Barcelona Metropolitan Issue 232

MAY 2016 Nº 232

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ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME

EAST MEETS WEST

Follow the Via Augusta through Catalunya

5 music festivals Unmissable sounds of the summer

THE POWERS THAT BE

Barcelona’s Pakistani Community

PLUS! ART 01 cover.indd 1

MUSIC

FASHION

Who’s who in the Generalitat

RESTAURANT REVIEWS

A PLACE OF MY OWN

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contents

METROPOLITAN contributors

{ISSUE 232} MAY 2016

ALEXIA SAVVA Born and raised in London, Alexia is a third-year student studying Spanish and Italian at University College London.

As part of her degree, she has had the chance to live in two culturally rich cities; first Rome, and now Barcelona, where she is working for Metropolitan as an editorial assistant. Alexia loves exploring the hidden corners of the city, admiring the architecture and finding Barcelona’s best brunch spots.

SAM ZUCKER

RegulaRs 06 08 10 33 34 36 49 50

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

What’s on FeatuRes 12 RePoRt: BaRcelona’s PaKistani coMMunitY Sam Zucker hears from one of the city’s largest foreign communities.

18 suMMeR sounDs An unmissable line-up of music festivals.

29 casa RonalD McDonalD A home away from home for families with sick children.

30 the geneRalitat Who’s who in the recently-elected Catalan government.

34 the Via augusta Retrace the steps of the Ancient Romans.

20 22 24 26

Sam is originally from Boston, Massachusetts. He studied ecology, photography and Spanish at Hampshire College (Amherst, MA). He then went on to train as a chef at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (Hyde Park, NY) and earn an introductory certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2013. He currently lives in Barcelona and works as a culinary tour operator, photographer, social media community manager, and food/travel writer for several outlets, including his blog, Zucker & Spice Travel (zuckerandspicetravel. com). Follow his expat life, travel, and food adventures in Barcelona on Instagram @saz444.

Music Art Misc.

Pullout Calendar

DiRectoRies 41 43 44 49

Food & Drink Health & Beauty Business Jobs

EIMEAR CORRIGAN Publisher The Noise Lab S.L. Managing Director Andrea Moreno Consulting Editor Esther Jones Editor Carol Moran Art Director Aisling Quigley Account Executives Jalil Alui, Richard Cardwell Sales Assistant Susanna Morton Editorial Assistants Rosalind Bond, Christina McKeon Frutuoso, George Rexstrew, Alexia Savva Design Assistant Melissa Fry Contributors Eimear Corrigan, Suzie Docherty, Miquel Hudin, Rachel Huffman, Sam Mednick, Tori Sparks, Tara Stevens, Sam Zucker Photographer Yan Pekar Illustrator Ben Rowdon Cover photo Sam Zucker Editorial: editorial@barcelona-metropolitan.com Advertising: ads@barcelona-metropolitan.com General: info@barcelona-metropolitan. com. Carrer Duc 6, 08002 Barcelona. Tel. 93 451 4486 www.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

Dublin native, Eimear, graduated from Trinity College Dublin with a degree in History in 2010. She then went on to work in the fields of education and culture in Lyon, France, before moving to Oxford to work at the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology. Now in her third year in Barcelona, she divides her time between researching and writing for Metropolitan, teaching and ping pong.

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IN THE CITY

NEW IN TOWN FLY ON THE WALL

FIREFLY. PASSEIG DE SANT JOAN 23.

Following the success of sister restaurants Marmalade and Milk (the latter was the first to offer brunch in Barcelona when it opened in 2005), Irish owners Rebecca and Paul Coleman, alongside their business partners, are adding a third to the family with Firefly. “We wanted a name that was simple, memorable and easy to translate,” explained Rebecca. “We were originally thinking Pot Belly, but it was too pig-related!” Just a stone’s throw away from the emblematic Arc de Triomf, Firefly opened less than two months ago and offers a distinctive international menu that features exquisitely prepared food in an upscale yet unpretentious environment. Notable dishes include the ‘Badass burrito’, ‘Puyol’s pastrami sandwich’ and ‘Drunken gambas’—prawns cooked in olive oil, garlic and white wine, served with tortilla and a ‘secret sauce’. If you’re not feeling hungry, the bar area is equally inviting, and its menu includes cocktails and a seasonally changing wine selection. The imagination used in the food-making matches that of the quirky interior design, which sees rustic brick walls adorned with sculpted fireflies and copper piping.

With its stunning decor, friendly service and mouthwatering meals, Firefly will be buzzing in no time. www.fireflybarcelona.com

FLEXITARIAN FOOD

LULU. MARQUÈS DE L’ARGENTERA 7.

“If you like a glass of wine, you shouldn’t have to eat horrible healthy food to compensate.” That’s the ethos at Lulu, a flexitarian cafébistro bar in the Born managed by Swedish-Canadian pair Marija Maslakovic and Katie Shaw. What was once an old cervecería with a garish interior is now a chic eatery that seamlessly transforms from a daytime cafe into an evening bar—to have both under one roof is a rarity in this neighbourhood. Complete with hanging incandescent light bulbs and wooden breakfast bars, Lulu is in a prime position on a sunny corner. But it’s not just sunlight that increases your happy hormones here, as the menu offers delicious food that is good for you, although you might not even realise it. The majority of the menu is sugar-free and vegetarian (with some pescatarian options), and the combination of organic, locally-sourced products with nutrientrich dishes makes all their food and drink understatedly healthy. The cocktails are sweetened with agave or maple syrup, rather than sugar, and from the chia breakfast pudding to the avocado sandwich, healthy certainly doesn’t have to mean boring. It’s clear that Lulu is offering something rather unique in the barrio, making it something of a golden child in the Born. www.facebook.com/barcelona.lulu

ART INTERCAMBIO

HANS + FRITZ CONTEMPORARY. SANT GIL 17.

The unassuming side street of Sant Gil in the Raval is the backdrop for a new artistic endeavour by artist and gallery-owner Erik Marc Trensig. The juxtaposition of the neighbourhood’s traditional character and the new, warehouse-inspired space gives the art gallery an unexpected, clandestine ambience. Trensig, who was born in Barcelona to Danish parents, is aware that there is often very little communication between artists from Southern and Northern Europe and, by bringing Scandinavian artists to Barcelona, he hopes to open up a cultural and artistic dialogue in which both can learn from each other. Although Trensig didn’t open the gallery with the intention of displaying his own work, he is the artist behind the current exhibition, Fuck The Poor. The project started in 2012 when Trensig became increasingly aware of the poverty that surrounds us and how, in our apathy, we’ve lost the ability to react in a meaningful way. He uses sarcasm and irony in his exhibition to shock us out of that apathy and see beyond the comfortable world we live in. The name of the gallery comes from the famous 20th-century cartoon strip, The Katzenjammer Kids, which is about two mischievous brothers, Hans and Fritz. www.hans-fritz.com

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5 PLANS FOR A RAINY DAY

Take shelter at Refugi 307 This one is for a rainy Sunday morning. Carved into the Montjuïc mountainside, this 400-metre network of tunnels offered shelter to the inhabitants of Poble Sec during the air raids of the Spanish Civil War. Public tours take place on Sundays with an hour-long English tour starting at 10.30am. Booking required. museuhistoria.bcn.cat Visit the sleeping giants Take shelter from the storm in the centre of town and come face-to-face with the famous gegants at the Casa dels Entremesos (Plaça de les Beates 2)—this is where they live when they’re not busy parading the streets. There are giants from every corner of the Ciutat Vella, and plenty of explanations to go with them. lacasadelsentremesos.cat

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Sweeten your day at the Museu de Xocolata The rain is a good excuse for visiting museums that you often walk past but can’t quite find the time to visit. So why not pop into the Museu de Xocolata and admire chocolate

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HATS OFF!

GRASSROOTS BARCELONA. VERDAGUER I CALLÍS 6.

Having opened only two months ago in the Born, Grassroots has gone from selling hats out of a backpack to promoting its products in over 300 stores worldwide. With the belief that art can make a difference to the community, Grassroots Barcelona offers a progressive clothing line that makes quality merchandise at affordable prices, and donates money to global charity initiatives following every sale. Collaborating with various artists and companies from across the world, Grassroots founder Ryan Connolly, born in Washington DC, admits it was Barcelona’s cultural richness and diversity that attracted him to the city. “With its fashion, food and music scene, Barcelona fits the ethos of the clothing company.

It’s a melting pot of counter-cultures.” Despite selling limited-edition t-shirts, sweatshirts and chiller shorts, the focus is clearly on hats, and their collection ranges from snapbacks to beanies to five-panels, as well as some products made from hemp. Styles vary from psychedelic to an exclusive Barcelona line, which features a unique Sagrada Familiainspired silk lining. With their secret stash pockets, Grassroots’s hats are not only well-crafted, but also highly functional. After being told by his grandfather to pursue something that he loved, Connolly has combined his passion for hats, music and marijuana to create this winning fashion formula. Don’t miss this plucky pop-up store before it packs up its bags in July to return stateside. www.grassrootseurope.com

sculptures of everything from Minnie Mouse to the Sagrada Familia.

They also hold activities and cooking classes. www.museuxocolata.cat Bargain shopping and design in Les Glòries Although the remodelling of this area isn’t finished yet, there’s plenty for a grey day. Find some second-hand bargains at Els Encants, the city’s main flea market, then cross the road to the bright and airy Museu del Disseny where, until May 22nd, you can catch a photography exhibition by Carlos Collado. www.encantsbcn.com Behind the scenes at the Liceu Even if you’re not an opera fan, the Gran Teatre del Liceu opera house is well worth a visit. Designed by architect Miquel Garriga i Roca and inaugurated in 1847, the Liceu was closed for five years after it was damaged by a fire in 1994. Take a 25-minute express tour for €6 which includes the vestibule, the auditorium, the Hall of Mirrors and the foyer. www.liceubarcelona.cat

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 in the city

STREETLIFE CARRER DE RIEGO

Tucked away close to Sants Estació, this laid-back pedestrianised street is home to some hidden gems, where food and prices are well off the tourist trail.

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HOMO SIBARIS. www.homosibaris.com This beer cellar sells brands of artisanal beer you won’t find in many other places in Barcelona. A bottle costs about €3, but they’re worth a taste. If you’re in a more sociable mood, head around the corner to their lively bar in Plaça d’Osca. The folks there will happily give you suggestions on which beers to try first.

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PLAÇA D’OSCA. This square connects Carrer de Riego with Carrer de Premià and nearly every inch of it is covered with bar and restaurant terraces. From vermut to vi, bocatas to pizza and pasta at the outrageously named Teta de Monja (Plaça d’Osca 2), you can come here to satisfy any craving.

No 19

CACAO’S GELATO SICILIANO. www.facebook.com/cacaosgelato This street has something sweet for the little ones, as well.

Choose from a range of flavours such as chocolate and mint, lemon and basil, turrón, pistachio and mango.

METROPOLITAN PEOPLE MIGUEL, 39, CONSULTANT, SPAIN

Absolutely. Barcelona is a melting pot of different cultures.

Here, you can connect with the rest of the world, which I think is a rare and unique thing.

LA GORDA BEER FACTORY. www.facebook.com/lagordabeer ‘Malt, hops, water and yeast… your palate does the rest’. With this slogan, La Gorda encourages everyone—locals and tourists, hipsters and bros, young couples and grandparents—to grab a stool and spend the night drinking exceptional beer. For the most part, they have their own selection on tap: La Gorda ‘Molemen’ IPA, La Gorda ‘Blues’ Brown Ale and La Gorda ‘Old Dirty’ Stout, to name a few. Plus, they offer bottled beers by other local brewers.

IS BARCELONA A COSMOPOLITAN CITY?

COLLEEN, 27, TRANSLATOR, USA Not as much as NYC, London or Paris. Historically, Barcelona hasn’t had the opportunity to thrive as a cosmopolitan city, but it has definitely improved.

JESÚS, 34, JOURNALIST, SPAIN

Of course! People from different cultures can easily interact here without having to spend too much money, and it is a great place for making friends from diverse backgrounds.

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No 38

BIRRAS & TAPAS. www.facebook.com/birrasytapas Whether you’re a group of girlfriends chatting over tapas or a couple out for afternoon cañas, this easygoing place is happy to accommodate you. They offer all the classic favourites—patatas bravas, tortilla, pescado frito, piquillo peppers stuffed with cod purée, crunchy camembert—and although they’re probably not the best you’ll ever eat, the extremely reasonable prices make it a worthwhile stop if you’re in the neighbourhood. Patrick, an American living in Barcelona, said, “Stopping at this restaurant on our way home, we had two cañas, two tintos de verano, five tapas and a big plate of churrasco for €32. You can’t ask for better than that.”

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LA PARADETA. www.laparadeta.com The first of its five locations, La Paradeta Sants is a seafood restaurant with a twist—you select your raw shellfish from the counter and it is cooked there and then. Initially opening under the name ‘Shellfish’ in July 1994, this much-loved establishment has plenty of experience providing quality seafood at a good price. “La Paradeta is up there with La Sagrada Família, La Rambla and jamón ibérico as a must-see, must-try hallmark of Barcelona,” said professional photographer Troy Joiner. “There are no fancy white tablecloths or pricey wines available, but you won’t find fresher seafood anywhere else.”

MILLA, 23, STUDENT, FINLAND

I guess so, yeah. I’m from a small city in Finland called Oulu, and while I feel comfortable living here, I think Barcelona could be more welcoming of foreign people.

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in the city

A PLACE OF MY OWN Sabeth Ploumen liveS a double life—her working life iS in holland, whilSt her free time iS SPent in barcelona.

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ome people wait until they are retired to move somewhere warm and take up hobbies they never had the energy for when they were working full-time. Not Sabeth Ploumen from Maastricht, Holland. In 2012, she bought a sizeable apartment in Barcelona, along with her husband. All she required of her new city was an easy flight home and a beach. All she wanted from her new apartment was light and a balcony. Her Barcelona home offers all that and more.

Sabeth currently works two weeks per month as a dental hygienist in Holland and spends the other two in Barcelona. “Everybody always asks me what I do here,” Sabeth said. “The simple answer is, I live. I do everything I can’t do while I’m working.” Things like sports, going to museums and socialising with the many friends she has made through the BWN (Barcelona Women’s Network). In this city, there’s always another neighbourhood to explore or an event to attend, and Sabeth is fortunate enough to live right between the Eixample and Born, so she’s never too far from anything.

Sabeth also loves to cook, so she completely renovated the kitchen. “I wanted something much bigger than was originally possible,” she explained. “I actually had the kitchen built in Holland, then reassembled here.” Since she now has her dream Dutch kitchen, the more people over for lunch, the better.

“You can be here with 30 people and no one feels cramped or uncomfortable, but you can also happily be here alone.” That’s one of the greatest aspects of her apartment. Once the yearlong renovations to the apartment were finished and Sabeth was settled in, she immediately felt at

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home. “I actually love being here by myself,” she confessed. She joked that her kids (22-year-old fraternal twins and a 19-year-old daughter who come to visit whenever their schedules allow) say she lives a double life. And, in a sense, she does.

