Barcleona Metropolitan Issue 262

NOVEMBER 2018 Nยบ 262

MINDING YOUR BUSINESS A GLOBAL COMMUNITY OF ENTREPRENEURS

TAKE A HIKE AUTUMN HIKING IN CATALUNYA

THANKSGIVING IN BARCELONA CELEBRATE AND GET STUFFED!

THANKFUL FOR LIFE A LOVE LETTER TO HEALTHCARE IN BARCELONA AND A MATCH MADE IN TRANSPLANT HEAVEN

PLUS! ART

MUSIC

BEST OF

NEW IN TOWN

STARTUP

RESTAURANT REVIEWS

TRAVEL

CONTENTS

ISSUE 262 · NOVEMBER 2018

9 TAKE A HIKE!

The brisk autumn weather makes for perfect hiking

16 I OWE YOU MY LIFE

IN THE CITY

A love letter to healthcare in Barcelona and a match made in transplant heaven

06 09 10 12 14

20 MINDING YOUR BUSINESS Reflections from a Barcelona-based entrepreneur three years in

New in town Five things Street life Best of History

WHAT’S ON 22 24 26 30 33

Music Calendar Misc Art Art opening

TRAVEL

34 Congost de Mont-rebei

WORKING LIFE

38 A day in the life 39 Startup of the month

FOOD & DRINK

40 Food feature 42 Recipe

METROPOLITAN CONTRIBUTORS

Publisher The Noise Lab S.L. Art Director Lynne Werner Senior Editor Adina Rose Levin Assistant Editor Chris Richardson Social Media and Photography Diana Delgado Pineda Business Manager Marina Piegari IT Consultant Héctor Cols Contributors Manuel Rivas, Emily Holgate, Jessica Bowler, Ian Gibbs, Lauren Horton, Mark Mahdavi Duc 6, 08002 Barcelona Tel. 93 451 4486 editorial@barcelona-metropolitan.com ads@barcelona-metropolitan.com The views expressed in Barcelona Metropolitan are not necessarily those of the publisher.

Reproduction, or use, of advertising or editorial content herein, without express permission, is prohibited. Depósito legal: B35159-96

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EMILY HOLGATE

Emily founded Utterly Events when she realized her hobby of event planning was turning into a second profession. With a background in big corporates, tiny startups and everything in between, she now concentrates on supporting scale-up businesses and founders across Europe and the U.S. When she’s not busy hosting events, she’s soaking up the rays at the beach, scaling limestone cliffs in the foothills of the Pyrenees or relaxing with a perfectly-brewed “cuppa.”

CHRIS RICHARDSON

Chris is a freelance editor, writer and podcaster who has recently moved to Barcelona from London. Having had a career as a Big Four consultant, and subsequently working with a startup founder, Chris returned to grad school to study journalism. He was previously Editor-in-Chief at a magazine in London and host at WonderLabs, a science and tech podcast available on Spotify and iTunes. He plans to make Barcelona his home. Find out more at chriskrichardson.com

DIANA DELGADO PINEDA

Diana is a photographer, filmmaker, content creator, writer, social media coordinator and storyteller. Her images have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune and Billboard.com. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a BFA and was heavily involved in Chicago’s nonprofit and creative arts scene.

She recently landed in Barcelona, but has been in love with “Barna” since 2015. She loves dancing all Latino genres, especially salsa, nd aspires to learn Kizomba. Find her at didelgado.com

IN THE CITY

new in town

INSTA-“CLAM”-ABLE 71 OYSTER BAR & COCTELERÍA LA PERLA. C/ D’ENRIC GRANADOS, 71 (BTWN. MALLORCA & PROVENÇA).  71OYSTERBAR.COM

Photo courtesy of 71 Oyster Bar.

While the jury is still out on its aphrodisiac status, the oyster still remains a culinary delicacy. And now Barcelonians can enjoy fresh oysters from Marennes-Oléron and Normandy at 71 Oyster Bar, alongside a selection of ceviches, tartars and other oceanic treats. Grab a stool at the bar and sample the selection before heading to 71’s own “hidden pearl,” La Perla, a clandestine club tucked away in the restaurant’s annex.

The bar captures the vibe of a Prohibitionera speakeasy and is the perfect place to enjoy a creative twist on classic cocktails as the night slowly descends.

MERCI BEAU-CHOUX PATACHOU. C/ ROGER DE LLURIA, 114 (BTWN. MALLORCA & PROVENÇA).  PATACHOU.ES

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Photo courtesy of Roots & Rolls.

Photo by Diana Delgado Pineda.

Perched among the busy Eixample Dreta blocks between La Pedrera, Sagrada Família and Casa de les Puntxes, this quaint, little spot is just as light and airy as the puffy dough it’s named after: pâte à choux (pronounced “pat-a-shoo”). Co-founders Thomas y Léopold met in business school and wanted to bring authentic French pastries to Barcelona, where they both fell in love with the lifestyle. But it’s about more than just butter, water, flour and eggs. Since its September 2017 opening, Patachou has grown into a café with savory options, local art and artisanal goods for sale, an intimate space for pastry-making workshops, as well as a catering business found at events and pop-up markets around the city.

NACARII. C/ BORI I FONTESTÀ, 4 (AT TURÓ PARC).  CAVIARNACARII.COM

Photo courtesy of The Perfumery.

CAVIAR & CAVA

Photo courtesy of Nacarii.

In the far northwestern corner of Catalunya bordering Aragon and France lies the Val d’Aran, a valley high in the Pyrenees mountains that’s home to the only Catalan rivers that flow into the Atlantic, making for an ideal climate to produce one of the most exclusive caviars in Europe: Nacarii. Visit their shop — which just celebrated one year in the zona alta! — to try Nacarii’s three signature caviar offerings (Tradición, Selección and Premium), as well as different cuts of smoked sturgeon and gourmet products like foie and preserves. But don’t just go there to shop! Settle in with a glass or two from their curated selection of vodkas, wines, cavas and champagnes, or plan your next private event in their second-floor salon.

KONNICHIWA ROOTS & ROLLS. C/ CONSELL DE CENT, 401 (BTWN. GIRONA & BAILÉN).  ROOTSANDROLLS.COM

With beautifully-presented combinations of rich, interesting flavors, even the most diehard of carnivores could be deceived by the fantastic plantbased selection at Roots & Rolls. The restaurant offers an interesting take on sushi plates, poké bowls and hot curry dishes, served alongside the usual rice and seasonal vegetables. Satisfy your taste buds and let the chefs take you on a journey through their own unique brand of Japanese/Asian fusion in a calm and relaxing ambient setting. If it’s traditional Japanese you’re after, you might want to keep looking. But if it’s an inventive vegan feast you desire, look no further.

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FIVE THINGS

TAKE A HIKE! Lace up your boots, choose a destination and hit the trails!

The brisk autumn weather makes for perfect hiking.

Bonus points if you manage to catch these trails just as the leaves are changing!

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EL CASTANYER DE LES NOU BRANQUES

Covering 300 square kilometers, Montseny park offers a multitude of hiking trails, from the family friendly to the more advanced. Situated about an hour to the north of Barcelona by car or train, it’s perfect for a last minute afternoon out. One popular autumn walk is the “Castanyer de les Nou Branques.”

Starting in Viladrau, it’s an easy seven-kilometer stroll that passes through a number of ecosystems and includes one of the park’s largest and most emblematic chestnut trees. turisme-montseny.com/en

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LA FAGEDA D’EN JORDÀ

Farther north near Olot are the famous beech groves of La Fageda d’en Jordà. Popular not only for its splendid autumn colors but also for the ancient volcanoes that dot the landscape, the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park is full of hiking options.

One of the most well-trodden trails in the fall flanks the Croscat volcano, plunges into the beech forest and climbs the Santa Margarida volcano. Known simply as “Route 1,” it is only 11 kilometers long and is easily completed in an afternoon. en.turismegarrotxa.com

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LA FAGEDA DE LA GREVOLOSA

Northeast of Vic is another lesser-known beech and oak grove that’s 300 years old, with majestic trees that span more than four meters in diameter and reach heights of over 40 meters. If you’re looking for an easy stroll, there is a short fourkilometer path that brings you through this magnificent forest. However, the eight-kilometer trail “la Grevolosa i la Serra de Llancers” is well worth the extra effort for the stunning views it offers of the surrounding valley. vallgesbisaura.com/caminades

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EL CAMÍ VORA TER

The historic Ter River comes alive with seasonal rains and brilliant colors, creating dazzling autumn displays. Tumbling from its source in the high Pyrenees, the river meanders through foothills, abandoned colònies (industrial towns), farmland and plains until it reaches the coast. The “Ruta del Ter (GR-210)” is a beautiful long-distance trail that follows the Ter’s riverbanks through rocky crevices and forests. Covering 220 kilometers in total, there is an 80-kilometer stretch — from Sant Joan de les Abadesses to Roda de Ter — that is easily accessible by train at various points. rutadelter.cat

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LA RUTA VITIVINÍCOLA DE SUBIRATS

Deep in Penedès wine country lies the Castell de Subirats, offering a panoramic view of the golden vineyards that stretch below the distant peaks of Montserrat. Less than an hour’s train ride away, the “Ruta Vitivinícola de Subirats” boasts a network of nine trails covering a total of 34 kilometers, each starting at the Lavern-Subirats train station. Many of them also pass by wine and cava producers, with informative panels on grape varieties, fieldwork and climatology along the way — and if you plan ahead, you might get some tasting in, too. enoturismepenedes.cat The American Society of Barcelona organizes sortides de senderisme (hikes) each month to explore the beautiful vistas throughout Catalunya. Details on upcoming trails are available online at: amersoc.com 9

IN THE CITY

streetlife

PASSATGE DE BOCABELLA & PASSATGE DE TASSO A stone’s throw from the bustling intersection at Plaça de Tetuan, these neighboring passatges (“passages”) offer a little place to amble along quiet sidewalks as people perch to ponder on outdoor steps.

CAL ROSSET No 155 C/NÀPOLS

DOSNOVENTA URBAN BIKES No 5 PSG. DE BOCABELLA

This homegrown organic and seasonal food store began in 2007 as a project by two passionate farmers and offers patrons a selection of local produce from trusted farmers, as well as a selection of the store’s own produce from their plot at Baix Llobregat Agricultural Park. With products certified as organic by the Catalan Council of Organic Production (CCPAE), Cal Rosset also partners with local cooperatives to help widen access to delicious foods created using sustainable growing methods. Get in touch directly to visit the o fields on the first Saturday of each month. calrosset.com

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With an infamous race team, ever-helpful staff and a strong worldwide community, Dosnoventa is a Barcelona biking institution. Featuring pre-built, complete bikes alongside customizable full-carbon frames with all the trimmings, the store offers a selection of the finest handcrafted bikes fresh out of Italy. The frames are named after noteworthy concrete jungles around the globe so you can decide which one to rep. And if frames really aren't your thing, Dosnoventa also boasts a wide selection of other accessories and eye-catching merch. dosnoventabikes.com

CREADUCTIONS No 6 PSG. DE BOCABELLA If the name sounds like a cross between "creativity"

and "productions," that's because those are the exact qualities that this Barcelona-based agency brings to the electronic music scene. The group was forged out of a diverse set of passionate music lovers from around the world, who focus on delivering unique experiences to audiences in club and events spaces.

Whether it’s event design, management or marketing, the team brings a wealth of experience to their event consultancy services. creaductions.com

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BAR RESTAURANT BOCABELLA No 136 C/ ROGER DE FLOR Inside this humble eatery you’ll find simple tables draped

in fresh white cloths, along with friendly staff who will make you feel right at home before serving you up a wonderful selection of homemade food and refreshing drinks. No wonder Bocabella is popular among locals.

Whether it’s traditional dishes, adventurous specialties or sandwiches to-go, your belly won’t be disappointed. And with a superb menú del dia available at an honest price — including dessert and coffee — your bank account won't be disappointed either. facebook.com/barbocabella

TIERRA TRÁGAME No 6 PSG. DE TASSO This skilled group of gastronomists has made it their mission to distribute the finest food to kitchens around the city. Dedicated to lost arts, small families and sustainability, Tierra Trágame moved to Barcelona from New York to set up this store in 2014.

It serves as a tasting space and warehouse, in which customers can sample some of the same products that are sold to the city’s top-rated restaurants and bars. Head on down to enjoy a glass of wine, cava or xerès surrounded by soothing background jazz. tierra-tragame.com

EL VITI TABERNA No 62 PSG. DE SANT JOAN This cosy tavern brands itself as a contemporary vermuteria and its ambient vibe confirms it. With calm mood lighting and snug tables, El Viti is a great place to get lost in conversation with old friends. If you fancy some air, the outdoor area is an ideal place to watch the evening go by as well. There’s an ample selection of available fare, including the famed grilled octopus, washed down with a refreshing cold beer or vermuth. elviti.com

Photo courtesy of Tierra Trágame © Andreu Font (In and Out Barcelona).

