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This film was the big hype of 2008, earning 4 Golden Globe Nominations for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy (Javier Bardem), Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy (Rebecca Hall) and Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture (Penelope Cruz).

Controversy was caused in 2007, because the film was partially funded with public money: Barcelona’s city hall provided one million euros and the Generalitat of Catalonia (Catalan Autonomous Government) half a million, or ten percent of the film’s budget. Las Ramblas was also closed for a day in the height of summer, in order that the film crew could film a scene where the actors wander down the street taking photos.

The film starts with the introduction of two American friends Vicky and Cristina (Rebecca Hall and Scarlett Johansson) who go off to Barcelona together. They arrive at the airport to spend the summer with one of Vicky’s distant relatives, whilst studious, intellectual Vicky studies for her masters on catalan identity and Cristina, the more impressionistic, passionate and volatile of the two has come along for the ride. The story that unfolds is one of love, lust and jealousy, with Cristina catching the eye of the painter Juan Antonio, who is still caught up in a messy situation with his ex wife (Penélope Cruz).

Regardless of what you think of the story line or the acting, you cannot deny that Woody Allen certainly portrays a beautiful picture of Barcelona in all its sunny glory. Some of the best views of Barcelona in the film are shot at the top of Montjuïc where Cristina and Juan Antonio meet by coincidence, and you can see the Venetian towers in the background. As well as this, scenes take place at parc Güell infront of the famous lizard fountain and on the stunning Gaudí roof of La Pedrera. The group also makes a visit to the theme park just outside Barcelona; Port Aventura.

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Taken by Granadafoto.com

Looking for tickets for shows, concerts, cinemas and football matches? ServiCaixa is a Catalan bank that provides the opportunity to buy tickets quickly and securely, not only this, but with there being a ServiCaixa on practically every corner in Barcelona, it makes the process of buying tickets very simple. At the moment there are many exciting things to see and do, such as the circus; “Circ Raluy”, trade fair; “Saló de la Infància” and the aquatic centre “Circ Aquàtic” and the Madrilenian band; “El Canto del Loco” amongst other things.

How to use this service:

The service is easy, all it takes is any valid debit or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, JCB, American Express). Go to a cash point, Choose the event (film, theatre pay, concert…), Choose the time, select the number of tickets you want to buy, and pay either by card or gift voucher. The tickets can then be collected from any “la Caixa” ServiCaixa terminal using the card you used to pay for them.

Even better, if you open an account with the bank, or sign up at http://www.servicaixa.com, you could be eligible for many special discounts that the ServiCaixa offers. As well as this, ServiCaixa is useful in that you can buy tickets with short notice, for example, cinema tickets up to 30 minutes before the session, theatre tickets up to 24 hours before the play begins, concert tickets up to 48 or 24 hours before the beginning of the concert, depending on the venue and if you require seats with special access, please call 902 888 303, Mon-Fri from 10am – 2pm and 4pm – 7pm. You can also fax: 902 888 208 or e-mail pad@serviticket.es.

At the moment, you can get a 20% discount on tickets for the “Ciclo de conciertos Promoconcert Temporada 2008-2009” (Cycle of Promoconcert Season Concerts 2008-2009), which will be taking place at the Gran Teatre del Liceu - Palau de la Música- l’Auditori. Furthermore, there is a 50% discount for entrance to the CosmoCaixa exhibition centre in Barcelona and a 10% discount for entrance to Spamalot at the Teatre Victòria in Barcelona.

Enjoy!

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Barcelona is full of opportunities to enjoy yourself, but you can’t always let yourself be tempted by shows and concerts that actually end up costing 30 euros a go! If you fancy spending a evening out or a night on the tiles for little money, JazzSí and Teatreneu are two classics that you should not miss out on.