Besides the kitchen, there are plenty of other features to admire in Sabeth’s apartment. The most notable being the colour scheme that changes with each room. Sabeth explained that in Holland all the walls of her home are white, which she finds rather boring. “Here, I wanted my love of colour to be apparent.” And so she looked to her husband, “the creative one”, for some help. Although he’s never taken an art class, he painted the majority of the art hanging throughout the apartment. “The amazing thing about him is that he isn’t scared to just start painting. He doesn’t overthink it, he just gets to work,” said Sabeth.

All of the paintings and a lot of the decorative pieces in the flat have a surrealist feel. A bronze statue, for example, with a fairly self-explanatory title, ‘Cuphead’. The window of the entrance hall has squares of hot pink, lime green, dark purple and bright orange stained glass. There’s a red porcelain bulldog guarding the door and a painting of the Queen of England watching over the happenings of the living room. It’s these little eccentricities that give Sabeth’s space its unique character.

The living room is also bursting with colour.

Over-sized furniture sits atop a huge, eyecatching rug, which some people tried to convince her wouldn’t work in the space. “With the walls being charcoal and the couches light grey, I knew that the room would suit something so vibrant.” She has even spread pillows, blankets

Bursts of colour characterise Sabeth’s unique style, whilst quirky details give the home an eccentric spirit.

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

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and lampshades around to draw out the orange hues of the rug. A few of her husband’s multicoloured creations and an orange-gold globe chandelier complete the space.

Just off the living room is the apartment’s home theatre, equipped with gold trim and old cinema two-seaters that Sabeth bought and had recovered in deep purple velvet. She didn’t have much else to say about this room except that “some movies are just better on the big screen”.

The bedrooms have their own highlights. In the corner of the master bedroom, a Helmut Newton photography book lies open, exhibiting black and white portraits. For her youngest daughter, the ‘princess room’ has a mannequin bust dressed in a floppy fedora hat and a sash of roses to match the pink ones on her white duvet, as well as a chandelier with colourful birds perched among its arms, which Sabeth attached by wire. Even with these quirky features, Sabeth said decidedly, “It’s still a little plain.”

Each window offers a different view of the neighbourhood, but the balcony is where you can gaze at the surrounding buildings in style.

There’s a lemon tree, soft white couches that match the linen curtains and blue and orange hydraulic floor tiles for the necessary splash of colour.

All in all, there’s a real joyfulness to this flat that comes from Sabeth’s fearless design approach, and is amplified by her radiant smile.

She has preserved its bones—the original arched doorways and ribbed, Catalan ceilings—but also made it her own. If you’re lucky enough to be invited into her kaleidoscopic world, you’ll never want to leave.

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The tailor-made, all-Dutch kitchen (bottom) and home cinema (top) add a touch of luxury to the city-centre apartment.

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From Punjab to Catalunya

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A LOOK AT THE HISTORY AND CULTURE OF BARCELONA'S PAKISTANI COMMUNITY. TEXT AND PHOTOS BY SAM ZUCKER.

t all began a few months ago while eating a spectacular lamb curry, the secret ‘off the menu’ house speciality at Adil Tandoori, on the wise recommendation of a Pakistani-Canadian friend living in Barcelona. Tucked away on the quiet Carrer de l’Est in the Raval neighbourhood, facing a desolate square and boasting the standard-issue aluminium terrace furniture of a dive bar, Adil is not a place I would have ever put on my culinary bucket list. But, as is almost always the case, trusting the advice of a friend paid off.

Upon entering, your eye is drawn to a vast collage of yellowing photographs and curling newspaper clippings depicting decades of important moments in the local Pakistani community's proud collective history. The expression on my young waiter’s face when I ordered the ‘house speciality’ was a comical blend of surprise and amusement, and I was soon rewarded with a hearty bowl of braised lamb in a pungent green curry sauce, served with plenty of naan bread, hot and chewy and fresh from the searing tandoor oven. People often say that to eat a foreign cuisine is to know that culture, but I hope not to be that naive. Food is always at the forefront of my mind, but in the story of the substantial and active Pakistani population of Barcelona, it is history and culture that drive the narrative. As Dr. Huma Jamshed said bluntly, during our chat over coffee in a quiet cafe near her home in Plaça de la Universitat, “Eating spicy food does not mean you understand Pakistani culture.”

Dr. Jamshed first came to Spain in 1997 to earn her PhD in Chemistry at the Complutense University of Madrid. Back in Pakistan, she had been a lecturer at Dawood University of Engineering and Technology in Karachi. However, educational credentials held by immigrants often go unrecognised by the European Union, forcing many to start from scratch in order to claim their professional status in their field. “The average middle class Pakistani person needs to save money for around 10 years to be able to afford the cost of travel to Europe,” she explained.

Since Pakistan gained independence from British rule in 1947, some eight million Pakistani nationals have emigrated to other countries in search of a better life. The poorer classes could not afford to travel far, often settling in countries around the Persian Gulf, while the middle classes travelled to Europe, or even to the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan or South Korea. Now, Pakistanis are one of Barcelona’s largest foreign communities, and though their presence is visible in the city, there is much life, struggle and achievement that is not immediately apparent.

Huma Jamshed is a familiar name within the local Pakistani community.

In addition to serving for a time on the Barcelona City Council, she is the founder of ACESOP (the Association for Cultural Education and Social Operations of Pakistani Women)—the first social programme founded by a Pakistani woman in the city, dedicated to supporting women from her homeland. Founded in 2005, ACESOP is Dr. Jamshed’s passion, as she fights to gain the freedom and opportunity these women deserve.

In 2001, women made up only around 10 percent of the Pakistani population here. Fifteen years later, that number has grown to 24.5 percent.

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When compared to other large foreign populations, such as the Chinese (with 50.6 percent women), the gender imbalance is stark but easily explained. Due to a mixture of cultural tradition, economic challenges and legal hurdles that are part of the typical immigration process, it is far more common for Pakistani men to arrive here and begin working before women. When a man emigrates in search of a job, he often leaves his wife and children in Pakistan until he can afford to bring them over to join him.

While a lot of Pakistani men in Barcelona are able to apply for ‘Family Reunion’ allowances (to obtain residency for their wives and children), there are still many who remain separated from their families. In 2015, the Pakistani community submitted more Family Reunion petitions to the city government than any other foreign population of Barcelona.

"IN 1972, THE FIRST PAKISTANI IMMIGRANTS BEGAN TO ARRIVE IN CATALUNYA, COMING MAINLY FROM THE PUNJAB REGION." Despite being a prominent face in her community, Dr. Jamshed’s personal circumstances do not represent the average lifestyle or education level of a Pakistani immigrant in Barcelona. In reality, only around five percent of Pakistanis now in Barcelona were previously earning professional salaries in their homeland. These emigrants left their country in search of a higher standard of living, but also because the vast majority could not make a living wage back home. As the President of the city's Pakistani Workers’ Association, Javed Ilyas Qureshi, explained in his 2009 report entitled ‘Pakistan, in search of an identity’, many Pakistani immigrants in Barcelona left situations where salaries were as low as €45-€50 per month, while renting a flat cost €100 per month, and food staples, particularly proteins like chicken and beef, were beyond many people’s means.

In 1972, the first Pakistani immigrants began to arrive in Catalunya, coming mainly from the Punjab region, which spans the border between Pakistan and India. Qureshi quotes the total number that year as 110 people. These first immigrants, virtually all men, came to work in the carbon mines of Teruel during the week, but many lived in Barcelona. As these workers began to send money back to their wives and families, people still in Pakistan realised there were real opportunities, and they too made plans for a Europe-bound journey. That said, Spain was by no means at the top of the list of desirable countries for relocation. With Pakistan’s identity as a former British colony, many Pakistani families had relatives already living in Britain, and the majority of Pakistani people spoke English. However, the post-World War II period of ‘open immigration’ to the UK for Pakistanis ended in 1971, making Spain, with its more lenient visa process, the best option for many emigrating workers.

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Qureshi estimates that between 1975 and 1982, 1,000 more Pakistanis came to Catalunya. A further 5,000 arrived in 1992 following a loosening of government regulations, 98 percent of whom came from other European countries where they had been living but were unable to regularise their paperwork. When Spain made it easier for Pakistanis to obtain work visas, many of those 5,000 benefited, though only some settled in Spain (around 20 percent used their new visas to return legally to countries like Germany and Denmark where the wages and standard of living were much better than those of Barcelona). The most recent significant influx of Pakistani immigrants to Barcelona landed between 1999 and 2007, during the construction boom. With a lot of new jobs needing to be filled, many workers came here, especially those with experience in the construction sector. There are currently 19,414 Pakistani nationals registered as living in Barcelona, 34 percent of whom live within the Ciutat Vella, and more specifically, the Raval.

Magid Alam is a well-known face in the Barcelona food world. Alam, along with his brother Mani and brother-in-law Bilal, opened the popular Fish & Chips Shop last year on the corner of Rocafort and Gran Via. Alam and his family are from Lahore, Pakistan, but he has lived in Barcelona since the age of 12. “Of any Pakistani family I know, ours is one of the most integrated in Catalan culture,” he told me at the bar of his tiny ‘chippy’ as he and the team cleaned up after the weekday lunch rush. “My uncles came in the Eighties and all three married Catalan women,” he explained. “So when I was growing up, my parents were very liberal by Pakistani standards.”

His father came to Spain from Pakistan in 1992, and Alam, along with his brother, sister and mother, joined their father several years later. Alam’s uncle, Javed Fazal, was a successful importer of Pakistani furniture who made his name selling intricate pieces to hotels and wealthy Catalan families, and he was one of the most prominent members of the local Pakistani community until he passed away two years ago. Yet, Alam still doesn’t feel that connected to the community.

His family opened the restaurant Flor de Maig in the Raval in the late Nineties, and, though it was a Pakistani restaurant at first, they now serve a mix of the original dishes, plus a wide array of tapas and Catalan favourites.

In a way, the menu at Flor de Maig (where he worked in the kitchens for seven years before honing his culinary skills and eventually launching his own business) is a reflection of Alam himself—Pakistani at the roots but shaped by the local culture into the person he is today.

"MOSQUES IN BARCELONA ARE ABOUT MUCH MORE THAN JUST RELIGION."

Females account for just 24.5 percent of the Pakistani population.

S TAT I S T I C S P O P U L AT I O N O F B A R C E L O N A I N 2 0 1 5 : 1 , 6 0 4 , 5 5 5 PAKISTANI POPULATION OF BARCELONA: 19,414 (2015)

7.4%

of Barcelona's foreign population are

PA K I S TA N I , accounting for 1.2% of the total population.

NEIGHBOURHOODS: CIUTAT VELLA 34%. SANT MARTÍ 17.5%, SANTS-MONTJUÏC 16.8%, NOU BARRIS 9%, SANT

Wandering the streets and shops of the Raval and chatting with the people there provides a window into the community, but Sheri Ahmed, who works with Casa Àsia—a public consortium of institutions (Barcelona City Council, the Generalitat de Catalunya, and the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs) dedicated to the promotion and support of the city’s Asian cultures—takes cultural exchange a step further. Sheri Ahmed was born in Manchester to parents from a rural area of Pakistan’s Punjab province. Her father first moved to England in the Sixties to work in a steel factory and he was joined five years later by his wife. Ahmed arrived in Barcelona in 1998.

She has been working with Casa Àsia since around 2002 within their Escola de Bambú (the ‘Bamboo School’), a programme for children that promotes intercultural exchange. In 2015, Ahmed began leading cultural tours of the Raval with Casa Àsia and cultruta.com, the first of which took place during the annual religious holiday of Ramadan, under the name of ‘Les nits de Ramadà pakistaneses’ (the Nights of Pakistani Ramadan).

The goal of this two-hour walking route is to show people how the Pakistani community lives during the holy time of Ramadan, and how the night comes alive once the daily fast is broken at sunset. Ahmed accompanies groups through the Raval, guiding them into one of the neighbourhood's mosques, where she explains the traditions of the holiday, as well as the

ANDREU 7.2%, EIXAMPLE 5.3%

24.5%

75.5%

30.3

AVERAGE AGE:

LARGEST AGE GROUP:

Y E A R S O LD

25-39 (43% OF TOTAL)

PLACE OF BIRTH:

7.7% BARCELONA

|

91.9% FOREIGN-BORN

URDU MEDIA OUTLETS IN BARCELONA: DAILY JANG & GEO NEWS, DAILY DOST, HAMWATAN, ANSSAF, RADIO PAKCELONA

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English Summer Program Monday, June 27th - Friday, July 22nd Morning PrograM: from 9.30am to 2pm all Day PrograM: from 9.30 am to 5 pm* (*lunch included)

• Classes and activities in English from Monday to Friday.

• art, sports, video, swimming.

• Qualified native teachers.

• Transportation included.

American School of Barcelona | Jaume Balmes 7, 08950 | Esplugues de Llobregat Tel. 93 371 4016 | Email for more info. english@asbarcelona.com

STUDENTS FROM

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dynamic purpose that a mosque serves in the community. “Mosques in Barcelona are about much more than just religion,” she told me, as we sat in her colourful dance studio on Carrer d’en Roig, where she also teaches Bollywood dancing—a genre that bridges Pakistani and Indian cultures.

The mosques were originally formed here as cultural associations, collecting monthly payments from members that acted as a type of ‘insurance fund’ allocated to the repatriation of the remains of a community member who had passed away. A fundamental aspect of Pakistani tradition is that one must be buried in their country of origin, so these mosque funds helped to put people at ease as they were adjusting to their new lives away from home. Now, in addition to holding community funds and serving as a place of worship, the city’s mosques also play a key role in the education of the younger generations of Pakistanis, especially that of women. While many young Pakistani men and women study in Barcelona’s public schools and universities, some are not able to access education, whether it’s due to bureaucratic problems or conservative family values. However, thanks to free Spanish, Catalan and English classes offered at the mosques, all members of the community can learn, socialise and make strides towards further integration.

After visiting the mosque, Ahmed shows her group other important parts of the Pakistani community, including a visit to see Javed Ilyas Qureshi at the Pakistani Workers’ Association; a stop outside of the city’s first Pakistani restaurant; a look inside a traditional Pakistani sweet shop and an opportunity to browse the items and articles of a typical Pakistani bookshop. To finish the tour, Ahmed leads the group to her dance studio where they listen to recordings of traditional Qawwali singing (a form of Sufi devotional music) while eating the typical foods with which Barcelona’s Pakistanis break their Ramadan fasts, including dates, some sweets from the shop on the tour and pakoras (savoury chickpea flour fritters of potato and onion).

Ahmed loves showing people another side to the local Pakistani culture and religion, especially since Islam is not a mainstream religion in Spain.

Despite the country’s rich Islamic heritage, there are no ornate mosques in modern-day Barcelona. Although most Pakistani people in Barcelona would agree that Catalan culture is quite open and accepting of religious difference, some say that the idea of specifically commissioning a mosque still creates friction and, in the current context of rising Islamophobia, this is likely to be more contentious than ever. While the global context is beyond the control of the local community, initiatives such as Ahmed’s tour help to establish empathy, acceptance and respect between individuals.