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IN THE CITY

SHELF AWARENESS A SELECTION OF BARCELONA’S BOOKSTORES WITH TITLES IN ENGLISH No matter how good your Castilian or Catalan is, at some point you're probably going to find yourself hankering for a good read in your mother tongue. Whether your style is more Hemingway or “Hunger Games,” you'll be able to find something to please at these shops across town.

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Hibernian Books

Llibreria Laie

This secondhand bookshop in Gràcia has been a critical resource for English-speaking residents for years. Hibernian stocks around 40,000 secondhand books, including biographies, fiction, nonfiction and also offers a small section of new books and overstocks. They even take custom order requests, too. Mon 16:00-20:30. Tue-Sat10:45-20:30. C/ Montseny, 17. hibernianbooks.com

One of the bigger and more established bookshop chains in Barcelona specializing in humanities, literature and arts, with a significant selection of books in English. The main shop is located off Gran Via — with a café, restaurant and patio on the second level — but it has branches in museums around the city. Mon-Fri 9:00-21:00. Sat 10:0021:00. C/ Pau Claris, 85. laie.es/en

COME IN Llibreria Anglesa

La Central

Just one block away from Rambla de Catalunya lies an English language bookstore with a wide selection of fiction, nonfiction and teaching resources, as well as greeting cards and children's books. Their long shelves of the latest releases and back corner of coursebooks and dictionaries will satisfy avid readers and diligent students alike. Mon-Fri 9:30-20:30. Sat 9:30-14:00, 16:3020:00. C/ Balmes, 129. libreriainglesa.com

Another specialty bookshop chain with an ample collection of books in English. This location off Rambla de Catalunya features a café, complete with outdoor patio. Mon-Fri 10:00-21:00. Sat 10:30-21:00. Carrer de Mallorca, 237. lacentral.com

BCN Books Leave it to the bookstore in Sant Gervasi that’s close to Barcelona British Institute to provide you with a wide range of English language teaching materials, fiction and travel guides. Mon-Fri 10:0020:00. C/ Amigó, 81. bcnbooks.com

Abracadabra Children’s Books A vibrant children's bookshop offering quality titles in a selection of languages, Abracadabra doubles as an activities space offering weekly workshops and storytelling. Mon-Sat 10:00-14:30, 16:30-20:00. C/ General Álvarez de Castro, 5. abracadabrallibres.com

Casa del Libro This nationwide chain stocks a section of English language books that range from literary classics to light reads, as well as a selection of guidebooks and language textbooks. Nine locations in the Barcelona area, including two stores on Rambla de Catalunya and one on Passeig de Gràcia. MonSat 9:00-21:00. casadellibro.com You can also find English language titles in some of the bigger FNAC shops (fnac.es), El Corte Inglés (elcorteingles.es) and even some of the central newspaper kiosks. Additional resources available at the British Council (britishcouncil.es) and Institut Nord-Americà (ien.es).

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Photo by Tara Shain.

HISTORY

HISTORY

ANSWER “EL CALL” DIVING INTO THE RICH JEWISH HISTORY CONTAINED IN THE WALLS OF THE BARRI GÒTIC

By Nick Lloyd

Photo by Pere López.

Small numbers of Jews may have arrived in Barcelona soon after 70 C.E. as part of the wave of migrants arriving in Europe fleeing Roman repression in Palestine. They settled in what became known as El Call, the labyrinth of narrow streets in the heart of the Gothic quarter.

T

he community prospered and reached its period of splendor in the 13 th century when four to five thousand people lived in the neighborhood, perhaps accounting for some 15 percent of the city’s population. El Call was the center of intellectual life in medieval Catalunya and provided the city with its doctors, lawyers, financiers and translators. Jews’ knowledge of many languages, especially Arabic, allowed them to work as traders and ambassadors for the Catalan count-kings.

However, officially, Jews were property of the crown and in 1215, papal instructions called for Jews to wear hoods and a red button sewn on their clothes to identify them. The rise of the Dominican order, the intellectual precursors of the Inquisition, was also an increasing threat.

The situation worsened when Barcelona was hit by a run of famines beginning in 1333 and in 1348, the Black Death struck, which took out an estimated fifth of the population. Many blamed Jews, leading to an attack on El Call in 1349.

By 1391, there was rising discontent with the economy, the municipal government and taxation; a few Jews were employed as tax collectors, making them an easy target of ire. On August 5th of that year, a righteous mob descended on the Call. By the end of the day, 300 people were dead, resulting in the effective extinction of the Call. This occurred despite King Joan I of Aragon’s attempts to make amends by giving Jews added privileges and tax exemptions.

Those survivors who could afford it emigrated to the Maghreb and the Eastern Mediterranean, but many stayed in Barcelona, moved out of the Call and converted en masse to Christianity. The abandoned synagogues were demolished, their stones used to build the royal palace and the new Generalitat building.

In 1480, the Spanish Inquisition aimed to maintain Catholic orthodoxy under “Catholic Kings” Ferdinand and Isabella and root out “false” converts from Islam and Judaism. The new converts became known respectively as moriscos and conversos or, in the insulting terms of the time, marranos or xuas (pigs). In Barcelona, the

repression began in 1487 when 12 people were burnt at the stake in Plaça del Rei along with 229 effigies of fugitives.

The final straw for the city’s Jewish community came in March 1492 with the edict to expel all Jews from the Spanish kingdoms, giving them four months to convert or go into exile. Despite the protests of Barcelona’s councillors, who claimed it would involve a great loss to the city as the Jews ran profitable trades such as the coral business, the expulsion of the remaining Jews went ahead.

Exploring the Call Start at Arc de Sant Ramon del Call, one of the old entrances to the Call. The front side of the building at the end of the street on the right is the Barcelona History Museum’s El Call location. Yet here toward the back, see if you can find a well-worn grove on the stone door frame. This may be a mezuzah where scriptures would’ve been left according to Jewish tradition.

Now head back a few meters to Carrer de Marlet. Immediately on your left is a replica of a stone marker in Hebrew dedicated to the memory of a 12th-century rabbi who donated money for a hospital.

You now reach the intersection with Sant Domènec del Call, the main street running through the Call, originally known as Sinagoga Major. All the street names were Christianized when the Jews abandoned the quarter and an effigy of Sant Dominic can be seen halfway along the street.

Outside the Call, along Banys Nous (“New Baths”) is Caelum, a bakery with an arcaded tearoom downstairs that the owners and many guidebooks claim to be the remains of the women’s section of the old Jewish baths.

Some of the most interesting and uncontroversially authentic remains are in Plaça de Sant Iu at the side of the cathedral where, if you’re observant, you can spot several stones with Hebrew inscriptions taken from the synagogues of the Call demolished after 1391 and used to build the 16th-century Palau del Lloctinent.

This text has been adapted from a 2011 article by the same author.

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FEATURE

“I OWE YOU MY LIFE” A LOVE LETTER TO HEALTHCARE IN BARCELONA AND A MATCH MADE IN TRANSPLANT HEAVEN

By Adina Rose Levin

M

any Americans share a similar nightmare: paying for healthcare. They fixate on that worst case scenario of how their lifesaving procedure might nearly kill their bank account. Even among those with health insurance plans, some still face surmounting bills whose average annual cost is twofold that of other wealthy countries and far exceeds the international average. All this for what President Trump calls “the best healthcare system in the world,” and yet the U.S. only ranks #31 on the World Health Organization's list of the countries with the longest life expectancy.

“That was the scariest part: She hands me a piece of paper and says, ‘Do not go home. Do not pack a bag. Do not get anything. I'm calling you a taxi.

We'll go right to the hospital.’”

Spain, however, ranks #4 on that list — #2 in Europe after Switzerland — and is expected to overtake the #1 spot from Japan by 2020 according to an October 2018 article in Business Insider. In 2017, Spain also had the highest rate of deceased organ donors in the world according to the International Registry in Organ Donation and Transplantation. In addition, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona's large public hospital, ranks best in the nation in nephrology, pneumology and digestive medicine and #2 in analysis and investigation according to ThinkSpain. com Numbers and superlatives aside, healthcare in Spain is essentially accessible, not just among its citizens but its foreigners too. In nowhere else is that more respected

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than here in Catalunya, whose CatSalut program currently covers all emergencies no matter where you're from. It also gives foreigners who are at minimum empadronats (registered) here access to second-level coverage in Catalunya, including primary and specialized care, reasonably priced medications, as well as mental health and rehabilitation.

Foreigners who are living and working in Catalunya get first-level coverage throughout all of Spain, which includes all of the services above, as well as complex procedures for a fraction of the price than in other countries. In 2015, for example, the average cost of an MRI scan was $1,116 in the U.S. and only $181 in Spain.

When it’s not being regulated by large insurance companies, pharmaceuticals and lobbyists, healthcare stops being a business and instead becomes a system that champions life. And that’s exactly what two Americans — Jamie Fulcher and Cole Ingersoll — had a second chance at thanks to living here in Barcelona and working with the teams at Hospital Clínic.

The pre-existing condition Jamie was born with adult polycystic kidney disease, a very rare condition in babies that kept her in the hospital for the first month of her life and put her on dialysis as a kid. “All of my life, I was always poked and prodded at the doctor,” she told Barcelona Metropolitan. “So when I was 17-18, I ignored my kidney disease because I didn’t feel sick.” She stayed on her parents’ healthcare plan for as long as she could and hoped for the best.

It was around that time as teenagers that Jamie met Cole in a psychology class and they quickly became involved in each others’ lives. After stints in states like Florida, Arizona, California and Oregon, and countries like Korea, Mexico and Ireland, the pair decided to take advantage of Cole’s Irish passport by getting married and attempting to make a living in the only EU country where their knowledge of Spanish would come in handy.

In 2012, they arrived in Barcelona and with her background in childhood education, Jamie quickly found work at an English summer camp (which Cole eventually took on while his wife’s paperwork was processing).

Shortly thereafter, Jamie wound up with a well-paid

Jamie Fulcher and Cole Ingersoll. Photo by Diana Delgado Pineda.

job at a primary school that was just opening up in the area; she’s still employed by that school to this day and is currently on unpaid leave for this year.

Yet just as Jamie was finding her groove in Barcelona, the music began to stop. What began as mild blood pressure issues while living in Mexico had been slowly tearing away at her body and she was losing steam. Short walks left her winded and small cuts became big bruises.

Following a difficult trip to Italy toward the end of the summer of 2013, she decided to visit the doctor, even though she hadn’t yet registered for any health insurance, public nor private, in Barcelona.

As a person living here, Jamie was entitled to a CatSalut card, which she quickly registered for and then went to the doctor. Tests were run and she was sent home with medication for a kidney infection and instructions to come back the next week. But with 30 years‘ worth of kidney infections under her belt, she felt something was different this time. The next day she went back and explained more about her condition to the doctor, who expedited the test results from four days to that very visit.

“That was the scariest part: She hands me a piece of paper and says, ‘Do not go home. Do not pack a bag. Do not get anything. I'm calling a you a taxi. We'll go right to the hospital.’ And I looked down at the paper and it said ‘grave,’ as in grave.”

Jamie was rushed to the nephrology department at Hospital Clínic, the nearest public hospital in her area, where she waited for four hours keeled over in a wheelchair. But when it was her turn to be seen, she was admitted right away and almost immediately a catheter was inserted through a vein in her neck to start dialysis.

The doctors were amazed by how calm she was despite the grave-ity of the situation.

Her mother, who happens to be a nurse, flew in that night from the U.S. to visit Jamie in the hospital and was surprised to see that her daughter was hooked up to topquality equipment in a public hospital. Assuming that her mother was from out of town and that Jamie was too, the hospital staff showed her mother to an office where they presented her with a bill. It was only then that Jamie started to get stressed because she realized her CatSalut card was still processing.

But Dr. Miquel Blasco, her nephrologist at the time, advocated for his patient. He called a friend in the social security department to rush the card and had everything taken care of quickly, leaving Jamie to rest easy and recover with her mom and husband.

The miracle treatment Jamie remained in the hospital for two more weeks.

When she was discharged, she returned for dialysis three days a week, five hours a day, with all visits covered by CatSalut. (In the U.S. dialysis is covered by Medicare.) The state provided her with up to a year and a half of paid medical leave from work, which she could also extend unpaid for as long as she needed. By January, she felt ready to go back to working at the school and Jamie’s employers modified her hours to allow her to continue dialysis.

