Barcelona Metropolitan Issue 236

SEPTEMBER 2016 Nº 236

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A new ApproAch to educAtion

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HAVING A LAUGH The city’s burgeoning English comedy scene

PLAC ES T O PI C N I C Al fresco eating in the city’s parks

THE RACE IS ON US citizens on the upcoming elections

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MUSIC

FASHION

RESTAURANT REVIEWS

A PLACE OF MY OWN

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{ISSUE 236} SEPTEMBER 2016

contents

METROPOLITAN contributors

REGULARS 06 08 10 33 34 36 49 50

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

WHAT’S ON 20 22 24 26

Music Art Misc.

Pullout Calendar

DIRECTORIES 41 43 44 49

Food & Drink Health & Beauty Business Jobs

aLBERTO DE LA ROSA Alberto was born in Colombia and moved to Miami at a young age. Now living in St. Louis, he studies Film & Media Studies at Washington University. This year, he spent the summer in Barcelona, working as an editorial and video assistant at Metropolitan, and is now obsessed with bocadillos, claras and the city’s coffee culture. His newfound love for the Catalan capital has inspired him to keep on travelling and drinking coffee all over the world.

ESTHER JONES Originally from Yorkshire in the UK, Esther Jones has lived in Barcelona since 1995 and founded Barcelona Metropolitan in 1996. She enjoys writing about the city and its many changing faces as it allows her to take the time to delve a little deeper into life here. Having three children, the subject of this month’s report is particularly close to her heart.

FEATURES 12 REPORT: CLASSROOM CONUNDRUM Esther Jones reports on Catalunya’s changing education system.

18 BELLY LAUGHS The stand-up comedy scene in Barcelona.

29 LIFE’S A PICNIC 5 perfect spots for al fresco eating.

30 US ELECTIONS We hear from US citizens in Barcelona.

34 SALT OF THE EARTH Visit the mineral mountain in Cardona.

Publisher The Noise Lab S.L. Managing Director Andrea Moreno Consulting Editor Esther Jones Editor Carol Moran Art Director Aisling Quigley Account Executives Jalil Alui, Richard Cardwell, Jakob Landelius Editorial Assistants Aminah Barnes, Rosalind Bond, Alberto De La Rosa, Priyankaa Joshi, Elena Smith Design Assistant Rita Wachtler Contributors Lucas Cavazos, Eimear Corrigan, Miquel Hudin, Rachel Huffman, Esther Jones, Sam Mednick, Donnchadh Tiernan, Tara Stevens, Sam Zucker Photographer Yan Pekar Illustrator Ben Rowdon Carrer Duc 6, 08002 Barcelona. Tel. 93 451 4486 www.barcelona-metropolitan.com Editorial: editorial@barcelona-metropolitan.com Advertising: ads@barcelona-metropolitan.com General: info@barcelona-metropolitan.com.

The views expressed in Barcelona Metropolitan are not necessarily those of the publisher. Reproduction, or use, of advertising or editorial content herein, without express permission, is prohibited. Depósito legal: B35159-96

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DONNCHADH TIERNAN Donnchadh is a comedian/actor in semiretirement who absconded from his native Ireland in order to escape the mediocrity of professions his English Literature degree would offer him and enjoy similar limitations of scope, but under a substantially sunnier sky. He plans on eventually becoming the next William Friedkin, but until such time as his zeitgeist arrives he’s happy to sit and read for a bit.

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IN THE CITY

NEW IN TOWN CULTURE TRIP

ART BIKE TOURS. STARTING POINT: FÀBRICA MORITZ. RONDA DE SANT ANTONI 39.

Founders of Art Bike Tours, Duda Faria from Brazil and Barcelona locals Josep Ma Braut and Charlie Taché, set up the company in April in a bid to spark interest in Barcelona’s contemporary art scene. They felt that people often perceive gallery visits as a high-brow cultural activity and feel intimidated or perplexed as to where to begin. The tours take visitors around six galleries by bike, starting and ending at the Fàbrica Moritz—where thirsty cyclists are offered a complimentary beer—and offers a choice of three different routes across the city, in the Eixample, Montjuïc and Ciutat Vella neighbourhoods. The tours are available in six different languages, catering to a mixture of locals and visitors. Aware of the problems Barcelona faces with regard to the high concentration of tourists in the centre, the guides take visitors away from the main hotspots and limit groups to a maximum of eight. artbiketour.com

A TASTE FOR TACOS

SPELLBOUND

PUDDING. DIAGONAL 515.

Pudding Diagonal is anything but your average coffee shop. Like its well established sibling located on Pau Claris, which is inspired

by Alice in Wonderland, Pudding Diagonal has its own unique theme—a celebration of all things Harry Potter. As you step across the threshold into the meticulously designed three-level space on Diagonal, you are instantly transported into a magical world, far from the bustling boulevard outside. The attention to detail that has gone into the café’s creation is astounding, with numerous Harry Potter references around the space, including a large sorting hat for visitors to pose under and the Hogwarts house flags decorating the walls. Although the theme is quite specific, the café caters to a wide range of customers, from families to students, and tourists to office workers. Pudding aims to create a “new generation of coffee shops”, offering much more than coffee and cake, including themed evenings and events for adults and children. The menu is extensive, serving up a range of savoury and sweet dishes, including sandwiches, salads, quiches and generous portions of cake, which are freshly prepared in-house, beautifully presented and reasonably priced. www.puddingbarcelona.com

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LUPITA. CREMAT GRAN I XIC 11.

Wander the narrow alleys of the Born, and as you pass by the ever-buzzing Picasso museum, you’ll see a small white sign peeking out from above a shopfront.

‘TACOS’—the promise of fresh grilled meats and ice-cold aguas frescas lures you in to seek refuge from the humid summer heat. Drawing from Guatemalan-born owner Guillermo Ricco’s family legacy in the industry, Lupita embodies the ethos of Mexico and Central America. Exposed brick, earthy tiles and hardwood flooring and furniture display the same classic yet exquisite simplicity showcased in the food—everything on the menu is handmade and gluten-free, from the various salsas (all family recipes), to the tortillas and chips, and the desserts. The restaurant features a full bar, but specialises in margaritas—light and refreshing with the perfect amount of tang— and micheladas, made with your choice of Mexican beer. Open for lunch, dinner and late-night snacking, Lupita adds the perfect amount of kick to your day at any time. www.facebook.com/lupita.bcn

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RUNS TO SIGN UP FOR

Thinking about getting in shape for the Barcelona Marathon? Forty-two kilometres is no small feat. Prep for the big one with these shorter runs.

CURSA DE LA MERCÈ. lameva.barcelona.cat/cursamerce This popular 10k run forms part of the La Mercé festival, and will fill the city’s street with over 17,000 athletes of all abilities—the perfect way to get back into training after a long summer. September 18th.

CURSA DELS BOMBERS. www.cursadebombers.barcelona Originally organised to protest against the working conditions of the city’s firefighters, this 10k run is the perfect race for professional and amateur runners alike, with a carnival-like spirit and a band on every corner for encouragement. October 30th.

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HANG OUT

HAMMOCK JUICE STATION. MALLORCA 308.

Hanging out has never been as literal than at this new spot in the Eixample. Owners Kate Matchenko and Marina Darchenkova dreamt of opening a place where people could relax and immerse themselves in a sense of wanderlust, and they thought that hammocks encapsulated that unique feeling. Instead of chairs, colourful Honduran hammocks hang from the ceiling—be warned, you might stick around longer than planned. “We’ve seen people take naps for hours,” said Darchenkova. “We really enjoy that.” The health-conscious menu is a vibrant blend of ingredients found in their smoothies, cold-pressed juices, açai bowls and avocado toast, which the pair came up with after seeking advice from a nutritionist.

Darchenkova, a trained barista, added an extra special coffee component to the Juice Station, which uses beans from local roaster Onna Coffee, making it an ideal spot for caffeine addicts and health enthusiasts alike. “In the end, we wanted a place where people of any age or background could come in and enjoy our shop,” said Kate. www.facebook.com/hammockjuicestation

JEAN BOUIN. www.jeanbouin.mundodeportivo.com Named after the legendary French athlete, the Jean Bouin annual 5k/10k has been a fixture on the Barcelona sporting calendar since 1920 and is one of Spain’s oldest sporting events. November 27th.

LA CURSA DELS NASSOS. www.bcn.cat/cursanassos Say farewell to 2016 with this annual 10k charity race, which takes place on New Year’s Eve (Sant Silvestre) along the beachfront. The run has a distinctly celebratory atmosphere with many runners in fancy dress to match the festive spirit. December 31st.

BARCELONA MARATHON 2017. www.zurichmaratobarcelona.es A race that has been drawing runners from all over the world for over 30 years, the Barcelona Marathon is known for its efficient organisation, support for participants and its scenic city route.

March 12th.

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IN THE CITY

STREETLIFE PASSATGE DE LLUIS PELLICER

A pedestrianised street with a decidedly local flavour in the heart of the busy Eixample.

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BLAU

LE P’TY MON The friendly staff and the convivial, relaxed atmosphere give this Breton creperie a homely, welcoming feel, while the crepes themselves come in a variety of inspired flavour combinations; “My favourite is the goat’s cheese with pear,” said diner Charlotte from London. The traditional Breton fare is complemented by apple cider, and the walls are lined with black and white photos of rural French life, transporting you instantly to the Breton countryside. leptymon.com

Londres 89 / Pellicer 16 Having relocated to Barcelona from the Costa Brava nine years ago, Blau is another spot that takes local food seriously. “Eighty percent of our ingredients come from the Empordá region,” explained owner Marc. The slick and boldly-decorated restaurant specialises in media raciones and taster plates, ideal for sampling the many food choices on offer, which, while maintaining the Catalan culinary tradition, include a touch of Japanese flavour. blaubcn.com

BARCELONA CAKES Luísa and her daughter-in-law, María José are the welcoming owners and artists behind the impressive creations at Barcelona Cakes. “All our cakes are personalised,” they explained, and with the selection on display it’s clear that imagination is the only limit. The most popular, however, are the children’s cakes, with characters such as Mickey Mouse painstakingly rendered in icing. The pair also run workshops—available in English—for those wanting to try their hand at decoration, and there’s a cafe area where you can try a slice and admire the edible artwork. www.barcelonacakes.com

8 ESPAI BOISÀ Cooking school Espai Boisà is proud to be part of the Slow Food movement, explained owner Pep. All ingredients used in their workshops adhere to the 0km concept, and courses on offer specialise in local food with the aim of “promoting Catalan gastronomy”. One of the school’s newest workshops involves a trip to the nearby Mercat del Ninot, where students gather fresh, local produce for use in their regional dishes. The school welcomes all kinds of groups—from hen parties to birthdays to team buildings—and has workshops available in English. espaiboisa.com

METROPOLITAN PEOPLE

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WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE AT SCHOOL?

TAMI, 39

DAVID, 30

JUAN, 42

USA, SCHOOL TEACHER

SPAIN, IT CONSULTANT

I wanted to do something sportsrelated. I didn’t really like school but I was a very active child and I loved basketball.

I wanted to be a professional baseball player. My first tattoo was of the New York Yankees badge.

A lot of different things! Like most children, I changed my mind a lot, but when I was very young my dream was to be a vet, or anything to do with animals.

SPAIN, HAIRDRESSER

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BUN SICHI Bun Sichi is a small, but bustling, Japanese restaurant that opened in 1991 and has since been a firm favourite where reservations are recommended. The restaurant aims to introduce diners’ palates to tastes beyond the internationally known dishes of sushi and tempura, with a range of ramen (noodles), okonomiyaki (filled savoury pancakes), gyoza (fried dumplings) and donburis (rice dish), all created with a rich variety of flavours. www.bunsichi.com

food om ck and ciones hoices ry

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213 EL VELÓDROMO Muntaner 213 (corner with Lluís Pellicer) El Velódromo is a Barcelona classic that has long been a meeting spot for intellectuals and artists. In 2009, it was bought by Moritz with the intention of restoring it to its former Art Deco grandeur. The high ceilings and central staircase that leads to an upstairs gallery give the bar a vintage feel, which is emphasised by the dark wooden surfaces and chandeliers. Despite this, it does not feel pretentious—pool tables provide entertainment, elderly locals gather at the bar, and the usual fair of traditional tapas is served. “Don’t miss the pulpo,” advised one customer, David Pérez from Barcelona, who described the spot as a “perfect afterwork bar”. moritz.com

SARAH, 56

UK, PEDIATRIC NURSE

From the age of five, I knew I wanted to be a children’s nurse and that never changed.

I love my job, although it can be challenging at times.

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IN THE CITY

A PLACE OF MY OWN

F

ifteen years ago, Joan and John Gallagher decided it was time for an adventure. Joan had always dreamt of living abroad, and after her elderly mother passed away, she and her family took to the road for the summer. En route, they discovered that the Spanish lifestyle would suit them best, and decided to make their new home in or near Barcelona.

Coming from Boyle, a small town of 2,500 inhabitants in County Roscommon, Ireland, it was obvious to them that Barcelona was too chaotic, so they made a trip to Sitges to check it out as an alternative. Two days later, they returned and bought a house. These were pre-crisis boom days, both in Ireland and Spain and, being in the property business, Joan and John didn’t hesitate.

But it wasn’t just their own lives that were about to change. Their four sons, then aged between eight and 15, suddenly found themselves in a local Catalan school, with no language skills, a long way from home. The idea, initially, was to stay for a year and then return home. However, Joan and John soon became fond of their new life and, although reluctantly at first, the boys found their feet in time.

Then the crisis hit, and a number of ambitious projects that they had invested in around Catalunya stopped dead, forcing the couple to find alternative ways of generating income, from teaching English to hosting lodgers. “There was nearly a moment when we thought, ‘Should we go back to Ireland?’” remembered Joan. “But then we pulled ourselves together and made a plan.”

As the property sector has gradually started to pick up over the last few years, some old projects are showing signs of life, and some new dreams have been born—namely, Joan and John’s ideal retirement pad in central Sitges. A combination of having a grown-up family, together with a general change in their lifestyle (influenced by

Photos by Michael Mawson photography

AN IRISH COUPLE TRANSFORM A 19TH-CENTURY APARTMENT TO CREATE THEIR IDEAL RETIREMENT PAD IN SITGES

Exposed brick, stone, timber and floor tiles reveal the original character of the building

the local culture) has led the couple to feel more comfortable in a smaller space. “When we first moved here, I thought I wanted exactly what we had in Ireland, so we bought a big house with a garden outside town. But within two months of living there, we realised it was a mistake,” admitted Joan. “We are very happy now living in a small space with no garden and no car, although it must have a nice terrace—we love eating outside.”

At the beginning of 2015, they were on the lookout for somewhere convenient and central.

So, when John came across an abandoned property in the old town—one floor of a building dating from 1821—he couldn’t resist.

But its decrepit state left a lot to be desired. Night after night, John visited the space, envisioning how it could be transformed. In some areas, the roof had to be replaced. This stripping back of the building’s fabric allowed John to consider the space from first principles, and to peel off layers of materials, tapping away at the walls and floors to catch a glimpse of what lay underneath.

He came up with a master plan of dividing the space into two apartments—one for

themselves, facing the interior of the block with a spacious terrace, and one for their visitors and family members, which faces the street. There’s even an annex in the attic (once the porter’s accommodation) that makes for an excellent self-contained guest bedroom. Each apartment, curiously named after the couple’s favourite singers, comprises an open-plan living area and kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and mezzanine snug. They are sociable spaces with a homely feel, due to both the thoughtful design and exposed original materials.

Every detail has been carefully designed and crafted by John and a select team of local joiners, and with each apartment measuring just 45 square metres, every square inch counts. “When the project started, there wasn’t a concrete set of plans—the project evolved as we were working on it. It was magic,” recalled John.

