Restaurant - Bar Lobo

Restaurant - Bar Lobo

April 22, 2014

One of my favorite restaurants that I have been to in Barcelona is called Bar Lobo.  It is located on Carrer de Pintor Fortuny and you can take the L3 to Catalunya to get there.  Like many other places in Barcelona, it is tapas but this one has a different variety than other ones I have been to.

The atmosphere is really modern inside.  There are round lights hanging from the ceiling and the tables and chairs all have a modern feel to them.  There were fresh plants on the tables when we went which also made for a nice touch.  While we were there, there was a group sitting at the outside of the tables celebrating a birthday.  I have a friend who was here last semester who went here for her birthday dinner as well.  It is a great place to take your friends and family because of the atmosphere, price and location.

For dinner, we ordered our typical favorites: patatas bravas,  croquettes and calamari.  We all had heard that this place was known for their creative tapas so we decided to be a little more adventurous.  We ordered tuna with guacamole on it, mussels and some sort of meatballs in a seafood sauce.  These dishes had been recommended to us by other people and we were not disappointed.  The tuna and the guacamole was such an interesting combination that I would have never tried before.  Also, I came to Barcelona not liking mussels or clams and now that I have had them so many times while here, these were one of the best mussels I have had.  In addition to the food being great, the service was great as well.  Like many other restaurants in Barcelona, they let you sit and enjoy your meal and they don't bother you with pushing you out to get other customers in like in the US.  My roommates sat there enjoying each other's company and drinking some champagne before being one of the last people in the restaurant.

Tuna and Guacamole

Croquettes

Patatas Bravas

This restaurant was one of my favorites in Barcelona.  It had great tapas, a different kind of variety, great atmosphere and service.  I would recommend this restaurant to anyone in Barcelona because the prices were decent and you get a good amount of food for what you pay.  Everyone should go to Bar Lobo at least once before leaving Barcelona.

Field Study - El Raval

Field Study - El Raval

April 9, 2014

1.  The Raval is a new and up and coming area that is becoming more popular in Barcelona.  This area has been rebuilt with the gentrification process.  Over the past few decades, the Raval has gone from an area where people are afraid to go because they think it is unsafe to a desirable location in Barcelona. One of the reasons for this is the amount of public spaces where people can go and hang out.  This area has become popular for young kids to meet up with friends and to enjoy different restaurants, bars and stores.  There are many spaces for public use: a playground outside of an elementary school, open spaces for kids to skateboard and hang out by the MACBA, the courtyard of the CCCB which is where many people choose to hang out, especially during the summer and spaces near the public university where many political and social movements start.  These public spaces are a great way for young kids to meet others and for youths to congregate when they are done with school for the day.  While we were on our field trip, I saw many people skateboarding outside the MACBA and some other students hanging out outside of the public University.  The public spaces are very large so many people can meet up with friends or sit quietly.  Some of the grounds are paved while others are still dirt.  I saw a lot of people taking advantage of the nice weather while on our field trip and I can only imagine what it is like during the summer months when there are lots of students out there in the public areas.  I think it is a great thing that during the gentrification process that they included these public areas because it makes the area of the Raval more inviting and appealing.

2.  On a Barcelona city map, the Raval is located near Plaza Catalunya, Las Ramblas and El Born. Outside of El Raval are some of the main tourist areas in Barcelona so I was surprised this area wasn't so touristy.  I saw many locals there, maybe because it was in the middle of the day.  I was also surprised this area didn't have many chain clothing or restaurants (that I saw) because it was so close to popular areas where these are.  It gave the Raval its own feel that it wasn't like other places in Barcelona.  Being so close to major areas in Barcelona made it feel like it was going to be more commercial but I was surprised and happy to see it wasn't.

3.  There are many public buildings that we saw on our field trip but these were the ones that made the biggest impression:

MACBA (Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art): This building is in front of a big open space where people like skate and hang out with their friends.  It is seen as a great meeting point for local youths to because of its location to many other places near by.  This is also where the Sony Music Festival takes place, adding more appeal to this area and attracting even more people while it is going on.  This building was really modern and one could tell it had recently been redone.  I can see why people would want to hang out there because it brings a cool, youth vibe to the area.

Public University: The Public University is opened to all people whether or not you actually attend school there.  Its doors are usually open so anyone can sit in on a lecture and learn.  While we were there, many students were outside hanging out with their friends or smoking cigarettes.  By all the posters put up around the courtyard of the entrance, someone could tell this area was made for youths. Political and social movements usually come from here because of the abundance of young people who congregate in this area.  I thought it was neat to see other students at school and how they interact with their friends just like we do.