Yet earlier on in the fall, just a month after the incident, Jamie was already thinking about getting a kidney transplant. She knew if she had one within the year there was a higher chance that the transplant would be successful. She got in touch with Dr. Ignacio Revuelta, who was head of live donor transplant at Hospital Clínic, to discuss options. At first, Jamie’s father came in from the States to explore the possibility of being her donor.

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Dr. Vicens Torregrosa. Photo by Diana Delgado Pineda.

However, he was skeptical about giving his kidney to his daughter in a foreign country, even if Spain was rated one of the top countries in Europe for transplants, and Hospital Clínic was the best in Spain for kidney transplants.

It was then that her husband Cole volunteered to undergo the tests to see if he could donate his kidney.

Even if he wasn’t a match for Jamie, putting him on Catalunya’s local donor list and Spain’s national donor list — the most robust per capita in the world — would have triggered a complex chain reaction in the donation and transplantation cross-network that might have increased his wife’s chances of receiving a kidney. (Cole’s tests were also covered by CatSalut.)

After months of waiting for the results, the couple returned to Dr. Revulta’s office in May. “It was one of those times,” Cole recalls, “where he’s like, ‘I have news for you.’” Not only was Cole’s kidney healthy, but to everyone’s surprise, it was a terrific match for Jamie — even better than her own father’s kidney.

While luck played some role in that, nephrology coordinator at Hospital Clínic Dr. Vicens Torregrosa mentions that for transplants, “ideally the kidneys have to be the same age because kidneys have a life too.” And after a decade and a half together, Jamie and Cole had spent the majority of their lives living with similar habits and in the same environments.

The doctors initially wanted the procedure to happen just two weeks later, but Jamie and Cole still needed time to get their heads around it. They couldn’t believe it was all happening so quickly. They were able to postpone it

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a bit longer, giving their families, friends and employers more time to plan.

The couple arrived at Hospital Clínic on June 10, 2014 for the procedure, which they knew would take up the majority of the day. They were wheeled into separate wards — she into nephrology and he into urology — and didn’t meet again until nearly 12 hours later. Still recovering from anaesthesia, they were wheeled into the same room and their hands met.

Jamie remained in the hospital for a few weeks while Cole was able to leave after just a few days, yet a postprocedure cough seemed to have ruptured a blood vessel in his stomach. During a FaceTime call from home while his wife was in the hospital, doctors were able to see his condition on her iPad and had him brought back to the hospital for a week longer. Aside from that unexpected turbulence, the recovery went smoothly for both. The day after Jamie got out of the hospital, she was already climbing the Sagrada Família with her mom, who was in town for just a little while longer after having flown in again to be there for the transplantation.

Behind the scenes What happened to Jamie and Cole seems like it came straight out of a movie: the man who stole her heart and then gave her his kidney. But in reality, the medical care and actual donation and transplantation process, is a very complex system — one that’s rich in rewards for patients, not for private companies. It’s the result of more than 25 years of hard work spearheaded by Spain’s Transplant Procurement Management (TPM), which was founded in

1991 and merged into the Donation Transplant Institute (DTI) in 2010.

Dr. Torregrosa arrived at Hospital Clínic’s nephrology department just as TPM was getting off the ground. The idea was for doctors to collaborate with the TPM, which would help professionalize how transplants were managed.

Dr. Torregrosa became coordinator, a role that hadn’t yet existed. “Transplantation is not as simple as ‘I take out an organ from this person and give it to this other person and that’s that,” says Dr. Torregrosa. “There’s a whole interplay as soon as the pathology is detected." With both regional and national components, the transplant list here in Catalunya and Spain is absolutely transparent and must be maintained, with no wiggle room. “People aren’t that aware that the inner workings of the matching system are not that simple.”

The development of DTI has helped transplantation specialists like Dr. Torregrosa share these successful methods worldwide as well as develop systems that can adapt to the unique circumstances of each country, many of which are ill-equipped and underserved to begin with. The organization hosts workshops abroad to help train local doctors and medical professionals to become transplantation coordinators, as well as offers courses here in Spain, with the national nephrologists congress held in Dr. Torregrosa’s hometown of Cocentaina, Valencia every year.

don’t need at least when you pass away,” mentions Dr. Torregrosa. Spain currently leads the pack with the highest rate of actual deceased donors in the in the world at 46.9 per million people in 2017.

From numbers to actual people Another number worth considering when it comes to transplants is $750,000. That’s what Jamie and Cole estimate their bills in 2013 and 2014 would have cost them in the U.S., where Jamie’s pre-existing kidney condition made it challenging and expensive to get health insurance.

The post-transplant medication for her new kidney currently costs her 29 euros a month, whereas in the U.S. it can be as high as $2,500 according to what Jamie looked up. Cole adds, “In the United States, it might look like a four-star hotel but that’s just the surface. Doctors here asked why we didn’t get this taken care of before and I was like ‘When I lived in the U.S. I couldn’t afford to go to the doctor or hospital.’”

But it’s not just the price tag that’s different, it’s the treatment itself as well. “They all have a very personal way of dealing with you,” Jamie explains. “It’s a very humanizing system and they don’t question why you’re using it. They just take care of you and it takes a lot of the fear away.” It not only relieves much of the stress, which has significant health benefits, but also allows for more measures like preventative care. And that can lead to a longer, healthier life.

“If you come to a place and you see elderly people walking — by themselves, not in an old people’s home — you know you’re in a good place,” says Jamie. “I see them go in for a chat with their doctor, even if they’re not sick, just to keep this open dialogue about their health because it’s important.”

That said, the system here is not perfect.

Many often complain about issues such as wait times, but especially the recent reductions in the national healthcare budget. Signs that say “NO MORE CUTS!” in the form of giant scissors adorn the walls of Hospital Clínic, as well as multiple clinics throughout the region. The pair continues to defend the system wholeheartedly and encourages others to do so as well.

“You can’t tell people in the U.S. what life is like over here,” says Cole. “It’s like that barrier of understanding is wider than the ocean between us. They have no context for imagining that you can just get help because you’re a human and your life is worth more than the money.”

Ultimately, Jamie and Cole’s story is about more than just healthcare. It’s about actual care — and just like love, that’s something you can’t buy, no matter where you live.

Foreigners who are living and working in Catalunya get first-level coverage throughout all of Spain ... for a fraction of the price than in other countries. In 2015, for example, the average cost of an MRI scan was $1,116 in the U.S. and only $181 in Spain.

Since its inception, DTI has trained more than 14,000 people in organ donation and tissue banking, benefitting more than 100 countries and saving more than 2,450 lives.

In 2017 alone, training increased 15% and 7% of participants were new students, with four new regions supported by DTI’s Foundation and six new delegations visited.

“There were very few people when it was first [just the] TPM,” adds Dr. Torregrosa. “DTI allowed for projects that have received grants from the European Union.

Research has increased a lot.” It’s these E.U. funds that have also allowed for projects to spread the word about organ donation. Organizations like Transplantando Sonrisas work with DTI to create awareness campaigns that encourage the public to become organ donors and help those who are attached to dialysis machines or are terminally ill.

Like Cole, expats in Spain can become donors too.

“People have no idea that there are hundreds waiting for something you already have, something that you

Did you know?

One person’s organs can save up to eight lives.

One person’s tissues can save and enhance up to 100 lives.

The Donation and Transplant Institute needs donors for both organs and financial contributions. Learn more at tpm-dti.com

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MINDING YOUR BUSINESS REFLECTIONS FROM A BARCELONA-BASED ENTREPRENEUR THREE YEARS INTO STARTING HER OWN COMPANY

By Emily Holgate

Snapshot from the Mind The Product conference in London where Utterly Events coordinated the sponsorship and exposition area. (Courtesy of Utterly Events).

B

arcelona is home to hundreds of new startups every year, making for an ever-growing community of local founders who are faced with ever-changing business expectations. Technology and globalization have made it easier to build remote teams, yet they have also forced us to reassess workflow and productivity. While we are increasingly connected to clients and colleagues, these relationships are often distant and shallow, making us more independent and isolated than ever before.

Modern day founders are forced to innovate constantly in order to keep up with these latest trends. Each generation to enter the workplace has new notions on how to work, communicate and develop careers. For older generations, understanding the myriad new options available to digital nomads can be intimidating and confusing.

More and more people today are working remotely, enjoying flexible hours, working from home or cafés and touching base with their teams via video or instant chat. This is convenient and efficient for the individual, yet it can be a huge strain on a company’s culture and internal relationships, which raises a difficult question for founders and team leaders ...

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How do you develop and maintain a team culture of communication when most members of that team have never even met?

There are several ways to build a strong culture despite a geographically dispersed business. Apps like Slack and Skype allow teams to stay connected, but we need to build on these systems to actively encourage a culture of open discussion, trust and regular feedback.

This isn’t an easy process, and there are many different ways of going about it, starting with honest communication within senior management teams to set the example for everyone else.

According to entrepreneur and employee engagement expert Glenn Elliott, who built a $1 billion revenue global tech business where he was CEO for 11 years, it’s in founders’ best interests to make communication a priority. In his book “Build It: The Rebel Playbook for Employee Engagement,” he highlights various case studies that demonstrate how engaged employees with a shared company vision build stronger, more resilient businesses.

Undoubtedly, one of the best forms of communication is still face-to-face. In studies by Gallup and Harvard Business

team members, team days are the perfect opportunity to build excitement and motivation by addressing future plans or newsworthy company updates.

As long as it’s frequent, consistent and encourages in-person contact between people who wouldn’t necessarily have much contact, team days are certainly a step in the right direction toward better communication. In my experience, on both my own team and the companies we plan events for, after just a few years of incorporating team days into an annual schedule, I’ve found that all of the teams tend to be much stronger and more cohesive.

Building your own network

Review, it is highlighted that in-person interactions are far more beneficial because they result in better problem solving, increased trust, quicker decision making, stronger bonds and, in some cases, even long-term happiness. That means that regular face-to-face contact should remain a vital part of any organization, even more so in today’s increasingly connected world.

This is our focus at Utterly Events and why I founded the company three years ago. We facilitate opportunities for companies to meet face-to-face, strengthen their culture and celebrate their teams. We know firsthand the challenges that founders face and we enable them to build cross-functional/ regional relationships in an interactive and engaging environment.

The most effective way to get the ball rolling is to have a budget in place for team days and offsites. This doesn’t necessarily mean an all-employees trip abroad, with an endless program and an open bar tab. (However, I wouldn’t rule it out if you have the budget!) Instead it can be as simple as quarterly team days, with ice-breaker activities and ideally some form of training or education. In addition to developing bonds between

I am fortunate enough to have met many founders with businesses of different shapes and sizes. Across them all, one of the top three priorities is maintaining company culture, especially as those companies scale up. However, there is another major aspect of communication that founders, more often than not, don’t take into consideration: maintaining their own communications and support network.

Being a founder — especially a founder without co-founders — can be a lonely existence, one that’s been exacerbated by our increasingly isolating digital environment. I see this in most of the other fellow founders I work with. They have no bosses nor overarching structure to guide them because they themselves are responsible for all aspects of the business. They dedicate their lives to nourishing and growing that business, which often results in a lack of social interactions with friends, family and people outside of their industry.

Obviously, this does not apply to everyone. However, most successful founders that I meet rely on and cherish their network. I would encourage anyone, founder or not, to work on developing a circle of support, whether it’s made of family, friends, professional contacts or all of the above. Some of the most valuable networks are peer-to-peer, developing relationships with other founders at a similar level. After all, it’s very reassuring to know you can lean on people who understand what you are going through because they’ve been there themselves too.

No matter the country, industry or business model, founders face similar problems with company culture, communication and management — problems that are best discussed, well, face-toface! But where?

At Smiling Barracuda, a club launched by Utterly Events for “overworked, underpaid” founders, members get access to a platform from which they develop valuable connections with experts and peers alike. To date, Smiling Barracuda has connected founders who are about to fundraise with finance directors and other founders who have gone through several rounds of fundraising — both successful and not — for advice and support. We’ve also matched founders with grant writers to help win awards and government funding and we’ve welcomed universities and wider initiatives to support research and provide internships. All this, in addition to workshops in which we encourage open discussion on topics such as remote working, which is still a relatively new concept that most of us are still trying to figure out how best to manage.

Thanks to Barcelona, where Utterly was founded and where our core team currently operates. Barcelona is still building the kind of centralized startup support system that cities like London and Berlin already have in heaps. To compete with those big tech hubs, we aim to create a foundation of trust among local founders and their businesses through in-person events. By encouraging them to develop a trusted network of other like-minded people, their knowledge and inspiration will spread among their employees, partners and Barcelona’s startup community at large.

