Hola Barcelona!!!

The international dial code for Barcelona is 0034.. All landline phones begin with 93… Coz the French knows how to do a 69 & Catalans know how to do the 93……..... . . . . . . . ... . .. . . . .. . . . Public Transport ................................................................................................................................................................................First of all let me save our nerves & from now on (. . . . unless it spoils the poetry) we will be referring to Barcelona as BCN. & let us also be aware that we are not in Spain, but we are in Catalunya.!.! & here are a few good words for you to know from my Dictionary ............................ & Before you ask, BCN has 4 million inhabitants, over 99 sq km & the best news is that 13 km of that is Beach…
Every time I hear the word BCN I feel romantic all over.. even though the first time I ever came here, I caught VD. Still deep down …. . .:-)........ So here is the link where u can go & look at our nice map........ or if you prefer to read all this bullshit..... then lets go for it........ & places reviewed here are more or less A-Z... Here are the ones begining with a H...... Hostel list.. Centric Point Gothic Point Hello BCN hostel Itaca Hostel Kabul Hostel Mar Hostel The Sea Point & then she said... . . . . . . . . Fat tire bike tours.... Specialists in easy going overview round town cruise style tours.. Visiting most of the important places .. nice mellow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Caj Chai, Here's one for those of you who really know your 'T' to soak it all up …..fancy a nice . . . . . . . . . Siestas take place daily from around noon till around 15.oo.. Only the foolish are to be found walking around at this time.. so do as the Catalans do & grab some beauty sleep… you really need it!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BARCELONA VIBES . . .Smashed! Pub Crawls, Spanish Cooking Classes, Tapa's & Flamenco Nights out, BCN Rouge (the seedy/sexy side of . . . . .

Amaltea . . Restaurant Vegetaria. . . Lovely nice-price authentic Middle East plant eating place, portions to satisfy. You can get healthy &. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . .......Why stand when u can sit & why sit when you can lie down…, Same can be said for all the queuing up you will have to get into when going out, & or wanting to get in somewhere.. Tip is when there is a queue… Join it! You may always walk away but you may never get your place again…
. . . . . . . . Itaca Hostel, Inspired by travel and run by travelers… Intricate little house with that hostel for the . . . . . . . . . Speaking about soccer.. Well this is a very important thing around here.. Barca! If u are into this ball game then you & another 99 999 people can fit into the Nou Camp stadium of a Sunday to catch a game…. Metro L3 Collblanc. . . . .. . . .travel bar port.....Hip & happy staff, long cocktails, wide range of world beers, mega menu, steaks'n'ribs . . . fresh. . . . . . .. . . ....... . . . . Casa & Pizza Paco, Two establishments opposite each other in an un-definable space in time… We are here on a . . . . . . . . The Bagel Shop restaurant . . . . . "A True Bagel Experience" . . . . . . These are buns baked with love…. . . . . .Bar Bahia. pub. Well well.. This is where they all are.. An asylum with an open door policy! U want to get . . . . . . .

Gothic Point Hostel, . . Big open plan house, very central & colorful with a lovely . . . . . . . . . .. . . . Beer before wine…. Order a caña, & u gets a (see below).. a cerveza, gets you a bottle. Mostly u should drink red wine (tinto/negre), & why would you bother with the White when you can guzzle 'Cavas' champagne.. But be warned there is alcohol in all of these things…. & don't miss the Sangria. It's like a fruit punch mixed with wine & has bits of diced peel vitamins floating at the top. ….Get this,, it comes in a big jug, & beer come in a wine glass…! . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Govinda Hindu Vegetarian, . . . . . . pile your plate as high as u can hold, fresh & delicious (not only the waitresses) selection . . . . . . . . .

Que bec? Ambient décor, cuisine & setting…A family business representing Typical farm . . . . . . . ....................... . . . . . . . .

