peppermint tea while I catch up with friends is what I love doing...and a bit of retail therapy never hurts either!”

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 CSOA LA REVOLTOSA. Rogent 82. revoltosa.squat.net This house on Carrer de Rogent has been occupied by squatters since 2007. The project has become a space that serves as a meeting point within the community and promotes the basic right to housing. Little by little, CSOA has gained support from different levels of society, including neighbourhood organisations like the Associació de Veïns i Veïnes del Clot and el Centre Cívic La Farinera. CSOA also hosts activities such as painting workshops and dance classes, along with talks, debates and meetings about gender, feminism and homosexuality. SIENTÉ. Rogent 96. www.sientebcn.com Forget that café solo and see what tea can do for you. At Sienté, they have traditional green and black teas, and add different flavours to make them more delicious. Speciality teas are also available, such as Moroccan tea with honey, lemon and ginger, and rooibos teas made from a plant growing in the natural shrubland of South Africa. The shop also sells medicinal herbs to help with nagging headaches, the flu, digestion, detoxing and other health-related issues. Plus, Sienté has a warm salon upstairs where you can relax on a sofa with your choice of tea. “Spain is not a big tea-drinking society, so we have to stress the benefits of our products and make them appealing in creative ways,” said Anna, whose family took over the business about three years ago.

 TIAGO, 32, COBBLER “Life and all its obstacles can be stressful, and I find that when I’m working I feel my happiest because I am following my passion.”

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IN THE CITY

Photos and Da

A place of MY OWN

MASSAGE THERAPIST NUNU AND PERSONAL TRAINER DANY HAVE COMBINED THEIR LIVING AND WORKING SPACE UNDER ONE ROOF. TEXT BY RACHEL HUFFMAN . PHOTOS BY AISLING QUIGLEY.

ho doesn’t dread a long commute to work? Luckily for Nunu and Dany, the furthest they have to commute is 20 steps from the foot of their bed down the narrow corridor of their Sant Antoni apartment. The couple utilises their elongated floor plan, characteristic of Eixample apartments, in a way unique to their professions and lifestyle. Nunu, 46 and Dany, 42, both work for themselves. Half-Swedish and halfEnglish, Nunu has been a massage therapist for 18 years and founded The Vital Touch Massage Clinic Barcelona (www.tvtbarcelona.com), while Dany, once a semi-pro footballer in his native Argentina, works as a personal trainer (www.personaltrainerbcn.com). Half of their apartment is designated workspace, while the other half is lived in. “This was an original intention for these flats. A design carried out by some local professionals decades ago,” explained Dany. “Doctors and lawyers would see patients and clients in the front and live with their families in the back.” Doors to the right of the entrance hall keep the two sections perfectly divided. The only time these two mix work and play is once a week when they workout together, either doing circuit training exercises or running the hills of Montjuïc, or if Dany has sore muscles and needs a massage from Nunu. “Unfortunately, I don’t massage him enough, and he doesn’t train me enough,” said Nunu. “When we’re not with clients, we tend to want to hang out and cook or go to the cinema.” Originally, they didn’t live in this flat together. Nunu is the one who stumbled upon it. Nine years ago, when she left behind a stressful lifestyle in London and came to Barcelona on a whim, she stayed with the only people she knew in the city while looking for a place of her own. As fate would have it, the generous couple lived in the same building where Nunu and Dany now live. Crashing there initially, Nunu met a Scottish couple in the building. After a year living in another flat with a Brazilian clown, Nunu was contacted by the Scots and asked if she wanted to take over the

contract for their apartment, located just below her first friends in the city. She jumped at the opportunity to call such a beautiful Catalan flat home. Nunu and Dany met a short time later. Nunu was out with her roommate at their local watering hole. “I wanted to give Ruth my full attention,” explained Nunu, “but I also really wanted to know what was going on in the Champions League game.” When she posed the question to the bar, Dany had her answer. “Not the most romantic start,” Dany admitted, “but it worked.” Following that night, they dated for a year, and then Dany moved into the flat with Nunu. After some time living as a couple but still sharing the flat with a roommate, they decided they “were grown up enough” and should live alone. But what to do with all the extra space? That’s when the idea to combine labour and leisure came about. “We’ve left the structure throughout alone because we don’t own the flat, but the overall concept and character is all us,” Nunu said proudly. The moneymaking part of the flat is comprised of three rooms. One is Nunu’s “cosy cave”, where she sees her massage clients. The space is small without feeling cramped, and intimate enough that Nunu can easily help her clients relax, de-stress and re-energise. Nunu prides herself on

If you have made yourself an interesting home from home and would like to appear in our Place of My Own feature, please send an email to editorial@barcelona-metropolitan.com.

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Photos and trinkets from Nunu and Dany’s happiest memories.

The dining room table that they found in Glòries with a friend’s painting overhead.

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her therapeutic full-body massages. She also offers Japanese face-lifting massage, a sequence of massage techniques that act as a natural facelift, helping you look and feel younger. No surgery needed. The other two rooms are very open and bright, filled with all the equipment necessary to help you feel the burn. Dany trains clients in cardio boxing, hence the boxing gloves and freestanding punching bag. He also does functional training for deep toning and core work. And to maintain a strong connection with his favourite sport, he trains youth football teams, improving young players’ technical skills and work ethic, while having fun and sharing his knowledge of the game. It’s typical of gyms and spas to lack character and come across as too sterile. However, the special setup at Nunu and Dany’s allows the warmth and comforts of their home to rub off on the other side. “When clients arrive for their first appointment, their reaction to the space is usually ‘Wow!’” Nunu said. They are obviously impressed with the look of the flat—the gorgeous, well-kept modernista floor tiles that change from room to room and the extravagant moulding that borders the ceilings—but “they are also amazed by how much it feels like home.” In the back of the apartment, 90 percent of all the furniture has been found on the street, bought at a flea market or given to them by friends. They found their dining room table—thick but a little wobbly, and made of dark wood—at the Encants Vells flea market in Glòries. They received two chairs and an antique side table from their 95-year-old neighbour, whom they were very close to, after she died. Not to mention all the artwork on the walls made by their network of extremely talented friends and family. A tapestry hanging in the hallway, handmade by Nunu’s grandmother, and a close-up portrait of Nunu as a child, bundled up against the cold, which was taken by a famous Swedish photographer, are just some examples. In general, the flat is not very cluttered, but they do allow themselves one area of the living room for framed family photos and their vintagestyle wedding photos, along with memorabilia and trinkets collected from their travels, all jammed together on two shelves. “We truly love this flat,” Nunu beamed, and it shows from one end of the flat to the other.

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Mental D Block AN INSIDE LOOK AT MENTAL well-being in the city and the challenges faced by foreign RESIDENTS. TEXT BY CLARE SHEPPARD.

uring a period of suffering brought on by family bereavements, the Irish artist, Anne Madden, took solace in the words of her friend, Samuel Beckett: “it is it trying to be said.” By it he meant the dark. “You must tackle the dark,” he said. The dark will visit many of us in our lifetime. In 2013, the World Health Organisation stated that each year one in every 15 people suffers from major depression in the WHO European region. If anxiety and all forms of depression are included, the number increases to nearly four out of 15. How the it manifests itself and how we tackle the dark will vary greatly from person to person. However, the provision of services and a solid support network is often paramount to recovery. In 2013, the negative meanderings and self-criticisms of my own thought processes became incessant. The world became intangible; I felt numb and disengaged. I recognised the daily merriment on Barcelona’s terraces, the flowering of human intellect and creativity in the buildings which outlined my daily journeys, but these had become so very much out of the reach of my own personal experience. This, and my guilt at feeling this way in such an alive city, compounded my state. Fortunately, friends and family noticed that my self had become lost somewhere in me. I got help; first with anti-depressants and then with mindfulness-based cognitive behavioural therapy. It is the latter which I credit with having rescued me from myself, and allowed me to live as this much calmer being, alert to life’s ordinary miracles and aware of strategies I need to negotiate its occasional miseries. Many of you reading this will have experienced mental health issues; some more serious than others. Some will have sought help, others won’t. The circumstances which tend to affect the mental well-being of foreigners in Barcelona are many and varied, and not all suffer from the same problems, but there is a common thread of dealing with a sensitive, personal issue in a different cultural environment that may well be outside your comfort zone. Variables affecting the mental well-being OF FOREIGN RESIDENTS Vera Hilb and Claudia Ros Tusquets are both clinical psychologists and psychotherapists with NEST (Network of English Speaking Therapists) in Barcelona. Both pinpointed adaptation and integration as challenges for foreign residents. “There are a lot of adaptation issues that may be common

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MENTAL HEALTH in Catalunya €736,003,083 per year One in four people will experience a mental health problem at some stage of their life, according to the World Health Organisation.

15.2% of Catalans suffer a period of major depression at some point, according to the Generalitat’s Department of Health.

The cost of depression in Catalunya, combining health care costs, job loss and reduced quality of life.

23.7% of the Catalan population over the age of 18 will experience a mental disorder.

Statistics from Obertement on Mental Health in Catalunya

DEPRESSION in Europe

Every year, about 1 out of 15 people suffer from major depression in the WHO European Region

If anxiety and all forms of depression are included, nearly 4 out of 15 people are affected

World Health Organisation Statistics on Depression and Anxiety

Q&A: OUR INTERVIEWEES’ EXPERIENCE

Language of choice for therapy? Half of the respondents to the survey carried out for the purpose of this report adopted Spanish as their language of choice, the other half, English. One interviewee stated her reason for doing therapy in Spanish: “The relationship about which I had been going [to therapy] had been in Spanish, so it seemed to fit. I felt like the whole relationship, and the treatment which I subsequently sought as a result, represented a different part of my personality, one that I didn’t really equate with my English one.” Another interviewee who chose to do her therapy in English said, “I felt that my therapist, being English, could empathise more with where I was coming from and my background. I was glad it was in English because of the cultural affinities.” Public or private? The majority of people interviewed sought therapy in the private sector and cited language and flexibility as being the main reasons for doing so. Some interviewees said that public sector health professionals had been compassionate, but that access to treatment depended on the determined

among all expats when moving to a place with a new language, customs and culture,” Ros offered. “Adapting, however, can become more complicated when the troubles you thought you left behind, catch up with you. These issues can then manifest in more personal ways, and you may feel depressed, anxious, fearful or struggle with addictions.” “It is a very difficult city in which to integrate,” Hilb acknowledged. "It is an easy city to come and live in for a while, but it’s difficult to establish yourself and become part of the community. From my perspective, as a psychologist, when there is a culture fighting for their own identity within a Spanish context, it is very difficult for a foreigner to integrate.”

“THERE ARE A LOT OF ADAPTATION issues that may be common among ALL EXPATS WHEN MOVING TO A PLACE WITH A NEW LANGUAGE, CUSTOMS AND CULTURE.” Twelve foreigners were interviewed for this report, all of whom had experienced mental health issues whilst living in Barcelona. One interviewee said that she sometimes felt at a disadvantage for not speaking Catalan and was therefore drawn to establish relationships with other expats. “It’s as if you’re living in a separate society.” Another interviewee who had undergone therapy made reference to the transient nature of Barcelona having an effect on her well-being. She explained that after several years here, good friends began to leave and she began to question her own reasons for being here. Hilb verifies that this is indeed a trend. “It is not a question of to be or not to be,” she said. “It’s a question of to root oneself or not to root oneself.” Both Ros and Hilb pinpoint the late twenties and early thirties as the time in which people tend to seek therapy. “It's when you start to think, 'Who am I?', 'What do I want?', 'Where do I go?'. This usually happens to people in their thirties,” said Hilb. Ros pinpoints 28 as an age at which a lot of people have a big life transition. “It is at this time that we are called to review who we thought we would be, and when you have high expectations that you think you haven’t reached, you suffer. It’s a good time to take stock of where you are.” other factors that may affect mental well-being The issue of expat transience, integration and adaptation is commonplace in a modern cityscape. Dr. Pilar Hurtado, a local psychiatrist based in the Mensalus clinic, Gràcia, described the city as a swarm, “with lots of people carrying out their to-do list, so often it doesn’t matter who you are. This affects our connection with others and we become isolated.”

severity of their condition, and it was often sporadic and inefficient in meeting their needs. Effectiveness of treatment? All respondents to the survey stated that regardless of sector (public or private), they found their treatment to be effective. One interviewee said that she was initially very apprehensive about going to therapy but she found the therapist’s method to be very practical, and the application of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to be beneficial. The interviewee began to practise Mindfulness alongside CBT and said that it made her feel better. Do you think that treatment for the same problem in your native country would have been more or less effective? All respondents said they thought the treatment would have been similar in their native countries. Three respondents emphasised the opinion that the results are very dependent on the dynamic with the therapist, on finding a ‘good fit’. One interviewee said that she thought undergoing therapy was a much more common practice here than in her native country, so she felt more comfortable seeking treatment in Barcelona.

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Marcial Arredondo, a Chilean psychologist living in Barcelona, determined that the way in which we use our minds can also have an effect on us. “We are predisposed to worry about things. This allowed us to survive evolutionarily, but now this is a problem for us. We don’t distinguish between the lion and the boss.” He continued, “Our inner-voice is very critical concerning the notion of achievement and our society doesn’t value the most important things: being alive, being safe, being able to eat and establish meaningful connections. Commercialised society and city life don’t stimulate you to appreciate these things. It stimulates you to want more, be more.”

"our inner-Voice is Very critical CONCERNING THE NOTION OF achieVement and our society DOESN’T VALUE THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS: BEING ALIVE, BEING SAFE, BEING ABLE TO EAT AND ESTABLISH MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS." For Vera Hilb, the internet and online connectivity are also having an impact on our well-being. “The internet and virtual connectivity is so commonplace that one can be isolated without feeling isolated and a physical group network is difficult to establish. We still have a body and so, living abroad and not reflecting on the history of ourselves within a city makes us feel lonely. Our words need to be embodied, but it’s complicated.” SOCIAL STIGMA Of the 12 foreigners interviewed, only three felt like they could be open about their experiences in their personal and professional life. One respondent stated, “I think there is a stigma attached to mental health. I find it difficult to open up to some people about it. There seems to be an ignorance as to how prevalent mental health issues are. It’s still somehow a ‘taboo’.” Trevor Steward, a Barcelona-based neuroscientist, originally from California, believes that “stigma can often create an environment in which patients don’t seek treatment until their symptoms have greatly worsened and have begun to have a significant effect on their functioning.” Both Claudia Ros and Pilar Hurtado see the process of labelling as playing a part in the instigation of stigma. “I think the problem is we label people,” explained Ros. “Most people at some stage of their life have had a hardship, and would greatly benefit from doing some sort of therapy or from having some sort of treatment, and making sure they develop their consciousness and understanding of their place in the world. Labelling people holds them back.” Hurtado is of the opinion that “there is a lot of work to get rid of the impact of diagnosis, the impact of entering into a medical-psychiatric logic in which the diagnosis bears a great weight.” Marcial Arredondo, however, acknowledged that things are changing in Barcelona. “People are becoming more and more aware that emotional regulation is very important for engaging and investing in whatever activity they are doing. Perhaps they prefer to call it well-being, rather than upkeep of mental health. People are realising that your results depend on your emotional state. If you are very angry or afraid, you can’t think clearly.” Obertament, like Mind in the UK, is an association set up to tackle the stigma surrounding mental health in Catalunya. In 2013, they ran a campaign ‘Dóna la cara’ to find a famous person to talk, for the first time, about their mental health issues. Matthew Tree, an English writer, collaborated with them to talk about a period of mental health problems he experienced. On the stigma surrounding mental health in Catalunya, Tree said, “I believe that the change will happen when people accept that going to a psychologist is as normal as going to any other medical specialist.”

