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Moving to Barcelona can be a difficult and daunting experience; starting a new job and building a life here. For some people, for one reason or another, it can be hard to find the opportunity to meet people, but luckily there are some really cool websites out there that help you find like minded people with similar interests in your area.

www.meetup.com offers a great way of making friends by facilitating an online meeting place, with a wide range of different interest groups to choose from. In a nutshell, their tagline; “Maybe it’s time for a little less face-to-screen and a little more face-to-face”, encompasses what this website aims to do, unglue you from that computer screen!

Meetup have an incredible number of countries to browse, and within those countries, a wide range of cities to choose from. In Barcelona, you will find groups such as “The Barcelona English/Spanish Language Meetup Group” who meet up for social purposes in bars, cafes and restaurants basically to chat in Spanish and English. Or if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, there are even more diverse Barcelonan groups such as; “The Barcelona Inline Skating Meetup Group”, “Cinebar Barcelona” and “Barcelona Softwares Developer Meetup Group”.

No matter where you are in the world, or how diverse your interests, your bound to find a group you like, whether you join “The London Vampire Meetup” or “The Yellow Butterfly Belly Dance Group” in Austin, with something for everyone, why not give a group a go, or even create your own!

Technorati Tags: apartments barcelona, apartments in Barcelona, make friends barcelona, Meeting People in Barcelona, www.meetup.com

If you are thinking of carnival, most likely the first two parties that come to mind are the incredible Venice Carnival and the outstanding Rio de Janiero Carnival. Over the last few years however, one of the carnivals that has gained an international limelight it is surely that of Sitges, on the coast, to south of Barcelona, second in Spain to that of Santa Cruz in Tenerife.

Sitges is well-known beyond its famous carnival for being the gay capital of Spain and thus it is no surprise that people from all corners of the world travel to enjoy this party, with an incredible 300,000 dancing in the streets on any given day! The carnival is a big celebration with dancing and drinking in the roads of the small town. There are various fancy dress nights too, including the Night of the Rose, the Night of the Coats (where the everyone wears traditional Spanish garments normally worn at marriages or funerals), the Night of the Tourists and finally the Night of the widows. The carnival is not only another gay carnival gay with eccentrically dressed party-goers, typical of any gay pride parade, but is also an important event for families and children (above all in the afternoon), and is open to all. Every year the number of people who attend this fiesta grows and all in a small Spanish town of only 25,000 residents! So, if you want to get a look in at this carnival, you’d better pay attention and get yourself ready…

The 2009 Sitges Carnival will begin towards the end of February from 15th to 25th, whilst the Thursday (19th Feb) will be mainly dedicated to all sorts of culinary delights, the serious partying will take place on Sun 22^nd and Tue 24^th, when the big floats will be parading through the streets.

Sitges Carnival 2009

Well now that “credit crunch Christmas” is over, the very popular and long awaited sales can start. With regards to shopping, the habits of the general public was a hot topic, I hope that people have spent less money on preparing for Christmas, and have thought a little bit more about saving money for future events. I bet you’re thinking; gosh how over the top and boring, aren’t you?

Look, I’m sorry if I sound a bit like Scrooge, but what I’ve seen this year has been incredible, I’ve never such spending habits in people. This year shoppers have shopped en masse, because the “crisis” has sparked a need to take advantage of the sales, buying clothes that they later realize they can’t afford… Seriously, the word “crisis” literally hasn’t entered their heads in the last few days. On having some free time during the week I went to see if I could find any bargains, (but without running), you could say I wasn’t that bothered, (my life didn’t depend on it), I realized that not everyone out there thinks, acts, or has the same needs as me.

The huge number of clothes in the sales meant that the shops were full of men and women raking through the rails like mad men to find something they really like, but because everything was reduced, they had to seriously rummage. The floor was full of garments which people threw on the floor on realizing it wasn’t the top/skirt/scarf they were looking for. Oh! And when it comes to sales, the phrase; “wait a minute while I try this on…” ceases to exist.

