Barcelona Metropolitan Issue 164

SEPTEMBER 2010 | Nยบ 164 | Free

APPLY YOURSELF Jobs and how to get them

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A. Del Rio Castle

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Contents SEPTEMBER 2010 THE REPORT 14 Apply yourself: Jobs and how to get them

Features 13 Interview Zosen 18 City focus Untold Stories 22 Dispatches BCN bloggers 26 Street life Enric Granados 38 Food and drink Reviews and more

Regulars 6 You the reader 7 City snapshot 8 On the web 11 Columns 29 On 66 Back page

DIRECTORIES 44 Food & Drink 48 Marketplace

26. STREET LIFE - ENRIC GRANADOS

From the Editor: September signifies a new start for many and for some this could mean a new job. In our cover report Natasha Young interviews four foreign Barcelona residents who have found work here using a combination of contacts, entrepreneurial spirit and luck. However, as Peta Miller discovers in her piece ‘Untold Stories’ the economic problems of Spain have forced many illegal immigrants to leave as work dries up. She speaks to four women about their experiences here. Nicola Thornton interviews Zosen, a rising street artist, whilst Tara Stevens welcomes a new addition to the Asian food scene. After the cultural void of August, our extended ON section is packed to the brim with festivals, concerts and exhibitions. Natasha Young invites us out of town to Tàrrega where the annual street-theatre festival is in full swing and Casa Asia pulls out all the stops for their celebration.

Katy MacGregor

36 EAST COAST, WEST COAST Publisher Creative Media Group, S.L. Managing Director Esther Jones Acting Senior Editor Katy MacGregor Assistant Editor Natasha Young Art Director David Robinson Graphic Designer Aisling Callinan Financial Manager Cecilia Ölmedal Sales Director Rainer Hobrack Account Executives Hazel Walker, Alex Bonetto, Richard Cardwell Sales Assistants Pascale Davies, Freny Tavadia Editorial Assistants Cormac Macgabhan, Christina Mardirosian, Bela Zecker, Cailin Smart Financial Assistant Anna Fletcher Morris Contributors Jonathan Bennett, Lucy Brzoska, Will Dunn, Christina Quaine, Roger de Flower, Tara Stevens, Nicola Thornton, Sara Blaylock, Hannah Pennell Photographers Lucy Brzoska, Patricia Esteve, Suzannah Larke, Adriana Trif, Ranald Ward, Lee Woolcock Illustrators, Ben Rowdon Editorial Office Enric Granados 48, entlo. 2ª, 08008 Barcelona. Tel. 93 451 4486, Fax. 93 451 6537; editorial@barcelona-metropolitan.com Sales ads@barcelona-metropolitan.com General enquiries info@barcelona-metropolitan.com. www.barcelona-metropolitan.com Printer Litografia Rosés Depósito Legal B35159-96 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.

Find your nearest

distribution point www.barcelona-metropolitan.com

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R E N TA L S

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Elegant apartment in stunning building – Rambla Catalunya

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06 YOU THE READER

Metropolitan events Special activities coming up

www.meetup.com/Barcelona-Metropolitan-Readers: join up to find out about all our events.

Networking social event at Margarita Blue Join us on September 21st, from 7.30pm, at classic Barcelona bar Margarita Blue (Josep Anselm Clavé 6) for an evening of networking and live music. This is your chance to meet new contacts and other foreign residents, as well as the Metropolitan team. Entertainment will be provided

by Laia Porta and Friends who’ll take the stage at 9pm to play Cuban jazz.

Margarita Blue not only serves a fine range of drinks and cocktails but also has a great selection of food.

For more information, email readers@barcelona-metropolitan.com or become a fan of Barcelona Metropolitan on facebook: www.facebook.com (Barcelona Metropolitan Readers).

Arrive before 9pm to receive a free glass of cava or a Margarita Blue chupito. You can also receive discounted drinks if you book a table for dinner.

Do Catalunya and Spain have a free press?

Become a Facebook fan of Barcelona Metropolitan. Our page on Facebook features information about what’s going on in Barcelona, and offers users the chance to share ideas, tips and advice about being a foreign resident here.

This month, Barcelona Metropolitan and the Association of Englishspeaking Residents in Catalunya are holding a discussion about whether or not Catalunya and Spain enjoy a free press. At the time of going to press the full line-up hadn’t been confirmed, however both the Spanish press and UK press will be represented. The evening will be moderated by Richard Schweid, founding editor of Barcelona Metropolitan.

The event will take place at the Col·legi de Periodistes in the Sala de Actos, Rambla de Catalunya 10, September 14th, 7pm. Space is limited so please arrive promptly.

Sunday stroll and vermut in Gràcia Gràcia is the perfect place to take a Sunday stroll. Take in the past and present with our native English guide and discover how Gràcia evolved from its agricultural origins into the bohemian barri that it is today. Round off your walk with a vermut at one of the area’s classic bars.

The walk takes place on September 19th at 11.30am, starting at Cine Casablanca-Kaplan on Passeig de Gràcia (115), close to Diagonal Metro.

E-mail: readers@barcelona-metropolitan.com to reserve your place, places are limited. Price: e12, payable in cash at the start of the walk.

Win a free flight!

With the Metropolitan Health Survey During the months of September and October, we are conducting a survey into foreign residents’ health habits, healthcare needs and their opinions on what is on offer locally. Besides helping us to help you better, we will also be sharing the results with local healthcare professionals keen to improve their services.

Each month we have four return Ryanair flights to give away. To enter the draw, all you need to do is spend five minutes filling out the survey. You’ll find a link to the survey on our website homepage: www.barcelona-metropolitan.com

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You can also follow us on Twitter— ‘bcnmetropolitan’ posts regular tweets about what’s happening in the city and we’d like to hear about Barcelona from you too.

THE BEST OF BARCELONA DELIVERED TO YOU Sign up for your free newsletter Find out what’s coming up in Barcelona with our e-newsletter. Go to the homepage of our website and sign up for your weekly mail.

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YOU THE READER 07

CITY SNAPSHOT

JACK HUMPHREY, 18 ENGLISH “A MEXICAN CHEF.”

JOANNA MARTIN, 18 ENGLISH “ A BALLERINA.”

FLORENCE CHAMP, 19 FRENCH “A PAINTER.”

JOSÉ PABLO CRUAÑES, 33 SPANISH “A SAILOR.”

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It’s September, tans are fading and the city is back up and running. It’s time to think about returning to work.

But are you doing your dream job? We ask nine readers what they wanted to be when they were younger.

MIRELLA THEODOSSIOU, 26 MADAGASCAN “A BLUE POWER RANGER.”

ANAIS GSCHWIND, 23 AUSTRALIAN “A SCUBA DIVER.”

BRIAN O’KEEFFE, 25 IRISH “A FOOTBALLER.”

OVAIS HAI, 36 ENGLISH “A ROCK STAR.”

BELA ZECKER, 18 AMERICAN “A BIRD.”

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08 ON THE WEB

Any questions?

This month, our Ask the Expert feature is with Dr. Jenkins, a child clinical and school psychologist with 25 years of experience in working with children, parents, and teachers on all types of issues; from common day-today difficulties, to severe learning and emotional conflicts. Her expertise lies in the psychological assessment of learning challenges, giftedness and behavioural and emotional problems. She also provides therapy to children and teens, consultations with parents and schools and is the founder and president of the Barcelona Network of English Speaking Therapists (www. barcelonanest.com). She also recently created a multidisciplinary child development team, Positive Parenting Plus, which provides assessment and therapy (www.positiveparentingplus.net). If you have any questions you would like to ask Dr Jenkins then please email them to: editorial@ barcelona-metropolitan.com

Job search

Interview

Natasha Young climbs on board the ‘Steve Irwin’; the flagship of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society’s fleet (SSCS) to meet assistant engineer Daniel Villa from Seattle. Go to www.barcelona-metropolitan.com/seashepherd to read her interview and find out about life on the high seas as a conservation activist.

In a new series for our Working pages and in conjunction with our cover article this month, we feature some of the most popular jobs available to foreign residents here in Barcelona. We look at the key information needed to get a job teaching English and how to get a job in a call centre. Go to the pages, www.barcelona-metropolitan.com/TEFL and www.barceona-metropolian.com/callcentres, for more details.

The Informer Wednesday 11th August Air traffic controllers rule against striking in August - Bicing failed to renew computer system after 16 hours of attempts - The Prime Minister has rejected complaints by the US about the use of Catalan Thursday 5th August Talks between USCA and AENA continue - Owner of Custo gets the go ahead to build a luxury hotel in Cadaqués - A new educational decree will allow Catalan schools to independently organise their own curriculum and classes

For more details on these and other local stories, check our daily, English-language news blog, The Informer. www.barcelona-metropolitan.com/informer

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ON THE WEB 09

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Each month we will be choosing one to give you a taster of what’s there. This month we look back to August 2006 when Kati Krause reported on the cultural phenomenon of many young Catalans who live at home with mum and dad rather than fly the nest.

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When Marc Malé comes home at around 9pm after a hard day's work, he sits down at the table with his family and enjoys the dinner his mother has prepared for him. Afterwards, they jointly put the tableware in the dishwasher and maybe retreat to the large living room to watch TV together. During the day, his mother washes the family's clothes, and once a week a cleaning lady comes round to help keep the flat tidy.

Malé is a 26-year-old Catalan and earns over €2,000 per month as an auditor. Despite his age and income, he still lives at home, together with his parents, grandparents and his younger sister.

When asked why he did not move out, he looked surprised. "Why should I?" he asked in return. "I am comfortable at home, and I don't feel my freedom is being compromised at all by living with my parents."

Marc is not an isolated case. In 2004, the Instituto de la Juventud reported that 63 percent of all Spanish 25 to 29-year-olds and nearly one-third of 30 to 35-year-olds were still living with their parents. The statistical body of the EU, Eurostat, reports that in Britain, France and Germany over half of 24-year-olds are living on their own, the same percentage is reached only when Spaniards reach 30.

Northern Europeans may be tempted to feel superior for becoming 'independent' at a much younger age. But, it is true that in Britain or Germany, parents often support their children financially when they move out to go to university, something less common in Spain.

"Like most of my friends, I went to university here in Barcelona, and I never asked my parents for money to move out," Malé said. "I mean, that’s not right either. You move out to become more independent, but you haven't earned it yourself. It's much better for parents if you come home for lunch, because where two eat, three can eat as well."

The tendency to stay at home for longer is, in part, a cultural phenomenon. Just like in Italy, Greece or Portugal, Spanish families tend to stick together and often act as a social safety net for each other. But, Julio Camacho from the Instituto de la Juventud believes the economic situation is a much more important factor. "There are three main points young people have to consider before moving out: their income has to be sufficient, it has to be stable and they need to have access to housing."

To read the rest of this article go to: www.barcelona-metropolitan.com/ articles/leaving-home

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Does Catalunya & Spain have a free press?

Barcelona Metropolitan and the Association of English-speaking Residents in Catalunya are holding a discussion about whether or not Catalunya and Spain enjoy a free press.

Representatives from both the Spanish and UK press will be present.

Are you interested in whether we are being told all the facts by the press?

Do you have any questions you would like to ask?

Do you have the feeling some press statements are biased?

Join us at Sala de Actos at the Col.legi de Periodistes, Rambla de Catalunya, 10 on September 14th, 7pm.

Space is limited so please arrive promptly.

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COLUMNS 11

Wild Barcelona

Heading home

Text and photos by Lucy Brzoska

By Will Dunn and Christina Quaine

Flights of fancy

B

right as plasticine, an insect clings to the seed pod, munching on a fly.

A long yellow abdomen sticks out straight behind like a windsock, and great globular eyes match the colour of the sky.

Many more are spread over the hillside: flocks of red-veined darters, out to graze.

through the young males, as their bodies and wing veins acquire the deep red of adulthood. The females remain a vivid yellow, striped with black. Once fed and grown, the red-veined darters will abandon the feeding pastures of Collserola and head for a source of water to mate and lay eggs, the last stage of their lives.

Many people are slightly afraid of dragonflies. Folktales have them working for the devil, sewing up the eyes of naughty children or weighing up souls.

They’re also known as mischief-makers— the Norwegians call them ‘eye-pokers’.

But these zesty technicolour beasts can’t sting and will cling

Young male red-veined darter

peacefully to your finger. In self-defence the most they will do is give you a nip.

These young dragonflies bring colThe coloured veins of a red-veined darterk our to the bleached, late-summer landscape of Collserola. After weeks of scorching sun and cloudless skies, even the thistles are brown and petrified. One of the few plants in flower is vervain­­— the sacred herb—producing miniscule violet specks on the tip of long stems. Only the umbrella pines look green and fresh. But for the moment the darters don’t need any water, just plenty of flies.

Anchored to stems and twigs, the dragonflies are immobile except for sudden deft movements of the head as they scan for food. A quick foray, an insect plucked, and they return to their spot to chew on their catch.

Their six legs, used to grip the perch, are transformed in flight into a spiny basket, in Lucy Brzoska runs nature tours in Barcewhich the prey finds itself trapped. lona and writes for www.iberianature.com The days pass and maturity seeps visibly

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Will Dunn and Christina Quaine are two journalists from London who moved to Barcelona for a year. As their time in the city comes to an end, they talk about the experience of going home

S

aying goodbye is never easy. Our last week in Barcelona is spent bidding farewell to our friends and neighbours, eating at the restaurants we haven’t yet been to and trying to get a tan so that people back home don’t think we’ve been living in a cave all year. We also plan to pack with military precision. “Let’s get cardboard boxes from the supermarket and pack everything up a couple of days beforehand,” we agree sensibly.

After spending too much time on the beach and stuffing our faces with tapas, we end up chucking our stuff into bin liners the day before our departure.

Whichever way you pack, moving house or country makes you realise how much rubbish you can accumulate. Blank, scratched CDs that have no cases are piled high, heading for the bin. We find a Nivea eye deodorant. Do eyes even get sweaty? When we moved here last year, Christina caused a lot of tension by filling up the car with too many clothes, a healthy eating cookbook that’s never been used and a Sainsbury’s Christmas card selection pack.