When it comes to fixtures and fittings, upcycling and recycling are evident throughout the apartments. The old wooden beams that were removed from the roof, for example, can be spotted supporting a breakfast bar in the kitchen, cut in two to create a staircase for mezzanine

Left: Pre-renovation. Right: The open-plan living area leads to a spacious terrace, ideal for outdoor dining

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

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Photo by Carol Moran

access or hanging from the ceiling as a bookcase.

Although only recently completed, both apartments embody a strong sense of home.

Every piece of furniture has a story, like the old wash stand that came from Westport, Ireland, a dresser that once belonged in a Roscommon convent, a Le Corbusier-designed chaise longue that they inherited from an American writer, and a series of Alessi display cabinets salvaged after a local shop closed down. John has a soft spot for art, and many pieces that adorn the apartments are the work of Sitges-based, Madrid-born artist, Andres Landin Ysasia.

An emotional Joan recalled that she has seen John rekindle his creative passion for building through this project. “It has been tough for many years, and we never thought that John would get the opportunity to do something like this again,” she said proudly. Now this labour of love is complete, he has once again caught the bug, and may not be putting down the tools just yet. “There’s another building close by that’s for sale. It would be a fantastic project,” exclaimed John.

Downsizing will probably come as a blow to Joan and John’s extended network of family and friends, both local and international. One Irish trait that they have been particularly successful in exporting to Spain, is a warm, welcoming home—a hub of activity with characters and craic to beat the band. But they’ve already tested out the potential for gatherings at their new, more modest-sized retirement pad, and were happy to report positive results.

The compact apartments get the balance of public and private space just right

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THE

LEARNING REVOLUTION DESPITE THE CRISIS IN SPAIN’S EDUCATION SYSTEM, A MOVEMENT FOR A MORE PROGRESSIVE MODEL IS GAINING MOMENTUM

BY ESTHER JONES

S

chool. It’s a short but powerful word, heavy-laden with memories and emotions. For most of us it is a mixed bag of experiences, made up of childhood friends, some inspirational teachers, some less so, the odd victory and the occasional, inevitable humiliation. Perhaps it’s because our own school experiences are etched so strongly in our minds that the theme of education is such a minefield. Or maybe because academic and social success at school are invariably considered the cornerstone of a rich and happy life. A wealth of research into how children learn and thrive has been carried out, yet divisions still run deep. And, while some demand more homework and firmer discipline, others look longingly to the Finnish model of fewer hours and more freedom.

The education system in Spain is under constant scrutiny. Reduced public funding, frequent policy changes and top-down decision-making have created a state of flux in which children and teachers invariably pay the price, and the statistics on students’ results make for sober reading. With the lack of a shared vision, it is hard to see how progress towards a more successful model can be achieved. Yet, there are signs that despite the obstacles, a growing body of parents, teachers and policy-makers are making their voices heard.

Since its transition to democracy, education in Spain has been highly politicised and the country has seen several systemic overhauls, leading to public concern that along with each new government comes a new educational reform. The latest legislation, the LOMCE (Ley Orgánica para la Mejora de la Calidad Educativa) was passed in 2013 and has proved highly contentious. Proposed by the then Minister of Education, José Ignacio Wert, the law was passed by parliament when the Partido Popular had a parliamentary majority, so, its detractors say, was subject to little discussion or consultation. The aim of the LOMCE is ostensibly to improve education in Spain and reduce academic failure. The reality is that it has been widely rejected

by the teaching profession throughout Spain (according to research by the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, around 80 percent of teachers consider the curricular contents and external evaluations to be inadequate). Catalunya has so far refused to implement the law which, among other things, would reduce teaching hours in Catalan and make substantial changes to the curriculum.

Although the LOMCE may not be the answer, it is clear that the education system in Spain is in need of change. The most recent PISA (Programme for International Assessment) results, comparing the test results of 15 year olds in different countries and regions, were published in 2013 and Spain did not fare well. Out of 44 countries included in the study, Spain ranked between 27th and 31st for different subjects. The education secretary at the time, Montserrat Gomendio, declared that what was needed was a “radical change in teaching methodology,” and that Spain needed to move beyond “old-fashioned” models based solely on memorising content.

Michelle Courtright is from the US and her two children, aged nine and 11, go to their local public school in Sant Andreu. Although there is much that she sees as positive about their academic environment, it is this teaching style that most concerns her. “I love that our school has strong music and art programmes, I love that having a garden is a big part of their third grade science curriculum. I am not as impressed with the rigid memorisation techniques used in language, arts and math.” She is also worried that this will be the way of things to come for her children. “As happy as we were with early education, the middle years seem to be quite old-fashioned and I suspect it is going to get worse as they move on to a public institut,” she said.

Isabella Petith is from the UK and is happy with the education her 10-year-old daughter has received so far at her public school in Gràcia, but also sees a big divide between primary and secondary education here. She credits this in part to the parental involvement in primary schools. “The

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AMPA (Associación de Madres y Padres de Alumnos) is huge here at primary level. Parents are very active. I think this is much less the case in secondary schools.” Courtright agreed that family involvement is key to schools’ dayto-day functioning. “Parental involvement has been crucial to our school.

You see how much the system is underfunded and the community must really support the schools in ways I had never expected. Our AMPA has been grant-writing, soliciting scholarships for underprivileged students to participate in swim lessons, and buying air conditioning units for the classrooms.”

Spain currently invests just 4.5 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) in education, significantly less than the EU average of 5.3 percent.

Only Germany, Italy and Greece invest less, while the most generous is Denmark which dedicates 7.9 percent of its GDP to education. At the same time, the school population in Spain is increasing (by over 1.4 million between 2010 and 2015) whilst the number of teachers has decreased slightly.

Besides sufficient funding, studies show time and again that the most successful education systems are those that value their teachers. Unfortunately, years of policy changing and little consultation with teachers have left many feeling disenfranchised from the system. Primary school teacher Eva Pegenaute agreed, “Human resources have been reduced a lot in recent years and we work without really being able to achieve everything we think is necessary. This creates anxiety and that makes our job harder. We feel undervalued and that our voices are not listened to by the administration or, at times, by the families.”

A study by Acción Magistral (a joint project by FAD, BBVA and the Comisión Española de Cooperación con la UNESCO) called ‘La Educación en España. Horizonte 2020’ delivered a devastating verdict on public education in Spain and the role of teachers. The study was compiled through interviews with over 200 teachers and education experts. Seventy percent of the interviewees reported feeling demotivated and undervalued, and 80 percent believed that by 2020 the main political parties would still not have reached an agreement—a Pacto de Estado—on the future of education in this country.

Despite its pessimistic view of the future, however, the report also notes that a paradigm shift is taking place. It recognises that ‘the field of education is very much alive’ and that a dedicated minority of educators is actively challenging the traditional system. It states that, ‘group dynamics, collaborative learning and the disappearance of traditional textbooks will be commonplace in less than five years time’, and it welcomes the introduction of more forward-thinking pedagogies.

Empar Navarro is a secondary school teacher in Barcelona. She agreed that change is underway. “In Catalunya, there’s a growing movement to-

wards more progressive methodology in public education,” she said. “In general, secondary school teachers are very aware of the need to innovate and improve public education. In Catalunya, public education has historically been a place for self criticism and constant experimentation.”

These schools aim to work with children’s natural curiosity and the understanding that emotional security is not only good for a child, but also essential to their ability and desire to learn and engage Over the last 10 years or so, a number of public schools have opened in Catalunya that offer a different learning philosophy, often referred to as educación activa or viva. The children work on projects rather than individual subjects, and have autonomy to choose what they focus on. These schools aim to work with children’s natural curiosity and the understanding that emotional security is not only good for a child, but also essential to their ability and desire to learn and engage. The children sit the same exams as their counterparts in other schools, but the acquiring of skills and knowledge is seen as a natural consequence of their environment. To Pegenaute, who has personal experience of both pedagogies as a teacher and a parent, this is the way forward. “They tend to be happier children at school, above all in the higher grades as this is when in ‘normal’ schools they are tired of continually studying and doing homework.” She recognised that for the teachers this type of education is more work, but it brings many benefits.

“The pupils’ motivation is a breath of fresh air for the teachers and that in itself has a positive effect on the students themselves.”

In Barcelona there are several ‘active’ public primary schools, including Els Encants, Congrés-Indians, and the newly-opened Univers and Entença.

For the 2016-2017 academic year, all these schools were over-subscribed, with hundreds of hopeful parents missing out on a place for their children.

For many of these parents and, for some who don’t have the option of such a school in their neighbourhood, change is not happening fast enough.

Over 300 families in the city have organised a group called Volem una Escola Activa which demands more active schools. They now form part of www.escolanova21.cat, a platform that promotes research-based advances in public education. Supported by a number of institutions including La Caixa’s education foundation, the Universitat Oberta and the Generalitat,

THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ASSOCIATION OF CATALUNYA A concern that many foreign parents have is how their children’s home languages will be supported within the school system. John Stone is the President of the English Language Association of Catalonia. Here he talks to Metropolitan about the situation for English-speaking children in Catalunya and how the association is working for change.

"Many school systems in developed countries actively support heritage languages— languages spoken by children at home, but otherwise largely absent from a child’s daily life. Scandinavian countries have a tradition of pull-out classes during the school day; French state schools feature “international sections” whose curricula and teaching staff reflect bilateral agreements with foreign governments; many Canadian school boards offer free after-school classes; and a growing number of US states will stream young heritage speakers into bilingual programmes where their home language skills are both enhanced academically and used to create an immersion experience for monolingual kids.

Research points to better outcomes across the curriculum when heritage languages are used academically. Children feel a greater connection between home and school; educators are more aware of, and responsive to, plurilingual children’s distinctive

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experiences of learning.

Sadly, robust support for heritage languages is exceptional in the EU. National school systems underwrite national languages: other languages are seen as additional skills originating at school, not at home. In Catalunya, nearly a dozen heritage languages enjoy token support but do not receive public funding. The four heritage languages which are taught as part of the foreign language curriculum—English, French, German, and Italian—are excluded from this programme. So, children speaking these languages at home receive no additional support. There are no protocols in place to identify heritage speakers of these languages, no strategies to enhance their learning experience either in the foreign language classroom or in the Generalitat’s limited CLIL immersion programmes. They are not streamed to schools offering enhanced or advanced English (or French, etc.), though such schools exist. Their experience depends on the skill and initiative of individual teachers, and the supplemental home schooling efforts of parents. As a result, a heritage speaker of English may associate the ESL classroom with boredom, conflict, frustration, and exclusion: they are not likely to associate it with their own right to learn."

Membership of the group is free and open to all. You can find the group on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/ESCPAC

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their website lists 26 schools that adhere to the platform’s objective ‘to contribute to every child having access to an education that is relevant and makes sense.’

Carrie Lewis is from the US and her two boys, aged seven and nine, attend Congrés-Indians. She chose the school after experiencing a year of a more rigid primary school which, she felt, had little focus on creativity or the children’s emotional needs. “This went against everything I was reading about how closely children’s intellectual development was stimulated and aided by emotional and affective ties. I wanted to find out what my kids were naturally drawn to and intrigued by. I didn’t want them being judged or told how to feel.” She has found Congrés-Indians to be rewarding and enriching for the whole family, and described it as “a school where the words love and respect are included in the description of the pedagogical approach and are actually lived each day in the classrooms and the sandbox.”

Divisions between classrooms have been pulled down, walls repainted in bright colours, and sofas and beanbags incorporated If options are still scarce at primary level, what about secondary education? Navarro explained that the pace of change is slower in secondaries, as the perception of educational needs in higher grades is so different. “Most families associate innovation and experimentation as values that are appropriate for the early stages of education, but they believe that the traditional methods of secondary school, like memorising, repeating and testing are what will help their children in their later studies.” However, she noted that a growing number of parents are now demanding continuity when their children move up from primary schools that offer an active approach.

Navarro also noted that parental support is hugely important for the

success of individual projects. She sees that families are aware of the importance of their role and “in the centres where they are more organised and carry more weight, their support of innovative initiatives has enabled these to become consolidated.”

Among the 26 schools listed on the Escola Nova 21 website is secondary school Quatre Cantons in Poblenou. The pupils here work in groups, and classes are kept as small as possible. In an interview with El Periódico in 2015, the director, Xavier Grau, explained that "What we want to do is to maximise creativity, oral expression and teamwork.” The positive effects he sees in the pupils include a strong sense of solidarity and their increased ability to discover their true vocation. “They are more supportive of each other. They help each other a lot, they are more curious, there is more commitment when it comes to learning new things. They learn almost without wanting”.

The trend towards a new kind of education can be seen also in the private sector, where many parents are willing to pay for a less rigid environment for their children. At primary level there are a few recent private projects in and around Barcelona, such as Liberi in Premià de Mar and Espai Obert La Serra in Sant Pere de Ribes. These go beyond ‘active education’ and offer educación libre, in which the child decides almost entirely what activities he/ she will do. This is the case at Liberi, a primary school with around 90 students. Housed in wooden modules in the leafy grounds of an old masía, the school’s central philosophy is to respect each child’s autonomy and freedom of movement. Lessons are not compulsory and for those who prefer, there is plenty of time for one-on-one study. Non-academic subjects, such as art, music and dance are encouraged and freely available.

Up near Tibidabo, the concertada (a semi-private school that is funded by parents and the state), Sadako school is also a pioneer in progressive learning. The school is part of the international Changemaker Schools Network, a community of schools that focus on the promotion of empathy, teamwork, leadership and problem-solving. Spanning from primary through to the end of compulsory education at 16, there are no traditional classrooms or textbooks here, with learning facilitated through working groups and projects.

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Photo by Tori Sparks

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8/23/16 3:54 PM

But, it was the Jesuits who made the front pages in 2015 when they announced radical changes in several of their Catalan schools, including two in Barcelona. Divisions between classrooms have been pulled down, walls repainted in bright colours, and sofas and beanbags incorporated, leading at least one newspaper to report that it was more like Google’s offices than a school. The classes of 25 have been replaced by classes of 75 with three teachers, and pupils are welcome to go out to the patio whenever they need to take a break. Textbooks are a thing of the past, replaced by project-based learning, and students evaluate their own progress.

Xavier Aragay, the director of the Jesuit Education Foundation insists that change is possible but needs to be gradual. He told El País newspaper, “The important thing is that it is possible to transform education. Many gurus and thinkers say that education is not in line with the needs of the 21st century. An educational model cannot be changed in one day. It’s like trying to change the four wheels of a car while it is still in motion. It’s a complicated process and it takes time.”

“Some parents don’t understand the system and compare their own children’s learning with other children. They see that they are learning less contents than in traditional schools and lose faith in the system”

To come up with the ideal school, the Jesuits surveyed 13,000 people in their educational community. But, not everyone is delighted by the changes.

Many parents, particularly of children in higher grades, have complained that such a radical change in the middle of the school year is disturbing to the children’s academic progress.

For many parents, active education, and educación libre in particular, is unknown territory. It’s too early to see quantifiable results from these schools in Spain so it requires a certain leap of faith by the parents. It is harder to assess students’ learning when it is less linear and some parents report being worried that their child isn’t really doing much. Pegenaute has experienced parents who have not been convinced by this new approach to education “Some parents don’t understand the system and compare their own children’s learning with other children. They see that they are learning less contents than in traditional schools and lose faith in the system.”

One of Navarro’s biggest concerns in the public sector is the attitude of the administration, both at central and local levels. On the one hand it is encouraging new educational initiatives and has invested in certain key ‘shop window’ projects. Yet, at the same time its own policies impede progress. Cuts, the closing of schools, and higher student-teacher ratios all limit schools’ capacity to move forward. She said that those projects that are not well supported by families or the government, “survive thanks to the dedication of the staff who work at getting over the constant obstacles placed in their path by the administration.”

