What a waste! 5 years in Barcelona without having discovered this restaurant and it’s a true gem; a real find in a city where food is like a religion.

The principal of La Paradeta is simple. It’s all about seafood: fresh, quality seafood caught by the restaurant’s own boat and then displayed as if in a fish market, ready for you to choose exactly what and how much you want to eat.

We were faced with a mass of choices that include several different kinds of prawns (king, Dublin Bay..), lobster, crab, cuttlefish, squid, octopus, oysters, clams, mussels, razorshells, small fry, monkfish etc. It’s a bit like being in La Boquería but without the wait before you can start eating and the great thing is that you really see the quality of what you are buying.

The restaurant itself is of the relaxed café-style that the Spanish and Catalans do so well. You choose your food and drinks, are given a tray with plates and cutlery and a number so you know when your just-cooked food is ready for you to collect from the kitchen. And if you order a lot (guilty), the kitchen won’t send it all at once, giving you time to eat everything while it is still hot.

Having no waiters and owning their own fishing boat means that they are able to cut some of the cost out of the process. So the pricing is very, very reasonable and very fair as you pay by weight. We paid just under 25€ each which included 2 bottles of wine (mid-price), some more expensive choices (oysters and Dublin Bay prawns) and plenty of food to leave us stuffed – a rare feat for a true seafood restaurant with no potato or rice etc. to fill you up.

It may have taken me 5 years to visit La Paradeta but the same cannot be said of the local population. The place gets busy, and early. People queue because they are well aware that the meal that they are about to have makes it worth the wait. Reservations are allowed only for big groups. The good thing is that the queues move fast, with plenty of tables inside and a buzzing but relaxed atmosphere that wants to make you keep going for the evening rather than slip into a carb-induced food coma.

So I think you get it. I am a total convert to the cult of La Paradeta and if you get a chance to pay a visit, I have no doubt that you will end up as one too.

Paul

Miscellaneous

The Barcelona Movie Walking Tour

In English February 20^th & 27^th at 10am

Beginning at Monumento a Colón, the tour takes groups to city spots, where famous film scenes took place. The guide enhances the ‘on set’ experience quoting actors and directors, while explaining movie scene situations. Locations from Vicky Christina Barcelona and Perfume will be unveiled.

Animac

February 19^th at 8pm at CCCB and the 22^nd – 28^th at Llotja de Lleida (2 hour drive from Barcelona)

The international animation film festival, Animac opens at the CCCB with “100 per 100 Animation” featuring members of Beast Animation. The 22nd through the 28th Llotja de Lleida hosts the festival, with a visit from stop-motion animators the Brothers Quay, among many other goodies.

Win Yoga

February 20^th, 27^th & 28^th at Sanoaktiv

Win Yoga uses different yoga styles, technical postures and neuro-linguistic programming to achieve mental and physical well being. Sanoaktiv, the full body health center, is offering a 1 1/2 long Win Yoga workshop on February 20th for €20, or an intensive 2-day workshop on February 27th and 28th for €150.

Music

The Dustaphonics

February 6^th at 10:30pm at L’Ovella Negra Poble Nou

Recommended by DJ Roger C, the resident DJ and promoter of The Joint Session. The Dustaphonics are made up of singer Aina and French DJ/guitarist Healer Selecta. The duo combine rock, soul, R&B, surf, and boogaloo to create the perfect rock-soul sound.

Le Peuple de L’Herbe

February 17^th at 8.30pm at Sala Apolo

Known for their eclectic mixture of musical genres, including hip-hop, post punk and classic rock, Le Peuple de L’Herbe is rapidly becoming one of France’s leading independent bands. Their hardcore, intricate sound is not for the faint of heart.

The Fiery Furnaces

February 22nd at 10pm at Sala Razzmatazz 3

Originally from Chicago, the brother and sister duo, Matt and Eleanor Friedberger, now create their rock ‘n’ roll music in NYC. Matt’s guitar synths, paired with Eleanor’s raw voice and lyrics produce light-hearted sounds.

