Living on the Iberian Peninsula

February 1, 2009
Storytelling at Harlem Jazz Club
After an absence of many months, I went to Harlem with a friend last night for their storytelling sessions. The storyteller was Mexican and thus told a mix of Mexican stories and folklore. The room was packed and there were Spanish television cameras filming. I had forgotten what a charming and alternative activity this was.
Earlier on, I met a friend for lunch at La Rueda, an Uruguayan restaurant in Eixample. For some reason, there were a lot of English speakers there although they were more likely residents than tourists as there are no places of interest in the vicinity. The food and service were great. One to revisit indeed.
Going back to the rest of the week. It’s been the usual mix of running around. I went to a capoeira roda Friday night which was fun. Caught up with many capoeiristas, new and old. After that I met a friend for drinks at Bar Arabia in Gracia where the evening got more entertaining with a belly-dancing performance that we hadn’t counted on seeing. The bar smelt sweet from hot mint tea and the water pipes that some customers were smoking. In the background, Arabic music played.

January 25, 2009
Howling Winds
It was like a scene out of an Apocalyptic film, trees lying across motorways, roofs caved in, motor bikes strewn on their sides, scaffolding asunder, and so on. As I watched the news yesterday, I wasn’t so surprised. I had been woken up EARLY for a Saturday morning by the wind howling and blowing. My French windows rattled and simply flew open. I gave up closing them repeatedly and just kept the metallic blind down. Apparently, a cyclone was in town, or better put, sweeping across the whole of Spain. By the end of the weekend, twelve people have been reported dead and many more injured.
Thus it was that I tentatively stepped out last night to meet a friend. We saw the film about Harvey Milk. The sort of film that makes you passionate about civil rights and thankful that there are people out there who will fight for a cause. We came out of the cinema and foolishly walked towards the beach area in search of food. We almost got swept away to sea. Nevertheless, it was worth it, we had a light supper at a funky diner that serves Breton crepes and is bedecked in industrial artworks. The warm air inside smelt sweet from all the eggs and flour and ham cooking in the open kitchen.
Sunday has been less windy and I’ve spent it in the usual way; gym, lunch (curry at Shalimar for today), coffee and chit-chat with friends.

January 18, 2009
Girona and the Surrounding Area
This weekend has been exceptional in the sense that I went away to the countryside so to speak. Having been invited to a dinner party, I took a train to Girona from where we drove to Banyoles. The party turned out to be a charming, small, gathering of friendly and cultured people. The food prepared by the host was truly inspired. Asparagus and salmon was followed by a thick onion soup. For dessert, vanilla ice cream was bedecked with a range of berries. The setting was great, an old house, lovingly restored, an unusual stove with real fire which uses pellets heated up the dining room, in the background Chet Baker played.
This morning, I was shown around Llora, a quaint, green area in the mountains through which various rivers flow. We had brunch at a rustic country café where three other guests turned up on horseback. It was unreal. An hour and a half away from Barcelona and a million miles away in lifestyle. Old, stone houses adorn the countryside. Cyclists venture down the winding paths. And everywhere there is green and more green. What a feast for the eyes!

January 11, 2009
Return to Work
After more than a couple of weeks of taking it easy, it came as a slight jolt to be back at work. On the one hand it was good to have some structure again to one’s days, but on the other, getting up early just wasn’t fun. Anyway, The week was eased in with some entertainment after work. Drinks at Maria Mulata, tapas at Ugarit in Gracia, and Sunday coffee with the girls.
This next week promises to be as hectic. And the beat goes on…

January 5, 2009
Dawn of a New Year.
2009 swept in with the usual celebrations. I spent it amicably with a bunch of merry souls. There was banter and laughter and the concentrated eating of the 12 grapes at the last strokes before midnight as is customary in Spain. Later on, as I made my way home on the metro, there were cheery crowds galore.
The rest of the week was spent recovering and going for coffees, drinks and walks with friends. This week is slowly being ushered in as Tuesday is a holiday which leaves only half a working week as I get back to work on Wednesday.

December 28, 2008
Christmas festivities or what could otherwise be referred to as a food orgy.
This week has been about food, food and more food. I spent Christmas Eve with Argentine friends who had laid out quite a spread. Amidst eating, drinking and good conversation, the hours rolled by in good bonhomie. It turned out to be a lovely, warm and alternative way to celebrate the occasion.
The rest of the days have involved meeting friends for lunch, dinner, drinks, etc. Even I will be surprised if I don’t manage to put on a few pounds by the end of it all.
Also unusually, a friend and I went to the cinema on Christmas night and were surprised by how busy the place was. We saw “In Search of a Midnight Kiss” which is set around these holidays. It is a comedy / drama set in LA and covers the long trodden road that is the perpetual search for love.

December 22, 2008
Xmas Holidays a-beckoning.
It was with some relief that I approached Friday. Time out at last. After a disrupted week, what with some class cancellations due to company Christmas parties and so on, it was good to know that there follows a couple of weeks of rest and self indulgence.
To start off on the right foot, I allowed myself to be dragged to Aire, one of Eixample’s discos. The place was teeming with twinks (very young boys and girls who should have been asked for ID at the door). The music was awful Spanish pop and the only upside was the cheery, high energy evident on everyone’s face.
I had lunch with a friend at La Lluna on Saturday. The place was particularly busy, no surprise at this time of year. The dishes were as creative as usual if somewhat on the cold side. Saturday night called for a sophisticated outing and it was nice to spend it in good company by the cozy fireplace in Hotel Omm’s lounge / bar. Sunday has consisted of a trip to the gym and meeting with the girls for drinks and chit-chat. So now there is a week of leisure to look forward to.

December 14, 2008
Lights, camera, action!
I think that sums up the week. At least, partly. I caught the latest exhibition at Casa Asia. It’s photography based on performance art. The artists, Rong Rong (China) and Inri (Japan) are seen posing naked in surreal places, a snowy background, houses that are being demolished, etc. The pictures have a beautiful, haunting aspect to them. Breathtaking stuff!
Next came the opening night of the Brazilian film festival at Verdi Park. The director of the film that opened the festival was present as were Brazilian Consulate staff and TV and press people. The film, Estomago, is a candid portrayal of one man’s move from the countryside to the city. His trials and tribulations are seen through an ironic lens. The plot is fantastic and original.
Last, but not least, Saturday was spent at a capoeira workshop. Lots of training, music practice and a roda to finish it off. It was quite a big gathering with people from other parts of Spain and Italy. I barely managed to get home to freshen up before setting off to a birthday cum Christmas party. This was a nice friendly do with the usual suspects and some new faces. Lots of chit-chat, laughter and merry making.

December 7, 2008
Bond, James Bond.
You know what you are getting when you go to see a Bond film. Lots of action, stunts, hot bods and gadgets. The latest installment doesn’t disappoint in the aforementioned. After watching quite a few independent films and world cinema in general, it was nice to get back to an old fashioned blockbuster. I’m no movie snob. Quantum of Solace, starring sexy Daniel Craig was just what the doctor ordered for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Elsewhere, I went to the Caja Madrid exhibition on world food. Fascinatingly voyeuristic. It depicts photos of typical families from around the globe posing at home with the food they consume in an average week. The quantities and ingredients predictably vary. It makes for a visual culinary journey around the world.
Speaking of which, Saturday night was spent enjoying a wonderful dinner with a friend at Flamant. This decidedly stylish restaurant set in an old Eixample building with bookcases, mirrors and fireplaces still intact is charming. The food is good, the prices reasonable and the meal was decadently unrushed. A good find indeed.

November 30, 2008
Gomorra
I met some friends to catch Gomorra at Icaria cinema last night. Roberto Saviano’s book has been turned into a vivid exploration of the mafia in Naples (Napoli). Such was the story’s impact that the writer needed protection. The film is shot in a documentary style that cuts no corners, portraying the harrowing reality of many people who live in the affected areas. The “kill or be killed” attitude is evident from the start.
Otherwise it’s been a bitterly cold week which didn’t leave much to do but huddle with friends in warm cafés. However, the Christmas lights are up now and that gives the city a more cheerful look.

November 23, 2008
Poetry and the World Press Photo Exhibition.
Friday night was poetry night and so off I went to a colleague’s invitation of a poetry recital. In the end the four writers read from a mix of poetry and fiction. A small gathering of their friends and acquaintances listened attentively as the literary juices flowed. I also bumped into friends of a friend at the same event. It’s a small city! After the recital, I dashed off to meet another friend at Grand Foc which is a lively restaurant cum bar. It steadily grew raucous but it was worth catching the funk and soul music the DJs were playing.
Saturday made for a mellow day and Sunday has been a social affair comprising of seeing the famous World Press Photo Exhibition at the CCCB with friends and then having coffee and lively conversation in one of the nearby Raval bars.

November 16, 2008
Alphonse Mucha, a Theatrical Bar and a Curry.
As absurd a title as you can get. The above summarizes Saturday night which started off with catching the exhibition on Alphonse Mucha at Caixa Forum. His work falls under the Art Nouveau genre. It is decadent and theatrical although a bit over the top for my liking. It did bring William Morris’ prints to mind though.
Following on this theme, I made my way to Tinta Roja to meet some friends. The space is as bohemian and artsy as one can get though it was a particularly quiet night for the bar. This meant that it almost turned out to be a private do for us. Can’t complain. Having gotten the munchies we made our way to Moti Mahal, an Indian restaurant off Parallel. The place was teaming with English speakers and we happily succumbed to their delightful cooking. This place has a picture of Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart eating there. It makes you wonder how in the world they found it.

November 12, 2008
Brasilnoar Festival.
Sunday night kicked off the Brasilnoar festival, now in its 8th year. The event was at Sala Apolo and doors opened at 8pm. There was a line-up of live music acts, capoeira and DJs scheduled until 4am.
I discovered Andrea Dias, whose music ranges from pop and ballads to funk. The crowd was fun and up for a good time and it was nice to catch up with the capoeristas.
I also saw Solo Quiero Caminar, another fast and furious Mexican film. It’s full of action, good lines and the feistiest female characters currently on screen.

November 3, 2008
A Time for wellies.
It rained most of last week and all day Sunday. My, did it rain! Having got caught in the rain during the week, it was with trepidation that I ventured out Sunday, wellies and all to go to the gym and catch a film. Happy-Go-Lucky, Mike Leigh’s latest film has the most upbeat character of all time. The film begins slowly but finds its groove. The character study is so spot on. These are your average people in the UK living regular lives, talking about their daily lives and concerns. It makes for a good change from the Hollywood film diet.
Some friends and I ate out at Juicy Jones on Saturday. The food was as wholesome as ever although the place was very busy and consequently, very noisy.
Monday morning, and the sun’s out again. Hopefully it’ll be a drier week.