CCCB: This was a very large and open space in the courtyard outside of the CCCB.  It is all new and someone can tell this because of the nice flooring, the newly planted trees and the clean surroundings. If you look up,  you can even see the reflection of the city and the ocean.  In the summer, this courtyard is packed with families and friends because they play movies through a projection screen on the side of the building.  It is really cool how they took an old structure of a building and turned it into a space where people of all ages can use and enjoy.

4.  Here are 5 pictures that I found interesting while walking around the Raval:

This was some graffiti I walked by while on our field trip.  Considering this area is a place where young people like to hang out, it is really not surprising that there is graffiti here.  I think graffiti is really cool to see because it is a form of expression that is different everywhere you go.  Throughout my time in Barcelona, I have seen a lot of graffiti but I like how this was in a new area that I haven't seen.  This is different than other graffiti and you can tell younger people did this as their way of showing the alternative culture they have here.

This was a cool vintage shop that we walked by.  It had pink guitars (as you can see in the picture) and even wedding dresses hanging from the ceiling.  It was a thrift store but with interesting articles of clothing inside.  I can picture kids my age who are into the alternative lifestyle that goes on here going into this store and finding some really different clothes to wear.  Vintage stores are neat because sometimes the older something is, the cooler is becomes overtime.  This totally goes along with the alternative culture that goes on in this area.

I wasn't really sure what this picture was, but I really liked it.  It looks like graffiti but in all black and white which is different than others I have seen.  I saw this on the end of our field trip.  It almost looks to me like it has an Asian influence it it because of the black and white colors and the images that are depicted.  This could have to do with the alternative lifestyle because different groups of people could hang out here and use different forms of expressions and methods to show their interests.

This was a mural on a wall that was directed to ending the hate against AIDS.  I know that the Raval gentrification process started in the late 1980s-1990s which is when the AIDS epidemic was sweeping countries all over the place.  I liked how this was here because it made it seem like it was an open community since it preached tolerance.  This was another way an artist was able to contribute to the alternative lifestyle here by putting his own ideas about a controversial topic on a public place where everyone can see.

This was a picture I took while standing outside of the Public University.  The Public University is where many students meet to talk about different social and political issues going on and even start demonstrations and protests.  This definitely adds to the alternative lifestyle because young students are just starting to form their own opinions on different topics.  They are the ones who will be the leaders someday so their views are important.  Having their own opinions and being able to voice them in a positive way I think is a great thing.  

5.  I think the Raval has become the main alternative place in Barcelona because of its appeal to the youth.  There are so many public spaces for kids to hang out, get out of the house and explore new restaurants, bars and stores.  Since the public university is there as well, there will always be students wandering around this area.  It is also a great area for them to go because the surrounding areas of Plaza Catalunya and Las Ramblas are very touristy; this is an easy escape from busy areas. The open spaces gives them a sense of freedom in all aspects - freedom of expression through art, graffiti and murals, different kinds of clothing stores and places outside of the homes to explore.  With this area becoming a new part of Barcelona, it gives even more incentive for youngsters to explore it and take advantage of it.  The open spaces add a great affect of freedom because it gives them more space to do their own thing without the authority being around at all times.

Leisure Activity - Avinguda de Gaudi

Leisure Activity - Avinguda de Gaudi

April 9, 2014

One of my favorite places to go and relax near my apartment is Avinguda de Gaudi.  I live 2 blocks away from there, right near the Sagrada Familia.  There are so many cute stores, cafes and it is a great people watching place to go when I need a leisure activity to get my mind off of things.  I love going and sitting there in the sun when it is a nice day and drinking a cafe con leche or eating a croissant.  I have been to a few restaurants along this street and I wish I had more time to go to the ones I haven't been to yet!

One of my favorite parts about sitting on Avinguda de Gaudi is the atmosphere.  There are always people there of all ages: young children playing in the wide sidewalks and walkways, older couples sitting with their partners and people my age enjoying the surroundings.  I have never seen this part of the area empty; there are always people walking down the streets, going in and out of stores or heading to the metro station that is at the end of the street or going to the Sagrada Familia.  There are so many outsides cafes where people sit and drink coffee or read the newspaper and there is even a big awning so that if it gets too sunny, people are shaded from the sunlight.  Although this area is close to the Sagrada Familia, many people who walk along here and relax here are locals.  I like seeing what they are up to and how much they enjoy being in Barcelona.  It's such a nice area to hang out with friends or enjoy some alone time.