The concerts at JazzSí are an excellent idea for late in the evening to relax and let yourself go in the great atmosphere of this pub. Hidden in the a small street near Sant Antoni, the club offers jazz concerts, rock concerts, blues concerts, Cuban and flamenco music and a very lively atmosphere and a reasonable entrance price of 5 euros or 7 euros with a drink. There is a limited amount of space but the club is always accommodating if a lot more people turn up, so that everyone can enjoy the concert. The principal characteristic of the shows is the harmony between music and the public: the people have fun, dance, ask for songs and leave with a feeling of having been at a wonderful session of improvisation, at nights where they have jam sessions, just as much as the themed nights.

JazzSí Club - Taller de Músics. Requesens 2, Barcelona. Tel. 93 329 0020.

With regards to the Teatreneu de Gracia, it is an alternative theatre with three rooms, known for its monologue performances and its improvisations. Well known actors have performed there such as Berto Romero and controversial plays such as “Naked Singers”, plus classics from the “Improvs” such as Impro-fighters or Zapping, which has been on for a few seasons now. Entrance usually costs between 10 and 15 euros and you can find discounted tickets at Atrápalo.com or simply at the ticketbooth. Furthermore, at the entrance to the theatre there is charming café-restaurant, perfect for a few beers and a chat.

Carrer Terol 26, next to Plaza de la Revolución (Joanic metro stop). Tel. 932 853 712.

Technorati Tags: Barcelona accommodation, Barcelona apartments, Barcelona hotel, Reasonably priced Shows in Barcelona: JazzSí y Teatreneu

Without a doubt one of the most interesting exhibitions you will see this year, the Alphonse Mucha exhibition at the Caixa Forum in Barcelona will leave you intrigued, bedazzled and inspired.

This Czech painter was a pioneer of the art nouveau movement and when you see his works, you are bound to recognize it. Used across the world, his artwork was used commercially; by chocolate companies, (Amataller Barcelona), bicycle companies, (Waverly cycles), tobacconists, (JOB), biscuit companies, and train companies. His work was also commissioned for theatre posters such as the play Gismonda, which he designed for the actress Sarah Bernhardt when he was living in Paris in 1895.

This exhibition explores the life and works of this fantastic artist, and is entitled Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939), seducción, modernidad y utopía (Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939): Seduction, Modernity and Utopia). Over 200 of his pieces are displayed here including his posters, paintings, postcards, photos and items of jewellery that he designed.

Mucha was inspired by female beauty, nature, and an intense passion for his country. This can be seen through his idealization of beautiful, healthy looking women in his posters, and through the Czech symbols he used throughout his work. In his day, Mucha was a roaring success, mainly coming from the six-year contract he secured after his first Sarah Bernhardt poster, which she adored. However, Mucha’s name is not as well known as it perhaps should be, many attribute this to the fact that he died in 1939, the beginning of World War Two, and thus his name was forever associated with the years before the war. The Mucha Foundation seeks to change this and raise his name to where it should be, with the many other great art nouveau artists of his time.

This exhibition will leave you wanting to go back several more times, and luckily this is possible, as the exhibition is running from 18^th Sep 2008 until 4th Jan 2009. As with all Caixa Forum exhibitions, this exhibition is free and the opening hours are: Sun-Fri 10am-8pm; Sat 10am-10pm.

For more information visit: The Caixa Forum Barcelona

The Caixa Forum can be found at: Av. Marquès de Comillas, 6-8, 08038, Metro: L1 Red, L3 Green, Espanya.

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The first time that I came to Barcelona, someone told me not to go to La Boqueria market because it was expensive and more orientated towards tourists than locals. However, since I was given that advice three years ago I now live in Barcelona and I can tell you that in my opinion, their advice was completely wrong. If you are going to come to Barcelona, this is a site you have to see.

Inside the market there are more than 500 stalls, mainly selling meat, fish, fruit and vege. In addition to the quality and the variety of what is on offer at the market, the whole place is full of colour: look at the attached photos and see it for yourselves! Some fruit stalls look more like arte exhibitions than corners of a market. What I personally enjoy buying there the most and the fresh fruit juices which are sold for one euro and in every type of variety, and the ham: there are two certain stalls which sell 100 grams of Serrano ham for less than 2 euros.

As well as this you should also visit the tapas bar which is situated at the back of the market. People queue up to be able to sit at this bar and try one of the delicious plates of meat, fish or other specialties.