So, what does the future hold for Catalunya’s school children? How will they feel when they look back on their school days? The education paradigm is deeply engrained in society and change towards a new model will be a slow and gradual process, made slower by the lack of a shared vision and clear leadership. Cuts and policies that continue to sideline the teaching profession will no doubt continue to take their toll. But, despite all the setbacks and years of political wrangling at the top, it is reassuring to see that there is a quiet revolution gathering pace at the heart of the system.

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Having a laugh

COMEDY LINGO

*’to kill’ is comedy lingo for ‘to do well on stage’. Synonyms include ‘to destroy’, ‘to murder’ and ‘to pillage without remorse until only the stonework stands’.

San Francisco native, Rachman Blake, had the audience in stitches at the weekly ‘Just Kidding Barcelona’ stand-up show

GET YOUR GIGGLES ON AT THE BUDDING ENGLISH COMEDY SCENE IN BARCELONA

BY DONNCHADH TIERNAN

I

t’s about 9.30pm on a Wednesday in June in the basement of El Foro—an Argentinean restaurant in the Born.

The air conditioning announces itself pleasantly a few feet from the bottom of the stairs, and suddenly escaping the heavy evening heat for an hour or so doesn’t seem like a bad idea. The refreshing blast, however, is only half the reason the crowd of forty-odd English speakers have gathered around the stage, which stands in the corner of the room. The real goal of the evening is to promote Englishlanguage comedy to the entertainment scene in Barcelona. That, and to make them chuckle a bit. This happens on a weekly basis, when the basement of El Foro hosts ‘Just Kidding Barcelona’.

Andy J. Ritchie, an Edinburgh native, is the show’s co-founder and regular host. He attributes his droll, pseudo-miserable delivery to his two most admired stand-up comics, Stewart Lee and Richard Herring. He developed the show, with his Andalusian girlfriend Isa Lao (also a comedian), to give himself more stage time.

Such blatant self-interest is the order of the day when it comes to starting shows in Barcelona, admitted Daniel Gutierrez, cofounder (with Chris Groves) of ‘S.U.C.K.’, the city’s oldest regular stand-up show. “We met at an

international comedy show in Barcelona around 2010 and we wanted to try it ourselves, but since there was no infrastructure or group to help us back then, we started doing our own shows in order to have a place to perform.”

Rachman Blake, a visiting comic and professional pianist from San Francisco, opens the show strong. He riffs on American expectations of European cities, Donald Trump, and the penis-like quality of baguettes, and sets a high standard in 10 minutes with clever observations and gags, unsurprising for anyone who had seen his sets (while in Barcelona, he also performed at ‘Stand Up Comedy Live’ in Craft and in ‘Burn it Down Barcelona’ at XXIII Guitarras). Rachman is a great example of the type of performer that typically makes up the stage time between regularly gigging Barcelona resident comedians: the visiting comedian. The Barcelona stand-up scene relies as heavily upon the city’s robust tourist trade for performers as it does for audience, and it rarely falls short

this has proven to be the most important cog in the developing comedy machine of Barcelona.

JKB’s second performer of the evening is first-timer Joanne Torres, who hails from the Dominican Republic and is a regular audience member at comedy nights in the city. She jokes about being practical at a music festival and popping her comedy cherry.

Reflecting on the beginning of his career, Ritchie recalled, “I used to go to shows on a weekly basis and it was clear that a part of me was saying ‘I want to do this and I could do this’.”

It’s impossible not to wonder why he chose Barcelona, particularly in Ritchie’s case, given that he is a native of Edinburgh, a globally significant hub of stand-up comedy. The answer is, simply, that this is where he was living when the urge took hold of him. In order to acquire the stage time he desired, he actually laid the foundation stone for the growing scene by starting the city’s first weekly show. “It was necessary if we wanted the comedy scene to expand.”

“The future here is exploding. It’s going to be an amazing comedy hub soon. Within a few years tops” in either instance. Indeed, Guiriness Comedy Barcelona, run by fellow-Celt Zara Patterson, makes its bread and butter exclusively in the import business, flying in professionals from Britain and Ireland on a near-monthly basis to perform longer sets.

What the regularly scheduled shows can provide, however, which the more intermittent ones cannot, is stage time for newbies. Logically,

The concept of a developing ‘scene’ is apparent over the course of the next three performers. From the moment they each step on the stage, Robert Marquez, Sean Ríordáin (a.k.a. Irish Cream) and Joch Díaz come across as performers that have been shaped by audience reaction, the tough love of silence and the tactful craft of performing a joke until it’s no longer funny for the teller and maxed out on funny for

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the listener. It’s a polish that can only be perfected by those who fall headlong into the kind of vibe Barcelona is beginning to provide for comics trying to find their feet. When interacted with properly, this kind of vibe can be just as fruitful in laughter for an audience member as it can be in experience for a performer. As Ritchie put it, “It’s about having people that are all pulling in the same direction—the goal is not ego but to improve as a comedian.” Between these three, they joke about a miscellany of European penis size, Ramadan vs. Lent and neurosis in coffee bars. They all kill*.

The headlining performer is Amit Kling, an Israeli comic who has flown in to perform, and apparently go to something called Sónar. You can get a taste of his work on YouTube, although it doesn’t quite compare to seeing him in person.

He takes a nicely warmed-up room and sets it ablaze, as any good headliner should.

But beyond setting the room ablaze on one particular night, the real work comes in warming up an entire city’s scene. Dave Celestian, a professional comic from Florida who has recently made Barcelona his home, has high hopes for where things are heading. “The future here is exploding. It’s going to be an amazing comedy hub soon. Within a few years tops.” If Dave is to be believed it will be as much about planting bums in seats as comics on stage.

Clockwise from top: Andy J. Ritchie, Joanne Torres, Isa Lao, Sean Riordain. Left: The stage in El Foro

MORE INFO Check out the following websites and Facebook pages for details of upcoming shows from the following groups.

Just Kidding Barcelona.

Every Wednesday, 9pm, El Foro. www.facebook.com/justkiddingbcn English Comedy Barcelona.

Every Sunday, XXIII Guitarras. www.meetup. com/Barcelona-English-Comedy S.U.C.L. (Stand Up Comedy Live).

Every Wednesday, 9pm, Craft Barcelona. www.facebook.com/standupcomedybarcelona S.U.C.K. (Stand Up Comedy Kills). www.facebook.com/StandUpComedyKills

Guiriness Comedy Barcelona.

Next show September 9th (see page 24). guirinesscomedy.com BIG Improv Group.

Next show September 30th. www.barcelonaimprovgroup.com Burn it Down Barcelona. www.facebook.com/burnitdownbcn Barcelona Comedy Club.

Next show September 29th. barcelonacomedyclub.com

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WHAT’S ON

MUSIC CONCERT LISTINGS 1st. Jeremy Loops Sala Bikini. Diagonal 547.

1st. Resolution 88 Jamboree. Plaça Reial 17.

1st. Manolo Sanlúcar Palau de la Música. Palau de la Música 4-6.

2nd. 2MANYDJS Razzmatazz. Pamplona 88.

2nd-4th. Paral·lel festival Cal Companyó. Guardiola de Berguedá.

4th & 5th. Tibidabo Live Parc d’atraccions del Tibidabo.

3rd. Marky Ramone’s Blitzkrieg Razzmatazz. Pamplona 88.

3rd. Tierra Santa Sala Bikini. Diagonal 547.

6th. The Brian Jonestown Massacre Razzmatazz. Pamplona 88.

8th. La Luz Sidecar. Plaça Reial 7.

ACID WASH

THEE OH SEES. SALA APOLO. NOU DE LA RAMBLA 113. SEPTEMBER 12TH. Fresh off the Primavera Sound stage, Californian garage-psych band, Thee Oh Sees, are back in Barcelona for another tinnitus-inducing performance. Accompanied by their double drum ensemble and signature fuzzy guitars, the band are touring to promote their latest album, Mutilator Defeated At Last (2015), which, according to Pitchfork, promises ‘tasteful psychedelic embellishments—synth wooshes, delay trails—and new instrumentation’—pretty much everything fans have come to expect. Supporting them on the night are French rock’n’roll-garage group Magnetix, along with up-and-coming, fellow Californians, Feels. www.sala-apolo.com

9th. Eagles of Death Metal Sala Apolo. Nou de la Rambla 113.

10th. The Wands Upload. Poble Espanyol. Francesc Ferrer i Guardia 13.

12th. Requiem de Verdi. London Symphony Orchestra & Gianandrea Noseda Palau de la Música. Palau de la Música 4-6.

12th. Thee Oh Sees Sala Apolo. Nou de la Rambla 113.

15th. Nothing Places Absenta del Raval. Plaça del Pes de la Palla 5.

16th. The King is Back - Elvis Tribute BARTS. Paral·lel 62.

17th. Jackson Browne & Raúl Rodríguez Sala Apolo. Nou de la Rambla 113.

17th. Bars and Melody Sala Bikini. Diagonal 547.

21st. Scandal Sala Apolo. Nou de la Rambla 113.

22nd. The Jayhawks Sala Apolo. Nou de la Rambla 113.

22nd -25th. BAM Various locations.

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BROTHERLY LOVE

2MANYDJS. RAZZMATAZZ. PAMPLONA 88. SEPTEMBER 2ND. An eminent presence on festival lineups worldwide, 2manydjs will be taking to the decks at Razzmatazz this September. Their mixes and mash-ups always fill the dancefloor with an energy like no other. Starting out in 1995 as a four-piece Belgian band known as Soulwax, composed of David Dewaele, Stephen Dewaele, Stefaan Van Leuven and Bent Van Looy, the Dewaele brothers later relaunched as a DJing duo under the name of 2manydjs and experienced huge success, with their 2002 album, As Heard on Radio Soulwax Pt. 2, named the best popular music album of 2002 by The New York Times. Their remixes of classic songs from all genres caught the public’s attention, breathing a bit of fun back into an electro-dominated music scene.

Remixing everything from the Sugababes to David Bowie, their September show at Razz is sure to deliver, whether you’re a music fanatic or just fancy a bit of dance. www.salarazzmatazz.com

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

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THE SHOW GOES ON

The summer may be drawing to a close, but Barcelona’s festival season is still in full swing. A host of music events will take place this month, some for the first time ever, boasting lineups to make you dig deep and spend the last of your holiday savings.

PARAL·LEL FESTIVAL. CAL COMPANYO. GUARDIOLA DE BERGUEDÁ. SEPTEMBER 2ND-4TH. First up this month is new kid on the block, Paral·lel. Born out of a frustration with long beer queues, over-programming and a lack of intimacy at many of the city’s festivals, Paral·lel’s organisers have promised limited capacity, quality sound, local food and a great location. Although the lineup is quite technoheavy, the focus is on festival-goers, making sure they have an enjoyable experience whatever their musical preference. www.parallelfestival.com BAM. BARCELONA CITY CENTRE. SEPTEMBER 22ND-25TH. Over 20 years in the game, BAM is an integral part of Barcelona’s festival scene. Each year, this iconic event coincides with La Mercè, Barcelona’s citywide festival, which sees the city come alive with music and performances throughout the weekend.

BAM adds a unique range of music into the mix, exploring new and imaginative sounds. One of the must-sees on BAM’s lineup this year is Algerian group, Imarhan, whose style of funk and blues, tinged with traditional Algerian sounds is a treat for the ears. lameva.barcelona.cat/bam

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WHAT’S ON

ART OPENINGS N2 GALERÍA Niños, Globos y Palomitas Inspired by the French sculptor JeanAntoine Houdon, ceramist Nuria Torres uses porcelain to capture the innocence of children. Opens September 9th. Enrique Granados 61.

MISCELANEA Entre Números y Pigmentos Through a combination of painting, drawing and video-art, Puerto Rican artist Ricardo Cabret explores the idea that the seemingly disparate mediums of computer code and painting share a common denominator: human ingenuity. Opens September 7th.

Guardia 10.

LAST CHANCE ESPRONCEDA Bowie: The Session This photographic exhibition displays 20 portraits by British photographer Gavin Evans that represent a touching and intimate exposé of the man behind the legend. Until September 1st. Espronceda 326.

FUNDACIÓ FOTO COLECTANIA Vivian Maier, In Her Own Hands.

These photographs of street scenes capture the essence of 20th-century urban America through the lens of Vivian Maier, an enigmatic photographer born in New York in 1926. Until September 10th. Julián Romea 6.

BRICK BY BRICK

CERAMICS APPLIED TO ARCHITECTURE. MUSEU DEL DISSENY. PLAÇA DE LES GLÒRIES CATALANES 37.

SEPTEMBER 16TH-JANUARY 29TH. ‘Brick by Brick’ is an innovative showcase of ceramics as incorporated into architecture, bringing attention to the critical, yet largely understudied, intersection of these two disciplines. Displaying works from a wide range of time periods and regions—from ancient Mesopotamian pieces to the contemporary interpretations of Picasso and Miró—the exhibition explores the symbolism and utility of clay bricks, tiles and ornaments in architecture over time. Curated by renowned French architect Pedro Azara, the show includes approximately 300 pieces from 60 different collections across Europe. ‘Brick by Brick’ will open alongside the 47th Congress of the International Academy of Ceramics in Barcelona, a leading ceramics convention hosting artists and scholars in the field. It is also scheduled to run concurrently with a series of activities and lectures on recent innovations and technological advancements, run by the Chair of Ceramics at the International University of Barcelona. ajuntament.barcelona.cat/museudeldisseny

MNAC El Divino Morales Sixteenth-century artist Luis de Morales is renowned for his devotional paintings that adorned the churches, monasteries and palaces of his time. Until September 25th.

Palau Nacional.

MUSEU PICASSO 156 Engravings Created between October 1968 and March 1972, these engravings explore the theme of eroticism, showing scenes of a fun, joyful and idle world, with an undercurrent of frustrated desire. Until September 4th.

Montcada 15.

MACBA Punk. Its traces in Contemporary Art. This exhibition explores the influence of the punk movement on contemporary artists.

Until September 25th. Plaça dels Àngels 1.

COSMOCAIXA Wildlife Photographer of the Year This annual exhibition from the Natural History Museum in London showcases some of the world’s best nature photography. Until September 11th. Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia 6.

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MONUMENT TO MODERNISM

THE LIVES OF THE PAVILION. MIES VAN DER ROHE PAVILION. SEPTEMBER 6TH-OCTOBER 6TH. The iconic Barcelona Pavilion is a building with a colourful and intermittent history. It was designed by one of the pioneers of modern architecture, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, as the German Pavilion for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition. Less than a year after it was built, the building was torn down, only to be reconstructed on the original site more than 50 years later, in 1986. This exhibition invites viewers to explore the three stages, or lives, of the building, from its erection, to its absence and subsequent reconstruction.

Located on the esplanade between the Magic Fountain and the Pavilion, the exhibition will showcase a series of documents and images that describe this complex and fascinating history. In the Pavilion, there will be screenings of two documentaries that record the memories of those involved in the reconstruction, as well as comments by those responsible for the day-to-day running of the space. On September 24th and 25th, there will be an open house weekend along with a programme of activities based on the exhibition and the Pavilion. www.miesbcn.com

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

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ART WEEKENDER

BARCELONA GALLERY WEEKEND. VARIOUS LOCATIONS. SEPTEMBER 29TH-OCTOBER 2ND. Barcelona Gallery Weekend is back for its second edition, with over 20 art galleries opening their doors to showcase some of their finest works and the city’s massive creative potential.

