Better Barcelona – The secrets for living, working and playing in Barcelona

Sala Montjuic - Outdoor Cinema Barcelona - June 29 - July 31 - Wed, 08 Jul 2009 09:49
It's here again. One of the best cinematic experiences in the world, and I truly mean that. Sala Montjuic - Barcelona's outdoor cinema, at the Castle on the top of Montjuic, comes complete with giant- size screen, films in 35 mm and, best of all, in original version (OV). Dubbed movies should be banned. Imagine The Godfather or Old Boy in Spanish or German. It's just not right. Oooops . . .got carried away. At Sala Montjuic you can enjoy lawn picnics with friends and family and pre-movie live music performances.

There are three screenings every week beginning at 20:30 (8.30pm). Tickets are 5 euros and you can rent lounge chairs for 3 euros.

Find more information visit
http://www.salamontjuic.com/eng/index.html

Platja de Sant Vicenç de Montalt - Tue, 07 Jul 2009 10:10
Can't make it to Begur, our most favourite Costa Brava destination after Cadaques. Anyhow, they are both about 2 - 3 hours driving distance, but the beach of Sant Vicenc de Montalt is only about 50 minutes away and it's worth the trip for the day, for the night or even for an overnight stay. There are several jazz, poetry and dance performances during the summer and the chiringuitos (beach bars) are very local in flavour and prices, and somewhat international in service (well . . . as much as can be expected). All in all a very nice experience and a welcome break from Barcelona. It's safe, has a nice boardwalk for evening strolls and lots of spaces for the kids . . .to be kids. We hope you get to Begur this summer, because it is absolutely gorgeous. Playa D'Illa Roja in Begur is a must for every expat living in Barcelona. However, you can always take a trip to La Platja de Sant Vicenc de Montalt. Enjoy Costa Brava . . . after all . . . Vivim a Barcelona!

Barcelona for Kids: The Romper Review - Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:42
Romper Review Two:

Even though we live in the largest cosmopolitan city in Western Europe with a beach, unfortunately the water itself is not very kid friendly. Don't fret. Every year, from San Juan (celebration of light) until September 7, inside the isla Torre de les Aigues, you can find the Beach of Eixample.

This beach is made for babies and children with all the necessary precautions, sand and playgrounds and is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10AM to 8PM. From August it is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10AM to 3PM. Vamos a la playa!

Jardins de la Torre de Les Aigues - Platja de l'Eixample
Roger de Lluria, 56, Eixample
Telephone: +34 637402866

We like this a lot, but would be much better if it were in a real park or on the beach ****
1 Comments :
2009-07-07 : Hi. I like the way you write. Will you post some more articles?

Music in Barcelona - Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:49
Barcelona's bars very rarely feature live music. A pity, since there are so many great musicians here. No worries, the streets are filled with amazing mini concerts and one of the best streets and best times for listening to truly satisfying ambient, jazz, and even the occasional aria, is Carrer del Bisbe's "After Dusk" sessions. Take a stroll down this street after sunset and you won't be disappointed. Don't forget to leave a few coins . . . . support music!

Home . . . . . . - Sun, 07 Jun 2009 07:06
http://www.watch-movies-links.net/movies/home/ - The world should be watching. Check out their website as well . . . http://www.goodplanet.org/en/

It's really not just about a Better Barcelona . . . . It's about a Better World

Barcelona for Kids: The Romper Review - Sat, 06 Jun 2009 10:49
The City on the Beach - Barcelona - is so dry that it makes London and New York look like nature reserves, but, be that as it may, the children still need space. So, in the interest of good dirty fun, we present our reviews - 5 stars is the highest rating

Romper Review One:

Jardins de Laura Albeniz located at Pau Claris 82 is a great Space for family and friends to take the kids. Clean, quiet (on weekends - weekdays stay away between 2 - 5 because of the high school close by) and fun for kids. Lots of friendly Catalans (yes, you heard me) and benches. if you are going to travel to this romper room make sure you take enough for a little picnic because there is not much around to buy for kids.

Jardins de Laura Albeniz - very nice, but enclosed. great for after shopping or neighbours: ***

An American Driver in Barcelona - Sat, 06 Jun 2009 09:39
Driving in Spain for Americans can be a pain in the arse. No, American residents in Spain cannot transfer their DL and yes, it's illegal to drive in Spain with an American or International DL if you are a resident. You will have to take the written and practical exams. Most driving schools (auto escuelas) will charge a small ransom, but there is a quick, easy and inexpensive way to do it.

1. Go to Perfectura Provincial de Transit - 180 Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes - There is a bus that stops right there, and there is a Bicing station as well. They are very helpful and everything you need is provided by businesses to the left and right (passport photos, eye test, medical, copies, etc). The entire process from the time you arrive to getting a date for your written exam should take a couple hours and cost no more than 200 Euros. Obs! You can ask to take the exam in English and make sure you study. You have two chances to pass before you have to pay another 70 euros.

2. Once you pass your exam, you will need to take the driving test. Check out Autoescola Zona F at Mineria 54, right behind the Perfectura and right across the street from the location of the written exam. This school is great because they will let you take the driving test after one practice (most schools insist that you must take 5 - 10 practices). The most important things to remember with the driving test are speed, pedestrians and signs - driving skills are secondary.

If you pass both the written and practice on the first tries you should have your Spanish driving license within 2 -3 months for no more than 350 euros. I know it's a lot more than America, but that's cheap in BCN.

Good luck and if anyone knows an easier way let us know.