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By Frank Johnson
The distinctive regional culture of Barcelona is largely due
to
geography and a plentitude of national pride and elitism.
Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, one of Spain's 17
semi-autonomous states. The regional language is Catalan,
along
with the national language of Castilian Spanish. There has
long
been pressure from the Catalonian government and nationalists
to earn complete autonomy from Spain. Consequently, the
exclusive culture can be difficult to adjust to and there is
significant animosity towards foreigners around the main
tourist street of Las Ramblas. To thoroughly enjoy the sweet
life and gentle hospitality of Barcelona, leave this busy area
and explore the many diverse districts, endless with
possibility.
Café Life and Nightlife for the Night Owl
Barcelona is truly a city that never sleeps, particularly
during the warm Mediterranean summers. Avoid standing out like
a sore thumb by eating dinner when the locals do: after 10
p.m.
It is common to see children, grandparents and the family dog
gathering at the outdoor cafes at these hours when the day's
work is finished and time for friends and family has
commenced.
Since Barcelona hosted the Olympics in 1992, the city has been
revamped with visitor friendly attractions such as the massive
Olympic Village, a string of swanky restaurants,
state-of-the-art nightclubs and boutiques along the beach.
Most
nightclubs do not get going until after 1 a.m. and club-goers
typically wander out onto the beach around 5:30 to watch the
sunrise over the Mediterranean.
A Modernista Mecca
The architectural wonders of Barcelona will keep even the most
novice eye bewildered and intrigued. Antoni Gaudi decorated
Barcelona with his treasures of modernism as a painter on a
canvas. The grand boulevard of Passeig de Gracia is lined with
elaborately adorned Casa Batllo and Casa Mila, both with the
most intricate rooftops known to modern architecture. Arguably
the most stunning of Gaudi's work is the Temple Expiatori de
la
Sagrada Familia. Each of the church's facades are meticulously
designed with different themes and styles combining nature
with
religion and the soaring towers topped with mosaic grapes are
built around a conch-like coiled staircase that visitors may
choose to take instead of the elevator. Another tribute to
Barcelona's artistic heritage is the Palau da la Musica
Catalana. A view of the glass and mosaic inverted chandelier
on
the ceiling of the theater is alone worth the visit. Daily
tours
are offered in addition to the regularly held musical
performances. Afterward, get lost in the tiny twisting
passages
of the surrounding historic Gothic Quarter.
Traveling Barcelona Right Not Your Weekend Visit
It is best to avoid traveling to Spain in August, when most of
the locals (and most of Mediterranean Europe) take their
vacations. Chances are that the restaurant you wanted to visit
will be closed and museums will have extremely curtailed
hours.
August can also be uncomfortably hot.
Barcelona should be traveled with care and patience. The only
disappointment visitors have is the inability to see all of
the
city's landmarks and hidden corners in a realistic amount of
time.
About The Author: For more information on international travel
and discount airfare to Barcelona, visit
www.cfares.com.
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