The Kabul Hostel, One of the most well known & after 20 years, oldest hostels in . . . . . .. . Barri Gòtic is the … Old town….. Foundations of the old town. From the Roman Empire, acting as if it was & now the US of A…. Look what happened to the Caesars… A lesson there somewhere.. & if you look down then you will probably find it… still looking up at you.. Get lost in here & you may loose your own self… The leafy sister.. "El Born" is a bit fancy but don't cost like it.. A complex gothic masta'piece, unique, nested in a maze of medieval pathways. As is everything else around here.. I have to admit that my favorite building is the Palau de la Música Catalana (XX), U should make the 3-4 euros to go for the tour 10.oo-14.3o on the hour. WoW & again WoW!…

Margarita Blue, First meals are from 20.oo but you can baste yourself up while you wait by the bar. Great . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . I have to spill the beans now & tell you the reason I came here first time was to 'do' Dali… I love this genius & the character of the man as a living legend (&quite rich) He built his own museum it is 1 hour from BCN. The town of Figueres, … From there you can catch the bus to the birthplace of Dali.. The bus ride is … inspiring… A trip all together.. u ought to stay the night or so!!!!! . . . . . IF u are short of time & don't care for Dali…. Then FU &.. Go to Sitges, only half an hour away… it's a beach full of fags, right up your alley... . . . . . . . Hello BCN Hostel Brand new place. Location is great & right on the border between the castle parks & the mischievous . . . . . .Carabela Bar. . . More hours of sun & moon than any other BCN terrace….. Sexy open-air cocktails, healthy. . .. . . . .
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Travel bar, This place is nuts!! Loud, sticky & packed with young x-pats & backpacker types. & why.. ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Teranga, Senegal Bar restaurant Sweetmeat, beef & fish. Cuscus or rice accompaniments.. u have to get the sharp sauce to spread
La Rambla, formally a canal basin… Long since dry, of water at least… People stroll up & down & all around it at all hours of the day & night in search of a wide world of things. It is absolutely busy always.. You can buy sell get or be bought sold & catch any manner of 'offers'.. just up to your own tastes & how much u packin'.. (the market of La Boqueria a picnickers & pick pockets delight... & meat heads, go for the jamon. . . no hoof, no good!).. if you find your self in need of discounts then up & down you go… you will have so many flyers etc by the time you finish to pick & choose from… or just pile them all up on top of yourself & go asleep…

Jamboree, Born in the 60's & a hub of the early scene. When they came to town they came play here… . . . . . .. . . The Beer-Can man comes around every time you run out of beer.. but watch out! It is illegal to buy or drink the stuff they sell in the streets… So the cops have the power to arrest your 'tinnie' & take it away with them…!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . C\ Tallers (G3) is kinda' the shopping street for all sorts of shit you may think you want.. there is certainly a dark edge to many of the shops, lot of leather & bats hanging around… Also some great day time pubs, for those of you who shop like I do… ()-)).. If you were looking for the 2nd hand scene.. well you are too late, it's now called retro & this ain't no free clothes association.. The best of the shops are to be found on the Riera Baixa (F4).. But don't show up naked, unless u got a big purse!.. & if so make sure not to get it felt on the way… Marmalade Bar restaurant . . . Wow, this luxurious place is easy to get lost in with the rest of Barcelona´s society. Fantastic . . . . . . .
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. . . . . Plaça Reial, one of the favorite hang out's & meting points of the backpacker\homeless scene.. Girls get wet both in & out of the fountain.. Boys come up with … The lampposts are Gaudi's first official work for the city… Don't sleep here as they come around & hose-the-shit-out-of-it every few hours. . . .

Tarantos, A historical place for the art of the Flamenco & it's big names… They stamp so hard here that the stage gets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sunday at noon crowds of all ages gather in front of the cathedral to dance the Catalan National Dance 'La Sardana' (G4). This is prime photo time… later you want to get yourself over to the Parc Ciutadella (J4) some specific attractions, waterfall'ers will be steeped, a combination of statuary, rock & greenery… What better place to have the Zoo in!. a hive of activity & talent.. All the people are pick-nicking & drums, bongos boom booms of every kind eco throughout the day.. The ambiance is incredible! Crowded with people of all ages, many youngsters juggling, jamming & having fun. …. Every full moon during the winter they gather at Gaudi's Parc Guell where drums are played to honor its fullness . . . .