October 26, 2008
A Toasty Autumn and Goodbyes.
It’s amazingly mild for this time of year. Here we are at the end of October and yet the temperature is up to 23 degrees in Bcn. We cycled down by the beach Saturday evening and checked out the NGO stands in Ciutadella Park. Friday night was spent having dinner at a friend’s house.
Although autumn is kicking in slowly, the city is continuing with its rituals. Roast sweet potatoes and chestnuts can be smelled as one goes past the many temporary stands set up on various streets. Before long, people will be thinking of Christmas plans…
On another note, it’s goodbye to G as he leaves Barcelona next week.

October 20, 2008
The Coen Brothers.
We saw the latest film by the Coen brothers, Burn after Reading. True to form, it is witty and ironic and the events absurd. Brad Pitt plays a simpleton down to perfection while John Malkovich’s voice is as smooth as ever. The plot moves along nicely, tongue firmly in cheek.
We also stopped to watch the obstacle games and rock climbing that were set up down by the beach over the weekend. The boardwalk in the meantime was full of walkers, cyclists and dog walkers. The seaside always attracts a crowd, come rain or shine.

October 13, 2008
Down by the sea.
We went for a walk along the beach Saturday night before meeting up with some friends at Red Lounge. It was so serene and calm apart from the big waves crashing on the shore. We sat on Red Lounge’s terrace as it was quite mild while the place slowly filled up. By 1am, the small dance floor was lively although the crowd was less energetic than the previous visit.
We had lunch at El Establo Cuyano on Sunday. This Argentinian restaurant serves up huge hunks of meat in every variety imaginable. We went for a walk along the port afterwards before meeting up with a bunch of friends in the lovely Maritime Museum garden. These Sunday soirees are turning out to be quite popular.

October 6, 2008
Docupolis at the CCCB
On Friday night, we met friends at the CCCB for this year’s Docupolis. (Documentary festival) We saw a documentary about the late Pepe Sales, an artist / bon vivant whose life was as sordid and eccentric as any of Almodovar’s characters. The Hall at the CCCB had been divided into two areas; rows of chairs curtained off for viewers and a loungy area by the bar for in between sessions. The soundtrack played between shows was as deranged as one could hope for. A Hitchcock-like soundtrack was followed by dance music and so on.
Saturday saw us walking down by the beach before catching the latest De Niro / Pachino movie: Righteous Kill. It starts off promising to be another cop / detective film but in fact manages to be quite thrilling before culminating in a fabulous twist.

September 29, 2008
La Merce
Even though the weather interrupted some of the Merce events in the week, Saturday was sunny and dry enough in the day and mild at night. We caught the Ramadan Nights concert at Arc de Triomf which hosted North African music, a belly dancer who shook and jiggled in the most tantalizing fashion, and a troupe of acrobats. The crowd was up for a good time and there were stalls serving tea, sweets and Shawarma to the hungry.
Sunday saw most of the city, or so it seemed, down at the beach to catch the air show. The Red Arrows were the highlight as usual. Almost as entertaining was the reaction of the viewers down at Marbella beach whose attention was divided between the naked sunbathers and the dazzling air show stunts. More than an eyeful was had by all.

September 21, 2008
Vicky Cristina Barcelona - the new Woody Allen film.
I’m a fan of Woody’s wit and observation. However I like his earlier work much more than recent offerings. The dry humour and sarcasm in films like The Jade Scorpion is unsurpassable. His latest film is set in Barcelona which makes watching it interesting if you live here as you can’t help but recognize the locations. I didn’t like the narrative (voice-over) which runs through out. The actors Javier Bardem, Scarlett Johansson and Penelope Cruz are supported by quite a good cast. Penelope plays the part of a talented but unbalanced artiste very well. But overall, I found it lackluster.
The sudden downpour spoilt the plans for the fireworks planned for Friday night down at the beach. Nevertheless, a dry, clear night allowed for the event to go ahead on Saturday night. This coming week should be full of music and outdoor activities as La Merce kicks in.

September 15, 2008
A Boisterous Weekend
Between drinks at the new bar called Marmalade and boogie woogie and blues at the Barcelona Blues festival, the weekend was livelier than expected. In more ways than one, but that’s another story. Marmalade seems to attract drunken shenanigans as well as those keen on a game of pool. The decor is decadent and there was a very British presence on Saturday night.
The Blues festival on the other was family orientated and laid back. The community sports centre used is as basic and functional as can be expected. The Chicago native, Barrelhouse Chuck was great and the other acts quite good too.

September 8, 2008
Caldetes
Once an old fashioned sea side resort famous for the healing properties of its waters, Caldetes is still charming and calm even at the height of summer. The beach is wide and clean and deliciously sandy, with lots of little broken shells interspersed all over. The small village is tranquil and sleepy. An old house, one of many built by rich merchants who made their money in the Caribbean many years ago, sits on top of a hill, surrounded by woodland. The gate that opens on to a path leading up to it was locked so we couldn’t wander up to it as we have done in the past.
Sunday morning saw us cycling down to the beach with a friend. We had coffee overlooking the Icaria marina and made our way back home to kick back. With a bit of luck, we should have another month of hot, sunny days.

September 1, 2008
House Parties.
We were invited to a wonderful house party Sunday night, the second in the last two weeks. The first was a birthday party and the latter was just a gathering of friends and friends of friends; no excuse I guess. Still, one has to appreciate the mellow, laid back atmosphere of house parties. Good food, drinks and like-minded souls. This being Barcelona, it was another international mix of Spanish, French, Italian, English, Scandinavian etc.
On another note, we went for a swim at the Olympic outdoor pool on Montjuic. It’s one of the city’s secrets and a delight. It’s great for swimming and has views over the city, a picnic area and even though there were a lot of people, there were still empty lanes to swim in as people sunbathed. Gorgeous!

August 25, 2008
Soul grooves at the beach.
Yes, after not going clubbing for so long, it’s becoming a weekly event now. We discovered Red Lounge down by Barceloneta beach. Like Diobar and the former Cafe Royale, it does soul, funk and Latin vibes. Chilled people, cool lounge bar complete with huge divans for stretching limbs on. One of the DJ so loves his job that he kept stepping out from behind his booth to show the crowd how it’s done.
On an arty note, we also visited Caixa Forum and saw Hannah Collins photo / film exhibition on immigration and cultural diversity. There are photos of the Gypsy community in Barcelona, A Russian Siberian town, African immigrants in London and Italy to mention a few topics. Diversity makes the world go round.

August 17, 2008
Summer nights in Cuitadella Park.
We met a group of friends for a Latin music performance in Cuitadella Park Friday night. It turned out to be quite a relaxed affair as we had drinks by the bar, our tables lit by candles, with the music playing nearby in the gazebo.
Sunday evening saw a mix of music genres in various parts of the park. We had a fantastic Capoeira roda in one part, elsewhere African drums were going, and in the gazebo, mellow tango dancers were dancing cheek to cheek.
Summer nights, make me feel good…

August 12, 2008
Diobar funks it up.
Athough it’s been around for some time, it was my first visit to Diobar last Saturday. We arrived at about half past midnight. There were already quite a few people chatting, drinking and lounging in the sofas. The place soon filled up and no one was immune to the funk and Latin music. By the time we left, everyone was dancing and it was getting too hot as the only cooling system seemed to be fans and not air con.
Last night I went to Teatre Grec up on Montjuic with a group of friends. It is a splendid outdoor amphitheatre and the perfect setting for night time outdoor music. The line was a Jazz group followed by Candombera (Uruguayan group). The latter seem to have a big following and the audience were dancing in the aisles before the show was over. If music be the food of love, play on…

August 5, 2008
Manscara and other delights.
So the metro sexual man about town is being urged to embrace make-up. The news was full of reports on the launch of manscara (mascara for men) and get this, tights for cooler weather! Why not indeed?
Otherwise my visit to London was nicely rounded off with hanging out with a friend at Curzon Soho, that ever so cool and arty cinema-cum-bar for those in the know. I also went to Bar Salsa with another friend which was so lively given that it was Sunday night.
Not to miss out on the arts, I caught an exhibition about consuming less at the Photographers’ Gallery and a mixed media exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery depicting all the important British figures in areas as diverse as politics, sport, fashion, film etc.
Viva London!

August 2, 2008
Fickle weather in London.
I’m in London this weekend and despite the fickle, partly sunny, partly wet weather, I’m loving it. A night at Soho theatre with an old friend was rewarded by lots of laughs. Shappi Khorsandi is a very witty female comedian who is a keen observer of society. This was followed by a drink on Compton street which is never a disappointment on a Friday night. People-watching is taken to new heights.
The South Bank seems to be more commercial with coffee and restaurant chains moving in but still a delight to wander about. Soho Square has been made more interesting thanks to loungers provided by Samsung. As if one needed an excuse to hang out there.
As we all know, if a man is tired of London, he is tired of life… or something along those lines.

July 28, 2008
Gay Circus.
The Gay Circus is in town and we went down to check it out Saturday night. The performance was excellent and breathtaking. The mix of acrobatics, aerial performances, dance, and contortionism was uplifting. The seating arrangement was super which meant we had good views.
After the show, we went for drinks at the Luz de Gas boat bar which has a lovely, plant-adorned terrace next to the boat and smooth music.
An hour’s walk along the beach in Badalona rounded off the weekend. At sunset, the temperature was mild, the locals were out for the Sunday Sardana dance gathering and people were slowly leaving the beaches.

July 21, 2008
Hotel bars and terraces.
Having discovered some time back that some of the best places to hang out are the bars of cool hotels in the city, we ventured out to try out the garden bar cum lounge at Hotel Princess Sofia Saturday night. The verdant lawn is invitingly strewn with recliners, cube seating, some tables and a bed. The drinks are reasonably priced and the eclectic music favoured an array of oldies. Across from the bar, the outdoor restaurant was busy and as night fell, the whole setting was lit up by candles. Gorgeous.
Sunday was spent walking down the Rambla, (not that many human statues), having coffee at the Maritime Museum garden café, cycling and watching the newly released Tropa de Elite. This thriller about an elite squad team in Rio is as sytlish and well shot as Cidade de Deus (City of God). Brazil is repeatedly producing first rate films to rival the best out there.