It may be a small step, but these are fundamental building blocks of a multicultural society.

Eva Maciocco, an Intercultural Mediator specialising in South Asian cultures and part of the ‘Xeix’ project (a programme run through the Barcelona City Council), has been working for many years with the city’s Pakistani population, both as an Urdu translator and a community liaison officer. When asked about the concept of there being a ‘Pakistani culture’ in Barcelona, she explained that, “Among the people of the ‘community’, you can find many different religious beliefs and political orientations, different educational and socioeconomic backgrounds, different interests and aspirations, and different stories of travelling, migration and settling that have made them who they are now.” Maciocco continued, “I just think we should try to get rid of the mysterious or exotic flavour we give to the idea of a ‘community’ and talk about real people living in a diverse society.”

The idea of ‘experiencing’ another culture can encourage the tendency to exoticise, and one may unwittingly simplify the complex nuances that are rarely seen or truly understood by those who do not belong to the community. The iceberg metaphor is often connected to culture—the part you see is just a small piece of a much larger concept. This, too, may be an oversimplification, as it doesn’t take into account the fluid nature of culture, especially when it is supplanted on top of another. But what’s certain is the richness brought to society by the interaction of different cultures living side-by-side.

Restaurants and Bakeries Here is a short list of popular, authentic places in and around Barcelona for tasty Pakistani kebabs, curries, meats and sweets.

BISMILLA KEBABISH. Joaquin Costa 22.

ZEESHAN KEBABISH. Marquès de Barberà 26.

SHALIMAR RESTAURANT. Carme 71.

ADIL TANDOORI. Carrer de l'Est 9.

JHELUM BAKERS AND SWEET SHOP. Joaquín Costa 23.

CORDOBA RESTAURANT. Av. Joan XXIII 18. (Sant Adriá de Besós)

Sweet and savoury treats can be found in the bakeries of the Raval.

Sheri Ahmed leads cultural tours of the Raval with Casa Àsia and cultruta.com.

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Sounds of the City GET SET FOR SUMMER WITH THIS ROUNDUP OF THE BEST MUSIC FESTIVALS IN BARCELONA AND BEYOND. BY SUZIE DOCHERTY.

M

ade plans for summer? If you’re staying in the city, you won’t be alone. It should come as no surprise to most that Barcelona is fast transforming into the goto destination for festival lovers, given Catalunya’s covetable combination of youth culture, great weather and an increasingly diverse concert circuit. Add the fact that it’s far more affordable than many of its European counterparts, and you have the makings of a musical mecca. So if you’re looking to expand your horizons whilst staying put this season, here’s a small taster of the events taking place near you, from big-name gatherings to boutique takeovers…

PRIMAVERA SOUND June 1st–5th PARC DEL FÒRUM

FESTIVAL JARDINS DE PEDRALBES June 11th–July 16th JARDINS PALAU REIAL PEDRALBES

SÓNAR June 16th–18th FIRA GRAN VIA & FIRA MONTJUÏC

Set in the coastal playground of the Parc del Fòrum, Primavera Sound is arguably the most unmissable date in the European music calendar.

Since its inaugural one-day edition at Poble Espanyol in 2001, the festival has gone from strength to strength, with its generation-spanning lineup capable of setting the mood for the music season to come.

In 2016, this eclectic festival is set to be no less impressive with headliners including Radiohead, LCD Soundsystem, Animal Collective and PJ Harvey, and with Brian Wilson performing The Beach Boys’ seminal album Pet Sounds (1966), it’s no wonder this year’s edition sold out in record time. But don’t be too downhearted if you missed out on full festival tickets—day entries for Thursday are still available, a schedule of complimentary gigs will be taking place at the CCCB’s parallel-running Primavera al Raval and there’s a free opening night concert courtesy of Suede in the main venue.

From its regal setting to the Michelin-starred catering on offer, Festival Jardins de Pedralbes raises the tone of Barcelona’s musical gatherings, with its series of high-profile, al fresco concerts stretching across a full month. With the palatial facade of Palau Reial de Pedralbes serving as a backdrop, up to 2,000 people a night can enjoy multi-genre music in the open-air auditorium, with additional events, such as a food festival (from SoundEat) and a family day (by Minimúsica), supplementing the consistently impressive bill.

This year’s opening concert comes courtesy of The Cranberries, followed by gigs from names as varied as José González, Joan Baez, Tom Jones, George Benson, The Lumineers, Charles Aznavour, James Morrison and Milky Chance.

However, watching Raiders of the Lost Ark brought to life by the Vallès Symphony Orchestra is set to be a particular highlight in 2016.

Still going strong after 22 years, Sónar’s cerebral approach to partying has been a hit with the countercultural masses since the early days when it held court at the CCCB and Apolo. Over the years the event has moved venues on several occasions, before settling down in its current home shared between the Firas of Montjuïc and Gran Via. Split between the family-friendly Sónar by Day and the not-so-family-friendly Sónar by Night, the gathering has made its name by showcasing boundary-pushing artists from the worlds of dance, electronic music and digital culture, with its creative and sensory series of activities appealing to an intellectual crowd as well as glassy-eyed party people. From dance to disco and electro to pop, this year the festival’s roll call flits between the emerging and the established, with the likes of Jean-Michel Jarre, New Order, Fatboy Slim, John Grant, Anohni and Santigold all making the cut.

Our tip: La Botiga del Primavera Sound (Ases 1) stocks vinyl from all the festival’s featured acts; handy for getting to know the more under-the-radar artists.

Our tip: Ticket prices vary considerably, ranging between a wholly reasonable €16 and an eye-watering €228, but we’d recommend splashing out as much as you can to secure a superior seat.

Our tip: Off-week events run alongside the festival, so if you don’t fancy parting with too much cash, you can still dip into the Sónar party atmosphere.

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FESTIVALS FURTHER AFIELD Want to step outside the region? There’s plenty more to pick from if you venture further afield.

DOWN THE COAST Festival Internacional de Benicàssim When? July 14th–17th Where? Benicàssim Who? Muse, Kendrick Lamar, Bloc Party, Jamie XX, Massive Attack, Disclosure and Hinds.

Beach-bumming it by day, partying by night, this consummate feel-good festival ticks all the summer boxes.

A whimsical woodland setting adds a touch of magic to the Vida festival.

Low Festival When? July 29th–31st Where? Benidorm Who? Belle & Sebastian, Hot Chip, The Kooks, Peaches, Love of Lesbian and Los Planetas.

Benidorm might not be known for its hugely artistic appeal, but this indie gathering tries to dispel assumptions with its cool, cultural lineup.

Arenal Sound When? August 4th–7th Where? Borriana Who? Two Door Cinema Club, Kaiser Chiefs, The Hives, Crystal Fighters and Manel.

A sun-soaked, beachfront celebration of sound with great glamping options and a bargainous entry fee.

VIDA June 30th–July 3rd LA MASIA D’EN CABANYES VILANOVA I LA GELTRÚ Whenever someone tells you that a festival “isn’t as good as it used to be”, they probably mean it used to be a bit like Vida. Now in its third year, this young upstart is still small enough to provide an intimate experience, yet is well on its way to becoming a firm feature of the summer circuit, thanks to its offbeat lineup and whimsical woodland setting.

By day, you’ll be soaking up the sun with a soundtrack of local bands and DJs down at the beach, before hopping on a complimentary bike up to the centuries-old Masia d’en Cabanyes to listen to international and local acts including Wilco, The Divine Comedy, Villagers, Manel, Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Balthazar.

At the heart of the family-friendly venue is an enchanted forest strewn with fairy lights and art installations, ideal for those looking to fill up their Instagram feeds, whilst opting for a Wildside ticket bags you access to a stylish VIP area with free beer, wine and cocktails. Sounds good? We think so, too. Go while it’s on the ascent.

Our tip: Camping facilities aren’t great, so you might want to take the specially arranged train back to Barcelona.

CRUÏLLA July 8th–10th PARC DEL FÒRUM Eclectic at its core, Cruïlla has emerged as one of the region’s most diverse festivals, offering a multi-genre mishmash of artists over three days in July. And whilst sharing the same setting as Primavera naturally sets it up for comparison, Cruïlla doesn’t seem that interested in competing with Primavera’s massive lineup. Instead, it prefers to go its own way with a smaller, yet similarly discerning schedule, which over the years has included the likes of Iggy Pop, Snoop Dogg, Jack Johnson and Kendrick Lamar.

When it comes to variety, 2016 is no different, with broad-ranging acts such as Robert Plant, Crystal Fighters, Damien Rice, Fermin Muguruza, Alabama Shakes and Cat Power on the roster. To complement the soundtrack, there’ll be local food trucks to guarantee a good feed between shows, whilst massage, game and graffitti areas provide alternative, non-musical activities. However, one of the most unconventional elements has to be the inclusion of LED-adorned castellers—now you don’t get that at many music festivals.

Our tip: Cruïlla was one of the first festivals to introduce cashless technology and it’s worth requesting a pre-paid electronic bracelet beforehand to save carrying cash.

HOT IN THE CITY Mad Cool Festival When? June 16th–18th Where? Madrid Who? Neil Young, The Who, The Prodigy, The Kills and Bastille.

Terrible name, excellent atmosphere; Madrid’s musical extravaganza draws bigname artists to its city-centre location.

Bilbao BBK Live When? July 7th–9th Where? Bilbao Who? Arcade Fire, Hot Chip, Foals, Pixies, Tame Impala and Courtney Barnett.

A hipster favourite with a breathtaking natural backdrop and an exceptional lineup of indie/alternative artists.

DCODE Festival When? September 10th Where? Madrid Who? Eagles of Death Metal + more TBC (last year’s edition featured Suede, Sam Smith, Foals and The Vaccines).

Bid the warm weather adiós at this superb end of summer festival, taking place on the lawns of the Universidad Complutense.

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WHAT’S ON

MUSIC CONCERT LISTINGS 4th. Jambinai Sala Apolo. Nou de la Rambla 113.

5th. Charlie Puth BARTS. Paral·lel 62.

7th. Jack Broadbent BARTS. Paral·lel 62.

12th. A Contra Blues Sala Apolo. Nou de la Rambla 113.

12th. Carlos Sadness Sala Apolo. Nou de la Rambla 113.

13th Wolfmother Sala Apolo. Nou de la Rambla 113.

14th. Bruce Springsteen Camp Nou. Aristides Maillol 12.

17th. Prince Rama Freedonia. Lleialtat 6.

18th. Lisa Fischer BARTS. Paral·lel 62.

19th. Peter Bjorn and John Razzmatazz. Pamplona 88.

THE SHOW MUST GO ON

QUEEN + ADAM LAMBERT. PALAU SANT JORDI. PASSEIG OLÍMPIC 5-7. MAY 22ND. It has been almost 30 years since the legendary Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé performed their unforgettable duet at La Nit Festival (1988) in Barcelona in celebration of the city being declared host of the 1992 Olympic Games. Mercury’s untimely death just three years later shocked the world. Since his death, Queen have continued to keep his music alive, performing with various talented musicians. The current line-up includes Adam Lambert, who rose to fame in 2009 after finishing as runner-up on American Idol.

Impressed by Lambert’s audition tape, lead guitarist Brian May asked him to become a vocalist for the group. As part of the European leg of their worldwide tour, Queen are bringing their timeless, stadium-filling sound to Barcelona once more. www.livenation.es

19th. Nelly Club Catwalk. Ramón Trias Fargas 2-4.

20th. Oslo Sinfonietta L’Auditori. Lepant 150.

20th. Malú Palau Sant Jordi. Passeig Olímpic 5-7.

21st. Lila Downs BARTS. Paral·lel 62.

22nd. Queen + Adam Lambert Palau Sant Jordi. Passeig Olímpic 5-7.

24th & 25th. Adele Palau Sant Jordi. Passeig Olímpic 5-7.

26th. CocoRosie Sala Apolo. Nou de la Rambla 113.

26th & 27th. Coldplay Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.

Passeig Olímpic 15-17.

27th. Amaral Sant Jordi Club. Passeig Olímpic 5-7.

27th. Joyce DiDonato Gran Teatre del Liceu. La Rambla 51-59.

29th. Simfonova L’Auditori. Lepant 150.

SOUL SISTERS

COCOROSIE. SALA APOLO. NOU DE LA RAMBLA 113. MAY 26TH. American sisters Bianca and Sierra Casady are back with a new album entitled Heartache City (2015), filled with lyrics of love and loneliness. Stepping away from the more psychedelic, electronic sounds of their previous albums, CocoRosie have gone back to their roots with this new material bearing more of a resemblance to their first album, La Maison de Mon Rêve (2004). Recorded at their farm studio in the south of France, the latest album was made using ‘minimal equipment, vintage toys and antique instruments’, according to online music magazine Pitchfork, and is a feast for the ears. Their artistic videos beautifully illustrate their unique sound, adding a deeper, often darker look into the true meaning of their songs. This live set at Apolo is sure to be an entrancing evening. www.sala-apolo.com

29th. Beatles for Kids BARTS. Paral·lel 62.

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

4/25/16 3:10 PM

IT’S A SELL-OUT

This month brings three huge, sell-out acts to town— count yourself lucky if you have managed to get your hands on a ticket.

ADELE

PALAU SANT JORDI. PASSEIG OLÍMPIC 5-7.

MAY 24TH & 25TH. Continuing to take the world by storm in a seemingly effortless manner, Adele will be performing two sell-out shows at Palau Sant Jordi this month. By the looks of it, this is set to be as successful a year for Adele as 2015, which saw her album, 25, shoot to the top of the charts, quickly becoming the highest-selling album of the year. A reflection on Adele’s life at the age of 25, the album draws on themes of nostalgia and melancholy, which has obviously struck a chord with music fans worldwide. Known for her unique stage presence and powerful live performances, this is sure to be an unforgettable musical experience. www.palausantjordi.cat

COLDPLAY

ESTADI OLÍMPIC LLUÍS COMPANYS. PASSEIG OLÍMPIC 15-17. MAY 26TH & 27TH. Hot on the heels of Adele, more awardwinning British music arrives in the city as Coldplay present two gigs. Known for their ability to play to stadium-sized audiences, the mega group will be doing what they do best at Barcelona’s Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Chris Martin told Rolling Stone magazine that the new album, A Head Full of Dreams (2015), was written to be performed live. www.livenation.es

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

CAMP NOU. ARISTIDES MAILLOL 12.

MAY 14TH. The Boss is back on the road again, playing shows of extraordinary length, with some lasting over three hours. The ‘River Tour’ started as one show with the aim of promoting Springsteen’s multi-disc retrospective, The Ties That Bind: The River Collection (2015). It has now erupted into a full-blown tour, including a long list of European dates, which kicks off with the group’s much anticipated show in FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou. Fans are in for a melodic trip down memory lane and, by all accounts, the 66-year-old, New Jersey-born musician has not lost his ability to put on a show like it was 1980 all over again. www. campnou.com

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WHAT’S ON

ART OPENINGS FUNDACIÓ SETBA Querido maestro Català-Roca.

Photographs by Catalan photographer, Francesc Català-Roca, are displayed in three different sections: Dialogues, Portraits and Objects. Català-Roca is considered one of the first Catalan photojournalists. Opening April 28th.

