Here is our list of things we did last week!

Montserrat -  Last week I went to the beautiful Montserrat Mountains. I did a day trip and saw the amazing church they have there. I was also lucky enough to see the Boys Choir perform…a must see for anyone in Barcelona… - Anil

Being a travel guide – I had my folks in town this weekend and I tried my best to show them a good time. Of course I had all the Barcelona Must See’s on my list. We went to the Sagrada Familia, Fuente Magica, La Boqueria… There is enough to see to keep us busy for other 3 days.

Next time I might just organise a Barcelona guided tour to save me the stress and planning. - Birte

Hoy no me puedo levantar (Today I couldn’t get up) – This musical is brilliant. It is shown in Spanish and I loved it. It has a ton of jokes (to be honest here, I just understood half of them but that is something, right?). The actors and dancers were excellent and the story captivates you. It shows Madrid in the 80’s based on songs from Mecano, when the dictatorship of Franco ended. They sing and act about themes like drugs, homosexuality, new freedom, motherhood, friendship and of course love. At the end the whole crowd gave a standing ovation. It was magical and I guess typically Spanish. – Tu My

Halloween in Port Aventura – Although there were thousands of people, I found myself in endless lines it was totally worth it. The whole park was all about Halloween with its decorations, activities and performances. What I liked the most was the Furius Baco which accelerates speed from 0 to 135kmh in just 3 seconds. – Sandra

Attending the MP3 experiment – We from Oh-Barcelona.com were part of the MP3 experiment at the 29^th of October. I had never attended an event like this and it was quite funny. What made me laugh the most were the people who had no idea what was going on. They sometimes looked quite shocked with their eyes wide open. If you want to know what I’m talking about have a look at the article we wrote about the MP3 experiment. - Pierre

Eating out the crazy way – The restaurant ZOOLOGIC is not a typical restaurant. Here you dine while enjoying a performance of drag queens singing, dancing and putting on quite a show. Also the decor is an eye-catcher with a lot of neon and patterns. Be prepared for an unforgettable dinner. – Giorgio

Although the official inauguration will take place on the 28th October, concerts begin on the 18th with a presentation from the Big Band de l’Esmuc, who will be giving an hour-long show covering jazz greats throughout history. It’s worth jotting this concert down in your diary, as apart from anything else it’s free.

The 2008 Jazz festival by Andreurobusté

The saxophonist Wayne Shorter, a member of Miles Davis’ famous 60s quintet will be inaugurating the festival on the 28th October with his quartet, very possibly the best jazz band around. As if this wasn’t enough, the other artist who left a memorable mark on Miles Davis’ record Tóten with his work on ‘Kind of Blue’, Jimmy Cobb, will be coming to the Palau de la música on the 7th November precisely in order to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the highest selling jazz record in history, ‘Kind of Blue’. Jimmy Cobb, along with trumpeter Wallace Roney will be recreating the magic of this iconic recording.

Marcus Miller, the composer of Tutu and another former member of Miles Davis’ famous band will be coming to the Palau de la Música on the 11th November with a concert that will give many the chance to relive the history of jazz as well as gaining a glimpse of the future, thanks to Jazz’s youngest and most promising trumpeter, Christian Scott.

Recommended

Although these three greats from Miles Davis’ former band have provoked a great deal of interest, we can’t forget that there are many, many other artists who will take part in this unique and unrepeatable festival. Here are a few recommendations:

Joel Harrison – Christian Howes Quartet: these two artists are coming together in order to demonstrate that jazz is much more flexible than we would believe. Harrison is a guitarist with one of the most impressive discographies of the last decade, whilst Howes is a violinist who can switch from classical music to the blues.

Céu: a brazilian singer who made her debut 4 years ago, nominated for a Grammy and winner of the “revelatory artist of 2005” prize, her style is a blend of Reggae and trip-hop with strong samba and bosanova influences. A great deal of jazz/soul with a hint of electronica.