Vera Hilb (above) and Claudia Ros Tusquets (top) are both clinical psychologists and psychotherapists with NEST, the Network of English Speaking Therapists.

USEFUL LINKS Vera Hilb. Clinical psychologist and psychotherapist. English and Spanish. www.barcelonanest.com/portfolio/vera Claudia Ros Tusquets. Clinical psychologist and psychotherapist. Catalan, English and Spanish. www.barcelona-psychotherapy.com Marcial Arredondo. Psychologist and psychotherapist. Spanish. www.mindfulnessypsicologiabcn.com/marcial-a Pilar Hurtado. Psychiatrist. Catalan and Spanish. mensalus.es/psicologos/barcelona/pilar-hurtado Mindfulness Course (Spanish). mensalus.es/psicologos/servicios/taller-de-entrenamiento-enmindfulness Mindfulness Course (English). livingmindfully.es/eight-week-courses Salut Mental Catalunya. www.salutmental.org Obertament. obertament.org/ca

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MIND OVER MATTER I was fortunate enough to have family and close friends with whom I could be open. Despite this, knowing that these issues carry a stigma induces moments of embarrassment, at times even shame in certain company or situations. Ros, Hilb and Hurtado all mentioned being part of a community as being instrumental in fostering good mental health. Hilb stated, “I do not believe in mental health on one’s own; I believe people have to be part of a community.” “Being outside one’s own territory can lead to feeling down, sadness and anxiety,” explained Hurtado. Those who suffer often feel like their state of mental health has exiled them to a no man’s land, even though the territory they find themselves in has been explored many times before. It is the coming together and the sharing of these experiences which lead to more understanding, quicker and more complete recoveries and, in turn, people seeking help more readily. As well as looking to others for connection and community, according to these professionals it is also necessary to seek to make connections with ourselves; to establish the tools to locate a peaceful place within, no matter where in the world we are. This outcome can be achieved through the practice of Mindfulness. Arredondo, who along with Hurtado runs Mindfulness courses (in Spanish) in Mensalus, details the benefits of its regular practice. “Mindfulness can help you to focus your attention. When

you are more concentrated, your mind is calm and you can access your own mental activity. Then you can see your own patterns, and because of that, you can choose between the conditioned reactivity or the conscious response. Mindfulness allows you to pause between the stimulus and the answer. You have clarity if you can access the pause, you can choose your answer.” There were, I’m sure, many reasons why we chose to come to this city. Barcelona probably shone like a beacon enticing us from dreary northern climes with its romance, its freedom, its modernity, its culture and its climate. So, coming might have been the easy part; staying and settling in might prove more problematic, as these interviews indicate. I think you will be encouraged though, as I was, by the openness of the people I surveyed, as well as by the generosity, understanding, sensitivity and professional competence of the professionals I spoke to. When I asked Vera Hilb for her opinion on how she thought foreign residents could foster good mental health, she responded, “The question is how to become the most of oneself taking into account others.” “How to be your best self within a community?” I replied. “Yes,” she said, “At a conference of doctors in Perpignan, after Franco’s death, health was defined as a way of living autonomously, in solidarity and with joy.”

GET CONNECTED Living on foreign soil is challenging and can be a rollercoaster of emotions. Professional life coach Sam Mednick (www.blueprintcoaching.ca) offers some tips to help you connect with the city, its people and yourself. Language. Spanish, Catalan, or both—learning the language is key. Without it, it’s going to be difficult to feel comfortable, whether it’s ordering your groceries in the local market, or joining in the conversation with a group of friends. Make connections. Get out there and meet people, both local and foreign. There are plenty of opportunities—meetups, evening classes, pub quiz, intercambios, 5-a-side football, networking and social events. And tap into the community of foreign residents, with whom you are likely to have something in common. Make yourself at home. Whether it’s stocking up on a supply of English Cheddar, installing satellite TV or taking up a favourite hobby, you can still enjoy some home comforts that infuse a slice of your ‘past life’ into your daily routine here. Take a breath. Barcelona is a densely populated, largely concrete jungle, and taking some time out from the hustle and bustle every now and then is crucial. Luckily there are plenty of more tranquil places you can escape to nearby, even if just for the afternoon, where you can enjoy some quality ‘me time’.

Keep in touch. Your past stays with you no matter where you go, and there’s no need to feel cut off from loved ones with all the wonders of modern technology. Equally, if there is something you are trying to escape, it won’t disappear just because your location has changed. Know that you're not alone. Moving to a new city is hard. If you’re feeling a bit lost or like you don’t truly belong, take comfort in the fact that it’s completely normal! There are tons of others who are feeling the same way and it will get easier. Help others: Not only is this a great way to give back to the community, but volunteering or helping others is the best way to get out of your head and focus on someone or something else. It’s the perfect way to meet others and connect with the community in an entirely different way. Be patient. Rome wasn't built in a day, so give it time and don't expect everything to fall into place on day one.

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MASTERS

of disguise

A LOOK AT THE WORLD OF SPECIAL EFFECTS THROUGH THE EYES OF Barcelona’s oscar-winning DDT EFECTOS ESPECIALES. TEXT By Sam Walker-Smart

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American actor, Doug Jones, as one of Crimson Peak’s many ghosts on set in Toronto.

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n an age of computer-generated imagery (CGI) wizardry, bloated budgets and more explosions than even a teenager can handle, it’s easy to overlook the meticulous work of the talented few who create the real, tangible gore, magic and monsters in film. Far from the madness of Hollywood, in Poblenou, DDT Effects is doing just that and is arguably the greatest team currently working on traditional special effects in the industry. Widely known for the fantastical props and creatures that feature in the bulk of Guillermo Del Toro’s filmography, DDT have witnessed the changes in the trade first hand over the past 25 years. “When we first started, in 1991, we were doing a lot of commercials because the movies at the time were all civil war or comedies, rather than thrillers, sci-fi or fantasy, something we could work with.” explains David Martí, co-founder. “Then in ‘94 and ‘95, films like Jurassic Park came out and before that Terminator 2, and they had amazing computer-generated images. We were like, ‘Oh my god, this is a computer? We’re done!” Far from it. Such a leap in the industry resulted in a gap in the market for the rare few who could produce the make-up effects that Martí and his team could. “There was a step in-between that some had missed. They would make a commercial and have some guy transform—that morphing effect was really fashionable at the time—into a monster or a vampire. However they needed the final stage, the monster, so then they began to call us.” Soon the work began to take off, and with every job, new techniques and challenges were faced. Martí’s passion for the big screen developed early. A love of Spielberg’s early work and access to his dad’s Super-8 camera had the young David desperate to find a way into the industry. “I was driving my mum crazy. I wanted to do this, but back then, in Spain, there was nothing. We started to look for art academies and, to me, everything looked so boring. I wanted to make movies, not vases!” Finding Spain’s art system at the time both stale and secretive, Martí looked abroad for help. Reading magazines, such as Fangoria, he stumbled upon an advert that helped change everything. “In 1992, I got in contact with Dick Smith, the makeup artist for The Godfather and The Exorcist. He was selling a distance-learning course. I was expecting the material to include lots of pictures, but the information he sent was text only. I had to try and understand all of this in English. So, it actually ended up being an

English course as well.” A great relationship began, with Smith happy to share all his knowledge with his young apprentice, teaching him that it is not what techniques you use, but rather how you use them. Later, some rather grisly work on a short film named Aftermath resulted in the group heading to the Sitges Film Festival and having another encounter that helped change the course of the company. “They put the short film on and this guy was laughing, and when it finished he shouted, ‘Where’s David? Where are the DDT people?’” It was a very young Guillermo Del Toro. He said ‘I wasn’t aware these kinds of effects could be done in Spain. Whenever I come here to shoot a movie I want you to do the effects.” A long wait followed, Del Toro first having to learn the pitfalls of working the Hollywood studio system, but starting with

we’re talking aBout 12-hour SHOOTS, FOLLOWED BY FOUR hours applying make-up, one hour removing make-up, three HOURS SLEEP AND THEN BACK TO THE SET. The Devil’s Backbone (2001), DDT became his effects company of choice. Despite winning an Academy Award for Best Make-up with Pan’s Labyrinth in 2007, the company still like to keep things small, understanding that passion is the greatest asset when working the way they do. “At the moment we have 15 or 16 people,” said Martí. “Last year we had more, while we were working on the new J. A Bayona movie, A Monster Calls. We had to make parts of a giant monster that looked like a tree. We had 45 people; it was our busiest time.” It has taken much experimentation, growth and sweat for DDT to get to where they are, so it is almost impossible to pinpoint one particular skill that makes a good make-up artist, but Martí offered some words of wisdom. “Make-up effects involve sculpting, painting, creating moulds, and attaching prosthetics to the actors. Practise but don’t expect awards and recognition or glamorous work. We’re talking about 12-hour shoots, followed by four hours applying make-up, one hour removing make-up, three hours sleep and then back to the set. It involves sacrifice, but if it’s something you really want to do, it is worth it. That’s what happened to us with Pan’s Labyrinth. It was such a sacrifice, but it was worth it in the end— not for the Oscar, but because we created two characters, ‘The Pale Man’ and ‘Pan’ that are now icons.” Now busier than ever, the group spend their time on local and international movies, a small team often having to fly out to locations, to help put together the wonders they have created here in Barcelona. New generations are being trained and new challenges, as ever, are being met. It has been a long journey maintained through late nights, intense teamwork and, perhaps most importantly, holding on to that childhood imagination that started it all.

OSCAR WINNERS (Best Makeup and Hairstyling)

Photo credit David Marti / DDT

An American Werewolf in London (1981, Rick Baker) Amadeus (1984, Paul LeBlanc and Dick Smith) Mrs Doubtfire (1993, Greg Cannom, Ve Neill, and Yolanda Toussieng) Braveheart (1995, Peter Frampton, Paul Pattison, and Lois Burwell) The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001, Peter Owen and Richard Taylor) Pan’s Labyrinth (2006, David Martí and Montse Ribé) The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008, Greg Cannom) Les Misérables (2012, Lisa Westcott and Julie Dartnell) above: DDt co-founder, David martí, works on Doug Jones’ prosthetics as ‘The Mother Ghost’ in Crimson Peak.

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WHAT’S ON

MUSIC CONCERT LISTINGS 1st. Mr.T-Bone & The Uppertones Sala Apolo. Nou de la Rambla 113. 6th. Mississippi Gospel Choir Palau Sant Jordi. Passeig Olímpic 5-7. 8th. Flanagan Sidecar. Plaça Reial 7. 11th. Mitsuko Uchida - Mahler Chamber Orchestra Palau Sant Jordi. Passeig Olímpic 5-7. 14th. Nikolai Demidenko Palau Sant Jordi. Passeig Olímpic 5-7. 15th. John Howard (solo) Sala Apolo. Nou de la Rambla 113. 16th. Esplendor Geométrico Sala Apolo. Nou de la Rambla 113. 18th. Jordi Savall Palau Sant Jordi. Passeig Olímpic 5-7. 19th. Hozier Razzmatazz. Pamplona 88. 22nd. Nicki Bluhm and The Gramblers Razzmatazz. Pamplona 88. 22nd. Dope D.O.D Sala Apolo. Nou de la Rambla 113.

WHAT WENT DOWN

FOALS. RAZZMATAZZ. PAMPLONA 88. JANUARY 31ST. Oxford’s finest indie quintet released their fourth studio album, What Went Down, in 2015 and they are coming to Barcelona to prove that a lot has happened since their last visit in October 2013. With an intense sound, characterised by the juxtaposition of heavy rock riffs with sensitive lyrics and catchy melodies, Foals have come a long way since they formed in 2005 as university students, playing gigs at house parties organised via MySpace. Their music has featured on gritty, coming-of-age British TV programmes, such as Skins and Misfits, making them an indie household name, and they have played many major festivals both in the UK and abroad. The band have frequently been recognised as one of the best live acts around, having won the 2013 Q Award for Best Live Act and received two nominations for NME’s Best Live Act Award. Quoted in NME, lead singer Yannis Philippakis, an avid fan of the ol’ rock and roll crowd surf, said, “If we had our way, there wouldn’t be any barrier between the band and the crowd.” Expect a night of intense music and wild on-stage antics.

23rd. Coheed and Cambria Razzmatazz. Pamplona 88. 23rd. Noah Gundersen Sala Apolo. Nou de la Rambla 113. 23rd. Duquende Sala Apolo. Nou de la Rambla 113. 24th. The Aristocrats Razzmatazz. Pamplona 88. 29th. Hinds Sidecar. Plaça Reial 7. 30th. Bryan Adams Palau Sant Jordi. Passeig Olímpic 5-7. 31st. Foals Razzmatazz. Pamplona 88.

GET UP OFFA THAT THING

BRYAN ADAMS. PALAU SANT JORDI. PASSEIG OLÍMPIC 5-7. JANUARY 30TH. It has been 17 years since Bryan Adams and Mel C took the music scene by storm with, ‘When You’re Gone’. Feeling old? Bryan Adams is no spring chicken, but the Canadian rock legend is still banging out the tunes like it was 1998. He has just released his long-awaited 13th album, which was produced by Jeff Lynne of Electric Light Orchestra, ensuring it will be an unparalleled musical experience. The nine-track album, entitled Get Up!, contains some of the first original material from Adams in a long time. He has also been putting his filmmaking skills into practice, directing the video for the lead single, ‘Brand New Day’, starring the illustrious Helen Bonham Carter. Produced internationally, the demos were sent between Canada, Europe and L.A., with each contributor adding and editing before sending their changes 5,400 miles back to be checked again. Despite the amount of modern technology used to record it, Adams describes his new material as organic. Although his cover album was a hit, it’s great to hear his original music again. Taking to the stage of Palau Sant Jordi this January, the ‘Get Up!’ tour is definitely one to get along to.

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FOR MORE MUSIC EVENTS VISIT WWW.BARCELONA-METROPOLITAN.COM

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HIGHLIGHT

FROM EDEN TO BARCELONA

HOZIER. RAZZMATAZZ. PAMPLONA 88. JANUARY 19TH. Andrew Hozier-Byrne, known simply as Hozier, is quickly becoming one of the biggest names in not only Irish, but world music. Touring internationally and playing sell-out gigs from America to Australia, this Wicklow-born musician is the latest in a long line of talented musicians to come from the Emerald Isle. His simple guitar riffs blend seamlessly with his soulful voice and poetic lyrics, and traces of blues, folk and even gospel run through his music. His most well-known, Grammy-nominated hit, ‘Take Me to Church’, has been occupying the airwaves since its release. Its lyrics touch on social issues, such as religion and homophobia, in Ireland and beyond. Hozier is not afraid to speak out and raise awareness, using his music and new found fame as a platform for LGBT rights. His self-titled album, Hozier, was released in 2014 and it never seems to tire. Recently voted VH1 Artist of the year, the musician’s talent is attracting attention across Europe and beyond, so take yourself to Razzmatazz and awe at his unparalleled sound—next time he’s in town, it might not be in such an intimate setting.