July 16, 2008
Back to Europe.
I’m already back in Bcn. There are the Eurogames, films outdoors on Montjuic and of course catching up with friends to compensate for being back from fun Miami. It’s alright. We had an active weekend walking up Montjuic and cycling to the beach.
Also saw the film Margot at the Wedding starring Nicole Kidman and Jack Black. Both have appeared in better films. There is no plot as such. The story meanders over an upcoming wedding and family / relationship issues. It’s safe to say it isn’t a blockbuster.

July 8, 2008
Welcome to Miami.
It’s as upbeat as the song goes. What is there not to like? It’s hot, in fact sizzling during the day and balmy at night. The beach is wide and clean and the water inviting. The residents and visitors know how to have a good time. Partying by mid afternoon on a Sunday being an example.
Shopping, Little Havana, clubs, beautiful people in beachwear all contributes to what must be the most fun place in the country.
Visiting the Everglades takes you through an expanse of swamp and greenery and big homes clustered together. The park itself has alligators aplenty and a diverse collection of birds, fish, insects and other mammals. And they say Florida is where people come to die! Gimme a break…

July 4, 2008
Connecticut.
After the buzz and action that New York is all about, I enjoyed the drive down to Connecticut. Green, more green, big houses and genteel living. West Hartford is so pretty and lovely it takes you back to older and better times. The shops are twee and the people even friendlier than in New York.
My aunt and I went to visit Yale University which is steeped in history and learning. The old architecture is grand and solemn. The halls were quiet as school is out. The town green compliments the small town feel. All this makes you appreciate good old America.
Of course, today being the 4th of July, I await to see how small town America celebrates. I guess there will be less pomp and ceremony and smaller crowds.

June 30, 2008
San Juan and New York.
Never have the two been mentioned in the same breath but here we go. Shortly before leaving Barcelona for my holiday in the States, we had San Juan. This year we celebrated it on the rooftop of a friend’s flat in Poble Sec. Food, film projections, good company, not necessarily in that order. All in all, a wonderful alternative to the beach fest and all that it implies.
On another note, I arrived in New York on Friday night where I’m staying with a friend. It’s been great. We’ve seen an avant-garde performance show, an improvisation stand-up comedy show, walked in Prospect Park, caught the New York Gay Pride Parade and a capoeira roda all in the last couple of days. In between we’ve had brunch, drinks and many meals out. What a fab city it is! New York, New York….

June 23, 2008
Vall de Nuria
We set off Saturday for Ribes de Freser and then via an expensive rack railway to Vall de Nuria. It took two and a half hours in all to get there but was worth it. As you ascend further up, the view is spectacular and the drop deep. At the end of the journey you go through a tunnel to come out into the loveliest valley, complete with a lake, a small farm, a grand old building, a picnic area and walking trails. Gorgeous!
We walked a good hour or so and lazed in the sun. The area, which is probably very busy in the winter was calm and not crowded at all. An ideal setting to rival any picturesque Swiss mountain scene.
Sunday was spent cycling to the beach in the city and sunbathing on the crowded and atmospheric beach near Icaria. We rewarded ourselves with cider and tapas before heading home to a hot flat. Summer is here!

June 16, 2008
Shalimar
It had been a while since I’d had Indian or Pakistani food so a visit to Shalimar was in order. The standard of food and service hasn’t changed in the last few years. Both are still high. It makes for a lovely curry outing in a pleasant enough setting in comparison with other Raval establishments.
Saturday afternoon was spent playing lots of capoeira. What a joy for the body and soul! Followed by drinks at Bliss and Maria Mulata.

June 8, 2008
Maria Mulata.
After another rainy week, the weekend has been surprising and full of action. Friday night saw a group of us at La Farinera where there was a night of Funk and Soul. It felt like a private party as the mood was chilled and the place wasn’t crowded. Just 4 Fun and Phat Fred played. By the time we left, people were shaking and jiving alright!
Saturday night started off at Convent Sant Agusti where there was another of those far-out mixed media events. Live music was being played while a big screen projected what looked like a police investigation. There was a room with mechanical fixtures that the audience could manipulate to produce music and light effects. That was fun. Like kindergarten all over again. The terrace around the cloister had a gathering of cool people sipping at their drinks beneath the ethereal light that bounced off the old stone walls.
The night was rounded off in Maria Mulata. Not a person but a bar at the bottom end of the Barrio Gotico. More funk, soul music and sofas galore to shoot the breeze from. Their cocktails are reasonably priced and service comes with a smile. Viva la Mulata.

June 1, 2008
JUMP.
The show that is, as opposed to an order. We went to see Jump at the Victoria Theatre on Parallel and thoroughly loved it. After being apprehensive at seeing so many kids and families about and thinking this must be a mistake, it turned out to be good fun for all ages. The story is told visually and the Korean performers excel at acrobatics. There was some humour too. It gets a thumbs up.
I also went to my first ever Acro yoga class. Oh, the joy of discovery. As we stretched and lifted each other, I couldn’t help but smile through the muscle aches. It is clearly one that requires regular practice and body control but what a joy to behold the poses. We watched in awe as some of the more experienced yogis did their thing. Namaste…

May 25, 2008
Music Galore.
I attended an amazing concert by the Japanese group Cinema Dub Monks which took place at Serilla in Raval. The venue was aptly lit and the performance intimate and moving. The mixture of the bass and accordion (no lyrics) produced a sweet, melancolic sound worthy of any art-house film soundtrack.
Of course Saturday night was all about Eurovision and love it or hate it, it makes for fun if shallow viewing. Needless to say, I don’t think Russia deserved to win but anyway…

May 19, 2008
From Dusk till dawn.
We had drinks at Dusk, in the Gothic neighbourhood Saturday night. The bar feels like someone’s living room. It is cosy, subtly-lit, furnished with curtains and sofas and they serve a good range of reasonably-priced cocktails. All in all, a good find. Plans to go walking up Montjuic were thwarted by the weather that was on and off all day.
In the meantime, the rain is helping with the drought situation and the taps along the beach are switched on again. As May draws to an end, it is evident everyone’s geared up for the summer as the beach area seems to get busier and busier each weekend.

May 11, 2008
Raining down on Bcn.
Just when we thought we weren’t going to see any rain any time soon, it decided to pour down. It rained all day Friday and Saturday and has drizzled a bit today. Given the drought situation, no complaints then. Despite the wet weather, people were out and about last night and the Brazilian Gaucho concert at the Caixa Forum had a very good turn-out. Brazil has so much music and this was yet another new genre for me.
I’m going to Gregory Isaacs concert at Sala Apolo tonight which promises to be fun. The venue itself is a comfy, not too big, old theatre that lends itself to intimate performances and film showings. One of his most known songs “Night nurse” is a mellow Reggae number that reflects the laissez-faire attitude of the Reggae ship and all who sail in her.

May 5, 2008
Blazing hot.
It was amazingly hot this past weekend and what felt like a taste of what is to come. We caught another film from the Baff Film Festival. This one was from India and was called “Four Women.” It is a portrayal of life in Kerala in the 1940’s from the point of view of four very different women. We then went on for drinks at Hotel Omm which is as pleasant and comfy an experience as it’s always been.
Sunday saw us walking from Baixador de Vallvidrera to Tibidabo in just over an hour and a half. A bus ride into the city centre meant that we were able to eat quite good Pizza in Barceloneta and sunbathe amidst the crowd all before the day was over. There must be very few cities where you can walk in the mountains and be by the seaside all in a matter of hours. Viva Barcelona!

April 28, 2008
Baff film festival.
The Baff film festival is upon us again. I caught one of the films on Saturday night, a Chinese one set in Hong Kong. It is called Little Cheung and is charming if a bit long. The turnout at Cinema Malda was impressive and even though there was a break in between due to what appeared to be a technical glitch, the audience seems to have enjoyed the experience.
On another note, we went walking in the Collserola Park yesterday. It was a gloriously sunny day and we managed to do the 135 miniute walk in about 90 minutes. One forgets how close to nature the city is. Looking below at a deep green valley dotted with houses here and there is truly refreshing. We also went into Verdaguer’s house which is close to the entrance and is open to the public. Verdaguer was a renowned Spanish poet.

April 20, 2008
Earth Festival or Fiesta de la tierra.
Well, spring must be here even though it doesn’t look like it. We’ve had four seasons in one day for the last few days. Nevertheless, the spring festivals are here come rain or shine. A walk down Arc de Triomf and through the Ciutadella park proved that the fickle weather had neither stopped the stall holders nor the public today. One of the winning stands was an Arabian tent complete with low seating, sweet piping-hot tea and exotic bites.
On another note, a visit to Poble Sec, an area one rarely goes to went very smoothly last night. We started off at an Arabic tea shop called La fibula before heading to Tinta Roja. The latter is a delightful bar-cum-theatre, whose dark red walls are subtly lit and adorned with objets d’art. The soundtrack in the background was at first, blues and jazz and later on mellow Latin tunes.

April 12, 2008
Drought in Spain.
Well, calling it a drought might seem somewhat over the top, but the water shortage we are experiencing is a serious worry. In Catalunya where rainfall is low in general, this has been the topic on the public’s lips recently. The country’s reservoirs are low and according to the BBC, this is Spain’s worst drought in a decade. Barcelona plans to import water from France and from a desalination plant in Almeria. In the meantime, we could all do with being less wasteful with this most precious commodity.
Elsewhere: I am looking into the dubbing and subtitling industry as this could be a much more interesting option as far as translation work goes. Surprisingly, not all the companies that do this are in Madrid. A quick search revealed a few based in Barcelona. Next step: a little research and mass CV mailing.

April 5, 2008
Contemporary Chinese Art.
A visit to the Joan Miro Foundation to check out the latest in contemporary Chinese art did not disappoint. Yes, there are images of Mao, and how could there not be. But they are representations of China with a twist. The works come in an array of media: photography, sculpture, installations etc. They are bold and avant-guard and such a reflection of the new China. It is one to recommend.
I was so impressed with the above that I almost forgot to mention an opening I went to mid-week. This was at the Tuset gallery and was composed of works by a mother and son. The former is the sculptress Merce Riba and the latter the painter Daniel Torrent. The place was packed with well-wishers, family members and I suppose those from the art world. That’s enough art for now.