Chano Domínguez, flamenco quintet: is a unique combination of dance, hand claps and flamenco singing with jazz. You need to see this to believe it- it’s great!

Chano Domínguez by Alpeos

Joe Lovano Nonet: is one of the only musicians for whom the label innovator would not be an overstatement. A saxophonist who, along with 3 others, offers a very strong form of jazz. He’s a born innovator and an expert when it comes to improvisation.

The festival will culminate on the 6th December, making it one of the longest festivals of the year, so you have easily enough time to decide which concerts to attend. But don’t wait too long- tickets have been available since the 13th July.

Yhan

When?

Miscellaneous

Get spooked out for Halloween

31^st of October various locations in Barcelona

It finally seems like Halloween is catching on in Barcelona. Miniguide put together a list of the Halloween happenings about town, as well as tips and warnings to have a safe and fun Hallow’s Eve.

Magic International

November 6^th – 8^th at La Fira de Barcelona

In Disney movies there is always a magical character casting a spell upon a young woman that promises life-long beauty or happiness. In reality there are lotions and potions that guarantee the same effects, minus the hocus-pocus aspect. There is a society though that remembers the importance of a little abracadabra. The Magic International Fair brings this community from around the globe together, showing Barcelona the best of the occult sciences

Barcelona Snow Show

November 7^th and the 8^th at Estadio Olimpico

Music

Do Make Say Think

November 3rd at 9pm at Apolo Sala

Film

Mashi Trasi Que Trasi

November the 7th at 6pm at Café-Teatre El Llantiol

L’Alternative 2009

November 13^th to the 21^st at the CCCB, Casablanca, French Institute, Casa America Catalunya, FNAC

Art

Traffic
November the 4^th to 8^th at the CCCB

From Catalunya to Uruguay

November the 6^th to 27^th at Centre Civic Porta-Sóller

Stage

Alícia: A Journey to Wonderland
November the 12th to 29^th at Teatre Lliure

Based on Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, the play brings Alice’s imagination to life. The wonderful, crazy world of a little girl can be seen with subtitles in both Spanish and English every Thursday and Saturday from November 12th on.

Teatre Lliure
Pl. Margarida Xirgu 1
Phone: 93 289 27 70
Website: http://www.teatrelliure.com/
More information about the play: http://www.teatrelliure.com/eng/programm/temp0910/04alicia1.htm
To buy tickets: https://www.telentrada.com/Telentrada/Compra+on-line/ci.Espectaculo+Alicia+al+País+de+les+meravelles.compra
Price for a ticket is 24€
How to get there:
losed Metro is green line to Poble Sec
Buses: 55,121, 193
Map:

View Larger Map

Clubbing

Rcola Essential Drum ‘n’ Base
November 5th at 12pm to 5am at Plataforma

Mushroom picking – the season has arrived, so we need to make the most of it! This is a great way to spend the day in the country with your friends collecting one of the most typical of Catalan delicacies. But take care and make friends with someone who knows how to spot the poisonous ones. The Begues area can be a great spot to go picking. - Sandra

The Red Bull Air Race - this was a great event with loads of people crowding the beaches sunbathing and watching the aerial acrobatics. It was thrilling stuff. And then of course we finished the day with food in Barceloneta. - Tu My

Bowling, Shots and Karaoke – the perfect mix. How about a bit of bowling at the bowling alley near Pacha, shots at the very original Chupito Speed (Click Here for map) and then finish the evening off with karaoke at A Viva Voz? - Victor

Spa Aire de Barcelona – On Friday I went with my mum to a lovely spa close to Arc de Triomf. It’s very relaxing with candles everywhere and a 15 minute massage included. I will definitely visit again!   -  Kelsey

I am such a regular at the Xampanyeria that I decided instead to try a visit to the Xampanyet located on Calle Montcada 22; recommended for its tapas, reasonable prices and good atmosphere (thanks Nath!). They make their own cava (not to be missed) and their tapas are really good including my favourite: peppers and cheese (pimiento con queso). – Pierre

Visited the Medieval Fair in Plaza España – lots of stalls selling food, clothes and crafts etc. and just to complete the atmosphere everyone was dressed in typical medieval garb. - Paul

What exactly is the MP3 experiment?