Some will be displaying exhibitions by internationally renowned and well-established artists, whilst others have opted for upand-coming local talent. The programme offers a diverse variety of artistic styles from classical to avant-garde, with exhibitions including works from artists such as Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso, amongst many others. There are five suggested routes for visiting the partaking galleries, institutions and public spaces, as well as a host of other activities, including performances and presentations by artists and curators. In addition to the main programme, a special project entitled ‘Compositions’, curated by Latitudes (Mariana Cánepa and Max Andrews), examines some of the lesser-known sides of the city, through five temporary interventions by local artists. www.barcelonagalleryweekend.com

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WHAT’S ON

MISC. OFF THE FRINGE

JOHN SCOTT. THE SHAMROCK. TALLERS 72B. SEPTEMBER 9TH. Humour from the Highlands arrives in Barcelona for a night of sarcastic satire and clever comedy with John Scott. The Scottish comedian first stepped on stage in 1999, impressing spectators with his stand-up skills before making his first appearance at the world’s largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Fringe, two months later. Now a regular at the annual festival, Scott’s witty banter ensures his shows are playful yet intelligent, drawing on controversial social and political themes such as benefit fraud, social class, racism and homophobia. Dubbed a ‘political comedy built from the grassroots up… with a spiky sense of humour’ (Glasgow Herald), Scott has shown his ability to entertain with a raw sense of originality.

Having performed as a warm-up act for the likes of fellow Scotsman Frankie Boyle and Bafta-nominated English comedian Stewart Lee, Scott’s comic value ensures The Shamrock will be delivering bags of belly laughs throughout the night. The OffFringe special kicks off the new season of monthly shows from Guiriness Comedy Barcelona, hosted at the Irish bar. www.guirinesscomedy.com

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

LA CASA DE LES PUNXES. DIAGONAL 420.

After over 100 years of marvelling from afar, Barcelona residents and visitors are now able to tour the inside of the Modernista gem, La Casa de les Punxes. The house was built between 1903 and 1905 by renowned architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch, a project which was commissioned by textile industrialist heir Bartomeu Terradas Brutau for his three sisters. Reminiscent of a medieval gothic castle, Casa de les Punxes is actually three distinct, seamlessly blended buildings—one for each sister—on a triangular plot in the heart of Eixample at the intersection of Rosselló, Bruc and Avinguda Diagonal. The building features six pointed towers (hence the name punxes, or points), elaborate sculptures, colourful murals and intricate glasswork, all thought to have symbolic and religious meanings. Tours are conducted in various languages with in-person and audioguide options, and grant visitors access to the ground and first floors, the expansive terrace and one of the six towers. www.casadelespunxes.com

BRAZILIAN BEATS

DÍA DE BRASIL 2016. PARC DEL FÒRUM. PLAÇA DEL FÒRUM 1. SEPTEMBER 4TH. Just as Olympic fever dies down, Barcelona turns up the samba with the eighth edition of Día de Brasil—a funfilled celebration of music, authentic food, activities and film screenings. The aim of the festival, which attracted over 15,000 attendees last year, is to strengthen ties between Spain and the South American giant. From 12pm until 10.30pm, the Parc del Fòrum will be moving to a Brazilian beat with a stellar lineup of performers guaranteed to get the crowd moving, including Latin Grammy award-winning Brazilian singer Lenine, and some funky samba-rock fusion from the Caniball Football Club. In addition to the music, there will be a plethora of activities—from capoeira and samba demonstrations, to storytelling sessions and workshops for children. As part of the Festival de Cultura Brasileña, Día de Brasil will be followed by a series of film screenings, showcasing the best of Brazilian cinema today, at the Cinemes Girona from September 8th-11th. www.diadebrasil.es

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ROLL WITH IT

SKATE LOVE BARCELONA 2016. BADALONA BEACHFRONT & BARCELONA CITY CENTRE. SEPTEMBER 16TH-18TH. The Skate Love Festival is Barcelona’s unique ‘music festival on wheels’, bringing together passionate rollerskaters from around the world to connect, celebrate and perfect their art form. The weekend’s events open with an informal meet and greet, where participants get to know one another through a series of surprise activities. The festivities get into full swing over a weekend packed with roller jam parties, workshops, movie screenings, dance battles, exhibitons and shows. While most activities are aimed at rollerskaters, non-skaters are welcome at the Skate Love Show on Saturday and Sunday night, where skilled skaters share their talent and joy with the audience. Day passes are available online at the special price of €21 until September 15th. www.skatelovebarcelona.com

FOR MORE EVENTS VISIT WWW.BARCELONA-METROPOLITAN.COM

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FESTIVAL FEVER

FESTES MAJORS. VARIOUS LOCATIONS AND DATES. While August provided an ample array of artistic street parties, September strikes back with an impressive collection to rival. The second week of the month welcomes the Festa Major de Poblenou (9th-18th) to the streets for nine days of live music, exhibitions, sporting events, workshops and more, alongside the traditional Catalan festivities of ‘correfocs’ (fire-runs) and ‘gegants’ (giant statues). Last year’s edition also granted free access to a range of exhibitions at participating museums, as well as free swing dance classes and live music on Rambla del Poblenou, near the casino.

As Poblenou’s celebrations draw to a close, Barcelona’s biggest festival kicks off—La Mercè (18th-24). This annual celebration honours the city’s patron saint, Our Lady of Mercy, with September 24th marked as a public holiday.

Similarly boasting regional traditions, the festival also offers theatre productions in the Parc de la Ciutadella, open days at many museums, and a host of concerts around the city’s squares. The 2016 edition welcomes Paris as its guest city, celebrating the French capital through collaborations with the prestigious Théâtre Silvia Monfort and street and circus art cooperative 2r2, Parisian-inspired constructions by Olivier Grossetête, and several French artists and acts. This year, La Mercè is expanding further across the city, striving for more participation from residents.

Before September concludes, Barcelona’s beachfront barrio celebrates the Festa Major de Barceloneta (29th); a cocktail of havanera singing, sardana dancing, parades and decorated streets, in honour of the district’s patron saint, Sant Miquel.

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WED NE SDAY

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THE BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE American psychedelic rock band led by vocalist Anton Newcombe perform their latest work. 9pm.

BARCELONA SPANISH GUITAR TRIO AND DANCE Smooth Spanish guitar music and fiery flamenco dancing provide an evening of Spanish culture.

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BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE (6TH)

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR The world’s best nature photography from London’s Natural History Museum. CosmoCaixa.

TUE SDAY

5

MOND AY

BLUES MESSENGERS SPECIAL Vocalist August Tharrats Txell Sust and guitarist Amadeu Casas provide an evening of live blues and funk. 8pm and 10pm. Jamboree. Pl. Reial 17.

MANOLO SANLÚCAR Flamenco composer and guitarist plays at the closing concert of the Mas i Mas festival. 9pm.

Palau de la Música. Palau de la Música 4-6.

CAMBUYON A visual spectacular of eclectic dancing, including tap, hip-hop and body percussion. 9pm. Sala BARTS. Paral·lel 62. Until 11th.

OFF-FRINGE ENGLISH COMEDY A host of international comedians provide some stand-up comedy aimed at expats living in the city. 8.30pm. Shamrock.

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PARAL·LEL FESTIVAL A new music festival in the countryside, with live music from international DJs, camping areas and local food. Cal Companyo.

Guardiola de Berguedà. Until 4th.

LA GRAN ILUSIÓN The famous magician Antonio Diaz returns to Barcelona with his new show for an evening of tricks and illusions. Teatre Tívoli.

Casp 8. Until 18th.

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2

FRIDAY

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T HURSDAY

WHAT'S ON SEPTEMBER 2016

FESTA MAJOR DEL POBLENOU The seaside barrio celebrates its annual street festival, with workshops, exhibitions and Catalan traditions. 9th-18th.

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GOTICO GASTRONOMICAL TOUR This guided tour for foodies visits four establishments in the district to sample and learn about the city’s cuisine. 7pm. Pl. de la Villa de Madrid.

PALO ALTO Barcelona’s creative market returns, complete with stalls, street food and galleries. 11am.

Pellaires 30.

3

SAT URDAY

LA DIADA The Catalan national holiday is traditionally celebrated with concerts and Catalan traditions, and open house events across

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BRAZIL DAY The 8th edition of Brazil Day returns with cultural events, concerts, workshops and more.

Parc del Fòrum. Pau 12.

TORI SPARKS Blues, rock and folk singersongwriter Tori Sparks performs live music alongside Calamento’s Javi Garcia. 1pm. Bar Cultural El Taller. Clot 71.

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SUN DAY

WWW.BARCELONA-METROPOLITAN.COM

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR WEBSITE

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THE BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE American psychedelic rock band led by vocalist Anton Newcombe perform their latest work. 9pm.

Razzmatazz. Pamplona 88.

TEDX BARCELONA Buddhist roshi Joan Halifax shares her life lessons about compassion and empathy. Held in English. 7pm. Mazda Space.

Comerç 60.

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ROGER PUIG Pop meets progressive as this singer-songwriter performs tracks from his first solo album.

8.30pm. Sala Apolo. Nou de la Rambla 113.

LIVES OF THE PAVILION Find out more about the iconic Barcelona Pavilion, reconstructed in 1986 in this exhibition. Barcelona Pavilion. Av. de Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia. Until Oct 6th.

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR The world’s best nature photography from London’s Natural History Museum. CosmoCaixa.

Isaac Newton 26. Until 11th.

BOAT WAVES, SALT & SUN Artist Jordi Comas provides an interesting array of sculpted boats, inspired by the Cap de Creus. Museu Marítim. Av. de les Drassanes. Until 30th

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THE MAGIC FLUTE Mozart’s fantastical last opera is performed at Barcelona’s majestic opera house. 8pm. Gran Teatre del Liceu. La Rambla 5159. Until 17th.

DE DAMASC A IDOMENI This charity event supports refugees with monologue performances describing experiences of war. 8pm and 9.30pm. Teatre Lliure. Pl. de Margarida Xirgu 1.

UNA ROSA PARA SOLER A documentary about the musical contributions of 18th-century priest and composer, Antoni Soler. 7pm. Petit Palau. Palau de la Música. Palau de la Música 4-6.

UNWITTINGLY Artist Luis Gómez presents a three-part exhibition exploring trends on the contemporary Cuban art scene. Tasneem Gallery.

Castellnou 51. Until Sept 30th.

NIÑOS, GLOBOS Y PALOMITAS Ceramicist Nuria Torres showcases porcelain sculptures of children. N2 Galería. Enric Granados 61. Until Sept 30th.

SCARAMOUCHE THE MUSICAL A play about a 19th-century French town in ruins, separated twin brothers and a masked hero.

8.30pm. Teatre Victoria. Paral·lel 67.

LA TRAVIATA BY VERDI The highly acclaimed opera based on the 1848 novel ´The Lady of the Camellias’ by Alexandre Dumas. 8pm. Palau de la Música.

Palau de la Música 4-6.

PHILIPPE HALSMAN. SURPRISE ME! Photographic collection of legendary stars as you’ve never seen them before. CaixaForum.

Av. de Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia 6-8. Until Nov 6th.

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STEVE AOKI (18TH)

BIG SEPTEMBER SHOW English-speaking group presents improv comedy games based on audience suggestions. 8.30pm.

Tinta Roja. Creu dels Molers 17.

BARCELONA TATTOO EXPO The world’s biggest tattoo artists give workshops and take individual tattoo appointments. 12pm.

Fira de Barcelona. Av. Reina María Cristina. Until Oct 2nd.

FESTA MAJOR DE BARCELONETA Outdoor festival with live music, dancing, a parade and activities for kids. Barceloneta. Until Oct 4th.

BARCELONA GALLERY WEEKEND 23 galleries host activities and exhibitions to celebrate Barcelona’s creative diversity.

City Centre. Until Oct 2nd.

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LLUÏSA VIDAL A review of the Catalan artist’s work including sketches, photographs and documentaries.

MNAC. Parc de Montjuïc. Until Jan 15th.

ARNOLD CLASSIC EUROPE An EXPO fair with all you need to know about the fitness industry, with displays, demos and stalls.

10am. Fira de Barcelona. Av. Joan Carles I 64. Until 25th.

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PLANETA FITNESS & WELLNESS CONVENTION Feel the difference at the 25th edition of this convention celebrating the world of aerobics and fitness. UAB. Pl. Cívica 16th-18th.

SKATE LOVE Roller skating enthusiasts gather from around the world to socialise, perfect their art, and celebrate. Badalona and Barcelona City Centre. Until 18th.

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PABLO LOPEZ The prestigious Malagueño performs tracks from his second album El Mundo y Los Inocentes (2015) as part of his world tour.

9.30pm. L’Auditori. Lepant 150.

OFF-FRINGE ENGLISH COMEDY A host of international comedians provide some stand-up comedy aimed at expats living in the city. 8.30pm. Shamrock.

Tallers 72.

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KATASTROPHE Jelly bears tell the story of a stupid human civilisation, reflecting the roots of human violence through a series of models.

Teatre Lliure. Pl. de Margarida Xirgu 1. Until 25th.

BAM FESTIVAL For the best of electronic and folk music, this festival brings independent artists to Barcelona.

Various Locations. Until 25th.

FUTURE MUSIC FORUM AND SYNC SUMMIT Annual international music conference reflecting on the digital age and technology within music.

9.30am. Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm. Rosselló 515. 19th-21st.

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Y&T Californian rock/metal group perform in Barcelona on their latest world tour. 9pm. Razzmatazz. Pamplona 88.

FLAMENCO AT MEAM Spain’s most emblematic dance is performed at the distinguished 18th-century palace. 6pm.

MEAM. Barra de Ferro 5.

IN DREAMS A dreamy musical production that promises to captivate your imagination. 9pm. Sala BARTS. Paral·lel 62.

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LAST SUMMER SWING JAM The Swing Maniacs host their last outdoor summer jam, complete with a DJ to shake things up. 8pm. Rambla Poblenou with Passeig Calvell.

CAMBUYON A visual spectacular of eclectic dancing, including tap, hip-hop and body percussion. 9pm. Sala BARTS. Paral·lel 62. Until 11th.

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VIVA BROADWAY Live musical production of the best of Broadway. 6pm, 7pm and 8.30pm. Teatre Apolo. Paral·lel 59.

14th-18th.

INGRAVID 2016 This festival celebrates the collaboration of artists, researchers and thinkers to address social problems and solutions. Arts Santa Monica. La Rambla 7. Until 25th.

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SARDINES & RUMBA Grilled sardines and fresh food with Catalan rumba music, plus breathtaking views. 9pm. La Caseta del Migdia. Cami del Mar 2.

BARCELONA SPANISH GUITAR TRIO AND DANCE Smooth Spanish guitar music and fiery flamenco dancing provide an evening of Spanish culture.

9pm. Palau de la Música. Palau de la Música 4-6.

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BOX SIZE DIE FT CAUSTIC Death metal group Caustic reactivate the Box Size DIE by artist João Onofre in a peculiar concert. 7pm. MACBA. Plaça dels Angels 1.

LA MERCÈ The city’s largest party is celebrated across the barrios with fireworks and festivities, with input from 2016’s guest city: Paris.

Various Locations. 22nd-25th.

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SONAR KIDS Join the Symphonic Orchestra of Vallès for their family-friendly rendition of ‘Peter and the Wolf’.

7pm. Palau de la Música. Palau de la Música 4-6.

JACKSON BROWNE & RAÚL RODRÍGUEZ A cultural meeting of American sounds and Hispanic rhythms results in a fusion of flamenco, folk and rock. 8pm. Sala Apolo.

Nou de la Rambla 113.

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DIAS NORDICOS This multidisciplinary festival celebrates Nordic culture in Spain, opening with a concert from various artists from the region. 8.30pm. Sala Apolo. Nou de la Rambla 113.

FESTA MAJOR DEL POBLENOU The seaside barrio celebrates its annual street festival, with workshops, exhibitions and Catalan traditions. 9th-18th.

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TORI SPARKS (4TH)

L’HORA DEL JAZZ The Clara Sallago Quintet takes to the stage for a free show.

12pm. Castell de Montbui. Bigues i Riells. Until Sept 29th.