When before the sales you had more sensible ideas, during sales time, your only aim is to get those previously pricey garments that you liked before but couldn’t afford, by saving up your money, or by any means possible! And talk of the queues, what incredible queues! Goodness me, I haven’t seen queues like these for years, and here I was naively going for a browse to buy a few little things that I had already seen, when I went up to the till to pay, you won’t believe what I saw! A queue which went around the inside of shop like a jostling snake that I hadn’t noticed, well I nearly dropped my goodies! I quickly left the shop, leaving the things I wanted to buy, feeling a bit flustered and asking myself: “are you an idiot? How did you not notice that queue? I seriously let myself be influenced by what everyone else is doing, by the exciting atmosphere created by people looking for that bargain sales item, it is their unique opportunity to grab.

The following day I returned, I didn’t want to leave empty handed and lo and behold there was a queue, but it was a more reasonable queue, (this took place when most people were at work), but I still waited 15 minutes without the queue moving any faster…

My conclusion: It is only credit crunch time when people want it to be. From what you hear on television, or from the people around you, you get the feeling that this year will be very different and the shops won’t be able to sell clothes like they did in recent years. But taking all that I’ve said into account, I think the words “crisis” and “sales” go hand in hand. We musn’t forget that the sales have just started and this weekend it is hoped that people will stampede into the shops.

To finish, I want to send a message to all those that are going to go to the sales:

Fight for what you want, don’t pay more than what it’s worth and good luck! I admire you!

Technorati Tags: apartments barcelona apartments in barcelona, Shopping

It’s safe to say that Barcelona is big on recycling. Plastic, glass, cardboard and cans are amongst some of the things that are recycled daily in this city. Throughout Barcelona you will find the enormous gray dustbins that you open by pushing a bar with your feet for the household waste, but then nearby you will find brightly coloured bins for recyclable waste.

Recycling is just part of the city’s project to keep Barcelona clean, a task which includes daily cleaning of the city’s roads, markets, pavements and squares. Unfortunately there are those in Barcelona who do not take the initiative with regards to selective sorting and chose not to recycle their waste, leading to a time consuming and expensive problem for the government. What do you think? Is recycling just annoying waste of time? Or is it really worthwhile?

To make Barcelona an environmentally friendly city, The Barcelona City council has introduced and taken part in many initiatives to reduce environmental pollution, including the introduction of 33 hydrogen-fuelled buses that run throughout the city. Barcelona is a championer of these buses, that instead of producing a horrible gas-guzzling sound, they produce a humming noise. You can spot these hydrogen fuelled buses in Barcelona as the words “Bus d’Hidrogen” are stenciled on the side of them.

The City also promises to:

1) Replace “mercury vapour” street lamps, with high pressure sodium lamps which are the same but more energy efficient.

2) Install solar panels on the roofs of the central City Council buildings, a project which is being subsidised by the European Union’s Thermie programme: the first stage has already been completed and is now connected to the national grid.

When a city such as Barcelona receives over 7 million tourists a year, it is important that tourists aim to be as eco-friendly as possible to help Barcelona maintain responsible tourism within the city.

The quality of the environment and facilities of Barcelona’s beaches has been rewarded year after year by the European Union, which regularly awards them the blue flags. This means, amongst other things, that the beaches guarantee clean water, sand cleaning, beachwatch and life-guard services, easy access, sources of drinking water and toilets, not to mention good signposting and environmental education activities.

This could be due, in part, to the fact that the beaches are cleaned each day during the bathing season, first thing in the morning, in the afternoon and at night. The sand of 30 hectares of beach are raked, 50,000 litres of waste is removed and rubbish floating on the water disposed of.

Technorati Tags: apartments barcelona, apartments in Barcelona, Barcelona apartments, eco friendly, ecotourism, environmental pollution, sustainable tourism

Anyone who is anyone has heard of this eccentric artist, his characteristic melting clock, his strange, long legged horses and would have no trouble recognizing his dark, spindly moustache…

The Salvador Dalí Museum is but a 1 hour 15 minute train journey away from Barcelona, situated in the small city of Figueres, some 20 km from the Catalan Capital. It is one of the most fascinating and popular museums in the north of Spain. Once you arrive in Figueres, it is roughly a 15 minute walk to the museum. Signs indicate the way from the train station for you convenience.

