Travel Article: Besalú

The medieval town of Besalú has a rich heritage dating back more than a millennia. The town is located about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Barcelona. Getting there is best reached by car. Take the A7 direction Girona and take Exit 6, Palafrugell, Palamós then on the C66 straight to Besalú. We enjoyed a great day in this clean, tranquil feudal town appreciating it’s feeling of age and narrow cobble stoned streets.

Besalú stands out like Gerona for it rich medieval architecture and structures. It was once the capital of the county of Besalú during its feudal period – Charlemagne's 8^th and 9^th century. Due to a lack of an heir it later fell under the jurisdiction of Barcelona. Although it was invaded by the Moors none of their epoch remains.

The highlight of the town is the Romanesque walled bridge with well-preserved garrets and towers. It looks as beautiful as it does ominous. The Bridge crosses the Fluvia River and must have provided a great deal of protection from invading forces. Nowadays you cannot sense the river’s protection. The dropping of the river’s depth now provides a more pleasurable and scenic aspect. From the riverbanks/riverbed you can view the bridges impressive architecture above and its foundation resting on river rocks.

There are tours that give a greater appreciation of the town, although I preferred to go around at my own pace. Quite rare to encounter in Spain, scattered around the town there are a lot of plaçards explaining historical sites next to places of interest. A Tren Turistic offers tours every 45 minutes during the day for visits inside the churches and the Jewish Mikvah.

Like Gerona the town has a Jewish heritage. Near to the river you can find the remains of the Jewish quarter. Notably there are the remains of a Synagogue and a Mikvah (Jewish ritual purity bath house). This is quite a treasure as it is unique in Spain! You will have to go to the tourist office in Plaça de la Llibertat or join one of the tours.

Standing between the tall walls dark alley leading to the Jewish quarter is very eerie experience. More so, when you find out the section was walled and separated off by royal anti-Semitic sentiments in 1415.

Walking around the town you will note it has three religious buildings dedicated to Sant Julia, Sant Pere and Sant Vincenc. The latter is a quaint Gothic chapel but my highlight was the architecture of the 12th century monastery of Sant Pere. Their exteriors are well preserved. It is a pity that these sites can only be visited on guided tours. If the sun is not reflecting off the windows you can view their interiors by dropping a Euro in a coffer slot near the windows.

Near the river you will find the remains of the Jewish quarter. Standing in the tall dark alley leading to the Jewish quarter is very eerie when told that the section was separated in 1415. At the time by royal degree the area was walled and effectively sectioned off.

Notably there are the remains of a Synagogue and a mikvah (Jewish ritual purity bath house) in Besalú. You will have to go to the tourist office in plaça de la Llibertat to pick up a key to visit it. It costs 0,60€. This site is quite a treasure being unique in Spain!

The town has narrow streets that open onto market squares. In the two main plaças offering a choice of tapas, pizza and more exotic food. I recommend the numerous restaurants boasting historic food traditions within the town. The cuisine here is called ‘volcanic’, mainly as inactive but not extinct volcanoes have provided rich soil for growing rich tasting foods.

The stand-out restaurants include Cúria Reial, Olivera, Cal Parent, Can Quei and El Pont Vell. For me it was a dream come true. I am a big fan of nouveau medieval cuisine. Some of the meals include a variety of wild boar, duck, rabbit, bacon, snails, pears chestnuts and my favourite setas. Look out for restaurants serving “fesols de Santa Pau" basically tasty beans.

Notably these restaurants use an alcoholic beverage called Ratafia. This is a tasty but sweet drink has a dark grapey/plumb spicy cordial drink with heavy overtones of Christmas spices like cinnamon, cloves, walnut, and nutmeg. It is smoother but a lot sweeter than mulled wine. Most shops sell it and offer a free taster.

The town is filled with stores with local food produce and tourist shops. Many stores sell the usual medieval tourist tat. The difference is the choice of unique jewellery, ceramic, metal and wood utensil sellers. Additionally there are authentically made dairy and meat products. There are various bodegas selling young wine in plastic bottles. For 6€ you can pick up 5 litres of local high quality Merlot or Grenache table wine. Although, I found the staff uninformed about the wine it tasted good.

Around the town is some really surreal art. When walking around, look up to the sides of churches and various buildings. On some you will see chairs with their legs fixed to the wall. For some impressive history, good food and a chilled setting, do not miss your chance of visiting Besalú.

PUBLISHED ARTICLE - GETTING INVOLVED IN ART AND WORKSHOPS IN BARCELONA

Many will agree that Barcelona has a diverse, vibrant and flourishing classical to modern art scene. This month Barcelona Connect looks at how to get involved and set up a studio, and the future of artists who are just starting out in Barcelona.

There are a plethora of places to get your hands and feet dirty with art projects or courses in Barcelona. A few places to start looking include venues such as El Taller d'art MAÑO and Espai Jove Bocanord. Both offer a range of interesting workshops. There are posters for all types of artistic workshops in the Ravel area and an organisation called Talleres Internacionales de ARTE Contemporáneo who run interesting events and workshops in and around Barcelona.

Prices for non-qualificational courses start at around 40€ and the price range depends on the venue, teacher, level and materials used. Photography courses in general are highly popular. A centre that is quite well-frequented and very reasonably priced is Casa Elizade. A three-month course in photography costs around 50€, however, the courses are only in Catalan! As with all venues it is recommended to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Barcelona Connect chatted to Tom Gruner, an artist who has been active on the Barcelona scene for three years. “For me the most interesting art spaces in Barcelona apart from the MACBA and CCCB that everyone knows, are Caminal, Niu, Hangar, and previously La Escocesa – before it was turned into a 22@ development,” he said.