March 29, 2008
Estrucians at the Caixa Forum.
Amongst other things, I went to see the Estrucians show at the Caixa Forum. They are an ancient people who lived in Italy before their culture and language were absorbed by the Romans. However, they left behind the usual remnants showing how they lived. So one can gawk at their pottery, jewellery, and other items that have been discovered. While there, I also noted that the Laie cafe upstairs at the Caixa Forum has had a make-over. It is cozier and has a few arm chairs scattered about with daily newspapers on the coffee tables for one’s perusal. Their light food is creative and nicely presented.
I also saw the film Into the Wild which is drab and lengthy. It is unfortunate that it is based on real events as it has a sad ending. It was definitely not an uplifting experience.

March 22, 2008
Sardinia.
I didn’t realize what a short hop it was across the Mediterranean sea to Sardinia. An hour from Girona, it took shorter than the bus ride from Barcelona. It did not disappoint. White, sandy beaches and Pine woods run the length of most of Alghero all the way to Fertilia. And what a name! The latter is a sleepy small village which does nothing to conjure up what might have inspired its name. It has a modest marina and superb views of Alghero.
On the other hand, Alghero’s old town centre is charming and very Mediterranean. Small shops stand next to cafes with outdoor terraces. All around the city centre runs an old wall with towers strategically placed to guard off enemies. What really impressed me was the warmth of the people. They really do bend over backwards to accommodate the visitor. Walking about, I lost track of the number of “buongiornos” people cheerily called out as they went past.
A half hour train ride on what must be the smallest train ever took me to Sassari. The view of the green hills, valleys and gorges in between was splendid. The town itself is not up to much but it made for a short half day trip. More than anything, the whole trip was a chance to recharge and enjoy a change of scenery. Much needed indeed.

March 16, 2008
New digs.
Well, I’ve moved again. I’m still in the same Barcelona neighbourhood which is something. It is quiet, safe, has good transport links and facilities. After a couple of weeks spent running around viewing undesirable options, I am so glad I got the only one I had really liked. It is a second floor studio. It is modest but spacious and light. I have my own sunny balcony overlooking a quiet street with some old family homes. All in all, I can’t complain.
After a grueling day packing, unpacking, cleaning and shopping for furniture, it was nice to catch up with the girls at the Patagonia bar. It’s cosy, the music and lighting are subtle. And it ended up being a big gathering as friends came along with more friends. A new era begins.

March 2, 2008
Lebanese cinema.
I went to see Caramel, a Lebanese film which is poignant and touching and feels very current. It is really a story about what it means to be a woman in Lebanon today and touches on the clash between western tastes and local traditions. Details like the impossibility of booking a double room in a hotel without showing proof of marriage or the bride to be who goes to a clinic to get stitched up literally before the wedding so she can pass herself off as a virgin are eye-opening.
The soundtrack is charming, partly French chanson, partly Arabic serenades. One of the characters, an old aunt steals the show with her timely performance. She plays the part of a loopy but sweet old dear. I will definitely keep an eye out for more Lebanese films.

February 24, 2008
Collserola - A walk in the woods.
I set off with two friends for the Collserola area around midday yesterday. Just when you think you know all there is to know about the city, there is another detail to discover. We got the train up to Baixada de Vallvidrera where we started our two-hour walk to Tibidabo. There is a cafe with a sunny terrace facing a museum which used to be Verdaguer’s house just a few metres from the station. (Verdaguer was a famous Catalan poet from the 18th century).
After a brief stop for coffee, we proceeded slowly past idealic country homes amidst stunning greenery. It is amazing how accessible this nature reserve is and yet we only went past a handful of people. On reaching Tibidabo, we went into the church which I had never seen the inside of. The views from above are breathtaking. After a bit of a squeeze on the only small bus that leaves from Tibidabo, we got on another train and were back in the city in no time. It is so good for the body and mind and one to repeat soon.

February 17, 2008
Juno and teenage pregnancy.
I went to see Juno which has been nominated for a few Oscars. It is smart and funny and doesn’t take itself too seriously. It is that sort of clever, quirky film which has both good actors and writing. The lead actress calmly deals with the situation she finds herself in, that is, teenage pregnancy, in a very mature and self composed way. Still on the movie front, I also watched “The life of Brian” and “Reservoir Dogs” again. As different a set of films as one could couple.

February 10, 2008
Teleworking, a new era.
Well, I was informed of the possibility of teleworking when I had my interview with the translation company. However, I settled down to commuting to the office and it has been fun being part of a regular office setting again. Alas, the time has come and as of this week, I have been teleworking. It’s good all round. I am saving travel time even though I still have to go to the classes I give. I can get up a little later and comfortably work at my desk. I’m excited and thrilled at the change. I am still doing the same work without having to leave home. Fantastic!
The other events this week have been a non-starter of a performance at the Santa Monica Arts Centre on the Rambla which I attended on Friday. Having got some friends together, we were disappointed by the mixed media show and left after a lousy reading and not very redeeming documentary clips. We set off for Guru where we had a drink in their subtly-lit, Latin music infused lounge.
We also had expensive drinks at the bar at Hotel Casa Fuster last night and cycled up MontJuic this morning. It is all systems go!

February 3, 2008
Carnival weekend.
It almost went past us unnoticed as we did not attend any carnival parties this year. However, the whole neighbourhood seemed to be awash with little kids dressed up as cowboys, Indians, fairies and what not. A local parade took place this morning with great fanfare and joviality. Luckily for them, the rain held back till later.
Other than that, I went to a capoeira class. The first in many months and God, was it fun! I ache all over but you know what they say. No pain, no gain. Axe!

January 27, 2008
A gourmet weekend and a year older.
Yes, it is that time of the year again. It is my birthday and although I generally do not like fuss, I do enjoy spending it quietly but pleasantly. So, yes, I’m finally 21 as you might have guessed. Well, a little older than that actually. Fittingly, we have spent the weekend in gourmet style. We went to the Lobster House last night were we got down and dirty digging the flesh out of succulent lobsters. It was not too busy which meant we had wonderful service, a quiet setting with the other occupied tables a reasonable distance away, and mellow chill out music in the background.
To work off some of that food, we went cycling and walking along the beach this morning which was busy and gloriously sunny. We rewarded ourselves with a Mexican lunch at Casa Mexicana, overlooking the port. It’s the little details that matter. Calm, good company, love and a city that begs to be enjoyed.

January 19, 2008
An Orthodox Christmas Dinner.
The highlight of the last few days has been the Orthodox Christmas dinner we went to Sunday night. After what had been a very sociable afternoon spent with friends at the Palau de la Musica bar, we set off for said dinner. And what a dinner it turned out to be. There were fourteen of us including the hostesses and about ten nationalities. The countries represented were Russia, France, Colombia, UK, Iceland, Brazil, Israel, the USA, Germany, Spain.
The company was great and the food just amazing! Russian salads, Borsch soup, mackerel, various pickled items and sour cream and lots of vodka and wine.
It was unfortunate that the next day was a Monday and as much as we would have loved to make a few more toasts to life, friends and whatever else that came to one’s mind, we left a few hours later, sated and filled and very happy indeed!
Nastrovia!

January 12, 2008
An Arabian night.
We went out to Gracia last night to check out Bar Arabia and to catch a concert. The former did not disappoint as it was wonderfully cosy and subtly lit. The decor and Arabic music in the background were just right. We tried some Lebanese beer and spoke about how lovely it would be to go to Lebanon and what a shame it was that there was little peace in the area.
The latter did not go as planned. We turned up at Bar Calexico to see Che Sudaka (a reggae/ska/Latin fusion band) only to find the place packed and truly smoked out. It was a shame as I had wanted to see them live but there was little chance we would have seen much as it was so busy in there. However, they do have a big following. Long live creativity!
We have an Orthodox Christmas dinner this Sunday which will be a first for us so that should get a comment. Coming soon!

January 6, 2008
The Three Kings.
Of course now that Christmas is over, the only thing left is the Three Kings’ day. Thus all the shops have been busy as January 6 is an all important day in Spanish culture. This is when Christmas presents are traditionally given. That means that for some lucky kids here, there are two occasions to get coveted toys. First, on Christmas day in accordance with western Santa Claus and today as per local custom.
Apart from that, it has been the first week back to work and a gradual acclimatization as my schedule does not fully come into force until next week.
On a cultural note, we saw two films at the cinema this week. Room 1408, a lengthy horror film based on a Stephen King book and Eleven Men Out, an Icelandic comedy about a footballer coming out of his closet.

December 31, 2007
Tunisia.
Yes. I’ve been and returned already. In many ways, Tunisia was as I expected and yet in others it took me by surprise. It is a blend of Europe, Africa and the Arabic world. This is reflected in the cuisine, clothes and attitudes of Tunisians.
Tunis’ main drag is a cafe-bordered avenue ending at the medina (souq). As a metaphor, it says it all. Old meets new. The cafes are always busy with people shooting the breeze, some mainly occupied by males while others have a mixed clientele. The souq is a labyrinth of narrow alleys selling everything from spices to leather goods. In between are tea salons and cafes where shisha pipes are smoked.
I took a staggeringly picturesque 10 hour bus ride to the south, to the Sahara desert, which started off dry and arid and ended at the yellow, sandy dunes of the desert. As we approached Douz, the frontier town, there were men in long dark hoods by the road side, smoking, talking as dusk set in. The streets were a mix of camels and donkeys and cars.
The barren emptiness of the desert contrasts with the green, palmy oasis in this town and the overall effect is really beautiful. So as not to go back on myself, I took a train back to Tunis via a coastal route and spent the last couple of days visiting Sidi Bou Said (a blue and white hilltop village) and the Le Bardo museum.
Tunisia is so many things. Its people are open and friendly; the souqs and markets are a delight for the senses and if only the rest of Africa was at least as civil and organized and safe, it would be much better off.
I left with the feeling that I could return one day, to see other corners of this gem.

December 17, 2007
Renovations and Xmas parties galore.
By the end of last week, I was exhausted by a peculiar mix of noisy renovation work being done to our building and two Christmas parties two nights in a row.
The former was the unceasing drilling and banging and mess that came with the builders putting up scaffolding and working on the façade of the building which will probably go on forever. The latter was that yearly occasion when English language teachers get to meet and socialize en mass and have a hoot.
The first event was held at Premier bar in Eixample which was hired for the private do. Tapas and drinks flowed and all in all, it was a memorable and civilized affair. The second event was at the Quixote restaurant also in the centre. A lavish four course meal and secret Santa party was enjoyed by all present.
As unChristmassy as I’ve been accused of being, this is my little nod to the festive season. A Merry Xmas to ye all.