This is an experiment which was created by Improv Everywhere, a group born in New York who have put together more than 85 events, including improvised musicals in supermarkets, spontaneous gatherings in parks and ‘freezings’. The MP3 experiment is therefore an occasion to laugh, have fun with friends and do something unusual, and will take place simultaneously in Madrid, Murcia, Vigo and naturally here in Barcelona

Who can take part?

The event is suitable for everybody: it isn’t dangerous and, above all, it’s free. The only prerequisites are to come wearing a red, blue, green or yellow t-shirt, bring an MP3 player with you and at the pre-arranged time and place play the MP3 file which you can download here: http://improveverywhere.com/mp3experiment/Experimento_MP3.mp3

The rest is up to you! Be stunned, be creative, and- above all- have fun!

Take photos and videos, send them to us and will publish them on our blog!

Guido

FICTION

Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Biography: Although he has been based in Los Angeles since 1993, Carlos Ruiz Zafon is considered one of the most widely read Spanish writers in the world. His works have been translated into more than forty languages, and has received a myriad of prizes and a readership of millions in the 5 continents.

• “The Shadow of the Wind”, 2001

The Shadow of the Wind or “La Sombra del Viento” is set in Barcelona in the 1950’s just after the Spanish Civil War. One early morning in 1945, a boy is taken to a secret cemetery of Forgotten books whereby he finds a cursed book that will change the course of his life…

The photo on the right shows a map of the places described in the novel which can all be visited in Barcelona.

• “The Angel’s Game”, 2008

In Spanish, “El Juego del Angel” this is a prequel rather than a sequel beginning in the 1920’s and taking us back to the “cemetery of forgotten books” and the winding streets of Barcelona’s old quarter. The plot features David Martin, a man born into poverty who eventually rises to become a crime reporter. However, things become dangerous and David finds himself as a suspect in a string of murders…

Manuel Vazquez Montalbán

Biography: Born in Barcelona 1939, Montalbán became famous for his work in many areas including his own column in the daily paper “El Pais” and writing many world-renowned novels.

• “Southern Seas”, 1979

The body of a powerful businessman is found in a Barcelona suburb and it is the responsibility of the protagonist, Pepe Carvalho, to put the missing pieces together and to locate the murderer…

• “An Olympic Death”, 1992

Pepe Carvalho once again finds himself investigating a murder, but this assignment leads him to work with the Olympic organisers as Barcelona prepares for the 1992 Olympic Games. However it’s the things that are hidden behind the shiny new Olympic City that takes his interest…

Idelfonso Falcones

Biography: Idelfonso Falcones is a Catalan lawyer who released his first novel in 2006 and became the best selling novel of the year both in the Catalan and Spanish languages, with a million copies sold in Spain alone.

• “Cathedral of the Sea”, 2006

This novel follows the fortunes of a man who flees from his peasant roots and finding himself in Barcelona which becomes a city of light and darkness for him, dominated by the construction of the city’s great pride - The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Mar…

Click Here to find more information about the Santa Maria del Mar.

Eduardo Mendoza

Biography: Born in Barcelona in 1943, he studied law and lived in New York for almost ten years. In 1975 he published his first novel, “The Truth About the Savolta Case” which made him famous on an international front.