Art

Map of the Sound of Tokyo

Until March 28^th at Casa Asia

Composed of 15 large photographs from Isabel Coixet’s film of the same name, the images reveal the most dramatic moments of the movie. Paired with texts and audio directly from Map of the Sounds of Tokyo, the beauty of Tokyo’s scenery is captivating.

John Baldessari

February 11th to April 25th at the MACBA

The great California based contemporary artist once said, “If I saw the art around me that I liked, then I wouldn’t do art.” His words encourage him to make art that would speak to the people, using text and images to send straightforward messages to the masses.

Fellini, La Grande Parade

February 16^th – April 13^th at CaixaForum Barcelona

The great director, Federico Fellini changed the world of film permanently, influencing directors such as Woody Allen and Pedro Almodóvar. In honor of the film genius, this exhibition displays more than 400 pieces, including photographs, drawings and unedited films.

Clubbing

El Carnaval

February 19^th at 12am at Sutton

Carnaval has returned with plenty of dressing up and debauchery. Sutton Club, the posh venue, is throwing a costume party to celebrate, even giving a way some big prizes to the best dressed.

Sutton Club
Calle Tuset 13
Phone: 93 414 42 17
Venue website: http://www.thesuttonclub.com/
How to get there: Closet Metro is Diagonal ( and ). Still quite a walk from the station.
See location on map

Footloose Party

February 20^th from 12am - 5.30am at Hotel ME

After several successful events, the Footloose party has returned with resident DJs, Justin Blair and Mica, together with C.H.I.C.H.I. Enjoy the energetic, positive 80s tunes, while dancing away the week’s troubles in the stylish hotel’s lobby and upstairs Angels & Kings bar.

Miniguide - monthly cultural magazine and guide to Barcelona gives you all the essential info to enjoy the city to its fullest. Put together by people who know and love Barcelona, it includes listings, reviews and critical commentary on the city’s best venues. Be sure to visit the Miniguide website and sign up for their newsletter, which comes out twice a month.

Just a little over an hour outside of the bustle of the Barcelona city centre, crowded avenues give way to farmlands and skyscrapers turn into wind turbines. These are the outskirts of Barcelona. This is Catalonia.

On this tour, after a comfortable drive through the picturesque villages dotting the highways, you make your way up the mountain to the breathtaking peaks of Montserrat. Rising majestically, 1235 metres from the ground, Montserrat, a UNESCO world heritage site, has been a sacred spot and a must-see for anyone visiting Barcelona since its rediscovery in the 12th century.

Montserrat (meaning jagged rocks) is the site of the Royal Basilica (1592) which welcomes an average of 3.2 million visitors per year and is home to the black virgin - a statue that attracted countless followers down a rocky path to the cave where the icon was hidden for over 800 years. Another top attraction is the choir and their famous performances held most days at 12 Noon. However, Montserrat is more than just religious icons, 12th century Romanesque carving, and impressive churches. This sacred spot is a favourite with nature lovers and those in search of a higher power.

Upon your arrival at Montserrat your tour guide will explain the history of the mountain and take you up to the main square. You will then be given free time to see the churches and with a bit of luck, get to hear the choir. From there you have the option to continue onwards and upwards to the top of Montserrat via the funicular which makes its way up the side of the mountain and acts as a moving observation deck with stunning views.

If you choose to take the trip to the top of these asymmetrical rock formations you will be rewarded with entrance to the visitor centre which explains the legends of over 20 different rock formations. Several nature tracks offer rewarding views as you take a walk on high what an afternoon under the blue skies of Catalonia can do for the spirit.

No stone goes unturned with Julia Travel - Barcelona’s leaders in sightseeing tours throughout Spain. Their team of professional tour guides pride themselves on years of experience welcoming visitors in over 4 different languages in Barcelona alone.

As there are different types of people, lovers and couples with different likes and dislikes, we have created the following groups, so take a look at what suits you best!