Getting directly involved in underground art is not necessarily difficult. There are great support groups trying to consolidate the various artistic factions. “A group called Puto Encuentro are at the forefront in bringing fractionalised underground art groups and artists together," Tom said.

Rising property costs have not only affected homebuyers; art studios have experienced a dramatic rise in ground rates. Tom agrees: "Urban regeneration projects such as the @22 project have created a lot of property price speculation. Now many spacious properties are out of the price range of artists here. I don't expect many more to open. I've heard of a few artists finding low cost spaces around Sants or in Hospitalet, but it's a bit far from the centre."

Many artists agree that Barcelona is a difficult city to be successful, mainly due to the cost of living and maintaining a stable studio. Similarly, unless you produce standout works of art, it is hard to sell. Setting up a studio costs around 4 to 10€ a square meter. Most artists are hit with ongoing costs such as utilities, a hefty deposit and, at times, management fees. For about 600-1,500€ a month you can find interesting spaces, with more possibilities towards the higher price range. It might be better for smaller groups of two or three artists to self-manage their own spaces to keep costs down.

Your speciality can at times dictate where it is more reasonable to set up a studio. For those specialising in jewellery or smaller scale art, the Gotico or the Borne seems to be the area of choice. For painting large works or sculpture seek places in Hospitalet, Sants, Poble Sec and Zona Franca.

For the most part, English-speaking artists rarely bring over a workshop from the UK! Creative thinking can help with finding the best places for second-hand materials to kit out a studio. Tom said: “We find a lot of stuff just in the street. Our first studio was built from the leftovers of great construction materials from the Forum de las Culturas. Otherwise the Encants market is good for finding missing tools.”

If you are a budding artist and wish to exhibit here, it’s a good idea to find galleries/spaces and the shows you like, then contact the gallery’s organisers. Tom agrees: “Galleries are always looking for artists. It’s just important for artists to really commit to their ideas and make a collection relating to those ideas, then present them with confidence. Artists shouldn't have to pay anything for an exhibition beyond commission to the gallery for sold works.”

An interesting studio-to-rent project worth a mention is WorkBox - a project set up by the Metropolitan Museum of Barcelona. Basically, you hire a maritime container per month and can even exhibit there. Prices are a uniform 300€ a month, which is expensive but the benefits include a chance to be involved in this art project, to exhibit with established artists and do some networking.

Personal relationships and networking are the key to moving around here in Barcelona and it is important for artists to explore relationships outside their studio. Luckily there is an excellent online resource called Arte En Barcelona fulfilling this need. “One of the best ways to get respect here is to consistently make work and experiment,” said Tom. “People respect dedication a lot and will take you more seriously if you take your work seriously."

Tom Gruner has been in Barcelona for three years and works with print making and ceramics at BCN Art Factory, www.bcnartfactory.org

HOW TO PLAY LIVE IN BARCELONA - A MUSICIANS GUIDE

Finding a place to play is the first step in a pretty straightforward process. As with any pub/club in the UK, you will have to seek an interview with the venue’s manager/owner. Many venues have their own websites with contact email addresses for queries. Although you can direct opener questions via email it is better to go to the place and discuss matters face-to-face with the owner. For this interview, it is not too important to neither take publicity nor demo CDs to these interviews. However, prepared is forearmed.

To play live at a majority of venues be warned Barcelona’s pay to play culture. This is distinctly different from getting to play venues in the UK and makes the nitty-gritty interview with the venues big-man. These fees range from €150 to €800. Usually it is in the range of €300 per gig. To secure a gig date, you discuss a provisional date with the manager. Once you return with the cash in hand will your date to play is concrete. How you recoup your layout is by charging for tickets on the door. There is sometimes a percentage of money at the bar.

It is known that some bars have been charging for over 10 years. The rise of the pay to play culture started just a few years ago. This was after a crackdown of noise pollution laws by the Ajuntament. The soundproofing costs have been passed to the artists. Previously, Barcelona enjoyed a plethora of live music venues.

In the majority of cases, you will be asked to sign a contract. If you were playing other groups, it would be prudent to ask a representative of each to counter sign. This limits damage liability to the establishment's equipment. Some venues have a minimum entrance quota as a part of the contract. If you are unable to fill the bar/venue, an outstanding percentage is taken from your deposit to play or from larger second refundable deposit excess.

A number of venues insist on charging a publicity fee. It is recommended to visit popular music bars and shops to see if the venue's flyers appear there. However, this pre-requisite is an obligatory payment, if you see the flyers or posters or not. For the most part, your publicity is a hard case of DIY.

For DIY publicity, recommended places to publicise are record shops in Calle Tallers, bars in Gracia, pubs in the Borne and bars around Razzamatazz Barcelona’s Mecca for live music goers. In addition place adverts on online portals like Craigslist, Loquo, Myspace and Barcelona Connect in their events listings section.

If your band is starting out, you have 30 minutes to over an hour of material; the only way to get a live date is to share a gig date. Networking is not only the primary driver for finding places to play; it is to find other bands to play with. Luckily there a few interested English-speaking musicians who have created such a network site, BCNMusic. The aim of the site is to put bands in contact with each other.