THE SIMULATED SUBMARINE Tour guides lead groups of children on simulated submarine tours to explore underwater life. Museu Maritím. Av. de les Drassanes.

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CURSA DE LA MERCÈ The chosen circuit for the annual 10k run encompasses some of the emblematic areas of the city.

9.30am. Starts at Av. de la Reina Maria Cristina.

7TH HEAVEN PARTY Purobeach hosts a detoxing, refreshing pool party, with fitness classes and healthy snacks.

12pm. Hilton Diagonal Mar. Taulat 262-264.

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EL FLEA A bargain hunter’s paradise with second-hand stalls and vintage goodies.10am. Plaça de Blanquerna. Portal de Santa Madrona.

LA DIADA The Catalan national holiday is traditionally celebrated with concerts and Catalan traditions, and open house events across the city. Various locations.

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Life’s a picnic

IN THE CITY

$

Dogs allowed Play structure

5 PARKS FOR AL FRESCO EATING BY ELENA SMITH

As summer winds down and August’s long beach days, road trips and late-night glasses of cava are replaced once more by September’s daily grind, we start counting down the days until our next vacation.

It’s easy to forget that there are little urban escapes right around the corner. We’ve put together a list of five peaceful places to picnic in Barcelona, to help you keep that summertime bliss alive. surrounding the garden, and ferns and thick grass cover the ground. Tall sycamores, oaks, pines, cypress and carob trees provide shade and infuse the air with rich fragrance. The historic building, dating back to 1871, has a beautiful interior courtyard with a still pond, a perfect place to take a break from the busy work day.

Palace at Jardins de Pedralbes

JARDINS DEL PALAU DE PEDRALBES Diagonal 686. Open every day from 10am-dusk.

Lush, well-maintained gardens surround the Palau Reial—the royal family’s Barcelona residence during the early 20th century. The gardens boast multiple expansive lawns and impressive courtyards with fountains surrounded by bamboo, cypress and pine trees. Just behind the park, on the corner of Avinguda de Pedralbes, sits Finca Güell, one of Gaudí’s lesser-known but equally spectacular developments, open to the public every day from 10am-4pm.

PARC DE CERVANTES Fernando Primo de Rivera 7. Open every day from 10am-dusk.

This gorgeous rose garden extends to the foot of the Pedralbes hills and provides quiet respite from

Fountain at Jardins Mossen Cinto Verdaguer

the busy Avinguda Diagonal. Stone walkways take you between palm trees and below wooden arches adorned with twisting vines. There are 245 rose varieties and over 10,000 rose bushes on display throughout the park’s four hectares, and, while they are most spectacular in spring when in full bloom, you’ll find blossoms and greenery year round.

JARDINS MOSSEN CINTO VERDAGUER Miramar 30. Open every day from 10am-dusk.

This park is a true gem of Montjuïc. The main entrance opens up onto a large floral emblem of the city’s coat of arms. Throughout the park, stone stairways guide you up the hill toward marvellous city and sea views. The stairway on the western edge is lined with fountains on either side—ascending square, stone ponds filled with water lilies and other aquatic plants. Tulip beds are scattered throughout, adding a splash of vibrant colour against a green backdrop of eucalyptus and cedar trees.

PARC DE L’ORENETA Montevideo 45. Open every day from 10am-dusk.

Sprawling over 17 hilly hectares between Collserola and the city, pines, cedars and evergreen oaks tower over dirt paths that wind along the mountain in Parc de l’Oreneta.

Families ride horses in the park and scoot along in the miniature steam train. In the upper area of the park, you’ll find the remnants of a castle built in 1910 that was destroyed in the Civil War. The centre of the park has been converted into a picnic area with dozens of tables and panoramic sea and city views.

JARDINS DE LA UNIVERSITAT Diputació 230. Open weekdays from 8am-9pm; Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-dusk.

Nestled in the heart of the Eixample, these gardens surround the university’s most iconic building. Ivy creeps up the metal and stone walls

Parc de Cervantes

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IT’S ON!

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MEMBERS OF THE AMERICAN COMMUNITY IN BARCELONA SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS ON THE UPCOMING PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

BY LUCAS CAVAZOS

t has been hailed as the ‘most contentious presidential race in history’, ‘a freak show of egos’ and ‘the race to end all races’—and these are just three of the headlines being splashed across the world’s media. It’s election year in the United States and things are really starting to heat up. Whether you’re a Clinton or Trump supporter, or neither, this election has proved itself to be one hotly contested battle. Lucas Cavazos caught up with a few fellow Americans living in Barcelona to see what they had to say.

Ramon menendez-CaRReiRa US Consulate General Ramon Menendez-Carreira, the US Consular Officer to Spain, has been based in Barcelona since 2014, and he is simply encouraging US citizens to get out there and vote.

“The most vital thing, especially at this point in the race, is to make sure you have registered to vote so you can receive your absentee ballot. Many US citizens, Spanish-born children of US parents, or US citizens born to Spanish parents in the United States have no idea that they can register to vote by absentee ballot. The US Consulate General (Passeig de la Reina Elisenda de Montcada, 23) can receive your ballot and return it to you as long as there is sufficient postage. It’s that simple!”

Most states accept the electronic return of ballots, but Carreira-Menendez suggests that voters check first with their state offices. “There has never been a more decisive election, and it has never been so easy to vote. The Consul’s office will help you out in every way we can because we want to get the word out there.”

annette abstoss Creator/Director of Abstoss World Gastronomy and Opera Samfaina Businesswoman and chef Annette Abstoss feels that things are not what they seem (on either party’s side!) and she has felt ashamed and rather embarrassed with all the insults and accusations being thrown across the board throughout the campaign. “If this truly is the most crucial of elections, then we have never sunk so low,” said Abstoss. “The fact is that whoever mandates the US affects the entire political global ecosystem.

For that reason, this time I will be voting Democrat, although normally I would be a Republican voter.”

And if Trump were to win? “Hopefully he would be busy enough that he couldn’t cause too much trouble.”

matthew david Owner, MDC English Language Services One thing that makes US expats fall in love with Barcelona are its socialist principles and way of life. David moved here nearly 11 years ago, aged 26, after George W. Bush’s reelection. “I was done with that hypocritical way of bipartisanship and that system of fear, frankly.”

David believes that the only way to make an impact is to vote, but if your vote lies in a state where the win is overwhelmingly Republican or Democrat, then why not vote Green? The Green Party need only four percent of the vote to receive better regulations for their party at a federal level and its presumptive nominee, Jill Stein of Massachusetts, looks likely to appear on 47 of 50 states’ ballots.

“I vote in New York state, and we already know that it’s likely to go to Hillary, despite the fact that Trump is also a New Yorker,” said David. “This race has been all about mudslinging, and I’ve been supporting Sanders throughout. It was not about ‘feeling the Bern’, however, for me it’s about social liberties for all, and that’s why I have to support people like Sanders and Stein who have strong socialist values. That’s what it should be about.”

Since then, after spending some time on Long Island Sound in New York this summer, David observed that there is strong Trump support even in liberal parts of the country, which might affect his final decision and sway him to vote for Clinton.

HOW TO REGISTER The 2016 US Presidential elections will be held on Tuesday, November, 8th.

For voter registration visit votefromabroad.org, which offers state by state information and voter registration services.

Democrats Abroad Barcelona will be organising voter registration and other events in the lead up to the elections. www.democratsabroad.org/es_barcelona

ON THE NIGHT Democrats Abroad in Barcelona will hold a US Election Watch night, from 8.30pm until 1.30am on November 8th. Location TBC. In the lead up to the elections, the presidential debates will be shown at the ESERP Business School (Girona 24).

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eRin van de hey david mCClellan CEO/Director, Alaska Seafood As another businessman who has been living in Catalunya for many years, David McClellan has seen plenty of political changes and upheaval, and stressed the importance of voting.

“Since expats are not represented in Congress, voting is the only way to make your opinion heard in the US. I don’t see this year as more crucial than others, but we’ve seen how who is president determines whether we go to war or not, so it’s pretty important.”

David feels that, when voting, it often comes down to the lesser of two evils, and it goes without saying that many people no longer feel intrinsically linked to their party of yesteryear.

“I will probably have to vote for Hillary. The Republicans need to reinvent themselves as the conservative defenders of US-American workers and the middle class. In my opinion, a Trump presidency would be a costly diversion—it would make ‘anti-Americanism’ that much more acceptable here and abroad.”

eRiC must International Division Director, Europastry S.A. Must has been living in Catalunya for over two decades and has a wife and children and his life is firmly established here. His home state of Louisiana offers an easy-to-use online voting service. “Expat or not, the same moral and civic obligation to take part in the system applies.”

He believes more in the individual value of a candidate over party loyalty.

This year, his main intent was to gain an understanding of each candidate’s position, but has found it difficult. “Unfortunately, there is very little substance on their actual positions and action plans,” he said regretfully.

“This year is especially important for me as my kids are getting older, and I’m starting to explain more and more to them about the US and its role in world politics. Our president serves as a symbol to the world and represents our beliefs and our system, in general. A Trump presidency would be provocative and offensive to many of our allies and would flame extremism, both domestic and international. Is this truly the best we can offer?” Surely not.

Chief Proctor, Exams-Catalunya BCN As a leader in the city’s upper educational examinations centre, a working mum and a US voter, Erin Van de Hey is no stranger to overseas voting. She moved to Barcelona just after university and has seen all the changes since the post-millennial tension.

“I’ll be back home in Wisconsin in September, so I’ll be registering to vote there. For me, voting is important but mostly on a federal level. Some say that one’s local officials probably have more impact on our day-to-day life, but since I don’t live in the States, it’s not what really concerns or affects me. I’m concerned with how the US is viewed by the outside world, and the US President is our ambassador.”

Van de Hey expressed embarrassment regarding the election campaign this time round. “It’s a circus. I read the news daily from a variety of sources, but I try to be careful about ‘clickbait’ and research memes and silly claims that people make. On social media, I purposefully do not block or ‘unfriend’ Trump supporters because I feel it’s important to be aware of how other people think, although the majority of my friends share my liberal views. I feel that this year’s presidential race is crucial, particularly given the vast gap between the ideologies and backgrounds of the two candidates…either way, history will be made.”

And just how important is the US President in reference to the world stage? “On a macroeconomic level, it’s very important because weakened confidence in the US may have a knock-on effect on the markets,” she said. “Trump being elected will also subject me to four years of Catalans and other Europeans asking me what were Americans thinking!”

“I will vote for Hillary Clinton. She is qualified, smart and the US is ready for a female President. Bernie Sanders supporters who are threatening to ‘opt out’ of the election are handing votes directly to the Trump campaign, and that really irritates me. Even if you aren’t a big supporter of the two-party system, for this particular election the Democrats need to band together and avoid the kind of meltdown the Republicans are having.”

3,672 US CITIZENS

REGISTERED AS LIVING IN BARCELONA IN 2015 Number of US Citizens living in Barcelona has more than tripled in the last 15 years (933 IN 2000, 3672 IN 2015)

20-34 is most numerous age group of North Americans

AMERICANS 74.8% INOF 2015NORTH HAD UNIVERSITY

DEGREES OR HIGHER MORE THAN ANY OTHER

F O R E I G N G R O U P S U RV E Y E D .

Source: Ajuntament de Barcelona

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FASHION

in style

BRUNCH IN THE PARK SAW FESTIVAL CHIC AT ITS FINEST WITH BOLD PATTERNS, BRIGHT COLOURS AND FLORAL PRINTS APLENTY.

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Name: Helene Age: 47 From: France Profession: Office assistant Dress: DPM Shoes: EXOO

Name: Rachel Age: 29 From: USA Profession: Student Dress: Ann Saf Shorts: JC Penny Sandals: Zapatería Bravo Java Watch: Target Sunglasses: Elle

GET THE LOOK CARHARTT HAT €39 MANGO DRESS €39.99

URBAN OUTFITTERS NIXON €100 ZARA SHIRT €25.95

EL CORTE INGLES SMASH €45.95 NOW €24.98 TOPMAN SHORTS €36 NOW €26

CARHARTT DUC 12. URBAN OUTFITTERS PLAÇA DE CATALUNYA 4. MANGO PASSEIG DE GRÀCIA 36.

TOPMAN BALMES 2. ZARA PORTAL DE L’ÀNGEL 11-13. EL CORTE INGLES DIAGONAL 617

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TRAVEL

SALT OF THE EARTH

A BREATHTAKING AND UNIQUE GEOLOGICAL FORMATION NEAR THE TOWN OF CARDONA.

BY ROSALIND BOND

A working mine for thousands of years, the salt mountain is now a tourist attraction

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hat is the world’s most valuable mineral? Gold?

Diamonds?

These probably come to mind more readily than an everyday mealtime condiment. Yet, in the days before refrigeration, salt was a very valuable commodity due to its utility in preserving food. Soldiers were often paid in salt—indeed the word ‘salary’ is derived, etymologically, from this.

Situated 90km north of Barcelona, an extensive deposit of rock salt near the town of Cardona, known as the Muntanya de Sal, was, therefore, an important source of income for the town of Cardona and the owners of the salt mine, the Dukes of Cardona (also known as the ‘Señores de la Sal’).

LA MUNTANYA DE SAL The Cardona salt mountain is a unique geographical formation in Europe and is one of the largest specimens of its kind in the world.

It was formed two million years ago when the Mediterranean sea started to recede, leaving behind a salty sedimentation. This low-density salt was then pushed up through the earth’s crust, creating the giant savoury extrusion, which would be translucent if not for its coating of reddish clay.

What’s visible above ground, however, is only the tip of the ‘saltberg’—the deposit plunges down one thousand metres underground, reaching well below the Mediterranean sea, and it continues to grow upwards each year.

The salt at Cardona has been exploited as a natural resource since the Neolithic age, through the Roman period, and continued to function as a working salt mine until 1990. By the Middle Ages, Cardona had become the most important salt producer on the Iberian Peninsula, with its ‘white gold’ being sent all over Europe via the port of Barcelona. The salt was originally mined from the surface. However, with the discovery of gunpowder at the end of the 18th century, miners were also able to extract from below ground.

The beginning of the 20th century saw the next step in mining at Cardona with the discovery of potash, which can be used to make both fertilisers and dynamite. This led to a flourishing of the Cardonian economy—the county went from relying on agriculture and textiles to being a predominantly mining community. The town’s population doubled, which led to significant urban and social changes. When the mine finally closed, a total of 37,874,843 tonnes of minerals had been extracted at depths of up to 1,308 metres.

Today, the Cardona salt mines have been converted into the Parc Cultural de la Muntanya de Sal, where visitors can descend into an otherworldly wonderland. The maze of interconnecting tunnels and expansive galleries are coated with a pure white crust that is patterned in places with swirls of red magnesium salt. Furred stalactites hanging from the ceiling grow at a rate of one centimetre every three weeks, while folds of stalagmites rise from the ground, creating undulating, peaked formations. At the entrance, the Monumento al Minero (Miner’s Monument) pays tribute to those who worked in the mines, especially to the many who lost their lives there. The site also houses the Art-Sal exhibition, a showcase of intricate salt sculptures. Hour-long guided tours of the salt mountain run from 10am to 3pm Monday-Friday, and 10am to 7pm at the weekend.

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FACTFILE CARDONA CASTLE Standing guard over the salt mines, on the opposing hilltop is the impregnable fortress of Cardona Castle, home to the Dukes of Cardona from the 11th to the 15th centuries. The fortress, one of the most important in Catalunya, was originally built by the illustrious Count Wilfred the Hairy in 886 and demonstrates both Romanesque and Gothic styles.

The necessity to protect the salt mines prompted the dukes to ensure that the castle was impenetrable—a reputation which became widespread following its resilience during the 1714 War of Spanish Succession, when the castle garrison was one of the last to surrender. Around a century later, even the formidable Napoleon was unable to overwhelm the fortress, and the castle has since become a symbol of Catalan nationalism and strength.