• Young Lovers/Love Birds – very romantic and dreamy
• Extreme Lovers – for those that life is an adventure
• Evergreen Lovers – the wisest lovers
• Anti-Valentines – the anti-romantic, who doesn’t particularly care for Valentines Day.

Love Birds

You are the ones that nobody can bear, but also all that they envy: extremely romantic, cannot live without love, and certainly without their dream partner! This advice is for you:

• Choose a sweet way to wake up your lover, and tell them “I love you”. If you can’t be bothered to cook, then you can order a basket of breakfast from ‘Matías Buenos Días’ and ask to have it delivered
• Want to grant your partner everything they want for the day? Carry a checklist of what everything is worth: a kiss, a massage etc. It will be very amusing to see what they will do for you
• Are you more romantic? With Baló Tour you can take a ride among the clouds in a hot air balloon – 150 Euro per person rather than 200. More info:
• Treat your lover to Hammam steam baths and massages at ‘Rituels D’Orient’ – a truly relaxing and sensual experience for each of you.
• Not all erotic shops are seedy. Some are very sophisticated! Take a trip to Sensualove where you can find interesting ideas and gifts, such as oil for massages, and much more!
• Keep your memories from this special day: contact professional photographer ‘Tom Hayton’ by phone on (+34) 622 075 396
• Invite your lover to a night of observing the stars. If it is cold, go to ‘Planetario’ – a very interesting experience!
• Go for dinner at ‘La Luna’ – perfect for a romantic, Valentines meal.
• Or, reserve a table for 2 at ‘Mirablau’ (C/ Manuel Arnús 2 Telf: 93 418 85 59) – situated at one of the most romantic places in the city, Tibidabo, where you can enjoy the best views of Barcelona together.

See the list of offers

Extreme Lovers

For those that have to go one step further in your relationship. You are adventurous, and we have some great ideas for you!

• • It is snow season, and a weekend in Andorra would not be bad at all! You could reserve the Northern Adventure pack with a special Valentines discount
  • If you like heights, then why not take your partner on a Helicopter tour? ‘Cathelicopter’ offer a free drink of cava with your flight. A totally different experience! More info
  • Like nature? You could take a horse riding excursion with your partner and enjoy the marvellous landscape on the outskirts of Barcelona. An ideal way to spend a Sunday!
  • Take your lover to all the most romantic parts of Barcelona and rent a motorcycle with ‘Cooltra’. Included in the price is a dinner at one of Barcelona’s most romantic restaurants! More info 
  • Take a sail boat ride. Spend the day enjoying the scenery, take a picnic and enjoy lunch!
  • Save 25% on Valentines Day when you rent a small yellow convertible car with GPS from ‘GoCar’. Take advantage of the Valentines discounts, and enjoy the ride with entertaining, romantic routes. More info  

See the list of offers

Evergreen lovers

You are the experts of the love, have spent many years together and, certainly, many a Valentines Day! You know each other enough to identify what you will enjoy together, but you have not yet done it all! Take a look at our ideas:

• Special routes and prices in a luxury car with a chauffer and a bottle of Cava included. Take advantage of this great Valentines offer with ‘Cars Deluxe’. More info 
• Enjoy a session of massages and aromatherapy together. Very relaxing and intimate, you can save 15 Euro Lifestyle Barcelona. More info : 
• You can relax and take care of your body in a Hammam steam bath. You can enjoy these old Arabian baths with ‘Aire de Barcelona’
• Travel through the smells and flavours of wine/champagne tasting. It is a great thing to do if you have never done it before and you can enjoy great Valentines discounts of 20%! More info : 
• Choose your own romantic itinerary and enjoy a 50% discount when you rent audio guides from ‘Play and Tour’. More info :  
• Want to have dinner looking at the universe? ‘El Racó del Montblanc’ lets you enjoy a sofisticated menu under the stars, represented by a dome. Unusual, but very romantic!
• How about a romantic dinner in the Sikkim: ideal for Valentines Day! The only lights are candles!
• If you like music, then why not enjoy a concert at ‘Palau de la música’? There is a classical concert on the 13^th and 14^th February: Vivaldi, Pachelbel, and Aranjuez.
• Less compromising for your wallet, but very romantic nonetheless, get a room in the ‘Ateneu Barcelones’. From 18.00 on Sunday, there will be 3 brief sessions of Argentine tango with an imitation of the most famous classic dances.