N.COM

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WHAT’S ON

ART LAST CHANCE

MACBA Miserachs. Xavier Miserachs, the Barcelona-born photographer, takes the viewer on a unique visual journey through the history of the Catalan capital, focusing on the everyday lives and struggles of normal people. Until January 10th. Plaça dels Àngels 1. Species of Spaces. Named after the book by French novelist Georges Perec, this collection acts as its interpretation, looking into our public and private spaces, our intimate moments and social lives, what we are and what others see in us. Until January 31st. Plaça dels Àngels 1. ARTS SANTA MONICA Figures del Desdoblament. Through puppet theatre, visual theatre and object theatre, this exhibition explores the yearnings and interior realities of human beings. Until January 10th. La Rambla 7. CAIXA FORUM Animals and Pharaohs: The animal kingdom in ancient Egypt. Animals were commonplace in both the everyday life and symbolism of ancient Egypt. This exhibition explores the intense relationship between man and beast during one of history’s most fascinating civilisations, and includes mummified animals and over 400 objects. Until January 10th. Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia 6-8. FUNDACIÓN MAPRE The Triumph of Colour. Seventy masterpieces by some of the world’s greatest PostImpressionist artists, including Matisse, Van Gogh and Seurat, are on loan from the Musée d’Orsay and Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris and come together in a celebration of colour at the inaugural exhibition of the Fundación Mapfre. Until January 10th. Diputació 250. MUSEO PICASSO Picasso and the Reventós. Celebrating the friendship between the artist and the illustrious local Reventós family, this exhibition gives the viewer a glimpse into a more personal aspect of Picasso’s life. Until January 10th. Montcada 15-23. Picasso’s Passion for El Greco. The Museo Picasso presents one of El Greco’s finest works, The Portrait of an Old Gentleman, alongside 30 of Picasso’s own El Greco-inspired works. Until January 17th. Montcada 15-23.

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FIFTY SHADES OF BLUE

VISCERAL BLUE. LA CAPELLA. HOSPITAL 56. JANUARY 20TH - MARCH 23RD. Feeling blue. Down in the dumps. Under the weather. The English language has many idioms which express that state that lies somewhere between lethargy and depression. This artistic project at La Capella proposes how ‘feeling blue’ is the collateral damage that comes with the neoliberal economic model upon which our modern world is built. Simply put, it’s suggesting that the physical exhaustion we face in today’s fast paced and cut-throat world, where time equals money, is having a damaging effect on our mental health. Firstly, the exhibition suggests that feeling blue is a normal and common emotion—we are all entitled to be sad, dejected, melancholic and depressed. ‘Visceral Blue’ then takes a step further to explore why we attribute this state of mind to a specific colour. The artists involved delve into the deep inward feelings of the human psyche to unravel the use of the colour blue alongside the intangible world of feelings and emotions. A profound collection of works that takes shame, disorientation and self-depreciation and turns them on their very human heads.

THAT JE NE SAIS QUOI

HIGHLIGHT

DRAWING VERSAILLES. CHARLES LE BRUN (16191690). CAIXAFORUM BARCELONA. FRANCESC FERRER I GUÀRDIA 6-8. UNTIL FEBRUARY 14TH. French painter Charles Le Brun (1619-1690) was declared by King Louis XIV ‘the greatest French artist of all time’ and received the title of Premier Peintre du Roi (First Painter of the King) in 1662. Evidently popular with royalty, Le Brun was given the prestigious honour of adorning the great Palace of Versailles, which was the centre of political power in France from 1682 until 1789, with his paintings. A symbol of royal absolutism and the embodiment of French art and decadence, Versailles is home to some of Le Brun’s greatest painted masterpieces, from the spectacular Halls of War and Peace, to The Ambassador’s Staircase and the Great Hall of Mirrors. Lesser-known, however, is the collection of preparatory sketches of these paintings, where Le Brun’s imagination, inspiration and planning are revealed in some 350 drawings. Over the past few years, the Graphic Arts Department of the Louvre Museum has restored them to their original splendour and glory, and La Caixa foundation has brought this artistic collection of sensitive, personal drawings to Barcelona, giving a little insight into the creative psyche of this French painter.

FOR MORE ART EVENTS VISIT WWW.BARCELONA-METROPOLITAN.COM

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OBJECTS OF AFFECTION

MIRÓ AND THE OBJECT. FUNDACIÓN JOAN MIRÓ. PARC DE MONTJUÏC. UNTIL JANUARY 16TH. This collection of over 120 works by Joan Miró includes paintings, ceramics and sculptures, and explores the role of the object in the work of the Catalan master. Curated by William Jeffett, the exhibition looks at Miró’s representation of objects in his drawings, and the artistic journey that led him to later physically incorporate these objects into his collage, assemblage and sculptural pieces. As one of the greatest Surrealist artists of all time, Miró’s work seeks to create a bridge between the world of reality and that of dreams. Like many Surrealists, he used collage and assemblage in his pieces to awaken the subconscious mind of their viewers. He famously claimed that he wanted to ‘assassinate painting’ and, by the end of the Twenties, Miró and his associates were producing ‘anti-paintings’ in which objects of the everyday were twisted and contorted to reveal a new dimension; a new reality with which people viewed them and the subjects that they accompanied. In the post-war era, Miró took things a step further, integrating objects in a non-conformist way into his sculpture and ceramics, so as to bring previously disregarded objects to the forefront. With pieces never before exhibited in Barcelona, including ‘The Ear of Wheat’ (1923) from the MOMA collection, New York, and ‘Portrait of a Ballerina’ (1928) from the Georges Pompidou Centre, Paris, don’t miss this inquisitive collection that seeks to disclose how Miró’s dialogue with the objects around him transformed the concept of art in the twentieth century.

ARIBAU 87, 2.2A, 08036, Barcelona OFFICE: 93 952 3283 | MOBILE: 675 803 210 service@tiviprint.es | www.tiviprint.es

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WHAT’S ON

MISC. A WAY WITH WORDS

POETRY SLAM. CCCB. MONTALEGRE 5. JANUARY 9TH. The cavernous halls of the CCCB are the perfect venue for this multilingual poetry slam. The often overlooked talents of Barcelona’s thriving poetry scene take to the stage to deliver their works with emotion, humour, anger and theatrical enthusiasm. The range of poetry and styles is endless, touching on topics such as current political issues, societal problems, childhood and mental health stigmas. Regardless of the language, the passion of the speakers shines through and consumes the listeners. This regular poetry slam aims to find a place for poetry in a society filled with emoticons, creating a real-life, social network for poets and writers. It reminds us that words are still one of the clearest ways to express ourselves, and gives us a new perspective on the spoken word. Past poets have included Ale Osegura, whose poems portray her experiences in Mexico. Speaking at this month’s events will be Bradford-born, Jimmy the Angry, with his unique style of acerbic spoken word. Words are free and so is the event, so get involved and help regenerate the age-old art of poetry.

WE THREE KINGS

THREE KINGS FACTORY. FABRA I COATS. SANT ADRIÀ 20. DECEMBER 27TH-JANUARY 4TH. The magic of Christmas isn’t over just yet, certainly not for the kids anyway. On the night of January 5th—the eve of the Día de los Reyes Magos—the Three Kings arrive in Barcelona ready to deliver presents to the city’s children. And they certainly arrive in style. This huge parade collects children’s wish lists as it makes its noisy way from Port Vell to Plaça Espanya. Barcelona has the honour of being home to the factory where all these presents are carefully made. The Fabra i Coats art factory is the Santa’s Grotto of Spanish Christmas, and visitors can see the Kings’ assistants working hard and making the gifts, ready to be delivered on the 5th. The colour and lights, displayed from the windows of the three floors of the Creation Factory, make for a magical trip to the factory. This artistic façade is the work of artist Xevi Bayona, and the Reyes Factory is the project of the District of Sant Andreu. They have joined forces to ensure that the festive spirit continues right through all twelve days of Christmas.

HIGHLIGHT

EMPIRE DRAMA

GLADIATOR LIVE. L’AUDITORI. LEPANT 150. JANUARY 9TH-10TH. Released almost 15 years ago, Gladiator is one of the best historical epics of all time. Russell Crowe plays the role of loyal Roman general, Maximus Decimus Meridiul. When the Emperor is killed by his corrupt son, Maximus decides to fight as a gladiator to avenge the murder of his family and his Emperor. For those of you who thought this Ridley Scott classic couldn’t get any better, l’Auditori is screening it this January, bringing the cinematic experience to a whole new level by accompanying it with the OBC (Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya) and soloist vocals by Clara Sanabras. Justin Freer’s work, as director of the show, has breathed new life into this classic while the live music of Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard adds drama and intensity to an already passionate film.

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THE FLIGHT OF ICARUS

VAREKAI. CIRQUE DU SOLEIL. PALAU SANT JORDI. PASSEIG OLÍMPIC 5-7. JANUARY 1ST-10TH. “Not too high, not too close to the sun.” Those were the words of Icarus’s father before Icarus flew too high, melted his wings and fell to his death in the ocean, according to the Greek myth, which teaches us about the dangers of over-ambition. But what if Icarus hadn’t drowned, and instead had landed in a beautiful exotic forest, filled with whimsical and enchanting creatures? This is the central theme of Cirque de Soleil’s newest show, ‘Varekai’—meaning ‘wherever’ in the Romani language—which focuses on the journey of the nomadic Icarus. It takes the audience on an exciting journey, combining the usual nail-biting acrobatics with an intriguing plot. The costumes are a blast of exotic colours and outlandish styles, bringing the stage to life and luring the audience into the magically strange world in which Icarus finds himself. Expect the usual Cirque quirkiness, in this unique theatrical experience filled with music, astonishing acrobatics and some odd-looking contraptions. Escape those January blues and venture into a forest of enchantment where anything is possible.

FOR MORE EVENTS VISIT WWW.BARCELONA-METROPOLITAN.COM

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GREAT CRAIC

JOE ROONEY. GUINNESS LAUGHTER LOUNGE. THE SHAMROCK BAR. TALLERS 72. JANUARY 8TH. The turkey has all been eaten. The fireworks are over. If you’re feeling in need of a pick-me-up or simply want a night of comedy gold, then head along to the Guinness Laughter Lounge’s first event of the new year, with the talented Irish comedian, Joe Rooney. Perhaps most famous for playing Father Damo in the Irish comedy TV show, Father Ted, Rooney is a regular comedy classic in Ireland, having also starred in the Irish RTE show, Killinaskully. Born in county Galway, Rooney has been described by Hot Press as ‘infectiously manic and always riveting’, so a night of great craic, as the Irish would say, is in store. What’s more, after the comedy show there will be an open mic jam session where musicians and comedians are welcome to perform.

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THREE KINGS PARADE The three Kings arrive in Barcelona and you can see them as they parade through the city.

THE THREE KINGS TOY FACTORY Visit the toy factory where the gifts are being prepared in time to be delivered by the Kings. 6pm.

TUESDAY

MITSUKO JAY-JAYUCHIDA JOHANSON

MONDAY

MISSISSIPPI GOSPEL CHOIR These soulful voices are back for the eighth edition of this festive show. 9pm. Palau de la Música.

WEDNESDAY

VAREKAI CIRQUE DU SOLEIL Discover the artistic magic of the world-famous circus troupe in Barcelona. Palau Sant Jordi.

THURSDAY

ORQUESTA ILEGAL DE BARCELONA They take their name from the

10 THE ANIMAL KINGDOM IN ANCIENT EGYPT 400 works, including mummified

9 GLADIATOR LIVE The epic soundtrack to Ridley Scott’s silver-screen classic is performed live alongside

ROCK SYMPHONY From Queen to Led Zeppelin to The Eagles, this tribute evening celebrates the greatest rockers in history. 9pm. Palau de la Música. Palau de la Música 4-6.

TWO MARKET Everything costs just €1, so there’s no need to feel guilty about spending at this market. 11am. Ovella Negra de Poblenou. Zamora 78. DISNEY LIVE! Mickey and friends present a special musical festival of Disney classics revived. Various times. Teatre-Auditori Sant Cugat. Plaça de Victòria dels Àngels 1. 1st-3rd.

PALO ALTO MARKET Spend the first weekend of the New Year in style at this trendy Barcelona market. 11am. Pellaires. 2nd-3rd. CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD This exhibition brings you the wonders of Christmas around the globe. 10am. Arenas de Barcelona. Gran Via 373-385. 1st-4th. OPERA Y FLAMENCO Catch this show that combines these two great passions. 5pm. Palau de la Música. Palau de la Música 4-6.Until February 14th.

SUNDAY

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

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For more information visit our website

JANUARY 2016

WHAT'S ON

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FOALS The Oxford boys bring us material from their new album, What Went Down (2015). 9pm. Razzmatazz. Pamplona 88. ACTRESSES OF THE 20TH CENTURY An exhibition paying homage to some of Catalunya's greatest actresses. Palau Robert. Passeig de Gràcia 107. Until March.

WINE TASTING COURSE Improve your wine knowledge with this one-day wine tasting course. 9.30am. Bruc 136. www. winecoursesbcn.com BRYAN ADAMS The Grammy-award winner brings his Canadian rock to Barcelona. 9.30pm. Palau Sant Jordi. Passeig Olímpic 5-7.

MEN IN SWING This band from Vic combine young talents with old veterans. 11pm. Harlem Jazz Club. Comtessa de Sobradiel 8. SUGAR MUSICAL The Spanish adaptation of the broadway show set in 1920s Chicago during the U.S. Prohibition period. Teatre Gaudí. Sant Antoni Maria Claret 120. From December until January 31st.

MARKETS. CONTEMPORARY CONSTRUCTIONS IN BCN An informative tour of the city’s markets. Travessera de les Corts 215. Until February 28th. THE LITTLE MAGIC FLUTE Adapted from Mozart’s opera, 'The Magic Flute', this is a childfriendly show. 11am. Teatre-Auditori Sant Cugat. Plaça del Vinyet 48. 26th-29th.

CRIB EXHIBITION An exhibition showcasing various cribs and figurines. 9am. Centre de Cultura Popula. Maspons 6. December 4th-January 17th.

OZOM A magic show of some of the greatest illusions and tricks from history. Teatre Condal. Paral·lel 91. December 1st-February 21st.

XD YOUNG FEST This festival combines extreme sports and music. 10am. Fira Barcelona. Reina Maria Cristina. Until January 4th.

CIRC RALUY: ALTIUS The magic of the circus continues in Port Vell. Moll de la Fusta. Until February 14th.

THE GRAMOPHONE ALL STARS BIG BAND Jazz and reggae are in store at Plaça Reial with music from the ‘Jazzmaica’ project. 8pm. Jamboree Club. Plaça Reial 17.

THE ENCHANTED CITY. BARCELONA INFRARED. An exhibition of 50 shots of Barcelona taken with a special infrared film. Banys Vells 7. Until January 31st.

