Travel blog Barcelona Berlin Paris Madrid

The Joan Miró Foundation in Barcelona invites you to contemplate a contemporary mural art tour from February 19 to the 6th of June. European artists and also international artists from Mauritania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Thailand, Mexico, among others, will present their work in giant format and will offer the viewers a chance to discover the evolution of this art: from the primitive murals to the today’s graffiti…

The selected artists for the “Murales” (Murals) exhibition will come to Barcelona to create and install their work, a process that will be filmed from the beginning to the end and which can be seen in the last room of the exhibition. A group of women from the Soninke ethnic group, from Mauritania, will be also present to exhibit their traditional paintings. But there will also be recent creations such as the vegetable walls of the Mexican artist Jerónimo Hagerman: you will be able to feel very small next to his huge flowers.

The other artists come from Germany, Singapore, USA, Spain, France, Italy, Sweden, Great Britain… Each one uses the wall for drawing in very different ways with huge colourful rays, abstract forms, etc.

Being surrounded by great art work that occupies an entire room or an urban space is always a special experience. It is sure thing that they’ll awake many different sensations according to the created environment. The style of each artist will transport you to a different mood.

It is also a chance to escape by looking at the Joan Miró’s immense blue fabric where you can feel the admiration and love he had of nature and detail, and his surreal fantasy. It is also a great opportunity to take a stroll through the gardens of the Foundation and the parks of Montjuïc and enjoy on of Barcelona’s best views. Take advantage of the cultural and visual richness of the Catalan capital and rent Apartments in Barcelona to enjoy a unique stay.

Tags: Murals in Barcelona

Internet has served as a launch pad for thousands of music bands, DJs and singers worldwide. Nowadays music is conceived, listened and spread in many different ways thanks partly to the digital platforms. Myspace has become the site par excellence for the musicians to share their music throughout the world. Thus, we have discovered Bea Lanagram, member of the collective http://www.edukando.org

This band of Andalusian origin and based in Barcelona, began its career in 1996 as one of the musical models of Andalusia and later as one of the heavyweights in the underground scene of the Catalan capital.

Its components, Humo aka Omuh, J7XI, Noloop, Balz and Bea Lanagram, bring new sounds to the electronic music ranging from ambient to techno, from break to minimal, from dubstep to deephouse… Including both live performances as well as set ones.

Specifically, Bea Lanagram began her career in electronics in 1998, collaborating in the organization of festivals and events in Andalusia for several years. Then she became a part of the collective as a female selector.

She focused in minimal and tech-house sounds at first, and electronic, idm and techno sounds later. Nowadays she does not only collaborate with the Colectivo de Salas de Barcelona, but she also plays in some of the best Spanish clubs: Florida 135 (Huesca), Be Cool, Discotheque, Zentraus (Barcelona), ExpoLounge (Zaragoza), Flor (Huesca), Abracadabra Festival (Marbella), FISTONE festival (Jaén), Planta Baja, Sala Quilombo (Granada), Niño Perdido, Metrópolis (Córdoba) and outside Spain: Sin City Bar, La Modelo (Bogota-Colombia); Archway Theatre (London).

This group of producers, promoters, organizers of events and big lovers of the music, contribute to the electronic world with wide innovations and good quality music.

Discover the best of electronic sound in these new faces. Forget about the trite sound of the superstars and begin to enrich yourself with the freshness of small bands such as Edukando. These bands hold a strong influence on the current scene.

Please visit our facebook group, rent apartments in Barcelona and delve into the world’s best electronic music the Catalan city has to offer.

Tags: Edukando, Edukando Barcelona, Music

The Spanish Academy Awards or the Goya Awards is the most important event in Spanish cinema and will take place on 14th February 2010. this will be its 24th edition.

It looks like this year, the Academy has wanted to bet on blockbuster movies in Spain, such as Alejandro Amenábar’s ‘Agora’, with box office receipts of 21 million Euros and which is nominated for 13 Goya, or the prison drama ‘Cell 211’ (Daniel Monzón), which has achieved receipts of almost 10 million Euros, a really profitable project, considering it only cost 3 million Euros. This one is the most nominated film, with 16. Following closely behind, we have ‘The dancer and the thief’ and ‘The secret in their eyes’, with nine nominations each.

Among the actresses lined up for Best Actress in a Leading Role, is Maribel Verdú, who gets with her role in Coppola’s ‘Tetro’ her seventh nomination, becoming the second most nominated Spanish performer, after Victoria Abril. Verdú will compete with Penélope Cruz, who also has an Oscar nomination for her role in the musical ‘Nine’, the British actress Rachel Weisz (‘Agora’) and Lola Dueñas (‘Me too’).