I have a few favorite places that I like to go to.  One of them is called Forn de Pa.  There are many of these places around Barcelona but the one on here is nice because you can sit outside at their chairs and tables and enjoy coffee, pastry or desert.  I have sat here a few times.  Many places back at home don't have outdoor seating so it is a nice change of environment.  You can see the Sagrada Familia from here and it is nice to really take in all of Barcelona and its surroundings.

Another place I like to go to is called Chocolate-Box.  They have all kinds of chocolates and chocolate drinks.  The inside is really cute as well, with dangly lights and tables and chairs to sit at.  It is nice here to go and get some work done when I don't want to go to a cafe that is too far from my apartment.  It also gives me an incentive to buy myself a piece of chocolate after I get some work done!

A good pizza place along Avinguda de Gaudi is called La Piazzenza.  I went here on my first night in Barcelona with my roommates.  Their pizzas are a relatively good price and they even have good tapas. The staff there is really friendly and there is a lot of outdoor seating.  It is located at the corner of one of the streets so you see a great view of Sagrada Familia while you are eating lunch or dinner.  Whenever I walk by here at different times of the day, there are always many people there.  Down the next street is the take-away place of this restaurant.  I would recommend this place for a quick pizza meal.

Who doesn't like ice cream right? The Jijonenca has gelato and desert that look amazing.  They also offer drinks as well.  There are places to sit outside here too which is what most people do because the inside is pretty small.  This place would be great to go after your pizza meal!

I'm really happy I live near Avinguda de Gaudi because there is always a new store or restaurant I can try.  It is so nice to sit around there and relax and sometimes even mingle with the locals.  Sometimes I take the longer way home so I can walk through these streets and see what is going on.  I think this is a great place to have a leisurely afternoon and I would tell other people who are coming to Barcelona to spend some time here when it is nice out.

Leisure Activity - Shopping

Leisure Activity - Shopping

April 8, 2014

One thing that is great about being in Europe is the shopping!  There are many different stores here that don't exist back in the United States and the ones that we do have back at home offer a different selection.  Going into clothing and shoe stores is a great way to learn about a new culture because each country dresses a little different to fit in with their culture.  While I have been in Barcelona, I have noticed this trend.

When I first got to Barcelona in January, I knew it was the winter months but I was excited because I saw the weather was going to be in the 50s.  Coming from Boston where we had one of the worst winters in years, I was excited to escape the snow and the cold.  I was ready for pants and t-shirt weather but when I got here, I noticed people didn't dress like that.  They were all bundled up with scarves and heavy winter jackets.  This is a cultural difference because to them, 50 degrees is cold and to me, 50 degrees is like spring time! This is something I had to get used to.  When I walked around in a t-shirt, I would get stares at from the locals who were dressed for a snow storm.  

Another thing I noticed about their clothing is that everyone always looks so nice and dressed up all the time.  This is also a cultural difference than back in the United States.  Here, people leave their homes looking very well put together - they wear heels, nice outfits and have their hair and make up done all the time.  Many times back at home, people go out during their day in work out clothes because it is the easiest thing to put on or they are doing errands after their workout.  I have barely seen this while being here.  Everyone here takes pride in their appearance and you can easily point out who is a visitor and who is a local by their clothes.  This is something I immediately noticed with studying here and has influenced me into trying to dress nicer during the day.  

After noticing their trends in fashion, I went shopping for myself at some of the stores that I had heard from people who had been here past semesters and even some I discovered myself.  Here are my favorites:

Zara: There is Zara back in the states but since it originated here, the clothes are much different and much nicer.  They have a great variety of work clothes to leisure clothes and really nice jackets and accessories.  Although it is usually on the pricier side, it is great to go here when you know what you are looking for because they probably have it.  There is a huge one on Passeig de Gracia which is the one I like to go to.  It has at least 2 floors and when they have sales, you can hit the jackpot.  After going into this store, I noticed many people on the streets wearing articles of clothing I had seen so I know this is popular among the locals as well as students and travelers.

Mango: Mango is a store we don't have back in the United States (at least I have never seen one or been in one before coming here).  They are also a casual clothing store that sells everything from nicer clothes to casual to going out dresses and skirts.  Their prices are a little less than Zara which I like and they always have a wide selection of sizes and styles.  There are a few of them on Passeig de Gracia and I went into both one day and noticed the stores have different clothes they are selling.  My advice: if you can't find something you like in one Mango store, go to the other because it might be there.