Plaça Reial 10.

LAST CHANCE MUSEU PICASSO Latest Donations and Acquisitions.

115 paintings and sketches by Picasso, 15,871 photographs and over 3,000 photolithographic displays are exhibited together for the first time.

Until May 15th. Montcada 15-23.

MUSEU MARÍTIM Stop the Boat! This exhibition at the Museu Marítim looks at the sinking of Spanish merchant navy ships by German submarines during the First World War. Until May 29th. Av. de les Drassanes.

ANTI-ESTABLISHMENT ART

PUNK. ITS TRACES IN CONTEMPORARY ART. MACBA. PLAÇA DELS ÀNGELS 1.

MAY 13TH-SEPTEMBER 25TH. In collaboration with CA2M (Centro de Arte Dos de Mayo) and ARTIUM (Centro Vasco de Arte Contemporáneo), MACBA presents an exhibition curated by David G. Torres that explores the influence of the punk movement on artists of today. Punk started in London and New York between 1976 and 1978 as an expression of the discontent and dissatisfaction experienced by a generation that felt it had no future; a sentiment that still rings true with many people today. Over 50 artists, both national and international, present installations, photographs, videos and paintings that contain references to the punk subculture. In many of the exhibits, these are explicit references made through the incorporation of elements such as anti-design, the aesthetics of the ugly and references to music bands. In other cases, the references are more subtle, exploring punkrelated attitudes such as denial, destruction, alienation in society, nihilism, the demand for sexual freedom and criticism of the economic system. The exhibition concludes with a section documenting the origins of punk and the continuation of its ideas today. www.macba.cat

MUSEU D’HISTÒRIA DE CATALUNYA Do I Love You? An exploration of how the concept of love has evolved throughout history, this exhibition also examines how the institution of marriage has changed due to love’s capricious nature. Until May 22nd.

Plaça de Pau Vila 3.

FUNDACIÓ ANTONI TÀPIES Documents of Action. An exhibition of works from the Anthony Denney Collection and the Daniel Cordier Collection that all come from the 1940s art informel movement. This movement originated in France and focused on abstract and gestural characteristics.

Until May 22nd. Aragó 255.

HANS + FRITZ CONTEMPORARY Fuck the Poor. In today’s modern world, have we forgotten how to feel empathy towards those less fortunate? Danish artist Erik Marc Trensig asks such humanitarian questions through his artwork and asks us to reconsider our place in the world. Until May 31st. Sant Gil 17.

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IN THE LOOP

LOOP FESTIVAL. VARIOUS LOCATIONS. MAY 26TH-JUNE 4TH. Over 100 different venues in the city come together in this collective project to showcase video art—art that requires moving images to portray its message. Last year’s edition focused on the audiovisual element of film, whilst this year sees a return to the visual, posing the question of whether an absence of dialogue and sound permits a universal understanding of film. One film being screened at this year’s Loop is Incluso El Silencio Es Causa De Tormenta—the collaborative creation of filmmakers Luis Macías and Adriana Vila with Portuguese multimedia artist Alfredo Costa Monteiro—which explores themes of perception and the relationship between sight and sound. Another highlight is Solid Light by British-born, New York-based artist Anthony McCall, whose work turns projected light into a three-dimensional space, making light almost sculptural. The film also aims to explore the very foundations of film, critiquing the commercial cinema industry and its impact on how cinema is shown. loop-barcelona.com

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

4/25/16 1:04 PM

GOSSIP GIRL

MARILYN HAD ELEVEN TOES AND OTHER HOLLYWOOD LEGENDS. MISCELANEA. GUARDIA 10. MAY 11TH-29TH. Did you know that the main character in Planet of the Apes (1968) had a chimpanzee phobia? Or that Angelina Jolie wore a blood-stained t-shirt during her wedding? Or that the glamorous Marilyn Monroe had an extra toe? Following years of research, the colourful careers and personal lives of Hollywood’s biggest names are uncovered as illustrator María Herreros presents a revealing album full of anecdotes, rumours and secrets. Born out of a passion for cinema, Barcelona-based Herreros goes beyond the screen to explore the curious, intriguing and obscure lives of more than 20 high-profile actors and directors, with Marilyn Monroe, Alfred Hitchcock and Quentin Tarantino among them. Having previously been exhibited in Madrid, Berlin and Quebec, Herreros now brings her illustrations to Miscelanea, as well as a large-scale piece created exclusively for the exhibition. She has previously collaborated with brands such as Coca-Cola and Reebok, and if you’re really impressed by this young artist’s work, you can get your hands on the book edition. miscelanea.info

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

PRIMERA PERSONA 2016. CCCB. MONTALEGRE 5. MAY 6TH-7TH. As an annual multidisciplinary festival, Primera Persona celebrates its fifth edition this month, presenting a new round of live sessions at Teatre CCCB on May 6th and 7th. Designed to enable artists of all generations to express themselves freely, this year’s programme will feature concerts, stand-up comedy, theatre performances and monologue readings, among other activities.

Welcoming a string of established creatives, the line-up includes classical pianist James Rhodes, Spanish novelist Juan Marsé, American film critic Renata Adler and Stephin Merritt, lead singer of indie band The Magnetic Fields. www.cccb.org

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WHAT’S ON

MISC. GOING GREEN

BIOCULTURA. PALAU SANT JORDI. PASSEIG OLÍMPIC 5-7.

MAY 5TH-8TH. BioCultura is back for its 23rd annual weekend celebration of all things green and renewable. Palau Sant Jordi will be packed with ecological food stalls with over 18,000 organic food products for sale, alternative health practitioners and renewable energy ideas for the home, as well as a vast range of other organic products, from cosmetics to shoes and baby gear. With increasing importance placed on what we consume and how it affects the environment, this fair is a great opportunity to see how you can change your consumption habits for the greater good. There’s also a packed programme of talks and workshops, and outside there will be activities and food tasting stalls, which, following their popularity at last year’s event, will be open until 10pm on Saturday 7th. With an expected attendance of more than 700 exhibitors and over 80,000 visitors across the weekend, come along to support the environment and learn more about how we can positively change the world we live in. www.biocultura.org

FACT OVER FICTION

DOCS BARCELONA. VARIOUS LOCATIONS. MAY 23RD-29TH. Following the huge success of Senna (2010) and Amy (2015), to name just two examples, documentary film has recently experienced a surge in popularity, with audiences opting for authentic storytelling and factual content over spectacular visuals and far-fetched plots. Celebrating its 19th edition this year, DocsBarcelona is an international documentary film festival running from May 23rd until May 29th. There are a number of activities to get involved in, from exclusive screenings and wine-tasting sessions to expert masterclasses and award ceremonies. Displaying over 40 international films (all subtitled in English), selected titles include Sonita and the BAFTA-nominated A Syrian Love Story—both of which were rated 5* by the Guardian. There is a competitive edge to the festival, with seven prizes up for grabs, including Best Film, Best Teenage Filmmaker and, new for this year, an award for the Best Documentary made in the Iberian Peninsula or Latin America. Featuring emerging talent and established filmmakers, film fanatics can enjoy DocsBarcelona across the city, with venues including the Aribau Cinema Club and the CCCB. www.docsbarcelona.com

BURSTING WITH JOY

GLOBAL BUBBLE PARADE. CITY CENTRE. MAY 29TH. Happiness is just a few bubbles away! In over 60 participating cities across the world— from Barcelona to Buenos Aires, Baltimore to New Delhi—100,000 people are expected to take to the streets and spread joy by blowing bubbles. The Global Bubble Parade is designed to increase awareness about personal well-being, build more resilient and diverse communities, and create a positive and interactive experience between the city and its inhabitants. Spreading its mission across cultures, races and geographical borders, this worldwide initiative has gone viral across five separate continents since its launch last year. With their colourful and dreamy nature, bubbles have a magical quality to them, and these glass-like orbs are often recognised as a symbol of happiness and childhood. So, whether you are young or old, big or small, take a trip down memory lane on May 29th to remind yourself that it’s the little things that bring us joy. www.bubbleparade.org

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LA VIE EN ROSE

INTERNATIONAL ROSE TRIALS. PARC DE CERVANTES. DIAGONAL 706. MAY 13TH-15TH. The second-century Greek writer, Athenaeus, claimed that Cleopatra covered her entire palace with roses to seduce Mark Antony. The Roman term sub rosa, meaning ‘to do something in secrecy’, is still used today in English law, since the rose symbolised the ancient god of silence, Harpocrates. Throughout history, the rose has been a powerful universal symbol, and this month, the annual International Competition of New Roses celebrates its 16th edition in Parc de Cervantes. The competition allows hard-working breeders to display their horticultural skills and, for those of us a little less green-fingered, it presents an opportunity to amble around the park, soaking up the scent and sight of over 2,000 species of rose. The event also involves other activities, including floral art exhibitions, food stalls and music performances. The competition began in 2001 and offers a chance to see littleknown varieties of rose that are not currently found on the commercial market. Both the public and a panel of expert judges decide the winners in various categories, such as Best Hybrid Rose, Best Miniature Rose and Best Scented Rose. The competition’s world tour continues on to various cities, including Rome, Tokyo, Belfast and Adelaide. ajuntament.barcelona.cat/ecologiaurbana, www.worldrose.org FOR MORE EVENTS VISIT WWW.BARCELONA-METROPOLITAN.COM

4/25/16 11:39 AM

MAD AS A MARCH HARE

ALICE IN WONDERLAND. TEATRE GAUDÍ.

SANT ANTONI MARIA CLARET 120.

MAY 12TH-MAY 29TH. Celebrating 150 years of Lewis Carroll’s classic Victorian tale, Alice In Wonderland is given a modern musical twist in this stylish, punchy and irreverent adaptation.

Founded by Sue Flack in 1997, Escapade Theatre aims to produce quality productions that entertain, provoke and “lay bare the pitiful state of the human condition”, all with a dose of British satire and dark humour. Almost 20 years later, they have established themselves as one of Barcelona’s leading English theatre companies, and will take to the stage at Teatre Gaudí from May 12th29th in what they consider their most ambitious project to date. Laced with lethal wit, riddles and magic, this production features some of our favourite childhood characters—including the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit and the Cheshire Cat—and is suitable for both adults and children. Promising eccentric characters, elaborate costumes and steampunk-inspired aesthetics, make sure you aren’t late for this very important date! www.escapadetheatre.com

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LOS SANTOS A grotesque love story fuelled by delirium. 9pm. Antic Teatre.

Verdaguer i Callís 12. 10th, 17th,

DOCUMENTS OF ACTION Over 60 works from the Japanese and European post-war period feature in this exhibition. Fun-

YANN TIERSEN He composed the soundtrack for French romantic-comedy, Amélie (2001). 9pm. Palau de la Música.

Palau de la Música 4-6.

CAETANO VELOSO AND GILBERTO GIL These two Brazilian artists team up to celebrate friendship and music. 2nd. 9pm. Palau de la Música. Palau de la Música 4-6.

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COUNTERFEIT This unsigned London punk band boasts actor and model, Jamie Campbell Bower, as its frontman.

9pm. Sala Bikini. Diagonal 547.

RIVERDANCE: CELTIC DANCES L’Auditori welcomes international stars Johan de Meij and Jörgen van Rijen.1st. 6pm. L’Auditori.

Lepant 150.

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COLDPLAY (26TH & 27TH)

LOS VIVANCOS Dance, martial arts and humour feature in this award-winning Spanish production. 9pm. Teatre

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NUESTRAS MUJERES In this play, three friends consider the value of friendship and secrecy when one of them murders his wife. 8.30pm. Teatre Condal. Paral·lel 91. Until 22nd.

JAMBINAI This Korean trio bring thrilling instrumental fusion styles to the city. 9pm. Sala Apolo. Nou de la Rambla 113.

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WE DN ESDAY

CARLOS SADNESS This Spanish artist gets creative when he combines indie with hip-hop and rap. 9pm. Sala Apo-

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34TH INTERNATIONAL COMIC FAIR This year’s focus is on the role of cars, motorbikes and bicycles in comic books. Fira Barcelona. Av. Reina Maria Cristina. 5th-8th.

Diagonal 547.

CHARLIE PUTH The American singer-songwriter behind the chart-topper ‘Marvin Gaye’. 8pm. BARTS. Paral·lel 62.

5

T HURSDA Y

MADAME BUTTERFLY Few operas pull on the heartstrings as much as Puccini’s 1904 tragedy. 9pm. Teatre-Auditori

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DANNY O’BRIEN One of Ireland’s best young comedians brings us his brains, banter and brilliance. 8.30pm.

Shamrock Bar. Tallers 72.

PRIMERA PERSONA 2016 Music concerts, comedy and theatre feature at the fifth edition of this culture festival. CCCB. Montalegre 5. 6th & 7th.

6

FRIDAY

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN Accompanied by the E Street Band, The Boss kicks off his European tour. 9pm. Camp Nou.

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PALO ALTO MARKET A stylish outdoor market located in a converted factory. 11am9pm. Pellaires 30. 7th & 8th.

ENCHANTÉ This Spanish-language theatre performance transports you back to a little Parisian hub of music and culture. Various times. Sala Muntaner. Muntaner 4. Until 15th.

7

SAT URDAY

SPANISH GRAND PRIX Get your engines revved, as Formula One returns to Montmeló.

Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

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OH L’AMOUR! OPERA A father disapproves of his son’s illicit love, but then falls for his own psychiatrist. Various times.

Gran Teatre del Liceu. La Rambla 51-59. 7th & 8th.

BRUNCH ELECTRONIK Francesco Tristano performs live at this weekend’s edition. 12pm.

Poble Espanyol. Francesc Ferrer i Guardia 13. 8th & 22nd.

8

SUN DAY

WHAT'S ON MAY 2016

WWW.BARCELONA-METROPOLITAN.COM

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR WEBSITE

CALENDAR_print.indd 7

4/25/16 11:34 AM

EL DESPLUME (11TH)

17

PHOTO

16

BANK HOLIDAY

BLUES JAM SESSION Hernán Senra “El Chino” leads an evening of impromptu jazz.

10.30pm. Harlem Jazz Club.

Comtessa de Sobradiel 8.

WE’RE ALL SUPER! An exhibition with activities to celebrate 25 years of the children’s television station Super3. Palau Robert. Passeig de Gràcia 107. Until September 4th.

NAST [BASS] Get ready for festival season with a Monday night of DJs and dancing. 12am. Sala Apolo. Nou de la Rambla 113.

COR SIMFÒNIC FEMENÍ DE CATALUNYA This all-female choir presents a collection of classical symphonies. 6pm. Palau de la Música.

Palau de la Música 4-6.

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LOOP FESTIVAL The 14th edition of this film and art festival will take place in over 100 venues. Various times and locations. Until June 9th.

TONI CATANY: BACK AND FORTH Over 100 photographs give an insight into the artist’s universe.

10am-8.30pm. La Pedrera. Provença 261-265. Until July 17th.

DOCSBARCELONA 2016 The international documentary film festival celebrates its 19th edition this year. Various locations. 23rd-29th.

29

CIRC PISTOLET Set to live music, six award-winning acrobats challenge themes of uncertainty onstage. 8pm.