December 9, 2007
The Bodies Exhibition.
Well, it’s not the original show by Gunther von Hagens but one of the spin-offs. Nevertheless, it is quite educative and mesmerizing. Seeing the human body in all its glory and gory, dissected and exposed is something that normally only scientists get to do.
One of the highlights was the area with the fetuses, displaying their various stages from conception. Also remarkable was the part that showed the body with all the skin removed, revealing the tissue underneath.
The show is divided into body systems such as the respiratory system, digestive system and reproductive system. These areas show the organs involved and the pathways. There was also a shocking view of a healthy pair of lungs and a smoke-ridden one with a box next to it where terrified smokers were invited to leave their cigarette packs.
All in all, it was worth seeing and guessing by the queue of people winding down the street as we left, this must be the star show of the year.

December 2, 2007
Vegetarian and vegan options in the city.
Bcn has come a long way as far as food options are concerned. Not only can one find an array of world cuisines, some executed better than others, there is also a growing number of alternative restaurants. The Organic chain now has a couple of bars / cafes as well as their trademark restaurant-cum-supermarket in Raval.
Juicy Jones opened another branch in Raval with similar fare and decor as the one in the Gotico neighbourhood. Some of the new organic restaurants are not necessarily vegetarian or vegan but it is nice to think one is consuming less chemicals and additives.
We had lunch at the new Juicy Jones and their lunch set menu is generous, nutritious and lovingly prepared. The salad was bursting with a range of leaves and shoots which were still fresh and crunchy. Their beetroot soup had a cinnamon tang to it that left the palate refreshed. The thalis (Indian tin plate with various dishes) had grilled cassava, lentils, mint sauce, rice and very hot chillis. The deserts which we could hardly eat after all that were fantastic. One was a soya / fruit jelly and the other a very nutty, dark chocolate cake. Yummy indeed.
As we become more conscious of our environment and what we consume, every little helps. Be it healthier eating habits or a little more exercise, or opting out of car ownership.

November 25, 2007
Sikh community in Bcn.
We walked into a procession in the Raval yesterday. As can be expected, it was colourful and exotic. The local Sikh community were carrying an image of a martyr down Calle Carmen. On this day Guru Tegh Bahadur was martyred when he refused to convert to Islam and the event is commemorated by the Sikhs going to a Gurdwara for prayers.
Having looked into their religion, I’m impressed. They are peace loving and men and women pray together. Despite what one might think, they are not a Muslim sect.
Anyway, on another note, it’s been another hectic week. I am sooo looking forward to the Xmas holidays.

November 17, 2007
Fishy business.
We went to the aquarium last night. I finally succumbed having resisted for so long. We couldn’t have been there at a better time. Friday night was not too busy and made for a very unusual way to end the week.
The highlight is the glass tunnel with the sharks swimming above and around you. The most colourful fish were the tropical ones with their neon-bright fins in electric blue and acid yellow. Seeing huge, monstrous octopi flapping their appendages and changing colour was something. Eating octopus will never be the same again. Also amazing were the fish that camouflage themselves and are difficult to spot amongst the sea weed and rocks.
It sure makes you want to learn how to dive and go off to some far-flung island!

November 13, 2007
Internet service providers.
Now anyone living in Bcn knows that it does not matter which service provider you use. The results are the same. Telefonica, Jazztel and all the rest seem to be equally incompetent. Our service has been down for a week save for a couple of hours a day for the first few days. Despite repeated phone calls and promises of having our line “under observation”, as if it were a patient in a hospital ward, the saga continues.
This time it is courtesy of Jazztel. Last year the problem lasted three, yes, three whole months thanks to Telefonica. I mean, seriously! Anyway, apart from that it is wonderfully mild for November and my first Xmas invitation has arrived. It is the annual work Xmas do which is actually quite fun and a good opportunity for a chin wag.

November 4, 2007
Vietnamese exhibition versus Halloween.
Well, the two have nothing to do with each other. Other than taking place in the same week of course. We went to the sala Monasterio Wednesday night to catch a live music performance by The Gangsters of Love and found the place bedecked with cobwebs, sweets and a fancy-dressed crowd. There was an Oriental Ming costume, an air hostess, a priest, several S and M outfits, a cowgirl and many more. We felt quite under-dressed but loved the show and games.
We went to a Vietnamese exhibition at Casa Asia this morning. It shows the Communist posters from the famous war. They are so simplistic and bright and yet motivated thousands upon thousands of people. They predictably encouraged the people to grow more rice to feed the country, to aim well when shooting at the enemy and so on. It brought back images of my visit to Hanoi and Saigon (Ho Chi Minh).

October 21, 2007
World Press Photo exhibition.
It’s come around again. The famous World Press Photo show. After a pleasant night of chit-chat and drinks at Hotel Omm, we were up and out and about early, thinking we would avoid the crowds at the show. Albeit, everyone had thought of the same thing. So, even at 11.30am, there were quite a few people. This year, the show seemed to focus on war images, be they from Iraq, Afghanistan or Lebanon. There was also a part dedicated to sport but overall, there appeared to be less photos.
Due to a cold I’ve had since Thursday, the rest of the weekend has been low key. However, I forgot how pleasant it can also be to lie about in bed reading and listening to music.

October 15, 2007
London calling.
We were in London over the weekend and had a fab time. The West End is as busy and lively as usual. It was fun checking out the offerings on Oxford Street and Selfridges. We caught some cool music and a burlesque show at Pigalle in Picadilly. We hang out with friends and danced at Freedom in Soho and had a perfect Sunday roast with family in Covent garden.
In fact, the whole trip went smoothly apart from the long queues and chaos at Stansted airport. Shouldn’t leave it too long next time.

October 7, 2007
Uruguayan dining.
We went to La Rueda Saturday night where we feasted on loads of grilled meat, empanadas (tasty pastries) and enjoyed a lovely Rioja. The place is done up in twinkling lights as if it were Christmas and the service is courteous and welcoming.
A busy Sunday has meant cycling and cinema all before lunch and meeting friends for a coffee. I forgot how busy Sunday evenings are in the centre now that we’ve been hanging out at the beach lately. We checked out three very busy places before we found a spot at Buenas Migas. The whole world was out tonight.

September 30, 2007
Air show.
It’s that time of the year again. La Merce has been and gone and that must mean it is the air show weekend. We made our way to the beach alongside everybody else to catch the breath-taking air show. The weather played along so we got to sunbathe as well. In front of us, a little boy of four or five clutched his ears and rocked to shut out the at times deafening noise. His sensitive ears were suffering while the public gasped in awe at what appeared to be daredevil stunts.
We went on to see the new Jodie Foster film, The Brave One, which starts off in the most dramatic and tear jerking fashion. Is New York really that scary? I did not get that feeling when I was there. Maybe a repeat visit is called for.

September 24, 2007
La Merce.
It’s that time of the year again. La Merce is here. A long weekend of concerts, human castles, circus shows and so on. To be honest, the more folkloric activities don’t entice me anymore but it is great to catch some world music.
We caught a bit of Jonah Smith, an American playing soul Saturday night, followed by drinks with friends in the lovely patio next to the Frederic Mare museum. On Sunday, we saw the Bcn group 08001 (fusion world music) and Patrice (German soul/reggae) at the Damm factory. We had meant to see Travis too but they were an hour late and it did not seem they would be coming on any time soon so we gave up.
Still, the sun’s shining, everybody’s chilling. What more can you ask for…

September 16, 2007
Blues and Boogie Woogie.
The Barcelona blues festival has been on this week and what a delight indeed! We checked out a local band and another from Singapore Friday night. The latter played some soul too and boy, did they have soul. Today we’ve been to see a Spanish duo and a couple of American musicians playing blues and boogie woogie. Mitch Woods in particular was great and is definitely a crowd pleaser.
I want to learn how to dance swing now. Oh, what fun this music is! Let the good times roll…

September 9, 2007
The lungs of Barcelona.
We went up to Montjuic after a long absence and it was great to see that all the repairs had been done and the parks were as lovely and accessible as before. The cable cars have also been replaced with shiny new ones and they are still on our “to do” list.
We also played frisbee to our hearts’ content and walked down to the MNAC to have a drink and take in the view over Plaza Espanya and all the way to Tibidabo. Just the thing for the morning after the night before. We went to Mojito again last night and their Saturday nights are as popular and Latino as ever. It might be cheesy at times, but it sure puts the smile back on your face.

September 3, 2007
The cost of dentistry.
I went for a long overdue dental check-up and almost collapsed at the estimated cost of a couple of fillings and a general polish. As the national health service in Spain does not include dental care, it is a costly affair. I’ll be refraining from sticky, sweet foods in the future, not that I have a sweet tooth as such.
Everybody has returned from their holidays by now and the city seems to be back to normal. We fitted in a visit to the Caixa Forum and caught an exhibition on Indian religious sculpture. I like how Hinduism does not limit its followers to one god, in fact almost encouraging the pious to worship and pray to several deities. As a philosophy, it is either twisted or very enlightened.

August 26, 2007
R’n'B.
We rounded up the week by going for a long walk down the Rambla de Raval, then the main Rambla where breakdancers where strutting their stuff, and ending up at San Sebastian beach. I like this part of the beach more and more. Apart from being less crowded than Barceloneta, it is calmer, with less people jumping about and throwing balls that might end up in your face, or even your picnic. But what really does it for me is the liberal, laissez a faire attitude. The chilled, anything goes, live and let live vibe. It is an unusual mix of nudists, toned-up gay guys and laid-back dudes and dudettes.
We went to check out Otto Zutz, another long-standing disco we had never visited. It is nice and civilized. It attracts a cosmopolitan, well dressed crowd and plays jazz/funk in one room, house/techno in another and R’n'B on the main dance floor. I dug its no attitude stance and it’s always nice to hear something other than electronic music.

August 19, 2007
La Fiesta Mayor de Gracia.
It’s that time of year again. Yes, there is no escape as the neighbourhood street parties are in full swing. One of the major ones is the one in the Gracia neighbourhood which attracts just about everyone still in Bcn in August. I went down with some friends on Tueday night; the eve of the grand opening, and the place was swarming with party-goers all out to have some fun. Calle Verdi won again in the best decorated street competition. This time it is all decked out in Route 66 gear, complete with biker dummies, signage and such.
Another street represented Noah’s ark, with two of every animal as the Bible says; the whole thing awash with papier-mache clouds and strips of glittery paper for the water. Maybe to make it more realistic, the weather collaborated and it has poured down all day today. The Sants fiesta mayor starts this week too. So more street entertainment to come. Viva la fiesta! Viva!