Chris Southern the site's creator and organiser stated his reasons for creating this online venue, “Since setting up the BCNMusic Myspace page, I have learned that there are literally hundreds of bands and venues in and around Barcelona. They’re just not were you expecting them to be. But, if you want to watch live music, you’ll have to travel a bit”. Chris continues, “We’re arranging concerts for local bands in Barcelona. We have arranged the first online forum’s networked gig at Sala La Rulot in San Andreu on Friday the 20^th July. Each band is encouraged to network and swap gigs and share future costs between themselves. We’re hoping the idea takes off”. To all interested readers Chris says, “If you’re interested there’s an Invitation for 'friends' on the site. We only accept if you’re group’s based in Cataluña. If you’re looking for local bands to network with, recording studios, venues, radio stations, ‘zines; they’re all here or catch us at our first event!”

Another Barcelona based site worth a mention is Splice Music. The site encourages social networking for electronic based musicians. The site encourages sharing samples and beats etc.

When at the gig, it is usual for all the groups to share their amplification and main percussion/drums. This is usually because once the doors open there is an allotted time space for all bands to perform. To move drum kits is time consuming.

Playing local festivals is pretty rewarding. It furthers your reputation with the local population. The contract process is the same as venues, as previously described. Publicity for these festivals is well orchestrated. Be aware of expected audience numbers given by the organisers are in fact a lot smaller if you are not the main act.

Links

Barcelona Rocks www.barcelonarocks.com/venues_eng.asp

BCN Music www.myspace.com/BCNMusic

Loquo www.loquo.com

Craigslist www.barcelona.craigslist.org

Sala www.salarazzmatazz.com

SpliceMusic www.splicemusic.com.

Email Marketing - Numbering Properly and Avoiding Mistakes

I caught a great article today on emailuniverse.com that'll be of great interest to consultants or web-sites offering great information chunks. When producing value articles, it is best to volumise them. Not only are they great references, but they give the impression of the weight of the information you produce over time. A great example is one done by FreePint.

The summary of the hints were as follows:

1. Don't use double numbering: Example to avoid: Volume 2, Issue 1. Number 4. Choose Issue 1. or Number 1, but not both numbering conventions. This is a personal bug bear of mine!
2. Use common Arabic numbering instead of Roman Numerals. It'll be easier to understand for your reader.
3. Over time, have some continuity of purpose in your numbering/volume scheme so that it makes sense to your readership. It ought to be predictable.
4. Your numbering/volume scheme should not change until the purpose or scope of your email newsletter changes.

Best of luck with your newsletters.

WHAT IS WEB 2.0? WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

There is no formal definition of what is Web 2.0. The term was coined originally by internet guru Tom O’Reilly and MediaLive International at a conference about the collapse of the internet following the falls in value for many internet companies.

It is suggested that the Web 2.0 leader has been Google that gave prominence to relevance and position. Additionally the search engine company started by having no advertisements, it was providing internet information. The scene moved to provide more outlets to information, adding of mini programs or ad-ons like toolbars and more portal centric affiliate offerings that could be added into a website like Amazon and their infamous buy this book to website add-ons like Google maps.

For marketers this meant there were more outlets to suggest their product or service was giving value and could be contained within existing Online communities.

What are the benefits?

Jupiter Research reported that the take up for Web 2.0 tactics are being extensively employed. 48% of brand marketers will deploy marketing on social networking channels, compared to 38% last year. It is reckoned that 50% of brand marketers will target social networking sites in 2007.

Social marketing tactics used by see brands will compete for attention on already popular network sites like Myspace and Bebo. IDC go further estimating that by 2010 around 70% of web content will be user generated.

Bottom line: Network effects from strategic placing of content in places of user contributions are the key to market link and point of presence dominance with Web 2.0.

If all of this is a bit too much to take in, I’ve spied a very good definitive guide on the Basics of Web 2.0, its growth and how it works at SEOMoz.

They have a great link to a PowerPoint Presentation as well.

INTERCAMBIOS - LEARNING SPANISH IN SPAIN - AN EXPAT HOW TO GUIDE

When learning a new language, everyone starts at base routes. Some may not know the difference between a ceveza and a mediana or chorizo to a salchichon? Indeed you might know a bit but want to unlearn speaking Spanish from the Michael Caine School of pronunciation? This time I look at language exchanges and getting the best from the gift of tongues.

First off, what are you looking for? Spanish word for language exchange is ‘intercambio’. An intercambio is the perfect compliment to any previous experience of speaking Spanish. It is recommended that an intercambio is not substitute any formal lingual training.

Ask yourself how you prefer to learn in a group or one-to-one? Fancy improving your accent and pronunciation or your writing and writing? Where would you prefer to learn? How long do I have per evening, per week? Would you prefer to pay or not? Do you prefer something harder in the short-term or you just looking to pick up a few extra words?

Languages exchanges come in many shapes and forms. There are quite a few local groups that can be found in a city in sites such as www.meetup.com and www.meetin.org. For one to one meetings check personal language exchange sections of loquo.com, craigslist.com and barcelonaconnect.com.

Usually with organised groups there is a small charge. Prices are around 2-3€ per evening. It is not much to pick up a language and make new English and Spanish speaking friends. Many host activities and events like eating tapas and day trips outside the city. From experience there has a noticeable imbalance between English to native Spanish speakers. With the aforementioned groups they normally state who is attending so you can get an idea if a meeting will actually have an even balance of people. One-to-one meetings are free.

If you decide to contact someone from a website, think somewhere both safe and comfortable. Unless you want to spend the evening saying, “que?” every sentence find a place that is audibly quieter than a popular and rowdy bar.