• “The City of Marvels”, 1988

In Spanish the book is titled “La Cuidad de los Prodigios”. Set in the 18^th century, this story is a historical drama about one man’s struggle for a better life after his father abandoned him at an early age leaving him to take care of his ill mother. The main character, Onofre Bouvila decides to seek his fortune in the big city of Barcelona where he finds a forbidden love in a city drowning in poverty and disease…

NON FICTION

Robert Hughes

Biography: Born in Sydney, this Australian writer and art critic has had a large influence in the literature world. Amongst the awards won by Hughes, the most notable awards is “El Brusi Prize for Literature and Communication” granted by Barcelona Cultural Olympics.

• “Barcelona”, 1992

From the moment this book was published, it was quickly hailed as a classic. Barcelona’s often violent history tells the stories of its kings, poets, magnates, and revolutionaries.

• “Barcelona: the Great Enchantress”, 2004

Hughes launches into a lively account of the history, art, and architecture of Barcelona during the 14^th century and the architectural treasures created by the great artists such as: Antoni Gaudi, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, Salvador Dali, and Pablo Casals…

Colm Tóibín

Biography: Colm Tóibin is an Irish writer who moved to Barcelona in his twenties where he did a lot of work as an English teacher and then produced many novels that have had great success.

• “Homage to Barcelona”, 2001

Tóibín describes the rich cultural life, which has thrived on the presence of so many artists, and its turbulent political past culminating in the Civil War. This book is an interesting historical guide to Barcelona…

Suggested Readings

• “Homage to Catalonia” (Homenaje a Cataluña), George Orwell.
• “Diary of a Humiliated Man” (Diario de un hombre humillado), Félix de Azúa.
• “The Ring: The Last Knight Templar’s Inheritance“ (El anillo, La Herencia del Último Templario), Jorge Molist.
• “The Bilingual Lover“ (El Amante Bilingüe), Juan Marsé.
• “Traveling Bunny” (Conejo de Viaje), Liniers.
• “Blankets” (Cuaderno de viaje), Craig Thompson.

Anil

Picasso and Barcelona

Picasso was born in Malaga on the 25th October, 1881, and died in Cannes in 1973. The links between the artist and the city of Barcelona can be understood by a quote from Picasso himself: “Here [Barcelona] is where it all began…this is where I realised where I could get to”. During his long and eclectic career, as well as having had many lovers and wives, he came to be influenced by innumerable artistic trends amongst which the most notable are Catalan modernism, cubism, surrealism and expressionism. His research into new stimuli and experiences were almost certainly as a result of the rigidity of his education in the Fine Arts School in Llotja from 1893 to 1899, in the vicinity of Barcelona. Not by chance, one theme that would follow him throughout his career would be the landscape as seen from a window, which symbolises his desire for evasion.

The Museum

The museum is located in 5 buildings, which date back to the XIII-XIV centuries and are excellent architectural examples of Catalan gothicism. The museum opened to the public in 1963, thanks to donations given by Picasso himself, as well as his friend Jaume Sabartés, and boasts of more than 3800 works in its permanent collection. There aren’t just paintings, but also also lithographs, sketches, incisions and ceramics which testify to the fact that Picasso was indeed a complete artist. The museum is notable for early works, amongst which rare examples of paintings upon a religious and social theme stand out, such as “First Communion” and “Science and Charity”, as well as the full “Meninas” series: studies and interpetations of the famous work by Diego Velázquez.

The museum also holds a rich and full program of temporary exhibitions, for example up to the 29th August 2009 works by the Dutch painter Kees Van Dongen are on show, a contemporary and friend of Picasso.

Myself at the museum

I expected to be able to admire many of the painter’s famous works. However, I was disappointed, given that you could almost count on the fingers of one hand the number of paintings dating from his blue and pink periods, which are among his most famous. Certainly, visiting the museum gives us a more complete idea of Picasso’s evolution and his artistic links with the Catalan city. It is also nice to be able to recognise some parts of the city in the artist’s earlier works, including “Barceloneta Beach” and “El paseo de Colón”; calle de la Mercé, where the artist lived, and calle de la Riera, where he had his studio at the beginning of the 1900s. Moreover, my doubts regarding his artistic talent were quashed upon viewing his works as a young artist. Everything considered, the thing that interested me above all was the contrast between Velázquez’ work “Las Meninas” and Picasso’s studies. Actually, in the last section of the museum there is an enormous screen upon which you can see, in detail, how Picasso, even whilst maintaining the volume and personality of the characters, manages to render them more modern and ‘Picasso-esque’. In order to be able to see this contrast, you will however need to arrive prior to 19:30, otherwise a gruff security guard will have pulled the plug upon what is the most interesting part of the display.