The cards were a particularly contentious issue because they were taking up precious space where Will would rather have put his copy of The Count of Monte Cristo. He pointed out that friends and family would be expecting cards that said ‘Feliz Navidad’ but Christina was undeterred, driven by a sense of frugality because she got them for free. As we pack, those cards are found in a drawer, written, sealed in envelopes, addressed and unsent.

On the day of our departure, we winch our stuff down onto the street from our second-floor flat in the Gòtic. We wonder whether our final departure will be emotional. Will we cry? Christina will probably cry. She weeps over most things: an argument, a headache, a sad film. As we drive past the sights of Barcelona as residents of the city, for the last time, it is sad. We crawl through the traffic on Via Laietana, past La Seu, the splendid cathedral, past the port and the Roy Liechtenstein sculpture, past the Hotel Arts and out of Barcelona. We feel sad to be leaving but there are no tears. We’ll save them for when the car breaks down on the 1000-mile home to London.

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17/8/10 11:48:27

INTERVIEW 13

Zosen,

Street artist, Argentinian, 32

Born in Buenos Aires, Zosen came to Barcelona in 1989 at the age of 12 with his Spanish-born mother and Argentinian father. A celebrated street artist, his distinctive, largely political artworks have been exhibited in streets and galleries around the world, most recently StolenSpace in London. He runs graffiti workshops in Barcelona and is co-founder of street wear label Animal Bandido with Catalan designer Clàudia Font.

I am really happy to have grown up here in Europe as I think people are more open-minded. The South American mentality has changed a lot with the Internet, but it used to be very U.S. influenced.

I’m an anarchist. I think my family’s experience and background, coming from Argentina when it was under a dictatorship, shaped my life. Maybe with a different background, I would have been a lawyer or done something more mainstream, but there are a lot of artists and actors in my family.

I began spraying graffiti when I was 11 in Buenos Aires. I started riding a skateboard at the same time. I wrote silly things, like the name of the gang of skaters I was with.

I never thought about becoming an artist. When I started, graffiti wasn’t the big movement it is today; it was very underground and you certainly didn’t make money from it. I was a postman for a while, and I worked in a warehouse while I was studying art and design.

My early influences were the other graffiti artists in my neighbourhood. We used to go around discovering new walls, new murals. Now with the Internet, you can see graffiti from home—the new generation don’t have the experience of discovering a wall by a certain artist.

We used to meet up in Plaça Universitat every Sunday morning with our boom boxes and skateboards. They used to have legal murals on the metro, but it stopped around the time of the Olympics. It was like a big family; we all knew each other because there weren’t that many people doing it then.

The scene exploded around 92/93. Suddenly, there were all these video clips on TV, MTV was born.

People from the suburbs started to write. At that time, you could recognise a graffiti writer from his hip hop style clothes. Nowadays it’s impossible to tell.

I like that people can make money doing something they love. It’s a profession and pretty respectable.

Maybe I’m getting old, but I think nowadays fashion and music trends change too fast. No one buys music anymore but I still have all my cassettes and vinyl. My generation had photocopied fanzines and there was a network of people sending pictures of their art to fans and other artists around the world.

I wear the mask so that people focus on the artwork, not me. These days, the image of the artist seems to be more important than the art itself. They’re like rock stars.

Barcelona graffiti is really colourful and free. I don’t know if it’s because of the sea or the history of anarchists living here but, in the late Nineties, we started to experiment and go further with it. It wasn’t an organised movement, it just happened.

I have been in trouble many times. Sometimes they caught me bombing [spraying with an aerosol] in the subway when I was a child, but when we were painting the murals with big colours, I never ran. The police would arrive and I would speak to them and say “Look, I know the spots you need to choose to paint. I would never paint new places or monuments. We are just doing free art on old buildings.” I’d still get fined though.

At a certain point, I realised people can be afraid of art that is really radical. I want to change that prejudice so that the message gets out to more people.

I don’t really go to the institutional art spaces anymore. I don’t know if it’s a reaction to the fact they don’t respect the art that I am doing in my own city, yet galleries abroad will show my work.

The city has changed a lot. Now they fine you just for drinking a beer in the street. We live in a hot Mediterranean city, so if people want to hang out and drink beer, why shouldn’t they?

Interview by Nicola Thornton. Photo by Lee Woolcock.

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19/8/10 13:03:47

14 REPORT

>>

Apply yourself I We speak to four British readers who all found work in Barcelona without ever filling out a job application.

By Natasha Young. Photos by Lee Woolcock.

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f there were a prize for having the most eclectic CV ever, Mark Hopper would win. A jack of all trades before he came to Barcelona, he went from studying welding in his native Wales to cutting grass, life modelling for an art class, serving drinks in a hotel bar and even working as a traffic warden.

After moving to Barcelona six years ago, his first position here was hardly the job of his dreams. Badly paid and with no contract, he had to cold call companies in the UK and ask them about their computer systems; he left after four months.

A friend told him about a modelling agency and after several castings (which he muddled through with basic Spanish and a little language help from his Peruvian girlfriend), he got picked to do a TV commercial for a video game. “I was really lucky,” he grinned. “I basically got paid a ton of money for sitting around on a sofa.” Various jobs followed, and after a stint in retail, he

19/8/10 12:12:17

REPORT 15

D

aniel Yallop pays his rent by wielding a jar of Nutella on Saturday nights, making crêpes at a bar in the Born. He works mostly weekends and finishes late but there’s a social atmosphere behind the bar and he gets to spend most days at the beach. He earns €7.50 an hour plus tips.

Despite not having a high level of Spanish when he started, his language skills have improved rapidly and he’s picking up the odd word of Catalan too. In such a touristy part of town, he considers it a plus point that he’s a native English speaker as so many tourists who come through the door don’t manage much more than hola.

Like Mark, contacts and being in the right place at the right time were key to getting the job. “The owner of the bar where I work gets about 30 CVs a week. Most people just drop them off without saying anything or they send an email. I was in the bar with my girlfriend one day while the owner was leafing through CVs. He asked if she knew anyone looking for work and there I was.”

His advice for anyone looking for bar work is to take time to get to know people. “Everything is run on a personal level here, especially the smaller places. The Born is like a mini mafia; everyone knows everyone else, so if you want a job, start meeting people. Become a regular at the places you like and let them know you’re looking for work.”

>>

landed a job with another call centre. This time there was no cold calling and he settled in straight away. Again it was contacts and luck that got him his foot in the door.

Fast forward two years and Mark is now working as a technical service centre agent for Colt, a British telecommunications company with offices across Europe. He’d heard good things about the company and got the job after applying on spec to the human resources department. He’s now one of around 150 people that make up the Barcelona-based UK team and spends his days handling calls about technical faults.

The job is a natural fit for someone with the gift of the gab. “If I’m honest, it didn’t interest me at first” he admitted, “but I actually really like it now. I’d prefer to be dealing with people face to face and using my Spanish but the money’s good and I like the people I work with. I really can’t complain.”

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>>

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16 REPORT

>>

J

ulia Heckles did exactly that. In February 2009, she moved to Castelldefels to be near her family and although she’d only planned to stay for a year, she soon started to see work opportunities that would allow her to stay long-term.

“A friend told me that they were crying out for English teachers in Gavà Mar near where I lived. Even though I’d worked as an IT trainer for 18 years, I knew it would be difficult to find work without having an English teaching qualification so I took a short course in teaching English to young learners.”

Julia had always loved art and almost immediately, she saw the potential of using it to teach children English. Local parents seemed to like the idea and when her English Art Club opened its doors at a community centre in Gavà Mar at Easter, she had a willing group of knee-high artists keen to learn English as they got busy with the brushes. “I teach entirely in English and the little ones learn colours, numbers and shapes. Art is a great way to channel children’s energy,” she said.

Already the business is expanding. In July, this year, Julia and a friend took a mobile art classroom to some of the local summer camps (casas de colonias) and new classes are planned for the autumn. In the future, her dream is to open her own centre as a creative space for children and adults in Castelldefels. Her advice to jobhunters: “Barcelona welcomes the unusual, so if you think of something different that nobody else is doing, just give it a try.”

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O

ne-time museum curator Alexandra Nodes moved from London to Barcelona looking for a change of lifestyle but hadn’t anticipated she’d end up changing careers too. Drawn to Barcelona because of its reputation as a design capital, she and husband Paul moved here in 2008.

Alexandra is a pro when it comes to networking and after working the room at a conference, she found the perfect job, overseeing the initial concept stages of a new museum. With fluent Spanish and French and 10 years experience in the field, her employers hadn’t taken much persuading.

However, when the project finished, she realised she wasn’t living the life she had hoped for. The scenery may have changed but she was still working at the same frantic pace and feeling frazzled.

She decided to take some time to reflect on what she really wanted to do and having always loved aromatherapy, she went for a treatment at Studio Australia, a health and wellness centre that offers personalised Pilates classes and a range of holistic treatments. Bowled over by what she found there, she wrote to Mandy, the owner, and asked for a meeting. “When we met, I realised we had similar philosophies and backgrounds so when she said she was expanding her business, I knew I was ready for a different path.”

Now Alexandra is an executive assistant at Studio Australia, working on strategic planning as well as helping with day-to-day tasks.

For job-hunters, Alexandra stresses the importance of planning ahead and personal connections. “Business in Spain is done face-to-face, so it’s vital that you get out there and meet people. Ask for meetings, plan what you want to say and show them you’re prepared to go the extra mile.” Now developing her own organic skincare range, she also advocates having an entrepreneurial spirit when job hunting. “Think about how you can make your own work. If your ideal job doesn’t exist, be resourceful and find a way to create it yourself.”

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18 CITY FOCUS

Angela del Rosario Castillo

UNTOLD STORIES Spain’s economic pain has sharpened many illegal immigrants’ longing for home. Metropolitan spoke to four women about their experiences.

By Peta Miller. Photos by Suzannah Larke.

S

pain’s woes have transformed the prospects of illegal immigrants from Latin America dramatically. Long seen as Europe’s softest border, Spain’s economic crisis has turned the situation on its head. Headlines focus on the construction work that employed much of the male immigrant population and how that work has dried up, sending many of them home. But the women who have quietly been cleaning most of Catalunya for the last few years are also feeling the pinch.

Spain is also becoming more risky for South American illegal immigrants, with the police reportedly given daily deportation quotas as the government attempts to close the door. For some, the economic and emotional equation of staying in Catalunya no longer adds up.

The quarterly study of the labour market, the Encuesta de Población Activa (ENA) published by the Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE) revealed in July that unemployment in Spain had reached 20.09 percent. These official figures have a huge impact on the illegal

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migrant workforce.

Angela del Rosario Castillo from the Asociación de Mujeres Latinas sin Fronteras says that 60 percent of the women they see end up doing domestic work and that this job market has shrunk. Speaking to Metropolitan she said: “The crisis has meant that Spanish couples are doing more of the work in the home themselves and may now hire a girl for only three days rather than five. It’s the same at the banks where a girl may now only have two days work. The women have to look a lot harder.” Rosario Castillo, who came to Barcelona from Colombia in 2000 explains: “The roles in families have changed now. Since the crisis, construction work has dried up and so now it is often the man who stays at home either here or in the country of origin. Women have to earn double to sustain their households and send extra money home.”

Adding to an already difficult situation is the fact that Spain is tightening up on immigration. The government’s reported figures for 2009 showed 10,616 people were deported under the ley de extranjeria for staying here illegally. This is up 25 percent from 2008. New revisions of the immigration law were introduced in December, restricting the number of family members immigrants can bring over and extending the amount of time illegal immigrants can be held if found without papers.

As life becomes more difficult for immigrants in Spain, so it becomes more attractive to go home and finally reunite with children and family often not seen in years.

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Dominga’s story.

Age: 31, Peru Lived in Spain since December 2005 Dominga, whose name has been changed, was a 26-year-old unmarried mother with no support from the father of her four year-old son when she decided to leave her son behind and come to Barcelona.

“When I left I was working as a hairdresser but in Peru you don’t earn much working full-time, just enough to be able to eat and buy clothes. I wanted to give my son more. In Barcelona I have saved money working as a carer. Here, if you earn, say €800, you have €400 for food and rent and the rest you can send home.

I’ve been able to build a two-storey house in my home town back in Peru.

I’ve never seen it, but my son tells me about it. I had to borrow from the bank to do it quickly because once you’ve started you have to finish because of everything you’re paying.

I still owe money on it and that’s why I can’t go home yet. I also want to save about $5000 to start a weekend restaurant in the ground floor of my house.

But salaries have dropped. As a carer, you used to be able to earn €1,100 but now the maximum is €850 and there are 20 women going for each job. You have to get up at 5am to stand a chance in the queue and there are always hundreds of people there.

I plan to return at the end of the year just before my son’s 10th birthday. When I left, it was five in the morning and my son was still in bed sleeping, I woke him up to say I was going and he just took my hand and then closed his eyes again because he was half asleep. That was the last time I saw him. I am pleased I came because I didn’t come in vain and I’ve managed to buy a roof over our heads so I do feel better than before, in a way, but at the same time I can never get back the years that I’ve lost.

Teresa’s story Age: 40, Bolivia Lived in Spain since March 2007 Teresa, whose name has been changed, left her four children, (now aged between four and 22) in Bolivia three years ago.

“I came to pay off a debt of $3,000 that I built up with my husband after we were defrauded whilst buying a taxi. What I’d heard about Spain was that you could earn good money and that was all that mattered; saving and sending money. When I left the house everyone was crying and I had to leave my youngest, a nine month-old baby, with my mother. But it had to be then because after April 1st, 2007 (when entrance requirements were tightened for Bolivians) I wouldn’t have been able to get in on just my passport.

I had to borrow $2,500 to pay an agency, which organises the flight, hotel and instructs you on immigration. That’s a lot of money in Bolivia, so it’s very risky if they deport you because you can lose it all and end up with double the debts you started with. In the last three months, before April 1st there were a lot more deportations.

>>

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19/8/10 18:40:15

20 CITY FOCUS

>>

It’s been hard to find full-time work, I’ve spent months looking. But I’ve worked off all my debt. I don’t owe anything to anyone and we’ve bought a new taxi, so in November I’ll go home. More people are going back because of the crisis. It’s more difficult here, and it’s sad to be alone, even though we tell ourselves it’s not. I don’t want to be here any longer.