See the list of offers

Anti-Valentines Day

You are of the ones that hate romance, think that Romeo and Juliette were from another planet and that Valentines Day is simply a customised festival of chocolates and flowers. Don’t worry; you are not alone among the network of people that are “allergic” to Valentines Day.

• • There is nothing less romantic or intimate than to be running with thousands of other people: maybe you could participate in the marathon of February 14th, organised by the Irish association ‘Croi’ and you will run through the whole city of Barcelona. Raise money for charity, it’s for a good cause!
  • You have broken up with your partner, have little to do, and can only see the love hearts of Valentines Day around you? This calls for a day of Paintball outside of the city with your single friends – it will relieve you of your boredom and be extremely entertaining!
  • Want to get back at your ex that broke your heart? Send them an alternative card. For inspiration visit http://www.meish.org - or perhaps you want to send them a box of bittersweet caramels? Look here: http://www.despair.com/- there are many of these types of things, and they can be very amusing!
  • Enjoy a crazy night out on Saturday, so that Sunday passes without a trace…except for the hangover! Go to the Seven Sins with Mark Thomson and DJ Roger C: funk, soul, reggae and hip hop from 23.30. The night is called Step It Up Valentines Special but you will be relieved to know, it doesn’t have anything to do with Valentines Day.
  • If you hate Valentines Day because you have not yet found your lover, then organise a party with your friends and acquaintances, have each of them bring another friend, who of course has to be single! Drinks? Give a touch of elegance and have some champagne or wine tasting. Take the positives from the day and enjoy the 20 %discount! This is an entertaining way of getting to know new people, and staying clear of the loved up couples. More info:  

See the list of offers

As every day is special for lovers, then you shouldn’t just look to show your love to each other on this agreed date of 14^th February. However, Valentines Day is clearly a time for romance and intimacy, and a chance to escape from the routine. For that, there is no better city than Barcelona!

We would like to thank Juanma García for the photos.
If you would like to see more, visit his page: http://www.juanmagarcia.net

The reasons

Firstly, it is imperative to know what the reasons were for this week of revolution. The most cited reason was the departure of soldiers for the war in Morocco. After the loss of Cuba and the Philippines, Spain was looking to increase its presence in the north of Africa, and more specifically in the northern part of Morocco.

Obviously, the Moroccans put up resistance, which lead to president Maura declaring war against Morocco.

All of these events happened as if in a chain reaction. Upon declaring war, Spain needed soldiers, which it didn’t have.

What was the solution? Catalan reservists, who could only be utilized in exceptional circumstances, as they had already lent their military service on a previous occasion. These usually were poor people (by paying a levy of 1500 pesetas you could avoid military service) and heads of family, which resulted in another problem: they were obliged to leave their families defenseless.

Many people perceived that the soldiers were marching off to an abattoir, as death was almost certain, and asked “Why are we doing this? To protect the interests of the privileged classes?”

Undoubtedly, a riot as large as that of ‘semana tragica’ (tragic week) was not caused solely by these circumstances - this was just the spark that fed the flame. The reasons were more rooted to the social climax that Barcelona was experiencing at the beginning of the 20th Century and the huge feeling of resentment that existed against the ruling and privileged classes.

• People lived in suburban districts and were marginalized.
• They lived in apartments that did not comply with any standards of hygiene.
• There was a lack of resources, meaning that the schooling of children was impossible and children were forced to work in factories as of the age of 8.
• People worked 12 to 13 hours daily, including Sundays.
• There was no Social Security.