To get the most from a meeting, give some forethought to what you would like to achieve. If you really need some cultural advice, then helping an advanced speaker with English is a great way of having many cultural and social situations explained to you and have to grammar explained to you. Many advanced intercambios have philology degrees or are English teachers.

Setting some basic rules about length of the meeting and splitting up time gives both parties an equal crack speaking in English/Spanish. To get a 50/50 language deal, find someone at more or less the same comprehension level as you. Once you come across a stumbling point with a word, both must find a simple way to describe something clearly. This is great training to think and communicate succinctly.

When meeting up your intercambio having a small dictionary and verb book, pen and notepad is imperative. If you prefer out-of-house meetings surface space to write notes is small. So think small. From experience a majority of Spanish can write and communicate in English. Their main problem is pronunciation. Unless you have scored 180 with Mensa, you will have to write down notes and demonstrate/illustrate on paper. It is very handy to have a hard backed A5 pocket notebook to survive recently cleaned bars, coffee tables and a drink spill.

Giving some thought to a theme for the meeting is good. “You do not appreciate how complex something simple can be. If you go to the doctor you might want to explain, it is like this or that. Having some simple words explained helps”, said Mark from London.

Something to be expected from these meetings is intercambio homework. You will find yourself writing a letter/CV etc in Engish for the other. This favour goes both ways, so do not be afraid to ask. It is advisable to leave in errors and work together to work out a few errors together. This improves the quality of the language exchange and finds small and specialised areas for improvement.

Over time, intercambios grow in to more advanced friendships, relationships or even something more intimate. Its progression is natural and is on the most part, welcomed by the other person. Feeling when the time is right to pop a question, “Fancy going to a movie? Fancy a meal at mine?”, is a way to break the ice. Once you start to lend items like books, DVDs, music or share time together with cultural activities starts a beginning to a richer intercambio.

In some cases both Spaniards and English speakers have started an intercambio for one thing in mind. Like any personal add or social group, this behaviour is not uncommon. If in doubt write an advertisement without stating gender. Other great one-liners are people asking for intercambios in bars. Sometimes you do not know where they will lead.

Many intimate relationships are found through intercambio or through a friend of theirs. Still, a natural progression is better than a desperate one.

A language exchange is a great way to assimilate a culture and have many direct questions answered which elsewhere might cause offence. So go ahead… get involved!

HOW TO FIND CHEAP BOOKS, DVDs, CDs, CLOTHES IN BARCELONA IF YOU ARE AN EX-PAT

Got the Hobnob munchies or missing the all-in-one Argos store? Being an ex-pat you're faced with buying English literature, fashion and novels at inflated prices. Why? It's sure profiteering in many cases once you know there's more options than previously noted.

Books, CDs and DVDS

If you've discovered the small selection of FNAC's English book and video section and tired of waiting 15-30 day for replenished stock items, there is an exceptional alternative. You can order books, movies, PC games, clothes and electronics from Play.com. You'll be guaranteed to shout, "I want that one". Prices are post free to Spain.Surprisingly
one can order in Euros and send presents to friends abroad!

Another alternative is CDWOW.com. This site sells DVDS and CD's reduced prices. The flip side is one has to wait up to one fortnight wait for delivery.

There's great second hand book shops in Barcelona most notably Hibernian and Elephant Books. They do great part-exchanges on second-hand books. Finding out of print or hard to find books in the UK is a hassle. If you're a student or a book enthusiast check out Abe. On this site one can find a host of specialist books from around the Globe. Amazon.co.uk's and Play.coms new and used section is another great place to look for books to be sent abroad. You can pick up a good condition book for a lot less than the new cover price. However, second hand postage costs mount up.

Magazines

Fancy getting your favourite mags cheaply? If you've paid for mail redirection, why not get a magazine subscription online? Admittedly, you will receive the magazine a few days later than your mates back home. However, the big bonus is one is not paying inflated international shipping rates. By taking out two or three subscriptions one can make money back on your redirection costs. Payment is the only downfall of this plan. It has to be with a UK credit card. Still there's a great choice of magazines at cut rate prices here UK Subscribe and WH SMITH ONLINE

Department Stores

If you're after something specific from Argos, Debenhams and a host of UK high-street stores, one can purchase online at uk shopping in spain. On the flipside, postage costs are steep. But where-else in Spain can you get Eco kettles or an Action Man?

Foods

There are quite a few expat stores online and based in Barcelona. Hobnobs are a luxury item at €3.78 expat direct. One of the cheapest stores for English produce is A Taste of Home. Although they are based in Tarragona, their prices are worth a look. They are a third to half less than the competition.

Curry

For specialist food types, widely available in UK stores at any mini-market, you will have to be prepared to shop around for these foodstuffs at reasonable rates. El Cortes Ingle stocks ethnic foods, but at a premium. Around C/ de los Mosques, there's a stretch of Indian food produce shops. Here one can purchase poppadoms, curry paste, spices, chutneys, rice and ghee. Even henna can be bought for cheap summer DIY tattoos! Prices are more or less similar, per shop. Some nearer the market C/ dels Flassaders are a little cheaper.

East Asian Food

If oriental cuisine is more to your tastes, there's a large Asian food store 50m from Arc De Triomphe Metro, towards Tetuan. Here you can purchase ingredients to make Thai curries, sushi and most East Asian food types. In these stores you will find all forms of spicy and savoury sauces. Jasmine rice and soy sauce can be picked up for around half the price of El Cortes Ingles.