Alejandra’s story Age: 28, Bolivia Lived in Spain since March 2007 Alejandra, (not her real name), is one of nine children whose father was a miner in Potosi, Bolivia who earned good money until the mine was privatised.

“So we moved to Cochabamba and then life was more difficult. It was really difficult for him to find other work and we (the children) were all really small. We lived two years with my parents before they couldn’t manage anymore and sent my two sisters and me to work as nannies.

At the age of nine I went to live with a teacher from my school and I looked after her kids. I was there for nearly four years before I went back to my parents and worked. Now I’m working in Spain to generate money, mostly for my family and I’m building a house on land that belongs to my mother. There is still a lot to do so I need to stay here in order to finish that off and make a bit of money for myself. But I’m not thinking of staying much longer. It’s a sad life at the end of the day because everyone is so busy running around working, you can’t make a life for yourself.

Maria’s story Age: 38, Peru Lived in Barcelona since November 2005 “I left my two children in Peru four and a half years ago. My little boy was four and my eldest was 12. It was so hard but I had to make some money as my husband couldn’t find work. I sent money home as soon as I arrived and for the next four years so that my husband could use it to build a house and pay for the children. I went home in January this year and I found my husband and children living in the new house with another woman. My kids told me they didn’t love me anymore, that I’d left them and made them unhappy. They said that this new woman had looked after and loved them and that they weren’t going to leave her. They threw me out of the house.

Now I’m back working in Barcelona because there didn’t seem much point staying in Peru but my heart’s gone out of it. I no longer send any money back now as I know now that my family has moved on.

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Esade Sept2010.pdf

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BCN BLOGGERS Blogging in Barcelona is on the rise

By Hannah Pennell.

N

ow everyone has a blog.” This sweeping claim was made in an article published in Time magazine in November 2008, following the internet-fuelled victory of Barack Obama. While clearly an exaggeration, the number of blogs (for those not familiar with the term, blogs are websites featuring musings, opinion and analysis written by people from all walks of life) has grown fast in the last decade. According to website Blogpulse there were over 145 million blogs active in August.

Relatively few of this multitude grab widespread public attention­—Belle de Jour and her tales of high-class prostitution, the various celebrities spouting off on Twitter, the Huffington Post and the handful that have been turned into books are the exception rather than the rule—but that is not necessarily always the point. Many businesses, governments and politicians dabble in the art of blogging to improve their 21st-century credentials. Whilst journalists are using them to expose hidden truths and for on-the-spot postings from war zones and conflict areas. However, in the main, blogs are done more for the individual satisfaction of the blogger with an urge to write than for global notoriety.

Barcelona has an active community of bloggers, with sites in English, Catalan and Castilian, all created with subjects, styles and interests as varied as you’ll find anywhere in the world. When it comes to English-language Barcelona blogs, a good number explore the personal ups and downs of settling into the city. The work of American Johanna Bailey, ‘Johanna Writes’ is one such blog, although it actually began on the other side of the world: “I started ‘Johanna Writes’ six years ago when I lived in Tokyo,” explained the freelance writer, who has been in Catalunya since March. “I was writing these group e-mails to all my friends and family about life in Japan and I decided it would be easier to just start a blog.” Having moved to Switzerland and then Madrid prior to Barcelona, Bailey used the online diary as a way to detail her globetrotting experiences, family life (she has two sons, the youngest of which was born last year in Madrid and the older in Tokyo) and the day-to-day demands of living abroad.

Since living here, Bailey has also been inspired to create another blog, called ‘Barcelona Bites’, where she focuses on food. “More than just recipes, I like to write about culinary culture. In other words, how do people from differ-

“

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ent countries cook, eat, shop, and think about food?” It’s a combination of restaurant reviews and recipes for local dishes as well as US specialities; in addition, next month, she’s starting a course at the Hofmann cookery school, an experience which she will also feature on the blog.

Another English-language blog that takes a particular local angle is ‘FCBNews’, written by Londoner Nic Aldam about the city’s most famous football team. Aldam started the blog in 2007, encouraged by a friend, his own love of Barça and an interest in doing some writing. Although he also teaches and does translation work, Aldam clearly spends a lot of time on FCBNews, covering matches, player news and more. It’s aimed at football fans worldwide, whether supporters of the blaugranes or not, although he also noted: “I know there are plenty of Barça fans overseas and probably quite a few who don’t speak Spanish who therefore cannot read the extensive coverage offered by the local press here.”

Amongst local-language blogs, ‘Va de gossos’ (‘About dogs’) is a good example of a site based on a personal interest but giving it a more serious and professional perspective. Written by Catalan Leticia Argilés, it covers dog behaviour and psychology and aims to “provide the keys to understanding canine language and know how to interpret and educate your dog,” said Argilés. Amongst other topics, it includes information about health, books, breeds and dog-related events (all illustrated with cute photos).

Argilés actually began studying audiovisual communication but later decided that dogs were her first love and she moved into dog psychology; she is just finishing a course to become a veterinary assistant. Her blog was started in October 2007 but wasn’t a project she really focused on until last year, when she decided to approach it as though it was a “professional website.”

In contrast, another Catalan-language blog, ‘P’eternitat’, is a much more personal effort. It was started in 2006 when its author Miquel Noguer became a father for the first time and wrote an e-mail to friends about the experience. As a result of which, one of the mail’s recipients encouraged Noguer to create his own blog about fatherhood. He continues to write about his family, which has now expanded to include a second son. Noguer says the blog is for “anyone who wants to read about the experiences of a new father. I

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thought it would be interesting because there are lots of mothers writing blogs about having children, but there aren’t many blogs by fathers.” What he writes is an amusing combination of life in Catalunya and the things children say and do, but goes beyond just a collection of fatherly anecdotes with useful suggestions and shared experiences that doubtless strike a chord with many families.

Whatever their raison d’etre for writing or the language they do it in, what most bloggers are interested in is getting readers (of those featured here, Miquel Noguer is a noteworthy exception to this, saying that he has “no idea” how many people read his blog). With so many millions of webpages out there, it can be difficult to attract an audience beyond loyal friends and re-

Some highlights: www.johannawrites.com and www.barcelonabites.com Writing about Barcelona council’s visual campaign about how people should dress here in the summer: “Then they say that if that doesn’t work, they will ‘track your scantily clad asses down and publicly hang you by your teeny tiny bikini strings’. Okay, so they didn’t actually say that last part but you could tell that they wanted to.”

www.oleole.com/blogs/fcbnews In response to Sandro Rosell’s victory as Barça president: “At the end of the day we will just have to hope that Rosell doesn’t mess up the running of the team, doesn’t mess up the economic side of the club, doesn’t have his hand in the till, and doesn’t ban overseas members.”

lations, and blogs tend to have various rates of success.

Johanna Bailey is well aware of the difficulties that many bloggers can face in getting and maintaining readers: “When I first started blogging, a friend of mine who is a very popular American blogger (www.dooce.com) linked to me a couple of times and after that I had several hundred page views per day.

I stopped posting for a couple of years though and lost most of those readers.” However, since restarting her blog, Bailey has worked back up to around 100 daily readers, posting between three and four times weekly. “A blog that isn’t updated weekly loses readers and isn’t really serious,” agreed Leticia Argilés, who aims to write something on her site two or three times a week and has had over 3,600 visits.

FCBNews has around 800 to 900 views a day. This must be, in part, thanks to the global fame that FC Barcelona has and the fact that it is written in English, but Nic Aldam’s number of postings on the site is surely also key. While he usually blogs four to five times a week, he can blog on a daily basis during the football season.

So with all the hard work and unknowns surrounding readership, why do people blog? The reasons are as numerous and wide-ranging as the blogs themselves. “Mainly I want to re-

www.vadegossos.blogspot.com Introducing the dachshund: “The Teckel, better known as a sausage dog, is as intrepid and brave as if it was the size of a German shepherd. In fact, someone once said that it’s a dog that feels big and doesn’t like to be treated as a small dog. We shouldn’t underestimate it!”

www.paternitat.blogspot.com Reporting on an encounter with a particularly talkative woman in the butchers: “Pau, who is only four months old and isn’t trained, couldn’t think of anything better to do than smile his thanks at the lady who, seeing that things were going well, decided to take advantage of the situation and tell us about her entire family tree, including the weight, height, DNI numbers, body mass index and number of toes of each person.”

Other Barcelona bloggers Miquel Iceta, spokesman and first vice-secretary of the Catalan Socialist Party (www.iceta.org, in Catalan and Castilian) Leo Margets, one of Catalunya’s most successful poker players, who details the various championships she takes part in around the world (www.leomargets.com, in Castilian) Barça midfielder Andrés Iniesta (www.andresiniesta.es, in Castilian, Catalan and English).

member my time living in Spain and I think blogging about it is a fantastic way to do that,” explained Johanna Bailey. For Nic Aldam, the satisfaction of his blog comes from the people who visit it: “What I like most is to see how many readers and comments I have from so many different countries.” Miquel Noquer’s objective is simply “to explain what happens to me with my sons in a funny way.” Leticia Argilés wants “people to understand the needs of dogs and be aware of the responsibility involved when they decide to get one.”

How to find blogs www.stic.cat, an organisation that gives out annual prizes to Catalan bloggers and includes a list of different local, corporate, personal and cultural sites: www.premisblocs.cat Technorati (blog search engine) www.technorati.com The Blog Herald – www.blogherald.com

For the readers, blogs from Barcelona offer a way to discover other sides to and stories about the city, ‘meet’ people you otherwise couldn’t and, perhaps, be inspired to start their own blog.

Do you write a blog? Or want to recommend a favourite? Go to the online version of this article on our website, (www.barcelona-metropolitan. com) and leave a comment with all the relevant information.

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26 STREET LIFE

AVI N

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IAG

CARRER DEL CÒRSEGA CARRER D’ENRIC GRANADOS

ER DEL ROSELLÓ

CARRER D’ARIBAU

CARRER DE PROVENÇA

CARRER DE MALLORCA

CARRER DE VALÈNCIA

D’ARAGÓ

ER DEL CONSEJO DE CIENTO

CARRER DE LA DIPUTACIÓ

ON

AL

CARRER DEL BALMES

CARRER DE PARIS

L’appartement (nº. 44)

Carrer d’Enric Granados Text by Natasha Young, Christina Mardirosian & Cormac Macgabhan.

Photos by Bela Zecker.

J

ust a couple of streets along from the hustle and bustle of Passeig de Gracia and Rambla Catalunya lies the leafy Carrer d’Enric Granados; home to avant-garde art galleries, chic restaurants and stylish boutiques.

Running from Diagonal at one end to Carrer Consell de Cent at the other, the street is crowded with restaurant terraces but is relatively traffic-free, making it a Mecca for cyclists and lunching office workers.

Cup & Cake (nº. 145) is a newcomer to the western end of the street and is doing its best to make Enric Granados residents fat. Owner Manex Susaeta came up with the idea for Cup & Cake after seeing similar ventures in Toronto and London. Cake fans will go weak at the knees at their selection of brightly coloured fairy cakes decorated with generous dollops of icing, while the slightly less sweet-toothed can munch on their freshly baked breads and fruit cakes as they drink a brew.

Another Barcelona newbie is El Filete Ruso (nº. 95), an elegant restaurant serving gourmet burgers: McDonalds this is not. The house speciality, filete ruso, is a thin hamburger-like patty, packed with parsley, onion and garlic. Also popular for organic burgers is Hábaluc at number 41. Customers fight for a table on the terrace at lunchtimes when the kitchen serves up hearty food with an Argentinean twist; think generous salads and fresh fish.

Hábaluc aren’t the only ones keeping fans of Argentinean fare happy. Deli Argentino (Plaça Dr Letamendi nº. 24 ) is a butchers with a difference, offering meat, wine, desserts and empanadas from the homeland. Football legend Messi has been spotted tucking into a steak at the restaurant next door (Pampero Asador Argentino), so you never know who you might meet over the meat counter.

As you head downhill and cross over Carrer d’Aragó with its honking traffic, Enric Granados quietly continues keeping up appearances. The lower section of the street was pedestranised several years ago and it’s a fine place to sit and read the paper on a sunny morning. Palm trees shade the children’s play area, parrots and pigeons take a dip beneath the water sprinklers and local dogs are given a workout.

Artisanal shoemaker Norman Vilalta (nº. 5) certainly seems to like it. He believes Carrer d’Enric Granados has “an absolute essence of exclusivity.”

From his tiny workshop he turns out beautiful bespoke leather shoes for those who can afford them.

The street’s not always been quite so exclusive however. Over at number 11, Tactic, the surf, skate and snowboard shop, has seen a few changes. Employee Gerard Abad explains, “Back when we opened 15 years ago, the street

Jardi de Xavier Benguerel

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STREET LIFE 27

Cup & Cake - Nº. 145 Tactic - Nº. 11

was much darker and the rent was cheap. Now there are more businesses, more people and a lot more art galleries.”

The street certainly is a haven for art-lovers. Over the years, gallery owners have gravitated towards it. José Antonio Carulla, who presides over Galería N2 (nº. 61) explains why; “It’s the perfect location: the street is central, quiet and beautiful, it has a young atmosphere and, I think, a real charm.” A few doors down at number 49, Galería ADN showcases the work of less-established, mainly local contemporary artists, while Ego Gallery at the lower end of the street (nº. 9) has a strong reputation for photography.

Like many, Thomas Noerby and Regina Gonzalez, the owners of café/art gallery Cosmo (nº. 3) were drawn to the area because of its bohemian, arty feel. They opened in November 2009 with the aim of offering an unpretentious and cosy art space where you can sit back take in the artistic creations and enjoy a coffee.

If all that art gets your creative juices flowing, you can always nuture your own inner interior designer at L’appartement (nº. 44), a quirky shop that sells a great selection of wall transfers, furniture and cool knick-knacks. And for philistines who can think of nothing worse than trailing round galleries, Enric Granados offers plenty of shady benches from which to watch the world go by.

Cosmo - Nº. 3

Who was Enric Granados?