L’Auditori. Lepant 150. Until 29th.

JOYCE DIDONATO The American mezzo-soprano showcases her vocal virtuosity.

8pm. Gran Teatre del Liceu. La Rambla 51-59.

COLDPLAY The British band present their A Head Full of Dreams tour. 9pm.

Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.

Passeig Olímpic 17-19. 26th & 27th.

I CAPULETI E I MONTECCHI The tale of the two star-crossed lovers is reinterpreted in Vincenzo Bellini’s 1830 opera. 8pm.

Gran Teatre del Liceu. La Rambla 51-59. Until May 31st.

26

ADELE The Brit, Grammy and Oscarwinning superstar is the biggestselling artist of the 21st century.

9pm. Palau Sant Jordi. Passeig Olímpic 5-7. 24th & 25th.

27

NELLY This hip-hop veteran has collaborated with the likes of P. Diddy, Kelly Rowland and Justin Timberlake. 11pm. Club Catwalk.

Ramón Trias Fargas 2.

DENIM PREMIÈRE VISION Meet the denim community and discover the latest fashion trends at this two-day market. Fira Barcelona. Av. Reina Maria Cristina.

Until 19th.

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ISRAEL GALVÁN This Spanish flamenco virtuoso is known for his rapid-fire footwork punctuated by chilling moments of silence. 9.30pm. Mercat de les Flors. Lleida 59. 20th & 21st.

FLYING PIGS A folklore tale meets contemporary culture in a dream-like set.

8.30pm. Hiroshima Theatre. Vilà i Vilà 67. 19th-22nd.

MALÚ A chance to hear the most iconic female voice in Spanish pop.

10pm. Palau Sant Jordi. Passeig Olímpic 5-7.

20

WOLFMOTHER The Australian three-piece bring their hard rock beats to Barcelona. 8.30pm. Sala Apolo. Nou de la Rambla 113.

MADAME BUTTERFLY Few operas pull on the heartstrings as much as Puccini’s 1904 tragedy. 9pm. Teatre-Auditori Sant Cugat. Plaça del Vinyet 48.

13

MICHEL CAMILO This Grammy Award-winning pianist specialises in jazz, Latin and classical piano. 9pm. Gran Teatre del Liceu. La Rambla 51-59.

19

ALICE IN WONDERLAND Laced with magic and adventure, this classic English tale has been given a musical twist. Various times. Teatre Gaudí. Sant Antoni Maria Claret 120. 12th-29th.

CARLOS SADNESS This Spanish artist gets creative when he combines indie with hip-hop and rap. 9pm. Sala Apolo. Nou de la Rambla 113.

12

24

30

ENCHANTÉ (7TH-15TH)

THE ART OF THE BRICK The world’s largest display of Lego art has been rated by CNN as a “must-see”. Las Arenas Shopping Centre. Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 373-385. Until June 12th.

EL DESPLUME A show that promises a ‘defeathering’, get your glitter at the ready for this alluring night of cabaret. 9pm. Antic Teatre.

Verdaguer i Callís 12.

CUIXART: GEOMETRIA EXPERIMENTAL Artwork by one of the founding members of the Dau al Set movement. Galeria Mayoral. Consell de Cent 286. Until May 26th.

NEUMAN Part of the intriguing ‘Shoegaze’ genre, this Spanish band will be playing many summer festivals.

9pm. Razzmatazz. Pamplona 88.

18

LOS VIVANCOS Dance, martial arts and humour feature in this award-winning Spanish production. 9pm. Teatre Tívoli. Casp 8. Until July 3rd.

LOS SANTOS A grotesque love story fuelled by delirium. 9pm. Antic Teatre.

Verdaguer i Callís 12. 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st.

DOCUMENTS OF ACTION Over 60 works from the Japanese and European post-war period feature in this exhibition. Fundació Antoni Tàpies. Aragó 255.

Until 22nd.

11

10

9

30

DON QUIXOTE The National Dance Company perform this classic ballet. Various times. Teatre-Auditori Sant Cugat. Plaça del Vinyet 48.

L’OCELL PRODIGIÓS Puppetry, acting and video projections inspired by Stravinsky’s The Firebird. Various times. Gran Teatre del Liceu. La Rambla 5159. 28th-29th.

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RUDO Set to live music, Rudo confronts his personal issues and weaknesses in this hour-long circus show.

7pm & 9pm. Teatre-Auditori Sant Cugat. Plaça del Vinyet 48.

SPANISH GRAND PRIX (13TH-15TH)

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GLOBAL BUBBLE PARADE With over 60 participating cities, this parade promotes the belief that happiness is the journey rather than the destination. 12pm.

City Centre.

BEATLES FOR KIDS Parents and children can sing together in this tribute to the legendary Liverpudlian quartet.

12pm. BARTS. Paral·lel 62.

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COUNTRY HIKING Led by the American Society, breathtaking views are guaranteed in this all-day hike from Monistrol de Montserrat to Sant Vicenç de Castellet. 8am-7.30pm.

QUEEN AND ADAM LAMBERT The iconic rock band and American Idol star join forces. 9.30pm.

Palau Sant Jordi. Passeig Olímpic 5-7.

22

21 POETRY SLAM 2016 Enjoy an evening of poetry where word is the central element. 6pm8pm. CCCB. Montalegre 5.

VERMUT SOLIDARIO With proceeds supporting immigrants and refugees, enjoy good food and DJ sets at this all-day event. 12pm-9pm. Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm. Roselló 515.

SPANISH GRAND PRIX Get your engines revved, as Formula One returns to Montmeló.

Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

13th-15th.

15

EAT STREET This festival serves up street food from food trucks in a vibrant and creative atmosphere. 12pm.

La Nau Bostik. Ferran Turné 11.

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN Accompanied by the E Street Band, The Boss kicks off his European tour. 9pm. Camp Nou. D’Aristides Maillol 12.

14

WE BUILD A PROJEC T FOR LIFE

“WELL-ROUNDED PEOPLE, LEARNING FOR THE FUTURE IN CREATIVE WAYS”

Para ver esta película, debe

disponer de QuickTime™ y de un descompresor .

GRESOL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Ctra. Sabadell a Matadepera km. 6 (BV-1248) 08227 TERRASSA Phone 937 870 158 Fax 937 870 250 EMAIL comunicacio@gresol.net

www.gresol.net

Gresol may2016.indd 1

4/26/16 11:19 AM

A Family HOME CASA RONALD MCDONALD PROVIDES SOME HOME COMFORTS TO SICK CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES.

BY TORI SPARKS.

The board of advisors involved in managing and fundraising for Casa Ronald McDonald.

C

asa Ronald McDonald in Barcelona celebrated its 14th birthday last month, and yet many of the city's residents have no idea that it exists, or understand the service it provides. In a nutshell, the institution provides a ‘home away from home’ for children suffering from serious illnesses and their families, while the children are undergoing treatment in nearby hospitals.

The first time I walked into Casa Ronald McDonald, I admittedly expected a sombre atmosphere where people spoke in whispers. However, to my great surprise, I was instead greeted by three adorable little girls tearing down the passageway towards the playroom, giggling and (good-naturedly) fighting over who gets to be the princess from Frozen.

Volunteers were playing table football with two boys. Finger paintings and decorations lined the walls, rice was cooking in the kitchen and somebody was attempting to play ‘Jingle Bells’ on a piano down the hall.

The happy atmosphere belies the serious issues facing the people who stay here. One of the would-be Frozen princesses had lost all of her hair and wore a facemask. Mothers of cancer-suffering children were seated around a table in an adjoining room, quietly making woven bracelets to sell for €5 each. All the proceeds go to the Sant Joan de Deu Foundation's cancer research fund.

Pere Casas is the manager and his daughter is a cancer survivor. “In the outside world, these kids are often treated as enfermos ('sick people'),” he said. “In the hospital, they’re patients. Here, they’re just kids. The families are just families. They’re in the middle of possibly the worst moment of their lives, but we do everything we can to create an environment where they can live as normal a life as possible while the child receives treatment.”

"IN THE OUTSIDE WORLD, THESE KIDS ARE OFTEN TREATED AS ENFERMOS. IN THE HOSPITAL, THEY’RE PATIENTS. HERE, THEY’RE JUST KIDS." Of course, many people hear the word ‘McDonald's’ and instantly think of Big Macs, the infamous golden arches and big bucks. However, the home operates with only three paid employees: Pere, Gisela Ibañez (Assistant Manager) and Conchita Jimenez (Secretary). Everyone else who helps is a volunteer. The charity functions independently from the McDonald’s restaurant corporation. The corporation pays to build and maintain the infrastructure of the houses themselves, and each local McDonald's franchise donates a small portion of their profits to the charity once they reach a certain sales threshold. Apart from this support, the home relies on its own funds to cover the expense of providing comfortable living facilities, for free, for up to 15 families from around the world. The families pay for and cook their own food, but the rest of their needs are met by Casa Ronald McDonald. Some families are there for a week, some for years—last year alone, 131 families came to stay.

The board is also composed of volunteers—local business owners who donate their time to make management decisions and organise fundraising

events. Victor Horcasitas, President of the American Society of Barcelona, is also Vice President of the board at Casa Ronald McDonald. He is a constant physical presence at the home and is one of the most vocal proponents of the work that they do.

Horcasitas stressed the importance of community support. “All the resources that we provide for the families have to come from somewhere.

We need local volunteers. Not only to help run events and play games with the kids, although hanging out with the kids is always the best part.

We also need more help from people who have specific skill sets, such as marketing skills, search engine optimisation and, of course, fundraising.”

So where does the money come from to support the families and maintain 1,535 square metres of living space? Casa Ronald McDonald organises concerts, family-friendly events, 10k runs, Cinco de Mayo and Fourth of July celebrations (in conjunction with the American Society and MexCat nonprofit organisations) and more. The volunteers run them all.

The jewel in the crown of Casa Ronald McDonald's activity schedule is their annual Charity Gala. This year, the event will take place on June 1st at Luz de Gas (Muntaner 246), with rock band Hotel Cochambre confirmed to headline. Advance tickets are available through www.casaronaldbarcelona. org and www.amersoc.com. On the website you can also take a virtual tour of the home and find out how to help if you’d like to either donate or volunteer.

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4/25/16 3:40 PM

THE POWERS THAT BE

C

atalunya is known for its tumultuous history and often complex politics, and today’s regional government is no exception. The most recent elections took place on September 27th, 2015 (27-S), and no individual party won an overall majority (68 seats). Just under half of the 135 seats went to pro-independence coalition Junts pel Sí (meaning ‘Together for Yes’), who went on to form a government with the Candidatura d’Unitat Popular (CUP).

The seats are now divided between six parties and coalitions (see right). It was understood that if Junts pel Sí were to win a majority, the incumbent president, Artur Mas, would be re-elected. However, the reluctance of CUP members to go into government under Mas led to the appointment of Carles Puigdemont as the 130th president of the Generalitat on January 12th, 2016. So, who belongs to which party and what exactly do they want for the future of Catalunya?

First, a little bit of history. Founded in 1283 with the task of collecting taxes, the Generalitat of Catalunya has been in existence for over eight centuries. By the 14th century, the Generalitat had become the most important political body in Catalunya. Despite being dissolved on a number of occasions by different ruling powers, including Philip V in 1714, Miguel Primo de Rivera in 1925 and Francisco Franco in 1939, the Generalitat has stood the test of time and continues to be the core of Catalunya’s self-government.

Located in Plaça Sant Jaume, today’s Generalitat has a legislative, executive and regulatory function, and consists of 135 elected ministers (diputats) and a president.

Catalunya exercises its autonomy through the Generalitat on regional matters, such as culture, environment, communications, transportation, commerce, public safety and local councils. For any national matters, such as education, health and justice, jurisdiction is shared with the Spanish state. Political parties and the Catalan population are divided on this, and the question of independence is always a major item on Catalunya’s agenda at both a local and national level.

A QUICK GUIDE TO WHO’S WHO IN THE NEW CATALAN GOVERNMENT. BY EIMEAR CORRIGAN.

Candidatura d’unitat PoPular (CuP) Spokesperson: Anna Gabriel Founded: 1986 Seats in the Generalitat: 10 Political Position: Radical left Summary: The Candidatura d’Unitat Popular was founded with the aim of obtaining independence for Catalunya and opposing capitalism.

Despite only winning 10 seats in the 27-S elections, they managed to obtain huge political sway by joining Junts pel Sí to form a proindependence government.

Key policies in Catalunya: In terms of redefining Catalunya, the CUP advocate the most extreme policies. Not only do they want to break away from Spain, but also from the EU, troika and the eurozone. Anti-austerity, anti-corruption and anti-privatisation sentiments are central values. Since entering the 2015 government, the CUP have continued to cause controversy over issues such as the privatisation of water supplier, Aigües Ter-Llobregat. They also strongly oppose the BCN World Project—a €4.7 billion project to build casinos, theme parks, golf courses and a ‘smart city’ close to PortAventura in Tarragona. This project has been defended by the PP, the PSC and Ciutadans as a way of improving the economy.

THE CURRENT CATALAN GOVERNMENT

PARTIT POPULAR (PP) - 11

CANDIDATURA D'UNITAT POPULAR (CUP) - 10

CATALUNYA SÍ QUE ES POT (PSC) - 11

135 SEATS 4 PARTIES 2 COALITIONS

EL PARTIDO DE LOS SOCIALISTAS DE CATALUÑA - 16

JUNTS PEL SI (JXSI) - 62

CIUTADANS (C’s) - 25

Catalunya Si Que eS Pot (CatSiQueeSPot) Leader: Josep Lluís Franco Rabell Founded: 2015 Seats in the Generalitat: 11 Political position: Left Summary: Catalunya Si Que Es Pot is a left-wing coalition composed of Podemos, Initiativa per Catalunya Verds (ICV), Esquerra Unida i Alternativa (EUiA) and Equo. All of the parties involved also form part of citizen group ‘Barcelona en Comú’, currently governing the City of Barcelona and headed by mayor, Ada Colau. They emerged as a result of the effervescent political climate of recent years, many of them being social activists or indignados (‘outraged’) individuals with no political past.

Key policies in Catalunya: They are neutral on the topic of independence and support a referendum by the people of Catalunya. Like the PSC, they reject the LMOCE and support the use of Catalan as the vernacular language in schools, and, like the CUP, they have also come up against government plans for the BCN World Project.

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4/26/16 11:25 AM

Photo credit: Parlament de Catalunya.

JuntS Pel Sí (JxSi) Leader: Jordi Turull Founded: 2015 Seats in the Generalitat: 62 Political position: Complicated Summary: Junts pel Sí was founded in July 2015 as a coalition of three parties—Convergencia Democrática de Catalunya (CDC), Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) and Demòcrates de Catalunya (DC)—with the common aim of obtaining independence for Catalunya. Although the CDC’s position on independence was previously ambiguous, Junts pel Sí has given them the power to make changes in government and move towards greater autonomy. However, should independence be introduced, it is likely that the CDC will return to their position as a right-wing party.