Within its walls lies the Church of Sant Vincenç of Cardona, built between 1019 and 1040 in the Lombard Romanesque style. This year, the church was named a ‘Treasure of European Film Culture’ by the European Film Academy due to its appearance in the 1964 Shakespeare-inspired Orson Welles film, Chimes at Midnight. While only 15 days out of the ninemonth shoot took place in Cardona, 30 minutes of the film’s final cut were shot there and many residents still fondly remember those two weeks, when actors John Gielgud, Keith Baxter and Marina Vlady graced the streets of their small mining town. This is a new initiative that aims to highlight locations as places of special historical value. So far only eight places have been given the title, with the Church of Sant Vincenç being the first one in Spain. The castle is open from 10am-1pm and 3pm-7.30pm and guided tours are also available.

CARDONA TOWN The town of Cardona itself is also well worth a visit.

The old town encompasses a labyrinth of narrow, medieval streets and ancient arcades, while noble houses (visit Carrer dels Escassany for some good examples) stand as testament to the wealth garnered from the salt industry. The Plaça de la Fira is home to a bustling market that has taken over the square every Sunday for 1,000 years and is overlooked by the imposing 14th-century gothic Església de Sant Miquel.

Once home to the Dukes of Cardona, the castle now houses the Parador hotel

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GETTING THERE Bus. Barcelona (Estació del Nord) to Cardona.

1 hour 45 minutes. www.alsa.es Car. 97 km. 1 hour 30 minutes.

SLEEPING Parador de Cardona Delve into the past and live like a Cardona duke for the night at the 4-star Parador hotel, which is situated within the castle. www.parador.es Bremon For a more modest budget, the 3-star Bremon Hotel, a former school building dating from the 19th century, is located in the town’s historic centre and offers a terrace with castle and mountain views. www.hotelbremon.com

EATING AND DRINKING La Volta del Rector A welcoming, family-run restaurant housed in a 12th-century vault. Traditional, local food. lavoltadelrector.cat La Premsa Housed in a masía believed to date from 1307, this restaurant and hotel offers a range of Mediterranean dishes from both coastal and mountain regions. www.lapremsahotelrural.com

FESTA MAJOR DE CARDONA (September 10th-13th 2016) Cardona’s most important annual festival, celebrated since 1674 in honour of Nostra Senyora Verge del Patrocini, takes place this month and combines both religious and civic events. One of the most iconic activities is the bull run, which dates from the 15th century and takes place in front of the town hall. Part of the run involves a show called the cargolera, in which the bull is taunted by someone inside a giant basket, who then rolls around on the floor as the basket is pushed this way and that by the animal—it’s claimed that this isn’t cruel to the bull nor dangerous for the person, but that’s a matter of opinion. Other events include the Processó de la Mare de Déu Petita (Procession of the Little Virgin) and the Ball de Bastons, a dance in which performers clash sticks together, strangely reminiscent of English morris dancing. Other events include sports, concerts, plays and even cinema projections.

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8/23/16 1:36 PM

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Cometa Pla Photos by Sam Zucker

AN EXCITING NEW GOURMET ADDITION TO THE BARRI GÒTIC

BY SAM ZUCKER

W

hen venerable restaurants such as the unique and intimate El Pla (Bellafila 5) and the incredibly popular Bar del Pla (Montcada 2) get a new sibling, there are great expectations. Known for creative technique and market-driven cuisine, the Pla group, run

by Jaume Pla, has long been synonymous with top quality and gastronomic delight. With big shoes to fill, the newest protégé, Cometa Pla, did not disappoint. In fact, Italian chef Giuseppe Padula served up one of the best meals I’ve had in ages.

The flavours were explosive and the service impeccable. I enjoyed every bite, and so did my vegetarian dinner companion. It’s a rare moment when both my healthy, food-minded, yoga-loving partner and myself, an admitted omnivore glutton, can find equal pleasure in a meal.

There is a strong interest in vegetarian, local and healthy cooking here, but that does not mean that the food isn’t filling, or delicious.

The menu ranges from vegetarian dishes like smoked, sweet-soy glazed tofu with roasted aubergine and a vegetarian ceviche, to crispyseared torchon of braised lamb and a tastebud✪ NOT WORTH THE TRIP

✪✪ COULD IMPROVE

Recipe BEEF & CHORIZO EMPANADAS

assaulting plate of unctuous, slow-cooked beef tongue with sautéed endive, anchovies and olives. The accompanying wines are either organic (some certified, some not), natural or biodynamic, and are sourced from small producers.

The harmony of flavours still gives me goosebumps...the balance of sweet and salty, and the play of both crunchy and velvety smooth textures Our meal began with the dish of aubergine with smoked tofu and nori seaweed: a roomtemperature, earthy dish packed with umami.

The wine pairing with our first few plates was the Vinel·lo 2015 from Partida Creus—a curious, refreshing Penedès blend of Garnatxa Blanca, Macabeu, Vinyater, Moscatel, Xarel·lo, Parsé and Parellada grapes, with a strong, yeasty aroma reminiscent of Austrian cider.

Served ice cold, the peculiar acidity was actually a wonderful balance to the salty tamari sauce lacquering the tofu and aubergine.

Next came the vegetarian ceviche, the likes of which I had never seen before. How does one ✪✪✪ GOOD

✪✪✪✪ VERY GOOD

INGREDIENTS (serves 6) For the filling 3-4 tbsp olive oil 1 large red onion, finely chopped 5 cloves garlic, minced 400g minced beef ½ a cooking chorizo, skin removed and crumbled

✪✪✪✪✪ NOT TO BE MISSED

2 heaped tsp cumin 1 heaped tsp pimentón 1 tsp salt 1 small hot red chilli, sliced (optional) 2 tbsp sherry vinegar 3 tbsp raisins

As the weather cools down this month, my thoughts turn to autumn leaves and country walks—and for that, some sort of picnic is a prerequisite. The Romans, it is believed, invented what the Brits know as the Cornish pasty as a practical means of carrying lunch about while conquering the world. Similar moveable feasts have cropped up everywhere, including the Spanish empanada.

Photo by Tara Stevens

take a dish that is inherently seafood-centric and make it all about vegetables? The answer is a process of vacuum-sealed marination of cucumbers, onions, celery, radishes and more in a vegetarian leche de tigre (a traditional Peruvian ceviche marinade). The dish was bold, bright and powerful, and the quickmarinated vegetables maintained a pleasant crunch. Perhaps a bit of fat in the form of sliced avocado would have been a nice balance to the acidity of the abundant lime, and a few kikos (corn nuts, a classic ceviche garnish) would have introduced a welcome crunch.

One of Padula’s off-menu creations of the night came next, and it was incredible. What arrived looked like a fluffy white cloud with an egg yolk nestled in its centre, topped with delicate squash blossoms and resting on a bed of potato and caramelised onion purée, surrounded by samfaina (a Catalan take on ratatouille). This was the ‘egg soufflé’, a dish with luscious flavour and texture that had us mopping up every last bit with flaky chunks of Italian focaccia from Fermentus, a local organic bakery.

Quickly following the souflée was the tatin de cebolla, Cometa Pla’s deservedly acclaimed star plate. Made using the same technique as the classic French dessert of tarte tatin, a whole

To make the pastry Add the salt to the flour, then cut the butter into small cubes and rub together until you get a crumb-like mix.

1 egg + a splash of milk For the pastry 450 g plain flour 200 g butter, very cold 2 tsp salt Iced water

Add a tablespoon of iced water at a time to the mix, until you get a soft, pliable dough (approx 6 tbsp).

Wrap in cling film and chill for 20-30 minutes.

To make the filling Sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil over a medium heat until soft and golden.

Add the minced beef and fry until browned, then add the cumin, pimentón, salt and chilli.

Stir in the chorizo, raisins and sherry vinegar and cook through for about 5 minutes.

Remove from the heat and leave to cool.

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MORE INFO

www.thenoiselab.es

Cometa 5 Tel. 646 197 845 www.cometapla.cat ✪✪✪✪✪

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care of your business. onion is halved and roasted until caramelised, then a disk of tender puff pastry is laid on top. The whole thing is then baked until the tart shell is crispy and golden. Finally, the tatin is inverted into a shallow bowl and surrounded by a light and salty burrata foam (blended burrata cheese dispensed from a canister) and topped with paper-thin shavings of bottarga (Italian salted and cured fish roe). The harmony of flavours in this dish still gives me goosebumps, recalling the balance of sweet and salty, and the play of both crunchy and velvety smooth textures.

One last dish that stood out was the lamb with bulgur wheat and fennel purée. Chef Padula sources the organic lamb from a small producer in the Catalan town of Berga, braising it for 36 hours before shredding the meat and rolling it into a tight, tubular torchon and allowing it to cool. With each order, two rounds are sliced from the tube and seared on a scorching-hot flat top griddle before being laid across warm bulgur wheat and a smooth and mild fennel purée, and topped with flashfried baby spinach. Paired with a robust 2012 Montsant blend of Carinyena, Garnatxa and Syrah from Celler Comunica, this was an outstanding finale to a feast that I would repeat in a heartbeat.

in season: SEPTEMBER Aubergines, Swiss chard (bledes), onions and garlic

To assemble the empanadas Beat the egg with a splash of milk.

Cut the pastry in half (it’s easier to roll in smaller batches) and roll until it is about ¼ centimetre.

Using a cookie cutter, cut into 10-12cm rounds.

Place a couple of tablespoons of filling into the middle of the pastry, brush the rim with the egg and fold over to form a crescent shape pressing down along the rim to seal it.

Pierce the tops of the empanadas twice with a sharp knife, brush with beaten egg and milk and transfer to a non-stick baking pan.

Bake for 20 minutes at 200ºC, turn onto a metal rack to cool.

For a vegetarian version, replace the beef and chorizo with Swiss chard, aubergines and a few chunks of goat’s cheese.

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T. 93 451 44 86 hello@thenoiselab.es

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QUICK BITES

Bodega La Puntual

TIMELESS TAPAS IN EL BORN

BY SAM ZUCKER

MORE INFO

Montcada 22 Tel. 93 310 3545 bodegalapuntual.com Noon-Midnight

B

odega La Puntual should be applauded for capturing the timeless feeling of a classic, ‘de toda la vida’ tapas bar, in less than two years of operation. The spot shares ownership with Xampanyet, the iconic bar next door that dates back to the Twenties, so the opening of a new restaurant that upholds this same dedication to quality and tradition was an exciting achievement for the city’s culinary community.

The entryway is dubbed ‘la bodega’; a narrow area brimming with upturned wine barrel tables, where visitors are immediately tempted by the sight of a small bar laden with plump, briny oysters on ice, an assortment of pungent Spanish cheeses and a variety of dangling cured meats, ready for slicing.

Row upon row of conservas (preserves) line the walls, begging to be paired with a cold vermouth, of which there is plenty to hand.

The kitchen runs from noon until midnight, serving up an excellent array of authentic tapas, as well as seasonal Catalan

preparations. Naturally, the patatas bravas, spicy and crisp, are a must, as are the madeto-order tortilla de patatas (potato omelette) and arroz de pluma Ibérica, a Catalan rice dish served in a heavy cast-iron pan and studded with roasted bits of tender pork from the forward loin of the Iberian pig.

A mix of seasonal specials are always available (the chef ’s creations with autumnal wild mushrooms are my favourites), and the wine list is exemplary, with labels from every corner of Spain to fit any budget.

Other highlights include the trinxat, a hearty Catalan stalwart dish of cabbage, potato and pork belly, topped with a fried egg for extra decadence, as well as the masterfully-carved jamón ibérico de bellota (acorn-fed ham) that begins to melt in your fingers before even reaching your mouth.

Treat yourself to a succulent chuletón (T-bone) steak of Galician Blond beef, grilled rare and topped with glazed shallots, with a bottle of bold red wine and some good crusty bread. It can’t get much better than that.

Tastings

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

GO GRENACHE Young wines are produced in stainless steel vats and are designed to be fruity, expressive and consumed within a year or so of release.

It’s this type of wine that is the motor behind Europe’s wine industry. Whilst wineries produce a limited number of ‘iconic’ wines, it is the other 95 percent of production, generally comprised of young wines, that keep the lights on.

Take the Garnatxa from Cellers de Scala Dei, for example. This is a wine to buy now and drink before the end of the year, rather than lay down in the cellar, and at €10 or less it offers one of the best

value options in the region. Agreeable and drinkable, some might dismiss it as uncomplicated, but for me it’s a perfect everyday wine that can be relied on year after year.

But head winemaker, Ricard Rofes, isn’t a one-trick pony; Scala Dei also produces high-end wines that show massive leaps in terms of elegant, quality old vines and refined ageing treatments. The 2010 RAR 4 shows exactly how you can take older Grenache vines, age them gently and end up with something refined and savoury beyond belief.

CELLERS DE SCALA DEI GARNATXA 2015 A blend of nearly 100 percent Grenache with red cherry, redcurrant, raspberry and white pepper aromas that give way to refreshing acidity and juicy, mouthwatering fruit flavours. €10

RAR 4 2010 One hundred percent Grenache with prune, fig, dark cherry, vanilla, licorice, nutmeg and spices in the nose. Shows vanilla and fruitdriven notes in the body with both tannins and alcohol integrated wonderfully. €29

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NEFW &D

FOOD DRINK

& IN

Bar D9 BAR4 POBLENOU Whether you are an Erasmus student, a football fanatic or a music lover, D9 Bar has at least one night a week for you. Equipped with a terrace, D9 offers a wide range of tapas, beers, cocktails and shots for every night of the week.

With American Day on Wednesdays, Erasmus parties on Thursdays and music-themed parties on Fridays and Saturdays, there is always something for everyone.

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under 20 | 20-30 | 30-40 | over 40  food&drink visit our online directory

Pallars 122, 08016 Tel. 93 309 9202 I www.denou.bar Sun-Thurs 6pm-2.30am Fri-Sat 6pm-3am

www.barcelona-metropolitan.com/eating-and-drinking

CHICKEN SHOP & DIRTY BURGER 4BARRI GÒTIC

BAR DOS BILLARES4 RAVAL

Roast chicken and burgers – is there anything more appealing? This recently opened restaurant serves both! Their chicken from the Empordà region is marinated and cooked over coals by Chef Iñaki Moreno. They have some amazing Burgers on the Menu, with vegan and gluten free options too.

Don’t forget to try their craft beers and cocktails! DJ sessions every Friday from 8pm onwards.

This well-kept secret is located in the basement of Casa Camper Hotel, where jazz, culture and billiard lovers can relax and enjoy an exclusive cocktail. This club offers a programme of cultural and music events for the most creative public. It is the ideal space for escaping the crowds or hosting business clients.

Duc de Medinacelli 2, 08002 Tel. 93 220 47009 christian@chickenshop.com Mon-Fri 1pm-12am and Sat 12pm-12am Sun 12pm-11am www.chickenshop.com, www.eatdirtyburger.com

Elisabets 11 | Metro Liceu Tel. 93 342 6280 Tues-Thurs 4pm-12am Fri-Sat 4pm-2am www.club.casacamper.com

LOIDI RESTAURANT4 EIXAMPLE

BLACKLAB BREWERY4 BARCELONETA

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

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

Indian / Tandoori

The recently opened BlackLab Brewery offers customers a new experience in Barcelona––a place to enjoy a unique pint of craft beer, made just two metres away from where you’re sitting.

BlackLab’s food is a culinary journey from China all the way to New York. You’ll find dumplings and bahn mi, mussels fresh from the fish market, ramen, cheesecake, portobello mushrooms, and more. New 1 hour beer tour every Sunday at 5pm.

Tastings of 4 beers for €12. Quote ‘Metropolitan’ to receive a free BlackLab bag.