Clothes

The good news is that Primark have stores in Spain. Bad news is, they're not in Barcelona. River Island has opened a store in Portal de L’Angel and Top Man can readily be found. If you're looking to impress try dress-for-less.com. It's a European online outlet store with a lot of big designer names. It's like a TK Max but online but with fewer bargains. However, their sales, they are notably are cheaper than Pull and Bear! Spanish outlet store bargains can be found out of town in La Roca. From Calle Girona 1 upwards and at Heron City, Fabre y Puig, one can find Berksha, Jack Jones, Pull and Bear, Zara and Desigual outlet stores very close together for shopping convenience.

WOULD YOU CONSIDER AN INDECENT PROPOSAL FOR 40K?

The last of the party revellers were just leaving the bar. After watching them leave, I turned to my friend and sighed. "So, you going to tell me what happened to your rollo" ? In resignation, he exhaled a huge plumb of smoke defiantly in my direction then stubbed out his cigarette into the over flowing ashtray.

Finally, he spoke. "It was all going well until she took off to Alicante".

"And...?", I replied. "She got back with her ex-rollo but it's more the circumstances surrounding it which worries me, even though we were only f**k buddies. Mores’ the pity that she left, she loved sex. I'm talking at least 5 or 6 times a night, whatever position and wherever".

"I need to ask you. What would you do now if I gave you 40,000 Euros"? He questioned. I explained about my love to do higher education, maybe to get a mortgage or to travel more widely. I asked him what he'd do, and remarked on his clever changing of the subject. "Who said I changed subject coño. Let’s say this is the stroke of luck my Polish rollo had".

My jaded nature pondered where the conversation was leading. Previously, it was fashionable for Eastern Europeans to declare undying love for Western Europeans for a hand in marriage and a few thousand pounds in cash. Many Brits have tried this. They’d forgotten that your wedded partner had entitlement to all your belongings plus the money given for the wedding. In Cataluna, you might be saved from this recourse with a wedding contract. Still, it can feel harsh, if one marries for love.

I asked about the stroke of blinding luck his female friend had. He went on and explained that she had gone away for a holiday by herself to a southern Spanish resort around a year ago. She had gone to a bar and met a well dressed and spoken man called Petri from Romania. After a few drinks, an invitation to a nice meal and a VIP club entrance, she was pretty much livened up for a bit of the dirty.

Getting back to his luxury hotel, she didn't take much convincing that the hotel's breakfast for two was going to be as good as the night’s hors d'oueves. Café was accepted, and the night's love-in commenced. The sex was good. She’d noted he was a guy who'd learned how to make a girl feel special and fulfilled. The next day, they awoke and had breakfast. He remarked they ought to meet up again as he was returning in a few nights time after he'd been to a high tech show in Madrid.

She thought about the appealing repeat possibility of a champagne breakfast. She then agreed to meet him a few nights later. He announced that he had a proposition for her to consider. 'If I was to offer you 40,000 Euros, black money, to have sex with me a weekend a month, what would you think'?

His friend was taken aback at first. She startled to giggle and asked where the money was going to come from. This money was earned by dealers buying state-of-the-art hi-tech sample items. They fetch a premium. Opening the heavy satchel from under the bed, proved the money was where his mouth was.

For her, it was a quick decision time. Agreeing to the deal, she could do with the money. Two days later commenced a sordid sex evening. His appetites had become more bestial. For as much as she was adventurous, uncontrolled S&M was the dish of the evening. It left her outwardly sore, and inwardly violated.

Next day, Petri left and she returned to Barcelona. After receiving suggestive and intrusive text communications, she decided to end the deal. She planned to return the money, when he was next in Spain and pray that the meeting would not take and undesirable turn of events.

Three weeks later, she met up with Petri. It took all her polish huevos to hand back the money. But the meeting went particularly well. She take one month's advance, even when it was offered. She took the next train to Barcelona.

Up to now, she had 1.5 years of bad or hollow relationships. This had hardened her to a mercenary resolve and decided to get back with him and to follow her dreams. My friend and I pondered, "To what price are the streets really paved with gold"?

Note: Names, places and occupations have been changed by request.

HOW TO MAKE VEGETARIAN ALLI-OLI

Very impressed with hand done alli-oli from my girlfriends sister, I decided to embark on some experimentation. I hate alli oli with mayo. It's a tacky American thing added to everything with a really pre-processed after taste. I hate egg anyways. So I decided to make a really friendly spreadable alli oli.

It looks like a lime green batman/joker experiment, but it tastes without having the thick after taste. It's excellent when accompanied with a dark red wine - Ribero De Duero recommended.

This is best put on toasted bread as an appertif. It's easy to make. If you're party is fussy over colour... get some fresh mozzerella and some other parsely stalks. Decorate the bread with the cheese and place parsley and the stalk over the cheese. Otherwise, this is a VERY healthy compliment to a mediterraean diet.

Measure Ingredient
3 Garlic cloves - you will need to peel them and remove hearts [to avoid wind/repetition]
1 teaspoon Lemon juice
1 Bunch of parsley including stalks
1/2 Litre
Dark Olive oil -- at room temperature
18
Black Pepper Kernals
1½ teaspoon Oregano Dry - but better fresh
2 Tablespoons Salt

Preparation.

I prepared in the following manner. Add 1 clove of garlic peeled and the hearts removed from each. Throw in leaves of the parsley [fresh].

Put in a blender and blend for 20 seconds. Add in pepper corns and oregano, lemon and salt.