August 12, 2007
Cool condo.
Now we all know that Bcn, beautiful as it is, is full of delapidated, neglected flats with no air-con nor central heating. Nothing new there! Every so often, I’ve come across an amazing flat, mostly when giving private classes at students’ homes. But a friend’s condo in Selva de Mar blew me away. The area, not far from the Forum, is quickly becoming a sleek, urban neighbourhood. One can still catch a glimpse of the old Poble Nou neighbourhood behind the new apartment blocks which come with swimming pools, gyms and gardens. Needless to say, it costs a fortune but what price can be put on an ocean view, clean, quiet streets, and a home that can only be an estate agent’s wet dream. No need for creative but misleading descriptions.
On another note, another visit to the Caixa Forum, this time to see Hogarth’s exhibition was insightful but not exhilarating. The clear depictions of London life in the 17th century were sometimes amusing and always observant. However, it was a reminder that most art that isn’t very contemporary leaves me cold these days.

August 6, 2007
An active weekend.
I had an active and productive weekend. Lots of cycling and swimming and hanging out at Barceloneta with live music of distinct types in the background. The buskers festival was taking place all over Barceloneta this weekend.
A friend and I caught some rock/blues/reggae at El Monasterio Saturday night. It is a wonderful, atmospheric basement club and even more delightful in that it wasn’t too crowded nor was it smoky on a Saturday night.
I managed to fit in a Foto Press exhibition at the Caixa Forum, whose highlights were photos of an Alzheimers’ sufferer and of a small village in the Argentinian Andes where just about everyone is an albino. That, and the German film, Emma’s Gluck rounded off my week.

July 30, 2007
Geneve.
Geneva or Geneve as it is known in the local tongue was everything we had thought it would be and more. It is a civilized and clean city set around a lake which boasts several green, well-maintained parks. All visitors get free travel passes during their stay from the hotels and guest houses. The weather could not have been nicer. It was hot and dry until Sunday night when it rained a bit. We swam in the clear lake and hang out in the Jardin Anglais in the evenings where a summer festival comprising of varied cuisines and live music kept the crowd happy.
On Sunday we took a train to Lausanne which even if not as charming as Geneva, has an even bigger lake/beach area. This morning, we set off to the city outskirts to see the farmland and mountain cliffs surrounding the city.
Geneva is cosmopolitan and its citizens are worldly. Its streets are clean and orderly and not surprisingly somewhat costly. But it is a small price to pay for this is a type of Utopia.

July 23, 2007
Colombia party.
Apparently, this is the fourth year that the Colombia party has been held in the Forum area in Bcn and yet somehow it was the first time I had heard of it. My being away all the previous summers may have something to do with it. Anyway, despite the cloudy but warm weather, tons of people showed up, almost all dressed in the national colours of blue, yellow and red. There was music galore and all sorts of exotic snacks and food. There was a game where men threw what looked like stones a distance of ten metres or so into muddy boxed pits with the precision of those who’ve spent a lifetime doing the same.
A walk around the area reminded me of the long forgotten swimming area at the back of the Forum. Might be worth checking out again one of these summer days.

July 15, 2007
Beach entertainment.
While strolling along Icaria beach last night, we stopped twice for some street, or should I say beach entertainment. The first was a break dancing troupe, twisting and flipping and breaking. The second was a one-man act. A magician who, in a dignified manner, made balls and a beer bottle and coins appear and disappear in front of our very eyes. It was so charming to see such a mix of ages all oohing and aahing. Despite our exposure to technology and special effects, some good old fashioned magic still does the trick.
A trip out of town to Caldetes today meant sunbathing and trying to swim despite the unusually big waves. In the background, an open salsa class was going on and the whole experience took me back to beach days in Brazil. Saude!

July 8, 2007
Al fresco.
To round up the first week of July and the first week of the intensive course I’m giving, we got a bunch of friends together last night. We had some good cocktails in the lovely garden at Torre Rosa. And even at 1am, it was still warm and humid. As for today, we were up and rearing to go. We managed to fit in a cinema matinee, coffee and cycling before heading home for a late lunch.
Oh, for lazy summer days…

July 2, 2007
Funk it.
Hotel 54 on Passeig Joan de Borbo is a new discovery. The bar upstairs is quiet while downstairs is all lounge lizard like. White leather sofas, soft lighting and a cool DJ spinning jazz, Latin-jazz and funk says it all. Excellent! The bar downstairs is small but perfectly formed. The crowd on Saturday night were a fun-loving but chilled lot.
Our picnic plan for Sunday evening went awry what with the unpredictable weather. We ended up having drinks at HbnBcn and played a bit of Frisbee in between the downpours. I can’t stand the rain upon my window…

June 24, 2007
St Juan.
Well, midsummer’s night or as it is locally called here, St Juan, has been and gone. After attending a classical music recital (violin and piano) on Friday night, and rounding up what had been a hectic and tiring week, we thought it best to give the crowds a miss this St Juan. So we went on a catamaran that sails around the city’s coast at sunset. It was blissfully quiet and unhurried and it really gives one a different perspective of the city. We spent the rest of the night watching a movie and drinking red wine with the fireworks going off in the background.
This morning we were up rearing to go and thus we chilled out at the beach and even did some cycling. Ready for another week it seems.

June 17, 2007
Street Art.
It’s been a cultural weekend. Between the cycling along the beaches, jazz on Barceloneta beach Saturday afternoon, seeing Zodiac at the cinema, drinks at Las cuevas del sorte and Valentina and the street art on the Rambla de Catalunya, it is surprising we’ve caught our breath at all.
Going back to the art, the sculptural pieces by Igor Mitoraj gracing a couple of blocks are stunning and gigantic. They can best be described as classic with a twist. Male torsos embellished with wings and miniature heads inserted therein. It is this abundance and accessibility of art in Barcelona that makes one feel truly enriched.

June 10, 2007
Gastroenteritis.
I got knocked out by Gastroenteritis over the weekend. It started off as general nausea and not feeling too well first thing in the morning. In a couple of hours I was throwing up and feeling weak. By late afternoon I was sleepy and had a temperature and ached all over. We called for a home visit from the doctor but as there is an outbreak of the same, it took four hours for the doctor to show. We waited from 9pm to 1am. By then I had slowly began to feel delirious and could barely walk which was very frightening. By the time the doctor showed, the delirium had passed as had the tingling sensation in my limbs.
Needless to say, all plans for the weekend have been cancelled and I’m on electrolyte drinks, boiled rice or potatoes and Paracetamol for the aches. I hope I am over it soon. It sucks to be ill at the weekend.

June 4, 2007
Razzmatazz
We checked out the quite famous club called Razzmatazz in Poble Nou. It is an old warehouse converted to a club, or more accurately, a series of clubs. There are 5 rooms with different music although we spent most of the time in the one that was playing indie/rock. The crowd is mostly in their twenties and very casually dressed. ID is asked for at the door for supposedly safety reasons. It was a relief to find it wasn’t catering to some of the youth we saw in the area. There seems to be a range of bars and clubs frequented by teens who are into heavy metal music, dressed in combat shorts with chains dangling off them.
Sunday was spent in Ciutadella park. We had a picnic with a group of friends while I participated in the open capoeira roda. We then cycled to the beach courtesy of the Bicing scheme and hang out there.
Today, a public holiday Monday has seen us cycling at the beach again, followed by cinema. An entertaining weekend indeed.

May 27, 2007
Phone Classes
This has been the second week I have had phone classes and what a great novelty it is. It is a win-win situation. After the students’ initial anxiety and panic, we have settled into a comfortable routine. They get a little more exposure to English and I get more hours without leaving the house. These are definitely going to be handy in replacing the detested early morning classes.
Elsewhere business is as usual. The academic year is slowly coming to an end. With it, summer plans and ideally some summer work in July. This, however, is tricky as work dries up like the Sahara come this time of year. Still, one could use the time for more leisurely pursuits.

May 20, 2007
Salou and Package Tourism
I have never been to a major tourist resort and I avoid them like the plague. Nevertheless, I temporarily cast aside my prejudices concerning the above and set off to join G and his parents who are visiting and staying in Salou (near Tarragona). It is a charming, orderly town that clearly depends on package tourism for an income. The coastline is pristine and the beaches inviting with their white sand and calm waters. Not a trace of anything foul floating about.
There is no shortage of bars and restaurants and as can be expected, a fair amount of them have their menus in English and German. A lot of them offer English breakfast and the like. There is an abundance of pot-bellied, tattooed men and their sun-burnt companions. All in all, it is what one would expect but apparently calmer and more low-key than other similar places. There are nice condos and detached or semi-detached houses, complete with swimming pools, gardens and tennis courts surrounding the hotels, and Port Aventura is another attraction within reasonable distance. It would be hopeless to look for cultural entertainment there but it serves the purpose. That is: sun, sea and drink.

May 13, 2007
Liceu Opera house.
I first outing to an opera performance was unplanned but delightful. A friend called saying she had two free tickets to the final performance of Khovantxina, a Russian opera. Two of her friends were performing. One was singing soprano and the other playing violin. I cancelled previous plans as it is not every day one gets such an invitation. We had third row seats and were metres from the orchestra in the premium section. Seats here normally cost about €200.
We had our own small screens with subtitles in Catalan, Spanish and English while the plebeians above in the balconies had to read Catalan only subtitles from a screen above the stage. Oh, the joy of being a VIP! The show itself is lengthy, over three hours with a half hour break after the first two hours. However, the performances, costumes and stage design were impressive. The story is set in the late 1800s and shows a split Russia at war, with the Tsars only in the background.
Another excitement has been our first outing on the city bikes. No more excuses for not cycling now as the local government has provided low cost bike rental. We set off this morning for a fun ride alongside the beaches before it got too crowded. Fantastic!

May 6, 2007
Opera
We had an interesting bank holiday at the start of the week. A very international group of friends gathered for some story-telling and reading which was further livened up by the presence of an Opera singer (a soprano). She gave us a preview which was truly breathtaking. We are all keen to see her at the Liceu (opera house) if we can get reasonably priced tickets.
We also spent a day at the Barceloneta outdoor pools, swimming, sunbathing and sipping coffees.
April 29, 2007
Asian Film Festival
Another year has gone by and the Asian film festival is in town again. I caught one of the offerings; A Chinese film called “So close to paradise”. Although grainy, it is poignant in style and substance. A trip to Dos Trece for an after show drink did the trick. Lounging in the comfy sofa, electronic music in the background, in good company, and looking out on the busy terrace outside was the perfect way to end a hectic week.
Tonight is story telling night. Except this time a bunch of friends are gathering to read or tell stories instead of going to Harlem Jazz club as normal for professional story telling. It may be the first of many.