For all of these reasons, war was deemed a selfish act that would impact hard upon Catalan families economically, but more importantly, the impact would be a human one.

How the week unfolded:

Monday, 26^th July

The general strike was put into action across Barcelona, Sabadell, Terrasa, Badalona, Mataró, Granollers and Sitges, and a strike committee was created for its coordination and direction. Authorities ordered the deployment of troops to the streets, which was welcomed by the populace with cries of ‘Long live the army!’, ‘Down with the war!’ and ‘Fight for our brothers in Morocco!’

As of 8 o’clock in the morning the city was paralyzed, shops and factories closed and trams not working. A peculiarity of the week was the complicity that developed between the army and the rebels. The army did not want to fight against the populace, as they were manifesting in defense of the soldiers who had been sent to Morocco. For this reason, order in the city was only in the hands of the civil guards and other security bodies.

Representatives from the workers’ solidarity movement wished to change the strike into a revolution, as did other radical leaders. However, either nobody wanted or nobody dared to take the reins of the insurrection.

The government also took a beating when the minister De La Sierva and governor Ángel Ossorio y Gallardo clashed in their ideas. Finally, the notions of minister De la Sierva (ideas about political and social revolution) were supported by unanimous vote and a state of war was declared. Governor Ossorio y Gallardo, who believed that the situation could be controlled using more traditional methods, decided to relinquish his post.

At approximately 11.30 on Monday an event occurred that would mark this rebellion forever in the history books- the burning of the San José Workers’ Foundation in Poblenou. It was the first of 80 religious buildings, including parish churches, schools and benevolent institutions, that were to be burnt during this tragic week.

Tuesday, 27th July

News regarding the ‘wolf-ravine’ disaster arrived from Morocco, where 200-300 reservists had perished, and following this news barricades were put up in the streets isolating neighbourhoods and churches.

The anti-clerical protest continued with the burning of many churches, and this is where the most macabre events of the week took place, the sacking of tombs in search of evidence of torture and orgies. The bodies of nuns were disinterred and paraded down Las Ramblas to Plaza San Jaime. Equally, legends regarding the churches’ treasures are gruesomely looked into and many jewels and money are unearthed.

At Midday on Tuesday barricades extending throughout the capital and other cities around Barcelona were set up, destined to isolate the neighbourhoods and churches that were burnt.

Wednesday, 28th July

Nothing of major importance took place today, everything continued in the same manner as previously established.

Thursday, 29th July

Snipers, also known as ‘Pacos’, instigate panic in the streets from the roofs of buildings, whilst politicians meet, however are unable to reach any decisions due to the fact that none of them assume responsibility and many have disappeared. Reinforcements arrive (about 10,000 men) from Valencia, Zaragoza and Pamplona, and on the same day Poblenou, el Clot and Sant Martín are cleared.

Friday, 30th July

The army continues to take back different areas of the city, some public services go back to working order and the burning of religious buildings also ceases. On this day, another boat leaves with troops for the war in Morocco.

Saturday, 31st July

The military governor issues an edict authorizing citizens to circulate freely in the streets. Shops and banks reopen their doors.

Sunday, 1st August

The authorities begin to take steps for punishing those responsible for the disaster. Military tribunals will be responsible for bringing the initiators of the strike to justice. The summary execution of Francisco Ferrer i Guàrdia, who was the main accused for all of the happenings during tragic week, causes many nationally and internationally to mobilize and accuse the Spanish government of corruption and foul-play. With this pressure comes the fall of president Antonio Maura, leading the king to propose the accession of the Liberals to power.

Successful outcomes resulting from the strike

• Many patrons and proprietors feel unprotected by the scanty efforts made by security forces and close their establishments. According to many historians this was one of the most successful outcomes of the strike.
• The Catalan government did not take measures whilst waiting for reinforcements.
• A pact between the army and the populace is established.