THE STORY OF PINOCCHIO This opera tells the tale of Giuseppe and his wooden puppet. 12pm. Teatre Condal. Paral·lel 91. From December until January 31st.

THE NUTCRACKER A modern version of the classic ballet. 12pm. Teatre Gaudi. Sant Antoni Maria Claret 120. From December until January 31st.

BEETHOVEN I IRONS The Wiener Akademie Orchestra perform Beethoven’s Egmont, while Jeremy Irons recites Goethe's tragedy of the same name. 8pm. Gran Teatre del Liceu. Las Ramblas 51-59.

DOPE D.O.D. The hip hop rappers come to Barcelona ahead of their latest EP release in February. 9pm. Sala Apolo. Nou de la Rambla 113.

OTELLO Based on Shakespeare’s play, this opera is one of Verdi’s most successful pieces. 8pm. Gran Teatre del Liceu. Las Ramblas 51-59. Until February 7th.

LA MAGIA DE LA REAL The history of Plaça Reial is explored by real-life shoeshiner Fructuos Canonge, one of Europe's best magicians. Fundació Setba. Plaça Reial 2. Until 30th.

SOPA DE CABRA The Catalan rockers present their new album, Cercles (2015). 8pm. Gran Teatre del Liceu. Rambla 51-59.

DISNEY LIVE! MIRA FESTIVAL 28

GUIRI BUSINESS DRINKS The renowned business group brings you the opportunity to network and meet like-minded people. 7pm. Guiri Business Hub. Plaça Espanya. 20th & 21st.

ELECTRIC BABYLAND A musical play for parents and their toddlers. Antic Theatre. Verdaguer i Callís 12. 7th-10th; 14th-16th.

JOHANN STRAUSS: GREAT NEW YEAR’S CONCERT An orchestral performance accompanied by ballet. 9pm. Palau de la Música. Palau de la Música 4-6. 1st, 3rd ,10th, 16th & 17th.

Barcelona play on home turf for this League game. 4pm. Camp Nou. Aristides Maillol 12.

FC BARCELONA VS GRANADA CF

THE ANIMAL KINGDOM IN ANCIENT EGYPT 400 works, including mummified animals, feature in this exhibition. CaixaForum. Francesc Ferrer i Guardia 6-8. Until 10th.

GLADIATOR LIVE The epic soundtrack to Ridley Scott’s silver-screen classic is performed live alongside a screening of the film. 7pm. L'Auditori. Lepant 150. 9th & 10th. SEVERED HEADS. This exhibition explores this gruesome but fascinating ancient phenomenon. Museu d'Arqueologia de Catalunya. Passeig de Santa Madrona 39. Until 10th.

VICARIOUSLY VITAL A drummer and a dancer ask the audience to consider the vitality of dance and music in our world. 8pm. Centre Civic el Sortidor. Plaça Sortidor 12.

HOZIER The Irish rock sensation, whose debut single, 'Take me to Church', launched him to stardom, brings us a night of rock and blues. 9pm. Razzmatazz. Pamplona 88.

JORDI SAVALL Enjoy a beautiful rendition of selected works by Francois Couperin led by this Spanish violinist. 8.30pm. Palau de la Música. Palau de la Música 4-6.

FESTA MAJOR DE SANT ANTONI This 10-day festival brings concerts, exhibitions and more to this barrio. Various locations in Sant Antoni. Until January 24th.

MAMMA MIA! The smash-hit ABBA-inspired musical has been translated into Spanish and is currently showing in Barcelona. Teatre Tívoli. Casp 8. Until February 27th.

THE DARKNESS The British rock band present their latest album, 'Last Of Our Kind'. 8pm. Sala Bikini. Diagonal 547. BLUES JAM SESSION A jazz night led by Hernan ‘El Chino’ Senra. 10pm. Harlem Jazz Club. Comtessa de Sobradiel 8.

SYMPHONIC ABBA Quartet, The Amazones, team up with the Cinema Symphony Orchestra to bring you a night of ABBA classics. 10pm. Palau de la Música. Palau de la Música 4-6.

ORQUESTA ILEGAL DE BARCELONA They take their name from the ‘illegality’ of their street performances. 11pm. Harlem Jazz Club. Comtessa de Sobradiel 8.

GUSTAVO DUDAMEL The Orquesta Sinfónica Simón Bolívar de Venezuela perform with the charismatic Dudamel as conductor. 8.30pm. Palau de la Música. Palau de la Música 4-6.

VAREKAI CIRQUE DU SOLEIL Discover the artistic magic of the world-famous circus troupe in Barcelona. Palau Sant Jordi. 1st-10th.

ART STRIKES BACK A common thread throughout all the pieces at this exhibition is subtle irony. Fundació Gaspar. Montcada 25. Until March 28th.

MITSUKO UCHIDA The Japanese pianist conducts the Mahler Chamber Orchestra. 8.30pm. Palau de la Música.

BALTASAR PORCEL. MALLORCA. BARCELONA. EL MUNDO An exhibition inspired by one of the most revered writers in Catalan literature. Palau Robert. Passeig de Gràcia 107. Until February 28th.

JORDI SAVALL

EL TRENCANOUS Modern ballet from the Barcelona Russian Ballet. 5.30pm & 8.30pm. Teatre-Auditori Sant Cugat. Plaça de Victòria dels Àngels 1.

NATIVITY SCENE IN PLAÇA SANT JAUME See the whole Nativity as pop-up scenes, as the festive period draws to a close. 10am. Plaça Sant Jaume I. Until 6th.

THE FOUR SEASONS Vivaldi’s descriptive concerti is performed by the Ukrainian Symphonic Orchestra. 9pm. Palau de la Música. Palau de la Música 4-6.

MISSISSIPPI GOSPEL CHOIR These soulful voices are back for the eighth edition of this festive show. 9pm. Palau de la Música. Palau de la Música 4-6.

THREE KINGS PARADE The three Kings arrive in Barcelona and you can see them as they parade through the city. 4pm. City centre.

THE THREE KINGS TOY FACTORY Visit the toy factory where the gifts are being prepared in time to be delivered by the Kings. 6pm. Fàbrica de Creació Fabra i Coats. Sant Adrià 20. 1st-4th.

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CULTURE

Keeping Fit

Without a Gym Membership Every January brings New Year's resolutions, and getting fit often features high up on the list. Joining a gym can be the go-to option, but there are a multitude of alternatives to break a sweat whilst avoiding the fees, contracts and New Year crowds. Barcelona offers a huge variety of creative ways to stay healthy for little to no money at all, so let the city become your personal gym.

Jog on Barcelona boasts a number of running routes to suit all levels. Offering a guide to the best routes in the city, ‘Barcelona Corre’ is a free app in which 23 runs are categorised by district, level and theme. If running in a group is more your cup of tea, check out Barcelona Casual Runners on community network website, Meetup (www. meetup.com). Formed in 2009, the group includes three weekly runs as well as the possibility to initiate events yourself if a certain pace or route takes your fancy. Providing the motivation of running with others, all levels are welcome, with runs adaptable to suit beginners through to more experienced athletes.

YouTube Budget-friendly and perfect for anyone short on time, YouTube has a vast array of videos offering instruction on everything from yoga to pilates to cardio workouts. The best part? These can all be done from the comfort of your own home. A simple search for the type of exercise you're interested in yields a huge number of results, the majority of which require minimal equipment and

often minimal floor space too. Yoga fanatics can check out Yoga With Adriene; if you're into pilates, give the Blogilates videos a watch, whilst power duo Daniel & Kelli's channel Fitness Blender features workout videos ranging from 10-minute spot toning to full length HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) sessions. Class aCT There are many fitness classes on offer in the city, whether you're after a chilled-out yoga session or a high-intensity cardio workout. A variety of sessions held both indoors and outside, in a number of languages, can be found on Meetup—such as yoga on the beach and pilates in the park. Beach Fit (www.beachfitbcn.com) is an outdoor fitness organisation that aims to make workouts fun, accessible and effective. Classes are held in the open air, by the beach, and the signature Beach Fit classes offer a full body workout combining cardio and toning exercises. Discounts are available throughout January and the first class is free.

smarT workouT In today's technologyobsessed world, there are apps aplenty dedicated to health, fitness and well-being. Armed with a smartphone, you can have a digital personal trainer in the palm of your hand. Here are a few of our favourites: runkeeper: This user-friendly app is aimed at keeping you on track with your running progress. Choose a training plan to follow, or simply track your runs by logging details such as distance, time and calories burned. workout Trainer: After completing a quick questionnaire to establish your current ability and goals, a database of over 100 workouts awaits. An audiovisual guide accompanies each exercise, and 'pro' membership unlocks access to targeted workout programmes. strava: Providing motivation and a sense of community, this handy app allows you to compare workout data with fellow athletes of all levels. There's also a useful city guide, ensuring that you can find a route to suit you, on foot or bicycle, no matter where you are.

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HOW TO... Work freelance in Barcelona TORI SPARKS GUIDES US THROUGH THE INS AND OUTS OF BEING ‘AUTÓNOMO’ IN SPAIN. TEXT BY TORI SPARKS.

here are many reasons for going freelance in Barcelona. In a city where the ideal job can be hard to find, freelancing may be the only way to follow your passion and make some money at the same time. For some people, going solo is simply preferable to working for others. And sometimes it is born of necessity; a company may offer regular work but require that you are a registered freelancer (autónomo). However, if you are considering going freelance you’ll need to first understand the costs and legal requirements involved and weigh up if it really makes sense for you. The autónomo system in Spain is often criticised for being costly and complicated.

MONTHLY FEE The basic expense that a freelancer has to pay every month is their social security contribution. Most people opt to pay the minimum base contribution, which is currently €264 euros per month (a higher base contribution gives improved pension rights). This is considerably higher than in other European countries. And, if you were planning on doing a little freelance work on the side to the tune of a few hundred euros, you could well find yourself with little change once you’ve covered your monthly fee. The government has recently started offering economic incentives to new and younger freelances: First-time autónomos under 30 pay €50 euro per month for 30 months. First-timers over 30 pay €50 euro per month for 18 months.

REGISTERING AS AUTÓNOMO: REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION • • • • • •

•

TAXES AND PAPERWORK Most self-employed people (depending on their activities) are required to file quarterly returns for IVA (Impuesto sobre el Valor Añadido), meaning Value Added Tax (VAT), and IRPF (Impuesto sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas), which refers to personal income tax. There may be other specific requirements depending on the nature of the activity. In addition, all autónomos are required to present an annual income tax return (Declaración de la renta) by June 30th each year with details of the previous year’s activities. One of the benefits of being self-employed is that you can compensate expenses against your annual tax bill. Tax-deductible items can include social security contributions, accounting services, professional association fees, and the cost of raw goods and materials necessary for doing business. If you rent an office, shop or other premises, then certain additional tax deductions related to this space may be applicable, such as rent, utilities, office supplies, software and insurance.

•

Current passport (valid for at least six months from the date of your application). Spanish ID (DNI or NIE). Recent proof of being ‘empadronado’ in Barcelona (Volante de Empadronamiento), not more than three months old. A detailed description of your proposed activity Proof of sufficient economic resources to carry out and invest in your proposed activity. Any necessary academic titles or accreditation, authorisations, licences, or proof of ownership or rental of property (when necessary to carry out your proposed activity). For example, if your activity involves driving a car or vehicle, a Spanish or EU driver’s licence might be necessary. Proof of ownership or access to material necessary to carry out your proposed activity. For example, if you are planning to be a freelance graphic designer you may need to show proof of ownership or access to a computer and the necessary computer programmes. Accreditation or proof of any extenuating circumstances that require that your case be considered urgent.

IMPORTANT: All non-Spanish documents must be translated into Spanish by an official translator. All documents originating outside of Spain must be officially stamped and legalised by the Consulate or Embassy in Spain of the country of origin, unless the document has already been apostilled by the competent Authority of the Convention of the Hague in the originating country. *As laws and regulations change frequently, we recommend that you conduct further research and confirm the information with an independent advisor to be certain that it is current.

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STEPS TO BECOMING AN AUTÓNOMO

AUTONOMOS

1. Registration for the Impuesto de Actividades Economicas (IAE) The first step is to sign up for the Impuesto de Actividades Economicas. You are required to register under a specific category (epígrafe) when registering your professional activity. The category you choose determines whether or not you pay IVA (VAT). For example, educational, non-profit, and certain other categories are exempt from this tax. The form to present is the Modelo 037.

IAE

Value Added Tax

IRPF

The tax related to your earnings.

2. Registration with social security Social Security

SOCIAL SECURITY

The second step is to register in the RETA (Régimen Especial de Trabajadores Autónomos) at the Seguridad Social. The form to present is the TA.0521/1. Minimum documentation requirements for the process are a Spanish NIE, social security number and a bank account.

The quantity varies

THE BASICS THAT YOU HAVE TO PAY EACH MONTH FREELANCE COOPERATIVES One problem for newcomers is that you can’t register as an autónomo unless you’ve been a legal Spanish resident for at least one year, or if you can prove extenuating circumstances. There are co-operatives that provide alternatives for freelancers who aren’t able or prefer not to be registered as autónomo. This is often a great option for people who do occasional freelance work or who work in creative fields, such as musicians, photographers, journalists and designers. Most co-ops require payment of an initial membership fee and some also charge a percentage of each invoice that they process on your behalf. The benefit of joining one of these organisations is that you are able to legalise your professional activities without having to start your own business or register as a freelancer. One such co-op, here in Barcelona, is SMartIb, which originated in Belgium in 2011 (SMartBe), and has divisions in various countries in Europe. Pia Mazuela has been the administrative head of SmartIb in Spain since 2013. “We’re extremely proud to say that we have more than 65,000 members internationally and 1,500 in Spain,” said Mazuela. “We represent a large community of people who work in the cultural sector who want or need an alternative to being self-employed.” Organisations like this are the perfect solution for someone whose freelance work isn’t their main source, or only source, of income. “In today’s market, we are an extremely practical option for a number of people whose work may be intermittent. Freelancers are becoming more and more aware that there are different options and business models out there in order to legally make a living in a creative or freelance-based career.” The most important services that SMartIb and similar organisations provide include educating their clients on the professional possibilities available to them and how to protect their rights as legal freelance workers, and providing a legal solution to working in Spain without having to pay autónomo fees. For creative people, there are a few organisations in Spain that exist specifically to protect the rights of artists and musicians, such as AIE (Artistas, Interpretantes y Ejecutantes). AIE works alongside co-operatives, such as SMartIb, to educate freelance workers in creative fields about their rights and legal options, and to lobby the government regarding freelancing laws. Javier Cubedo has been the Vice President of the Barcelona branch of the organisation since 1989. “AIE partners and most musicians choose to become part of a co-operative in order to legalise their activities,” said Cubedo. “Only a minority choose to register as autónomos because the monthly costs are so high.” If you aren’t sure which route to take, always seek advice from an independent adviser or accountant. A small investment early on can save a lot of headaches and paperwork later.

