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15. TAPAS 
Food. An excellent
reason to go to Spain.
And tapas are a great way to sample Spanish
food. Tapas are the little dishes or snacks
that are offered in almost any cafeteria, bar or restaurant throughout Spain.
Importantly, they can be consumed at just about any time (as the locals
do). A "tapa" literally means a top
(such as a bottle or can top), and the word recalls the day when
various snacks were offered free of charge to bar customers, both as a
gesture of appreciation for their patronage and as a way for clients to
top off their drinks.
Today, tapas are no longer free (what is?), with the
possible exception of olives and peanuts (which, technically do not
count as tapas). Nonetheless, these little
dishes are still offered to customers at very modest prices, generally
between $1 and $4 each (depending on the cafe and the items you
select). Tapas are displayed under a glass at
the counters in cafes and restaurants, and you simply walk up to the
counter and choose from what looks appealing to you: from slices of
toasted bread on which fresh tomatoes and garlic have been rubbed (a
common Catalan dish), to shrimp, chorizo (sausage), boiled eggs,
cheese, ham slices, or just about anything else that can be eaten.
The attraction is
that tapas are small, fresh, tasty,
inexpensive, and that you can get away with having a small meal.
Moreover -and of great consequence to the linguistically challenged-
you can see the choices right in front of you and, without talking,
just point and get served. The joyful act of going out to look for tapas becomes a verb -"tapear"-
and the idea is to go from one place to another, sampling little snacks
without staying in any one place the entire time.
TIP: There are many
good places for tapas in Barcelona: La Tramola on the Gran Via, Moncho's
(there are several Moncho's around town), and
the Basque cafe on Calle Montcada
close to Museo Picasso are good ones, but
there are tons of good ones all over town. You should try Spanish ham,
as it is salt-cured and has a very unique taste. Also, do as the locals
do: instead of having a heavy sit-down dinner at night, walk around
sampling a few tapas at different places.
14. THE BEACH
'Nuff
said.
13. GAUDI
The city of Barcelona is the
world's greatest urban concentration of Modernist architecture. This
movement (also referred to as Art Noveau) is
characterized by amazing combinations of curved surfaces (as opposed to
harsh corners and straight lines), color (used in tiles, wood, metals
and just about any material decorating windows, skylights, doors,
etc.), and a distinctively creative use of space. Thus, a door
fashioned in the Modernist tradition would not just be a rectangle but
rather a flowing and colorful entryway. The modernist concept can be
described as designing for humans (using human scales and forms) and
inspired by nature (where curves rather than straight lines are the
norm).
Perhaps the best
known of all Modernist architects is Antoni
Gaudi, who designed practically everything from entire parks covering
many acres to single chairs. The influence of Gaudi and other great
Catalan architects is found throughout the city: buildings, parks,
sculptures, furniture, street lamp-posts, metro entrances, and many
other creations are modernist. Consequently, Barcelona is a remarkable artistic
treasure known throughout the world. Once you see a Modernist building,
the imagery will forever be imprinted on your mind. (It is interesting
to note that Gaudi, a deeply religious man, is being considered for
sainthood by the Catholic church.)
TIP: Take the
architecture course, and, in Barcelona,
take a guided walking tour that starts in the Paseo
de Gracia. Get lost in Parc
Guell (the park designed by Gaudi), visit the
Sagrada Familia (a
church unlike any you have ever seen), and contemplate any of the well
known modernist buildings at different times of day and night to fully
appreciate how the shapes and colors seem to change. An absolute
must-see: the Palau de la Musica close to
Plaza Cataluna (the horses flying out of the
ceiling form just one of its many astonishing "details").
12. THE MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE
This, of course, is
not a diet in the usual sense but simply an ancient approach to
preparing and consuming good food. But, it sounds like a good excuse to
join the program. In any case, it is well documented that Mediterranean
eating habits - both what and how you eat- are an important model for
good health, especially for the cardiovascular system - as well as for
the taste buds and the soul. The main elements of this culinary
tradition seem to be simple, including: fresh ingredients (i.e.,
nothing frozen, processed or genetically engineered), virgin olive oil
(which apparently reduces "bad" cholesterol), lots of fruit
(especially as desserts), and a deep respect for both the preparation
as well as the consumption of the food (nothing is rushed, microwaved, or devoured, say, in the car). Instead,
it is well understood -and expected- that lots of time and care are
taken to prepare the food (even if the recipe is uncomplicated), and
that lots of time and enjoyment also go into tasting and enjoying the
resulting dish.
