I have compiled a short list of things that, in my various urban experiences, seem to be particularly unique to Barcelona:
_ Escalators will slow down when not in use. When you step on a tread the sensor will accelerate the stairs-- a bit disconcerting your first time, but a great way to trim down the energy budget.
_ Dogs are very popular here. Barcelona has politely included signs for places dogs are allowed to go to the bathroom, and right next to them signs for not walking on the grass. Apparently the first sign doesn't imply the second.
_ Many people start having dinner just before midnight. Probably why they're all so skinny.
_ In pedestrian crosswalks, unlike the US, there is no flashing red to warn you. The green flashes for a second or two, and it's never enough time to get across the road. I think the flashing is just a warning that a car is about to hit you. Recommendation: don't cross the road.
_ Las Ramblas is a wonderful place for anyone who loves architecture or picking pockets. It's a terrible place to do anything else like shop or eat.
_ Don't eat near tourist destinations without consulting a guide first.
_ Roads change name so frequently I wonder if it's Barca's private little joke on tourists.
_ Barna Art sells only pens and paint in one store, and only paper in another. Why? I'm not sure, there's plenty of space in both.
_ Escalators will slow down when not in use. When you step on a tread the sensor will accelerate the stairs-- a bit disconcerting your first time, but a great way to trim down the energy budget.
_ Dogs are very popular here. Barcelona has politely included signs for places dogs are allowed to go to the bathroom, and right next to them signs for not walking on the grass. Apparently the first sign doesn't imply the second.
_ Many people start having dinner just before midnight. Probably why they're all so skinny.
_ In pedestrian crosswalks, unlike the US, there is no flashing red to warn you. The green flashes for a second or two, and it's never enough time to get across the road. I think the flashing is just a warning that a car is about to hit you. Recommendation: don't cross the road.
_ Las Ramblas is a wonderful place for anyone who loves architecture or picking pockets. It's a terrible place to do anything else like shop or eat.
_ Don't eat near tourist destinations without consulting a guide first.
_ Roads change name so frequently I wonder if it's Barca's private little joke on tourists.
_ Barna Art sells only pens and paint in one store, and only paper in another. Why? I'm not sure, there's plenty of space in both.
 |
| Save money: change your undies at home. |
_ Barcelona, in a move to appease both lefties and righties, sometimes switches the position you use to insert the magnetic-strip ticket on the metro. Pay careful attention to the direction of the dim green arrow or you'll look like a dolt. I speak from personal experience here, folks.
_ The city comes complete with a strong ammonia scent. It's because Barcelona apparently can't keep it in it's pants -- in more ways than one. To combat the problem of public urination, the powers that be have started a hilarious ad campaign to warn violators of up to a thousand euros in fines.
_ You might feel a little out of place if you don't have more than two piercings, piercings in unusual spots, a few tattoos, or all of the above.
_ Two important things to the Barcelonés. Fubol, and the fact that Catalunya is not Spain. Only one of the two is officially recognized by the rest of the world.
I decided to break for lunch at the Forum today. Remembering Michael Ambrose's warning during a past trip to Italy ("Why do you think they post pictures of food, John?"), I found a restaurant with no images in sight. Until the waiter brought a menu, with tiny pictures everywhere. I quickly chugged my wine, left a few euros, and took off for another place around the corner, locals sitting at the tables. No pictures. Until the menu came, complete with several dozen HUGE pictures. I had resolved to go hungry rather than have a bad meal in Spain, but I suddenly had the feeling that every restaurant around the Forum catered to tourists, and me without my restaurant guide. Lunch wasn't bad, but it wasn't very good either. Feeling a bit cheated now.
_ You might feel a little out of place if you don't have more than two piercings, piercings in unusual spots, a few tattoos, or all of the above.
_ Two important things to the Barcelonés. Fubol, and the fact that Catalunya is not Spain. Only one of the two is officially recognized by the rest of the world.
I decided to break for lunch at the Forum today. Remembering Michael Ambrose's warning during a past trip to Italy ("Why do you think they post pictures of food, John?"), I found a restaurant with no images in sight. Until the waiter brought a menu, with tiny pictures everywhere. I quickly chugged my wine, left a few euros, and took off for another place around the corner, locals sitting at the tables. No pictures. Until the menu came, complete with several dozen HUGE pictures. I had resolved to go hungry rather than have a bad meal in Spain, but I suddenly had the feeling that every restaurant around the Forum catered to tourists, and me without my restaurant guide. Lunch wasn't bad, but it wasn't very good either. Feeling a bit cheated now.
No comments:
Post a Comment