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music SYMPHONIES OF ANGELS AND DEMONS

L’AUDITORI. NOVEMBER 18.

Two stunning performances. One superb evening! First, the Barcelona Municipal Band takes the audience on a journey through Dante’s depictions of heaven, hell and purgatory, bringing his divine comedy to life through spectacular sound. Next, the Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya (ESMUC) Band explores the brilliant and untapped diversity of archangel personalities.

Throughout both, conductor José R. Pascual-Vilaplana serves as a trusted guide, facilitating the unravelling of well-known entities of the Abrahamic faiths. As José notes, “the score is like a Swiss watch: precision made, full of skill whilst also providing beauty, serenity, elegance and class.” The show will take place in the epic L’Auditori, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning RIBA Royal Gold Medalist, architect Rafael Moneo. auditori. cat/en/symphonies-of-angels-and-demons

IN CONCERT

NOVEMBER 2nd-4th. Mozart Piano Concerto No. 21.

L’Auditori. Lepant 150.

3rd. Johnny Cash Tribute.

La Nau. C/Àlaba 30.

7th. Beth Hart.

Sala BARTS. Paral· lel 62.

9th. YolanDa Brown.

Jamboree Jazz Club. Plaça Reial 17.

10th. Los Planetas.

L’Auditori. Lepant 150.

13th. Magpie Salute.

Razzmatazz. Pamplona 88.

16th. Tomatito and José Mercé.

Palau de la Música. Palau de la Música 4–6.

16th-18th. Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique.

L’Auditori. Lepant 150.

19th. Kool and the Gang.

Gran Teatre del Liceu. La Rambla 51–59.

Photo courtesy of L’Auditori. © May Zircus.

22nd. Beethoven’s 9th Symphony.

Palau de la Música. Palau de la Música 4–6 23rd. London Community Gospel Choir.

Petit Palau. Palau de la Música 4–6.

25th. Homage to Big Jay McNeely.

Jamboree Jazz Club. Plaça Reial 17.

30th. Antilopez.

Sala BARTS. Paral· lel 62.

Photo courtesy of Diego el Cigala. © Anya Bartels Suermondt.

DIEGO EL CIGALA

PALAU DE LA MÚSICA. NOVEMBER 14.

Grammy winner and flamenco legend Diego el Cigala returns to the Palau to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the album that propelled him to international stardom: “Lágrimas negras,” a collaboration with the late, multi-Grammy award-winning artist from Cuba, Bebo Valdés. Their collection of sones and boleros gained the recognition of music critics and fans everywhere, proving to many that there was opportunity to reconsider seemingly untouchable Miguel Matamoros classics. Cigala will perform the works from the album in honor of Valdés and the mark he left on his life, with Gràcia local Jaime Calabuch on the piano, Marco Niemietz on bass and Israel Suárez on percussion. palaumusica.cat

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Photo courtesy of El Gran Teatre del Liceu.

50TH VOLL-DAMM FESTIVAL INTERNACIONAL DE JAZZ DE BARCELONA VARIOUS LOCATIONS. UNTIL DECEMBER 21.

It’s the jazz festival that’s brought Wynton Marsalis, Miles Davis and hundreds more to Barcelona and this year marks its 50th edition. Take advantage of concerts, conferences, master classes and films — many free! — at venues big and small throughout the city. Celebrate the genre that was once considered “blasphemy” before transforming into an integral part of culture, thanks to the support of fans and institutions like the Hot Club of France. Highlights this month include Amadou & Mariam, Diego el Cigala, Tomatito, The Bad Plus, Madeleine Peyroux, the suite from the 2007 film “There Will Be Blood” performed by the Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya, plus piano works performed by jazz pianist and composer Brad Mehldau. jazz.barcelona

KÁTYA KABANOVÁ

EL GRAN TEATRE DEL LICEU. NOVEMBER 8-22.

Renowned American soprano Patricia Racette, a regular at the Metropolitan Opera and San Francisco Opera, stars as Kátya in Leoš Janáček’s eponymous opera about a young wife who is constantly rebuked by her mother-in-law and has an affair with another man while her husband is away. In a naturalistic production of this 20th-century classic, director David Alden offers a striking spectacle that explores the visual hallmarks of Soviet totalitarianism and “delves deep into a dysfunctional, pathologically obsessed society, bent on exerting control over other human beings,” according to the Liceu. This is passion at its most tragic and is based on composer Janáček’s real-life love for Kamila Stösslová, for whom this opera was dedicated when it premiered in 1921. liceubarcelona.cat

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6JOHN SCOFIELD COMBO 66

John Scofield with Gerald Clayton, Bill Stewart & Vicente Archer play as part of the 50th International Jazz Festival Barcelona.

Sala BARTS. 8:30 pm.

W HOTEL TUESDAY ECLIPSE A party every Tuesday on the 26th floor. Free entrance until 1:30 am

by RSVPing to the guestlist.

W Hotel. 10:30 pm.

5PALAU DEL JAZZ

An exhibition following the journey jazz has taken to finally arrive in Barcelona. Original documents and photos from past Jazz Festivals at the Palau.

Palau de la Musica. Until Dec. 16.

LEARNING & MEMORY IN THE ERA OF DIGITAL DISTRACTIONS A talk about how the internet affects memory and guidance on how to take back control without getting rid of your tech. Monday Coworking Barceloneta, Passeig de Sant Joan de Borbó, 99. 7:00 pm.

TUE SDAY

1

M ONDAY

BIG IF 5 Every night features four neverbefore-seen and never-to-berepeated improvised comedy and theater shows.

Teatre El Cercle. Nov 7-10.

The third startup competition for entrepreneurs, hosted by the Lean In EU Women in Business Angel Community. Exhibit your pitch and connect with interesting projects.

Sala mVentures. 6:00-8:00 pm.

7WOMEN PITCHING BATTLE

3

WED NE SDAY

FRIDAY

CLARENCE BEKKER Clarence Bekker was discovered on the streets of Barcelona. Now he takes the stage, playing jazz and soul groove regularly on Thursdays.

Jamboree Jazz Club. 8:00-11:00 pm.

A digital arts festival based on three interconnected areas: exhibition, dissemination and education.

Fabra i Coats. Nov 8-10.

8MIRA DIGITAL ARTS FESTIVAL

STANLEY KUBRICK Explore the chronological journey of director Stanley Kubrick’s work and career.

CCCB. Until Mar. 31.

Flamenco show performed in the beautiful 17th-century palace in the Gothic Quarter.

Palau Dalmases. 6:00-7:30 pm.

AFRICA FASHION WEEK A show exhibiting some of the best designs from emerging African fashion designers.

Palace Hotel. Nov. 10-11.

Learn about different perspectives to creating a zero waste life. Attend workshops and other activities.

Apocapoc BCN. 9:00 am-9:00 pm.

PEPPERS AND FOO FIGHTERS An alternative rock night honoring famous 90s bands by covering all the best hits from Red Hot Chili Peppers and Foo Fighters. Sala Boveda. 8:00 pm.

5TH ADCE EUROPEAN CREATIVITY FESTIVAL Featuring a packed program of conferences, workshops and networking opportunities delivered by some of the most innovative and inspiring people in Europe. Disseny Hub. Nov. 9-10.

10 FESTIVAL ZERO WASTE

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS BARCELONA A Day of the Dead celebration where you can check out ofrendas (altars), watch the film “Coco” and enjoy Mexican delicacies.

Creu Coberta Meeting Point. Noon to 9:00 pm.

A creative market in Barcelona with live music, unique designs and gourmet bites. C/ Pellaires, 30.

11:00 am-9:00 pm.

3PALO ALTO MARKET

SAT URDAY

9TRIBUTE TO RED HOT CHILI

ELVIS PRESLEY TRIBUTE Remember the King with an Elvis Presley Tribute night.

Club Sarau 08911. 11:30 pm1:30 am.

EXPERIENCE National saxophonist Chris Mitchell performs Latin, R&B and contemporary classics from Whitney Houston to Luis Miguel.

AC Hotel. 7:30 pm-9:30 pm.

1FLAMENCO AT PALAU DALMASES 2THE CHRIS MITCHELL

T HURSDAY

SWING AT LA PLAÇA DE LA SEDETA Dance to swing music in the park at this monthly gathering organized by SwingCats.

Jardins de la Sedeta. Noon.

Get to know more of the history of the city with a free walking tour of the Gothic Quarter. Look for the guide with the white umbrella.

Café Zurich. 11:00 am.

11 FREE GOTHIC QUARTER TOUR

POETRY SLAM BARCELONA A monthly poetry contest and platform for oral expression and contemporary literature. Free entrance.

CCCB. 6:00-8:00 pm.

Live wrestling matches with the superstars of RAW. Palau Sant Jordi. 5:00 pm.

4WWE LIVE

SUN DAY

NOVEMBER 2018

THIS MONTH

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RUMBA WITH LOS SARANDONGOS Participatory activity for secondary, advanced level and vocational education students.

L’Auditori. 1:00 pm.

SPANISH WINE AND TAPAS TOUR A two-hour tour that guides you through true Spanish cuisine and gastronomy.

Meet in front of Hotel Silken Concordia. 7:00 pm.

KIZOMBA CLASS Free kizomba dance class with Fer and Jessica every Wednesday.

Registration required.

Acadèmia Dansa Alina Babayan.

9:30-10:30 pm.

DREAM Meeting-conference by Albert Beorlegui at the dance school Swing Maniacs, around the Symphonic concert.

Swing Maniacs Dance School.

6:30 pm.

NOIR AND HORROR Debate on the following films: “Killer’s Kiss” (1955), “The Killing” (1956), “Lolita” (1962), “The Shining” (1980) and “Eyes Wide Shut” (1999).

CCCB. 6:30-8:00 pm

JEFF DARKO LIVE Barcelona-based artist bringing Afro sounds with a clear influence from the 80s.

Marula Café. 10:30 pm.

Live authentic belly dance show on Avinguda de Gaudí.

Aladdin Restaurant. 10:00 pm.

30 BELLY DANCING AT ALADDIN

SABARTÉS BY PICASSO

BY SABARTÉS An exhibition that seeks to revive Jaume Sabartés not only as the friend and confidant of the most influential painter of the 20th century.

Picasso Museum. Until Feb. 24.

Flamenco/pop singer Malu arrives in Barcelona to sing all her biggest hits.

Palau Sant Jordi. 9:00 pm.

23 MALÚ

TECHSTARS STARTUP WEEKEND 54-hour event designed to provide superior experiential education for technical and nontechnical entrepreneurs.

Cahoot Coworking. Nov. 16-18.

Winners of the Pop Eye awards for Emerging Talent 2017, Alice & The Wonders take us back to the sound of the rhythm & blues of the 40s and 50s.

Jamboree Jazz Club. 8:00-10:00 pm.

16 ALICE & THE WONDERS

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BARCELONA WITCH MARKET An annual fantasy festival in which fairs of wizards and witches are recreated in a Barcelona school of magic.

Edificio Historico UB. Nov. 24-25.

A place where world grooves meet to delight you with disco, afrobeat, early house, high life, champeta, zouk, soca, kwaito and other funky flavors.

LAUT. 11:59 pm.

24 POLY-RYTHMO AT LAUT

LIBERXINA, POP AND NEW ARTISTIC BEHAVIORS, 1966-1971 Exhibition on the artistic proposals that were produced in Catalonia during the second half of the 1960s, which shared the ideals of generational renewal and revolution.

Museu Nacional d’Art Catalunya.

Until Apr. 22.

The best fusion between a concert and a masterclass.

El New Cel. 4:30-10:30 pm.

17 ZUMBA LIVE CONCERT

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SAX PARTY: HOMAGE TO BIG JAY MCNEELY Dani Nel· lo, Dani Pérez and Pere Miró “play” tribute to one of the biggest saxophonist in the history of jazz.

Jamboree Jazz Club. 8:00 pm.

EXIT PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP Photographs, interview transcripts, drafts and other materials relating to the book “Survival Programmes.” Free guided tours on Sundays.

Palau de la Virreina. Until Feb. 17.

25 SURVIVAL PROGRAMMES:

CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE REALISM The exhibit brings together 60 realistic paintings from the permanent collection of the Hoki Museum in Japan.

Museu Europeu d’Art Modern.

Until Nov. 30.

The first trade fair for wool from Barcelona created by and for weavers.

CREC Coworking. 10:00 am.

18 BARCELONA KNITS FESTIVAL

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR WEBSITE BARCELONA-METROPOLITAN.COM

UNA CERTA FOSCOR This latest exhibition at CaixaForum examines the juxtaposition of physical art with the concept of art itself.

CaixaForum. Until Jan. 5.