NEW BEER TOUR

IMPRFCTO BAR4 SANT ANTONI

SURYA4EIXAMPLE Surya Barcelona is an Indian restaurant that invites you to travel all the way to the streets of Mumbai, rich in colour, smell and exotic flavours. They offer a cosy and relaxed space where you can feel at home, drink, read a magazine, connect to the Internet and work, all while sampling some of their delicious dishes. After dinner you can relax with cocktails and enjoy their in-house DJs, from their The House Party collective on “Deep Fridays”, to Saturday night’s “Funky New Disco”.

Pau Claris 92 | Consell de Cent 236, 08011 Tel. 93 667 8760 www.suryabarcelona.com Mon-Sun 10am-3am

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

Located in the trendy Sant Antoni area, close to Barcelona’s famous clubs like Apolo and Plataforma, this bar has an intriguing interior, funny waiters and quality Belgian beers and specialities at a great price. It’s the ideal place to watch football with friends while pouring your own beers to avoid queueing!

MONDAY´S 5 BEERS €5

Parallel 104 Bj 2, 08015 Tel. 93 222 9801

KAIZEN AFTERWORK4POBLE NOU Do you work close to 22@ and feel like relaxing after work?

Come to Kaizen Afterwork and enjoy premium cocktails and tasty snacks. With great vibes and great music, bring this ad and you’ll get 15% off a gin and tonic.

Castella 1 | Tel. 93 676 0761 / 636 092 221 Tues-Thurs 6pm-2.30am, Fri-Sat 6pm-3am, Sun 6pm-2.30am, Mon closed facebook.com/kaizenafterwork | info@kaizenafterwork.com

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FONDA ESPAÑA4 BARRI GÒTIC

MANNÀ GELATS4 BARRI GÒTIC

Located in the emblematic Hotel España, the Modernist dining room, designed and decorated by Domènech i Montaner, houses Fonda España.

Rich in patrimonial interest, the historic elements in this beautiful room inspire and enhance the new elements. Here, Gastronomic Director Martín Berasategui’s aim is to offer his well-known culinary concept to diners looking for simple, balanced and delicious dishes that are a tribute to the renowned chef’s origins.

Mannà Gelats offers homemade ice creams, waffles and crêpes in the heart of the Barrio Gótico. Their ice creams are inspired by family recipes, using the finest products. The fresh fruit sorbets are made with market-bought products, and boast a range of exotic varieties. Their passion is to please their customers with personalised attention.

Banys Nous 22 | Metro Liceu Tel. 93 342 7312 Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm Fri-Sat 11am-11pm www.mannagelats.wordpress.com

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

BRITTA’S NORDIC DELI4GRÀCIA

CAFÉ MENSSANA4 CIUTAT VELLA At Menssana, a creative and healthy cuisine is combined with gracious and knowledgeable service. There is something for everyone, with vegan and vegetarian options created using flavours from across the globe. They also offer a carefully selected range of local wines and beers, as well as smoothies and fresh juices. Their aim is to nourish your body and mind with delicious meals, served in a vibrant and friendly atmosphere.

Britta’s Nordic Deli is the first and only Scandinavian deli in Barcelona.

Here you’ll find the most delicious sandwiches and smørrebrød in town.

Moreover, they offer all kinds of specialities to take away from a wide charcuterie, including smoked and marinated wild salmon, hot smoked salmon, marinated herring, homemade salads, smoked deer, organic cheeses, Danish seaweed caviar and a lot more.

Bonavista 29 | Tel. 93 461 7362 | Mon 5-9pm, Tues-Fri 11.30am-3.30pm and 5pm-9pm, Sat 11.30am-3.30pm, Sun closed | www.brittas.es

Delivery FOODIES BARCELONA4POBLENOU Foodies Barcelona is an online restaurant that prepares wholesome and fresh meals, delivering to your office, business or party. Whether you want a healthy lunch for a meeting or daily catering, they’ve got you covered. Order online or contact them for a menu.

Sardenya 48, 08005 Tel. 93 624 3505 Mon-Sat 9am-12am Sun 9am-6pm www.facebook.com/menssanabarcelona

Sant Joan de Malta 131 | Tel. 93 266 4271 Mon-Fri 8am-11am | www.foodiesbarcelona.es

Vegetarian/Vegan TAP DE SURO4 EIXAMPLE Tap de Suro is an intimate place dedicated entirely to the world of wine.

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

Mallorca 202, 08008 Tel. 93 461 4853 info@tapdesuro.com Mon-Sat 12pm-5pm and 7pm-11.30pm Sun closed www.tapdesuro.com

BE MY BAGEL4GRÀCIA Do you dream of great bagels? Then Be My Bagel is the right place for you. They sell authentic bagels from Barcelona, just how you like them. Offering an extensive range of bagels and cakes—from the more classic choices such as poppy and multigrain to delicious and innovative chocolate, almond and coconut bagels—you won’t come away disappointed.

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

GOVINDA (VEGETARIAN)4BARRI GÒTIC Founded 25 years ago, Govinda continues to thrive on a blend of experience and fresh innovation with its vegetarian Indian cuisine. The international menu features thalis, a salad bar, natural juices, lassis, pizzas and crêpes. Govinda offers a vegan-friendly, non-alcoholic and authentically-decorated environment with lunch and weekend menus.

Plaça Vila de Madrid 4-5 | Metro Catalunya | Tel. 93 318 7729 Tues-Sat 1pm-4pm and 8pm-11.30pm, Sun-Mon 1pm-4pm | www.govinda.es

AMALTEA4EIXAMPLE

A warm and welcoming environment allows you to fully enjoy a tasty and healthier alternative to your everyday meal.

Dishes include cereals, pulses and vegetables with homemade puddings. The cuisine is creatively international with care taken to ensure that each meal is well-balanced and made with the freshest ingredients. Their menu of the day costs 10.70, while their night and weekend menus cost 15.50.

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

HAPPY DAY VEGETARIANO4 EIXAMPLE Located in the centre of town, this vegetarian-vegan restaurant, Happy Day Vegetariano, offers a variety of fresh salads, soups and dishes. There is also a large assortment of fresh home-baked cakes to choose from, including carrot, pear, orange and carob. These vegetarian and vegan cakes are produced using brown sugar and organic wholemeal flour. At Happy Day Vegetariano, they believe that if you take care of your health and eat the right food, your well-being and mood will improve.

Come to the Happy Day and make the animals, yourself and the world happier! çPau Claris 143 (between Valencia and Aragón) Tel. 93 171 7081 Mon-Sat 1pm-5pm, Sun closed www.happydayvegetariano.com/en

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HEALTH &BEAUTY

Mary D. McCarthy - DOCTOR

Doctor for Adults

DISCOUNT FOR METROPOLITAN READERS

Feel confident with Dr. Mary McCarthy, an American-trained doctor for adults.

A native English speaker with over 20 years’ experience in Barcelona, Dr. McCarthy offers professional, private health care. She is a member of the American College of Physicians and is also certified as a Specialist by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

She is also a member of IAMAT.

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

www.barcelona-metropolitan.com Doctors Barcelona - DOCTOR Doctors Barcelona is the top medical group in Barcelona. They are committed to providing a first-rate level of care and attention. They are experienced, trained and equipped to diagnose and treat the most acute or chronic medical problems and injuries.

Available 24 hours including weekends and holidays. A 30-minute arrival time to your destination is guaranteed.

Their visit fee is refundable by most insurance companies. All doctors are specialists and, using their services, the best hospitals are available.

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

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

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

Dr Bassas - DErMATology The Javier Bassas Dermatology Centre is a well-renowned dermatology and surgical centre equipped with the latest technology. The medical team, led by Dr. Javier Bassas Bresca, consists of Surgical Dermatology and Venereology specialists with vast clinical and surgical experience. Their goal is to provide specialised, rigorous, efficient and accessible care in Surgical Dermatology and Venereology, with the highest quality and ethical standards.

Diagnosing and treating skin diseases is their priority, as well as offering the latest advances in dermoaesthetics.

Consulta Balmes 24 1º1 T. 93 412 6602.

Teknon, Marquesa de Vilallonga nº 12. Consulta nº 34 1ª 08017 T. 93 290 6434 www.drbassas.com

Dr. Steven Joseph - DOCTOR An English doctor in Barcelona, Dr Steven Joseph is a member of The Royal College of General Practitioners and The Royal College of Psychiatrists. He offers a wide range of medical care, including family medicine, sexual health, mental health and access to all specialists and tests. Physiotherapy and chiropractic services are also available. googol Medical Center provides comprehensive healthcare in a relaxed, friendly and discreet environment. Dr Joseph is happy to take your enquiries directly.

Gran Via Carles III 37-39, 08028 M. 662 291 191 www.englishdoctorbarcelona.com

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

ServiDigest. Thinking of people. Fostering prevention.

Medical and Surgical Center ServiDigest

Balmes 334, 08006 T. 93 415 3464/93 545 0990 Mon-Fri 9am-2pm and 4pm-9pm Sat 9am-2pm, Sun closed uad@servidigest.com www.servidigest.com

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Dr. J. E Batista - UROLOGIST Dr. Jose E Batista is a specialist in Urology who trained in the UK and the USA. Together with his team (Uroclinica Barcelona), he covers all the fields of Urology, with special interest in prostatic diseases, laser surgery, bed wetting (enuresis) and urinary incontinence. The team has worked at Centro Médico Teknon since 1996 and also offers specialists in pediatric urology, as well as English speaking physiotherapists for pelvic floor disorders.

Vilana 12, Office 24, Consult. Marquesa, C M Teknon T. 93 390 6940 Valencia 247, Barcelona Central Office T. 93 390 671 info.urologia@gmail.com www.teknon.es/web/batista

8/23/16 1:13 PM

Orthoestetic - DENTIST

Dra. Susana Campi - DENTIST

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

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

Josep Tarradellas 97 local, 08029 Metro: Rocafort/Rosselló (L5) Bus: 15,27,32,43,54,59,66,78 T. 93 321 4005 Mon, Weds, Thurs 3.30pm-8.30pm Tues and Fri 9.30am-2pm susanacampi1980@gmail.com www.clinicadentalcampi.com

Platinum Provider

Dr. Boj - DENTIST

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

Sanz Pancko Dental Clinic DENTIST

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

Sanz Pancko Dental Clinic in Barcelona and Terrassa provides excellent oral care in an Englishspeaking environment. Dr Nancy Pancko, an American dentist trained at Columbia University in New york, is an American Board-certified orthodontist.

Dr Javier Sanz is an American Boardcertified periodontist and implantologist who lectures on periodontal technological advancements and leads research projects at the university.

Together, they provide comprehensive and affordable dental care.

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

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

FREE REJUVENATING ROSEHIP MASK

Heaven - MASSAgE

For 15 years Dentisalut has offered the latest in dental care, with up-to-date techniques, materials and technology. Two strategically situated clinics and a team of highly trained dentists directed by Dr. Juan Carlos Torres, an expert in implants and oral surgery. Quality treatments at reasonable price and emergency dental care at weekends. English, French, Catalan and Spanish spoken.

• ready to feel fantastic for spring?

• Time to say ‘Adiós’ to muscular tension and stress?

• Interested in organic, 100% fresh, products based on Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and European herbal ‘pharmacy’?

Dentisalut Sants T. 93 315 8557 / M. 619 064 753 Creu Coberta 54 Metro: Hostafrancs (L1) y Plaza España (L3)

Let American-trained massage therapist Carrie lewis draw on 15 years of experience and training to soothe you with deep therapeutic massage in conveniently located studios or in your home!

Dentisalut Nou Barris Pl. Garrigó 18 Metro: Fabra y Puig (L1) y Virrey Amat (L5) T. 93 408 5197 / M. 647 789 390 Emergencies: 639 868 374

43-45 Health SEPT 2016.indd 44

What is Japanese Facelifting Massage? Japanese Facelifting Massage uses a sequence of massage techniques which act as a natural face lift with no need for surgery, helping make you look and feel younger. This combination of techniques helps improve the complexion, remove toxins from the face, prevent and remove facial wrinkles, reduce and release any muscle tension in the face and jaw.

Facelift Massage is to help prolong natural, true health and beauty, and to prevent disease. It makes you feel fantastic. Special discounted packs!

M. 659 995 657 nunu@thevitaltouch.es www.tvtbarcelona.com

Dentistsalut - DENTIST

www.dentisalut.com www.facebook.com/Dentisalut/

The Vital Touch - MASSAgE

FREE REFLEXOLOGY TREATMENT WITH ORGANIC PRODUCTS

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

8/23/16 1:13 PM

Symmetry Pilates- PILATES

Tatiane Canário

Premium Pilates - NoT ‘get in, get knackered, get out!’

Unlike other forms of exercise, Pilates is targeted at those parts of the body where either correction – too long huddled over a computer for example – or strength is needed, as well as building up a strong core.

People who do Pilates know it’s all about quality not quantity, so the benefit is felt after only a few sessions. So, sign up at this swanky new city-centre studio (yoga & physio also available) and enjoy a complimentary massage.

Enric Granados 111 (entlo 2º) T. 93 531 3620 M. 637 693 073 info@symmetry.cat www.symmetry.cat

T. 93 217 3025 info@tatianecanario.com

Bikram Yoga - HoT yogA

READER OFFER

Jessica Boston

Jessica Boston is a certified Cognitive Hypnotherapist based in the centre of Barcelona. Cognitive Hypnotherapy works to redefine your subconscious perspective and guide you towards what you really want, making positive change quickly and permanently to any kind of issue. Why not get in touch for your complimentary consultation to find out how it could change any aspect of your life, because nothing has to be the way it’s always been.

www.yogacongracia.com

Uby Muñoz, Lic.Ac. - ACUPUNCTUrE Trained in England, Uby has experience successfully treating a wide range of health problems including: allergies, arthritis, chronic pain, migraines, headaches, IBS, infertility, IVF, insomnia, back pain, menopause, stress and anxiety. Uby specialises in natural fertility treatments and women’s health.

M. 660 514 795 Metro: Diagonal/Provenca www.jessicaboston.com hello@jessicaboston.com

Casp 80, 1-3, 08010 M. 622 720 499 ubybcnwellwoman.com www.bcnwellwoman.com

NEST - NETWorK oF ENglISH

KINEMEZ - PHySIoTHErAPy CENTrE

SPEAKINg THErAPISTS

KineMez offers personalised physical therapy in gràcia/Sant gervasi. They specialise in postural reeducation using the Mézières method, for the treatment of sciatica, discal herniation, scoliosis, back pain, temporomandibular disorders, patellofemoral pain, womens health and sports injuries.

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

T. 93 201 6513 Guillem Tell 40 Entlo.2ª kinemez@kinemez.com www.kinemez.com

Jonathan Hooker - PSyCHoTHErAPIST Jonathan specialises in helping people to deal with change. This may be aspects of their life they would like to change or unexpected changes that they are dealing with. An English-speaking psychotherapist, counsellor, coach and guide, he helps people to improve their relationships and make sense of their lives.

M. 639 579 646 jonathan.hooker@yahoo.com www.jonathanhooker.com

www.barcelonaNEST.com

FREE CONSULTATION

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

The first consultation is free.

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

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Bikram yoga have two centres in Barcelona with over 50 classes a week and options for children. Providing the ideal solution for back pain, stress, weight loss and other problems, they offer international staff and more than 18 years’ experience. reader offer: €25 for 10 days of unlimited yoga.

Pau Claris 97, PRAL, 08009, T. 93 302 5130 Caravel•la la Niña 18, 08017, T. 93 205 0281 www.bikramyoga.es

YogaconGracia - yogA An enchanting neighbourhood studio and community space with two locations in the heart of gràcia.

Founded in 2004, you will find a friendly, international vibe in the gorgeous loft-style studios. ycg has something for everyone, from Hatha, Sivananda, Kundalini, Jivamukti (a fast-paced vinyasa) to English, pre-natal and Mum and Baby yoga classes.