Lava press, Self service launderette chain that will remove even the nastiest stains & blemishes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What could be considered the city center Plaça Catalunya. If you have come from the Old town, then you are now in for a change of scene.. (& vice versa) be sure to have a sip of water (what?) from the fountain of Canaletes (so u can find your way back here later)… now the 19th Century Passeig de Gracia & L´Eixample., the modernist area built up in the big expansion … it's worth to have a look around if you are into massive architecture.. Maybe best to bring a picnic with you, as it is expensive & fashionable around here.. Also I do recommend coming here in the evening after all the suits have gone home..

Centric point Hostel,...., Brand new, custom built & very nice! Over five . . . . . . . . . Barcelonetta still retains that locals, local's feel & impression. Here you can meet with old ladies hanging they're draws out on the balcony line & many's a street urchin who has no idea that Barcelona is more than the 'Etta'! (XX) , , Before the 92' Olympics this area was closed off from the greater city as a 'no go' hood & not just for the smell of the fishes.. With whom many Luca Braci types were sleeping.. Now a' days we are all wide-awake around here as the boom goes off & no silencer needed!! Seems like the sun is always shining..& the daily beach parties are (weather permitting) ... quite something else.. Shango Salsa, Merengue bar. . . A funny place.. so small so packed!! So vibrant ... here are the entire Latino scene squeezed in there together sweating. . . .

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The Columbus monument on the coast at the end of La Rambla.. There is the man & he is pointing his finger at the States.. but then again who isn't? From there you can get views that are worth the climb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Catalan's closest linguistic relative today is the langue d'oc, the old language of southern France.
. . Tipping in Restaurants is not obligatory, but .. . Regarding the of throwing detritus on the floor (cigarette buts, snot rags, olive pits, used condoms & etc etc), best to keep an eye on what the locals are doing… (if u doesn't have the correct items to chuck then u can borrow & be 'in' & or thrown 'out' ..

Nubaa, Swanky joint with that lounge lizard effect. Two areas to decide upon. In the back, light, tables & . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sea point Hostel, Slap bang on the widest point of the beach!! Very social place to... . . . . . . Pablo Picasso has a whole area dedicated to himself in the Born (XX), Montcada 15-23, open 10.oo till 20.oo daily. It's a kinda' labyrinth. Many areas are free of charge.. but if u want to see the paintings, then cough up! , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,, , , , , Wokimarket Noodle bar.. . . Now all u New York'ers time to wok-off. They offer the build your own carton thing, with the yellow man . .. . . .O Pollo beach grill . . . . . . The only fast grill right there on the beach. Whatever part of the chicken u prefer they spin it out here from. .. . . . . . Santa Marta . . .. . . . beach café bar restaurant.. . . . . .. . . . .. . . the people watching place numero uno..!........... Itztli.cocina mexicana. . . . Seems like the best budget / only burritos around.... now those of u who know this food .. well they. . . . . . Absinta bar .. a different space where essential elements are fusion'ed to estipulate the senses: art, gastronomy, music & . . . . . . KE Lok'al = Pub. . . That's the kinda' place u could never leave without feeling welcome back.. (well..., there is always. . . . . . . . KULAS Lounge bar. .. . . . . Busy place, friendly, laid back. Eclectic lounge like atmosphere….. Hand crafted cocktails, dj . . . . . .

Joan Miró, another great local boy. Many of his items architecturally can be enjoyed just by observing as u walk. There is the pavement on la Rambla..(see photo) The park over by the old bullring (XX), the sharp color all so common & his own museum showcase is up the Montjuic..
. . . . . . The El Raval Neighborhood is the Rebel.. Everything around here behaves like a law upon it's self.. They even have they're own language dialect going on.. It's hip to be here & u better watch your step, coz the Raval take no prisoners.. just eats up all your pink flesh.. A Royal with cheese!