April 22, 2007
El Borne
It has been a while since we’ve hang out in this part of the woods. We met friends for dinner at the Textiles cafe near the Picasso museum. Their menu is varied and would best be described as fusion cuisine. Anything from hummus to guacamole and everything in between. Although we sat indoors, the outdoors tables looked appealing under subtle lights.
We went for a walk along the Passeig del Borne and ended up in Mirando Melinda, one of the older bars in the area that quickly filled up. The upstairs was calmer while the ground floor area was buzzing and packed by the time we left. A low-key but entertaining outing.

April 15, 2007
Contemporary Arts.
We went to a dance festival last night and caught a very contemporary show choreographed by Thomas Noone. What grace and beauty indeed! The four dancers, (two couples) performed on an austere, minimalist set, dressed in black. Their piece reflected the dynamics between each couple and the group as a whole. There were some playful movements and some breathtaking moments when one feared for them as they executed daring steps. Fantastic!
We are off to see an art exhibition at the Caixa Forum this morning called, “See with your ears and hear with your eyes.” It promises to confuse and delight the senses.

April 8, 2007
Portugal
We set off for Portugal at the crack of dawn last Monday. After a smooth flight, we found ourselves at the hotel by 9.30am. Even though it was a bit wet and grey on the first day, we wandered around the centre, taking in the old lift, side streets and St George’s castle and rounding up the day at the docks. The next day was sunny and hot and after visiting Belem, the old monastery, we made our way to Cascais. The latter is a wonderful sea side town. It is charming and affluent and its beaches small and quiet. Come nightfall, we had a drink in the Bairro Alto, an old, run-down neighbourhood in the centre which is slowly getting trendy.
The following day, a 3 hour train ride delivered us to Porto in the north. The old part of the city that is on the UNESCO heritage list is somewhat neglected but the views across the river and from various vantage points are really inspiring. We spent an evening playing grownups, sipping port in a port shop cum bar, soft jazz in the background. E muito bom!

April 1, 2007
Easter.
Easter is here. A long awaited break for us all. We are off to Lisbon and Porto where we hope to ride the old trams, munch on some custard tarts and sip some port. It’s 7 years or so since my last visit to Portugal and Lisbon, so I will be keen to observe if the place has changed in any significant way. Catching some Fado or the new African influenced Portuguese music would be great. And a chance to practice my Portuguese.

March 25, 2007
Tango
We went to a tango mini concert last night. After a slow start it picked up quite nicely with some Milongas. It was melancholic and dramatic. The singer passionately sang her way around the repertoire, dancing to the rhythm all the time. This was interspersed with poetry readings and the whole thing accompanied by a guitar, violin, bass and accordion.
We followed this with drinks at yet another stylish hotel bar called “Living”. Its white decor, plush sofas and courteous service make for a civilized place to chat.

March 18, 2007
Futebol at the Beach.
For those of you who might not know what this is, here is a little enlightenment. This is a blend of volleyball and football as played by Brazilians on their many beaches. It is also an addition to the beach activities in Barcelona as toned Brazilians in their signature trunks spring, turn, kick and headbutt the ball on the Icaria beach.
For a breezy morning, the whole world was out for a walk, sunbathing and general hanging out. The chiringuitos (beach bars) are already doing a roaring trade and the only thing left is for the temperature to soar.

March 11, 2007
Global Warming.
The weather this week does seem to reflect our concerns about global warming and the subsequent climate changes. Last weekend was sunny and spring like, only to be followed by wind and rain mid-week. Now it is sunny and dry again. I, for one love hot, sunny days. However these erratic shifts do make you think.
We also saw “An Inconvenient Truth”, Al Gore’s documentary about the subject. The facts and figures confirm what he has feared all along. That unless the world does something, the environment is going to be hard hit.
The other big news this week of course was President Bush’s visit to South America and the predictable riots and demonstrations that followed his tour.

March 4, 2007
Spring is here!
Yes! Yes! Yes!
Spring is here. A little too early some say but I wouldn’t want it any other way. It has been deliriously sunny and warm. I basked in the sun Friday afternoon after a three course lunch and it felt like one of those lazy summer days. What joy to feel the rays on one’s skin. With a bit of luck, it won’t be a false start. Meals and drinks al fresco beckon. As does hanging out on the beach. Everybody seems to have a spring in their step, and summer clothing will be making an appearance any day now.

February 25, 2007
Language Consultants.
After hearing the titles “language consultant, coach, trainer” brandied about and thinking they were somewhat pretentious, I have come round to the idea and usage of the above. Especially given that most English teachers working with professionals or within a business environment get asked to proof read and help with translations, it makes sense to use a title that encompasses all those possibilities. It also struck me how much sleeker and business like the whole industry is getting. In a saturated, competitive market, it sure helps to have a more refined image.

February 18, 2007
Blood Diamonds.
We went to see Blood Diamonds. This movie which highlights the tragic affair of blood diamonds is worth watching. Leonardo Di Caprio plays the part of a white South African smuggler really well and with a convincing accent to boot. If it informs the public and makes them think twice about buying diamonds or at least checking their source, then it will have fulfilled its goal. Like petrol and all other valuable commodities, the lives of millions of poor people in the regions concerned are put at risk to make these goods available to the rest of us.
On another note, this was carnival weekend although it poured down last night thus jinxing the parades somewhat. As it officially ends Tuesday night, those keen still have a chance to frolic.

February 11, 2007
Cold Epidemic.
Everyone but me seems to be down with a cold. Out of a gathering of five, I was the only healthy one; which cannot be for long. Nevertheless we caught Mel Gibson’s Apocalypto amidst the nose blowing and sneezing. Poor souls! The film itself is vivid in its portrayal of the assumed barbaric carnage that was the life of the Mayans before the Spanish arrived. It is unforgiving in that the violence and savagery does not cease for the duration of the film, almost two and half hours. The story itself lacks depth but it does expose the audience to the Mayan language which must be a first for just about everybody.

February 4, 2007
Catwalk.
We went to check out Catwalk, the disco by the beach (Icaria) last night. After a twenty minute queue in fortunately mild weather, we got in at about 1.30am to find a heaving crowd. The space is divided into two. The upstairs area plays R ‘n’ B music while the downstairs part plays House. Upstairs is definitely more interesting, what with all the wannabe home boys and girls winding and grinding and shaking their booty so to speak. It was mostly smoke free due to the new regulations apart from a few law breakers smoking here and there.
A long night-bus ride got us back from the beach area to our hood about 4.30am. Just in time for enough sleep before getting up to go for lunch at a friend’s house.

January 28, 2007
Target Text.
I had my first translation class (Spanish to English) which was enlightening, challenging and fun.
So I now have terms like Source text and Target text floating about my head. The former is the language one works from, the latter is the one you translate into - ideally your native tongue.
It seemed like a logical step after reading and coming across hilarious examples of bad translations as seen on www.engrish.com and on many restaurant menus around town. Also had my birthday yesterday which means I am all of 31 years old! Time sure flies.

January 21, 2007
Catching Up.
After a regular week, Saturday night was spent catching up with a big group of friends, some of whom we had not seen since before Christmas. It dawned on us that wishing people “A Happy New Year” more than half way through January was a bit late. Otherwise it made for a lively, pleasant evening.
I also saw the film The White Masai, about a Swiss woman who married a Sumbaru warrior in Kenya and lived there for some years. Talk about culture shock!

January 15, 2007
Summer Plans.
It seems early to be thinking of the summer holidays but time does fly by. I am thinking about doing an English summer camp in the UK but have not convinced myself entirely. Weeks on end with screaming children and long days do not quite appeal and the financial reward seems to fall short of what one would expect. Anyway, I am in the research stage of the planning. In the meantime there is the winter to be done with and Spring with its various festivals.

January 7, 2007
First Aid
I finally finished my First Aid course with the Red Cross. After a good 40 hours of intensive training and a theory and practical exam, I feel I should be able to calmly deal with any emergency, within reason I suppose. The group was a mix of ages ranging from 17 years to a man in his fifties. Some were doing the course for professional reasons while others wanted to volunteer for the Red Cross. Some of us just wanted to inform ourselves and be better equipped should one witness an emergency. All in all, it has been very educational and worthwhile. We were shocked to learn that the police did not have this training and as a result often injure or cause more harm to patients / victims they come across by for example, removing helmets from trauma victims and holding down someone having an epileptic fit.
Anyway, work begins again on Monday and back to the normal routine.

January 1, 2007
2007
We flew to Granada (south of Spain) for the New Year celebrations. It has been a Moorish experience replete with the Alhambra and the hammam experience. The former is an old fortress overlooking the city dating back to the Moors and the latter comprised of incense, chill out music and old Arabic baths topped with a rub down. The only surprise was how many bars and cafes were closed on New Year’s Eve come night time. After walking about trying to find some tapas and drinks, we ended up with the whole city (it seemed), in the town square where there were fireworks, music, projections and a countdown to the New Year. We did what everyone else had had the sense to do: bought some cava and joined in the swallowing of the 12 grapes as the chimes rang in the New Year.
There are many shops selling Moroccan and Arabic artifacts and objects and we had two delicious Arabic meals, tea and sweets. Evidence of the city’s Moorish roots is everywhere. Visually, the Albaicin, the neighbourhood of white houses on the hill opposite the Alhambra, with its labyrinthine, narrow streets transports you to a time gone by.

December 26, 2006
You Learn Something Every Day.
We started our celebrations on Xmas Eve with a wonderful Icelandic dinner comprising of smoked lamb, red cabbage and a rich cream sauce prepared by resident Icelandic chef, G. In fact, Christmas Eve and Christmas day went by so smoothly after our adventures the night of the 23rd. We had gone to check out a Reggae night at a club in Muntaner, (posh zone) when on getting there, we found ourselves in the midst of what must be ‘traditional skinheads’, that is, not shaven headed but with short hair, striking sideburns, preppy sweaters and narrow jeans. It turns out that some skinheads are still into old reggae music. They might have been racist or anti racist (anti fascist) but as there are so many variations and their esthetics are quite similar, we will never know. Needless to say, we only stayed a while during which we tried to enjoy the music and look nonchalant while wondering what would happen if the place got much busier.
Another subculture in an apparently homogenous society. As Spain is a good 30 years behind most of Western Europe, I guess it should come as no surprise that movements that probably died out elsewhere are just emerging here. Or did they die out or just go underground?