Brandy Melville: Brandy Melville has some stores back in the United States but there are only a select few.  Most of the time you order online because their clothes are usually one size fits all.  Their clothes are more casual and you can find all your basics there: t-shirts, skirts, dresses, crop tops, etc.  Their clothes are reasonably priced and they last a pretty long time, not to mention their  clothes are so comfortable! I would recommend Brandy Melville if you know you need basic clothes in the most basic colors.  It is great for adding necessary staple item to your closet.

Besides the big chain stores Barcelona has, I love going into the little boutiques that are around every corner.  Recently, I was in the Gothic District and came across a boutique with cool jewelry and interesting shirts and skirts.  I splurged and bought myself a bracelet! Boutiques are usually more expensive than the name brand stores because they can set their own prices but it is still fun to look around.

Although I don't go shopping much, I do like to browse when I get the chance.  It is a great way to spend a few hours in between classes or when I need to get out of my apartment and get some fresh air. It is a nice leisure activity that I enjoy doing in Barcelona and a great way to hang out with my friends or spend some needed alone time.

Restuaurant - Port Vell

Restaurant - Port Vell

March 18, 2014

Before coming to Barcelona, I knew I had to try paella.  Everyone who had been here before told me how amazing it was and how I was going to fall in love with it as soon as I ate it.  Within a few days of being here (three to be exact), I had my first paella at Restaurant Port Vell right near the beach and Barceloneta.  

I usually don't like it when the hostess stands outside and begs for you to come and eat their food as they are shoving their menu in your face, but this was different.  We had a friend who had been here a few days before and said the food was really good.  We talked to the hostess before going inside and told us he would give us free cava sangria with our meal.  We were skeptical at first about going here but since the place was crowded and the paella and other foods people were eating looked good, we went inside.

Since there were seven of us, we ordered the seafood paella.  With it, came a salad, bread and sangria all for 16.50 Euros.  The salad and bread came out very quickly and was really good.  Not too long after, our paella came out.  It was in the biggest pan I had ever seen!  There was more than enough for all of us and we had so much left overs.  We drank the sangria, ate the paella and sat at the restaurant and talked for almost three hours.  It was such a fun time especially since the whole experience was such a new one for all of us.  When we were finally done with the paella, they brought us a bouquet of cava sangria in long stem glasses.  It was so pretty and it was a great way to end the meal.

Since then, I have been back to Restaurant Port Vell two more times: once with my parents when they came to visit and last week when we had visitors for the weekend.  Every time that I go there, the hostess and waiters are very nice and accommodating and the food is great.  When I went with my parents, we got a seafood paella for two and then chicken paella for one.  I tried both and liked the seafood paella much better.  It had shrimp, mussels, little bits of white fish (I think it was squid), peas and rice. 

When I went for the third time, there were six of us and we all wanted paella and sangria again.  This time we sat outside since it was such a beautiful day.  We got the special of salad, bread, paella for six and sangria.  This time, instead of bringing us one huge pan of paella, they divided it up into two separate pans for three people each.  This made it much easier to eat than trying to ration out a big pan between so many people.  It was so good (again) and a great way to show our visitors a real Spanish dish.  

I really love this restaurant.  The paella is great, it is in a great location for walking around after or going to the beach and the waitstaff is very friendly and accommodating.  I know I will probably be back there again as my time here winds down for my last taste of real Spain paella.  I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who comes for a great atmosphere, paella, sangria and an overall nice time.

Restaurant - La Flauta

Restaurant - La Flauta

March 11, 2014

After listening to one of the groups present and talk about their favorite restaurants in their area, my roommates and I decided to try a restaurant they talk about: La Flauta.  We took the metro from Sagrada Familia to Universitat on the purple line and only had to walk a few blocks to get there.  We had tried to go there a few nights before but the line was out the door.  This time since we went on a Tuesday, we only had to wait five minutes before sitting.  While waiting for the table, I noticed that were many locals there as well as tourists.  I saw this as a good sign because if local people go there for good tapas, we knew we were in the right place.  From the minute we walked in, we saw all the foods people were eating and we couldn't wait to look at the menu and decide what kind of tapas we wanted to order.