Key policies in Catalunya: Although each party still has its own manifesto, Junts pel Sí’s primary aim is to declare independence for Catalunya within 18 months of being elected. They have prepared a detailed plan of action relating to this, which includes general elections and the ratification of a new constitution. Should the Spanish state block the self-governance of Catalunya, the plan is to continue with the declaration under the international law of ‘transitional justice’, which applies to governments in transition, where violations of human rights have occurred in the past. This could help Catalunya devolve power to the current departments of the Generalitat, which would function as the structures of the new state. It would also facilitate the final step involving negotiations with Spain, as well as EU membership and obtaining international recognition. It is worth noting, however, that under the Spanish constitution, military intervention is stated as a legitimate form of resistance to any community declaring independence unconstitutionally.

Partit PoPular (PP) Leader: Xavier García Albiol Founded: 1989 Seats in the Generalitat: 11 (185 in the national government) Political position: Right Summary: This Madrid-based party has held power at a national level since 2010, when it won 185 out of 350 seats.

Although their latest stint in government has been somewhat overshadowed by controversy and corruption, the party continues to hold power provisionally (see right). The Catalan branch of the PP won 11 Generalitat seats in the 2015 elections. The current leader in Catalunya is former mayor of Badalona, Xavier García Albiol, who has previously made headlines in relation to racism allegations.

Key policies in Catalunya: The main policies of the PP in Catalunya include reduction of street crime and antisocial behaviour, and improving gender equality. As a nationalist party, the PP do not support a referendum on independence. The PP’s views on women’s rights have been called into question since the abortion referendum dispute in 2014 and 2015, which saw them make international headlines over proposed alterations to abortion law. There was widespread opposition to the referendum, particularly in Catalunya, which eventually forced the PP to back down.

CiutadanS (C’S) Leader: Inés Arrimadas Founded: 2005 Seats in the Generalitat: 25 (40 in national government) Political position: Centre/centre-right Summary: Ciutadans was founded in response to a growing sentiment that part of the population were unrepresented by existing political parties.

Its founders were intellectuals and professionals who were opposed to Catalan nationalism. Albert Rivera Díaz, the party’s national leader, summarised its ideology in his famous quote: “Catalunya is my homeland, Spain is my country and Europe is our future”. The party’s popularity has grown over the years, starting with three seats in 2010, nine in 2012 and 25 seats in 2015.

Key policies in Catalunya: Ciutadans promote themselves as a modern, populist party. They boldly entered the political scene with a campaign that involved Díaz posing naked with the slogan: ‘Your party has been born’.

Main policies focus on health, but also address social issues such as equal maternity/paternity leave, surrogacy laws and gay marriage. They support the LMOCE—an education law that aims to reduce hours dedicated to religion and introduce multilingual schooling. They do not support a referendum on Catalan independence.

el Partit del SoCialiSteS de Catalunya (PSC) First Secretary: Miquel Iceta Llorens Founded: 1978 Seats in the Generalitat: 16 (90 in national government) Political position: Centre-left Summary: The national socialist party (Partido Socialista Obrero Español or PSOE) has a federation in each autonomous community. The Catalan branch (PSC), differs from the others in that it is not formally required to report back to the PSOE’s general secretary, although there is a certain amount of co-ordination between the two parties, which allows for joint action in moments of crisis.

Key policies in Catalunya: The PSC supports a Catalan public school system, characterised by inclusivity, secularism and integration, and are opposed to the LMOCE law. The latter states that all schools should offer education in Spanish, English and Catalan. In cases where education is not available in Spanish, the government would fund private study for pupils.

Like the PSOE, the PSC does not support a referendum, but rather the introduction of a federalist alternative, protecting Catalunya’s identity and projects as an autonomous community.

THE NATIONAL SITUATION What is the investidura?

At a national level, Spain is currently going through a period of political stalemate. No majority emerged from the national elections in December 2015 (20-D), and it is proving almost impossible for the parties who did obtain seats to form a coalition government. Should a government not be formed, the only solution will be a revote, which will be called on May 3rd and held on June 26th. In the meantime, the PP continue to lead the central government.

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4/26/16 11:25 AM

ADVERTISING FEATURE

How do we prepare our kids for the 21st century?

L

et’s take a deep breath and face facts. We live in extraordinary times, and providing children with the tools to succeed in today’s fast-paced society is becoming harder than ever.

Schools do a fine job on the academic side, but what about preparation for life outside the classroom? At DEC Camp, teaching secondary skills for your kids is our primary objective, and we provide quality training in a fun yet educational environment.

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From Eastern Europe to Barcelona, we’ve been organising educational innovation camps for almost 10 years, and have hosted over 5,000 campers in that time. This year, we’re coming to Vilar Rural de Cardona, which offers breathtaking views of the medieval Castle of Cardona. Facilities include comfortable rooms that sleep 4-6 children, a swimming pool, a football pitch, modern classrooms and even a subterranean salt-mine!

For us at DEC Camp, summer camp is much more than a day at the beach or a quest in the city. It presents a unique opportunity to change the world in a short amount of time: to instill confidence, to promote a sense of community and to pursue great ideas in a fun and educational environment. This year, kids of all nationalities will interact with one another, with activities ranging from

At DEC Camp, we create a feeling of community, self-belief and motivation, where “I can’t do this” is transformed into “I want to try this”.

wakeboarding, paddle-surfing and playing football on kayaks, to visiting Cadaques to learn about surrealism, taking English and Spanish lessons, star-gazing under the night sky, clapping along to the rhythm at a Flamenco show, learning how to make paella, taking cool selfies at Montserrat and practising their padel skills. The camp is led entirely in English by trained and qualified staff,

and our diverse programme is sure to leave all campers feeling fulfilled and inspired.

All our lessons and activities are structured around the 4C framework—critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity—skills that are required to succeed in the 21st century. For example, at DEC Camp, campers don’t just play football, but learn how to cooperate and think outside the box through football. The activity is an instrument in achieving the ultimate goal: to develop skills. It’s a subtle yet significant difference. We change the terrain (uphill football), the scope (not goals, but touches) and the format (3 teams, 4 goalposts).

As the saying goes, in order to be successful, you have to discover something you love doing. We certainly have, and we can help our campers to do the same—to experience it, to live it, to be inspired.

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4/25/16 1:16 PM

FASHION

in style

FROM DAY DRESSES TO SPRINGTIME SHADES, FOOD AND FASHION GO HAND IN HAND AT THE LATEST EDITION OF VAN VAN MARKET.

Name: Carlos Age: 25 From: Barcelona Profession: Engineer Shirt: Zippers & Buttons Trousers: Springfield Shoes: New Balance Sunglasses: Hawkers

Name: Ingrid Age: 29 From: Cuba Profession: Ballerina T-Shirt: Bershka Skirt: Stradivarius Bag: H&M Shoes: Springfield

Name: Tara Age: 21 From: London Profession: Student Dress: Urban Outfitters Sandals: Birkenstock Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

LA DOLCE VITA SHIRT €59

GET THE LOOK

H&M BAG €5

HAWKERS SUNGLASSES €40

LA DOLCE VITA TROUSERS €95

BIRKENSTOCK SANDALS €55.50 STRADIVARIUS SKIRT €9.95 SPRINGFIELD SHOES €19.99

BIRKENSTOCK EL CORTE INGLÉS PLAÇA DE CATALUNYA 14. LA DOLCE VITA RONDA DE SANT PERE 54. H&M PASSEIG DE GRÀCIA 9.

HAWKERS EL CORTE INGLÉS PLAÇA DE CATALUNYA 14. STRADIVARIUS PASSEIG DE GRÀCIA 11. SPRINGFIELD LA RAMBLA 138.

33. Fashion.indd 6

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4/25/16 11:53 AM

TRAVEL

The road to

ROME

Empúries

Caldes de Malavella

BARCELONA Arc de Berà

TARRAGONA

Tortosa

FOLLOW THE ROMAN VIA AUGUSTA AND DISCOVER THE HISTORICAL TREASURES THAT SPAN CATALUNYA. BY ROSALIND BOND.

A

s the expression goes, all roads lead to Rome, though there was a time when this was fact rather than adage.

The Romans first landed in Hispania (modern-day Spain, Portugal, Andorra and Southern France) at Empúries in 218 B.C. and stayed for 600 years, giving them more than enough time to endow the peninsular with their famous roads. The main Roman highway to traverse Hispania was the Via Augusta, stretching from Cádiz in the south to Coll de Panissars in the north, where it crossed the Pyrenees and continued on towards the Eternal City. The road was the most important form of trade and communication along the Mediterranean coast and it drove a tidal wave of development. In the towns and cities that were connected by the Via Augusta, this development can still be seen in the footprint the Romans left behind. So let us take you on a tour along this ancient route and discover the places in Catalunya where Roman feet trod 2,000 years ago.

Empúries

Amphitheatre, Tarragona

EMPÚRIES Just as the Romans did, we begin our route at Empúries on the Costa Brava. This coastal settlement, however, was not always Roman— it was founded by the Greeks, who named it Emporion, and is therefore the only place on the Iberian peninsular where both Roman and Ancient Greek remains can be viewed side by side. The once-prosperous city eventually started losing ground to the thriving cities of Barcino and Tàrraco, and in the mid-ninth century, the town was abandoned. Today, around 20 percent of the Roman ruins here have been unearthed and are easily visited from the neighbouring towns of Sant Martí d’Empúries and L’Escala. www.mac.cat CALDES DE MALAVELLA Veering slightly inland, we bypass Girona— which has few surviving structures from that period despite its rich Roman history—and instead we stop off at Caldes de Malavella.

Known as Aquae Calidae, it was a spa town where the Roman nobility would enjoy the waters. The Roman thermal baths are still in existence today and their ruins can be visited. www.visitcaldes.cat TÀRRACO Barcelona may now hoard all the glory, tourists and power, but Tarragona used to be the region’s capital. Known then as Tàrraco, Tarragona was the most important Roman settlement on the Iberian Peninsula and, to this day, architecturalmonuments dotted across the

city stand as testament to its glorious past. The imposing walls carve a line separating the Roman city from its modern counterpart. A thick, ancient gateway leads to sunny terraces that sit on the former site of the Provincial Forum—a huge square that housed the buildings where the economic and political life of the province was administered. In the lower part of the city, the impressively well-preserved local forum, which was the focal point of public life and the seat of local government, can be seen standing proudly above the modern streets that surround it.

The Amphitheatre The elliptical amphitheatre, built in the second century A.D., along with the Roman circus and theatre, made up a trio of structures designed to entertain the masses with three bloodthirsty forms of spectacle: gladiator combats, wild animal combats and the execution of prisoners.

The amphitheatre is located outside the walled city, against the stunning backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea. www.tarragona.cat/patrimoni/museu-historia Les Ferreres Aqueduct Leaving the city, we head four kilometres north to admire the majestic Les Ferreres Aqueduct, a structure which demonstrates the importance the Romans gave to urban infrastructure. The 27-metre-high water conduit was built in the first century A.D., and it funneled water from the Francolí river to water distribution tanks around the city.

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Photos by Carol Moran.

BACK TO BARCINO You don’t have to leave Barcelona to discover Catalunya’s Roman heritage. It’s hard not to stumble upon fragments of the Roman walls that once surrounded the Roman city of Barcino (for some good examples, head to Plaça Nova and Plaça Traginers). Carrer Duran i Bas is the site of several arches of a Roman aqueduct incorporated into the wall of a much more recent building.

Indeed, many of Barcelona’s Roman gems can be seen shoehorned between, buried underneath or absorbed into more modern buildings.

The Augustus Temple Columns Dating from the first century B.C., the remarkably intact columns of Barcino’s temple once stood at the forum’s axis, looming over the citizens.

Following the decline of the Roman Empire, the columns were absorbed into the construction of medieval buildings and fell into myth and obscurity.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the columns and the remaining part of the podium were restored and can now be seen at the tiny Centre Excursionista de Catalunya on Carrer de Paradís.

ragona

Les Ferreres Aqueduct

the country farm house. Two examples of such villae can be seen in the area surrounding Tarragona: Els Munts villa in Altafulla, and the Centcelles villa in Constantí. Originally built as agricultural properties, these villas were soon appropriated by the social elite. The two villas show an interesting mix of agricultural and architectural remains, as well as richly-adorned interior decoration. www.mnat.cat Roman Circus, Tarragona

TORRE DELS ESCIPIONS Six kilometres up the coast from Tarragona sits the first-century Torre dels Escipions, one of the best-preserved Roman funerary towers in the Iberian Peninsular. The tower, situated outside the city limits, as per Roman law, is made up of three stacked, rectangular sections. Inside the middle section is a chamber that would have housed the funerary objects of the deceased, whose identities have been lost.

DERTOSA Tortosa (or Dertosa as it was once known) marks the end of our journey. Within Tortosa, the columns of the Roman acropolis can be seen inside the grounds of the ninth-century Suda Castle, and the village of El Perrelló—located just northeast of the town—is one of the best places to see remains of the Via Augusta itself.

Watch out for traces of it near the Ermita de Sant Cristófol and the bridge located close to the N-340 road.

ARC DE BERÀ The triumphal Arc de Berà can be found further along the coast heading north, where it previously straddled the Via Augusta. It was built between 15 and five B.C. in honour of Emperor Augustus, and is thought to delineate the boundary of the Tàrraco district.

ELS MUNTS VILLA AND CENTCELLES VILLA If you thought the concept of a country getaway was a modern idea, think again. During the Roman period, the high and mighty of Tàrraco were partial to the rustic delights of

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The Roman Funeral Way Outside the city walls, along what must have become a rather spooky minor road, lie a collection of funeral monuments. The burial area was in use between the first and third centuries A.D., although it was gradually covered over by river sediments and, in 1588, a convent. During the 20th century, the Necropolis was discovered in Plaça Vila de Madrid and the finds were left in situ, where they can be viewed today.

The Underground City In Plaça del Rei, roll the clock back 2,000 years as you descend into an underground world, and emerge on the streets of Barcino where you can amble through the ruins of its bustling centre and learn about the everyday life of the colony.

TARRAGONA TIME TRAVEL Tàrraco Viva Festival May 16th-29th Every year since 1999, Tarragona is invaded by the Romans once more as it hosts a cultural festival that educates the public about the city’s Roman history. The aim of the festival is to make history come alive (Tàrraco Viva means ‘Tàrraco lives’), and historical reenactment is therefore used to explore all aspects of Roman life set against the backdrop of Tarragona’s awe-inspiring Roman remains. This year, join reenactment group Thaleia who will demonstrate what life was like in Rome’s first ever fire brigade. Alternatively, get involved with one of the many workshops that are open to the public—join a fresco-painting session or head to the Scriptorium and upgrade your usual handwritten scrawl to ornate Roman calligraphy. If such scholarly pursuits are not your thing, there are plenty of opportunities to learn about (and taste) the food and wine consumed in classical times. All this is combined with performances, ancient music concerts and tours led by characters from Roman Tàrraco. www.tarracoviva.com

Arc de Berà

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

El Català Photos by Sam Zucker.

A FRESH SEAFOOD RESTAURANT THAT RUNS A TIGHT SHIP.

BY SAM ZUCKER.