In sum, the whole
thing is viewed as an important and fun process, as well as a social
event. Throughout Spain,
lunch is the main meal of the day. Hence, lunch time is a highly respected
affair, a social ritual for which a good chunk of time (perhaps two
hours) is reserved. Of course, the Mediterraneans
also walk a lot, which is part of their "diet."
Another component of
Mediterranean meals is wine, which may also be beneficial in terms of
cardiovascular disease prevention. Whether this is true or not, it is
common to see people throughout Spain having a glass of
wine with their meals. Catalunya happens to
be a major producer of sparkling wine called "Cava" (related
to the word for cave, where the wine is fermented). It's just
champagne. But the French, not surprisingly, have forbidden the entire
world from using the term "Champagne"
if the wine in question does not come from the region in France
with that name. So, Catalonians began to call their bubbly cava, and
then proceeded to become the world's major supplier, with Freixenet and Codorniu
products leading the way. This program discourages alcohol consumption,
and these remarks are aimed at raising awareness of both Catalan
culture, as well as the industrial and economic importance of such
products.
TIP: It is difficult
to find a bad meal in Spain.
Just about any lunch costing around $8 is guaranteed to be good
anywhere. Of course, there are equivalents to fast food (equally cheap
and equally bad for your health, but definitely with different tastes),
such as the chains Pans and Boccata. However,
it will be a shame to be in Barcelona
and not try Catalan cuisine, or to not take advantage of the diversity
of dishes featuring fresh seafood. Barcelona has a number of
outstanding restaurants (including some entries in the Michelin guide),
including Las 7 Portas ("The Seven
Doors"), Hoffman's (a culinary school close to the Museo Picasso), Petit Paris, the Arts Hotel, Tragaluz (on the Paseo de
Gracia), Tram-Tram, and many others. However,
as a conscientious student being subsidized by some scholarship and/or
your family, you probably should ignore these suggestions.
TIP 2 (at no
additional cost): Typical meal times are 1PM-4PM for lunch (the big
meal), and 9PM-2AM for dinner (depending on whether it's a weekday or
not).
11. LA MARCHA (or LA MOVIDA)
Literally, "la marcha" would be translated as "the
march," although "the move" or "on the move"
would be closer to its intended meaning: the phrase is Spanish slang
for seeking -and finding- nightlife. Hence the other slang term,
"la movida" which literally means
"the motion" although "on the move" is a move apt
description. If you're up to it, weekend action begins at midnight and
may not stop until some time after breakfast (which may consist of
mid-morning "churros con chocolate caliente" - a treat you should experience
anyway, even if you're not on the march the previous night). By most
standards, Barcelona is relatively
moderate in its nightlife (Madrid
and Andalucia, by contrast, are known to have
a more aggressive marcha).
TIP: Don't confuse
late-night playing with simply drinking yourself into a stupor - the
general idea in Spain is to do the former, remaining alert and being
able to enjoy yourself throughout the entire time, while at the same
time avoiding any physical unpleasantness (especially the morning
after). Discover this healthier type of entertainment.
TIP TWO: Usually
there is a lot of activity in the Mare Magnum, Olympic Village, and in
various spots of the city. In general, there are many types of places
to go, but it's best to ask locals for suggestions. There is a weekly
guide (La Guia del Ocio)
that lists everything imaginable; the newspapers and tourist
information centers are also timely sources of information on ongoing
activities, events, and places.
10. SLEEPLESSNESS
The work and play
schedules in Spain
are rather singular. Throughout Spain, most people wake up
at normal times (between 7AM and 9AM) and typically work until late
(until some time between 7PM and 9PM). After work, many go out for tapas with friends or family. But, even if they
stay home, it is normal to stay up until midnight. That's on weekdays.
On weekends, as mentioned above (see La Marcha),
most people stay out way late (and attempt to recover on Sunday).
