Dogs! Shitting, barking, biting dogs! I effing hate them, or rather dog owners – barking, biting or otherwise. In Barcelona it is “dog rule” as the animal is free to lay down its crap anywhere and bark at what and whomever, at anytime. Step in dog shit all day and listen to the canine choir READ MORE
Category: The Ugly
The ugly of Barcelona
Category: The Ugly – The Catalan Referendum
in 5 Questions First off, let me state this is neither a pro independence or a pro Spanish state article, but a pro reason and democracy argument. Both sides in this sorry mess that is the conflict between the Spanish government and Catalan separatists, have brought the country to the brink of political mayhem. I READ MORE
Category the Ugly: Renting an Apartment in Barcelona – 3 common pitfalls.
Don’t rent an apartment in Barcelona before reading this article! In fact, you’re better off not renting an apartment in Barcelona at all. Why? Basically, because there’s so many ways to get screwed. Let us introduce you to the three most common pitfalls that will get your blood boiling: #1 Agencies. So, if you’re using READ MORE
Category The Ugly: Anti-Tourism in Barcelona
Barcelona is, like a few other Spanish regions, in the throes of a real zealous anti-tourism movement theses days. One constantly runs into “Tourist Go Home” posters and graffiti around town. Rising prices on rental apartments, congestion in popular spaces and noise level all contribute, and are reasonable concerns. However, the level of xenophobia and READ MORE
Category: The Ugly – Cyclists
Look, I am as much a fan of bicycles as the next guy. In fact, I think we should have a lot less cars and a lot more of stuff with pedals and two wheels.. Mother Nature would appreciate it and we could all live happier, healthier more fulfilled lives. Cyclists, on the other hand….Something READ MORE
The Ugly: Mossos d’Esquadra – Barcelona Police
Today, May 27th 2011, there was a demonstration at Plaza Catalunya, Barcelona. This is a result of many young people in Spain feeling “robbed of a future” with the unemployment rate being as high as 40% for the young. The politicians failing to deal with the economical crisis the country is experiencing, many take to READ MORE
Category: General – The Ugly: “Correbous”
In Catalonia, despite being the first region to ban bull-fighting, the practice of Correbous still goes on. The generalitat (parliament) recently decided (114 to 14) that setting bulls on fire and chasing them through the streets is a worthwhile tradition. All though townspeople in the southern region (Tarragona, Valencia area) contain themselves to placing torches READ MORE
Category: Architecture – The Ugly: Mercat de L’Abaceria
The Mercat de L’Abaceria, Barcelona´s ugliest market? Somehow the city council, in their furor to “upgrade” Barcelona forgot about this market in Grácia – ramshackle and grey it has a rather sad and resigned air about it. It is worth visiting when in Grácia, though, for the quality produce the stalls here genreally do offer READ MORE
Category: General – The Ugly: “Okupas”
“Okupas” (house occupants, squatters) or “atheists” are a regular fixture in Barcelona, always wearing their uniforms of non-conformity; nose-piercings, dreads, beads etc. The irony of uniformingly signalling your independence to a uniform consumer society is, however, not enough to merit a place among “the ugly” of Barcelona – Hypocricy is. One example is hosting an READ MORE