Enric Granados was a Catalan pianist and composer, born in Lleida in 1867. After studying piano in Barcelona and then Paris, he went on to gain considerable success as a composer and founded the Granados Academy in Barcelona to teach piano. In 1914, the outbreak of World War One meant the premiere of his opera Goyescas (based on his popular piano suite) took place in New York rather than London. When president Woodrow Wilson invited him to play at the White House, Granados missed his boat home and he had to get back to Europe on a series of different ships. On the final leg of his journey home in the English Channel, the ship he was travelling on was torpedoed by a German U-boat and one of Catalunya’s finest ever composers drowned while trying to save his wife.

Au nom de la rose, València Nº. 203/Enric Granados El Filete Ruso Nº. 95

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On THE WHITEST BOY ALIVE P. 32 XI FESTIVAL ÀSIA P. 34 FIRATÀRREGA P. 33 ART <30 P. 36

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This month

People have come to expect good things from Swedish cult label Labrador and The Radio Dept. don’t disappoint. Famed for their off-kilter ways and their decisively DIY approach to making music, the band are touring their long awaited follow-up album, Clinging to a scheme. Expected the unexpected from these boys.

The Radio Dept September 9th Razzmatazz The Mercè is traditionally the festival that bids summer goodbye and welcomes in through the door the cooler charms of autumn. At the time of going to print the full programme wasn’t available but think correfocs, castellers, gigantes and parades.

Mercè 2010 September 23rd to 27th Various venues - www.bcn.cat/merce

The Giggling Guiri is back and to launch their sixth comedy season they have Australia-based Irish man Jimeoin.

Fresh from a two-week stint at the Edinburgh Fringe and right in the middle of an exhaustative tour, Jimeoin has critics running out of superlatives when describing his, hilarious, often surreal, wit. Go see what all the fuss is about.

Jimeoin September 17th, 9.30pm Fahrenheit - www.comedyinspain.com

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Día de Brasil is, as the name suggests, a day that celebrates all things Brazilian. It’s 12 hours of Capoeira, food and samba and I’m sure one or two caipirinhas.

For your sonic pleasure, music will be provided by Grooveria, Saravacalé. Forró Afiado and Candeeiro, amongst others.

Día de Brasil September 5th Moll de la Molina - www.diadebrasil.es

Hosted by the Reial Club Maritim and organised by the Iomramh Cultural Association, the second Currach Regatta will see 16 three-man teams competing in traditional Irish boats (Currachs) that will be raced in a league style sporting event. The rowers­—locals, Irish and other internationals­­—will compete in Mediterranean waters. A prize will be given to the winners and the celebration will continue with music and drinks.

Mediterranean Currach Regatta September 24th, 10am to 3pm Maremagnum Waterfront

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Live who’s on

OUR pick of GIGS IN September

Four Tet: Apolo, 4th Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra: Apolo, 9th Limp Bizkit: Sant Jordi Club, 16th MGMT Disco Ensemble: BeCool, 16th Joaquin Sabina: Palau Sant Jordi, 16th Supertramp: Palau Sant Jordi, 18th Yoav: BeCool, 22nd, 9pm Peter Gabriel: Palau Sant Jordi, 23rd Mudhoney: Apolo, 29th Four Tet

Disco Ensemble

E

els are the kind of band that you’ve probably forgotten about or heard without realising who they are. Their infectious tunes have graced many a catchy soundtrack, from the upbeat Shrek, to the ominous and sexy American Beauty. The band owes its elusiveness to constantly changing line-ups, instruments and genres. Indeed every album and concert has been a unique musical project for fourteen years strong. Most musicians can only dream of such creative liberty.

Eels’ only constant is the singing and songwriting of Mark Oliver Everett (pictured), better known as E, whose unlikely life is the subject of the band’s lyrics. E was born in the Virginia countryside to the metaphysics genius Hugh Everett, the prodigal mind behind the parallel universe theory that spawned 20th century Sci-Fi culture. In spite of this scientific pedigree, young E was bit fiercely by the music bug and moved to L.A where he began to write and perform. The tragic deaths of his father, mother and sister inspired some of Eels’ most poignant songs in the mid-Nineties but now the singer lives happily, touring with his dog Bobby Jr. The band released their new album Tomorrow Morning in August, and the upbeat single ‘Looking up’ can be downloaded for free from the band’s website, (www.eelstheband.com). Shedding the raw qualities of their more recent albums, Tomorrow Morning takes the Eels’ sound down a more eclectic route, using electronic keyboards and percussion and occasionally an entire orchestra. While you can’t be sure of what or who E will bring to Barcelona, you can be confident that the complex musical layers of the album, paired with a new found optimism, are going to make for an amazing, if unpredictable, show.--CS

Eels

September 17th, 8pm Bikini

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B

erlin can, by every measure, be considered one of the most fertile cities for explosive musical success right now. Anyone who heads out to Moog or Razzmatazz surely knows of the German dominance of all things house and techno. Lingering just below the bubble of these DJs are a group, meshing danceable beats with soothing vocals and laid-back grooves, a Berlin fusion of a different breed.

The Whitest Boy Alive was founded in 2003 as an electronic music group, but slowly band members watched their musical formula drift away from any pre-programmed genre. Band members Marcin Öz, Sebastian Maschat, Daniel Nentwig, and Erlend Øye (pictured)—whose vocals you may recognise from oh-so-soft melodies of lo-fi duo Kings of Convenience—have since put together a varied portfolio of tracks. Some bounce with the energy of Germany’s Booka Shade, while others simmer with guitar chords better likened to traditional instrumental rock.

Riding on this blend of styles, The Whitest Boy Alive has enjoyed great international success and since the group signed to the UK’s Modular Records in 2007, they’vereleased a new album, Rules (March 2009), toured throughout Europe and had a track featured on the wildly successful FIFA video game soundtrack.

This wave of popularity hasn’t calmed in the past year and it’s taking The Whitest Boy Alive to Spain for the first time. In the confines of Bikini, the highly anticipated show will defy most concepts of the ‘indie-pop’ label that they are so often filed under. Then again what label wouldn’t they defy?--BZ

The Whitest Boy Alive September 8th, 8pm, Bikini

B

AM (Barcelona Acció Musical) has always been a mixed bag of musical pleasures and this year proves no different. Sitting proudly alongside La Mercè, BAM is Barcelona’s last big musical blowout of the summer, so frankly who cares if you don’t know or like all the bands?

The old Fàbrica Damm building on Rosselló is the main venue and for three nights, the music is live and most importantly, free. As ever, BAM give plenty of stage time to local acts but they have one or two international aces up their sleeve too.

Most likely to cause excitement are Belle and Sebastian. The Brits might not have shown the band much love but my word the Catalans have. Expect a lot of geeky glasses down the front for these Glaswegian purveyors of quirky, jinglyjangly indie, who return to headline BAM after a long hiatus from touring.

Also heading over from the rainy isle is the ice queen herself, (Alison) Goldfrapp, who’s gone all Eighties synth-pop of late. If you haven’t danced to her recent single ‘Rocket’ at a wedding disco yet, you’ll get the chance at BAM. Speaking of busting a few moves, the kings of Youtube—OK Go, are on the line-up too. If you don’t recognise their hummable harmonies or head-nodding indie rock, you might know their hilariously choreographed treadmill video which has racked up three million hits and counting: if only the gym was actually that much fun.

For hip hop lovers, Anti-pop Consortium are back and fans of postprog might like Toundra from Madrid; a band with all the power of early Billy Mahonie or Mogwai. Equally if not more experimental is Hyperpotamus, a one-man musical laboratory who shares the stage with nothing more than a collection of mikes and a loop pedal. Check out his cover of the Eurythmics’ ‘Sweet Dreams’ online.--NY For full details of the line-ups and venues for each night, go to BAM’s website at: www.bcn.es/bam/2010

BAM Festival

September 23rd to 25th Various venues

For more live events, visit our website: www.barcelona-metropolitan.com

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ON 33

I

f you’ve been in Barcelona long enough to think that the Mercè is passé, you need to get yourself to the Tàrrega festival. FiraTàrrega is an international performing arts showcase, held every year in the small, northern Catalan town of Tàrrega. It’s become an essential date in the diary of any self-respecting theatre producer, as priority is given to shows that have never been seen in Europe before.

A professional affair it may be, but FiraTàrrega is nothing without an audience. Most of the shows take place in the open air and although the quality can vary, if you do your homework you can catch some of the world’s best street performers without spending a cent.

This year’s programme is as exciting as ever.

If you can, get there for the inauguration on Thursday to see Voalà Project perform ‘Muaré’, in which a group of acrobats dangle above the audience from a giant child’s mobile, in a

choreographed display using the night sky as their backdrop.

Anything can happen during the festival and it usually does. Look out for the roving musical waterwheel of Factoria Circular and Catalunya’s own La Reial, who perform in a central shop window as jobless folk who put themselves up for sale like pets. See if you can be persuaded to buy them. Meanwhile, Kamchatka take over an old factory to send audiences on an emotive trip while exhibitionist clowns CIA H202H will be flashing their generously proportioned bits at unsuspecting passers-by.

This year, the Irish are getting in on the act with three highly-visual shows from the Emerald Isle. Search your programme for Dance Theatre Ireland (who combine movement, music and building blocks); Fidget Feet’s highly technical aerial show and Tumble Circus’s extreme street antics.

When you tire of pounding the pavements, there are plenty of indoor shows to choose from, be it dance, theatre, circus or music.

Many of these you have to pay for but if there’s something you want to see, book ahead as performances fill up fast. There’s also a craft market and the thrill of rubbing shoulders with thousands of bohemian arty types from across the globe.

To get to Tàrrega there are buses and trains although it’s well worth booking in advance, as everyone who’s ever owned a set of juggling balls will be trying to get there too. The festival campsite is open from Wednesday 8th and costs €12 per person per day. Under sevens go free, it’s just €6 from Saturday. See their excellent website for more details.--NY

FiraTàrrega September 9th to 12th Tàrrega www.firatarrega.cat

F

or a one-day festival, the people behind Hipnotik sure like to pack a lot in. For the seventh year running the CCCB will be taken over by lovers of hip hop, graffiti, DJs, b-boys, b-girls and MCs. This year all acts are performing under the message ‘hip hop sin fronteras’—promoting the fact that hip hop can be a common language between many different walks of life.

The festival starts at noon and manages to include MC battles, b-girl and crew battles, breakdance competitions and a whole host of concerts; the highlight of which is surely a turn by DJ QBert (pictured). Famed for his ‘hamster style’ scratching, QBert has been lording it over the decks since starting the group FM20 with Mix Master Mike and DJ Apollo back in 1990. Since then he’s scratched under the guise of Dr. Octagon for Kool Keith and won the ‘DMC USA Champion’ title many times over. Catch also homegrown acts SFDK, Morodo and Skratch Comando.

Want to improve your own skills? Sign up to the musical production or hip hop writing courses which Hipnotik are running throughout the month. See the website for more details.

Hipnotik September 18th CCCB www.hipnotikfestival.com

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34 ON

T

he Festival Àsia always brings a welcome and exotic vibrancy to the bleached-out, tail end of the summer. Flashes of colourful costumes, vivid theatre productions and unfamiliar musical acts always light up September and offer up some vitality to the heat-worn city.

The three main attractions at this years’ festival include beautifully costumed Kathakali theatre (pictured), Japanese percussion from Leonard Eto and the specially requested appearance of Abrar-Ul-Haq, the Pakistani pop, bhangra and folk singer.

Directly from Kerala, southern India, the Biblioteca Nacional plays host to the prestigious Margi theatre group, who devote themselves to promoting the ancient Indian art of Kathakali. See them perform the intense piece Duryodhanavadham (The Killing of the Demon Duryodhana), part of the epic tale Mahabharata. The piece, a mere sliver of the 100,000 line story in full, tells of the events leading up to the dramatic battle waged between the Pandavas, the five acknowledged sons of Pandu and the Kauravas, descendants of the legendary king Kuru. It begins when the five brothers are exiled to the jungle after they bet their wife Panchali in a gambling game. They lose the game to their enemies, the Kauravas, resulting in the loss of not only their wife but all their wealth and kingdom. 12 years go by and the brothers return to try and win back what they see as rightfully theirs. Unfortunately for them the Kauravas see differently. The tale ends with a mammoth battle where Bhima, the second of the Pandava brothers kills the eldest Kaurava brother, Duryodhana. Complicated? Definitely. Fascinating? Undoubtedly. But almost certainly unmissable. Even if you can’t follow the elaborate story you can always just take in the impressive and sumptuous costumes and make up.

The festivals musical offerings are a varied and interesting mix. One of the main draws will be New York-born, Japanese percussionist, Leonard Eto whose CV covers being a member of a Kodo, a Taiko drum group, stints in Stomp and Blue Man, to joining Siouxsie Sioux and Bon Jovi on tour in the Nineties. His original works have also been featured in films as diverse as The Thin Red Line and The Lion King. Credited for bringing percussion instruments off the sidelines and into the spotlight, Eto mainly performs with what he calls his “three indispensable instruments”, namely the Hirado

30-33 LIVE.indd 34

O-Taiko (a flat-bodied large drum), Oke Taiko (a tub drum) and the Chappa cymbals (hand cymbals). He’ll be performing a new version of Blendrums that incorporates the sax and tap dancing at the Plaça dels Àngels at noon on September 26th.

Another group who draw attention to the value of percussion are Paris’Bimbap. The Paris-based group are to perform a Samul nori concert at the Biblioteca Nacional on September 20th. Samui nori is traditional percussion music from Korea with roots in nong-ak (which literally translates as farmers music). Featuring four instruments, the Kkwaenggwari (a small gong), Jing (a larger gong) Janggu (a hourglass shaped drum) and a barrel drum known as a Buck, the music was originally played in farming villages before the rice harvest to ensure a good crop.

Other highlights include Katy Evoghli, born in the Iranian Azerbaijan, Evoghli and her family were forced to move to Barcelona after the revolution, she has since made her home in Girona. Originally performing in Spanish Evoghli has since returned to her roots and now plays ancestral Persian music mixed with a more “new age” sound. (Ateneu Barcelonès, September 25th). Also on the programme are the Chinese Shan Ren Band who bring their folk-rock to Plaça de la Catedral on September 25th.