Add 1/4 litre olive oil and repeat. Taste

Add in what you think. I would recommend another 1/4 litre to make a good base. Throw in the stalks and remaining other pepper corns.
Turn on blender and blend for 20 seconds. Use a spoon to move any errant fruit from the sides.

That's it.

This is enough to fill a 250g Coffee jug. So if you buy a resealable jug, [like dowe egberts make] place in jar and keep at room temperature. DO NOT REFRIGERATE!

Add to any bread or rice products. It's also good as a pesto-like sauce with pasta.

FACEBOOK DISCONTINUE NETWORKS WITHOUT INFORMING THE USERS

I like using the network pages on Facebook. It gives me chance to chat with people without having the 1001 reminders and constant SPAM from other groups. Still, this obviously sad move from Facebook was done without informing people. It's now VERY hard to locate the network page. Useful pages such as MARKET PLACE and THINGS HAPPENING LOCALLY [like gigs, festivals etc] was an excellent way to communicate items.

For example, there's an event happening within a group, but I didn't know about it. I might not be interested in say 'yogic flying' per se, but a conversation I had the other day and a network message reminds me of this subject. As well, market place was excellent as well. Probably not generating revenue and overloading ADMINS. My personal opinion is this is a cheap cop out by Facebook who have not formally said WHY they're doing this.

The network page on facebook says:
Network Pages will be discontinued soon

Facebook will soon be removing Network Pages from the site. While you will still be in your current networks, you will not be able to access Network Pages such as this one.

Please keep this in mind when communicating with others on the Wall and on the discussion board. You can use Groups to connect with the people around you.


I read elsewhere on CNET

Facebook has decided to remove the Network Portals because we have found that most users tend to get network information from their feeds, such as News Feed and Mini-Feed, rather than navigating to the portals. Groups, Pages and users' feeds continue to enable users to connect with the people in their networks and discover the most relevant information."

In other words, how best to TARGET advertisements but forcing people to go down certain queues. As well, a NETWORK involves Facebook's monitoring. So, how better than to shove the responsbility back on smaller admins.

Thing is some discussions go off topic and sometimes the funniest things happen from this. Bottom line, this is a SUCKY idea from Facebook and I think rather than joining people across countries its limiting and forcing people in smaller camps.

If Facebook was worried about Stalkers etc, it doesn't want to popularise that it's one of the best hang outs for this.

Additionally, if they input MORE privacy options they could rid themselves of this problem.

Oh well..

Ex-Pat TV Options - How To Tune In and Watch UK TV and Radio For Free

In Spain you have sunshine, good food, cheap beer and the envy of your friends back home but a black cloud still hangs ominously over Spanish radio and TV. Some Catalan terrestrial channels broadcast in two languages. For the most part though, your favourite TV programs are dubbed and hugely disappointing. Subtitles are rarely available on the majority of TV stations.

Fear not, we have a quick guide to tune in, turn on and vege out to your favourite TV and Radio shows. We outline the complications and advances within the law and technology.

Wondering why you have trouble accessing online Radio 1, KissFM or Channel 4? Recent changes in UK broadcasting laws mean that any international requests for Internet radio and TV from abroad are no longer cost effective. Changes in media royalty and copyright laws have increased UK broadcasters’ fees to artists and the media giants behind them. Non-US residents, for example, can no longer listen to Pandora.com. However, some grey area online jukeboxes like radioblogclub.com still survive. For UK listeners, one of the best indie music stations, www.xfm.couk is operating legally internationally.

Other legal options include online podcasts. Most online radio stations are using podcasting, which gets around the sticky and confusing aspects of artist royalties. The key difference is that it isn’t live. Yahoo’s new PC and Mac compatible widgets.yahoo.com is legal to use and at present allows streaming of UK and American radio shows. Internet radio can be enjoyed with Acoustic Energy’s Wi-Fi Radio. It is not cheap at £129.99, but for 5,000 stations it is worth the price!

Using Sky for UK TV and radio is the popular choice of ex-pat bar owners and grey area practice has long been practiced by ex-pats. Although the technology exists to provide Internet-based access to UK programs, it isn’t yet a valid alternative. There are a plethora of companies that offer a set-up and purchase of various skyboxes and cards. You can opt for free-view or per channel/package viewing.

A bit of DIY can make things considerably cheaper. For the best content, a good site to start for basic information is storesatellite.com and uksatellitehelp.co.uk. These sites offer comprehensive advice but you will need patience and a little technical know-how to set it up yourself. A step-by-step guide can be found under ‘FAQ’ then ‘dish installation’ at astrosat.info.

Receiving a clear signal depends on where you are located. Some areas of Spain demand a bigger dish like 2.5m to pick up a clear signal. As a rule of thumb, the bigger the dish the better the signal. You will need to buy a Low Noise Converter (LNB) to boost your reception and a signal strength meter to locate the Astra 2 SKYsatellite.

If you are dying to watch a movie or TV program before it is released on TV in Europe and if you own an Xbox or PS2 - consider getting hold of a modchip. They allow game consoles to play DVD movies from other countries. There are lots of Chinese companies offering original movies for sale. Movies from Asia or the US are available sooner than in Europe. A loophole in the Spanish intellectual property law makes the modchips legal, but it is worth keeping an eye out for changes in this law. They are well advertised in independent electronic stores throughout Spain.

Another grey-area legal issue is online video sharing. Back in Blighty, it’s an offence to provide a resource with links without actually hosting the content on your PC. If you do not share links nor copyrighted content you are safe, for now. Two main sites provide this service - youtube and video.google. Other TV sites include tvlinkvault.com, freetvlinks.net and craftytv.com. For paid-for subscriptions and presently legal options, try liveuktv.com for $45 PCM.

