FLASHBACK: CALIENTE. CALIENTE. CALIENTE.

Man, this place is hoppin'
Dancin', singin', talkin', rockin' this town

Nobody down

Two things.  

First, if there's one particular annoyance that will drive me out of the UK it's the weather.  It's an even bigger problem than the children.  Second, the British - despite being an English-speaking, First World country - do weird things.  Weird things like drink ridiculous amounts of tea....and get excited about football.....and go on holiday to places you and I would never think of going.  Like Dubai.  Or Cape Town.  

Having said that, I am starting to sort-of understand the bizarre holiday destination thing.  It is purely and simply to get some warm, sunny weather.  And as painfully unambitious as that sounds it actually makes a lot of sense now even though I've never really been a sun and sand guy.  But this country has changed me.  Because you can only take so much weather that can charitably be described as "dull and shitty".

Now the Brits are in fact famous for being complete twats when they travel.  It seems regardless of where they go in Europe or the Med they're never really satisfied unless they can get a "Full English Breakfast" or a plate of pale, soggy chips and a pint of Stella.  More evidence that they're not there for the culture or cuisine, but the weather.  And a good, proper sunburn too.  I, on the otherhand, as a self-satisfied Canadian, have my sights set higher.  
 
So, looking back to late September of last year; I've been getting my ass absolutely kicked at Pollen Street Social for almost six months and beared witness to the worst summer weather imaginable in London.  Need some sun.  Need some culture.  Need to get the hell away from here.  Off to Barcelona.

Heard many good things about the city prior to arriving.  Great wine and food there but also excited that it wouldn't just be about getting smashed and pigging out (although they were #1 and #2 on the to-do list).  Not disappointed on arrival as the weather was still blazing hot (30C+ every day).  Dove head-first into the tapas scene although there was an adjustment phase for the gut.  Most restaurants don't open for dinner until 8:00 and even then they'll usually be save for tourists until about 10:00.  So I had to "carefully monitor" the alcohol intake in combination with heatstroke to avoid passing out on the street.  But it's worth the wait as they can really bang out some simple, delicious food (although not in the speediest fashion).  Best thing I had was toasted bread with mashed avocado and anchovies.  Never would have guessed on the flavour combination but I could honestly eat that everyday (pictured in video below).  Didn't hit the club scene (too old and pervy) but there was no shortage of getting pissed up on cheap and delicious Spanish wine and beer.  And I became a big fan of the little, free pinxtos that come with a bevy.  
 
Alright, enough yabble.  A video montage of pics set to a throbbing trance soundtrack can do a better of job portraying the city than my words can. 




Barcelona is a properly brilliant city and I highly recommend visiting if you get the chance (get there before 2014 when the Separatist movement will be in full swing).  Friendly people and so much to see and do.  It would definitely be the next "dream" stop on the chefing tour.  And they, like the majority of continental Europe (even Germany), seem to be enjoying life much more than we are here in the UK.  Mind you most of them are just about bankrupt now too...


P.S.  This is a Catalan DJ and his pretty groovy track.