All of the products which you find in La Boqueria are wonderful! I normally go with my friends after work, at snack time: we drink a little bit of juice, buy a bit of ham, and watch the goings-on of the market, and the faces of people who are falling in love with the place for the first time.

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April 23^rd is a very special day in Catalonia as it is their patron saint day; Sant Jordi (St George’s Day).

With this day there comes a set of age old traditions, the most obvious being the tradition of giving a rose. As a gentleman, you must give your lady a rose as the rose is said to have sprung from where the dragon’s blood fell, and as a lady you are supposed to give your knight-in-shining armour a book.

You may question why the lady ,must give a book, and the answer to this is said to come from the fact that April 23^rd coincides with the deaths of Shakespeare and Cervantes, which inspired UNESCO to declare this International Book Day in 1995.

Like many other traditions and patron saint days, La Diada de Sant Jordi has become rather commercialized, with “Las Ramblas”, the most touristic street in Barcelona selling up to an outstanding four million roses and 400,000 books.

Throughout the day other Catalan traditions are promoted, namely La Sardana, which is the national dance of Catalonia, which is performed throughout the day in the Plaça Sant Jaume. Many book stores and cafes host readings by noted authors (look out for 24-hour marathon readings of Cervantes’ “Don Quixote”). There are also a variety of street performers and musicians on hand to add a romantic ambience to nearly every public square and plaza.

Furthermore, this is the only day of the year when the Palau de la Generalitat, Barcelona’s principal government building, is open to the public. Inside this Gothic architectural masterpiece you’ll see huge displays of roses created to honour Saint George.

If you don’t want to miss out on this fantastic opportunity to experience the wonders of a new culture, book your Barcelona apartment or Barcelona hotel now!

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Poble Espanyol is a bizarre little village on top of Montjuic and can be found at Avenida Marquès de Comillas. Built for the 1929 Universal Exhibition that took place in Barcelona, this mock Spanish Village is a replica of many of the traditionally Spanish houses found elsewhere in Spain, with whitewashed walls and wrought iron bars over the windows. The towers at the entrance to Poble Espanyol are copied from the walled city of Ávila and lead on to a typical Castilian main square from which visitors can explore a tiny white-washed street from Arcos de la Frontera in Andalusia, then on to the 16^th-century House of Chains from Toledo and so on.

This place is definitely worth visiting not only because it is unique in Barcelona, but because it offers a large range of bars and restaurants, a flamenco tablao and more than 60 shops selling Spanish crafts. Obviously aimed at tourists, this attraction is a touristic spot that is actually worth doing, with a special audio guide for your visit known as “The Barcelona Experience”, street performers and children’s shows.

Over the years Poble Espanyol has worked on raising its profile within the area and thus has hosted the B-estival and held exhibitions at Fundació Fran Daurel, where you will find its collection of contemporary art.

Poble Espanyol is open 9am-8pm Mon;9am-2am Tue-Thur; 9am-4am Fri;Sat; 9am-Midnight Sun. Admission is €7.50; €5.50 under sevens go free. Take the metro to Espanya. Visit www.poble-espanyol.com for more information.

To book your Barcelona apartment or Barcelona hotel and for more short and sweet information and interesting links about Barcelona, have a look at our Twitter Profile!

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Are you looking to spend a long weekend in Barcelona? If you are looking for things to do on your long weekend, read our Oh Trip guide to find out more.

Firstly, the main sightseeing points of interest need to be seen. Why not walk round the famous La Sagrada Familia and marvel at Gaudí’s unfinished architectural masterpiece? Go to Casa Battlló to experience the seaworld like rooms, and visit the National Catalan Art Gallery, Joan Miró Foundation and the Magic Fountains at Montjuïc. A walk down Las Ramblas to La Boqueria market and to watch the artistic people dressed up, plus a wander through El Born and along Passeig de Gracia are a must, and here, you definitely have to make the most of your trip by visiting the hundreds of shops lined along Carrer Portaferrissa and El Portal de l‘Àngel. An area practically untouched by tourists is the beautiful area of Gràcia, where you can walk down the pretty little pedestrianized streets and marvel at the little jewelry, clothes and shoe shops.