W

hen you open a restaurant specialising in seafood just steps from one of the city’s most iconic food markets, there is no excuse for offering anything less than the freshest, most pristine product possible. At El Català, the nauticalthemed decor may be a tad kitsch, but the food has nothing to hide. Clean, classic and seasonal is a winning combination, so El Català has claimed a niche in a city full of new ideas and trend-hunting culinary concepts. Located just outside of the Mercat de Santa Caterina, the spot isn’t overly modern or expensive, nor is it a dark, dim shrine to the city’s past; rather, it’s delightfully airy, bright and a little bit fun.

The name El Català comes from the famous song ‘El meu avi’, written in 1968 by Catalan legend, Josep Lluís Ortega Monasterio, about the Spanish-American war of 1898. In the first lines of the song (which appears in its entirety on the front page of the restaurant’s menu), the singer’s grandfather ‘sailed to Cuba, aboard El Català, the best war ship on the sea’.

This song was written in the style of a habanera—a slow, melodramatic shanty full of heroic imagery and nationalist pride. Lines from the song also adorn the walls, and you can’t help but feel just a wee bit closer to the Costa Brava when taking your seat in the highceilinged dining room.

In keeping with the restaurant’s patrimonial theme, El Català’s menu is rich in Catalan classics, from Mandonguilles amb sepia (meatballs with cuttlefish) and Canelóns de pollastre de pagès rostit amb beixamel (roast chicken cannelloni with béchamel) to Trinxat de la Cerdanya (cabbage and potato with bacon) and Fideuà (thin noodles cooked in the style of a paella).

To further cement their local pride, El Català had their opening party on September 11th last year—the National Day of Catalunya, La Diada.

El Català caught my attention right from the start; a seemingly popular restaurant on a previously uninteresting corner behind my neighbourhood market. Through large shopfront windows, plentiful natural light spills across the blonde wood and white tiles, inviting diners to settle in and enjoy peeling succulent

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prawns in the filtered sunshine.

Though the atmosphere is relaxing, the service did feel a bit rushed. We had to send our eager waitress away three times while we debated what to order amongst ourselves.

However, this could just be attentive service, something often forgotten while living in Barcelona.

We finally came to an agreement and began with a platter of seasonal vegetables, charred on the flattop grill (planxa); a mix of tender artichokes, asparagus, aubergine, courgette and tomato, nicely cooked and seasoned, served with a smear of nutty romesco sauce. The dish was enjoyable, but a little small for €8. This dish, plus the obligatory goat’s cheese salad, are the only vegetarian offerings available (something that could be rectified in order to better capture Barcelona’s growing veggie crowd).

With artichokes at their peak, we doubled down with a delicious plate of tangy artichoke slices sautéed with botifarra negre (blood sausage), caramelised onions and shaved parmesan cheese. The familiar flavours of the earthy sausage, crispy artichokes, savoury cheese and sweet onions all sang their tasty song in perfect harmony. For a final starter to ease into the main event—a classic paella marinera—we ordered half a dozen grilled razor clams (navajas), which were market-fresh, supple and plump. A shellfish that can become overcooked very quickly, these were prepared beautifully. Often prone to grittiness, razor clams have to be enjoyed with the idea in mind that a telltale crunch of sand is normal (unless you are dining in one of the rare restaurants that snips out the dark digestive tract one clam at a time). In a clever move, the chef of El Català has embraced the crunch and showers the grilled navajas in crispy-fried minced garlic.

I was impressed with the execution of this simple garnish, which made these some of the best razor clams I have eaten in recent memory.

To finish things off, and to make it a true weekend meal of leisure, we contentedly tucked into the paella while polishing off the rest of our bottle of fruity, floral ‘Mysti Blanc’—an easy-drinking Penedès blend of ✪✪ COULD IMPROVE

✪✪✪ GOOD

Muscat and Xarel·lo grapes. The paella was that sought-after colour of brownish red that comes from a proper sofrito (sauté) of garlic and tomato, which has been simmered with cubes of cuttlefish until the sugars in the tomatoes begin to caramelise. Studded with bright-red prawns and juicy little clams, the star of this paella was the rice—packed with flavour from the seafood broth and maintaining just a hint of firmness at the core of each tiny grain.

El Català is not revolutionising Catalan cuisine, nor are they the first restaurant in Barcelona to blend curated design and local history with contemporary Mediterranean dining. However, this inviting restaurant has managed to keep things simple while transporting guests up the coast to the seaside xiringuitos of the Costa Brava (albeit the slightly posher ones). For a taste of Catalunya’s bounty—both land and sea—that is easy on your wallet but with hardly a fault, climb aboard El Català.

MORE INFO. Plaça Santa Caterina 3, 08003 Tel. 93 277 8955 www.elcatalarestaurant.com ✪✪✪✪

✪✪✪✪ VERY GOOD

✪✪✪✪✪ NOT TO BE MISSED

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Recipe

HARISSA-SPICED BARLEY AND ROASTED VEGETABLE SALAD Lately I’ve been using often-overlooked grains that belong outside of the usual wheat and rice varieties. Add generous quantities of anything that adds big, bright flavour to a dish— coriander, chilli or lemon juice say—and the humble and unappealingly earnest grain is suddenly interesting. Barley (cebada in Castilian, ordí in Catalan) is one of my favourites. I like the nutty taste and the soft, comforting yield of the grain once it is cooked. It also soaks up other flavours brilliantly.

INGREDIENTS Serves four as a side dish, two as a main.

• 200g whole barley (available in most health food shops) • 800ml water • 1 aubergine, cut into 1-inch chunks • 20 mixed variety cherry tomatoes, halved • 1 onion finely chopped • 1 large handful of coriander and/or mint leaves, roughly chopped • 3 bay leaves • Olive oil • Salt and pepper For the dressing • Juice of 1 lemon • 3 tbsp olive oil • 1 tbsp honey • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1-2 tsp hot harissa (if you can’t get harissa, use half chilli powder and half pimentón, the smoked version works great)

METHOD 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Preheat oven to 200oC, toss the aubergine, tomatoes and bay leaves in olive oil, sprinkle on salt and pepper to taste and roast for 25-30 minutes or until golden.

Whisk all the dressing ingredients together and let the flavours develop while the rest is cooking.

Place the barley in a pan, cover with water and bring to the boil.

Turn down to a simmer for another 25 minutes until the barley is just tender and the water has nearly evaporated.

Take off the heat, pop on the lid and leave to steam for another 5-10 minutes.

To assemble the salad, take a large bowl and toss together the barley, tomatoes and aubergines (discard the bay leaves).

Add the raw onion and the herbs. Drizzle over with the dressing.

Toss one last time and serve. It goes well with a side of grilled meats and lasts, covered, in the fridge for a couple of days.

Tara Stevens is a food writer and cook who splits her time between Barcelona and her little cooking school in the Fez Medina. Passionate about Spanish and Moroccan cuisine, she takes traditional recipes and gives them a modern makeover using local and seasonal ingredients.

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QUICK BITES

TêT

“C

asa Bonay is more than just a hotel, it’s a way of life,” said Inés Miró-Sans as we sipped tangy, mint-infused Vietnamese lemonade and I fiddled with my camera tripod. “This project [the hotel] is the fruit of three years of work,” she told me. “We have tried to put everything that we love into this space.”

Along with business partner Luis Rullan, Miró-Sans is the co-founder of the new Casa Bonay boutique hotel located on Gran Via, close to Plaça de Tetuan. The hotel is housed within a stunning neoclassical-style building dating from 1869, meticulously restored and retrofitted to accommodate not only hotel guests, but also a dual-purpose restaurant, a bar/lounge with DJs, food and cocktails, a speciality coffee shop (Satan’s Coffee Corner) and a cold-pressed juice shop (Mother).

The international comfort food (from boeuf bourguignon to umami-packed Korean mussel soup), craft cocktails and whiskey bar in the Libertine lounge area of the hotel look delicious.

The modern, market cuisine and fusion of flagship restaurant Elephant Crocodile Monkey

Tastings

Photos by Sam Zucker.

VIBRANT VIETNAMESE WITH A TOUCH OF ZEN.

BY SAM ZUCKER.

entices diners with flavour-focused dishes such as oak-grilled duck over tomatoes and parsnips and fried cauliflower with mixed cheeses and chilli vinegar. Even so, it was the simple but vibrant Vietnamese food of their Têt lunch concept that whet my appetite.

Têt is based in the same kitchen and dining room as Elephant Crocodile Monkey—the former only exists during the day, while the latter comes to life at night. The head chef in charge of Casa Bonay’s various food offerings is Estanislao Carenzo. Though Argentinian by birth, he has spent the majority of his life living in Japan and South Korea and travelling frequently throughout Asia, which has left an indelible mark on his creative cooking style.

Service in all areas of Casa Bonay is excellent, and the zen-like serenity that pervades their dining room is conducive to a relaxing meal with friends, a date or even a casual lunch meeting.

Têt offers fresh, savoury and sweet Vietnamese classics that satisfy without being overly heavy. Star dishes include the nem rán (a crispy pork and prawn roll served with a medley of fresh herbs, lettuce and crunchy pickled

vegetables), roasted boniato (sweet potato) with pepper and herbs, big steaming bowls of aromatic phở (the quintessential Vietnamese beef and noodle soup, spiked with pungent fish sauce, sweet palm sugar, cinnamon, ginger and toasted star anise), and the grilled lubina (sea bass), fork-tender and served whole over a bed of peanut and crispy shallot-studded jasmine rice with a salad of tender greens, pickled and fresh vegetables, and bunches of fragrant coriander, basil, chives and mint.

With lunch every day and plenty more to pique the interest of Barcelona’s curious diners, Têt and Casa Bonay are very welcome additions to the city’s gastronomic scene, joining the lineup of trendy hotels serving as social hubs around which the creative and culinary cultures of the city revolve and thrive.

MORE INFO. Gran Vía de les Corts Catalanes 700 Tel. 93 545 8077 www.casabonay.com Monday-Sunday 1.30pm-3.30pm

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

PRIORAT IN BALANCE

Rather like an egg yolk and its white, DOQ Priorat wraps nearly all the way around the DO Montsant, and it’s hard not to see these two winemaking regions as closely linked. Indeed, nestled within the confines of Priorat county, they do share a great deal in common. However, there are also many differences between them, a common assumption being price. Overall, the Priorat wines are more expensive than the wines of Montsant, but when looking at the individual wineries, you can see a different picture emerge.

So, given that the annual Fira del Vi weekend recently took place in Falset, it’s time to look at one wine from each appellation that blows away a lot of the stereotypes.

DOQ PRIORAT. CELLER DE L’ENCASTELL - MARGE 2013 This cellar is based in the village of Porrera. Marge (meaning ‘terrace wall’ in Catalan) is its introductory wine, and this vintage is flat-out fantastic. Rich, red forest fruits, vanilla cream, wild herbs and crushed, fresh slate. Alcohol runs a touch high in the body, but with big fruits, full tannins and a very healthy acidity that carries through the long finish. €16

DO MONTSANT. CELLER COMUNICA - LA PELUDA 2014 After renting space for some time at another cellar, the owners of this project finally established their own digs in 2014, and they’ve also released some new wines, such as this one made from Garnatxa Peluda or ‘hairy’ Grenache. Rich ruby colour, red fruits in the nose with a touch of chocolate, stony granite and floral violet notes. Light and balanced in the body with lively fruit in the mid-palate as well as the lingering finish. €17

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NEFW &D

FOOD DRINK

& IN

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

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

DISCOUNT FOR METROPOLITAN READERS

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

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

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

CHICKEN SHOP & DIRTY BURGER 4BARRI GÒTIC

BAR DOS BILLARES4 RAVAL

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

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

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

NEFW &D

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

IN

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

LOIDI RESTAURANT4 EIXAMPLE

BLACKLAB BREWERY4 BARCELONETA

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

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

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

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

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

NEW BEER TOUR

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

Indian / Tandoori IMPRFCTO BAR4 SANT ANTONI

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

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

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

MONDAY´S 5 BEERS €5

Parallel 104 Bj 2, 08015 Tel. 93 222 9801

NEFW &D IN

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

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

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

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FONDA ESPAÑA4 BARRI GÒTIC

MANNÀ GELATS4 BARRI GÒTIC

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

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

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

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

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

BRITTA’S NORDIC DELI4GRÀCIA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AMALTEA4EIXAMPLE

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

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

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

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

Come to the Happy Day and make the animals, yourself and the world happier!

Pau Claris 143 (between Valencia and Aragón) Tel. 93 171 7081 Mon-Sat 1pm-5pm, Sun closed www.happydayvegetariano.com/en

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HEALTH &BEAUTY

Mary D. McCarthy - DOCTOR

Doctor for Adults

DISCOUNT FOR METROPOLITAN READERS

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

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

She is also a member of IAMAT.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Consulta Balmes 24 1º1 T. 93 412 6602.

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

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

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

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

ServiDigest. Thinking of people. Fostering prevention.

Medical and Surgical Center ServiDigest

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

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

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

4/25/16 10:59 AM

Symmetry Pilates- PILATES

Bikram Yoga - HoT yogA

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

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

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

READER OFFER

YogaconGracia - yogA An enchanted 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..

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

www.yogacongracia.com

Matt Green - PErSoNAl TrAINEr AND

Cognitive Hyponotherapist & Coach THERAPISTS Jessica Boston is a certified Cognitive Hypnotherapist based in the centre of Barcelona. In a nutshell, Cofnitive Hypnotherapy works by redefining your unconsious perspective and guiding you towards what you really want, quickly and permanently. get in touch today for your complimentary consultation and to find out how it could change any aspect of your life, because nothing has to be the way it´s always been.

FREE TRIAL

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

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

Jonathan Hooker - PSyCHoTHErAPIST

NEST - NETWorK oF ENglISH SPEAKINg THErAPISTS

FREE CONSULTATION

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

The first consultation is free.

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

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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

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

NUTrITIoNIST Achieve your lifestyle goals with Matt green’s personal training and nutrition classes. Build and tone muscle, improve core strength and lose weight. His services also include H.I.T, functional and core training, nutrition and healthy cooking advice. Plus new private gym facilities.

Av. Josep Tarradellas 101, 08029 M. 667 349 680 mateus_verde@hotmail.com

KINEMEZ - PHySIoTHErAPy CENTrE

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

NETWORK OF ENGLISH SPEAKING THERAPISTS

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

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

First visit: 50% discount

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

Sombrerers 27, Principal T. 93 268 3070 M. 622 772 623 oliver@bornquiro.com www.bornquiro.com Living Mindfully - MINDFUlNESS CoUrSES Do you want to improve your mood, have better relationships, focus, decrease stress and anxiety and find long term peace of mind? learn Mindfulness is in central Barcelona, taught by an English psychotherapist and Mindfulness teacher in the MBSr format. info@livingmindfully.es www.livingmindfully.es

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

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

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

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Dr. Boj - DENTIST

Dra. Susana Campi - DENTIST

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

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

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

Platinum Provider

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

Orthoestetic - DENTIST

Sanz Pancko Dental Clinic -

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

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

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

Together, they provide comprehensive and affordable dental care.