December 22, 2006
Christmas is Upon Us.
And so it came to be, that the Christmas holidays which we had long been waiting for were upon us…
It is the first day of my Christmas holiday as my early morning class for today was cancelled. Yippee! After a mad dash marking exams and drowning in paperwork, I can finally sigh with relief and prepare to self indulgently eat, drink and vegetate. Knowing me, that would not be for long before the need to get active kicks in. But in the meantime, a very Merry Christmas to you all.

December 18, 2006
Story Telling.
We went to Harlem jazz club on Saturday night for one of their story telling sessions. This time it was African stories told by a soft spoken middle-aged man from Cameroon. It is amazing how effective this old tradition of oral transmission is even for adults accustomed to highspeed, technology-driven forms of entertainment. We formed a cozy group of listeners and applauded after every story. There was a version of the creation story amongst others which said that the world had come into being from the regurgitation of a spirit.
We then went on to Mondo which is a new bar/restaurant/club down by the port. Lovely views, courteous service, smooth lighting and music mean that we will be returning.

December 10, 2006
Rainy Public Holidays.
It managed to rain all day Wednesday which was a public holiday and although the weather was better on Friday, it was still lousy given that it was another public holiday. However, to make up for it, we got up late today to find a sunny, gorgeous, Sunday morning which begged for an outing. A visit to Park Guell on such a clear, blue-skied day was just the thing to do. The beautiful organic shapes, the colourful mosaics and the people happily strolling about, not to mention the views over the city revived us.

December 4, 2006
A Light Week.
This week promises to be extra light, what with two public holidays (Wednesday and Friday). Half the city seems to be taking one or two extra days thus either getting a very long weekend or the whole week off.
We went to see the World Press Photo exhibition yesterday and it was extensive, varied and very busy. Had drinks at Dos Trece with friends afterwards which is not a bad spot in the Raval.

November 27, 2006
The New Bond.
Well, after much debate in the press regarding the New Bond, Daniel Craig seems to have pleased the cinema goers this last weekend. Yes, he looks meaner than previous Bonds but his demeanor and body seem to have won the crowd’s vote. Such was the rush for tickets that we failed to get seats Saturday night after arriving half an hour early and the Sunday matinee show was quite busy too.
As Christmas slowly approaches, I saw the first lit street lights in Bcn last week. For a city that does not bother much with the build-up, it really is hard to remember we are almost in December. Still, that is an antidote to the ever increasingly early displays in London.

November 19, 2006
A Stitch in Time…
Well, it was with some fear that I listened to the message on my mobile saying that G was at the hospital getting stitches. After an awkward fall at Judo practice, his chin needed six stitches but he was otherwise unhurt. We at capoeira have been talking about the need to have some sort of insurance to cover any accidents that may occur. It’s about time Europe caught up with the States in these matters.
Having enjoyed a civilized classical music recital by a Catalan brother and sister team last Sunday, we plan to catch the film “The Queen” tomorrow. Helen Mirren has received good reviews for her portrayal so far.

November 12, 2006
New Capoeira Group.
After training with the same capoeira group for five years, it was with great hesitance that I moved to another group (Filhos de Angola) but the change has paid off. I needed more inspiring and demanding physical training and a change of scene. I will miss my colleagues from before but the capoeira world is small and Bcn is not that big.
Christmas is round the corner and I have just opened the first Christmas dinner/party invite. On another note, we are off to a classical music recital this evening as an antidote to the usual jazz / world music concerts we attend.

November 5, 2006
Garrotxa
We spent Wednesday 1st November (which was the public holiday for this month) out of town. After a two hour bus ride, we alighted in Olot, in the Garrotxa region. We had passed lush green valleys and old stone villages to arrive in this small provincial town. The region is famous for having had several volcanic mountains which are long dormant. In fact they are so dormant that on reaching the top and peering into the crater, what you see is a grassy bottom and none of the ashy, stonelike images you might expect. We visited two volcanoes that border the town and from whose peaks one can view the town below.
Being inland and tucked away, we were surprised at the number of foreigners (African, Oriental and Eastern European) living there. We assumed that they worked in the industrial parks that lie outside these small towns. The town itself boasts some modernist architecture and the usual squares where we sat and watched the locals come and go as we sipped at our coffee.

October 29, 2006
A Sophisticated Night Out.
After having been to so many charming but rundown dives over the last five years, it was with great delight that we ushered ourselves into the Ritz last night. The Scotch bar in the basement is all refined, wooden paneling, deep chesterfields and courteous service. After a cocktail or two, we ambled along to Buddha bar almost conveniently round the corner. This was all darkly lit and stuffed with heavy colonial furniture. As the night wore on the music volume rose somewhat but all in all it was a much more glamorous night than the usual outings.

October 23, 2006
Prada Versus Shanty Towns.
We saw two very different films this weekend. “The devil wears Prada” which highlights the glamorous and pretentious whims of fashionistas in New York while at the same time oozing with cutting sarcasm. On the other end of the spectrum “Tsotsi”, a South African film which has been compared to Brazil’s “City of God” is harrowing in its portrayal of the urban divide between South Africa’s shanty towns and the affluent suburbs. It is also shot in what appears to be a mix of Africaans and a native tongue with English thrown in here and there. Very eye-opening.

October 19, 2006
Blues / Jazz jam session.
A bit of a late post as the jam session refers to Sunday night. We went to Jazz Si club for the regular jam session. It was a medley of blues, jazz and they even threw in country and soul for good measure. There was a very good female singer and various guitar, bass and piano players. On another note, I’ve recently discovered the Brazilian series “City of men” from the makers of “City of God”. Both are set in Rio’s favelas. Riveting stuff!

October 14, 2006
Bamako - African Photography.
So, we missed the gay and lesbian film festival but made the African photography exhibition on at the CCCB. Fantastic stuff! It included both living and dead photographers from all across the continent. Some of the most striking images came from Namibia - neglected houses invaded by the desert sand, South Africa - heavily tattooed prisoners in overcrowded cells and Tanzania - roadside images of everyday folk in their Sunday best. There was a whole room on Algeria’s recent troubles and out of focus portraits from the North African contestants. (I guess due to Islamic restrictions on representing man.) It felt like looking in through a window. Images of Africa, taken by Africans and reflecting their everyday strife and joys.

October 12, 2006
Brazil Night.
Last night, we went to a Brazil event at Mojito (Latin club). The heavy rain had not deterred anyone and the place was soon heaving with gyrating Brazilians and people keen on mastering the difficult samba steps. There was a live band too and a nice buzzing atmosphere. We bumped into a girl we know and vowed to work on our samba moves. All in all, muito axe!

October 8, 2006
Here Comes the Autumn.
It’s that time of year again. It is cooler, not as bright when one gets up in the morning. It’s time to catch up on movies and cocoon. Soon the streets will smell of roast sweet potatoes and chestnuts as we gear up to the winter season. This coming Thursday is another public holiday and a chance to catch up on exhibitions and the gay and lesbian film festival.

October 1, 2006
Air Show.
So it is that time of year again. The air show at the beach in the city that took place this weekend was fantastic yet again. A big turn out all along the beaches meant that the various aircrafts that strutted their stuff and wowed us with flips and somersaults and group shows had a big audience. The sizzling weather allowed viewers to dip into the sea as and when things got too hot and a good time was had by all. It was great to catch up with friends and enough adrenaline coursed through us all as we watched what looked like near misses again and again.

September 26, 2006
Basque Music.
Sunday turned out sunny and dry enough for us to catch the fireworks down at the beach followed by live music from the Basque country in one of the town squares. They played lots of drums and a xylophone resulting in a very ethnic, acoustic sound that took us by surprise. Trying to speak above the music however means that I woke up with a sore throat on Monday and had to whisper throughout the Argentine dinner on Monday night.

September 24, 2006
A Wet Merce.
After waiting eagerly for the Merce activities, it has been a bit of a damp affair. What with the rain timing it’s appearance to coincide with the start on Friday night, continuing intermittently through Saturday day and night to the irritation of all of Bcn who nevertheless turned up and in some cases got soaked in the town squares as they caught some live music. Domage!
With a bit of luck, tomorrow will be sunny and dry for long enough to go the beach. Still, at worst, it will be a mellow, chilled public holiday.

September 21, 2006
Teaching Little Ones.
It was good to see my young students from the last academic year who however, were a bit rusty after having spoken no English at all for a couple of months. I was amused when on having been asked to write about a famous person they liked, one of them described Ronaldinho as being a good footballer and having long dark hair and a very big mouth. I guess she is still young enough to say it as she sees it.
I was somewhat disappointed to discover that on reading an article about South Africa, they had no idea as to who Nelson Mandela was. What are the young learning today? Or am I showing my age…

September 17, 2006
Festival Mariachi.
This week has been the week of La Festival Mariachi and all that it entails. Big hats, men in tight, black, trousers with shiny buttons running up and down their legs and so on.
A visit to the Grec theatre up on Montjuic yesterday was rewarded with a lovely Mexican fair comprising of food (tacos, burritos…), crafts and Mexican sweets, Mariachi music and native Mexican dancers gyrating in miniscule feather costumes. While the lovely Indian girls gently swayed and rolled, the men jumped and screamed and thrust here and there to the merriment of all concerned, occasionally sticking their tongues out and making faces in a way not dissimilar to the Maoris in New Zealand.
As if that was not enough cultural fodder, we are off to see a Philippine film today as part of the Asian Festival. Man does not live by bread alone…

September 10, 2006
Sun, Sun, Sun.
We went to Caldetes, outside Bcn to swim and lounge about by the seaside. Bliss. The small town atmosphere and clean and quiet surroundings make it worth jumping on a train to avoid the crowded, dirty, city beaches and their hawkers and pick pocket executives.
Tomorrow is a bank holiday to commemorate Catalunya being taken over by Spain. The day should promise a lot of Catalan flag waving, Sardana (the local traditional dance), and free cultural activities such as entry to museums and city palaces.
Viva Catalunya!

September 6, 2006
Back in Bcn.
After a couple of months away, I got back last week to find that it is still hot (yes!) and it’s time to get back to one’s routine. In my case; work, capoeira and such.
The news broadcasts are full of images of Sub-Saharan refugees landing in the Canary islands. This has been going on for months except that the numbers are astonishing now. 20,000 alone from last weekend.
The work that was being done on the city beaches came to an end leaving lovely, sandy stretches to walk and lie on. On the other hand, the thousands of pigeons that call Plaza Catalunya their home are still there in droves. Some things never change. Still, La Merce, the big yearly festival in Bcn is coming up soon…