It is illegal to share copyrighted content via peer-to-peer (p2p) applications like BitTorrent and Emule. MMS.se reported that 2 in 5 Swedes between the ages of 16-30 illegally download TV shows. Another website reports that 41% of Spaniards download movies. The ramifications of p2p file sharing and downloading or sharing copyrighted films are not to be taken lightly. Recent stories suggest the police and associated authorities have recently been cracking down on criminal gangs selling the ‘top manta’ taken from p2p sources. Spanish ISPs might soon crack down and block all p2p traffic to stop it at source.

Large corporations have reason to be concerned by advances in technology. As such, the choices faced by an ex-pat tend to be limited to what is up-to-the-minute on TV, and statistics show that people seek to view programs as they come out. Domestically, UK and American copyright owners are clamping down heavily on licensing and copyright laws.

The technology does indeed exist to watch Hollyoaks or Lost as it airs and on demand, without the need to use p2p technology. Satellite TV and Internet services like liveuktv remain the most reliable way to remain above board and paying royalty by subscription.

It is the author’s hope that the media giants address the needs of ex-pats to enjoy quality, as it first airs, worldwide English language TV on-demand.

Beer and Breweries In Barcelona

The English populace drinking huge quantities of fermented vegetable products flavoured by hops is a full-time hobby come lifestyle. Even Plato said, “He is a wise man who invented beer”. Who are we lesser mortals to argue? Not needing any more encouragement we crawled around beery Barcelona for a need to alleviate the winter social lubricantitus.

In Spain, there are a plethora of English bars. You are never far away from a pint of wife-beater or the amber-nectar. Saying that as much as my Spanish and Catalan friends love English and foreign beer but are put off by the shocking prices. There are Spanish stouts, ales or bitters if you know where to go.

Barcelona has three smaller breweries of note. One is the Cervecería El Vaso de Oro. It is tucked away in c/ Balboa 6, 08003 Barcelona. They have solely one type of beer on tap called ‘Vaso de Oro Rubia’. It is an amber coloured lager and has an impressive 7% alcohol content. This brewski has a rich, bitter-like, malt and nutty taste. The Cervecería is very popular and serves great food.

If you would like to sample some unusual cold ones or even know about how to ferment some homemade brews then head for La Cervesera Artesana C/ Sant Agustí, 14. For the author this place is a touch above the rest and this Eixample pub is ideal for taking your Spanish partner booze-bonding. They do various brews on tap and brew onsite as well as courses on beer making. I recommend their Iberian Pale Ale and Iberian Stout. Their beer is served at nitrogen cool temperatures. Distinguished drinkers will let the beer warm a bit before tasting to get all the flavour.

Another local beer is ectoplasm sounding GLOPS brewed by Llúpols i Llevats S.L. A very recent company set up in 2005 it is enjoyed in lots of bars around Barcelona. The brews come in four types, Blanca, Negra, Lager and Fumada and are brewed with passion. Their beers can be found around town but notably at Bar Bodega Bartoli, Vallespir. 41. A way outside Barcelona things change with a Tarragona brewery called Rosita who make very pleasant and surprising ale of the same name.

Moritz is the oldest of all Barcelona beer making by a long stretch founded in 1830. In the 1970's it ceased production until 2000. They only manufacture one Miller or Cools Lite kind of lager of the same name. Notably this brewery is has a confusing website designed to comfort the inebriated enjoy moritz.es.

The second oldest existing Barcelona brewery is Damm and offers some of the strongest glass sandwiches on the market. The company’s been around in Barcelona since 1876 and Estrella Damm is their most popular product. Their factory is open to the public but the brewery disappointingly only does tours for 40+ people.

Damm’s number 1 jar for putting hairs on your chest is 7.2% Voll Damm. This pilsner lager is close to German-like Vollbie. It is not quite Special Brew, but tastes a lot better and less associated with tramps and beer-recyc. Another stronger dark lager of theirs is Bock Damm and is very much like a Münchener beer. A bit harder to find in bars, but it is very pleasurable drink.

Going to any party you would have encountered Xibeca Damm Classic litre bottle. Normally the die-hard Spanish beer drinkers bring these, drink the harder tinnies and leave these devils lurking undeservedly in the fridge. This pale ‘Clásica’ lager is the breweries weakest beer at 4.6%.

More than likely you have come across Cruz Campo. It was a private brewery but now part of the Heineken Corporation. The company was founded in 1904, Sevilla and their popular beer of choice is Cruz Del Sur. This tasty beverage is extremely popular in Southern Spain, notably Andalusia. However, it is their weakest offering at 4.5%. They make stronger beers, notably their Legado de Yuste 6.5%. It is worth a try as it is Spain’s first Spanish abbey beer. Their next strongest is Amstel Reserva at 6%, and Cruzcampo Seleccion Especial 5.7%. Their only pilsner is Amstel 1870.

San Miguel have a factory in Barcelona, however like Mahou, they are a part of the huge Danone group. The group has three typical lagers San Miguel Especial, 5.4%, San Miguel 1516, 4.2% and an organic beer San Miguel Eco, 4.2%. Their forth offering is a lot stronger San Miguel Nostrum, at a nice 6.1%. This beer is similar to Voll Damm.