In conclusion, it is certainly worth visiting the museum in order to gain a fuller insight into Picasso’s art, however if you are expecting to be able to admire the more famous works from his blue and pink periods, in my opinion, you will definitely be disappointed.

Tu My

Everybody, even adults but most especially children are astounded by the variety of costumes on show, which make the most famous road in Barcelona such a characteristic place. From 09.00 to 21.00, and especially during the more ‘touristy’ times of day, you can witness them in astounting numbers provoking a spontaneous curiosity to know what is hiding behind the mask. It is normally difficult to interview a statue, especially due to the fact that speaking can break the magic spell they create, and once again they would turn into a normal peron. But upon breaking the ice and overcoming the obstacle of mistrust, I met some lovely people with unbelievable artistic talents.

The ‘Fruits of the Ramblas’ and the ‘Roman of Barça’

Patricia and Shubert are Columbian and by this August they will have been statues on the Ramblas for 9 years. They tell me proudly that they are probably the oldest performers here and perhaps due to this reason occupy an excellent position on the Ramblas: in front of the Liceu theatre. When I meet them, Shubert is putting make-up on his wife and straight away I notice Patricia’s costume, which is lively, colourful and elaborate. Shubert tells me: “the character’s name is the ‘Fruits of the Ramblas’ and is inspired by the nearby Boquería (market). To invent a new costume always requires a great deal of work and we do it every two years. It has to be elaborate, so that other statues can’t copy us”.

‘Quijote’ and the ‘Two Heads’

Atanas, on the other hand, works solo. He’s Bulgarian, about 50 years of age, and has being doing statues for 5 years. When I ask him about his hours of work, he answers: “Now things have changed because of the crisis. Whereas before 4-5 hours were enough, now I work on occasion anything up to 12 hours, in order to get enough money to live. It also depends how many tourists there are”. A trick to get more money? Change costume during the day. “In the morning I’m Two Heads, and later on I’m Quijote”.

‘The Dragon’

Anibal is a Columbian artist and works in a duo with his friend. Straight away you notice his enormous black costume, which was thought up and put together by him. About a year ago, he began dressing up as a dragon and he also confirms that there’s an economic crisis. Actually, as well as being a statue, he also paints houses in order to make a living. He loves updating his costume, which next season will be a beautiful gold colour.

‘The Nymph’

Giuliana is Argentinian with Italian roots and citizenship. She came to Barcelona 5 years ago to study theatre. To make a living and gain experience she does her statues not only on the Ramblas but also for private parties. I ask her if she has another costume and she answers “yes, of a little old lady, but the kids tend to run away, frightened by the wrinkles”.

Other statues

Walking along, many other statues can be seen, such as an ancient Roman, Frankenstein, a female devil, amazon Indians, a bull-fighter, a cowboy, Siralhil-la, the guardian of Alismir’s heaven, Andre (the Ronaldinho of the Ramblas), la Muerte (death)… Some of them put on full-blown spectacles that frighten tourists, and start to move when a child gives them some change.

Useful information for aspiring statues…

The statues are present both in summer and in winter. Many of them change costumes when the season changes, however sometimes only the material will alter- for example, cotton being replaced by wool or leather. It takes about 20/30 minutes to do the make-up, and usually they work alone or in couples. Between colleagues there is respect in that they usually would not occupy the position of another statue for example, but they are not friends. On the contrary, there is a lot of competition and often there is the problem of being copied. Bear in mind, too, that it isn’t possible to simply invent your own statue and choose your position, since you would risk a fine of 200 euros!!! All in all, being a statue isn’t just a hobby, but a real and true job with its own rules.