PERSONAL STORY IT freelancer Kathy de la Cruz is originally from the US and works for an American-based cruise line company. Although the company isn’t based in Barcelona, she lives here and works from home. She said, “I happen to only have this one client, but the system works the same if you have one client or a thousand. The amount you pay every month doesn’t change based on the amount of clients you have or the work you pull in.” Kathy found online resources very helpful. “It’s amazing the amount of stuff you can do online, but it’s worth researching it ahead of time to make sure you do everything properly, especially the first time. I started out doing it all myself when I first moved here—I have never had a contract with a Spanish-based company, I have always worked in this same position, so I have always worked as an autónomo—but it was a lot of work, so I ended up hiring a bilingual accountant to make sure I did everything correctly. It’s not that it’s not doable yourself, but I travel a lot for work, and it just made life easier.”

RESOURCES DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SECURITY. Website in various languages. www.seg-social.es AGENCIA TRIBUTARIA IN SPAIN. Website in Various Languages. www.agenciatributaria.es SER AUTONOMO. Resources and Courses for Autonomos. Website in Spanish. www.serautonomo.net ADVOCO. Spanish Tax and Accounting Firm in English. Includes many articles and links. Website in English. www.advoco.es SMARTEU. International Co-op for Freelancers in Creative Fields (EU). Website in English. www.smart-eu.org SMARTIB. Co-op for Freelancers in Creative Fields (Spanish Division). Website in Spanish. www.smart-ib.org

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FASHION

in style

IT’S JANUARY AND IT’S TIME TO HIT THE SALES. OR, IF YOU’RE FEELING THE POST-CHRISTMAS PINCH, STOP BY ONE OF BARCELONA’S MANY MARKETS THIS MONTH TO STOCK UP ON VINTAGE BARGAINS FOR THE NEW YEAR.

Name: Lauren Age: 34 From: England Profession: Works for Fleadonia Jacket: My boyfriend’s Jumper: Vintage Shoes: Fujimae

Name: Nathia Age: 28 From: Uruguay Profession: Store Manager Jacket: Vintage Jeans: All Saints Shoes: Nike

Name: Bruno Age: 38 From: Italy Profession: Chef Bomber Vest: Vintage Trousers: Y3 Addidas Sweater: Nelson Johnson

GET THE LOOK MANGO JACKET €34.99 AMERICAN APPAREL BACKPACK €62

H&M JUMPER €19.99

MANGO SCARF €19.99

ZARA VEST €19.99 ADIDAS TRAINERS €74.95

AMERICAN APPAREL CARRER D’AVINYÓ 7. ZARA PASSEIG DE GRÀCIA 16. MANGO PASSEIG DE GRÀCIA 36. H&M PASSEIG DE GRÀCIA 9. ADIDAS CARRER D’AVINYÓ 6

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TRAVEL

STEp BY STEp Snowshoeing is a great way to get off the beaten track and enjoy the mountain scenery.

GET OFF THE BEATEN TRACK AND ENJOY THE WINTER WHITE OUT LIKE NEVER BEFORE WITH OUR BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO SNOWSHOEING IN THE PYRENEES. TEXT BY MELISSA LEIGHTY. PHOTOS BY CAROL MORAN.

atalunya doesn’t just offer up lots of sunny coastline. Between the Pyrenees and the many national parks dotted throughout the region, there is plenty of natural beauty to enjoy all year round. In winter, many take advantage of the snow by hitting the slopes only a few short hours from Barcelona, but skiing isn’t the only reason people head for the hills at this time of year. Among the plethora of outdoor winter activities on offer in the Pyrenees, snowshoeing is rapidly gaining in popularity. Snowshoeing has a long history, with the first snowshoes thought to have been invented between 4,000 and 6,000 years ago and modelled after animal prints found in the snow. First used by fur traders, trappers and explorers as a necessary mode of transportation in the snowy regions of central Asia, snowshoeing has evolved into a fun and relaxing leisure activity. Designed to distribute a person’s weight in such a way as to make it possible to traverse deep snow without sinking, snowshoes are a great way to enjoy hard-to-reach places in winter. Original versions of the snowshoe were made of wood and rope, and were heavy and tiresome to wear. However, they have undergone many changes and innovations over the years. Modern snowshoes are made of plastic, are very lightweight and can be worn with regular hiking boots. A set of snowshoes can cost anywhere between €40 and €200, depending on the model, but they can

also be rented at ski resorts that offer specific snowshoeing trails. It takes little more than a set of snowshoes and some poles to get beginners out on the trail, making this sport one of the cheapest winter activities around. Snowshoeing also presents quite a few perks. For one, it offers great aerobic exercise and an easy way to get fit in the winter. Those who have discarded the notion of snowshoeing in favour of higher impact winter activities might be surprised to find that it burns approximately the same amount of calories as cross-country skiing. Moreover, it clears the mind and alleviates stress. Being outside in the quiet of nature with few distractions apart from the beauty of the natural surroundings can be an excellent mood enhancer. In addition, snowshoeing is also a great sport for wildlife seekers. Between birds of prey, snowshoe hares, the deer-like Pyrenean chamois (known in Catalan as isard), the endangered rock ptarmigans—a game bird of the grouse family—and the striking capercaillie bird, there are a number of interesting animals, or at least their tracks, to be spotted. As with any winter sport, however, snowshoeing comes with some risks. While high-speed collisions are not a potential danger, snowshoers are at risk of dehydration, avalanches and losing their way. Yet, with good preparation, proper equipment and a well-marked map or guide, snowshoeing can be an enjoyable, low-risk activity for people looking for something different. Those who are new to the sport may prefer to begin with the specially prepared snowshoeing trails created by ski resorts throughout the Pyrenees. As comfort level and experience increase, there are a number of ways to get out into the real wilderness. Many companies organise snowshoeing treks throughout the Pyrenees, but creating your own itinerary is also easy enough to do. There are several books in Catalan and English which offer routes for different excursions throughout Catalunya, and many of the natural parks publish information about snowshoeing and suggested itineraries on their websites. Some parks even organise short half-day treks. So, whether for fitness, fun or to try something new, snowshoeing could be just the rewarding venture you’re looking for this winter season.

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Map courtesy of l’Editorial Alpina.

TREK: ESTANA - PRAT DE CADÍ TIME: 2 hours, 15 minutes DISTANCE: 7.6 kilometres LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Easy STARTING POINT: Estana village car park, in the natural park of Cadi-Moixero. The village is located between the valleys of Quer and Bastanist, at the foot of the Cadí Mountain.

MORE INFO. BOOKS The Rough Guide to the Pyrenees, published by Rough Guides. Raquetes pel pallars sobirà (2009), published by Desnivel. Les 50 millors excursions amb raquetes de neu (2012), by Manel Figuera i Abadal, published by Cossetània Edicions.

SNOWSHOE TRAILS LA MOLINA. www.lamolina.cat

From the village car park on the edge of Estana (0 mins, 1,510m), head south along the main street. You will pass the village centre, a beautiful church on your left and the antique public water basins on the right. When you see signs for the GR-150 (marked with red and white) on the left, head towards Bastanist. Upon leaving Estana, the paved road turns into a dirt trail (in good condition). Continue straight in the direction of Coll de Pallers until the GR-150 intersects the PR-C 121. Turn onto the PR-C 121, which is well marked with yellow and white, and follow it to Prat de Cadí. After a few minutes, you will arrive at Pallers (10 mins, 1,502m), where there is a small picnic area with benches, a barbecue, a fountain and parking. At this point, the natural park begins. Continue straight along the trail, heading south, without turning onto any of the small paths that branch off on either side. The trail is in good condition and ascends into a pine forest on the Mataplana hillside. Halfway up, you will reach a small pass known as the Coll de Riclà (35 mins, 1,630m).

Continue up the trail and onto the eastern slope of the Sierra Mataplana. A wooden fence used to indicates your arrival at the Coll de Reineres (50 mins, 1,707m). From this point on, the road changes direction towards the west, passing the village of Querforadat. The climb through the trees brings us to the heights of Cadí. Looking back, enjoy expansive views towards Estana and the Cerdanya region, dominated by the Tossa Plana de Lles mountain. The road, curving slightly to the left, finally reaches Collet Roig (1 hour, 1.787m), a hill named after the red colour of the soil. From this point, there are good views of Puig Vulturó, the highest peak of Cadí to the northeast, and the Baridana trail leading up to it. Next, head towards the Bastanist Valley. Shortly up ahead, a spectacular view opens up amidst a beautiful alpine setting and the trail arrives at Prat de Cadí (1 hour 15 mins, 1,826m). This large meadow, surrounded by forest, is located close to the rocky summit of Cadí. In spring and summer, it is the perfect place to relax and let the kids play. However, in winter, when everything is covered in snow and ice, this place is a paradise for mountaineers. From here, there are several possible routes to take up Cadí. Among the most popular are Ordiguer, Cristall and Amagada. After enjoying the surroundings, return the way you came and arrive back at the starting point of the trail at Estana (2 hours 15 mins, 1,510m).

EL RIPOLLÈS. www.elripolles.com GRAND VALIRA. www.grandvalira.com

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

more info. Rocafort 204. Mon-Sat 1.30pm-4pm and 7.30pm-11pm. Thurs 7pm-11pm only. Closed Sunday. Menú del día €11.50 Average price per person dinner €20 ✪✪✪✪

Seoul-SatiSfying Korean cuiSine. TEXT AND PHOTOS BY SAM ZUCKER.

SOBAN DE JO LEE

hen I lived just outside of New York City, I took the sensual delights of Manhattan’s West 32nd Street (a colourful city block better known as Korea Way) for granted. I love the flavours of Korean food, and they are a scarce commodity in Barcelona. Like in Catalunya, the culture of South Korea places food and family at the top of life’s priorities, so it was with great excitement that I discovered Soban de Jo Lee, a little slice of Seoul in the depths of the Eixample Esquerra. Soban de Jo Lee is deceiving, as the view from the street makes the restaurant appear practically deserted at all hours. But, make your way upstairs and you’re likely to find every seat of the second floor dining room filled on any given night of the week. When confronted with a menu full of intriguing dishes, putting some of the decision-making power in the hands of your server is a blessing. Case in point—my favourite thing about eating in any traditional Korean restaurant is the banchan, which literally translates as ‘side dishes’, an assortment of mostly vegetarian, mostly cold or room-temperature starters that are included in the meal. You never know what the treasure trove of banchan will hold, but expect multiple kinds of pungent kimchi (the traditional cabbage variety as well as cucumber and daikon radish versions), crunchy mung bean sprouts, fried tofu strips scattered with sesame seeds, golden battered courgette slices, velvety roasted sweet potatoes, and always some sort of saline seaweed salad, to name a few. I often neglect to take into account how filling these little plates can be and always get up from the table at Soban de Jo Lee utterly content, but feeling as if I’m likely to explode on the metro ride home. On my latest visit, just moments after ordering the friendly waiter ferried a massive tray of 16 banchan to our table of seven people (eight unique dishes presented on 16 little ceramic plates, all of which, along with every plate, cup, bowl, and platter in the restaurant, are handmade by the chef-owner himself in his downstairs pottery studio). We raised our little shot glasses of soju in a toast and settled in for what was shaping up to be quite a feast. Soju is a distilled beverage made from fermented rice and is the most popular alcoholic drink in South Korea. A little pricey at €14 per bottle (and at 360ml, we needed two), drinking wine or

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✪ NOT WORTH THE TRIP

✪✪ COULD IMPROVE

beer may have been cheaper, but way less fun. An obvious advantage of dining in groups is that the meal gets cheaper, plus you’re able to order a variety of dishes to share (a blessing at a place like Soban de Jo Lee where the portions are quite large and even three dishes for one couple would be overkill). Dish after dish arrived trailing an aromatic breeze, and as we happily passed them around the table, my plate was quickly overflowing. We began with the obligatory Dolsot Bibimbap, a red-hot iron bowl fresh out of the oven, filled with white rice and topped with a variety of vegetables, minced beef, chilli sauce, and a raw egg that is cooked by the bowl’s residual heat as the entire contents are vigorously mixed with a fork and spoon. This dish is synonymous worldwide with Korean cuisine and, just like the socarrat of a Valencian paella, the crispy rice scraped from the bottom of metal bowl is a much sought-after final morsel. Next, we made short work of a platter of vegetable kimbap, a Korean staple that resembles Japanese norimaki sushi rolls. As I polished off my allotment of seaweed-wrapped rounds and helped myself to a second slice of crispy hemul jon (or haemul pajeon, a popular savoury Korean pancake made with squid, various shellfish, egg, and green onion), my favourite dish of the night arrived: the Osam Bulgogi. Osam Bulgogi could be called a spicy Korean ‘surf and turf ’, combining beautifullyshaved bits of luscious marinated pork belly with tender baby squid, all bathed in salty-sweet Korean chilli paste. I would probably eat anything slathered in this much of the ubiquitous bulgogi Korean barbecue sauce, but I couldn’t get enough of this addictive dish. Several more heaping platters of Korean classics followed (make sure you order the japche) and I held my own to the very end, chopsticks and shot glass in hand. As I hunted for stray bites that had maybe escaped my companions, I caught the chef peering out from the kitchen, searching for happy faces and clean plates; we didn’t let him down. Upon seeing the empty bottles of soju on our table, the chef graciously offered us his special ginseng-infused version, kept on display on the highest shelf above the server’s station. If you think normal soju itself is strong, then maybe this ramped-up version is not for you. However, being a fan of the odd bitter dram, the ginseng soju was easy to stomach, as was the bill at just €16 per person.

✪✪✪ GOOD

✪✪✪✪ VERY GOOD

✪✪✪✪✪ NOT TO BE MISSED

12/23/15 1:31 PM

Recipe

TRINXAT A typical winter dish from the Catalan Pyrenees, trinxat is a hearty mixture of cabbage and boiled potatoes, served with bacon. The secret of a good trinxat is sourcing good quality seasonal products, particularly the cabbage, which has been touched lightly by frost. Difficulty level: Easy Preparation time: 50 minutes INGREDIENTS 1 head of cabbage 1kg potatoes 6 garlic cloves (finely sliced) 4 bacon slices Oil, salt and pepper METHOD 1. Clean and chop the cabbage leaves, and boil for 10 minutes. 2. Meanwhile, peel and dice the potatoes. Add to the cabbage leaves with a pinch of salt, and boil all together for 20 minutes. 3. Cut the bacon into strips. Heat a little oil in a large pan. Fry the bacon and set aside. 4. In the same pan, fry the finely sliced garlic. 5. Drain the potatoes and cabbage and mash together. 6. Add the cabbage and potatoes mixture to the pan with the garlic. 7. Continue to cook over a low heat for about five minutes, and season to taste. 8. Garnish with bacon and serve. CHEF’S TIPS • For vegetarians, leave out the bacon. • You could also add leeks for extra taste. • The dish can be served with black pudding, herring or fried cubes of ham.

Visit www.ambdosfogons.com for more traditional Catalan recipes. Toni Rocamora is the head chef of a big family and lover of all gastronomy-related sports, such as snail hunting, mushroom hunting and market shopping. Toni was born in Oliana, a small town in the foothills of the Pyrenees, and inherited his passion for cooking from his mother, famous for her traditional family recipes.

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QUICK BITES

MORE INFO.