But it doesn’t stop there, as part of the closing day celebrations you can educate yourself in the art of calligraphy or in perfecting a nigiri sushi, there’s a fashion show featuring traditional dress and costume. You can also immerse yourself in the age-old traditions of Kamishibal, (a type of Japanese story-telling that involves pictures) or become familiar with the Indian deities.

There will also be the chance to master games like the Korean Baduk, China’s Mahjong or the boardgame Carrom from Nepal. Casa Asia are positively spoiling us this year, I think you’ll agree.--KM

FESTIVAL ÀSIA September 16th to 26th Various venues. www.festivalasia.es

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ON 35

F

ans of bullfighting argue that their tradition is full of grace and artistry and in the hands of Gelabert Azzopardi, they’d be right. Belmonte, a contemporary dance piece inspired by the legendary bullfighter of the same name was first performed in Barcelona back in 1988 and it’s been resurrected to celebrate the company’s 30th anniversary.

Few places in the world have a more exciting or innovative contemporary dance scene than Catalunya and it’s thanks in part to Cesc Gelabert (pictured). The man moves like cream being poured over a spoon and his capacity for finding authenticity in both movement and interpretation is second to none.

Belmonte, one of the most emblematic works in Spanish dance, seeks to reinterpret the world of bullfighting using choreography, cinematography and music. Torero Juan Belmonte, was a god in his native Seville and he’s depicted here in black and white archive footage which flickers behind the dancers as they move. Killing his first bull in 1910 and once fighting 109 corridas in a single season, he was famed

30-33 LIVE.indd 35

for his extraordinary technique and unmatched daring.

Gelabert plays with this, the artistry, in his choreography. Unlike other matadors who pranced and danced far from the bull’s horns, Belmonte stood tall and motionless, mere inches away from his prey.

Spectators would watch with hearts in mouths, particularly after he was famously gored through the chest and pinned against a wall under the watchful gaze of the royal family.

Here, bare-chested dancers play the charging bulls and Gelabert the bullfighter, who taunts them with lizard-like flicks of his arms.

For this show, Lydia Azzopardi returns to the stage, after many years devoting herself to costume design, while the Banda Municipal de Barcelona provide live music.

All in all, it’s one hell of a way for Teatre Lliure to open their autumn season. Watch and learn world, this is how Catalunya does bullfighting in 2010.--NY

Belmonte September 16th to 26th Teatre Lliure www.teatrelliure.com

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36 ON

Arts T

he Tagomago gallery continues in its bid to become a leading platform for contemporary international photography this month with their joint exhibition East Coast, West Coast. The show brings together two American photographers, Greg Miller and Aline Smithson, who belong to the same generation but produce distinctively different work.

Despite this opposition in their methods, there is a clear vein that runs through both of their work; namely a desire to explore the complex relationships between people and the way those relations shape our world.

Greg Miller is a commercial photographer who claims his first introduction to photography was through his father’s pornography collection and the stack of National Geographic magazines at the family home. His personal projects focus in on the sometimes forgotten places in America, where county fairs and marching band camps are all part of daily life. The slick, carefully posed photos are all shot using a wooden K B Canham 8x10, in order, he claims, to disarm his subjects and gain their trust in a short period of time. When asked about the posed nature of his images he defends his methods by saying that the settings he creates are only better versions of a first witnessed moment, which has gone forever. His subjects are almost always captured with a notable physical distance between but you can always feel the emotional connection between them.

Aline Smithson also tries to portray and express the multiple layers present in our relationships. In this exhibition is her Arrangement in Green and Black: Portrait of the Photographer’s Mother series, which plays with the tenets of traditional portraiture and the concept, common in Japan, where a singular object is celebrated. The images are at once humourous and poignant, showing the photographer’s 85 year-old mother replicating the classic portrait by Whistler, Portrait of a Painter’s Mother in various outlandish costumes.--KM

East Coast, West Coast Galeria Tagomago September 16th to October 25th www.tagomago.com

A

Art<30 Sala Parés September 3rd to 25th www.salapares.com

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Sihaya Buisan - composicion en verde

n artist fulfilled by the singular and personal rewards of private creativity guarantees herself little joy. A committed practice of art may be its own reward to some, but the artist who remains hidden from the world receives no external support. Considering the many obstacles that confront any artist, they may be wise to lock their doors from any outside ambitions. And yet now, more than ever, we are overflowing with (unwise) artists, forever pitting themselves against the dangers of exposing themselves to the critiques of the outside world.

These artists, who end up leading a life of external success, are no less susceptible to failure and are no less fearful than the rest. The quick rise to lasting art-star fame is as unlikely today as ever. Whereas some young artists, just out of university will get a lucky break most start their artistic life from the bottom of the ladder, which is crowded with curators, grant and residency applicants, gallery owners, patrons and critics, the list goes on and on.

Paradoxically, it is because said ladder is so full that there are, in fact, more chances for the young artists’ creations to make it out of the studio and onto the world’s visual stage than ever before. Today, the artist can be as busy applying for awards, exhibitions and courses as they spend creating. In Catalunya, for example, civic centres, bank foundations, galleries and museums, now develop creative initiatives as a matter of course.

This month, Sala Parés features recipients of its third annual award for young artists, ART<30. The award honours artists of any nationality, aged 30 or younger, who are either studying or have studied fine arts at a Spanish university. This year, ten artists working in either painting or photography were selected from the large applicant pool by a jury of professional artists, gallery owners and art faculty from across the country.

The ART<30 award was established to promote the work of young artists by connecting them with the professional art market and galleries. Underwritten by the Fundació Banc Sabadell, ART<30 also profits from the support of seven Spanish companies who have agreed to purchase work from the exhibition, highlighting the importance of the acquisition and patronage of young artists. You’ve got three weeks to see what may end up dressing up the board rooms.--SB

20/8/10 13:53:11

IH BCN Metropolitan Advert Febrero 2010.pdf

12/2/10

14:08:11

ON 37

QUICK PIC(K)S SOME OF THE ART SHOWS ON NOW IN BARCELONA

WHERE LANGUAGES COME ALIVE WHERE LANGUAGES COME ALIVE

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4 1. Instantes Robados a la Mirada Galeria H2O September 16th to October 9th www.h2o.es

3. Antoni Tàpies · Col·lecció Fundació Antoni Tàpies Until September 26th www.fundaciotapies.org

2. Arte a Conciencia Galería Joan Gaspar September 14th to October 9th www.galeriajoangaspar.com

4. T’as tout salopé Ego Gallery Until September 30th www.egogallery.es

FIND FULL DETAILS OF CURRENT EXHIBITIONS ON OUR WEBSITE WWW.BARCELONA-METROPOLITAN.COM

36-37 ARTS.indd 53

SPANISH LANGUAGE COURSES INTENSIVE & EXTENSIVE, BUSINESS, DELE PREPARATION, INDIVIDUAL TUITION. All ages and levels.

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C/Trafalgar 14, 08010 Barcelona. Spain 93 268 45 11 info@bcn.ihes.com www.ihes.com

20/8/10 13:53:17

38 GASTRONOMY

New kid on the block A new and welcome addition to the city’s Asian food scene

By Tara Stevens. Photo by Patricia Esteve.

Can Kenji Calle Rosselló 325 Tel. 93 476 1823 www.cankenji.com Open Mon-Thurs midday - 1am Fri & Sat midday - 2am Selection of Japanese tapas to share plus drinks €30

F

or a long time I’ve wanted to write something about the emerg-

orders started a-flowing.

ing Asian food scene in Barcelona, but the time has never

One wanted sushi. Another didn’t want to waste valuable stom-

seemed quite right. Generally speaking the scene is on slow

ach space on rice. A third was determined to get stuck into the nasty

simmer, that hasn’t quite reached a rolling boil; I’m still waiting for

bits such as they were (Kenji’s offal offerings are fairly tame), while a

that elusive Thai or Vietnamese joint that will take my breath away.

fourth demanded udon. As for myself, I quietly got on with ordering

But when it comes to interesting Japanese, especially the sort that

the lot while nobody else was looking and thus a riot of dishes quickly

fuses itself with a liberal helping of Spanish cooking, it’s a slightly

appeared, in no particular order, though one suspects the pacing was

different story.

carefully considered.

Can Kenji opened in May earlier this year as Chef Kenji’s first self-

We begin with Kenji’s legendary sashimi—mackerel, bream, squid,

owned project. He’d worked at Mosquito Tapas as a sushi chef previ-

salmon, a scrap of excellent wasabi—all so fresh it’s almost flapping,

ously, building a name for himself and a loyal clientele who would

and so good we order a second round. Then we tuck into hot, crisp

follow him wheresoever he may go in the process. These days you’ll

albondigas (ball-shaped croquettes) that pay homage to the über

find him in the Eixample Dreta at a humble little venue just over the

Catalan mar i muntanya dishes of the Empordà. These combine shi-

Diagonal, where the walls are papered in Japanese faux brick, the

take and prawns and it strikes me a rather good way of not conform-

kitchen is small but open, the staff pleasing and cheery. Most impor-

ing to tradition. Tataki of bonito (Atlantic mackerel, large) is good

tantly the tables are rammed, which tells you what you need to know:

and meaty, thickly sliced with just the faintest searing on the flesh

this grub is good.

and laid across a thick pool of the Córdoban cold soup: salmorejo. It

Based on the izakaya concept (essentially a Japanese pub, though

works well enough, though to my taste both dishes stand better alone.

perhaps more accurately described as a kind of Japanese tapas bar)

Ropes of udon in a pure, light caldo come generously studded with

Can Kenji serves exactly the kind of fare you might expect to find in

purple-lipped clams and chunks of sepia (cuttlefish), a brilliant con-

such a place in Tokyo. Sushi naturally, along with what is possibly the

trast to the crisp tempura of creamed octopus buñuelo style.

best sashimi in town, aided by soy sauce so delectable I could have

I liked the beef tongue, grilled rare, sliced thin and served with as-

drunk it by the wine glass full. But you also get the more traditional,

paragus tips, though being such a lusty cut the seasoning could have

rib-sticking nourishment of Japan, beloved by everyone from busi-

been cranked up without destroying anything. I loved chunks of beef

nessmen to students, in shareable yet rather dainty portions.

filet dipped in sesame seeds that we ground ourselves at the table in

Contrast and balance are key, split fairly between Japanese and Spanish ingredients. Meat, fish and vegetables. Broths, sauces and condiments. Fried, steamed and raw. Hot and cold. Wet and slippery.

Fresh and lively.

It helps to take a few friends along to get the most of this sensory adventuring, and so, armed with five hungry dining companions, the

a suribachi (the ridged, ceramic pestle and mortar used in Japan specifically for this purpose) and mixed into a citrus dashi sauce.

Most of all I loved the fact that finally, here is a stimulating little restaurant, doing interesting things with local ingredients. And above all, it’s doing it at a price we can all afford. This I know for sure: I’ll definitely be back.

READ THE FOOD AND DRINK BLOG ON OUR WEBSITE FOR THE LATEST GOURMET NEWS AND REVIEWS: WWW.BARCELONA-METROPOLITAN.COM

40-41. food & drink option1.indd 56

19/8/10 12:41:45

GASTRONOMY 39

RECIPE Quail with Pistachio Salsa

By Tara Stevens With the Clock book coming out I’ve been cooking a lot of Moroccan food this year. But this isn’t all just shameless plugging.

The Moors had a huge influence on the Spanish kitchen and when it comes to packing robust, autumnal flavours into local produce there’s a lot to be said for that. This is quick and easy to throw together, great griddled or barbecued, and needs little more than a crisp, green salad to bring it all together.

For the quail

Method

• 8 quails, spatch-cocked

Combine all the marinade in-

• 1 tub plain yogurt

gredients together, rub well

• 2 tbsp orange zest

into the quails and leave the

• 1 tbsp lemon zest

flavours to develop for at least

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

30-minutes in the fridge. Bet-

• 1 tsp ground allspice

ter still leave them covered in

• 1 tsp sea salt

the fridge over night.

• ½ tsp turmeric

For the salsa

Method

• 150g pistachio, crushed

Combine all the salsa ingre-

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

dients together. Leave for at

• 2 tbsp orange flower water

least half an hour to let the

(or Manzanilla)

flavours develop. Meanwhile

• 2 tbsp mild olive oil

grill the quails over a medi-

• 2 tbsp roughly

um heat (about 7-10 minutes

chopped parsley

on either side depending on

• 1 tbsp roughly

how well done you like them).

chopped mint

Serve each pair of quails hot,

• Juice of half a lemon

with a generous dollop of the

• Salt and freshly

salsa on the side.

milled pepper

40-41. food & drink option1.indd 57

19/8/10 12:44:18

40 GASTRONOMY

Lunch with...

In a new feature, Tara Stevens has a lunch date with some of the city’s most dedicated foodies, this month: Rosemary Trigg, Communications Director, Hotel Arts Photo by Patricia Esteve

Rosemary Trigg and Paco Pérez

W

hen Enoteca, the Hotel Arts’ flagship restaurant, got its first

about; the excellent quality of a product prepared in a way which high-

Michelin star earlier this year the buzz was audible. But since

lights taste and texture at their best.”

chef de cuisine Paco Pérez was out tending the mother ship

For today though, Pérez has tasked one of his young protégées with our

—the Miramar in Llança on the Costa Brava—on the day of my visit, I

tasting menu. Carefully grooming his team to cultivate their own ideas

caught up with Rosemary Trigg, long-time Communications Director at

is all part of the Enoteca culture. As such, a multi-course extravaganza

the hotel, to catch a bit of the buzz.

awaits that runs from baby squid in its own ink, through lobster topped

“It was an extraordinary experience,” she told me when I asked about the accolade. “We had no idea it was happening. We knew the inspectors had been in, but there was no notification, no letter, no e-mail. Then, all of a sudden we got a phone call and that was it. A star was born.”

with creamy grey mullet roe, to foie and chocolate turbot in potato jus, to a truffled, free-range chicken burger and balsamic vinegar ice cream.

As sensory sensations go, this is one that’s worthy of the €86 price tag. If you’re going to have one blowout this autumn, make it here.

Then, as now, the cool, calm interior of widely spaced tables and dipped-in-chocolate décor makes you feel utterly grown-up and rather

Enoteca - Hotel Arts,

like you might have won the lottery. It is the very essence of understated

Marina 19-21,

decadence.