Tu My

Mushroom picking – the season has arrived, so we need to make the most of it! This is a great way to spend the day in the country with your friends collecting one of the most typical of Catalan delicacies. But take care and make friends with someone who knows how to spot the poisonous ones. The Begues area can be a great spot to go picking. - Sandra

The Red Bull Air Race - this was a great event with loads of people crowding the beaches sunbathing and watching the aerial acrobatics. It was thrilling stuff. And then of course we finished the day with food in Barceloneta. - Tu My

Bowling, Shots and Karaoke – the perfect mix. How about a bit of bowling at the bowling alley near Pacha, shots at the very original Chupito Speed (Click Here for map) and then finish the evening off with karaoke at A Viva Voz? - Victor

Spa Aire de Barcelona – On Friday I went with my mum to a lovely spa close to Arc de Triomf. It’s very relaxing with candles everywhere and a 15 minute massage included. I will definitely visit again!   -  Kelsey

I am such a regular at the Xampanyeria that I decided instead to try a visit to the Xampanyet located on Calle Montcada 22; recommended for its tapas, reasonable prices and good atmosphere (thanks Nath!). They make their own cava (not to be missed) and their tapas are really good including my favourite: peppers and cheese (pimiento con queso). – Pierre

Visited the Medieval Fair in Plaza España – lots of stalls selling food, clothes and crafts etc. and just to complete the atmosphere everyone was dressed in typical medieval garb. - Paul

The quickest and cheapest way to reach the pearl of the Costa del Garraf is definately by train, thanks to which in roughly 30 minutes you will arrive at Sitges station, located in the immediate vicinity of the historic city centre of the town.

In Sitges, the ocean is crystal-clear and you can choose from amongst the 4 kilometres of beach the one that most suits your needs. On one hand, there are beaches such as San Sebastiàn, Terramar and Rodona, which are closer to the centre of town and are perfect for those who like to be around other people and have all of the ameneties of a fully-equipped beach, with showers and bars. For those, on the other hand, who like relaxing within nature and enjoy having a little more tranquillity- to take a break from every-day life- there are also beaches and bays which are a little more isolated, and therefore a little further away, such as Garraf, La Falconera and Ginesta e Forn bay. For nudists, there are the beaches of Els Balmins, de Roses and the bay of Morisca. Although these may be difficult to get to, they are nevertheless highly appreciated by fans of this activity.

Sitges isn’t just sea, sand and sun, but it also has good cuisine, entertainment and culture. The town is dotted with all types of restaurants, and the extremely fresh and flavoursome fish dishes of Catalan traditional cooking are an absolute must. Also not to be missed is a tour of the alleyways, which during summer are attacked by throngs of tourists. The over-busy heart of Sitges, around the Square with the town council, is an absolute disaster, leading us to visit instead the church of San Bartolomè and Santa Tecla. From the terrace of this little church you can admire a breathtaking view, as the building is located right on a sheer cliff overlooking the sea. Sitges is also an important centre for Catalan modernism. Famous buildings in this style include the Bodegas Güell, one of Gaudì and Benger’s projects, as well as Cau Ferrant, the house-cum-laboratory of the painter Ruisiñol.

A beautiful seascape and a lovely historic centre not reason enough to come to Sitges? The town hosts important events throughout the year: in February the Carnival attracts thousands of young party-goers, who come to enjoy themselves during this very colourful and crazy festival; in spring it’s the turn of the Barcelona-Sitges leg of the International Auto Rally and from the 2^nd to the 12^th October 2009 the 42^nd Annual Festival Internacional de Cinema Fantàstic de Catalunya will take place.

Tu My