EL CASAL

Plaça Victor Balaguer 5. Mon-Fri 7am-5pm (Kitchen from 8am-4pm) Closed Sat and Sun Menu del dia €10.90 www.elcasalcafe.com

A FRENCH FIND TUCKED AWAY IN THE BORN. TEXT AND PHOTOS BY SAM ZUCKER.

ust steps away from the bustle of Plaça de Santa Maria and the Santa Maria del Mar Basilica, a pleasant calm prevails at El Casal. Thankfully, I’ve just missed the lunch rush, and chef-owner Simon Soimier and his brother Julien are working at a relaxed pace to the sound of French radio and the quiet murmur of a handful of diners enjoying their menú del día. Simon and Julian hail from Normandy, France, and in 2011, they took over a pre-existing restaurant here (also called El Casal, or ‘the house’). They put in a five-day working week serving breakfast and lunch from their petite, open kitchen, in a locale tucked away in the virtually unknown Plaça de Victor Balaguer, at the heart of the Born. Simon studied culinary arts in Normandy before travelling around Brazil and through much of Latin America. He arrived in Barcelona 10 years ago and gained more cooking experience here, including a stint with a Thai chef who clearly influenced his cooking style (try Simon’s grilled sea bass with coconut milk and broccoli for a tasty example). The cuisine at El Casal isn’t technically ‘fusion’, but the menu reflects Simon’s eclectic style and spontaneity; he cooks what he feels like cooking and what he senses the regulars will enjoy, be it an exotic Vietnamese larb salad of minced chicken, a warming cauliflower soup with sobrasada and goats’ cheese, braised pork shank with apple cider sauce and brussels sprouts (a homage to Northern France), or a Spanish classic like stewed pork with chickpeas and potatoes. For

Tastings

€10.90, you get three courses, plus drinks, and the menu changes daily (El Casal’s Facebook page is diligently updated each morning). Their terrace consists of a few aluminum tables that are put out all year round, though the outdoor space reaches its height of popularity in November on the day of the Beaujolais Nouveau festival, a lush French tradition that both brothers celebrate robustly by opening their doors at night to the merry crowd (a very rare occasion). El Casal offers simple breakfast fare (coffee, croissant, pastry, and the like). The cooking ramps up for lunch with a fixed-price menu as well as a variety of tapas and sandwiches. The full menu provides generous proportions and typically includes dishes that coincide with the seasons. Delectable homemade desserts range from coconut vanilla panna cotta with blackberry jam to yuzu cheesecake, or you can just go for a coffee instead. The decor of El Casal is charming, with little touches of Simon and Julian’s native land throughout that give an authentic vintage French feel. Very much a neighbourhood haunt, El Casal is perfect for a delicious midday rendezvous.

Miquel Hudin is a sommelier originally from California but now based in Barcelona. He founded the Vinologue series of wine books (www.vinologue.com).

LA CUESTA DE ENERO In January, post-holiday blues set in and it’s time to dig ourselves out of the debt left behind by December. I find that wine is an excellent companion for these endeavours and given the state of most budgets this month, I would like to recommend two bottles that dish up a great quality-cost ratio. Thankfully, living in Southern Europe, there are some great wines to be found for under €10. I have to add that while these aren’t sold by the litre, the tough times of January also excuse hitting the granel at your neighbourhood shop with wild abandon. MAS RODÓ - MONTONEGA 2014 Montonega is a local name in Penedès for the Parellada grape, which is one of the three typical varieties used to make cava. Not often

found on its own, this take on a varietal wine by Mas Rodó is surprisingly versatile and expressive. Fresh and lively with white blossom aromatics, it finishes long, and while not carrying a good deal of structure, maintains great elegance overall. €8.50 CELLER DE MASROIG - VI NOVELL 2015 For those who don’t know the ‘new’ wines of Catalunya, it’s about time you had a taste. This Grenache, Carignan, and Syrah blend from D.O. Montsant has vibrant red cherry and strawberry notes in the nose with a medium body and a short, fresh finish. Nothing overly complicated, just direct fruit that maintains good acidity overall. To be consumed with any number of meals and done so before summer, lest the youthful glimmer of the wine fades. €5

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Bar D9 BAR 4 POBLENOU Whether you are an Erasmus student, a football fanatic or a music lover, D9 Bar has at least one night a week for you. Fully equipped with a terrace, D9 offers a wide range of tapas, beers, cocktails and shots for every night of the week. American Day on Wednesdays, Erasmus Parties on Thursdays, and music themed parties on Friday and Saturday. There is always something for everyone.

NEFW &D

FOOD DRINK

DISCOUNT FOR METROPOLITAN READERS

under 20 | 20-30 | 30-40 | over 40 Pallars 122, 08016 Tel. 93 309 9202 I www.denou.bar Open Sun-Thurs 6pm-2.30am Fri-Sat 6pm-3am

 food&drink visit our online directory www.barcelona-metropolitan.com/eating-and-drinking Mexican MALPASO4EIXAMPLE

FONDA ESPAÑA4 BARRI GÒTIC Located in the emblematic Hotel España, the Modernist dining room that was originally designed and decorated by Domènech i Montaner, houses Fonda España. Rich in patrimonial interest, the historic elements in this beautiful room inspire and enhance the new elements. Here, Gastronomic Director Martín Berasategui’s aim is to offer his well known culinary concept to diners looking for simple, balanced and delicious dishes that is a tribute to the renowned chef’s origins.

This recently opened restaurant offers traditional Mexican cuisine. For starters, don’t miss the excellent house nachos, served with cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole and sour cream, or ‘Vuelve la Vida’, a seafood ceviche with avocado, tomato and lime. Star main dishes include the Arrachera, a grilled US prime hanger steak served with baked vegetables, and the Atún Moctezuma, pan-seared tuna battered in Mexican spices, served with pico de gallo, avocado and mint sauce. Mexican brunch is available at the weekend.

Sant Pau 9-11 I Metro Liceu Tel. 93 550 0000 Mon-Sat, from 1pm-4pm and 8pm-11pm Sun, from 1pm-4pm, Closed Sun evening.

Girona 59, 08009 Tel. 93 461 3060 Mon-Thur 8am-12am Fri-Sat 8am-3pm, Sun 9.30am-12am

Ice Cream BLACKLAB BREWERY4 BARCELONETA

MANNA GELATS 4 BARRI GÒTIC

The newly opened BlackLab Brewery offers customers a new experience in Barcelona––a place where you can come with friends and family, and enjoy a unique pint of craft beer, made just two metres from where you’re sitting. BlackLab’s food is a culinary journey from China all the way to New York. You’ll find dumplings and bahn mi, mussels fresh from the fish market, ramen, cheesecake, portobello mushrooms, and more.

Homemade ice creams, waffles and crêpes in the heart of the Barrio Gótico. Their ice creams are inspired by family recipes, using the best products. The fresh fruit sorbets are made with market-bought products, boasting exotic varieties. Their passion is to please their customers with personalized attention.

Palau de Mar, Plaça Pau Vila 1, 08039 Tel. 93 22 18 360 hola@blacklab.es www.blacklab.es

Ban ys Nous 22 | Metro Liceu Tel. 93 342 7312

Indian / Tandoori

Bagel BE MY BAGEL 4GRÀCIA

SURYA 4EIXAMPLE

Do you dream of great bagels? Then Be My Bagel is the right place for you. They sell authentic bagels from Barcelona, just how you like them. They have an extensive range of bagels and cakes, from the more classic choices such as poppy and multigrain to delicious and innovative chocolate, almond and coconut bagels—you won’t come away disappointed.

Surya Barcelona is an Indian restaurant that invites you to travel all the way to the streets of Mumbai, rich with colour, smell and exotic flavors. They offer a cosy and relaxed place where you feel at home, where you can drink, read a magazine, connect to the Internet, work and try out some of their delicious dishes.

Planeta 37 (Pl. del Sol) I Metro Fontana and Gràcia I Tel. 93 518 7151 I bemybagel@gmail.com Open Mon-Fri 9.30am-2pm and 5pm-8.30pm, Sat 10am-2.30pm, 6pm-10pm, Sun 10.30am-2pm

After dinner you can relax with cocktails and enjoy their in-house DJs from “The House Party” collective with “Deep Fridays” and Saturday night Funky new disco. Pau Claris 92 | Consell de Cent 236, 08011 Tel. 93 667 8760 www.suryabarcelona.com

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Bistronomia

Mediterranean MALGAM 4 EIXAMPLE

FULLA D’OSTRA 4 EIXAMPLE

Malgam is located in one of the busiest areas of Barcelona, and offers a varied selection of food, from signature tapas, to traditional, Mediterranean-inspired dishes, all made using seasonal produce. The contemporary-style restaurant is divided into three different spaces, adapting to the different needs that result from its long business hours, covering early breakfasts, lunch, a la carte dinners, and a cocktail bar with a DJ on weekends.

Bistronomia Fulla d’Ostra is a restaurant neighbouring the Mercat Galvany. Our Chilean chef, Marcelo Gonzalez, prepares delicious gourmet dishes made with fresh products. The exclusive decorator, Lazaro Rosa Violan, has transformed this small bistro into a charming place, and with the capacity for just eighteen guests, it is both intimate and romantic.

Amigó 39, 08021 Tel. 93 200 8393 hola@fulladotra.com www.fulladostra.com

Aribau 113, 08036 Tel. 93 452 3673 Every day 8am-3pm

GOVINDA (VEGETARIAN)4BARRI GÒTIC

TAP DE SURO 4 EIXAMPLE

Founded 25 years ago, Govinda continues to thrive on a blend of experience and fresh innovation in vegetarian Indian cuisine. The international menu features talis, a salad bar, natural juices, lassis, pizzas and crêpes. Govinda offers a vegan-friendly, nonalcoholic and authentically-decorated environment with lunch and weekend menus.

Tap de Suro is an intimate place dedicated entirely to the world of wine. Here you can experience delicious Mediterranean meals accompanied with their authentic wine collection. They offer a diverse menu of Catalan wines and cavas, ranging from local Spanish grapes to the best international wines. They also provide a sales service in which they can advise you in finding the perfect flavour for every occasion.

Plaça Vila de Madrid 4-5 | Metro Catalunya | Tel. 93 318 7729 www.govinda.es | Tue-Sat 1pm-4pm, 8pm-11am, Sun-Mon 1pm-4pm

AMALTEA4EIXAMPLE

A warm and welcoming environment allows you to fully enjoy a tasty and healthier alternative to your everyday meal. Dishes include cereals, pulses and vegetables with home-made puddings. The cuisine is creatively international with care taken to ensure that each meal is well-balanced and made with the freshest ingredients. Menu of the day 10.70, night and weekend menu 15.50.

Mallorca 202, 08008 Tel. 93 461 4853 info@tapdesuro.com

Diputació 164 | Metro Urgell | Tel. 93 454 8613 | www.restauranteamaltea.com Mon-Sat 1pm-4pm, 8pm-11pm, Closed Sun

Bar JAMÓN EXPERIENCE 4 BARRI GÒTIC Come and discover everything you’ve ever wanted to know about jamón ibérico. Enjoy an engaging interactive experience with an audiovisual tour in 8 languages that culminates with a tasting of 6 different kinds of jamones (reserve, ibérico, Guijuelo, Extremadura, Valle de los Pedroches and Huelva) hand cut by a master slicer and paired with a glass of cava, wine or beer. A unique experience you’ll treasure forever! Opens every day from 11.30am to 8pm. Rambla de les Flors 88-94 (in front of Mercat Boquería) Tel. 93 002 8474 www.jamonexperience.com

LOIDI RESTAURANT4 EIXAMPLE

KAIZEN AFTERWORK4POBLE NOU Do you work close to 22@ and feel like relaxing after work? Come to Kaizen Afterwork and enjoy premium cocktails and tasty snacks. Great vibe and great music. Bring this ad and get 15% off a gin and tonic. Castella 1 Tel. 93 676 0761 / 636 092 221 facebook.com/kaizenafterwork | info@kaizenafterwork.com

Vegetarian/Vegan ZAATAR (VEGETARIAN)4EIXAMPLE Experience delicious, creative vegan and vegetarian dining with the finest, fresh organic ingredients. Zaatar innovates with locally sourced fusion cuisine. The imaginative and healthy menu is complemented by freshly squeezed juices. They are truly passionate about food while maintaining focus on sustainability and conscious living. Lunch menu under €10. Paris 200 | Metro Diagonal | Tel. 654 926 601 | Mon-Sat 12pm-12am

Loidi is a contemporary bistro, in which Martin Berasategui makes his cuisine accessible to everybody. Cuisine prepared with the finest seasonal ingredients and presented with imagination that recalls and pays homage to the celebrated Basque chef’s traditional roots and origins. The menu features various dining options with dishes that change on a weekly basis. The restaurant is a very contemporary, warm and comfortable space frequented by a local and professional clientele. Head chef: Jordi Asensio. Maitre d’: Oscar Fernández.

HAPPY DAY VEGETARIANO 4EIXAMPLE Located in the centre of town, this vegetarian-vegan restaurant, Happy Day Vegetariano, offers a variety of fresh salads, soups and dishes. And there is a large assortment of fresh home-baked cakes to choose from, including carrot, pear and orange, and carob. These vegetarian and vegan cakes are produced using brown sugar and organic wholemeal flour. At Happy Day Vegetariano, they believe that if you take care of your health and eat the right food, your wellbeing and mood will improve. Come to the Happy Day and make the animals, yourself and the world happier!

Mallorca 248-250, 08008 Tel. 93 492 9292 Mon-Sat 1pm-3.30pm, 8pm-11pm, Sun 1pm-3.30pm, Closed Sun evening.

Pau Claris 143 (Between Valencia and Aragon) Tel. 93 171 7081 www.happydayvegetariano.com/en

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HEALTH &BEAUTY

Mary D. McCarthy - DOCTOR

Doctor for Adults

DISCOUNT FOR METROPOLITAN READERS

Feel confident with Dr. Mary McCarthy, an American-trained doctor for adults. A native English speaker with over 20 years’ experience in Barcelona, Dr. McCarthy offers professional, private health care. She is a member of the American College of Physicians and is also certified as a Specialist by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Also a member of IAMAT.

To advertise in this section call: 93 451 4486 or email: ads@barcelona-metropolitan.com See our online directory at

www.barcelona-metropolitan.com Doctors Barcelona - DOCTOR Is the top medical group in Barcelona. They are committed to provide a first-rate level of care and attention. They are experienced, trained and equipped to diagnose and treat most acute or chronic medical problems and injuries. Available 24 hours including weekends and holidays. A 30 minutes arrival time to your destination is guaranteed. Their convenient visit fee is refundable by most insurance companies. All Specialists and best Hospitals available.