Figueres and the Dalí Museum

Figueres was the town where Dalí lived and the museum is home to the biggest collections of this artist’s work.. The building itself is a fantastic work of art and is unique in its style and layout. This can be attributed to the fact that Dalí designed it himself in order to show off his most impressive and whacky creations and needless to say, impressive and whacky is what you will find inside this museum. The Dalí Museum includes old and modern history of Figueres and was constructed on the ruins of a former Roman amphitheatre. The works of Dalí are grouped together with regards to eras of his life.

The “Teatre Museu Dalí” is more than a museum, this place constitutes a true surrealist universe. He was born in 1904 and exposed to his first canvas in Figueres, and it here that the museum was founded and where he wished to be buried. Do not be surprised if you feel his presence as you walk around this museum, you are captivated in his cosmos from the moment you pass through the museum door.

Galatea of the Spheres

Amongst his most remarkable works, you will see “The Spectre of Sex Appeal” (1932), “Leda Atomica” (1949) and “Galatea of the Spheres” (1952). Dalí was influenced by artists such as El Greco, Duchamp, Fortuny and others.

The Ceiling of “Salon Noble”in the museum

Figueres and the museum of Dalí

Address: Place Gala salvador Dalí, 5 E-17600 Figueres

Entry: Place Gala salvador Dalí, 5 Exit: Street Mª Àngels Vayreda

Tariffs: Individual 11€ / Concessions 8€ / Group (+ 25) 7€ (with reservation)

How to get there: The easiest and most economical way of getting to Figueres is by train, timetables of which can be found at the official RENFE site:

The length of the trip from Barcelona to Figueres is 1hour 45mins by Catalunya Express and 2 hours by the Regional train.

For more information visit the Official Dalí Site

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The Best Films of 2008 are being shown at The Filmoteca de Catalunya - Sala de Projeccions - Cinema Aquitània

Address: Av Sarrià, 33
District: Eixample Barcelona

Admission: 2,7 euros

17/01/2009
17.00 IRINA PALM
19.30 EL INCIDENTE
21.15 POZOS DE AMBICIÓN

18/01/2009
19.00 POZOS DE AMBICIÓN

vamos al monte a hacer una calçotada el domingo!!!

Although you don’t hear of much serious crime in Barcelona, what you do hear a lot of is people being diddled by scammers. We aren’t talking about the sophisticated types of scams you’ll have seen on “The Real Hustle” for example, but people coming up to you in the street. Don’t worry though, scams can be avoided with just a little bit of common sense.

The Friendship Bracelet Scam

A scam that I have seen in Paris seems to be slowly doing the rounds here in Barcelona. I’ve seen it take place at the bottom of Las Ramblas near the Drassanes metro stop and it is something youngsters in particular need to watch out for. Normally what happens is a man with lots of friendship bracelets on his wrists will come up to you, grab your finger and slip a little hoop of threads onto it, all the while mumbling; “just stay there whilst I make this friendship bracelet really quickly”(in broken English). He will then proceed to knot the friendship bracelet (unless you shake him off with force), complete it, and then refuse to take it off your finger unless you pay him. Many people wouldn’t let him get away with it but youngsters (and quite a lot of adults) can be too embarrassed to argue with him. So if it looks like someone is watching you come towards him with baited breath, veer out of his way.