Tel. 93 483 8103

“How is it,” I mused as we munch on crisp shavings of sugar-sweet

www.hotelartsbarcelona.com

white asparagus dipped in alioli “to have lunch at Enoteca every day?”

Open Mon-Tue 12.30pm-4pm

Rosemary laughs. Obviously she doesn’t eat here every day, but it is cer-

Mon-Sat 7.30pm-11pm

tainly no bad thing to have it beneath the office.

The success of the restaurant must, in part, come down to Pérez’s artful creations. “He’s a pleasure to work with because he’s so clear about what he’s aiming at in culinary terms,” Trigg explains.

Rosemary’s top tip

How so? I ask, “Espardenyes,” she says without missing a beat, she goes

Els Pescadors because “it feels so different to other restaurants. The fish is

on to explain how he takes a simple ingredient, the sea cucumber, and

superb and it’s been going strong for so long, it’s quite simply a Barcelona

works his culinary magic. “That’s the essence of what Paco’s cuisine is all

classic.” Plaça Prim, 1, Tel. 93 2252 018, www.elspescadors.com

42 Lunch with.indd 42

19/8/10 12:45:31

FREE

NETWORKING EVENT

Tuesday 21st September, 7.30pm Music from Laia Porta & friends starts at 9pm

Come and join us at Margarita Blue to meet international people from all over the world, exchange ideas, network and make new contacts.

Invitation glass of cava or a Margarita Blue chupito

Follow us on twitter, meetup.com or visit barcelona-metropolitan.com

Barcelona Be part of it

full page Sept 2010.indd 1

C/Josep Anselm Clave 6

Drassanes

19/8/10 11:34:14

42 Sept 2010 OK.pdf

23/8/10

12:23:05

main pages - Sept 10.indd 4

17/8/10 12:47:08

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Bar - Live Music 7 Sins Bar and Lounge4EIXAMPLE e New food menu with an even bigger selection of American style burgers, including chicken fillet and vegetarian options.

Tasty tapas accompanied by one of our 7 beers on draught or 7 deadly cocktails for the ladies…? Entertainment every weekend in the basement club bar where you will find local & international DJs as well as live music acts. A great pre-club venue to get your weekend started. Big screen sports events over 2 floors. All Champions league games. Join them on Facebook “7 Sins Barcelona” to receive info on weekly events.

C/Muntaner 7 | Universitat | Tel. 93 453 6445 www.7sinsbar.com | Mon-Fri 11am-3am, Sat-Sun 6pm-3am | RV

Margarita Blue 4BARRI GÒTIC Located in the heart of old Barcelona, Margarita Blue has become a classic in the city’s bar scene. Delight in the dishes from the ‘‘Mexiterranean” kitchen, such as a variety of tacos, amazing guacamole, fresh carpaccio and tomates verdes fritos or take pleasure in a drink or cocktail whilst appreciating new music and spectacular shows that alternate between theatre and performance art.

Come and enjoy the Barcelona-Metropolitan networking event and meet new people. Tuesday 21st September from 7:30pm with live music from Laia Porta and friends at 9.00pm.

C/Josep Anselm Clave 6 | Drassanes | Tel. 93 412 5489 | www.margaritablue.com | Mon-Fri 1.30pm-4pm, 8pm-2.30am, Sat-Sun 6pm-2.30am | RV

Food & drink_Sept10 .indd 44

Barraval 4Raval Located in the heart of the Raval quarter, Barraval offers great Mediterranean and Catalan cuisine alongside a trendy atmosphere and great cocktails. Taste our new ‘Tapas and Platillos’ menu. You can also stop at the bar for a great cocktail and listen to soul, jazz, Latin and R&B music played by resident DJs. Private rooms are available for groups, parties and special events. Every Wednesday we have ‘After Office’ - enjoy a special complimentary chef’s dish when ordering a drink. Weekend Lunch Special: Paella Menu for 15.

C/Hospital, 104 (Rambla del Raval) Liceu / Sant Antoni | Tel. 93 329 82 77/ 609 221 400 | Wed-Sat 7.30pm-2.30am, Sat-Sun open at 1pm for lunch RV

cara bela4barceloneta Cara bela has one of the sunniest terraces on Port Vell with fantastic views of the Barcelona Head Sculpture by Roy Lichtenstein.

They offer great sandwiches and tapas as well as freshly squeezed fruit juices and smoothies.

Pas de Soto Muralla, 3 I Barceloneta Tel. 697 152 215 I Mon-Sun 10am -2am

Food&Drink to advertise in this section, please call 93 4514486 or email ads@barcelona-metropolitan.com

19/8/10 17:39:08

k

FOOD & DRINK 45 French – Catalan

Café – Ice Cream Shop ART I SA4BARRI GÒTIC

PETIT PARIS 4EIXAMPLE E

Natural and organic delicatessen, café and ice cream shop.

Lose yourself in Paris in the heart of Barcelona. Petit Paris offers a romantic setting like a black and white movie.

This restaurant offers a unique twist with its menu, which combines both French and Catalan cuisine. The house specialities are foi gras, langoustines served with espardenyes and potatoes and crepes suzette. Open 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

• Fantastic selection of the most typical Catalan products, made in the most traditional and natural way.

• Perfect as a treat for yourself, or a gift for a loved one.

• Choose from a selection of different crêpes, sandwiches, cakes and natural ice-cream for a truly original experience.

NEFW &D IN

C/Colom 2 (Plaça Real) | Liceu | Tel. 93 186 3623 www.artisa.es | Every Day 10am-10pm

Catalan

C/ París196 | Diagonal, FGC Provença Tel. 93 218 2678 | Every day 1-3.30 pm & 8.30-11.30pm

Indian - Hindu Govinda (VEGETARIAN)4BARRI GÒTIC

GRAN PARIS 4EIXAMPLE E

A restaurant veteran for 24 years, Govinda specialises in vegetarian Indian cuisine. The international menu features talis, a salad bar, natural juices, lassis, pizzas and crêpes. It offers a vegan-friendly, non-alcoholic and authentically decorated environment with lunch and weekend menus.

Discover the serene setting of Restaurant Gran Paris where the chefs invite you to sample luxurious Catalan cuisine. From the traditional, simple dish of baclao (Catalan cod) to the more complex, there is more than enough choice to satisfy your taste buds for the Mediterranean. The three separate rooms allow for a comfortable ambience suitable both for lavish meetings or family gatherings. Open 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Pl. Villa de Madrid 4-5 | Catalunya | Tel. 93 318 7729 www.amalteaygovinda.com | Tue-Sat 1pm-4pm, 8.30pm-12am, Sun-Mon 1pm-4pm

veg world4GRÀCIA Discover a world of sensations in a relaxed and homely atmosphere. Try vegetarian delicacies from all over the world such as delicious bread home-made in a Tandoori oven and south Indian dishes like MASALA DOSA and IDLY. Daily continental and Indian menus, 9.50 inc. Free soup and salad buffet.

NEW

C/ Muntaner 182 I 08036 Barcelona IN F&D Hospital Clínic, FGC Provença Tel: 93 363 5252 / 93 363 5253 I Fax: 93 321 3479 restaurant@granparis.com I www.granparis.com Every day 1-3.30 pm & 8.30-11.30pm

C/Bruniquer 26 | Plaça Joanic | Tel. 93 210 7056 Tues-Sun 1pm-4pm, 8pm-11.30pm

Hungarian Delicatessen moti mahal4RAVAL Conveniently located between the Rambla de Raval and Paral-lel, Moti Mahal offers an extensive menu of Indian cuisine, including madras and tika dishes, sheek kebabs, traditional soups breads and biryanis. A large variety of vegetarian dishes are also available. House specialities are the clay oven-cooked tandoori dishes and the tofu paneer pakora. Menu of the day is on offer Mon- Fri for 9.25.

C/Sant Pau 103 | Paral.lel | Tel. 93 329 3252 www.motimahalbcn.com Every day 12pm-4pm, 8pm-12am Closed Tues Lunch | RV

Indian - Modern BEMBi4Eixample D paprika gourmet4Eixample d Paprika Gourmet, Barcelona’s first Hungarian delicatessen is a treasury of culinary experiences, the shop window a quintessence of Hungarian cuisine. It is conveniently located a block away from the Sagrada Familia. It offers a wide range of salamis, cheeses, jams, honeys and chocolates all in a warm, welcoming environment. In the morning you can have an appetising breakfast with coffee and during the day you can enjoy the delicious “tapas a la húngara” with a glass of wine. Be our guest and taste the world of Paprika Gourmet!

C/Lepant 311 | Closed Sun

Sagrada Familia | Tel. 93 433 5709 | www.paprikagourmet.com | Mon-Sat 7am-9pm

Food & drink_Sept10 .indd 45

Bembi offers an authentic Indian experience unlike any other in Barcelona. Traditional Indian recipes are passionately prepared and presented in a modern, stylish way by their India- and UK-trained master chef. Experience Bembi in trendy surroundings, and try their lunch menu for 14 (choice of four starters, main courses and desserts). Highly recommended is the menú de degustación for 26.50, you can try the chef’s selection and Hyderabadi lamb biriyani (succulent lamb and basmati rice cooked with a natural dough seal).

C/Consell de Cent 377 | Girona/Passeig de Gràcia | Tel. 93 502 4952 | www.bembi-barcelona.com Mon-Sat 1.15pm-3.45pm, 8.30pm-11.30pm, Fri-Sat 11.45pm | Sun 1.15pm-4.30pm | Closed Sun dinner

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46 FOOD & DRINK SHANTI4LES CORTS Shanti (which means peace in Sanskrit) have selected a rich and varied menu comprised of traditional dishes that offer an authentic Indian experience to even the most discerning palettes. Using classic recipes their dishes respect tradition but come with modern presentation. Try their tasting menu for only 24.90 (+IVA).

C/Agustina Saragossa 3-5 (in front of CC L’Illa) Maria Cristina - Tram 1,2,3 L’Illa Tel. 93 252 3115 | www.restaurantshanti.com Mon-Sat 1pm-4pm, 8pm-11.45pm Closed Sun | RV

Indonesian - Thai BATIK4SAGRADA FAMILIA Close to the Sagrada Familia you will find a small and very special restaurant with authentic Indonesian, Malaysian, Thai and Singaporean cuisine. Enjoy one of the house recommendations “Satay” or “Nasi Goreng”. Menu del dia runs Monday-Friday for 9.50 and 11.50. Reservations are strongly recommended Fri & Sat nights.

Hard Rock CafE4CIUTAT VELLA Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona offers an inspired, creative ambience with incredible rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia on display. Come and taste authentic American food. Their berbecue entrees slow cooked in the cafe’s hardwood smokers are delicious. Visit the bar to try a premium cocktail and check out the live music and special events on offer. Don’t forget to stop at the Rock Shop for fine, classic, cotton T-shirts or a collectable Hard Rock pin.

Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona invites you to visit them at Plaça de Catalunya where you can win free tickets for you and a guest to see Supertramp and Peter Gabriel. Concerts take place at the Palau Sant Jordi on the 18th and 23rd.

C/Valencia 454 I Sagrada Familia Tel. 93 231 6015 / 677 594 533 www.restaurantbatik.com Mon-Sat 1pm -3.45pm, Tues-Sat 8.30pm-11.30pm Closed Sun and Mon Evening

Plaça Catalunya 21 | Catalunya | Tel. 93 270 2305 | www.hardrock.com/barcelona | Restaurant: SunThurs 11am-2am, Fri, Sat and hol eves 11am-3am | Rock Shop: Sun-Thurs 10am-1.30am, Fri, Sat and hol eves 10am-2am

International

Restaurant | cocktail lounge

Princesa 234BORN Princesa 23 prides itself on their friendly, multilingual and attentive staff, service rarely enjoyed in Barcelona. The kitchen provides a range of international food including traditional tapas, paella and chef’s specials. Open every day from 12pm.

Come and enjoy their NEW menu of the day format for 12.50.

Monday to Friday from 12pm until 5pm.

La hacienda4Born Billing itself as “The Mexican Experience” with hacienda decor and traditional masks adorning the walls, this newly opened restaurant offers special dishes using traditional Mexican recipes with a twist. Recommended are the house specialities molcajete, beef, chicken or veggies sizzling on a volcanic rock with chorizo, avocado and spring onion, or nopalitos gratinados, grilled fillets of cactus - and don’t forget the tequila! There are many types on offer including 4 frozen margaritas and Jimador.

Mojitos and capiriñas for only 4 all day, every day!

C/Princesa 23 | Jaume I | Tel. 93 268 8618 | www.princesa.es Sun-Thurs 12pm-2am, Fri-Sat 12pm-3am

Food & drink_Sept10 .indd 46

C/Rec 69 (Born) | Jaume I, Barceloneta | Tel. 933 100 073 | www.lahaciendabarcelona.com Open every day 12pm-3am.

19/8/10 17:39:22

FOOD & DRINK 47 andÚ4JAUME 1

thai

Andú offers an escape from Barcelona’s mayhem, without sacrificing the fun.

The cool music and relaxed vibe draws a diverse and bohemian crowd making it a warm and spirited bar full of animated locals enjoying a great wine list and classic Spanish tapas, including fantastic Catalan cheeses and hams.

C/ del Correo Viejo I Mon-Sun 6pm -2.30am

tHai gracia4GRÀcIA A new Thai restaurant has just opened on the edge of Gràcia! Expect authentic ingredients all imported from Thailand and cooked by experienced Thai chefs.

The pad thai, green and yellow curries have excellent subtle flavours. Simply delicious! The special tasting menu for 21 is a huge hit and allows you to try all the exotic dishes Thai Gracia has to offer. An affordable 11 menu del dia is available during the week. The warm hospitality and attention to detail to every dish at Thai Gracia will keep you coming back for more.

Jaume 1 I Tel. 646 553 930 C/ Córcega 381 | Metro Verdaguer / Girona Tel. 93 459 3591 | www.restaurante-thai-gracia.com Every day 1pm -4pm 8pm-12am | RV

Mexican

tHai tHai4EIXAMPLE E vinda4JAUME 1 Vinda is a fantastic Mexican bar and restaurant that is famous for is amazing margaritas, daiquiris and mojitos.