M. 689 327 144 info@doctorsbarcelona.com www.doctorsbarcelona.com

Mary D. McCarthy, M.D. Fellow American College of Physicians

Aribau 215 Pral. 1a T. 93 200 2924 M. 607 220 040 Metro Diagonal or FGC Gràcia

Dr Bassas - DErMATology The Javier Bassas Dermatology Centre is a well-renowned dermatology and surgical centre equipped with the latest technologies. The medical team, led by Dr. Javier Bassas Bresca, consists of Surgical Dermatology and Venereology specialists with vast clinical and surgical experience.Their goal is to provide specialised, rigorous, efficient and accessible care in Surgical Dermatology and Venereology, with the highest quality and ethical standards. Diagnosing and treating skin diseases is their priority, as well as offering the latest advances in dermoaesthetics. Consulta Balmes 24 1º1 T. 93 412 6602. Teknon, Marquesa de Vilallonga nº 12. Consulta nº 34 1ª 08017 T. 93 290 6434

Dr Rajaram Govindarajan M.D. - DOCTOR Dr govindarajan believes that if you are not happy, you cannot be healthy. He offers the Ayurveda Diet and Mind-Body Integrative Therapy to help with a vast range of health problems including: psychosomatic diseases (cardiovascular, migraine), digestive problems (acid reflux, ulcers, bloating), obesity and addictions (smoking, alcohol), complimentary therapies to strengthen the immune system for cancer patients as well as coaching and meditation for happy living and personal growth. Private insurance accepted. Pelayo 12, Principal M M. 666 763 348 50773rjk@comb.cat www.menteycuerpo.org

ServiDigest - HEALTH ServiDigest has more than 40 years experience working for your health and are pioneers in colorectal cancer prevention. Nowadays, colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers and the prevention is the best treatment. The cure for colorectal cancer depends on preventative measures and its early diagnosis. Detecting symptoms at earlier stages is the key to a good outcome. However, if it is discovered at an advanced stage, it has a five-year survival rate. They have two important digestive screening programmes: the Colorectal Prevention Programme and the Digestive Cancer Prevention Programme. ServiDigest. Thinking of people. Fostering prevention. Medical and Surgical Center ServiDigest

Balmes 334, 08006 T. 93 415 3464/93 545 0990 uad@servidigest.com www.servidigest.com

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Dr. J. E Batista - UROLOGIST Dr. Jose E Batista is a specialist in Urology who trained in the UK and the USA. Together with his team (Uroclinica Barcelona) he covers all the fields of Urology, with special interest in prostatic diseases, laser surgery, bed wetting (enuresis) and urinary incontinence. The team has worked at Centro Médico Teknon since 1996 and also includes specialists in pediatric urology and English speaking physiotherapists for pelvic floor disorders. Vilana 12, Office 24, Consult. Marquesa, C M Teknon T. 93 390 6940 Valencia 247, Barcelona Central Office. T. 93 390 671 info.urologia@gmail.com www.teknon.es/web/batista

12/21/15 3:21 PM

Oliver Dawson

Jonathan Lane Hooker -

- CHIROPRACTOR

PSyCHoTHErAPIST

Born Chiropractic is committed to helping those we serve gain greater levels of spinal function and therefore overall health. oliver Dawson is a English Chiroprcator who focuses on holsitic patient specific Chiropractic care. we know patients who understand the pro-active paradigm of health get better results. To faciliate this understanding we hold regular health activation workshops which patients and non-patients are welcome to attend. Please call or email to find outmore.

Jonathan Hooker can help if you’re looking for support, guidance or help with any aspect of your life. An English-speaking psychotherapist, counsellor, coach and guide, he is dedicated to helping people make sense of their lives. Jonathan provides one-to-one sessions or workshops for groups of four to 12 people. Metropolitan readers are invited to a free 20-minute introductory meeting.

Sombrerers 27, Principal T. 93 268 3070 M. 622 772 623 oliver@bornquiro.com www.bornquiro.com

FREE CONSULTATION

T. 93 590 7654 M. 639 579 646 jonathan.hooker@yahoo.com www.jonathanhooker.com

Hestia - PSyCHoTHErAPy

Sanitas - MEDICAl CENTrES

Hestía International Psychotherapy Centre has become a reference in the city, due to its’ high quality multidisciplinary and multilingual profile.Their professional team works with individuals, couples and families through a variety of services and approaches to therapy and personal development. They speak English, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, german, Portuguese, greek, Polish, Swedish, russian and Catalan. The first consultation is free.

The Millennium Sanitas Medical Centres are designed to meet your medical needs and those of your family, with experts in a range of specialties.

D’Iradier 3, 08017 T. 93 255 4600 atclientemir@sanitas.es

Pharmacy Serra Mandri - CHEMIST The pharmacy is open 365 days a year + home delivery service.The staff can help and advise each client to ensure they get exactly what they need. They also stock a great range of products, including homeopathy, natural medicine, aromatherapy and organic cosmetics.

Diagonal 343, 2º 3ª Metro: Verdaguer (L5) T. 93 459 2802 info@hestia.es www.hestia.es

NEST - NETworK oF ENglISH SPEAKINg THErAPISTS

NETWORK OF ENGLISH SPEAKING THERAPISTS

The Barcelona Network of English Speaking Therapists (NEST) is a multidisciplinary group of qualified and practising psychologists, psychiatrists and psychotherapists who live and work in and around Barcelona. NEST members work in the English language and have their roots in training bodies and professional associations based elsewhere. A number of NEST members also work in Catalan, Spanish, Bulgarian, Dutch, german, Italian and greek. For detailed information, please visit their website. www.barcelonaNEST.com

English Doctor Dr. Steven Joseph - Doctor General Practice Mental Health MB, MRCGP, MRCPsych.

Dr. Steven Joseph - DOCTOR Established in 2005, googol Medical Centre offers its patients comprehensive healthcare in a friendly, discreet and relaxed environment. UK doctor Steven Joseph provides a wide range of medical care with access to all medical specialties and tests. Gran Via Carles III nº-37-39 Metro Les Corts Mon-Sat M. 662 291 191 www.englishdoctorbarcelona.com

IAN GIBBS - LIfE COACH

FREE CONSULTATION

If you’re feeling a bit dissatisfied with your life, then maybe you should try talking to a life coach. Ian can help you regain control, balance and confidence to get you back on track to success and happiness. you’ve nothing to lose except your current dissatisfaction. Call now to arrange a free 1 hour consultation M. 605 801 802 ian.coaching@gmail.com www.iangibbs.es

Wapa’m - HAIRDRESSER

Living Mindfully - MINDFUlNESS CoUrSES

wapa’m is a salon that offers hairdressing and spa services, using Aveda products with organic ingredients. It is different and unique, designed to create a complete health and well-being experience: look good, feel good. A team of stylists, colour specialists and beauty therapists make your visit unforgettable, connecting personality with style as well as a comprehensive and unique wellness concept.

Do you want to improve your mood, have better relationships, focus, decrease stress and anxiety and find long term peace of mind? learn Mindfulness in central Barcelona. Taught by an English psychotherapist and Mindfulness teacher in the MBSr format.

Girona 152 Metro: L5 L4 T. 93 459 2559 www.wapam.es

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Av. Diagonal 478, T. 93 416 1270 www.farmaciaserra.com Open 9am-10pm

info@livingmindfully.es www.livingmindfully.es

20% DISCOUNT

Pilates Las Ramblas - PILATES Doina, a UK trained and qualified Physiotherapist offers both physiotherapy sessions treating musculoskeletal ailments and classes in Therapeutic and wellness Pilates to maintain strength and flexibility for wellbeing and injury prevention.Doina has recently added Nordic walking to her repertoire. Adding a cardiovascular element; Nordic walking takes Pilates outside! M. 610 712 947 doina@pilateslasramblas.com www.pilateslasramblas.com

12/21/15 3:21 PM

Dra. Susana Campi - DENTIST

Sanz Pancko Dental Clinic DENTIST Sanz Pancko Dental Clinic in Barcelona and Terrassa provides excellent oral care in an Englishspeaking environment. Dr Nancy Pancko, an American dentist trained at Columbia University in New york, is an American Board-certified orthodontist. Dr Javier Sanz is an American Boardcertified periodontist and implantologist who lectures on periodontal technological advancements and leads research projects at the university. Together, they provide comprehensive and affordable dental care

New premises, new services and new state of the art equipment! For all your dental needs, a team consisting of their first-class professionals can offer you excellent treatment. They have more than 35 years of experience and are pleased to offer you their services in English, german, French, Italian, Spanish and Catalan.

NEW ADDRESS Josep Tarradellas 97 local, 08029 Metro: L-5 Salida Rocafort/Rosselló Bus: 15,27,32,43,54,59,66,78 T. 93 321 4005 susanacampi1980@gmail.com www.clinicadentalcampi.com

Platinum Provider

Rogent 40, local 2, 08026 T. 93 246 9043 Metro: Clot (L1, L2) www.clinicadentalsyp.com Open Mon-Fri 9am-8.30pm

Orthoestetic - DENTIST

Dr. Boj - DENTIST

The Orthoestetic Clinic is located in the heart of Barcelona near the Sagrada Familia. They have modern clinical facilities and equipment, which together with their dentists experience allows them to offer an integral quality dentistry, designed to seek the satisfaction of the patients. Dr. Holguin is a specialist in orthopedics and orthodontics for children and adults, and dental aesthetics. She is certified by the Invisalign system.

Dr. Boj and his team offer specialised, comprehensive pediatric dental and orthodontic treatment for children and teens. laser dentistry and invisible orthodontics are available. Dr. Boj also lectures about all treatments related to these age groups. He studied at the School of Medicine and Dentistry of the University of rochester, Ny, USA. fast and friendly service in an Englishspeaking, international environment.

Diagonal 341, loc 1. 08037 T. 93 512 4749 M. 638 545 555 Metro: Verdaguer (L4 ,L5) www.orthoestetic.es www.ortoesteticbcn.es info@orthoestetic.es

Prats de Mollo 10, bajos B 08021 T. 93 209 3994 www.drboj.org

Clínica Ed·dent - DENTIST

Dr. Alistair Gallagher DENTIST

This husband and wife dentist team from the Gothic Quarter have an important announcement to make to all English-speaking residents with toothaches. laws in Spain are different for dentists, meaning you need to be careful when choosing a practice. Visit their Facebook page and read their advice; “3 Things you Have To Know Before going to The Dentist in Spain”. Alternatively, visit them at their centrally-located clinic where they can offer you help with whatever dental problems you have.

Dental Clinic Gótico

FREE REJUVENATING ROSEHIP MASK

Diagonal 281 Metro: Sagrada Família (L5) Monumental (L2) T. 93 265 8070 M. 607 332 335 info@thebritishdentalclinic.com www.thebritishdentalclinic.com

Ample 22, Metro: Barceloneta, Drassanes T. 93 007 5616 M. 651 155 320 Facebook.com/eddentclinicadental

Heaven - MASSAgE

The Vital Touch - MASSAgE what is Japanese Facelifting Massage? Japanese facelifting Massage uses a sequence of massage techniques which act as a natural face lift with no need for surgery, helping make you look and feel younger. This combination of techniques helps improve the complexion, remove toxins from the face, prevent & remove facial wrinkles, reduce & release any muscle tension in the face and jaw. Face lift Massage is to help prolong natural, true health & beauty, and to prevent disease. Makes you feel fantastic. Special discounted packs! M. 659 995 657 nunu@thevitaltouch.es www.tvtbarcelona.com

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The British Dental Clinic has a patientfriendly philosophy that combines aesthetics, youthful appearances, and a commitment to total oral health. Conveniently located in Barcelona, they offer orthodontics including fast Braces and Inman Aligner, implants, cosmetic dentistry, whitening and general family dentistry. Their talented, conscientious and friendly staff will help ensure that you comfortably receive the healthy and beautiful smile that you deserve.

• ready to feel fantastic for spring? • Time to say ‘Adiós’ to muscular tension and stress? • Interested in organic, 100% fresh, products based on Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and European herbal ‘pharmacy’? Let American-trained massage therapist Carrie lewis draw on 15 years of experience and training to soothe you with deep therapeutic massage in conveniently located studios or in your home!

FREE REFLEXOLOGY TREATMENT WITH ORGANIC PRODUCTS

M. 639 533 523 carrielewisbcn@gmail.com facebook.com/heavenbarcelona www.HeavenlyEco-Boutique.com

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BUSINESS SERVICES

GOBAI Group - PROPERTY SOLUTIONS GOBAI Group is a property project management firm specialising in technical projects and the legalisation of activities and facilities in and around Barcelona. They are experts in sourcing commercial premises and coordinating renovation work and licensing with the local authorities. They provide clients with local knowledge and expertise. M. 615 345 627 info@gobaigroup.com www.gobaigroup.com

INTEGRA ADVISERS ACCOUNTANTS AND LAWYERS BARCELONA Legal and business consulting firm that promotes entrepreneurial activity. Services include; Accounting, tax, financial advice, immigration, national insurance registration, payroll, legal and real estate advice.

DISCOUNT FOR METROPOLITAN READERS

To advertise in this section call: 93 451 4486 or email: ads@barcelona-metropolitan.com See our online directory at

www.barcelona-metropolitan.com Sánchez Molina LEGAL PRACTICE The lawyers at Sánchez Molina speak English, Spanish, Italian and French. They can help with your business licensing services, legal defence and representation, registration under any form of ownership, accounting services and work and residency permits.

Fuente Fradera - LAWYERS Based in Barcelona, Fuente Fradera Lawyers is a rapidly growing law firm which covers areas of law including: real estate, commercial law and labour law. Their services are available for businesses, entrepreneurs and private consultations. As legal advisers, they offer a highly efficient, quality service which generates valuable customer confidence in their work. They speak English, French, German and Russian.

Gran Via Carles III, 84, 5 Metro: Maria Cristina (L3) T. 93 490 9669 javiergarcia@sanchezmolina.com www.sanchezmolina.com

Gran Vía Corts Catalanes T. 93 317 5219 joseramon@fuentefradera.com www.fuentefradera.com

Spain Accounting-

BCN Seguros - INSURANCE

TAX & BUSINESS SERVICES Qualified UK accountant with 30 years experience in Spain offers: • tax services for freelance “autónomos” and small SLs • income tax returns for employees and non-residents • practical advice on setting up a business in Spain • registration of “autónomos” and company incorporation (SL) • personalised advice on your tax obligations in Spain • fast, reliable email service

Local Barcelona Insurance Agency providing complete personal and business insurance services. (home, car, health, commercial, public liability, life, motor, yacht, travel, etc.) We offer a 30% cost-saving guarantee by keeping insurance coverage identical! Advice given in Spanish, English and German.

Contact David Cook on M.678 702 369 info@spainaccounting.com www.spainaccounting.com

M. 636 465 010 rainerhobrack@gmail.com www.bcnseguros.es

ZEST Architecture -

Mac in Barcelona -

ENGLISH SPEAKING ARCHITECTS ZEST is a team of English, Dutch and Catalan architects, specialized in the design and building of high quality homes and offices. Their elegant, innovative house designs are widely published. ZEST takes care of everything from start to finish: - House plans and specifications, - Building licenses - Overseeing building work and budget - Turnkey projects possible Call now for a FREE consultation T. 93 218 6622 www.zestarchitecture.com

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FREE CONSULTATION

Aribau 207, Ppal A1, 08021 T. 93 414 6242 M. 615 405 045 info@integra-advisers.com www.integra-advisers.com

COMPUTERS Stéphane Clément is an Apple technician and consultant with over fifteen years of experience. Anna Piqué, a native from Barcelona, assists Stéphane with her business and communication background. Their focus is on providing good service and installations with clear communicative skills and personal advice. The aim is to solve your computer troubles and teach you how to improve your daily use of your Mac and its various accessories, giving you an opportunity for a more pleasant and safer computer experience. MOB / Bailen 11, Bajos, 08010 M. 608 994 599 info@macinbarcelona.com www.macinbarcelona.com

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FREN

Geo Mac - COMPUTERS

Mrs.Q design studio GRAPHIC DESIGN

GRAPHIC DESIGN STUDIO

M. 699 260 938 mrsqdesignstudio@gmail.com Instagram #mrsqdesignstudio

M. 606 308 932 machelp@geomac.es www.geomacbcn.com

Fábrica de Flyers - BUSINESS

Barcelona Women’s Network - BUSINESS

Fábrica de Flyers brings the successful concept of high class printing and design to Barcelona at competitive prices and provides a quality service to match. Eight years of experience on the German market made them one of the leading printing agencies, with clients all over Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Fábrica de Flyers is not an advertisment agency, but the best partner to create your publicity!