CogNITIVE HyPNoTHErAPIST & COACH

NETWORK OF ENGLISH SPEAKING THERAPISTS

- PILATES

Pilates and muscle activation in a beautiful, fully equipped studio in gracia, run by Pilates professionals with more than 15 years of experience. Classes available for individuals and pairs, first class is free.

Bring this ad and receive a 10% discount when you sign up for the first 3 months.

First visit: 50% discount

Oliver Dawson - BorN CHrIoPrACTIC oliver Dawson is a chiropractor who focuses on the direct relationship between spinal structures and health. Through specific spinal realignment and structural correction, better neurological connections are established throughout the nervous system. The result is less pain, more vitality and better health. Call today.

Sombrerers 27, Principal T. 93 268 3070 M. 622 772 623 oliver@bornquiro.com www.bornquiro.com Pharmacy Serra Mandri - CHEMIST The pharmacy is open 365 days a year and offers a home delivery service. The staff can help and advise each client to ensure they get exactly what they need.

They also stock a great range of products, including homeopathy, natural medicine, aromatherapy and organic cosmetics.

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

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BUSINESS SERVICES

BCN Seguros - INSURANCE Local Barcelona Insurance Agency providing complete personal and business insurance services. (home, car, health, commercial, public liability, life, motor, yacht, travel, etc.) we offer a 30% cost-saving guarantee by keeping insurance coverage identical!

Advice given in Spanish, English and German.

DISCOUNT FOR METROPOLITAN READERS

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

www.barcelona-metropolitan.com Sánchez Molina LEGAL PRACTICE The lawyers at Sánchez Molina speak English, Spanish, Italian and French.

They can help with your business licensing services, legal defence and representation, registration under any form of ownership, accounting services and work and residency permits.

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

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

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

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

La Luna Shipping -

Geo Mac - COMPUTERS

LOGISTICS we offer a complete service to efficiently manage any kind of transport. Anywhere in the world, from a overnight courier service, to an airfreight or seafreight shipment to the other side of the world. we are specialist managing personal effects shipments, small “boxed” removals from Barcelona to Europe, UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand. Don’t look further, LA LUNA shipping is your one stop shop for your transport and logistics needs in Barcelona.

T. 93 220 1715 info@laluna.coop www.laluna.coop facebook.com/ somos.lalunashipping

Barcelona Women’s Network - BUSINESS

Supported charities 2014 - 2016

• Barcelona’s premier network for international women • Over 200 members from 30+ countries.

• As a social club that supports local charities and offers a business network, activities include social gatherings, cultural outings, volunteer opportunities, and business seminars. we help women thrive and feel at home in Barcelona.

membership@bcnwomensnetwork.com

president@bcnwomensnetwork.com www.bcnwomensnetwork.com

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George Cowdery is a freelance Mac technician who has been providing valuable support to the Mac community in Barcelona for over 15 years.

Among the services he offers, George can help clients with maintenance and upgrades, hard drive replacement and ADSL setup. He can also provide consulting and tutorials according to his clients’ needs.

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

BarCeLoNa oFFiCe SERVICED OFFICE SPACE Barcelona Office is a street-level premises by the Gothic Cathedral. In contrast to many coworking spaces, they focus on long-term professionals and companies who need a disturbance-free space with their own desk and storage facilities, along with their own key for 24 hour, seven days a week access.

The space is open-plan and fully furnished. They provide: desk, chair, under-desk cabinet, shelving, fiber optic wireless internet connection, laser printers, photocopy, scanner, shared meeting area with sofa and 40 inch television for presentations.

M. 677 738 860 info@barcelonaoffice.com www.barcelonaoffice.com

8/23/16 1:16 PM

FREN

Mrs.Q Design Studio -

Step Up With V -

GRAPHIC DESIGN

GRAPHIC DESIGN INVITATION DESIGN BRANDING | ADVERTSING POSTERS | FLYERS | MENUS

CAREER COACHING

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

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

Coaching services for global-minded professionals who want to take their career (and life!) to the next level.

Find clarity, purpose and focus, and create your ideal work-life balance.

Develop confidence, leverage your strengths and unique value proposition, communicate effectively and increase your opportunities!

First consultation free of charge.

CALL FOR A FREE CONSULATAION

Garment Printing - BUSINESS

ibex - INSURANCE SERVICES

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

Garment Printing

Ibex have been in operation since 2000 and have grown to be one of the largest insurance providers for the expatriate community in Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar, they can insure your car, motorbike, home, pet, health, holiday home, boat, travel, business and provide funeral plans and more.

T. 90 010 2527 www.ibexinsure.com

Natacha elmir - PHOTOGRAPHER Professional photographer based in Barcelona offering a range of shoots—vacation, weddings, portraits, babies and events. Natacha also offers a four-hour introductory course to photography, which includes a mini shoot and four artistic shots of you and your loved ones.

C/ Roger De Flor, 289 T. 93 393 8194 www.garmentprinting.es

M. 600 803 661 natachaelmir@gmail.com www.natachaelmir.com

Fábrica de Flyers - BUSINESS

La Web Del Born - WEB DESIGN STUDIO

Fábrica de Flyers brings the successful concept of high class printing and design to Barcelona at competitive prices and provides a quality service to match. Eight years of experience on the German market made them one of the leading printing agencies, with clients all over Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Fábrica de Flyers is not an advertisment agency, but the best partner to create your publicity!

Complete internet services for companies and individuals. Put your business online with a wonderful website and professional emails. They build your social profiles, optimise your web pages for Google and make professional blogs to be managed directly by you.

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

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M. 619 022 676 stepupwithv@gmail.com www.stepupwithv.com

CALL FOR A FREE CONSULATAION

637 005 656 hola@lawebdelborn.com www.lawebdelborn.com

Home orden Frustrated with the mess in your home? Have no time?

Don’t know where to start? Moving soon? Just moved in? My goal is to help you get your place in order and implement strategies to stay organised. we can work side by side or I can work alone, for a one off project or over a longer period according to your needs.

FIRST CONSULATAION FREE

M. 625 204 328 stephanie@homeorden.com

Mac in Barcelona -

CIBERVIRREINA - COMPUTER SERVICE

COMPUTERS Stéphane Clément is an Apple technician and consultant with over fifteen years of experience.

Anna Piqué, a native from Barcelona, assists Stéphane with her business and communication background.

Their focus is on providing good service and installations with clear communicative skills and personal advice. The aim is to solve your computer troubles and teach you how to improve your daily use of your Mac and its various accessories, giving you an opportunity for a more pleasant and safer computer experience.

MOB / Bailen 11, Bajos, 08010 M. 608 994 599 info@macinbarcelona.com www.macinbarcelona.com

Open until 11pm every day of the week, they can repair your computer in 24/48 hours using well-tested procedures. Repairing software and hardware failures, saving your personal files and returning your computer fully operative. In addition to having internet access they do printing, copying and binding jobs.

D'Astúries 78 (Plaça de la Virreina, Gràcia).

Metro L3 (Fontana) or L4 (Joanic) T. 93 368 5770 serviciocliente@cibervirreina.com

BritSat - SATELLITE TV Missing out on British TV? Not to worry. with our latest equipment, extensive experience and fantastic after-sales service, we provide all UK and European TV via satellite and Internet installations. So don’t miss out on all the summer sporting action, including wimbledon, Euro ‘16 and the Rio Olympics. Phone or email Britsat for a competitive quote and expert advice.

M. 649 605 917 info@britsatlive.com www.britsatlive.com

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La Dolce Vita -

Coccinelle - HOME SERVICES

ITALIAN FASHION

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

This new shop located in Born has exclusive Italian fashion (items of design, comfort, elegance and quality, made in Italy). They can offer advice on how to dress according to your figure and the occasion, highlighting your strengths to help you choose the most suitable clothes.

Ronda de Sant Pere 54 T. 93 518 4773 Metro: Urquinaona (L1 & L4) Arc de Triomf (L1) Facebook ladolcevitamodahombre Open Mon-Sat 10am-8pm

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

Nie Barcelona

Corsa international

- BUSINESS

- DRIVING SCHOOL NIE Barcelona is a service that helps foreigners resolve all the paperwork needed for living and working in Barcelona. Their main focus is on helping to secure the NIE for EU and NON-EU citizens in a fast and efficient way. They can also help with other administrative procedures, such as social security numbers, empadronamiento, autónomo set up, and change of driving license or car registration.

Corsa driving school in Barcelona offers both theoretical classes and practical driving lessons in English. Their friendly and experienced instructors will give you the confidence to drive comfortably in the city and help you learn about Spanish road systems. They have both manual and automatic practice vehicles.

Call now and ask about special Metropolitan reader offers!

Beethoven 16, Bajos, 08021 T. 93 200 3324

M. 603 209 403 info@niebarcelona.com www.niebarcelona.com

international@autoescuelacorsa.com

www.autoescuelacorsa.com www.facebook.com/CorsaInternational/

act Habitat - ARCHITECTS we can help…

Create your perfect living or work space Get the most out of your investment Acheive a healthy and sustainable environment Deal with paperwork and permits Manage the building works and costs Choose the best firm for the job Coordinate with the neighbours Get in touch, we’d love to hear from you!

Avinyó 6, 1º 2ª, 08002 T. 93 318 7121 info@act-habitat.com www.act-habitat.com

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

Hourly rates. Real time updates.

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

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BCN L.i.P. - LANGUAGE SCHOOL BCN LIP language school is a small school located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter offering a wide variety of dynamic classes for those wishing to learn Spanish, Catalan, English, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, Italian, Japanese, Chinese and Hebrew. The courses are intensive and extensive, varying from 4 - 30 hours a week, Monday to Saturday.

The teachers are qualified native speakers, with several years of experience.

They also offer specialised summer programmes, excursions and cultural activities for the students. They can also help you with your student visa and finding a place to live.

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

8/23/16 1:16 PM

JOB

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

www.classifieds.barcelona-metropolitan.com

COACHING COLUMN SAM SAYS...

DEFINE YOUR VALUES AND TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS Dear Sam, I can’t make decisions. For example, there’s a long weekend coming up in September and I’ve been debating back and forth for months whether or not to go away. It’s only four days, yet the dialogue in my head keeps deliberating between saving money and enjoying the puente in Barcelona or escaping the crowds to relish some fresh air. This is something I’ve struggled with for years—doubting my instincts and questioning myself. Any tips on how to be more decisive?

Sincerely,

Should I stay or should I go Hi Should I stay or should I go, Removing my coaching hat for a minute, it’s always nice to escape the city, so my initial reaction says ‘go’. But getting to the core of your issue, I think what strikes me is that you doubt your instincts.

What will it take for you to trust your gut? This issue of indecision surfaces a lot with my clients and the theme that often emerges is who we feel our decisions are accountable to. Are we torn because we’re trying to do what is expected of us: What we should, rather than want, to be doing? Or is it because we’re worried about judgment and how we’ll be perceived?

This may not be the case for you, but it is worth pausing at decision time and taking note of your inner dialogue. Who and what are you basing the decisions on? What is going through your head? Write it down and see if any patterns emerge. It’ll give you some insight into what factors affect your decisions. Then you can decide if that approach is working for you and if not, start reshaping the way you think. Here are some other tangible tools to help be more decisive: 1. Define your values. Most of us know our company values, yet so few of us know our individual values, and this is one of the most important things when it comes to making decisions and living purposeful lives in general. Take yourself out for a glass of wine or a coffee and write down four or five values that define who you are and how you want to live your life. This will be your baseline, so whenever decisions arise you can ask the question: Is this in line with my values?

If it isn’t, change the action, not the value. The more our actions are in line with our values, the more successful and in sync we are.

2. Write down your ‘truths’. It sometimes helps when you’re unclear on something to write down what you currently know to be true. It can be anything from ‘this is the month of September’ to ‘my favourite food is steak’. Writing this list down helps gain clarity about what you want.

3. Silence the voice in your head. This one is easier said than done, but tackling it will not only help you trust your gut, it’ll also increase your energy. When that voice keeps repeating itself, it prevents you from seeing things clearly. It’s also emotionally depleting. The best way to combat this is to first recognise when it is happening, and then try to stop it. Some people do this by clapping their hands together and literally saying ‘STOP’ out loud. Others tap their shoulder or their leg a few times with their fingers and say ‘tap tap’. The idea is to break the cycle, diffuse it and divert your attention. Focus on something tangible, something that requires you to move or use your hands—anything that gets you out of your head. The dialogue is likely to start again at some point (it doesn’t go away overnight), but the more often you can catch it and stop it, the less you’ll do it and the easier it’ll be to gain clarity.

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

49 Jobs SEPT 2016.indd 53

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INTERVIEW

Raju Thapa

to their home towns to be with their families. Since then, morale has decreased and no one is motivated to do business as usual. Laura and I have been back to Kathmandu since. About 40 percent of the temples and many important elements of the country’s heritage are gone—it is incredibly sad—so feelings of dismay are understandable.

Nepal has an extremely rich culture, though, that will not be easily diminished. Collectivism is strong and people give more than they receive. I see similarities here in Barcelona when it comes to family and other close relations. But Barcelona is still a large city, where people don’t know who lives in the apartment above them and don’t care to learn the name of the woman who serves them their morning cortado. In Nepal, everyone knows everyone else in the neighbourhood. You don’t have to be related by blood to be family.

By Ben Rowdon

SCOOP

I’m from Nepal. It’s a little country. Even the people are little, but they have big hearts.

After I moved to Barcelona to be with my Catalan partner, Laura, I started to think about what I wanted to dedicate my time to. I studied business in London, so something related to that, but also something connected to Nepal. Our families are both involved in the textile industry, working with natural fabrics. That’s how ‘firiri’ was born— from a desire to fuse Asia and Europe, my past and my present, in an international clothing brand.

‘Firiri’ means movimiento con viento. If you think about a flag waving, moving in any direction it pleases; that symbol of freedom and liberty best represents our brand. Firiri is a platform for creativity. If someone has an idea, we welcome them. It’s as if our company is a football pitch— the pitch itself doesn’t do anything, it’s simply the platform for young kids with talent to become superstars. We are here to create wealth and opportunity for others, not just ourselves.

Our fashion design is European, but our lines are made with products from Nepal. For example, we use a traditional fabric of Nepal called ‘dhaka’. Dhaka can be paired with our organic cotton or bamboo to mix up the designs of our jackets and tops. We believe that when Europeans wear Nepalese fabrics, the bridge between East and West strengthens.

We are not so concerned about selling clothes. Our clothes brand has a greater purpose—to promote Nepalese culture and traditions.

Most people associate Nepal with the Himalayas, but there is more to it than snowy mountains. Firiri aspires to show people what else the country has to offer. The time has come for the global community to do business differently, and business shouldn’t be solely about chasing wealth. Companies need to be chasing vision, upholding values and making decisions that benefit others as well as the planet.

It’s a challenge to compete with big brand names. They keep their clothing prices extremely low by exploiting labour, especially in poor countries in Southeast Asia. Our first priority is to make sure the people who produce our clothes are treated fairly—they can eat, send their children to school, etc. Also, fundamental things that we take for granted in Europe are not available in Nepal. Electricity, for instance—at certain times each day, there are blackouts in the areas where our factories are located. There isn’t enough clean drinking water and the infrastructure of the country is not always safe. Sometimes we think, “How the hell are we going to get things done?” The people I know and respect there, as well as our clients who appreciate what we are trying to do, keep us going.

Firiri was a few years old when two very intense earthquakes hit Nepal in 2015. Our operations were paralysed. There was minimal damage to our factories, but the majority of our workers had to return

Photo by Yan Pekar, taken at the Hotel Alma Barcelona

FOUNDER OF FIRIRI, NEPAL, 41

BY RACHEL HUFFMAN

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