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

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

FREE REJUVENATING ROSEHIP MASK

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

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

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

Heaven - MASSAgE Abaden Dental Group - DENTIST

• ready to feel fantastic for spring?

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

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

Advanced Dentistry in Barcelona.

Methodology: A primary distinctive at Abaden is the high value we place on group clinical consultation. During our 28 years of business our dentists across all specialities meet together regularly to collaborate and review patient cases. This group’s clinical case consultation system is a proven method that guarantees accurate patient diagnostics and higher quality service.

Procedures: Implantology (single, multiple or full teeth recovery), aesthetics, orthodontics and general dentistry languages: English, russian, French and Portuguese.

Abaden Diagonal - Agustina Saragossa 9-11 (08017) Abaden Sants - Marques de Sentmenat 82 (08029) Abaden Vall d’Hebron - Arenys 89-93 (08035) T. 90 064 9162 (Toll-Free for national calls) Open Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-7pm www.dentistsbarcelona.com

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

FREE REFLEXOLOGY TREATMENT WITH ORGANIC PRODUCTS

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

4/25/16 10:59 AM

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 Sánchez Molina LEGAL PRACTICE The lawyers at Sánchez Molina speak English, Spanish, Italian and French.

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

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

Comte d’Urgell 28 T. 93 393 8194 www.garmentprinting.es

Fuente Fradera - LAwyERS Based in Barcelona, Fuente Fradera Lawyers is a rapidly growing law firm which covers real estate law, commercial law and labour law.

Their services are available for businesses, entrepreneurs and private consultations. As legal advisers, they offer a highly efficient, quality service which generates valuable customer confidence in their work. They speak English, French, German and Russian.

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

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

Spain Accounting -

BCN Seguros - INSURANCE

TAX & BUSINESS SERVICES This qualified UK accountant with 30 years’ experience in Spain offers: • tax services for freelance autónomos and small SLs • income tax returns for employees and non-residents • practical advice on setting up a business in Spain • registration of autónomos and company incorporation (SL) • personalised advice on your tax obligations in Spain • fast, reliable email service Contact David Cook on M.678 702 369 info@spainaccounting.com www.spainaccounting.com

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

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

BCN Seguros is a local Barcelona Insurance Agency providing complete personal and business insurance services, including the home, car, health, commercial, public liability, life, motor, yacht, travel, etc. They offer a 30% cost-saving guarantee by keeping insurance coverage identical.

Advice can be given in Spanish, English or German.

Rambla Catalunya 20, 08008 T. 933 900 522 / M. 636 465 010 Mon-Sun 9am-9pm rainerhobrack@gmail.com www.bcnseguros.es

Mac in Barcelona COMPUTERS Stéphane Clément is an Apple technician and consultant with over fifteen years of experience. Anna Piqué, a native from Barcelona, assists Stéphane with her business and communication background. Their focus is on providing good service and installations with clear communicative skills and personal advice. The aim is to solve your computer troubles and teach you how to improve your daily use of your Mac and its various accessories, giving you an opportunity for a more pleasant and safer computer experience.

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

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Mrs Q Design Studio -

Geo Mac - COMPUTERS

GRAPHIC DESIGN

GRAPHIC DESIGN INVITATION DESIGN BRANDING Ӏ ADVERTISING POSTERS Ӏ FLYERS Ӏ MENUS

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

Mrs Q Design Studio offers a range of specialised services. Contact Mrs.Q for their competitive business packages, which include branding, stationery design and advertising for print and web. They also design promotional material such as flyers, posters and brochures. They specialise in bespoke invitations.

Visit their Etsy page to see examples of their work: www.etsy.com/shop/ mrsqdesignstudio.

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

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

Fábrica de Flyers - BUSINESS

Javiertranslates - TRANSLATOR

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

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

Translation services in various languages made by freelance translators according to your needs.

Professionalism and confidentiality guaranteed. Don’t let the language get in the way between your company and the Spanish/Catalan market.

M. 637 704 550 info@javiertranslates.com www.javiertranslates.com Open 8am-7pm

La web del Born

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

Pujades 74-80, 3º 7ª, 08005 T. 93 485 6422 Mon-Thurs 10am-2pm and 3pm6.30pm info@fabricadeflyers.com www.fabricadeflyers.com

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

HOME ORDEN

Barcelona Women’s Network - BUSINESS

Supported charities 2014 - 2016

Barcelona women’s Network is Barcelona’s premier network for international women. Holding over 200 members from 30+ countries, it is a social club that supports local charities and offering a business network, with activities including social gatherings, cultural outings, volunteer opportunities, and business seminars.

Barcelona women’s Network help women thrive and feel at home in Barcelona.

FIRST CONSULTATION FREE

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Frustrated with the mess in your home? have no time? don´t know where to start? moving soon? just moved in? I can help you! My goal is to help you get your place in order and implement strategies to stay organized. we work side by side or I work alone, for one off project or over a longer period according to your needs.

M. 625 204 328 stephanie@homeorden.com

Step Up with V

- PERSONAL BRANDING

A combined coaching and consulting service for professionals and entrepreneurs who need to define and communicate their brand identity and purpose.

Connect with your audience, find your market position, increase your visibility and business opportunities!

membership@bcnwomensnetwork.com

president@bcnwomensnetwork.com www.bcnwomensnetwork.com

- wEB DESIGN STUDIO

CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

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

Barcelona Office -

Cibervirreina - COMPUTER SERVICE

SERVICED OFFICE SPACE Barcelona Office is a street-level premises by the Gothic Cathedral. In contrast to many coworking spaces, they accommodate longterm professionals and companies who need a disturbance-free space, providing them with their own desk and storage facilities, along with their own key for 24/7 access. The space is open-plan and fully furnished. They also provide: a desk, chair, underdesk cabinet, shelving, fiber optic wireless internet connection, laser printers, photocopier, scanner, shared meeting area with sofa and a 40-inch television for presentations.

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

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

D'Astúries 78 (Plaça de la Virreina, Gràcia) Metro: Fontana (L3) or Joanic (L4) T. 93 368 5770 serviciocliente@cibervirreina.com

Natacha Elmir - PHOTOGRAPHER Canadian photographer Natacha Elmir is known for her fine art style of photography. She can transform your baby shoot, family portrait or wedding event into a timeless piece of art while keeping a very natural feel. Natacha’s service also includes headshots, album covers, events, fashion and food photography.

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

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Corsa - DRIVING SCHOOL

NIE Barcelona - BUSINESS

Corsa driving school in Barcelona offers both theoretical classes and practical driving lessons in English. Their friendly and experienced instructors will give you the confidence to drive comfortably in the city and help you learn everything you need to know about Spanish road systems. They have both manual and automatic practice vehicles. Call now and ask about special Metropolitan reader offers!

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

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

Ask for the special Metropolitan reader offers

Beethoven 16, Bajos, 08021 T. 93 200 3324 www.corsa.cat/en/courses www.facebook.es/autoescuelacorsa

Act Habitat - ARCHITECTS

Ecoart

Act Habitat can help to: - Create your perfect living or work space - Get the most out of your investment - Achieve a healthy and sustainable environment - Deal with paperwork and permits - Manage the building works and costs - Choose the best firm for the job - Coordinate with the neighbours

Looking to escape the city for a romantic weekend in the heart of nature? These stunning holiday cabins are located just 45 minutes away from Barcelona, and have breathtaking panoramic views of mountains, valleys and several Mediterranean beaches.

These artistic venues are an oasis for nature lovers and families with children, or are idyllic for relaxing if you seek quietness. They are just 6 km away from the Costa Brava with many attractions on offer, and include a big garden with a barbecue. Call now to check prices and availability.

Get in touch, they would love to hear from you!

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

– WEEKEND RETREAT

M. 667 871 573 www.ecoart-didactic.com

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

Real time updates.

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

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

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

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BCN LIP - LANGUAGE SCHOOL BCN LIP is a small language school located in the heart of the Gothic quarter, offering a wide variety of dynamic classes for those wishing to learn Spanish, Catalan, English, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, Italian, Japanese, Chinese and Hebrew. The courses are intensive and extensive, varying from 4-30 hours a week, Monday to Saturday. The teachers are qualified native speakers, with several years of experience. They also offer specialised summer programmes, excursions and cultural activities for the students. They can also help you with your student visa and finding a place to live.

Avinyó 50, 08002 T. 93 318 6591 Mon-Fri 9am-9.30pm, Sat 10am-2pm and 4pm-8pm, Sun closed info@bcnlip.com www.bcnlip.com

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JOB

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

www.classifieds.barcelona-metropolitan.com

COACHING COLUMN SAM SAYS... MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME Dear Sam, I am a fellow North American living in Barcelona. I’m well into my fourth year and still enjoying it... surprised? I love reading your column and I just wanted to enquire about something that’s been playing on my mind. Having lived here for so long, when I go back ‘home’ to the States, I feel pretty disconnected from everyone and in general I can’t see myself living there. At the same time, despite the fact that I have an incredible network of friends in Barcelona, I often can’t help but think that I’m not from here; I’m not Catalan, Spanish or even European. The combination of these thoughts perpetuates this sort of nomadic feeling and I was wondering if you had any mental mantras for my wandering psyche. I want to call Barcelona my home and mean it!

Say something, Sam! Feeling Nomadic Hi Feeling Nomadic, Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. I’m not surprised that you still love this city—it’s an easy place to set up shop and put down roots. Your query is very similar to a past column, ‘Living in Limbo’, but I still wanted to address it because the theme of ‘feeling like you don’t belong’ is quite prevalent amongst foreign residents.

I’ve definitely been in your shoes. I remember how weird it felt those first few years going back to Toronto, not feeling like I belonged there, yet still unsure as to where I actually did fit in. It can mess with your mind as it’s a huge transition and one that many people struggle with. It seems like you’re committed to staying in Barcelona; it just sounds like you want to feel more connected to the life you’re creating.

When it comes to ‘mental mantras’, I could give you a long list of ‘feel good’ phrases, yet the ones that work best are those that stem from truly believing in what you’re telling yourself. If you want to ‘mean it’ when you call this place home, I’d challenge you to shift your mind so that you genuinely feel that you belong here.

Ask yourself a few questions: What do you need in order to feel connected?

What does connection look like to you?

What’s really standing in the way of you feeling like you belong and are these beliefs self-imposed or are they rooted in something concrete?

For example, what is it about not being ‘from here’ that is preventing you from feeling like this is home?

I’m going to let you enjoy coming up with the mental mantra on your own, but what I will tell you is to make sure that you ‘back yourself’. Get on ‘Team Nomadic’ (or change the name to ‘Team BCN HOME’) and don’t question whether or not you belong. Once you make that decision, you’ll start feeling more secure and ultimately more connected.

Lastly, be patient. Even though you’ve been here for four years, in the grand scheme of things, it’s not that long. Transitions and mental shifts take time. You can’t rush it. What you can do is start putting the pieces in place so that it speeds up the process.

Sam Mednick is a professional life and executive coach based in Barcelona (www.blueprintcoaching.ca). A Canadian native, she’s been living in the city for eight years, working with companies as well as individuals focusing on transitions, communication, leadership training, time management and productivity, as well as emotional intelligence development. For more coaching tips, tune into her Podcast: blueprintcoaching.podomatic.com. To share your thoughts on this column or ask Sam a question, email sam@blueprintcoaching.ca, or write to Metropolitan at editorial@barcelona-metropolitan.com

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INTERVIEW

Guy Morley

been a recent boom in transforming drink staples into something trendier.

Artisanal beer, for example, is everywhere. So I wanted to provide a version of iced tea that is better than anything the big corporations are selling.

Any iced tea brand is going to be biased towards the summer. And Hawaii is always one of the first places that comes to mind when I think of year-round summer, sun and surfing. That’s how we came up with the name—kailani means ‘sea and sky’ in Hawaiian. The brand image expanded from there. We want Kailani Ice Tea to be associated with those long, hot days spent having fun at the beach. The name also has an overall sense of well-being in Polynesia, which is what we want people to get from drinking our iced tea.

Nowadays, people want to be healthier, without sucking the pleasure out of life. Kailani has no added sugar and contains less than 50 calories per bottle, but it still tastes good. At the moment we have the classic black tea with lemon flavour, and green tea with lemon and ginger, which is good for those who don’t normally drink iced tea. Kailani is also produced entirely in Spain, with pure spring water from Galicia.

I live in Barceloneta. Moving here from London, it was always my intention to live close to the beach. Occasionally, when there are waves, I go surfing. Otherwise, I do a lot of paddle surfing and running on the sand. I try to live the life of a Kailani drinker, soaking up the sun and good vibes, and using nature to support a healthy lifestyle.

By Ben Rowdon

SCOOP

I grew up in Ascot, Berkshire. The town is famous for its racecourse; it’s where the annual Royal Ascot races take place, attended by the British Royal Family. That was never really my scene, though. I preferred the summers we spent on the coast of Devon, where my brother and I relished the variety of watersports available to us.

When I was 18, I moved to London for university. I received a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Latin American studies from King’s College London. That’s when I really fell in love with Spain and the culture. I also spent a year abroad in Mexico, which gave me an even greater connection to the language. I then switched my focus and studied for a graduate degree from BPP Law School.

I converted to law because of John Grisham. Reading his books full of lawyers and law firms, courtrooms and legal intrigue, I thought it would basically be like that. And there were certain bits that were as suspenseful and riveting as the tales he weaves.

My career in law was about as good as any law career can get. I travelled the world, and at one point I transferred to the music industry, working with everyone from artists and writers to managers and record labels. I dealt with people fighting over who actually wrote a specific song, people trying to protect their reputation and things like that. As exciting as it was, however, I always wanted to do something else.

I moved to Barcelona a year and a half ago to create the Kailani Ice Tea brand. Barcelona was appealing to me in many ways. It’s an international city, but it’s not huge. There are beaches, good food and it’s easy to fly back to London anytime I want. Then there was the added bonus that I already spoke Spanish fairly well, making it easier to adapt.

Coming from London, the culture here is very different, which made starting a business interesting. Everything you love in your personal life—the slow pace of the city, how chilled everyone is, endless meals of multiple courses—is sort of infuriating in your business life, especially when you want to get things going as quickly as possible. You have to learn to take things as they come when you move to a new place.

Before Kailani, I had no experience in setting up my own company and knew nothing about Spanish bureaucracy. At first, I collaborated with a number of people to get the company off the ground, but since then it’s really just been me. I have to use different parts of my brain from when I was a lawyer—for things like design concepts, marketing strategies and distribution procedures—but there are still some tactics I rely on from those days, such as persuasion and negotiation. My work now isn’t as academic or intellectual, I suppose, but it’s challenging in different ways.

I think as people grow up and get absorbed in their careers, they often lose their creativity. In many professions, there just isn’t space for it—well-paid jobs aren’t usually the most exciting. Now I’m inspired by my work, and I try not to care that I don’t make as much money as I used to.

The idea of creating an iced tea brand came from a mixture of motives. I was accustomed to everyone constantly drinking hot tea in England, and iced tea is more fitting to Barcelona’s climate. There’s also

Photo by Yan Pekar.

34, FOUNDER OF KAILANI ICE TEA, ENGLAND.

BY RACHEL HUFFMAN.

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