Güell: the man actually responsible for a lot of the Gaudí buildings in Barcelona | Photo: Tom Walton
Our social program in Barcelona this week…
Tuesday 24th | We're going to the district of Pedralbes this afternoon, where there's a magnificent monastery, a trip which also takes us to one of the less well-known works by Gaudí, the gatehouse at the Finca Güell, with its amazing dragon (16.00).
Wednesday 25th | Here's somewhere you just must go when you come to Barcelona: Gaudí'sPark Güell, for many visitors to Barcelona the highlight of their visit to the city (16.00).
Thursday 26th | Our walk this afternoon takes us to visit the lovely Parque de la Ciudadela. We'll also be going to the Eiffel-Tower-inspired Estación de Francia. If you're interested in architecture, and the history of Barcelona, there are some fascinating things to see on today's trip (16.00).
Friday 27th | This week we have a special "Chinese New Year's Eve" edition of our popular Friday Club language exchange. Why not join us on the terrace and in the bar after class this evening (19.00-21.00)?
Meet in Reception ("C" floor), unless otherwise stated, at the times given above…
Just out, this crime story with an unusal setting: the battles of the División Azul on the Russian Front…
Director: Gerardo Herrero (Los aires difíciles, El principio de Arquímedes, Territorio comanche, Malena es un nombre de tango…)
De qué va: En el frente de Rusia, unos soldados de la División Azul encuentran a un soldado español asesinado. En medio de la guerra, los soldados españoles encargados de la investigación del caso, tendrán que hacer frente a un enemigo más próximo de lo que creían.
Quién actúa: Juan Diego Botto (Vete de mí, Roma, Obaba, Sobreviviré, Novios …), Carmelo Gómez (Oviedo exprés, La carta esférica, El método, etc.)
Por qué la recomiendo: Es una película de suspense y una excelente excusa para aprender sobre la División Azul y la participación española en la Segunda Guerra Mundial.
Tuesday 17th | Our walk this afternoon takes us to the Manzana de la Discordia, the block on Passeig de Gracia with three of Barcelona's best examples of Modernista architecture — the Casa Batlló (Gaudí), the Casa Amatller (Puig i Cadafalch) and the Casa Lleó i Morera (Domènech i Montaner) — as well as to the Casa Milà (also by Gaudí) (16.00).
Wednesday 18th | We're going to the Miró Foundation [website] this afternoon. Come along, it's one of Barcelona's very best art museums (Entrance €6; 16.00).
Thursday 19th | We're going down to the Plaza España this afternoon to visit the CaixaForum, Barcelona's most-visited art museum, and itself a wonderful example of Modernista architecture. Of what's currently on, don't miss Monet, Degas and Renoir in the Impresionistas: maestros franceses de la colección Clark exhibition (16.00).
Friday 20th | Bring your mobile phone if you're coming to this week's Friday Club language exchange: we've got another crazy "mensajitos" party. On the terrace/in the bar (19.00-21.00).
Meet in Reception ("C" floor), unless otherwise stated, at the times given above…
The Torre Agbar and the Sagrada Familia | Photo: Tom Walton
Last week we had a photo of Barcelona's ugliest street. Here's one to contrast with it, the view from the unfashionable, working-class district of El Carmel. You might just wander into it by mistake if you took the wrong exit from the Park Güell, but otherwise it's not on your must-see list.
We happen to like El Carmel, apart from anything else for the views. Shown in our photo today, the Torre Agbar and the Sagrada Familia.
Tuesday 10th | Join us this afternoon on our walk round the Barrio Gótico, the old part of the city of Barcelona. You could and will go on your own — but come with us and you'll discover a little more (16.00).
Thursday 12th | We're going down to the port and Maremagnum and the Moll de la Fusta this afternoon, one the most popular of Barcelona's leisure areas (16.00).
Friday 13th | Join us in the bar/on the terrace this evening at our first Friday Club language exchange of 2012. It's a great place to kick off the weekend (19.00-21.00).
Meet in Reception ("C" floor), unless otherwise stated, at the times given above.
Evening rush hour traffic on General Mitre | Photo: Tom Walton
Despite all its lovely buildings, Barcelona (like any other city) also has its fair share of ugly things.
We've previously had our leading candidate for its ugliest square; and now here's what we think has just got to be its ugliest street, the Ronda del General Mitre (aka Mitre), named after Bartolomé Mitre y Martínez (Buenos Aires 1821-1906), the first president of Argentina.
Mitre snakes across the top half of the city, choked with traffic but even Mitre has a fewnice buildings on it…
Note that Friday is a holiday this week and that we're also closed Saturday. Apart from the Friday Club, however, we hava a social program as usual…
Tuesday 3rd | Come along this afternoon on a walk round one of our favourite Barcelona barrios, the Ribera district, with its medieval palaces and the lovely church of Santa Maria del Mar (16.00).
Wednesday 4th | Which is Barcelona's best museum? Everyone has their own favourite but the Museo Picasso is one not to be missed. Come along with us this afternoon… (16.00).
Thursday 5th | Tomorrow, traditionally at least, is when the "Kings" (the Three Wise Men) bring people their presents and this afternoon we'll be going down to the Feria de Reyes to see what all the fuss is about (16.00)!
Friday 6th | Fiesta
Meet in Reception ("C" floor), unless otherwise stated, at the times given above…
Shop window in the Barrio Gótico | Photo: Tom Walton
Traditionally in Spain, it's not Father Christmas but the Three Wise Men (in Spain, the Kings) that bring the presents.
In our photo, another tradition, at least here in Catalonia. Just about very Nativity scene you'll see has a figure known as the caganer, who's defecating somewhere in the background, something which (here) we don't find offensive.
Kings, of course, you wouldn't expect to pooh anything earthly…!