Who was Francisco Ferrer i Guàrdia?

A revolutionary, free-thinker and conspirator who wished to break apart an authoritarian, intransigent, obsolete and oligarchic Spain. For this reason, he created an educational project, ‘modern schooling’, which sought to promote values such as liberty, equality and social justice. It was his intention to fight against sectarian, fanatical and dogmatic teaching, which was promoted at that time by the church, which had education in its hands.

Accused of the attempted assassination of King Alfonso XIII, he was sent to prison for a year and thus gained the moral discredit of society.

Although his participation during that tragic day was minimal, he was the ideal person to be accused of everything that took place during the week. Seeing that he was being excluded in participating in the events of the week, Guàrdia did attempt to convince local authorities in the small neighbourhoods of Premia de Mar and Masnou to proclaim the republic, something that did not happen however did come to be the principal evidence in accusing and condemning him, and later shooting him at Montjuïc castle on the 13th October 1909.

What about the rest of Spain? Maura’s conservative government

Barcelona was completely isolated, both by railway and telephone and telegram, causing a lack of information getting through from rioters, who had the conviction that the revolt had expanded into other provinces. The government minister De la Sierva took advantage of this lack of communication and made out that the strike was separatist in nature, thus managing to prevent the strike being supported by the working classes outside Catalonia.

Victims:

• 119 civilians
• 3 clerics
• Between four and eight soldiers and police
• 3,000 detained, of which more than 1,700 were charged and 17 condemned to death.
• Many injured and dead that have not been counted as they were not taken to hospital, being instead treated at home and never officially counted.

The order of wine at a table is essential. It is extremely important to know at what moment to place a bottle in the cellar or to get one out in order to taste it at its best. Young white and red wines can be taken from the cellar a few hours before a meal, whereas vintage wines should be taken out the night before and placed vertically in a cool place. It is essential to bear in mind that a bottle that has spent more than a certain number of years in a cellar may contain sediment that could kill or weaken the colour of the wine. It is therefore important, when dealing with older wines, to collect the bottle one or two days before it is consumed so that the sediment collects at the bottom of the bottle and you are able to decant it. Another solution would be to leave the bottle on its side and to transport it in a basket in the same position as it was in the cellar.

Once these golden rules have been observed, it is time to place the wine on the table. This is where the order of wines comes into force. They should be presented in increasing order of strength- white wines should of course be served before red wines, and light-bodied wines before more tannic wines. Young wines, contrary to common belief, before older wines.

As for dry wines, they should appear before sweet wines. However all of this equally relies upon the well-established order of dishes during a meal. It is exactly at this moment that problems in these alliances may arise. For example, in the case of foie gras being served with a liqueur wine, the taste buds are saturated from the beginning of the meal, and as a consequence this will reduce the intensity of the wine which follows this first dish. Incidentally, during Roman times, Lucullus served the foie gras at the end of a meal for that very reason. Therefore knowing how to respect the order of wines is also knowing how to respect your enjoyment.

Gäel Le Bec. Sommelier.

See his Profile

See his website

So on Sunday we grabbed our nicest pair of underpants, shaved our legs (editor: only some of us!), stong-armed our friends into joining us and headed towards Marina. No Pants Subway Ride here we come!.

First, just a short explanation for those who have no idea what I’m talking about or missed our article about the Barcelona No Pants Ride. Barna Mob in conjuntion with Improv Everywhere organised the event with the aim of getting as many people as possible to take their pants off and follow one of 14 routes on the Barcelona Metro.

The event began in New York organised by Improv Everywhere and is now in its 9th year. Since then the event has been organised in more and more cities and this year it was time for Spain with Barcelona and Madrid both showing willing to get-em-off.
Simultaneously the event ran in 43 cities in the world. And we were part of it!
I reckon that around 200 people showed up (although 732 were confirmed on the facebook page of the event).