. . .. . ... . . .. The proliferation of cafés & bars, however, says less about Cika's & Ciko"s love of alcohol than their love of social ritual. The locals drink as much.. even more than you or I do but…………… not to get drunk (huh?), food, dreaming, company… starting, with a thoughtful shot in the morning coffee.. ending with 'la penúltima', the final drink, with all manner of snifters etc… in between. If you find your self with to long a pause then in a loud voice 'escolti' & bottoms up again!
.. . . . . . . . . The mountain of Montjuic (XX), the hill overlooking the city from the south-west is home of many museums, the famous colorful dancing fountain, the mythic Castle & most of the Olympic Stadiums. Wonderful parks invite to spend the day rather quieter, with great views & greenery. U can ride the dizzy cable car up there from Port Vell (XX) 10.3o-17.45. You can get back down till 22.oo, round trip costs 9euro…. Bring your camera! &, in the summer, you can go & watch movies shown outdoors for free at the Olympic Stadium of Montjuic. Watch a movie while taking a swim!.. U may never come down..

. . . . . . . . Apart from the obvious, the Museum of Contemporary Art is a must for you skater kids, out side that is… & inside for those of us who need a straight line or two.. in-side has many on display, You could say this is the border point from Ramblas to Ravel, with these kids acting as the attitude control.. La Serilla club art space . . No sign out front …. Hidden in the 2 back rooms a cozy bar & live music room. Bands or. . . . . . . Barcelona Rent a Bike . . . Fully equipped bikes in stock!!! For big & small..... see the city by bike.. . .. .

. … Next day & Caffeine kicks .. The 3 basics are café sol, small strong black coffee; cortado/ tallat, the same but with a little milk; & café amb llet, with more milk. &: a carajillo, a short, black coffee with a liberal dash of brandy.
. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gracia, just north off our map XXXXXXX this is such a nice village typa' area, with so many delicate lane ways & ivy tree lined paths.. Problem is where is a person supposed to find the time to do everything in this BCN? If you do … Then make for the PlaCa del Sol & soak up the easy heat! . If you are a sad cunt like me then The Dubliner on Ros de Orlano..

Elephant Book Store, A book worms delight… huge selection of everything by most everybody, hard or. . . . . .. .. . . . .. . . Squat info can be had by visiting the blue house half way down Passeig de Joan de Barbo (XX)

Barcelona Mar Hostel, A big, pleasant, funky place. Situated right on the infamous Raval Rambla. Big open common. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Antonio Gaudi Would be about the most famous & certainly one of the most inventive of the city's past inhabitants.. (Well that is the ones who created instead of destroyed) His buildings & other designs, some are highlighted here on the map.. But if I may?!, Born in 1852 to a humble cement mixers family, he went on to get thrown out of every school & pub in town. He was then patronized by the Guell family & they gave him the freedom to build them & they're friends some of the most fascinating buildings & objects in the world. Mr. Gaudi began work on 'the Sagrada' church in 1883 & was never to be finished… Gaudi aged 72 was run-over by a tram on 7th of June 1926., since then there have been no tram lines allowed in the city…

The Michael Collins Irish Bar, there is a welcome on the mat! Great pub food, fry up's & specials.. Or you can catch up . . . . . . . . .…. Thats about it.... Just a few after thoughts... & don't forget you can get all this & more in a complete print out booklet by clicking anywhere around here. . . . . .
Funny thing with all this hype regarding the smoke free city… The smokers smoke on & the non… well passively they explain what a good idea that was….

If you are the type that likes to eat a lot late at night… well .. No chance for food in this city after 2 am, so be prepared & thin of it as a test of character.. Like a nice roast Donald for example…

The history of BCN began with a man by the name of Wilfred 'the hairy' since then the city has always been fond of a close shave & a good lather…

If some kids around Pl Catalunya or the Reial as u if you want to buy some smoke, tell them no, unless of course you do want some ,in that case say 'si'… (but see what u get)..

I forgot to mention in the dictionary but if you want a beer u should say.. Una Can-yah & if u want to say OK or fine or something like that u should pronounce.. Ballet! &…
If you promise not to tell anyone else… Then this place might be of interest to you.. www.lanticteatre.com it's in town.. members only & a great place..

¿Cómo te llamas? If you get asked this then you know you have been asked an intimate question!! Look them deep in the eye & reply " Hi-know,nothing-I'mfromBarcelona".. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

XG