The Victory Dance Scam

Secondly, you’ve got the football trick scam which happened to a friend I was with. For this one, you’ve got to know what it consists of so you are prepared, otherwise it catches you completely unawares. This scam happens a lot at night in the touristy areas, and on the occasion it happened to my friend, we were in Carrer Ferran, a tourist street full of bars, just off Las Ramblas. In streets such as this, there are many men hanging around trying to sell beer (amongst other things…). This scam is practiced by those who aren’t necessarily trying to sell beer but look dodgy and it you need to be aware of them. Although the way they perform this scam can vary, it will go something like this: they will approach you and perhaps walk nearby you for a few minutes, asking where you’re from, what you’re upto and where you’re going, (all in a friendly tone). They’ll then ask you if you like football and who you support, when you answer they’ll start celebrating and shouting “yeah”, then begin jumping around, at this point they’ll somehow stick their leg in between your legs,(meaning you can’t really move) and try to do some sort of victory dance with you. It is right then that they’ll stick their hand in your back pocket and steal your wallet. Luckily I saw them trying to do this to my friend and began shouting immediately which scared the guy off. It sounds pretty ridiculous and unimaginable but it happens in a flash.

Barcelona is not a really dangerous city, but be aware of those around you, and take notice of any strange behaviour…

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If you’re planning a trip to the Sitges Carnival 2009, don’t forget to watch some video clips from 2007 and 2008!

These videos will definitely give you some inspiration with your outfit, remember to make it as spangly and outrageous as possible…

Goodness me they must be cold!

If you’ve got any exciting costume ideas let us at Oh Trip know!

Technorati Tags: apartments barcelona, apartments in Barcelona, Barcelona apartments, sitges carnival 2009, sitges carnival videos

Launching today is our “Barcelona Top10!”, your guide to our top 10 of all things in this fantastic city. Stay tuned for our Top 10 bars, boutiques, beverages and bocadillos!

Something that many people enjoy on holiday and one of the most enjoyable things to do in Barcelona, is walk leisurely around the city, taking in the sun and atmosphere.

Our guide to the Barcelona top 10 walks are;

1. Arc de Triomph –The impressive, red bricked Arc de Triomph can be found at the top, with a wide, paved, palm-tree lined boulevard leading you down to the Parc de la Ciutadella. Here you will find locals roller blading along, or walking the dog, and in summer, it is simply idyllic to walk down the boulevard or take shade under a tree on one of the raised platforms of grass.

2. Las Ramblas – The most famous boulevard in Barcelona, it is always busy, with animal stalls, brightly painted street artists and restaurants, Las Ramblas is an exciting boulevard to visit, but have your wits about you.

3. Passeig de Gracia – The grandest street in the centre of Barcelona, lots of restaurants and shops here, also, the fancy hexagonal pavement below your feet was designed by Gaudí!

4. Maremagnum boulevard – a beautiful long wooden boulevard that extends out into the harbour, taking you over a bridge and to the Maremagnum shopping centre. The shimmering aqua marine water and fish below you and the boats in the harbour make this one of our favourite places to take a stroll.

5. Barceloneta – Here you can wander aimlessly alongside the harbour past grand buildings, fancy restaurants and little stalls selling jewelry that line the harbour.

6. Rambla de Catalunya – A pedestrianzed street with cafes and places to sit outside for a refreshing drink in the sun. One of Barcelona’s trendiest streets, it is lined with lime trees and there are some notable buildings to look out for such as Casa Antoni Costa and Casa Serra.

7.  Rambla de Raval – A boulevard that comes to life at night, with lots of lights, Rambla de Raval has many palm trees, the famous Cat statue by Fernando Botero (where the obligatory photo has to take place), as well as a fish and chip shop and the impressive purple Barceló hotel.

8. Rambla del Borne – Lined with cafes and bars, this pretty little boulevard has lots of stone benches to sit on, and cobbles up and down. At the top you will find the monument “Fossar de les Morenes” which is a torch dedicated to the memory of the Catalans who died during the War of Succession. Just past this is the pretty church of Santa Maria del Mar.

9. Passeig d’Isabel II – Here you will find the ornate Central Post Office at Plaça d’Antoni López, where Via Laietana ends at the Passeig de Colom. You pass La Llotja which is the stock exchange, one of the oldest parts of which date back to the 14th century.

10. Boulevard Rosa – Particularly good for a spot of shopping at leisure, Shops of all sorts can be found here.

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