I arrived 20 minutes early but on the way to Marina on the metro had already tried to spot the others who were planning to attend. Around 4pm, the crowd (mainly young and foreign) was gathering and the organiser Barna Mob explained the rules of the game. They handed out Metro plans with 14 different routes spread across the Metro network. The map also indicated the exact time when you were supposed to take you pants off. Our time to get half naked: 16:37pm.

When time was called we all streamed into the Metro, and began our journies which included in our case 3 changes of lines. Smartly (or evil-mindedly) Barna Mob created routes with some of the longest connections to walk.

The clock struck 16:37 when we were just on our way from the yellow line to the blue line. People started staring and wondering why all of the sudden 50 people were taking there pants off. Had they all escaped from a mental institution??

It was a real surprise to see how fast I became comfortable with exposing myself in public. Of course the company of all the other “half naked” passengers did help.

One of the requirements was to act totally normal and do what you would normally do in the Metro. So all the other “exhibitionists” were reading a magazine, playing with their phones or doing crossword puzzles.

The faces of the ordinary metro users were priceless and it took all my self control to not to start laughing.

The end of the line for all routes was Plaza Catalunya and Barna Mob planned it so that we almost all arrived at the same time. So from each exit people were streaming out of the Metro still pantless to assemble in the middle of the square.

It was a once in a lifetime experience and I want to take the chance here to thank Barna Mob for the great organisation and for making it possible and to Fiona our photographer incognito.

Visit our Flickr page for our pictures! (By the way I am the one getting dirty looks from the guy in the green jacket.)
and
Read a Q&A Session with Charlie Todd, the founder of Improv Everywhere.

Karina

We haven’t been idle the last couple of weeks and have big plans coming up for the next couple of days – a combination of getting pantless, saving our pennies and getting dizzy.

Find out what we have been up to and what we are looking forward to.

Getting dizzy at Tibidabo – Last weekend I decided to see the sky from a little closer and went up the Tibidabo to visit the Sagrat Cor Church. Take the Tramvia Blue from Avenida Tibidabo to the funicular. The cable car will get you to the top of the mountain where you will find the amusement park and the church. The view is just spectacular. – Birte

Explored the exhibition Drap Art09 – I went to see what artists can do out of recyclable material (some would call it garbage). Lots of young people from all over the world were displaying their eco-friendly art. Bags out of milk containers, purses out of juice boxes and lamps out of plastic bottles. In case you feel a bit guilty after all the consumption of Christmas and the holidays, the exhibition is open until this Sunday. - Elisa

Joining the No pants Subway ride this Sunday – This Sunday at 4pm I’m getting ready to lose my pants. Nothing special if you are in your own bedroom (or anyone else’s for that matter) but getting pantless in the Metro on a Sunday afternoon is a different story. Be ready to experience the Metro in a different way this weekend. For more info read our article about the event. – Guido

Eating in the Dark – This concept is not new in New York, Paris or Berlin and now Dans Le Noir has arrived in Barcelona. You will be surprised by what you actually taste when you are not distracted by the look of the food. It is a bit pricey as you pay for the experience as well but it is worth it for the novelty. Why not take a risk a dip into a gastronomic world of total blindness. - Karina

Finding the Pipa Club – This club is one of Barcelona’s worst kept secrets. It is a Club in a ordinary flat which has no signs and no official entrance and to get in there you have to ring the right bell. If you want to show off to your friends to prove you are a real insider, bring them here. You will find the Club at Placa Reial 3. - Christelle

Save your pennies at the Sales – YES! The sales are back. They started yesterday and they will be going until the 7^th of March. Due to the crisis, retailers have even started off the first week with huge discounts of up to 70% off instead of waiting till later. Make sure you go early to pick up the best stuff. - Sandra

Having already entertained the city with events like the MP3 experiment and the Moonwalk on Las Ramblas, Improv Everywhere is ready for another “flashmob” (def: a sudden assembly of people who do the same thing) and this time it’s going to get chilly around the knees!

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Photos of the No Pants Subway Ride Barcelona 2010

Click here to see how our pantless day in the Metro went!