Diverging a little from domestic beer there are a few other pubs in Barcelona offering Belgian Beer. The most famous is Bel Chica. An interesting English bar Bristol Blue in Torrent de l'Olla 39-41, offers a wide selection of Czech beers. Cerveceria el Flabiol, Rambla del Brasil 55, stocks over 70 types of beer from Czech, Belgian, UK, German and smaller Spanish breweries.

A lot of Barcelona’s breweries are a mystery even to the majority of the locals, my advise is, get a seat at the end of the bar and get your Britney’s in now!

Hot In The City Tonight - Sexual Relations In Barcelona

Hot in the city tonight

In Barcelona is it simple enough to find someone special. I asked Barcelona natives and “guiris” (non-Catalunian) their low down on the cultural other. We asked what they like, what does it for them and whereabouts they like it? Steady tiger! All that follows is respect to inter cultural experiences!

Although you might not think it being a foreigner is actually quite sexy. For one, the popular consensus is Barcelona attracts a higher quality resident than Ibiza; the lager and kebab crowd. Being from northern Europe has its advantages. Locals Vanessa, Sandra, Elena and Monica. Elena explained, “Guiris are more exotic and open-minded to spend the evening with”. Sandra added, “.. And occasionally the night…”

As a culture, the Catalunians and English speakers share a similar sense of sarcastic humour and level headed outlook. Along with the Basques, the Spanish see us all as emotionally cold and closed. For the Brits, most of us only find our identity by enjoying a pint at a sporting event. A common turn off is the dominating national Catalunian pride. Mark from London pointed out an advantage with this, “Separatist views work to your advantage. A Spaniard would have to chat someone up in Catalan as an opening line. I however, would not be expected to.”

It is easy as hitting the town around Cuitat Vella, Gracia, Eixample and the Borne at weekend to guarantee some action. Vanessa explains, “You cannot go wrong in bars like Michael Collins or The Philharmonic and with clubs like Jamboree and Almodo-Bar”. Monica added, “Popular pulling parlours I know of are Universal, Torres and Bikini. They’re always brimming with talent”.

The most popular nightclubs to hang out for a freak-on include Karma, Mojito, Plataforma, Razzamatazz and Catwalk and club bars focused around Vil.la Olímpica Dos Torres, and Marsella. Maria and Marie from Sweden believe house parties are a sure winner. Maria explained, “Everyone’s a lot more open and welcoming. At clubs you can easily lose someone in the crowd. Marie added,”..especially at Razzamatazz”.

Still, if you are a little shy or have had limited success – try online. First place to start would be Loquo and Meetic. Additional sites include Lycos, Badoo, Bebo, Barcelona Connect and Netlog. Other places to meet foreigners are around cinemas showing original version films. “Hanging out in the bars around the Renoir is a great way to strike up a conversation”, said Alice from Italy. “You can meet people with similar interests going on local courses. You only need an intermediate level of the Spanish. By looking you can go with the flow”, emphasised Elena.

Kicking off conversations and chat up lines is relatively easy. Vanessa elaborated, “Asking someone, de donde eres? is the classic rompe hielo – ice breaker. Then ask a few basic questions and look interested”. There are a few openers one ought to avoid. These include direct questions and above all being lewd. However, never underestimate your fluency when mixing Spanish in another language. Vanessa explained saying, “A classic is a Catalan asking you tens foc? They’re asking for a light, not for any horizontal action.” Still, Maria’s experienced equally bad lines from Catalans, “I like you – you’re so Swedish, it just made me feel so unique”.

Prominent differences in dating culture are noticeable with the time spent on the first date. It is not unusual for Catalunians to invite you to spend more time out with them than you're accustomed to. It's more likely than a quick meet up coffee to suss out and go. “There’s a great drinking culture here, happening throughout the day. Here you can meet people at your local bar, more so than in Italy”, Alice commented. Physical contact in Barcelona is prevalent as in all social interaction. From the double cheek kissing and touch throughout a conversation. The author believes this creates a healthier and open communication between individuals.

In Barcelona there are a plethora of places to make a special date. Monica suggested, “In summer, take your date to Torre de Alta Mar, picnic on the beach or the infamous Mirador Fabra. The latter has privileged view of the city and the stars.”

After a perfect date do not fret popping the, ‘fancy going back to mine’, line. Still, go out prepared and do not take risks. Despite Catalunya’s Catholic influence, the populous are indifferent to the religion’s tenets, preferring to practice safe sex. It is best to enjoy the event with someone wrapped in latex love. Still sexual activity, like everywhere, demands precaution. However, there are great health sources around the city. Monica said, “Ajuntament’s website has a lot of online information. Look under ‘Salud’. The ACASC offers resources on AIDS advice.”

It is worth noting to not do something you might later regret. Prostitution is still prevalent despite recent police intervention. It continues around Cuidad Del Olympica and in the Raval. Despite your worst chat up line, you will get lucky. Take my advice. Do not do something you might pay for later.

Special thanks to all who participated in the article.

Hotel Internet Marketing, Web 2.0, 3rd Party Distribution

Hotel Internet Marketing, Web 2.0, 3rd Party Distribution

There's some great pointers on this site for hotels who are approaching the new Web 2.0 concept.

Blogs are the way to go. However, many hotels are more interested in having rooms booked out than longer strategies of raising profile, dropping extra special offers via their blogs to the end consumer.

The author addresses this by commenting, "Relying too much on the in-direct channel can also be detrimental to your business. Occupancy might be reasonable but are you achieving the Revenue per Available Room? (RevPAR). In-direct channels sometimes also require room allocations throughout the year, even though the hotel might be able to sell some periods many times over at higher rates."