BIOGRAPHY An exhibition analyzing the correlation between form and political content.

Fundació Antoni Tàpies. Until Feb. 2019

28 29 WEST SIDE STORY: SYMPHONIC ANTONI TÀPIES: POLITICAL

27 FAMILY PORTRAITS: KUBRICK

ASB THANKSGIVING DINNER The American Society of Barcelona hosts a traditional Thanksgiving dinner complete with roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatos, gravy, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie and more!

Advanced reservation required at: amersoc.com Renaissance Barcelona Hotel.

8:00 pm.

MALLU MAGALHÃES Brazilian singer, songwriter and musician brings indie pop/folk to Barcelona. L’Auditori. 8:30 pm.

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JOHN CARLIN TALKS TO LÍDIA HEREDIA English journalist and author John Carlin chats with fellow journalist, TV director and presenter Lídia Heredia.

La Pedrera. 7:00-9:00 pm.

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LOVE ME TONIGHT FILM The Filmoteca plays a Hollywood classic from the 1930s.

Filmoteca de Catalunya. 8:30 pm.

BLUES JAM SESSION Led by Hernán ‘El Chino’ Senra, transform your Tuesday evenings with this weekly blues and swing session.

Harlem Jazz Club. 10:30 pm.

KOOL & THE GANG The gang plays its set of hits like “Celebration,” “Get Down On It,” “Jungle Boogie,” “Joanna” and “Take My Heart.”

Gran Teatre del Liceu. 9:00 pm.

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THE GRAMOPHONE ALLSTARS BIG BAND The band leads you through soul, jazz and Jamaican rhythms.

They will play themes from Stevie Wonder, Harry Belafonte, Ray Barretto, The Slackers, The Skatalites and Nina Simone.

Sala BARTS. 9:00 pm.

AMERICAN SOCIETY HAPPY HOUR Join the ASB to meet fellow expats and network in the English language community. All are welcome!

Renaissance Barcelona Hotel.

8:00 pm..

PAINT AND WINE NIGHTS Guiris en Barcelona hosts a paint and wine night every Wednesday.

Use the code GUIRI to save 15% on your reservation.

Arte Bar. 7:00-10:00 pm.

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SUMMIT The International Search Summit, the only event dedicated entirely to international search marketing topics and challenges, is heading to Barcelona again.

Hotel 1898. 9:30 am-5:00 pm.

15 INTERNATIONAL SEARCH

Meet top investors, entrepreneurs, developers and journalists from all around the world in the second edition of the Startup Grind Barcelona Conference.

Auditori AXA. 8:00 am-7:00 pm.

14 STARTUP GRIND CONFERENCE

NILS FRAHM Israeli conductor Eliahu Inbal, German artist Nils Frahm one of the greatest living masters, performs at L'Auditori in conducts Bruckner's Symphony the Sit Back series with the No. 4. collaboration of Primavera Sound.

L’Auditori. 8:30 pm.

L'Auditori. 9:00 pm.

19 ROMANTIC SYMPHONY

THE SPIRIT OF MONTMARTRE An exhibition focusing on Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's years in Montmartre.

CaixaForum. Until Jan. 20.

British pop band The Coral mixes a variety of music influences from Motown to old school country.

Sidecar. 9:00 pm.

CHALLENGES AND POLITICAL STRATEGIES In this lecture, Corine Pelluchon urges us to put an end to the degrading treatment of animals, to include them as subjects in our moral community and as part of the framework of a new global zoopolitics. CCCB. 6:30 pm.

SMART CITY EXPO WORLD CONGRESS Smart City Expo provides a platform to learn about the challenges and opportunities digital transformation brings to cities.

Fira Barcelona-Gran Via Venue.

Nov. 13-15.

13 THE CORAL

12 THE ANIMAL CAUSE: ETHICAL

misc BIG IF 5

BARCELONA IMPROV GROUP. TEATRE EL CERCLE. NOVEMBER 7-10.

Now in its 5th year, the Barcelona Improv Group’s International Festival (“BIG IF” for short) brings talented improv performers from over 20 different countries — including France, Poland, Israel and the U.K. — to Barcelona for four days of unscripted theater and laughs. Each night offers four different improv styles, with 16 showcased across the festival. Experience one night with a 10€ ticket, or grab a 25€ multiday festival pass to enjoy the full works. According to BIG director Noah Levin, improvized comedy and theater are all about “making a genuine connection with the audience so you can create scenes on stage that seem utterly real in that moment.” And that’s the thing about improv: it’s created on the spot, based on audience suggestions and whatever you experience — be it funny, surreal or sad — is 100% unique! barcelonaimprovfestival.com

SMART CITY EXPO WORLD CONGRESS

FIRA BARCELONA. GRAN VIA VENUE. AVINGUDA JOAN CARLES I, 64. NOVEMBER 13-15.

18,700+ attendees. 700+ cities. 675 exhibitors. 400+ speakers. The leading international event on urban development returns to Barcelona to promote social innovation, establish partnerships and identify business opportunities. The three-day congress will be split across five rooms, each focusing on a particular area (Digital Transformation, Urban Environment, Mobility, Governance & Finance and Inclusive & Sharing Cities) and includes keynotes and conversations with leading industry figures and governmental authorities. Throughout the Expo, delegates will be tasked with considering how we can create better cities, with citizens’ needs at the heart of the decision-making. Head down to find out more about the urban technological innovation happening in Barcelona and get a taste of things to come. smartcityexpo.com

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STARTUP GRIND BARCELONA CONFERENCE 2018

AUDITORI AXA. AVINGUDA DIAGONAL, 547.

NOVEMBER 14-15.

This month, 900 entrepreneurs, investors and VIPs will descend on Barcelona for Startup Grind’s annual flagship event. The two-day tech conference is a chance to get a finger on the pulse of Barcelona’s booming tech scene, with keynote speakers from thought leaders, as well as plenty of time to meet other delegates from all over Europe. Whether it’s pondering the future, forging business opportunities or chatting over a cold beer, the conference aims to create and empower the community that will help shape the city’s tech and startup scenes. With speakers from the likes of Google, Shazam, N26, Dow Jones, Codecademy, WikiTribune, HubSpot and more, there’s something for everyone. startupgrind.cat

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misc

L’ALTERNATIVA FILM FESTIVAL

CCCB. NOVEMBER 12-18.

Now in its 25th year, l’Alternativa Film Festival is back this fall to offer screenings and activities that “value creative freedom, diversity, innovation, commitment and thought-provoking reflection” featuring the best shorts and features in independent film. This year kicks off with the Barcelona premiere of “Entre dos aguas,” the latest film from director Isaki Lacuesta, who took home the top prize (Concha de Oro) at the San Sebastián Film Festival in September. Nearly 170 international films are screened each year in two competitive sections: Official (feature films and short films) and Paral· leles (tributes, premieres, obscure films, and works from new directors, family screenings).

Beyond the competitive elements, screenings, performances and debates will take place in the CCCB’s Hall throughout the festival.

Festivalgoers can also choose from additional workshops, round tables and other related activities. alternativa.cccb.org

WHY DO WE THINK ABOUT FOOTBALL? DIALOGUE WITH SIMON CRITCHLEY

CCCB. NOVEMBER 20.

British philosopher and lifelong Liverpool fan, Simon Critchley has constructed a theory in which he brings together football and the human condition. He suggests that the game concentrates all of life’s ingredients: space, time, passion, reason, beauty, emotions, destiny, uncertainty and chance. Although the game has become a paradigm of unbridled capitalism and inequalities, Critchley ventures that it is a sport in which solidarity and collective identity prevail. Football teams have their own stories, myths and values. And on many occasions these end up fusing with those of the city they represent. (Text adapted from CCCB.) Free event part of the Thinking Biennale, Open City (#CiutatOberta) initiative. cccb.org

28 A | WHAT’S ON

badi W

SPONSORED

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ith an average age of 32, Badi users in Barcelona span a wide range of nationalities, including a strong contingent of university students, who are all seeking housing beyond the 30-day minimum.

Rather than simply occupying a room for a couple hundred euros each month, these people want someone who matches their lifestyle. This helps create homes — not just flats — in which roommates genuinely enjoy the living arrangement rather than dread it.

The community is at the heart of the app and is facilitated through intelligent matches that bring people together based on their preferences, including age and interests. Whether it’s a morning gym routine, evening dance class or reading a book in solitude, Badi captures important details that help match compatible people in smart, meaningful ways, rather than taking a gamble on a critical aspect of one’s own living arrangement.

The app’s secure payment channel provides trust and security, eliminating

the need for intermediaries, unexpected service fees and the possibility of any fraudulent activities. Badi provides a pain-free means through which users can pay for bookings in advance, allowing them to focus their efforts on simply finding the right person or the right room and not waste energy on the security concerns that have historically troubled people seeking new apartments.

Using the app is simple — and browsing is free. Users can create an account to list or seek a room.

By providing a number of personal preferences, Badi is then able to generate personal recommendations and in-depth profiles for potential matches, as well as the ability to filter search results. Once matched, potential flatmates can chat within the app to get to know one another and ultimately decide whether or not to proceed. Having both accepted a roommate request, users are then able to pay securely and arrange the finer details for move-in day, all without ever having to leave the app. badi.com

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art EL PALAU DEL JAZZ

50TH VOLL-DAMM FESTIVAL INTERNACIONAL DE JAZZ DE BARCELONA. PALAU DE LA MÚSICA. UNTIL DECEMBER 16.

Jazz music and the Palau de la Música Catalana have a rich history that dates back over 80 years. Neither jazz nor modernista architecture had the renown they hold today, as both were considered scandalous at the time of their debut but have since grown into international sensations. In a small but mighty temporary exhibit in the foyer of the Palau in honor of the 50th edition of the Voll-Damm Barcelona International Jazz Festival, you can check out original photos and other memorabilia featuring the hundreds of jazz artists that passed through the Palau. The collection showcases momentos of artists old and new, including a rare program from a soldout Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald double bill in 1966, which prompted the very first International Jazz Festival of Barcelona. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to check out the festival music line-up too! palaumusica.cat

MIRA DIGITAL ARTS FESTIVAL

Alessandro Adriani. Photo courtesy of MIRA Digital Arts Festival.

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FABRA I COATS + SALA RAZZMATAZZ. NOVEMBER 8-10.

Annually held in Barcelona and Berlin, the MIRA Festival is a weekend of one-of-a-kind experiences that blend innovation and experimentation with artistic presentation through digital art installations, 3D sound shows, full-dome screenings, conferences, presentations and workshops. Once again, they turn it up — and all the way around! — with a 360º stage sponsored

by Adidas Originals, the very first dome of its kind in a Barcelona festival.

Among this year’s highlights is the world premiere of an audiovisual show by Russian artists Dasha Rush and Stanislav Glaszov called “Antarctic Takt” which VICE magazine calls “as flawless as it gets.” mirafestival.com

Lee Miller. Bathing Feature, Vogue Studio, London, 1941 © Lee Miller Archives, England, 2018.

LEE MILLER AND SURREALISM IN BRITAIN

FUNDACIÓ JOAN MIRÓ. NOW THROUGH JANUARY 20.

Step inside the minds of the Surrealist circle in Britain — a critical chapter of the movement’s extensive global network — and discover the scene through the lens of photographer Lee Miller. She was a close friend of Miró and their fruitful relationship culminated in Miró’s 1964 exhibition at the Tate Gallery in London. Spanning from the 1930s through to the 1950s, this exhibition in Barcelona offers a wide selection of pieces from Man Ray, Paul Nash, Salvador Dalí, Eileen Agar, Max Ernst, Henry Moore, Leonora Carrington,Yves Tanguy, Roland Penrose, Lee Miller and, of course, Miró himself. fmirobcn.org

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art CREATORS OF CONSCIOUSNESS. 40 COMMITTED PHOTOJOURNALISTS

Photo courtesy of Paual Robert.

Photo Equipo re: Anarchive AIDS, research image (clockwise): Act Up-Barcelona, bulletin Vida no. 4 (1994), cover detail. Courtesy of Sida Studi; Keith Haring making the mural Together We Can Stop AIDS, 1989. Author: Ferran Pujol. Courtesy of Arxiu Fotogràfic de Barcelona; kits of preventive syringes available at Sida Studi. .

PALAU ROBERT. NOW THROUGH FEBRUARY 10.

Delve into a hard-hitting selection of photographs from 40 dedicated Spanish camera professionals who have risked their lives to document significant moments in recent history, including armed conflicts, natural disasters and totalitarian regimes. The exhibition’s title reflects the intention of its curators, who use 120 powerful images to leave a mark on the collective conscience of visitors, raising awareness of the ongoing challenges we face as a planet. The works are a blend of images portraying the disturbing realities in places like Syria and Venezuela, as well as unsettling commonplace scenes we may be familiar with in our own backyards. palaurobert.gencat.cat

AIDS ANARCHIVE

MACBA. NOVEMBER 14-APRIL 18, 2019.