Pujades 74-80, 3º 7ª, 08005 T. 93 485 6422 info@fabricadeﬂyers.com www.fabricadeﬂyers.com

La Luna Shipping LOGISTICS We offer a complete service to efficiently manage any kind of transport. Anywhere in the world, from a overnight courier service, to an airfreight or seafreight shipment to the other side of the world. We are specialist managing personal effects shipments, small “boxed” removals from Barcelona to Europe, UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand. Don’t look further, LA LUNA shipping is your one stop shop for your transport and logistics needs in Barcelona. T. 93 220 1715 info@laluna.coop www.laluna.coop facebook.com/ somos.lalunashipping

Garment Printing - BUSINESS Garment Printing is a printing company based in Barcelona and the UK. They offer printed clothing with personalised logos for fashion brands, staff uniforms and promotional clothing. Printed promotional products, such as flyers, business cards, printed pens, and banners are also available—anything you could want customised with a logo! Whether you’re a business or an individual, we can help you fulfil your branding and printing needs. Contact them today.

Comte d’Urgell 28 T. 93 393 8194 www.garmentprinting.es

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George Cowdery is a freelance Mac technician who has been providing valuable support to the Mac community in Barcelona for over 15 years. Among the services he offers, George can help clients with maintenance and upgrades, hard drive replacement and ADSL setup. He can also provide consulting and tutorials according to his clients’ needs.

Mrs.Q Design Studio offers a range of specialised services.Contact Mrs.Q for their competitive business packages which includes branding, stationery design and advertising for print and web. They also design promotional material such as flyers, posters and brochures. They specialises in bespoke invitations. Visit their Etsy page to see examples for their work www.etsy.com/shop/ MrsQdesignstudio.

Supported charities 2014 - 2016

• Barcelona’s premier network for international women • Over 200 members from 30+ countries. • As a social club that supports local charities and offers a business network, activities include social gatherings, cultural outings, volunteer opportunities, and business seminars. We help women thrive and feel at home in Barcelona.

membership@bcnwomensnetwork.com

president@bcnwomensnetwork.com www.bcnwomensnetwork.com

BARCELONA OFFICE SERVICED OFFICE SPACE Barcelona Office is a street-level premises by the Gothic Cathedral. In contrast to many coworking spaces, they focus on long-term professionals and companies who need a disturbance-free space with their own desk and storage facilities, along with their own key for 24 hour, seven days a week access. The space is open-plan and fully furnished. They provide: desk, chair, under-desk cabinet, shelving, fiber optic wireless internet connection, laser printers, photocopy, scanner, shared meeting area with sofa and 40 inch television for presentations. M. 677 738 860 info@barcelonaofﬁce.com www.barcelonaofﬁce.com

FELISA COWORK - COWORKING SPACE Felisa CoWork is a welcoming, charming and professional space in the centre of Barcelona. A place to boost your productivity in creative surroundings, among like-minded people. They offer free drinks, organic fruit, energetic breakfasts and back massages. Open 24h. Visit their website for more details on the services they provide. T. 93 539 0588 M. 601 111 292 hola@felisacowork.com www.felisacowork.com

Javiertranslates - TRANSLATOR Translation services in various languages made by freelance translators according to your needs. Professionalism and confidentiality guaranteed. Don’t let the language get in the way between your company and the Spanish/Catalan market. M. 637 704 550 info@javiertranslates.com www.javiertranslates.com Open 8am-7pm

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Easi-Sat - TELEVISION SERVICE Specialists in satellite TV, HD, audiovisual and unmatched for quality and reliability throughout Catalunya for many years. Their professional team provides satellite television from across Europe, including Dutch, French, Italian and Russian, at unbeatable prices. IPTV for Uk terrestrial channels and French tv via internet. (See our website for details). BEIN sports and many more available. Follow them on Facebook-Easisat and Twitter ´@PaulDuval15´.

T. 93 845 9874 M. 649 413 832 enquiries@easisat.net www.easisat.net

Coccinelle - HOME SERVICES

BCN LIP language school is a small school located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter offering a wide variety of dynamic classes for those wishing to learn Spanish, Catalan, English, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, Italian, Japanese, Chinese and Hebrew. The courses are intensive and extensive, varying from 4 - 30 hours a week, Monday to Saturday. The teachers are qualified native speakers, with several years of experience. They also offer specialised summer programs, excursions and cultural activities for the students. They can also help you with your student visa and finding a place to live.

T. 93 125 8626 info@coccinelle.es www.coccinelle.es

Avinyó 50, 08002 T. 93 318 6591 info@bcnlip.com www.bcnlip.com

Handyman - HOME SERVICES

Corsa - DRIVING SCHOOL

Mark offers honest, transparent, efficient, English/Spanish/Swedish speaking handyman services. He can help you hang a mirror, paint a room, install reverse osmosis, hang blinds or curtains, do home repairs, assemble Ikea furniture and he can even fix up your place so you can get your “fianza” back from your landlord. Hourly rates. Real time updates.

Corsa driving school in Barcelona offers both theoretical classes and practical driving lessons in English. Their friendly and experienced instructors will give you the confidence to drive comfortably in the city and help you learn everything you need to know about Spanish road systems. They have both manual and automatic practice vehicles. Call now and ask about special Metropolitan reader offers!

M. 645 691 475 mark@handymanbarcelona.com www.handymanbarcelona.com Facebook handymanbarcelona74

Mykeli - RELOCATION AND BUSINESS ADVISORY

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BCN L.I.P. - LANGUAGE SCHOOL

Do you need a nanny, housekeeper or chauffeur? Coccinelle specialises in providing highly-skilled, experienced domestic staff in Barcelona and the surrounding areas. Due to their expertise and rigorous selection methods, they are able to provide seasoned professionals for both permanent or temporary positions to suit your needs. You can arrange everything now from the comfort of your own home! Call them today and quote Metropolitan free consultation.

Ask for the special Metropolitan reader offers

Beethoven 16, Bajos, 08021 T. 93 200 3324 www.corsa.cat/en/courses www.facebook.es/autoescuelacorsa

BCN WINDOWS HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Mykeli provide solutions for professionals and individuals by offering tailored prearrival and settling-in services. - Home search (rental and sale) - Visa and permit formalities - Bank account setup - Social security and tax registration - Insurance information - Utilities and supplies hook up - Business creation and relocation - Language and cultural integration Consultation is free.

Do you have a cold or noisy flat? High heating bills? Then BCN Windows can help! They can double glaze your traditional wooden windows and doors without changing the way they look. Their unique system offers noise reduction, energy saving comfort and is environmentally friendly. Visit their website for more information; it even shows you how to price your own windows. Call Michael on 619 908 642 and quote ‘Metropolitan’ for a free consultation.

M. 608 876 472 salah.laribi@mykeli.com www.mykeli.com

M. 619 908 642 www.bcnwindows.es

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COACHING COLUMN

JOB

DIRECTORY To advertise in this section call: 93 451 4486 or email: ads@barcelona-metropolitan.com We also have a new job section on our FREE CLASSIFIEDS

www.classifieds.barcelona-metropolitan.com

SAM SAYS...

Sam Mednick is a professional life and executive coach based in Barcelona (www. blueprintcoaching.ca). A Canadian native, she’s been living in the city for eight years working with companies as well as individuals focusing on transitions, communication, leadership training, time management and productivity as well as emotional intelligence development. For more coaching tips, tune into her Podcast: blueprintcoaching.podomatic.com

THIS MONTH: THIS NEW YEAR… COMMITTING TO COMMIT Dear Sam, Every New Year, I make the same resolution: Stop eating out and start cooking—something I love doing, yet never make time for. Usually, my resolutions have a short shelf life. Last year, I only survived three weeks before reverting back to takeout and tapas. In general, I ﬁnd it extremely hard to stick to things and was wondering if you could give me some tips on how to commit to something, and stay committed. I’d love for this year to be different from the last! Thanks for your help and Happy New Year. Aspiring ‘Homemaker’

Dear Aspiring Homemaker, This is a ‘double whammy’ you’ve embarked upon; on one hand you’ve got the not eating out in Barcelona challenge and on the other, following through on your commitments. From someone who uses her oven for storage, I applaud you for tackling the prospect of eating in more often, as you’re right, it’s something that’s particularly hard to do in this city. As for what you can do to stay committed to your resolution (and anything for that matter), before we tackle the ‘how’, I’d challenge you to first focus on the ‘why’. Why do you keep making and breaking the same resolution? If you truly love cooking, why is it so hard to make it a priority? Before being able to follow through with a commitment, it’s important to explore the nature of the commitment itself. If we don’t understand why we’re choosing to do something, it’s a lot harder to stick to and embrace it. A good question to ask yourself when deciding on a new year’s resolution, or implementing a life change is: Does this align with my values? Very few of us take a second to stop and question what’s important in our lives. It’s only once we’ve defined our core values that we can truly understand our commitments and decide if they’re in line with our beliefs. If we can do that, it becomes a lot easier to motivate ourselves to follow through with them. So once you’ve explored the ‘why’ and have decided that the commitment is worth pursuing, here are a few things you can do to help see it through: Use committed language: When speaking about something you want to do, use words that convey definition and decision: I will do this, I’ll find a way, I’ll do it. When you speak like this, you shift your mind into believing that you can and will do what you set out to do. Tell people about your commitment: It’s a lot harder and takes more time to change in a vacuum. Allow others to help you along the way by telling them about your goal. Decide what is in your committed space: We all have our own circle of things we commit to—things that never waiver, no matter what, from never missing a yoga class, to a morning walk with the dog. These are things that we’ve decided to put in our ‘committed space’. We all have this space available to us, some of us put more or less in it and the questions we need to ask ourselves in order to maximise the space are: What’s already in that circle and what needs to happen for other things to make it into that circle? Be realistic about the commitment and break it down: Many of us bite off more than we can chew, especially around the New Year when we’re inspired to make vast resolutions. Keep in mind that you’re changing a pattern; in some cases a lifetime of the same pattern and that takes time. Instead of feeling like you have to tackle the whole thing at once, break it down into bite size chunks and start implementing the commitment little by little. For example, if you want to eat out less, why not pick a day every week, where you make sure that you cook a meal at home. Start with one day, put it in your ‘committed circle’ and once that becomes routine, pick another day to join it in that space.

To share your thoughts on this column or ask Sam a question, email sam@blueprintcoaching.ca, or write to Metropolitan at editorial@barcelona-metropolitan.com 49 Jobs JAN 2015.indd 55

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INTERVIEW

Emma Kareliussen 38, HAIRDRESSER, SWEDEN

but you just have to take a leap of faith. Working with my colleague Cecily has been great, because she has a lot of business experience. Knowing the system really helps. Getting the chance to work alongside Ray-Ban at Primavera Sound was amazing. We were instructed to do extreme, radical things, although we didn’t think anybody was going to do it. Basically, customers had to sign a release form giving up the rights to decide about their hairstyle. So we could do whatever we wanted. I think we had about 70 customers on the first day. People queued for hours, it was insane. Working at New York Fashion Week has been one of my career highlights. It’s kind of like a fashion dream, and every year it’s different. For each show, there is one look that is decided by the designer and the lead stylist. They demonstrate it and then everybody has to do exactly the same. It’s a great learning experience. It’s hectic and crowded, but it’s also really fun and challenging. Overall, though, I think the biggest highlight has been creating Wit. I love my salon, it’s like my second home. I think what sets us apart from other salons is customer service. It’s not just about coming in and getting your haircut. It’s a whole experience, from walking through the door until leaving. Ninety percent is how you do it and ten percent is what you do. If you can make people feel good, they’ll come back.

By Ben Rowdon

SCOOP

I grew up in Svartå, a small town in Sweden. I was not a girly girl and I wasn’t really interested in hair at all. I wanted to be a vet or a doctor like most kids, I suppose. The idea of hairdressing first came up when I was 15 and I chose to study it at college. My original plan was to do it for a few years and then maybe travel, and hairdressing was a job that I could do anywhere. I was pretty rubbish for the first few years. Then, during my third year of training, I got quite lucky with one of my first jobs, working in a ‘granny’ salon. Most of the clients were in their sixties or older and were super happy to have a young person there. They let me play around with their hair and experiment. That was when I really started to enjoy hairdressing. After my training, I moved to Stockholm. I stayed there for about two years, before moving to Dubai. There were obviously some big differences between Dubai and Sweden, and this was at a time when Dubai was just becoming popular with expats, so a lot of people didn’t know much about it. We were only allowed to work with women—you had to have a licence to do men’s hair. Sometimes we did have male clients, but we had to lock the door in case any local women walked in and took off their veil. After two years in Dubai, I moved to London and after a short stint there, I moved to Barcelona in 2004. I needed a change and was looking for something somewhere between London and Dubai. I met English-Catalan hairdresser Anthony Llobet shortly after I arrived in Barcelona. I think I’d been here for about two months when I started working in his Gràcia salon. We opened the Raval branch in 2004, taking over an existing salon on Carrer Sant Pau—a barbershop that had been there since the Thirties. Originally, there was a theatre on the street, so all the actors would get their hair done there. When we first took over, the retired barber gave me lessons. He was concerned about his clients and wanted to make sure I could give them the same service. There was one guy who came in for a wash and blowdry every Friday for almost 40 years. He would even bring his own hairspray. We don’t have many of the original clients left now, which is sad. In March this year, I opened the Barcelona Hair Academy. It has been a dream of mine for years. I’ve always felt that the education in Barcelona was a bit dated and I wanted something more modern and more inspirational. I also felt that when I was looking for education and training for myself and my staff, it just wasn’t there—we often travel to London or Paris. In the rest of the world I think hairdressers have been respected for a long time, but not here. Hairdressing wasn’t really considered a good job but now it is a lot more cool; the whole barbering culture is helping this. It’s about getting a different kind of person who wants to work in hairdressing—there is more of an artistic side to it. We started with one student and now we have a group. I really enjoy the teaching aspect and I’ve always had juniors and trainees. I also learn a lot myself because I’m teaching young people. Starting the school made me want to go in a different direction. Having worked with Anthony for many years, I decided to go my own way and to create a fresh brand, more in line with my Scandinavian background and my international experience, which is when I created Wit. Starting a business is always difficult. There’s a lot of bureaucracy which is quite scary,

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