What exactly is the No Pants Subway Ride?

Improv Everywhere is a group started in New York who has put together more than 85 events worldwide, including improvised musicals in supermarkets, spontaneous gatherings in parks and ‘freezings’. The website http://www.barnamob.com have sent out the call to arms via Facebook and Twitter etc to gather together a group of people in Barcelona up for some fun and something a bit crazy. The No Pants Subway Ride shall be an occasion to laugh, to have fun with friends and strangers and definitely to attract some weird looks.

Who can take part?

The event is suitable for anyone over 18 (younger always in attendance with a parent) who has a valid metro ticket. The only rules are that you have to be in the stated place at the stated time and be ready to drop your trousers. Just get into the metro without pants (doubt this is a phrase you have read very often) and do what you always do: read the newspaper, do a sudoku, call someone, look out of the window…

But keep in mind that you must wear suitable underwear - the event isn’t about exhibitionism!

So get motivated. Set out your best undies and mark the date in your diary. We from Oh-Barcelona will be there so visit us after Sunday and find out how
we got on.

We didn’t let the chance pass to participate in the No Pants Subway Ride. See here how our day went!

One of the greatest things about Barcelona is its great climate, all year round. This, along with the ability that it offers to cruise along the boardwalk at the edge of the Mediterranean, and simultaneously work on the tan, alone makes renting a bike in Barcelona an ideal way to see the city.

Breakfast in the Born? Shopping in Gracia? Lunch at the beach? …not a problem. With bicycle chains provided with every rental, you have the flexibility to stop, start and explore when and where you like. Just lock up your bike and go explore the city. No more stairs, no more busy metros, no more stress.

Why see Barcelona by bike?

• It’s fast and flexible
• It’s environmentally-friendly
• It’s low cost and at the same time great exercise
• It’s a fun and safe (120 km of bike lanes) way to see the city
• You can save 2€ per person with Oh-Barcelona Discount Card {What’s this?}

With over 300 bike lanes, the city of Barcelona has made it easy for locals and visitors to travel across the city with the same comfort and ease of other bike-friendly European cities. With much of the city laid out in a grid-like fashion, it is next to impossible to get lost in the city…unless of course you enjoyed too much vino at lunch.

Barcelona Rent a Bike has a professional multilingual team that is very knowledgeable about the city and can recommend the best paths to carve through the it. From the top scenic routes to the atmospheric back streets, they can recommend an itinerary that will guarantee you a true Barcelona experience.

Each rental includes:

• Choice of bike – classic city bike or a fold-away
• Lights
• Anti-puncture tyres
• 2 locks

For children:

• Free child seat and helmet
• Children bikes are also available

Sample Bike Rental Prices:

• 2 Hours - 6€ / 4 Hours - 10€ / 5-11 Hours - 12€
• 24 Hours - 15€ / 2 days - 25€ / Extra day - 7€
• 1 week - 55€

  Languages Spoken
  English, Spanish, German, Dutch, Italian and French. Other languages upon request.

  Opening
  All year round (except December 25 and January 1) from 9.30am until 8pm

  Transport
  Closest metro stop: Plaza Catalunya – Red Line 1 and Green Line 3

  Map
  
  View Larger Map

  Others
  Wear comfortable clothes. Sunscreen and sunglasses recommended.

  How to make a booking
  Bikes can be rented direct from the following locations:

  Centre of Barcelona:
  C/ Tallers, 45
  08001 Barcelona

  Near the beach of Barcelona:
  And Pg. de Joan Borbó 35
  08039 Barcelona

  Telephone: (+34) 93 317 19 70

  Email: info@barcelonaciclotour.com

  Website: www.barcelonaciclotour.com/eng/?pg=rent_a_bike

  Tips: To receive the Oh-Barcelona 2€ discount, present at time of rental the promotional voucher from the Discount Card pack you get after booking your accommodation. {Terms & Conditions}