Located in the heart of the Gothic quarter, they offer an incredible selection of Mexican dishes and tapas that will put you in the mood for an unforgettable night out on the town. Ask the cocktail barman for recommendations!

Thai Thai restaurant invites you to taste and enjoy traditional Thai food with tropical ingredients from Thailand prepared by Thai chefs. They specialise in all kinds of Thai curries. Thai Thai has created a delicious tasting menu for only 24 and a fresh menu of the day is on offer for 9.50 during the week.

C/Diputació 91 | C/Princep Jordi, 6 | 8pm-12am | RV

Urgell | Tel. 620 938 059 | www.thaithai.es España | Tel. 663 126 398 Every day 1pm-4pm,

vegetarian aMaltea4EIXAMPLE E

Visit Amaltea vegetarian restaurant, where tasty and healthy meals are served in a welcoming environment. Dishes include cereals, pulses and vegetables, with homemade puddings. The cuisine is creatively international with care taken to ensure all ingredients are fresh and dishes are well balanced. Menu of the day 10.50, night and weekend menu 15.

C/ Regomir , 4 I Jaume 1 Tel. 93 319 8956 Mon-Sun 6pm -2am I Vindabar@gmail.com

napelese

C/Diputació 164 | Urgell | Tel. 93 454 8613 www.amalteaygovinda.com Mon-Sat 1pm-4pm, Mon-Sat 8.30pm-11.30pm, Closed Sun

vietnamese annaPurna4EIXAMPLE E The name of a series of peaks in the Himalayas, Annapurna is a great place to enjoy Nepalese culinary deligths. it serves tasty and aromatic dishes such as grilled meats cooked in a Nepalese tandoor oven as well as a variety of top quality vegetarian dishes.

Try Nepal’s most famous dish, Dal-bhat or drop in for their midday fixed lunch menu during the week for only 9,75.

C/ Paris 161 I Hospital Clinic I Tel. 934 102 947 www.annapurna-restaurant.com I Mon-Sat 12-4pm and 8pm-12am, Clsd Sun I RV

Food&drink to advertise in this section, please call 93 4514486 or email ads@barcelona-metropolitan.com take-away PiM PaM Burger4boRn Quality is of utmost importance making it the best burger and frankfurter take-away in town. Special hamburgers, chicken burgers, bratwurst, frankfurters, home made chips and stroganoff are also available and are all prepared on the premises.

C/Sabateret 4 I Jaume I Tel. 93 315 2093 burger@pimpamplats.com I www.pimpamplats.com Every day 1pm-12am

Food & drink_Sept10 .indd 47

BunBo vietnaM4bARRI GÒtIc Satisfy your craving for fresh, healthy Vietnamese food just steps away from the Gothic cathedral. Sit under the leafy trees of the quiet terrace or inside the restaurant which is entirely decorated with bright colourful pieces straight from Saigon. Start with delicious fresh summer rolls, crispy Asian pork lettuce cups, followed by traditional Pho or Bun noodle dishes.

Accompany your meal with a fresh and exotic cocktail like the sakirinha (caipirinha made with sake). The menu of the day is an affordable 10 inside and 11 on the shady terrace.

The kitchen is open non-stop all day.

C/Sagristans 3 |

Urquinaona | Tel. 93 301 1378 | www.bunbovietnam.com | 1pm-1am Every day

19/8/10 17:39:32

Hairdressers

Marketplace 4 Services Directory To advertise in this section, call: 93 451 44 86 or email: ads@barcelona-metropolitan.com

Beauty Health & Wellbeing

Home Services

Education

Services

Business Employment Fashion

46-51 Sept.indd 46

Hairdressers Fashion Bodywork/Massage Dentists Doctors Veterinarian Chiropractors Pharmacy Psychologists / Psychotherapists Rehabilitation Centres HypnoBirthing Martial Arts Interior Design Plumbing Construction Handyman Relocation Real Estate & Accommodation Transport / Storage / Removals Language Schools Teacher Training Activities Translation Course Piano Lessons Computers Television Services Drinks distributor Design Writing & Editing Tax Services Legal Practices Financial Services Insurance Job Opportunities

48 48 48 49 49 49 50 50 50-51 51 51 52 52 52 52 52 52 53 53-54 54-56 56 56 56 56 56 57 57 58 58 58 58-59 60 60 60-62

Bodywork / Massage

19/8/10 13:14:47

Beauty | Health | Wellbeing 49 Dentists

Doctors

English Dentist Dr. Nicholas Jones BDSLDSRCS Col. No 4090

FREE CHECK-UPS

General & Cosmetic dentistry Orthodontics Implants & Tooth whitening Smile makeovers Diagonal 281 (Sagrada familia L5/Monumental L2) Tel. 93 265 80 70 / Mob. 607 332 335 Open Monday to Saturday

nickteeth@hotmail.com www.nickteeth.com

English Doctor Dr. Steven Joseph

Member of the Royal College of General Practioners U.K Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists U.K

General Practice · Mental Health Extensive range of primary care services Access to all medical specialists/investigations

medical centre

46-51 Sept.indd 47

L

Tel 93 330 2412 • Mobile 627 669 524 Email: googol@hotmail.es www.googolmedicalcentre.com

Leila Catherine Onbargi, M.D.

OBSTETRICS and GYNECOLOGY

Col nº 38291

BSc, MBBS, DRCOG, MRCGP, MRCPsych (London)

GOOG

Veterinarian

Gran Via Carles III nº-37-39 08028 Barcelona Les Corts

Centro Medico Teknon American Board Certified C/Vilana, 12 • consulta 161 Barcelona • Tel: 93 393 3161 Email: dr.onbargi@gmail.com www.teknon.es/consultorio/onbargi Fellow, American College OB/GYN Diplomate American Board of OB/GYN

ENGLISH • SPANISH • FRENCH

19/8/10 13:15:21

50 Beauty | Health | Wellbeing Chiropractors

ULTRAMED Our Doctors can help you improve your health through various natural methods:

Chiropractic Acupuncture Homeopathy Chiro Massage

Please contact us for a free consultation:

www.ultramed.es - info@ultramed.es C/ Bruc 76 - 93 487 9648 Pharmacy

Psychologists / Psychotherapists

English Speaking and Trained Counsellor and Psychotherapist Help and Support with; • Lack of Energy or Low Self-Esteem • Improving Family and Personal Relationships • Feelings of Anger, Loneliness and Isolation, or Anxiety • Expat Issues and Adapting to, or Preparing for, Change • Achieving a Particular Goal or Finding a New Direction • Changing Unhelpful or Destructive Habits or Patterns of Behaviour

Free Initial 20 minute Introductory Meeting

Jonathan Lane Hooker

Psychotherapist, Counsellor, Coach and Guide Tel: 93 590 7654 • Mob: 639 579 646 • jonathan.hooker@yahoo.com

46-51 Sept.indd 48

19/8/10 13:16:16

Beauty | HealtH | WellBeing 51 Psychologists / Psychotherapists

Nick Cross Reg. psychologist no. 17158

(Col·legi Oficial de Psicòlegs de Catalunya)

Psychologist Psychotherapist Psychodynamically-oriented psychotherapy can provide effective treatment for: • anxiety & fears • depression • problems adjusting • relational difficulties • loss • trauma • neuroses

Tel. 644 193 825 e.mail ncross@copc.es

Rehabilitation Centres

REHAB SERENITY HOUSE Problems with Alcohol & Cocaine abuse The most comprehensive 12 step programme in Europe 28 day all inclusive programme

(0034) 956 127 371 • www.serenityhouse.co.uk HypnoBirthing

46-51 Sept.indd 49

19/8/10 13:16:42

Interior Design

Martial Arts

:

52 Beauty | Health | Wellbeing | Home Services

Wing Chun is a concept-based system of self defence from southern China, renowned for itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s simple, direct techniques.

Improve both your body and mind.

Find out more at:

www.barcelonawingchun.com Contact David on 617 357 184 or david_615734@yahoo.co.uk Classes every Tuesday & Thursday 7pm - 8.30pm C/ Enric Granados 48, 08008, Barcelona

Plumbing GRAHAM COLLINS PROPERTY CONSULTANCY INTER IOR DESIGN & DECOR ATION Puzzled by the property market ?

Need a renovator that speaks your language ?

Want that designed look on an Ikea budget ?

C / CONSULAT DEL MAR 35, 3er BARCELONA t: 0034 678 75 75 11 e: grahamcollins@talk21.com

Construction

Handyman

Relocation

46-51 Sept.indd 50

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Home Services 53 Real Estate & Accommodation

Transport / Storage / Removals

46-51 Sept.indd 51

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54 HoME SErvicES

| Education

Transport / Storage / Removals

Language Schools

SPANISH COURSES

ACELE

Catalan Association of Spanish Language Schools

Your guarantee of high quality service (*) abcCollege www.abccollege.es

Centro Humboldt www.centrohumboldt.com

Enforex www.enforex.com

BCN Languages www.bcnlanguages.com

Don Quijote www.donquijote.org

IH Barcelona www.ihes.com/bcn

(*) All ACELE schools have been accredited by the Cervantes Institute and/or CEELE.

52-57 Sept.indd 52

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Education 55 Language Schools

¿Español? Say it with us!

Learn Spanish with CEE from 99€ !

- Intensive and regular courses - DELE Exams Preparation - Morning and Evening lessons - Practical and communicative approach - 3, 6, 7.5, 15 and 20 hours/week

New courses starting every month

Enrol today to speak Spanish tomorrow!

CEE, Roger de Llúria 123 (Provença) <M> Diagonal/Verdaguer Tel. 934 880 080 info@cursos.org http://www.cursos.org

Spanish Courses

Special summer offer!

• Courses of 10, 20 or 30 hours a week • Classes from 9:00 to 21:00 • Small groups • 8 different levels

1 month 170€ (10 hours/week)

1 month 320€ (20 hours/week)

www.bindungbarcelona.com info@bindungbarcelona.com

Why not learn a new language this autumn or brush up on an existing one?

Oxford House offers a variety of languages, including Spanish, Catalan and French For more info visit our website:

www.oxfordhousebcn.com C/ Ausias March 26 08010 Barcelona 933 115 824

52-57 Sept.indd 53

or come by to see us.

C/Girona 83, ppal. (C/Aragó)

Girona • Tel: 93 458 01 11 • info@oxfordtefl.com

19/8/10 17:53:58

56 Education

| Services

Language Schools

Teacher Training

Activities

Translation Course

Piano Lessons

Computers

Computers

52-57 Sept.indd 54

19/8/10 17:54:39

Services 57 Television Services

Drink distributor

52-57 Sept.indd 55

19/8/10 17:55:07

58 Services Design

| Business

FOR ALL YOUR DESIGN NEEDS

Bespoke means ‘made to individual order’, and we tailor each project to our client’s unique needs. With over 10 years of experience in graphic design we are passionate about communicating your message and provide an all round creative service.

Contact: Aisling

BA in Visual Communication

Member of the International Society of Typographic Designers

Barcelona Be part of it

m.667 906 721

Writing & Editing

e.david@bespokebcn.com

www.bespokebcn.com

e: ashcal.design@gmail.com Spain accounting Sept 2010.pdf 19/8/10 t: +34 699 260 938

17:52:03

Tax Services

Legal Practices

atentamente si los datos que figuran en esta prueba son correctos, especialmente el nombre, dirección, números de teléfono, al, etc. Esta prueba no debe devolverla a menos que observe alguna incorección. En este caso, rogamos indique claramente s son dichas incorecciones y nos la remita sellada y fimada, en un plazo inferior a tres días a Barcelona Metropolitan - Dpto.

52-57 Sept.indd 56 c Granados, 48 Entlo. 2ª, 08008 Barcelona o al fax 93 451 65 37.

19/8/10 17:55:54

Business 59 Legal Practices

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60 Business

|

Employment

Financial Services

Insurance

www.spectrum-ifa.com

Financial Advice on all aspects of living in Spain from our experienced, regulated and qualified team.

For your free guide to independent financial advice email barcelona@spectrum-ifa.com or phone 93 665 8596

Independent Financial Advisers

Regulated in Spain. Offices also in France, Luxembourg, Netherlands and Switzerland The Spectrum IFA Group en España – Baskerville Advisers S.L. CIF B-63/137.020 – Correduría de Seguros; Nº de registro RDGS J2306 Paseo de Gracia 63, Principal 2a, 08008, Barcelona - Seguro responsabilidad civil AIG Europe Nº 0131900503.1330 Registro Mercantil de Barcelona, Tomo 35489, Folio 170, Sección 8, Hoja B-269534

Job Opportunities

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Employment 61

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62 Employment

Agents/Distributors wanted: MEGACALL Fast expanding Telecoms business specialising in the S.M.E (PYMES) market are now recruiting sales agents. Monthly recurring income.

Full training given and full office back up.

Send your CV to admin@megacall.es or call 952667511 for more details

Everything you need...

Discover whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on offer Easy search tool

See an inside view

... all in one place Map

Visit our online Business Directory

58-62 Sept.indd 60

19/8/10 17:58:47

main pages - Sept 10.indd 7

17/8/10 11:33:23

A selection of the latest classified ads you can see on our website now Accommodation search Flat wanted for rent. I have just come from Denmark and will start working in Barcelona 10th August. I am looking for a furnished flat in the area of Esplugues de Llobregat, two bedrooms. Mail: bblaehr@ hotmail.com

Long term apartment rentals Cottage and Apartment in Sitges. Cottage in Sitges centre with 2 bedrooms. Apartment with 1 bedroom in Oasis. Tel. 678 237 110 House for rent, Costa Brava.

Year-round. 3-bdrm, 2-and-ahalf bath home in small village.

Large, open space on 3rd floor for studio, play, etc. Fully furnished w/many extras. 85 m2 garden w/ fantastic views.

Garage, central heat, fireplace.

Open plan living-dining-kitchen.

Rent negotiable. barcelona163@ yahoo.com Tel. 647 873 390 Charming beach holiday apartment.100m2, 3 bed, 2 bath apartment with spectacular sea views available for winter tenants from approx Oct/Nov thru April/May. Located in quiet spa town 30 mins from Barcelona center with direct train access to Plaza Catalunya. 1100 euros/ month exclusive of utilities, fully furnished, heating, covered parking and Wireless Internet access. For pictures see www.