The development of antiretroviral drugs in 1996 was a pivotal moment in the AIDS pandemic, allowing many with HIV to lead healthy lives. However, in 2018, new outbreaks of transmissions, added to the lack of up-to-date therapies, still take a toll in some communities worldwide. This fall at MACBA, the collective Equipo re presents its research and production work on the ongoing HIV/AIDS crisis in Spain, Chile and other Latin American contexts, as framed around two story lines: the ways of doing in/the public sphere and the pharmacologization of life. The exhibition features documents, literature and audiovisual materials, including the work of the cultural activist group Act Up-Barcelona and the making of artist Keith Haring’s Barcelona mural “Together We Can Stop AIDS.” macba.cat/en/aids-anarchive

32 A | WHAT’S ON

LIBERXINA

POP AND NEW ARTISTIC BEHAVIORS, 1966-1971

ART Opening

MUSEU NACIONAL D’ART DE CATALUNYA. NOVEMBER 16, 2018– APRIL 22, 2019

A

rt created in Catalonia during the second half of the 1960s shared the ideals of generational renewal and revolution that broke out in several international centers. The exhibit “LIBERXINA, Pop and New Artistic Behaviors, 1966-1971,” which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the events of May 1968, focuses on the creative output during this tumultuous time. Belgian writer Raoul Vaneigem spoke of entering “a whole new era” in his “Treatise on Living for the Use of the Young Generations” (1967).

In “One-Dimensional Man” (1964), philosopher Herbert Marcuse asserted the emergence of the “great rejection” as the beginning of a cultural revolt that would transform society from top to bottom. It is a portrait of a period of tension and enthusiasm that opened the doors to a new sensibility.

Until now, this period has suffered from a certain lack of definition by historians, who have not always managed to find a place for it between the decline of Informalism and the irruption of the conceptual. This period saw the emergence of Pop Art and New Figuration, which went beyond post-war existentialism and attempted alternative forms of resistance. The art of those years shows a connection with international modernity associated with the new paradigms of freedom and revolution. The artists move between political militancy and hedonistic individualism, between the defense of figurative painting and new, unconventional methods. Pacifism, sexual revolution, a critique of capitalism, unlimited exploration of individual creativity — these are some of the fundamental challenges expressed, in addition to the resistance of Francoism.

Painters Francesc Artigau, Robert Llimós and the Valencians of Equipo Crónica used figuration with clear political intent, critiquing consumerism and authority. The work of Estampa Popular reflects some of the conflictive themes of the time, such as commentary on U.S. foreign policy. Some artists experimented with visions of psychedelia, while others explored Arte Povera on a path of radical renunciation. What Cirici called the “Grup del Maduixer” carried

Norman Naroztky, I Am a Man, 1968-1969. Image courtesy of MNAC.

out essential experiments, such as the first work of video art in Spain, “Primera Mort” (1969). A new generation of artists who had points of reference and aspirations very different from those of the immediate post-war years (that of Dau al Set and Informalism) took on the new social and aesthetic problems, and names like Norman Narotzky and Amèlia Riera appear.

Art venues were also decisive in those years, not just the galleries, but also private homes such as Casa del Maduixer and the gardens in Vallvidrera of Arranz-Bravo-Bartolozzi, among others.

“LIBERXINA” is the first in a series of exhibitions that sets out to investigate specific temporal phenomena and frameworks in order to make an analytical interpretation of post-war Catalan art.

Text adapted from the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya.

33

TRAVEL

GORGEOUS

GORGES EXPLORE THE SOARING HEIGHTS AND BRIGHT BLUE WATERS OF CONGOST DE MONT-REBEI

By Diana Delgado Pineda

A

bout three hours inland from Barcelona, the Noguera Ribagorรงana river defines the border between Catalunya and Aragon and winds through the Montsec sierra of the pre-Pyrenees region until it finally approaches the astounding congost (gorge) of Mont-rebei. Its striking bright blue waters paired with high cliffs make the landscape incredible to witness. At some points its canyon walls scale up to 500 meters high and at others as much as 20 meters wide.

Congost de Mont-rebei is the last gorge in the Catalunya region to remain almost naturally intact, with no electric lines, highway nor infrastructure to pierce through the landscape. The only exceptions are a few excavated paths that cut through canyon walls, giving hikers the opportunity to enjoy spectacular views of the gorge.

This treacherous walk through the canyon is what brings most visitors to Congost de Mont-rebei. Although

34

the path has handrails on its walls, the excavated trail has no rail on the edge of the cliff to keep visitors from falling. The path is narrow but permits two people to walk comfortably beside each other.

Although potentially hazardous, walking through the Congost gives hikers the opportunity to marvel at rock formations that are millions of years old and to explore breathtaking sites like the Colomera cave. If visitors are not too keen on hiking, kayaks are available to rent, with dock points along the river offering a variety of ways to see different parts of the region.

Humans have long admired this land. During the Middle Ages, hermitages and watchtowers were erected here to protect Aragon and Catalan territories from invasion and continue their autonomy. Even earlier, however, are the origins of the nearby Els Altimiris site, which was home to what archaeologists believe to have been a monastery from when the Visigoths ruled over the Iberian Peninsula

Photo by Diana Delgado Pineda.

(late antiquity to the Early Middle Ages).

The Congost de Mont-rebei forms part of the network of spaces protected by the Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera and hosts a number of animal species, particularly birds.

One of the most threatened bird species in the area, the famous trencalòs (bearded vulture), makes its nest among the Congost cliffs, and the llúdria (Eurasian otter) lives among the Congost’s translucent waters.

Planning your trip It’s recommended that you begin at La Masieta, an old masia that serves as a visitor information center where you can learn more about the different points of interest and other attractions in the area. Parking is available there, and trails leading to special points of interest from La Masieta can be two to three hours long With more extensive hikes available and a moderately long drive from Barcelona, it is best to arrive early and be

prepared for company, especially on weekends. Congost de Mont-rebei welcomes 60,000 visitors a year and is a growing attraction in Catalunya’s natural region. The stunning views from the cliffs overlooking the river’s turquoise waters and Catalunya’s lush forests make the drive to the Aragon border worth it.

Getting there (3-4 hours) From Barcelona take the B-10 and continue straight to stay on A-2. Take the exit toward A-14 and continue onto Exit 15 (signs for N-230/Vielha/Almenar). Then, take the N-230 road (Lleida–Val d’Aran) up to Puent de Montanyana (Ribagorza comarca). Once you’ve arrived in the village, take the road that goes to Tremp (C-1311) and cross the bridge over the Noguera Ribagorzana river about 200 meters away. The road turns off to the right along a track that indicates Reserva del Congost de Mont-rebei. (Please note this route has tolls.)

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WHERE TO STAY Casalet de la Clua Carrer la Clua 25632 Sant Esteve de la Sarga, Lleida casaletdelaclua.com 650 276 169 Hotel Terradets Ctra. Balaguer – Tremp C-13· km 75 25631 Cellers, Lleida hotelterradets.com 973 651 120 Hotel Restaurant Port d’Àger Carretera & KM-195 Àger C-12, Lleida hotelportdager.com 973 292 298 • 647 523 953

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Photos by Diana Delgado Pineda.

37

WORKING LIFE

A DAY IN THE LIFE IAN GIBBS, ENGLAND AUTHOR, SPEAKER, COACH 53-year-old Ian Gibbs came from Sheffield to Barcelona in 1990 as an English teacher.

He’s now an author, speaker, coach and owner of IPA Productions, an educational theater company. Gibbs lives in Collserola and works in La Teixonera.

Ian giving a talk on Learning-Centered Teaching at CIC Cultural Institute.

6:00 AM It’s a work day. I make my way out of the bedroom. (Turning on the light would be unpopular.) Shower, shave, tea, toast.

6:30 AM With external and internal needs satisfied, I’m at my computer wide awake.This is a magical time for me — no distractions, no interruptions. The world is silently asleep, allowing me to deep focus on my writing. Lovely.

at the same time as fast as possible. Exhilarating.

6:00 PM After dropping my son at home I chauffeur my daughter to Sant Cugat for gimnàstica rítmica, where she spends two hours trying to dislocate her spine — and I get to spend two hours in the pleasantly hushed atmosphere of the Volpelleres library happily tapping away on the laptop.

8:00 AM The magic is replaced by normality. I go upstairs and wake the wife and 8-year-old twins. 50 minutes of controlled bedlam: clothes, gym kit, lunchboxes, iPad, hairbrush, cereals, TV, spilt milk, lost shoes, missing football cards, last minute adjustments, overdue library books, and where are my keys?

8:00 PM Pick my daughter up and head home.

8:50 AM Out of the house and into the car with the kids (when it’s my turn).

9:30 PM A Julia Donaldson bedtime story retold for the umpteenth time.

9:00 AM Drop aforementioned offspring at school. My stress level returns to single digits.

10:00 PM Shift down a gear. Last minute WhatsApps and non-fiction reading for pleasure. I have two bedtime routines I swear by.The first is to revise. I use a flashcard app called AnkiApp. It’s brilliant. It helps you remember important stuff like names, vocab and ideas. I use it several times a day whenever I have a couple of loose minutes and always at bedtime. It really helps me learn.The second is to go through my plans for tomorrow and identify the three most important things I need to achieve.This helps my productivity tremendously. So long as I’ve crossed those three things, I know I’ll have had another good day.

9:30 AM Office work. Most mornings I’m at IPA Productions planning how to stay at the forefront of the educational theater business.

It’s a hive of activity, featuring rehearsals, scenography production, songwriting and recording, tech equipment maintenance, costume creating, customer servicing, concept meetings... Everyone running about producing stagecraft miracles. I sit in a corner and try to look busy.

1:30 PM Leave office and return home up the Arrabassada with beautiful views of a beautiful city.

2:00 PM Fuss the dog, open post, light lunch, cup of Earl Grey, texts and emails, usually from my publisher or speaking engagement clients.

3:00 PM Home alone. This is when I get a chance to practice my presentations. If you crept into our garden and peered through the living room window, you’d find me stood up, waving my arms about apparently talking to a wall. But it’s all perfectly normal behavior if you’re in the public-speaking business.

4:00 PM Return books and videos to Vallvidrera and peruse the “Novedades” section. Coffee and cake in the Civic Center bar served by my friendly Nigerian barman, George, who’s slowly teaching me rudimentary Igbo. Bless him.

5:00 PM Pick kids up from school and play real-life dodgems (bumper cars) in the parking lot as 50 cars try to do U-turns and get out all

38

8:30 PM Evening meal, lovingly prepared by the wife and skeptically poked around the plate by the children.

9:00 PM Walkies.

MORE ON IAN Ian writes and gives presentations about learning and personal development. His book “The Sorites Principle: How to Harness the Power of Perseverance” was published in 2016 and his latest books “Learning a Language: How I managed it. How you can, too” and “23 Tips to Learn Stuff Better” were published in May and October 2018 respectively. He’s currently visiting schools and colleges in Barcelona to give motivational talks about learning techniques for students. If you’d like Ian to come to your local learning institution, drop him a line at ian@iangibbs.es

startup of the month

WONGO SELL YOUR USED GOODS ONLINE!

SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR AND SECONDHAND MARKETPLACE EXPERT MIQUEL MASCORT IDENTIFIED A BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY A FEW YEARS AGO WHILE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO WITH USED BUT STILL VALUABLE CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES IN HIS CLOSET. THE RESULT IS WONGO UPLOADER, AN APP THAT CONNECTS BUYERS WITH SELLERS ON ALL THE USED GOODS MARKETPLACES IN SPAIN — WALLAPOP, FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE AND MORE — WITH JUST ONE CLICK. Wongo is not itself a commercial platform, rather it is an easy-to-use app that maximizes potential for both buyers and sellers by synthesizing the secondhand market, advising sellers on the best prices, providing business intelligence and accelerating the sales cycle.

The online selling process seems straightforward, right? Take flattering pictures of your unwanted items, upload them to the internet and wait for faceless buyers to bid on and take your unwanted items off your hands. Wrong! In fact, 63% of all used goods marketed online are never sold. Mascort explains the key reasons why: user ignorance (sellers offer their goods on one or two platforms while buyers compare prices on all available platforms); email overload and time consumed on irrelevant messages (noncompetitive bids and buyer questions); and ineffective pricing strategies due to inaccurate or incomplete market knowledge.