During the summer months (beginning in June), most people are on the
so-called "jornada intensiva"
(intensive schedule), which means they skip lunch, work until 3PM, and
then disappear. It's not certain how Spaniards can maintain such
schedules that promote sleep deprivation.
TIP: Clearly, any
one can pull all-nighters now and then. The challenge is to do it as
frequently as it is done in Spain. (The life expectancy
is about the same.) During the summer months, if you need to do
anything semi-serious (visit some business or government office, or
arrange an appointment to see anyone), it's always best to do so before
noon. Also, see #9 below.
9.
SIESTA (and other myths)
Alas, throughout
most of Spain,
the siesta has unfortunately become an increasingly rare event.
However, considering the typical Spanish work and play schedules,
something has to give. Some people take a long break in the mid-morning
(in Spanish time, that can be noon); these
coffee breaks seem to revive those under 40 years of age. Others go
home for lunch, and nap for a half hour or so. This, however, is fairly
difficult to do, especially in bigger, busier cities such as Barcelona. Those
who haven't been revived during the morning break, or who don't -or
can't- go home for lunch, take a two-hour lunch break in lieu of
siesta, hoping that this will renourish them.
Hence, the beautiful
tradition of the siesta has slowly been replaced by some form of
relaxation attempted during the same period of time. Consequently,
there seems to be a noticeable lull throughout most Spanish cities
(including parts of Barcelona)
during the period between, say, 1PM and 4PM. It has the feel of being a
sleepy time, with fewer locals walking the streets, and a somewhat
reduced noise level (except for the loud motorcycles). In general, the
idea is to somehow rest and relax during this mid-point of the day as
best one can.
TIP: None - if you
are young enough, it doesn't matter.
8. RAMBLEAR Y PASEAR
In all of Spain,
a very common activity is to take a stroll ("pasear"
is the verb, "paseo" the noun). One
of the best known walking boulevards in Barcelona, ideal for a paseo, is La Rambla,
hence the made-up verb "ramblear".
Another great place is Paseo de Gracia (even the name suggests it), where the
cafes, store windows and modernist buildings become pleasant sources of
entertainment. Part of a paseo could involve
cafe sitting, to simply people-watch. Curiously, there seems to be a paseo "rush hour" at around 6PM or 7PM,
especially during weekends, when Spaniards -in groups of family members
and/or friends- take to the streets .
TIP: Take the
"Bus Turistic" (tourist bus) which
takes you on a good, general tour of the city, thereby giving you a
general perspective of where things are and where you'd like to go. The
tour also offers you the opportunity to bond with other tourists and
exchange photographic hints while riding on a bus. (When you purchase
the Bus Turistic ticket, you get discount
coupons that can be used at many museums and attractions.)
TIP 2: Too many
great walking places to mention, but here is a partial list:
- Paseo de Gracia
- La Rambla
- La Rambla
de Cataluna
- Paseo Maritimo
next to the ocean
- The Mare Magnum complex
and nearby Barceloneta area
- The Diagonal from Plaza Macia to the UPC campus
- The area around the Picasso Museum (Calle
Montcada and other "callejones")
- Parc Guell
- Parc of the Ciutadella (next to the Zoo)
- Arc de Triumf
- The Boqueria
market (which adds lots of interesting colors, smells and sounds
to your walk)
- The entire Barrio Gotico (the old part of the city, full of
narrow, winding streets as well as must-see sites)
7.
A GREAT SCHEDULE!
The class schedule
is planned with the two-fold goal of providing cultural immersion
related to classes as well as ample time for weekend getaways and
excursions. There are interesting destinations that are just a few
hours away by train from Barcelona (for instance, along the
Mediterranean coast, there is Sitges to the
south and Canet de Mar to the north, which
are small villages with their unique ambiance); you can also get on a
train in the afternoon and the next morning arrive in Paris. Or just
explore Barcelona
itself. Enjoy!
6. EUROS
One of the good
reasons to sign up for this program is that you will get to use cool
phrases like "Wow! Those shoes only cost 20 Euros!" before
most of your American friends even hear of the new European monetary
unit.