BarcelonaBeachHoliday.com Two bed flat to rent. 580 euros per month one and half months deposit furnished tv internet telephone off ramblas tel 638195677 email sammerryfields@googlemail.com

classifieds Sept 2010.indd 1

El Born 1 bedroom loft with private garden €1300. This is a lovely loft-style garden apartment in the heart of the Borne.

The apartment comprises one double bedroom with a walk-in closet, one complete bathroom and an open style kitchen, fully equipped. The apartment is only available for long term rentals and fully furnished. Features: 1 double bedroom with queen size bed & walk-in closet - 1 bathroom w/ clawfoot tub & shower - Fully equipped kitchen with dishware & cookware - Stereo & TV - Electricity included in the rental price - Garden/patio 20 sqm - Ground floor - Central heating +34 672 080 108

Long term room rentals Large room for rent. Clean, quite area, guinardo, metro L4/5(yellow/blue), 3 nite buses. apartment has large terrace, bathroom, kitchen, washing machine, living/dining room. small pup included. €350(1 pers) €400 (2 pers) call 662 031 696 Lrg double room in exec flat in Sitges. Fantastic double room plus share of huge flat in Sitges best area. Garden with pool, stunning views from balcony, wi-fi, sat TV, porter, video entry, parking etc etc. Tel Paul 663 801 325 or email for pics etc.

Professional, tidy individuals, no smokers, please. Our standards are high!

Property for sale Property for sale. Urgent sale of three sites in Olivella, Sitges.

Two sites in Las Colinas one with an unfinished house. Each site has 650 sq metres approx. Other site is in Mas Mestre and has 1300 sq metres. Tel. 678 237 110

Vehicles for sale Beautiful 7+m sailboat. Jeanneau So 24.2 1998. All new in 2010: sails, rigging...ITV passed until 2014 Good to go with a titulin license. Port Olimpic. Tel. 678 180 466 VW Golf 1.9 Tdi Highline 115ps.

Year 2000 WV Golf, good condition car with 133.000 km (82.600 miles), 5 years new engine with 60.000 km (37.300 miles). Diesel, 3 doors, Metallic Black, 4 airbags, 6 speed manual, alloy wheels, ESP, computer, power steering, MP3 Radio 12 cd auto charger 5.000 eur+ name.

Tel 667 44 88 15

Household goods for sale High bed, sofa and all types of furniture will fit underneath, hardly used about 20 times 130 euros ONO, cost 350 euros. Email tommyrogers79@hotmail.com Beautiful Beige leather sofa.

Excellent condition. Tel 686 661 897. 2 metres long.

Nearly new Fridge Freezer.

Balay, El corte ingles garantee.

185x 60x60. Tel 686 661 897.

House contents sale. We are moving home and selling all furniture, beds, cots, moses baskets, chests of drawers, snowboards, baby car seat, tumble dryer, washing machine, fridge freezer, dishwasher, domestic appliances, and much more. Available now. Write to joanmcclean@hotmail.com for a full list of items and prices.

Moving sale! Two IKEA wardrobes: 50€ each Amazing black&white sofa, fits 10 people (has to be seen!) 600€ Dining table: 300€ Washing machine: 150€ Fridge/freezer: 100€ Large double bed, amazing mattress: 800€ Single bed with wooden

frame: 200€ Chest of 8 drawers: 100€ (Hemnes) Bed side table: 30€ (Hemnes) Book case: 50 € (Expedit) Book case/ shoe shelf: 30 € (Expedit) Wall shelves: 10€ For detailed descriptions and prices of other furniture please call William on 93 566 8596/634 957 411 or e-mail vallentym@ hotmail.com and arrange a meeting!

2 Ikea wardrobes 15 Euros each.

Call 689 925 151 or 93 307 4090.

Groups & Clubs Barcelona Lacrosse Club.

Informal sports club for lacrosse players of all ages, male & female. New players welcome! www.barcelonalacrosse.com

Seeking American Girl just moved to Bcn. I am looking for new friends around my age, 29, female/male. I just moved here from Los Angeles, California two months ago. I speak English and very little Spanish, I want to improve my Spanish. I love fashion, art, working out, having fun!!! Please e-mail me a small description about you, and we can exchange picture!! Karissak111@yahoo.com

Language exchange The Australian New Zealander Catalan Society (www.aunzcat.blogspot.com). Language exchange, sharing experiences, some wanting to settle in BCN, some wanting to settle in AUS/ NZ. (aunzcat@gmail.com) To meet native English people.

I’m interesting in to meet people to practice my English, to share free time and be friends. My email: maryrome1@ hotmail.com

19/8/10 10:45:55

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BACK PAGE 66

Blue Sky Thinking

A

s many people return wearily from their

but then being forced into bankruptcy can push

it could also mean a pause in the inexora-

holidays, it’s easy to forget that this was

even the most benign neighbour to extreme acts.

ble heating of the planet. In short, setting off a

almost a flight-free summer. A couple

With their unparalleled expertise in harnessing

volcano is very good for the global environment

more puffs of ash over Iceland and everyone

the power of geysers and hot springs, re-routing

—though not always good for the local environ-

would have been grounded. There is a saying in

the accumulated energy into setting off a volca-

ment—as inhabitants of Pompeii and Krakatoa

Iceland*: ‘A volcano is its own revenge’**. In re-

no would have been simple. It’s the geo-physical

might attest. Or the dinosaurs, who may well

taliation for being callously bankrupted by Brit-

equivalent of cutting up your errant spouse’s

have died from an excess of volcanic activity.

ain and other European countries at the start

clothes or severing your boss’s brake cables, only

But if this particular Icelandic saga is repeat-

of the financial crisis, Iceland seemed to have

less detectable. The worry is that now the Greeks

ed, the world will adapt. Business people will

discovered the perfect way to get its own back.

might try something similar with Nea Kameni.

discover the joys of videoconferencing, holiday-

It simply closed Britain and the rest of Europe

Even the good people of Olot must be wondering

makers will discover the joys of train travel and

down. Unlike al Qaida, whose similar attempts

whether the dormant volcanoes of La Garrotxa

low-cost airlines will discover the joys of going

have mainly led to extended check-in times,

can be coaxed back to life next time they want to

out of business.

abandoned toiletries and full-body x-rays.

express a civic grievance. Closing down air traf-

The question is, why wait? Given the benefits

Wily Icelanders have not only managed to pull

fic is so much more effective as a form of protest

of a flight-free world why not slap a moratorium

the plug on the whole carnival, but managed to

than marching around town banging saucepans.

on all flying? Well, if not an all-out moratorium,

avoid blame and military reprisals by pointing

What the Icelanders might not have realised

how about a regular hiatus? Make Sundays a

is that, yes, many people will be inconvenienced,

no-fly day, for example. Or Thursdays. Or the

As a scapegoat, a volcano has the twofold

yes, airlines will lose millions, and yes, Barça will

first week of every month. Or leap years. Sure,

advantage of not only standing up well under

think twice before travelling to an international

some people will be greatly inconvenienced,

interrogation, it is also immune to punishment.

away game by coach. But for a lot of people clos-

but not quite as inconvenienced as living on a

What are the aviation companies going to do?

ing the airports for a week or two here and there

planet that is third warmer than it should be.

Bomb it? Bulldoze it? Block it up? If it really was

is actually a good thing. For those living under

For many, the difference will be negligible and

the volcano sending up clouds of ash, an event

a flight path it means a few nights of peace and

life will be more pleasant. Rather than cursing

widely accepted as the harbinger of full-blown

quiet and for everyone, it means clearer skies,

Iceland, perhaps we should be thanking them

eruption, then why didn’t the Icelanders pack

unclouded by vapour trails. For taxi drivers it

for their foresight.

their bags and prepare to evacuate their island

means a whole new reason to grumble. Win, win,

immediately?

win. It also means that global CO2 emissions are

the finger at the forces of nature.

-- Roger de Flower

It’s difficult to believe that such a friendly

temporarily reduced and if it’s true that airborne

*invented for the express purpose of this column

nation would shut down Europe deliberately,

ash reflects solar energy back out to space, then

** sometimes translated as revenge is a dish best served hot

HOROSCOPE

by Nuria Picola

Aries This month the world needs your inner fire, passion and enthusiasm and your positive ‘can do’ thinking. You will find yourself having to motivate those around you. Avoid activities that put you at risk.

Taurus A professional promotion has suddenly presented itself, with the the possibility of sizeable financial benefits. Regardless, you must balance your budget carefully; use your money wisely.

Gemini

There’s an increase in the demands being placed on you at work. You must meet them, because they go hand-in-hand with the demands being placed on you at home.

Distribute your efforts equally.

Cancer This would be a good month to go on holiday and centre your attention on home life. You need to watch your emotions carefully and pay close attention to your health. If you’re looking for work then spread the word.

Leo This month there are changes in your professional life and certain personal instability. Your health will suffer the consequences. Your parents may have a crisis and your family will need you.

Virgo This month you are revitalised.

You must take advantage of this new found energy to solve some pending issues. Avoid making important decisions; postpone them. Be patient with your children.

Libra This is a time of renovation and repair in your home. However your parents may have some kind of difficulty. If you are single you might find a romantic affair when you least expect it.

Scorpio

Sagittarius The effort you have been putting into your health is paying off. Romantic liaison present themselves unexpectedly, but the resulting relationships will be neither serious nor enduring.

Capricorn

Aquarius Your self-esteem hasn’t

Pisces Friendships have been put

You’re inclined to listen to your instincts, but you must also hear the voice of reason. There is turbulence at your workplace in the shape of challenge and change.

Your health is getting better.

www.nuriapicola.com

been high lately, stemming from your constant questioning and checking of personal goals. There can only be personal progress when there is also honesty.

You are entering a period of independence but you still have to adapt to your situations.

This month online contacts play an important role in your professional life.

to the test over the last few months and it’s not over yet. Keep in mind that relationship trouble is owing to the difficulties in others’ lives, and isn’t your fault.

scoop

By Ben Rowdon

66 Back page....indd 90

20/8/10 13:53:50

Finest Real Estate Maresme & Sitges

Mataró, Can Quirze: New housing with sea views and minimalist design finishes. Community area with pool. Liv. surf. 325sqm. 4 bed., 3 bath.

ID-No.: W-009BJJ. Price: € 975,000.

Alella: Single-family house with sea views in urban development. Large garden with pool.

Liv. surf. 281 sqm. Plot 1,153 sqm. 5 bed., 3 bath.

ID-No.: W-009LZC. Price: € 850,000.

Premià de Dalt: Single-family house with sea views. Minimalist style new construction. 5 bed., 4 bath., elevator. Liv. surf. 450sqm. Plot 1,090sqm.

ID-No.: W-00A4F5. Price: € 995,000.

Alella: Single family house with great privacy and views located in an urban development.

Liv. surf. 232 sqm. Plot 600sqm. 5 bed. 3 bath.

ID-No.: W-009NN5. Price: €/month 1,600.

Alella, Can Teixidó: Great housing located in a prestigious urban development, in front of the sea. 4 suites. Liv. surf. 400 sqm. Plot 1,700 sqm.

ID-No.: W-00A6SC. Price: €/month 5,000.

St. Andreu de Llavaneres: Single-family house with pool. 4 bed., 3 bath., recently renovated.

With furniture. Liv. surf. 570sqm. Plot 3,000 sqm.

ID-No.:W-008UF0. Price: €/month 2,900.

Sitges, center: Fabulous duplex in a very quite area. New construction. 2 suites and a diaphanous space. Large solarium terrace on the top floor.

ID-No.: W-00A7Q3. Price: € 950,000.

Sitges, Vallpineda: Fantastic swimming-pool with private garden, outdoor Jacuzzi and views.

5 bed., 4 bath. Liv. surf. 280 sqm. Plot 600 sqm.

ID-No.: W-0080A0. Price: € 1,495,000.

Sitges, Vinyet: Beautiful house designed by the famous architect Coderch. Pool and garden.

5 bed., 4 bath. Liv. surf. 350sqm. Plot 800sqm.

ID-No.:W- 00901A. Price: € 2,500,000.

Maresme Shop · Tel.: 93 540 22 22 · Maresme@engelvoelkers.com · www.engelvoelkers.es Sitges Shop · Tel.: 93 540 22 22 · Sitges@engelvoelkers.com · www.engelvoelkers.es

Andorra ·Argentina ·Australia ·Austria · Bahrein · Belgium · Bostwana · Chile · China · Croatia · Cyprus · Czech Republic · France · Germany · Great Britain Holland · Hungary · Ireland · Italy · Jordan · Luxemburg · Mozambique · Namibia · New Zealand · Peru · Portugal · Qatar · Romania · Russia Slovenia · South Africa · Spain · Switzerland · Thailand · Turkey · UAE · Uruguay · USA · Zambia

main pages - July 10.indd 6

16/6/10 16:52:23

APARTMENTS FOR RENT IN BARCELONA Newly built apartments

- Next to Born

New apartment, BCN PALAU, Plaza Pau Vila.

1 bedroom apartments (1 bathroom) and two bedroom apartments (2 bathrooms).

Fully equipped kitchen with washer, dryer, fridge, dishwasher, microwave, oven and intercom. Heating and air conditioning.Parking space and storage room.

Communal building maintenance included.

From: 1.200€

SARRIA

Eixample izquierdo

ZONA GLORIAS

Apartment 90 m2, 2 bedrooms (1 ensuite + 1 double), 2 bathrooms.

Next to Santa Amelia park, close to the old part of the city. Parking space optional.

75 m2 apartment. RESTORED. 2 bedrooms + dressing room, 1 bathroom, fully equipped kitchen. On the 6th floor, natural light. UNFURNISHED

Variety of apartments available furnished or unfurnished . 1 and 2 bedrooms.

Heating and air conditioning.

Swimming pool. Parking available.

Ref.1175: 1250€

Ref.1167: 1100€

Ref. 694-798- 1177: 825€

Cardenal Vives i Tutó

gestin full page Sept 2010.indd 1

Muntaner - Madrazo

c/ Independencia

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