We got the menu and were overwhelmed by how many choices of tapas there were!  We always have our go to foods we like to eat when we get tapas: patatas bravas and calamari but we wanted to try something else too.  We looked around at all the other tables and what they were eating and everything looked so good!  We were trying to be good about not spending too much money which made it really hard since we wanted to get everything on the menu.  We finally decided on pan con tomate, calamari, two orders of patatas bravas, prosciutto and cheese sandwiches on croissants and a new dish we had never tried before, a thinly sliced potatoes with two sunny side eggs mixed into it.  It was a special of the day so we had to try it.  

Pan con tomate

Prosciutto sandwiches

Calamari

Patatas bravas

Potato and egg dish

Everything we had was delicious!  As usual, the calamari was my favorite but the patatas bravas came close behind it.  I find it interesting that every place that I try the patatas bravas at tastes a little different and is served a little differently.  It keeps things interesting.  I wasn't a big fan of the potato and egg dish but was happy I tried something new.  Since we didn't get to try as many dishes as we would have liked, we talked about coming back again and getting some fish tapas, shrimp and ordering desert because they all looked so good!

Overall, my experience at La Flauta was a great one.  The environment was really nice and modern, the waiters and hostess were very nice and friendly and explained tapas we didn't understand to us in English.  The people who presented about this restaurant in their group project have great taste and didn't steer us wrong with this restaurant!  I would highly recommend people to this restaurant and I definitely want to come back here again.

 

Leisure Activity - The Beach

Leisure Activity - The Beach and Barceloneta

March 17, 2014

One of my favorite parts about being in Barcelona is the nice weather.  For the most part since I've been here, the weather has been great!  There has barely been any rain and the lowest the temperature has been is in the 50s Fahrenheit.  Coming from Boston where at this time it is always snowing and very cold, this has been such a nice change.  One of the best parts about being in this climate is the ability to go to the beach so easily on nice days.

This past weekend, I took advantage of the beautiful weather and went to the beach on Friday and Sunday.  I took the metro to Barceloneta and walked down the strip where all the restaurants are.  I have been to a few restaurants down here so I am familiar with the area.  However, this time when I went here, it was different.  Everyone was outside talking, eating and drinking at the restaurants, roller blading down the sidewalk and just hanging out.  I came across a group of people sitting down on some stairs that over looked the harbor.  I walked over to see what they were looking at and it was a band singing Bob Marley songs.  People were singing along and dancing to the musicians who were playing the drums and guitars.  It was such a great environment to be a part of and with everyone enjoying the weather, it really started to feel like spring and summer time.

Band singing

After I had listened for a few minutes to the band, I continued to make my way down the beach.  There were tents set up along the sidewalk with vendors selling souvenirs, meats, cheeses, falafel and chocolates.  I had never seen them out here before - it was probably because it was one of the first really nice days here in Barcelona this season.  I looked around the tents but didn't see anything I wanted this time.  I know if I go back, they will be again soon and hopefully something will look appealing!

Tents selling foods and souvenirs 

Finally, I arrived at the beach.  This beach was much different than the beaches I am used to back home. To start, the sand is very different. It is really rocky and rougher than the beaches I am used to back home.  However, I have never seen such blue and green ocean water.  It was so beautiful that I couldn't get over the color.  I kept staring at it because this is not what the beaches look like back at home.  At the beaches where I go to, the water is a little murky and grey.  It is blue but definitely not as green as the water here.  I was so amazed by this.

Another thing that was different about the Barcelona beaches is that people can be nude! I have never been to a nude beach and the beaches I go to back home are not like that.  Although I only saw a few people like this, I had heard from other people that it gets to be like that more when the weather is nicer and warmer.  This is not an unusual thing here in Barcelona but someone would have to go to a specific nude beach back at home if they wanted to be a part of that environment.  This weekend, most people were in bathing suits or in shirts and tank tops enjoying the weather.  

Both days that I was at the beach, I was approached multiple times by people asking if I wanted to buy mojitos, tapestries, beers or if I wanted a massage of a tattoo.  Again, at the beaches I go to back at home, there are no people selling anything.  I found this to be a little distracting with everyone always coming up to me trying to sell me things.  This is one part of the beach I didn't like and know I will appreciate more once I get home.  I like the quiet, peacefulness of the beach back at home instead of the constant selling of things and being harassed by people trying to make easy money.

Overall, my experiences at the beach and Barceloneta was a positive one.  I know for sure I will be going back there again to enjoy the weather and to take in the views.  The beach is one of my favorite places to be and I plan on fully taking advantage of the beautiful weather and the close proximity to the beach while I am here.