TIP: The Euro and US
dollar are close, or equal, to each other in value. Current currency
conversion rates are located at : http://www.oanda.com/converter/classic
5. PLANES, TRAINS, AND AUTOMOBILES
If one looks at a
map, it becomes evident that Barcelona
is a good place from which to plan additional, personal travel. It is a
train ride away from France,
a short plane ride away from London,
and a memorable ride by cruise ship to any of the other spectacular
Mediterranean spots. Of course, you can also rent a car and travel that
way to Switzerland
or Italy.
In previous years, students enrolled in the program have taken full
advantage of Barcelona's
location, coupled with the program's class schedule, and exploiting a
variety of ways to reduce travel costs. The result has invariably been
wonderful experiences and life-long memories. The opportunity awaits
you...
4. ART, CULTURE AND DIVERSITY
Barcelona (and more generally Catalunya) have produced
what may be a disproportionately high number of deeply influential
artists. This region seems to breath art, or,
as some have said, perhaps it's in the water. In any case, it is truly
amazing to consider the artists who are Catalan or who have lived and
studied in Barcelona:
Joan Miro, Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso and Antoni Gaudi are but a few - and those are just
from this century!
Accordingly, the
number, quality and diversity of museums and centers of fine arts are
impressive. The opportunities for enjoying the performing arts are
equally impressive: festivals, concerts, fairs, theatre performances,
and other events, both free or at a price, and almost at any time of
the year- are unbelievable. One important aspect of all this is how
much effort, pride, and money are spent in supporting local art and
experimental cultural efforts, and in creating public spaces and
activities for general enjoyment.
There are other
types of entertainment worth mentioning. One is "futbol" - or football. As you may know, the
local team, Barsa has traditionally been a
major player in European leagues, always consisting of may outstanding
players.
Or, since you'll be
near the water, you can attempt various water sports including sailing
(it looks relaxing but only if you know what you're doing), diving (not
many sharks in the Mediterranean, but
the water ain't so warm), and wind surfing
(vertically is the goal here). Finally, Barcelona, as in the case with most
European cities, offers one form of cultural entertainment unrivaled by
any other due to its level of sophistication and extraordinary physical
demands: cafe sitting.
TIP: If you
appreciate art or art history, you are in for a treat; if you are
undecided or uninitiated about all this, then these weeks in Barcelona are
simply a rare opportunity to enrich your narrowly defined existence.
LIFE-SAVING TIP: While in Barcelona,
do not wear any attire supporting a rival football team, especially
their milenary nemesis: Madrid. (Remember that many of these
ancient regions waged wars against each other over the centuries, until
modern times , when the regions'
representatives realized they could inflict much more damage on each
other by becoming politicians.)
3. PATISSERIES
More food. More good
food. While in Barcelona,
you will notice that many little (and some big) shops are found all
over the city where delicacies are made in the premises: breads,
pastries, cakes, chocolates,... In fact, it is
more often the case that restaurants will make all its desserts, and
that shops bake and create all the items they sell.
TIP: Take time for a
merienda. (Look it up.) Turrones,
tartas, coca and other delights are
obligatory experiences. Remember: these items are not fattening, it is
people who fatten up.
TIP 2: Initiate
yourself in the distinguished art of buying (and eating) chocolate
gauged by its percentage of cocoa.
2. CREDIT
This does not refer
to your financial state of affairs. Rather, this deals with the
incredible fact that, when you return from Barcelona, you will have actually
taken real courses and obtained real credit hours for them (assuming
you pass, of course). Even though you will have been overseas,
physically near a beach, and dangerously close to a culturally rich
environment, you will still earn academic credit.
TIP: This is a
Study-Abroad (not Party-Abroad or Travel-Abroad) Program.
1. THE EXPERIENCE
If you have never
been out of the country (a deeply lamentable personal condition), it is
imperative that you do so for your intellectual, cultural, and
spiritual growth . If you have traveled
extensively (a much better situation), you know that it is time once
again for you to take a good trip overseas, as your soul sorely needs
it. In any case, you should take advantage of this program.
Fundamentally, nothing that can be written or said can appropriately
describe this unique experience. Few things are as enriching,
enjoyable, and possibly life-altering as participating in overseas
studies.
TIP: Join us in Barcelona this
coming summer!
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