Some of the best restaurants can be found down at the seafront of Barceloneta where they have a fantastic selection of seafood, particularly good is Salamanca, where they serve enormous pans of paella. As well as this, if you are looking for good quality tapas, make sure you get to El Born, particularly Avenida Argentina near to the Jaume I metro stop, where there are an abundance of lovely tapas and cava bars…

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This must see UNESCO World Heritage site is the beautiful Palau de la Música Catalana. Situated om the small street “Carrer de Sant Francesc de Paula” in La Ribera, this magnificent theatre is impossible to miss and will strike you with the beauty of its façade:- traditional Spanish and Arabic architecture with red brick and iron, mosaics, stained glass, and glazed tiles, which give a feeling of openness and transparency. The design of the Palau is typical of Catalan modernism in that curves predominate over straight lines, dynamic shapes are preferred over static forms, and rich decoration that emphasizes floral and other organic motifs is used extensively. In contrast to many other buildings built in the modernism style, however, it must also be said that the design of the Palau is eminently rational. It pays strict attention to function and makes full use of the most up-to-date materials and technologies available at the beginning of the 20th century.

The concert hall of the Palau, which seats about 2,200 people, is the only auditorium in Europe that is illuminated during daylight hours entirely by natural light. The walls on two sides consist primarily of stained-glass panes set in magnificent arches, and overhead is an enormous skylight of stained glass designed by Antoni Rigalt whose centerpiece is an inverted dome in shades of gold surrounded by blue that suggests the sun and the sky.

The Palau organises daily guided tours of the Modernist Concert hall and, when available, Lluís Millet Hall and the Chamber Music Hall. There is limited space available: 55 guests per tour. Tickets can be purchased as of one week before the day of the tour. Advanced ticket purchase is recommended. As well as this, the Palau has numerous shows coming up, to book one for your Barcelona trip, why not visit their website; www.palaumusica.org/.

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Picasso’s interpretation of “Las Meninas”

The city of Barcelona is known throughout the World due to a special ambassador: Pablo Picasso. The intense relation between the artist and the marvelous Catalan city has been consolidated over the years. Picasso moved to the city with his family in 1895 and established himself there until 1904, before moving to Paris.

The testimony of this profound relation between Barcelona and the great artist is represented by the well known Picasso museum, which continues its aim to leave an indelible mark on the city which Picasso was always fascinated with. The museum was created in 1963 in Aguilar Palace, at number 15 Calle Montcada (in Barrio Gótico), and is actually formed from five buildings from the Middle Ages.

The Original “Las Meninas” by Diego Velazquez

It is one of the most famous and visited exhibitions in the city, and is composed of 3500 works, above all relating to the earlier years of the artist’s life. As mentioned earlier, Picasso lived in Barcelona for 9 years during his youth. In amongst the first works of Picasso you will find two of his most famous works, created in 1896 and 1897: “The First Communion” and “Science and Charity”. The continued acquisitions and donations of works contribute to the ever increasing size of the permanent collection of the artist and high quality exhibitions are periodically organized.

In short, this museum is definitely worth visiting, above all if you appreciate the work of a great artist. The Picasso Museum offers the possibility of deep thinking in a period of the less well-known but very interesting artist. The idea is to get to know an aspect of the artist that we didn’t really know before, especially if we compare it to the works of art from the cubist period.

Practical Information: You can get to the museum by metro taking the red line (L1) to the Arc di Triomph station, with the green line (L3) to Liceu station, and with the yellow line (L4) to Jaume I station. The opening times are Tuesday to Sunday and Bank holiday Mondays’ from 10am til 8pm. The museum is closed every year on: 1st January, 1st May, 24th June and 25th, 26th December.

Picasso and his art contribute to the increase of an enormous artistic heritage present in the city. The Picasso Museum is an important reason to choose Barcelona for your trip, as it as been said to be the cultural hotbed of Europe.

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