On average, buyers send 12 emails per item per platform and scan six different platforms, which amounts to more than 70 messages to reach a single deal. Since sellers often attempt to sell multiple items, responding to potential buyers quickly grows

exponentially cumbersome and time-consuming. Wongo adds significant value by curating emails, so that only the most relevant messages are given the highest priority.

In 2017, Europeans sold over 20 billion euros in secondhand goods, according to Kantar TNS and Expansion, and EuroPages points out that over 64 million Europeans sold almost 10 billion euros worth of their used stuff online. Locally, those figures amount to 15 million Spaniards and 2.3 billion euros in secondhand goods — with three million cyber-sellers using a Spain based virtual marketplace to trade 550 million euros worth of used goods.

Twelve months ago, Wallapop led the pack of Spain’s leading secondhand platforms with over 80% market share. But according to Mascort, the recent mobile addition of Ebay, Facebook and Vibbo (formerly Segundamano) has completely upended the sector, fragmenting the industry and dramatically diminishing Wallapop’s previous dominance. (Other key players include Amazon and Milanuncios.) In 2016, Wallapop and key rival Letgo merged to raise another $100 million USD (at a valuation exceeding $1 billion USD) to compete with American giant Craigslist.

39

FOOD & DRINK

By Jessica Bowler

“Oh, no, the gravy is lumpy!” I groaned from the kitchen. “¿Gravy? ¿Qué es gravy?” asked one of my guests. “Hmm ... I guess the closest translation would be ‘fat sauce,’” I answered.

“I promise it tastes good!”

M

y friend wasn’t convinced by the thick, grayish liquid that was bubbling up in ominous lumps nor by my enticing description. But she rolled up her sleeves to help anyway and before long (and after a phone call to my mom in California for emergency assistance), we had it all sorted.

What had seemed totally inedible just ten minutes earlier was somehow gently forming into a glossy, rich-smelling sauce.

The experience of executing that recipe was pretty much how that first Thanksgiving hosted abroad went last year: initial panic, linguistically awkward explanations of all things America and the rest was gravy.

But let’s start from the beginning. Earlier in August, after a few glasses of wine at a friend’s tapas night, I enthusiastically announced I would cook Thanksgiving dinner for everyone. As the expression goes, “borne aloft on the wings” of the cheapest Penedès tinto, I’d temporarily forgotten that I don’t really cook.

Not for special occasions, rarely for boyfriends (and only then for the long-term ones) and definitely never for groups.

Of course, I couldn’t find a good quarter of the ingredients, starting with the turkey. I started giving many, many thanks that none of my guests were American because in the end, we’d be having roast chicken instead of turkey and skipping the cranberry sauce altogether. At least it was a start.

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In the late afternoon, a couple of friends curious about American cuisine had come over to help with the cooking and see what the Thanksgiving meal was all about. “You guys use lots of butter, no?” “What is that exactly?” “My grandma in Andalusia cooks something similar, you know ‘migas’?”

My mom recalls how lovely it was, that gesture of being invited into someone’s home to share in their traditions when you’re foreign and your family is far away.

Bit by bit, my guests started trickling in with appetizers and drinks to share. My tiny living room started filling up with people, laughter and that warm, homey feeling that infuses a house after a day spent cooking. Soon, we were triumphantly

RECIPE opening the oven to pull out a pair of perfectly golden roast chickens.

There was just one challenge left. “So, why exactly do you guys celebrate Thanksgiving?” asked a Barcelona born-and-bred local. With some hesitation, I decided to give it my best shot.

“OK, so completely ignoring the fact that Christopher Columbus was geographically confused and that today we all know he was like, an imperialist (expletive) who is super problematic ... So, the version of the story they tell us at school goes ...”

I trailed off on that note for a bit and then also explained why my family likes Thanksgiving: My parents aren’t American and during their first year in the U.S., they were invited to a Thanksgiving dinner for people who couldn’t celebrate the holiday with their family. My mom recalls how lovely it was, that gesture of being invited into someone’s home to share in their traditions when you’re foreign and your family is far away.

Back in my own group, we then went round the table in true Thanksgiving fashion and one by one the guests shared one thing they were thankful for. They came from Catalonia, Andalusia, Galicia, Mexico, Chile and the United States, but most importantly, they came from the small pseudo-family of friends that I’ve been lucky enough to make here in Barcelona. It didn’t matter that there wasn’t any turkey or cranberry sauce. I was simply and unbelievably thankful for finding such a fantastic group of loved ones to sit down with over a wonderful homemade meal.

This year, we’ll all be celebrating Thanksgiving together again. But, I won’t be worrying about lumpy gravy because I’ve already got the most important ingredients: love and friendship. Together, they make anything taste good.

WE WANT TO KNOW: HOW WILL YOU BE CELEBRATING THANKSGIVING THIS YEAR? Share your photos with friends and family on social media and tag @barcelonametropolitan for a chance to be featured.

(Jessica can be found at @barcelonablonde.)

CRANBERRY F SAUCE

By Mark Mahdavi (Adapted from a recipe first spotted on a bag of OceanSpray cranberries)

inding cranberries in Barcelona is not an easy task. I always ask my mom to bring a batch of frozen ones whenever she flies in from New York to spend Thanksgiving with us. This is the recipe I made last year and, judging by the speed at which it disappeared on our Thanksgiving dinner table, I either made something really good or I made too little. (I prefer to believe the first one.)

And best of all, it required no searching for sophisticated recipes online. I just followed the recipe on the bag and then added a personal touch.

It won’t take you more than 20 minutes to make it and it serves 2 and ¼ cups.

INGREDIENTS • • • •

1 cup sugar 1 cup water 1 12-ounce package of frozen cranberries 1 whole orange (Mark’s not-so-secret extra ingredient)

METHOD 1. Combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan.

2. Bring to boil, add cranberries and return to boil. Reduce heat and boil gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Chop the orange and add it to the sauce while it’s still hot.

4. Put all in a blender and blend until you get a nice consistency.

5. Cover and cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate until serving time.

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QUICK BITES

HORTON’S THANKSGIVING STUFFING

By Lauren Horton

I

’ve spent the last three Thanksgivings here in Barcelona and nearby in Andorra, and this time of year I always miss the smell of our kitchen back home in the States.

This tried-and-true recipe for traditional Thanksgiving stuffing is actually a combination of both my mother and stepmother’s recipes.

It blends the best of both and tastes like home!

(Editor’s note: We made it in October and we were stuffed. Truly a delish dish!)

INGREDIENTS • 8 cups day-old bread, torn into 1-inch pieces • 2 1/2 cups chopped yellow onions • 1 1/2 cups chopped celery • 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter • 2 red apples, cubed into small pieces • 2 cups dried cranberries • 2 tbsp chopped fresh sage • 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary • 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme • 2 tsp salt • 1 tsp black pepper • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (or substitute with vegetable broth) • 2 large eggs

METHOD Photos Casa de TapasonCañota.

Note: Lay courtesy out wholeofbread slices baking sheets the night before to dry out.

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Butter a glass baking dish and set aside. Pick bread slices into pieces and put into a large mixing bowl.

2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and celery. Stir until they begin to brown (about 10 minutes). Then add the chopped apples. Let them cook about 5 minutes. Add to bowl with bread and stir in herbs, salt, pepper and 2 cups of cranberries.

3. Add 1 ¹/4 cups of broth to the bowl and toss lightly. Don’t let it get too soggy! Let cool.

4. Whisk the rest of the broth (1 ¹/4 cups) and eggs in another bowl.

Add to bread bowl and combine.

5. Add mixture to glass dish, cover with foil and cook for between 30 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 160°F (71°C). Don’t forget to save a little to stuff the turkey as well!

Serve alongside turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy and greens. Enjoy!

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NEFW &D IN

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Hestía - PSYCHOTHERAPY

The Javier Bassas Dermatology Centre is a well-renowned dermatology and surgical centre equipped with the latest technology. The medical team, led by Dr. Javier Bassas Bresca, consists of surgical dermatology and venereology specialists with vast clinical and surgical experience. Their goal is to provide specialised, rigorous, efficient and accessible care, with the highest quality and ethical standards. Diagnosing and treating skin diseases is their priority, as well as offering the latest advances in dermoaesthetics.

Consulta Balmes 24 1º1 T. 93 412 6602 Teknon, Marquesa de Vilallonga nº12 Consulta nº 34 1ª 08017 T. 93 290 6434 www.drbassas.com

Santa Perpetua M. 677 090 479 genaespinosa@yahoo.com

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

The first consultation is free.

FREE CONSULTATION

Diagonal 343, 2º 3ª T. 93 459 2802 info@hestia.es www.hestia.es

Orthoestetic - DENTIST

Platinum Provider

Turo Park- MEDICAL AND

The Orthoestetic Clinic is located in the heart of Barcelona near the Sagrada Familia. They have modern clinical facilities and equipment, which together with their extensive experience, allows them to offer an integral quality dentistry, designed to seek the satisfaction of the patients.

Dr. Holguin is a specialist in dental aesthetics, and orthopedics and orthodontics for children and adults.

She is certified by the Invisalign system.

DENTAL CENTER

Diagonal 341, loc 1. 08037 T. 93 512 4749 M. 638 545 555 www.orthoestetic.es www.ortoesteticbcn.es info@orthoestetic.es

Francesc Perez Cabrero 19-21 08021 T. 93 252 9 729 contact@turoparkmedical.com www.turoparkmedical.com

Dra. Susana Campi -

Goldie Uttamchandani -

New premises, new services and new state of the art equipment! For all your dental needs, their team of first-class professionals offer excellent treatment. They have over 35 years’ experience and provide services in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish and Catalan.

Goldie is a bilingual ICF Certified Youth & Family Coach. It is her belief that in your teen years, you can truly unlock your highest potential as a human being. She is focused on accompanying this age group on navigating through this challenging and exciting journey to help them attain their goals. Try a complimentary first session and begin your journey on connecting with your true greatness.

Turó Park Medical Center is an international practice in Barcelona for foreign residents, tourists and locals alike. Its team of 15 dental and medical specialists speaks fluent English.

Opened in 2017 by resident orthodontist Dr. Madeleine Smit, the centre already has 900 affiliated patients. Its prevention service includes general health checkups, and it accepts reimbursement policies of more than 200 insurance companies.

LIFE, BUSINESS AND YOUTH COACH

DENTIST

Josep Tarradellas 97 local, 08029 Bus: 15,27,32,43,54,59,66,78 T. 93 321 4005 susanacampi1980@gmail.com www.clinicadentalcampi.com

Dr. Boj - DENTIST Dr. Boj and his team offer specialised, comprehensive dental and orthodontic treatment for children and teens. Laser dentistry and invisible orthodontics are provided. Dr. Boj lectures on dentistry related to these age groups. He studied at the School of Medicine and Dentistry of the University of Rochester, NY, USA. This is a fast and friendly service in an English-speaking, international environment.

READER OFFER

BARBER SHOP

M. 669 788 508 Skype: goldieuttam goldieuttam@gmail.com www.goldieuttam.com

BCN CUTS -

BARBER SHOP

BCN Cuts is not only a barbershop. It’s a quiet and relaxing environment, where men’s care is the main objective. So, while you’re having a cup of coffee, reading the newspaper or having an interesting conversation, you’re always being taken care of.

Monday–Friday: 10am–8pm Saturday: 10am–2pm Prats de Mollo 10, Bajos B, 08021 T. 93 209 3994 www.drboj.org

Dr. Alistair Gallagher DENTIST

The British Dental Clinic has a patient-friendly philosophy that combines aesthetics, youthful appearances, and a commitment to total oral health. Conveniently located in Barcelona, they offer orthodontics including Fast Braces and Inman Aligner, implants, cosmetic dentistry, whitening and general family dentistry.

Their talented, conscientious and friendly staff will help ensure that you comfortably receive the healthy and beautiful smile that you deserve.

Diagonal 281 T. 93 265 8070 M. 607 332 335 info@thebritishdentalclinic.com www.thebritishdentalclinic.com

Torrent de l’Olla, 7

Torrent de l’Olla, 7 T. 936 111 813 bcncuts-barbershop.com

Konstantina Karas HOMEOPATHY, EAR ACUPUNCTURE

Konstantina uses homeopathy to boost your immune system, allowing you to be a part of your own healing. It is an effective, non-invasive, holistic system of healing, which can treat a number of physical problems and help overcome mental/emotional ailments, such as fears or anxiety. Konstantina also offers ear acupuncture; an effective treatment for reducing withdrawal symptoms of smoking cessation or substance abuse while detoxing the body.

M. 655 666 618 konstantina@nyhomeopath.com www.nyhomeopath.com

Estudio 3 Pilates Reformer

First session free for new clients.

