The heart and soul of this community is the wide open Passeig del Born. From the thirteenth to the seventeenth centuries, this was pretty much the main square of Barcelona where public festivities and other events were held. Although the Boqueria on Las Ramblas may be the city's most famous food market, the main wholesale business was always done here at El Born. The textile museum is located in this area because in Born's early days it was home to the textile guilds of Barcelona. Guilds were a forerunner to the trade unions and the backbone of Barcelona medieval life. Many of the shields can be seen on buildings dotted around the Barri Gotic, which would have denoted the headquarters of each particular trade. El Call, the original Jewish ghetto, is also located within the Barri Gotic. The recently refurbished La Llotja, the city's first stock exchange, lies on it outer edge on the Placa Palau.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Medieval Barcelona El Born or La Ribera: February 18, 2010
El Raval Barrio: April 22, 2010
Citrus Restaurant: April 13, 2010
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La Fonda del Port Olimpic Restaurant: March 11, 2010
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This experience solidified what I had been learning and hearing from teachers and friends. A meal like this is all about the dining experience and being social with one another. Rather than rushing the customers out of the restaurant like many places do in the U.S., they want you to relax and enjoy the food. Not only is La Fond great because of its food and unlimited amount of wine, but it is also located next to the beach front. As you walk to the restaurant you will pass several small bars/clubs that are not as crowded as some of the larger clubs we go to. Once we finished our meal and on our walk to one of the larger clubs, we bar hopped from one to the next. It was a complete change of scenery than we were use to but it was really fun. I would highly recommend this restaurant because of its prime location, great food, and fun atmosphere.
Catalunya and France Sign for First Transborder Hospital: April 18, 2010
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The Foreigners Pass Taxi Exam Without Speaking Spanish or Catalan: April 23, 2010
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In an El Periodico article, foreign taxi drivers pass the taxi exam without speaking Spanish or Catalan. This issue along with identity theft are some of the ongoing problems among those who wish to obtain a drivers license illegally. Since September, the administration has required a language test prior to registration. The objective is to avoid drivers who memorize the questions and solely use the GPS to navigate the city. Being a taxi driver has provided shelter for those individuals who have become unemployed or just arrived to Catalonia. According to the Metropolitan Taxi Institute, 11% of drivers are foreign students.
Jose, a taxi driver for 36 years, explains that the test is complicated. Many of his colleagues openly complain that the calls they receive are impersonations and usual traffic tests. In some schools the tutor has to speak in English so that part of the class can understand. The president of Union Taxi de Catalunya, Luis Berbel, wonders what would happen if you went to a restaurant and the waiter asked you in signals what dish you want because you do not understand. Many immigrant drivers ask their clients to enter the destination in a paper copy so that he can put it in his GPS navigation system. The whole purpose is to provide a better service and not to discriminate. The image of the taxi here in Barcelona is deteriorating because of these controversial issues. From my experience, I have had many difficult encounters with taxi drivers because of the language barrier. Many streets in Barcelona that you would expect driver to be familiar with have to be looked up either in their book or by GPS.
FC Barcelona Proclaims Historic Comeback in Champion League Semifinal: April 27, 2010
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The upcoming game is particularly crucial for Leo Messi who was the star against Arsenal in the previous round. Now, he has gone four games without scoring a goal. The match is also a battle between two of the best coaches on the continent, Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola. Inter Milan´s coach understands that the strength of his team lies in its ability to play on the counterattach. This game is the last obstacle that remains for Barca in their pursuit to Madrid where the Champions League Final will be played. This year in particular is an important year for FCB to make it to the finals because Madrid was knocked out of the Champions League. The rivalry between Barca and Madrid is as strong as ever which is why Barca would love to win the cup in their city.
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