Rambla Catalunya 66, 1º F 08007 T. 93 215 2393 recepcion@estudio3pilates.com www.estudio3pilates.com

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

Our studio gives professional instruction to improve full-body flexibility and strength–without adding muscular bulk. Sessions are personalised to individuals or groups of up to five people, run by expert coaches trained in Reformer Pilates.

We offer monthly subscriptions for 1, 2 or 3 sessions a week with flexibility to fit our clients’schedules, and also offer one-off classes for occasional visitors.

FIRST SESSION FREE

Oliver Dawson -

CHIROPRACTOR Oliver Dawson is a chiropractor who focuses on the direct relationship between spinal structures and health.

Through specific spinal realignment and structural correction, better neurological connections are established throughout the nervous system. The result is less pain, more vitality and better health. Every Thursday from 8-9pm, Oliver offers free health activation workshops about the benefits of chiropractic and the key principles.To attend the workshop, please confirm by email and quote ‘Metropolitan’.

- PILATES STUDIO

Kamen B. Petrov - PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Sanz Pancko Dental Clinic -

M. 603 490 498 www.InnerWisdomQuest.com

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

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

Together, they provide comprehensive and affordable dental care.

Kamen is an experienced Jungian Psychotherapist, Lecturer and Psychologist, Member of the British Psychological Society, Professor at Metáfora Barcelona. He works with individuals, couples, children and families and offers supervision to psychotherapists. To learn more or to book a free introductory session, please visit his website.

Mind & Soul Barcelona - INTERNATIONAL

GROUP OF DEPTH PSYCHOTHERAPISTS A group of certified psychotherapists with extensive experience in the field of psychology and psychotherapy. They focus on issues of change, conflict and relationship difficulties, offering individual and couple psychotherapy with flexible hours and affordable fees adjusted to individual income. Visit their website for more information or to book a session. www.mindandsoul.world

Jonathan Hooker - PSYCHOTHERAPIST

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

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

Cecilia Frigerio - HOLISTIC HEALING

Cecilia Frigerio is a holistic therapist channeling her passion for nature into her healing sessions. Offering a variety of treatments, including therapeutic massages, Reiki and tantric massages, a session with Cecilia is the perfect way to take a break. Clients receive a personalised experience and find serenity through a combination of holistic techniques.

M. 605 625 938 ceciliafriholistica@gmail.com www.ceciliafrigerio.com

Yoga con Gracia - YOGA

An enchanting neighbourhood studio and community space with two locations in the heart of Gràcia.

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

Pharmacy Serra Mandri - CHEMIST

The pharmacy is open 365 days a year and offers a home delivery service. The staff can help and advise each client to ensure they get exactly what they need.

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

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

DENTIST

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

The Pink Peony -

BEAUTY SALON The PEONY de SY facial is a complex recovery treatment for mature skin that combines organic Dr. Hauschka products, non-abrasive ultrasonic exfoliation, detoxifying lymphatic stimulation and collagen-regenerating LED Light therapy. The result is a luminous, visibly repaired complexion and an ongoing stimulation of collagen production.

When making your facial reservation, quote ‘Metropolitan’ for a free eyebrow and upper lip threading worth €35.

Passeig de Gracia 100, Pral. 2ª Mandri 62 T. 93 487 8464 Whatsapp: 648 248 744 www.thepinkpeony.com

The Vital Touch - MASSAGE The Vital Touch help people to focus better and feel re-energised. They come to your office or event and set up their ergonomic chairs, which you can relax into comfortably and fullyclothed for an effective energising massage. You emerge 20 minutes later with increased vitality and all tensions released.

Benefits of the massage include: de-stressing, relaxation, revitalisation, tension release, detoxification, immunity boost and improvement in posture. Contact Nunu by phone or email for more information.

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

AFT IURE LEGAL Spain Accounting-

LAWYERS TAX & BUSINESS SERVICES

AFT I URE LEGAL ABOGADOS LAWYERS RECHTSANWÄLTE

Albert Forment offers legal services Qualified UK accountant with 30 years to the Barcelona community experience in Spain offers: in English, German French. He • tax services for and freelance specialises in civil, criminal “autónomos” and small SLsand tax law, but extends his practice to other • income tax returns for employees areas, such as family, administrative, and non-residents employment, and real estate.up a • practical advice on setting Drawing from a wealth of experience, business in Spain Forment ensures reliability and • registration of “autónomos” and clarity for clients, and holds sincerity company incorporation (SL) and honesty at advice the core his tax • personalised onofyour services.

Contact him today for a free obligations in Spain introductory in-house consultation.

• fast, reliable email service Contact David M. 616 614 764 Cook on M.93 678 702 T. 321 11369 55 info@spainaccounting.com btforment@gmail.com www.spainaccounting.com www.aftiure.com/

BUSINESS SERVICES DISCOUNT FOR METROPOLITAN READERS

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

www.barcelona-metropolitan.com

Klev & Vera -

Barcelona Accounting -

This firm specialises in attending to the legal needs of international clients in Spain. They have multilingual team of lawyers with international backgrounds, specialising in different areas of legal practice including: • Real Estate • Business Set Up • Spanish Residence • Family Law • Litigation • Tax Planning

Need help with your small business finances? Barcelona Accounting can create an efficient financial system for a start-up or existing business, convert you to a modern cloud accounting solution, organise and/or update your bookkeeping, manage your compliance and run financial analysis to help grow your business.

LAW FIRM

READER OFFER

Valencia 281, 2-2 T. 93 176 0190 info@klevvera.com www.klevvera.com

BUSINESS SERVICE

READER OFFER

Sánchez Molina -

NIE Barcelona

LEGAL PRACTICE

- BUSINESS

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

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

Gran Via Carles III, 84, 5 T. 93 490 9669 javiergarcia@sanchezmolina.com www.sanchezmolina.com

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

BCN Seguros - INSURANCE

Barcelona Women’s Network - NONPROFIT

This local Barcelona insurance agency provides complete personal and business insurance services (home, car, health, commercial, public liability, life, motor, yacht, travel, etc.). They offer a 30% cost-saving guarantee by keeping insurance coverage identical. Advice is available in Spanish, English and German.

Supported charities 2016 - 2018 M. 636 465 010 rainerhobrack@gmail.com www.bcnseguros.es

M. 670 405 727 info@bcnaccounting.com www.bcnaccounting.com

BWN offers support, friendship and networking opportunities to internationally minded women residing in, or just arriving in Barcelona. They are unique in that they are a social group with a social purpose - raising funds for community organisations through various activities and events, with the help of their community sponsors. Connect with like-minded women while giving back to the community. Find out more about membership via their website membership@bcnwomensnetwork.com

president@bcnwomensnetwork.com www.bcnwomensnetwork.com

PWN Barcelona - NON PROFIT

Coccinelle - PRIVATE STAFF

PWN Barcelona is part of a global movement working towards gender balanced leadership through professional development and a range of networking options: in-person, online, cross-industry, and international. They offer Mentoring programmes and an EU Business School certified virtual programme for entrepreneurs. Regular events include 2nd Tuesday Networking Drinks and professional development workshops. “Let’s advance how men and women work together”.

Coccinelle specialises in providing highly-skilled, experienced domestic staff in Barcelona and surrounding areas. Their expertise and rigorous selection method ensures they are able to provide seasoned professionals for both permanent and temporary positions, where over 700 families have trusted in their services. Call them today and quote ‘Metropolitan’ for a free consultation.

www.pwnbarcelona.net members@pwnbarcelona.net www.facebook.com/pwnbarcelona/

Pau Claris 151 T. 93 010 9758 info@coccinelle-agency.com www.coccinelle-agency.com

Radix -

REAL ESTATE PERSONAL SHOPPER

Radix is a Property Finding Service that works exclusively with buyers. Ideal for locals or people living abroad lacking the time to dedicate to their property search.

Customized to your needs, budget and location. Let Radix save you time and guide you through a smart purchase.

Dream. Find. Enjoy.

M. 647 588 569 info@radixbcn.com www.radixbcn.com

RECRUITMENT

Geo Mac - COMPUTERS George Cowdery is a freelance Mac technician who has been providing valuable support to the Mac community in Barcelona for over 15 years. Among the services he offers, George can help clients with maintenance and upgrades, hard drive replacement and ADSL setup.

He can also provide consulting and tutorials according to his clients’ needs.

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

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

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

Yacht Point Barcelona - Online navigation theory courses and sailing tuition.

- Obtain your Competent Crew, Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster with us!

- Courses for beginners to advanced sailors.

- Day Charter trips for private groups.

We want to share our passion with you, we are more than a Sailing School!

T. 93 004 5707 info@yachtpointbcn.com yachtpointbcn.com/en/ryatrainingcentre/

FOR THE BEST ENGLISH-SPEAKING BUSINESSES IN BARCELONA, SEE OUR ONLINE DIRECTORY Lawyers - Accountants - Language schools Business schools - Computer technicians Real estate - Insurance - Electricians Plumbers - Graphic design Driving schools - Sailing schools Babysitting services - Translators International schools - Printing services

Language Surfing - LANGUAGE

Highlands School Barcelona - SCHOOL

Highlands is a private Catholic school for students aged between one and eighteen. Students follow a high-quality, multilingual curriculum delivered mainly in English, with some classes in Spanish and Catalan.

They also have the option of learning French and German. The school is accredited by Cambridge International Education, a world leader in education for international schools. Highlands offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities and works together with the Conservatori Liceu.

Manuel Florentín Pérez 26, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat www.highlandsbarcelona.es www.colegiosrc.es

Barcelona is your classroom and its streets are your books.

FIRST CLASS FOR FREE

Entença 34 enslo 1, 08015 Metro Rocafort M. 663 563 720 www.language-surfing.com

Spanish with Angeles -

Oak House - SCHOOL Founded in 1968, pupils at Oak House are taught according to the UK national curriculum in early years and primary education. Secondary pupils follow a multilingual programme, with a firm emphasis on English. Oak House offers IGCSE qualifications to help prepare students for university courses in English. The school also offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in English, as well as the National Bachillerato programme. The school’s modern installations are conducive to an active learning style. Their motto is ‘building futures’.

Sant Pere Claver 12-18, 08017 T. 93 252 40 20 www.oakhouseschool.com

Language Surfing is a revolutionary learning approach where students practice in real life situations and accelerate their learning by having lessons in real bars, parks & museums.

Our teachers are native and professional, who love to explore the city with you, so you can take in the culture and practice in a fun and exciting environment. It’s the end of boring lessons!

FREE TRIAL CLASS

LANGUAGE Do you want to speak Spanish well?

With Angeles, you can make incredible progress in your language learning, becoming a confident speaker with a solid understanding of grammar and good writing and reading skills. Angeles’ lessons focus on conversation and are tailored to every student’s individual needs.Angeles is a professional, native Spanish-speaking tutor with more than 12 years of experience, who believes in the importance of providing custommade materials and guidance. Her personalised lessons are the most effective way to help students reach their goals.

M. 647 626 487 info@spanishwithangeles.es www.spanishwithangeles.es

Corsa International - DRIVING SCHOOL

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

Gran via de Gracias, 266, 08022 T: 934885221 international@autoescuelacorsa.com www.autoescuelacorsa.com

BritSat - SATELLITE TV Missing out on British TV? Not to worry. With their latest equipment, extensive experience and fantastic aftersales service, they provide all UK and European TV via satellite and Internet installations. So don’t miss out on all the summer sporting action, phone or email Britsat for a competitive quote and expert advice.

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

Ibex - INSURANCE SERVICES Ibex have been in operation since 2000 and have grown to be one of the largest insurance providers for the expatriate community in Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar. They can insure your car, motorbike, home, pet, health, holiday home, boat, travel, business and provide funeral plans and more. ibexdirect@ibexinsure.com T. 900 102 527 www.ibexinsure.com

Language Deaprtment - LANGUAGE SERVICE Language Department is a global language service provider offering translations, adaptations, localizations, voice-over and subtitling services and more for businesses around the world. Our team specializes in recurring language projects for business, legal, medical, marketing and the technology sector. Save10% on your first order!

C/ Sardenya, 299. Planta 5 T. 93 380 1061 www.languagedepartment.com

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

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

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

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

IN THE CITY

OUT AND ABOUT

Ariana Fernández Gasull, Marga Santaeulària i Solans and Adina Rose Levin.

Santi Escuder Díaz.

Steve Cahill and Maria Paula Gomez.

Francesc Martí.

Isabela Hollingshead and Serena Washburn.

50

Josi van Ogtrop-Sambou, Isabella Renirie and Christine Kristofrits.

JOIN US!

Thanksgiving Dinner November 22, 2018 Reservation Required www.amersoc.com

The American Society of Barcelona