Regarding the nomination of actors, there’s no doubt that the name which is on everybody’s lips is Luís Tosar, for his amazing performance of Mala Madre, an uncommon convict who leads a riot in ‘Cell 211’. On the other hand, director Isabel Coixet must be very disappointed to know that her film ‘Map of the sounds of Tokyo’ has only one nomination for Best Sound.

The show, which coincides with Valentine’s Day, will be hosted by Andreu Buenafuente and will be broadcasted live on TVE and without any commercial breaks. If you are going to visit the Spanish capital, book Apartments in Madrid and keep that day for yourself to watch this great event in Spanish cinema.

Tags: Andreu Buenafuente, film awards madrid, goya 2010 awards, goya awards, madrid, The GOYA 2010 Awards

Besides being Valentine’s Day, February 14th is one very special day for the Chinese culture, since it is the Spring Festival or the New Lunar Year Festival, a celebration that lasts about three weeks. This year is the year of the tiger, symbol of power.

At this time of year it is very important for them to meet with the family. Thus, the airports, the trains, the buses and the roads are overrun by those who live far from their family. That is why this period is called “the movement of spring”. Meanwhile, others run to the temples in Taiwan to light some incense: a ritual whereby the first person who lights incense will be blessed with good luck for the whole year.

Another superstition connected with fate is not sweeping the house for the first five days of the New Year: one might sweep the good luck and the wealth out of his house. Some families hide the scissors and the knives to prevent a possible accident that could cut the “thread of good luck.” In addition, vulgar language and talking about death is also forbidden. It is also believed that if the lights are left on the whole night, the parents will have a longer life.

Why do they speak about the Lunar New Year? Because the Chinese calendar is not Gregorian: it is based on the lunar cycle. Their New Year starts with the second new moon after the 22nd December (winter solstice), and this year will end on the 28th February. On the streets the colour red and the tales of legends are omnipresent. One of these legends tells the story of a cruel and ferocious animal, whose name was Nien that ate people on New Year’s Eve. As it was afraid of red, of light, of fire and of violent sounds, they try to scare it in different ways: placing red paper in the doorways, lighting torches and throwing firecrackers.

Nowadays, the children receive red envelopes with money inside and the last day of the celebration, “the day of the lanterns and lamps”, there is a wonderful parade organized with dancing dragons and lions - animals that drive away the evil spirits.

This year, the tiger is the king. This is a charismatic and charming sign; it brings us luck in everything that has to do with novelty, curiosity and movement. Socially, it is favourable for matters related to children, environmentalism, politics, arts, sports and much more!

It is in the French capital where the Chinese immigration is the biggest in Europe, so if you want to discover the Asian culture in the old continent, travel to the French capital. Surprise your partner for the Valentine’s Day with a romantic trip. For an even more magical stay, rent apartments in Paris, they are cheap and comfortable.

Tags: The Chinese New Year, The Chinese New Year 2010, X chinese new year in paris, year of the tiger

Internet has revolutionized the world. With the Internet you are connected to anywhere in the world by a single click. Not only have major changes been made in the way we socialize with each other but also the way we understand politics and how the media informs us. Billions of people earn their living via the Internet and the World Wide Web has created many new jobs: this is the case of the professional blogger, an occupation that is growing.

The difference between a good blogger and a bad blogger lies in the quality of the articles and the number of visits you get to your blog. The higher the number of visitors, the more money and success you have. In the following paragraphs we reveal the key steps that you should follow if you want to become a successful blogger.

To become a good blogger you must write interesting and engaging content. Update your blog often to keep the reader’s attention. How you do it depends on you. Try to develop an original style that identifies you as a writer and makes you unique and different from the crowd. Even so, there are always some basic principles that must be adhered to.

Make your opinion known: people like blogs is mainly because of one thing: they are written by people, not corporations. People want to know real opinions, opinions that get away from the trends set by ideology, politics or the media. Say exactly what you think, openly and without beating around the bush - but always say it with respect.

Don’t get carried away: texts and articles that are long and boring do not sell. Be clear and concise. Give as much information in the smallest space possible. Time is money and people are very busy. Exhibit your knowledge at the speed of light. Between 300 and 500 words is plenty.

Write attention grabbing headlines: a good headline is the key so that the reader is drawn to your post.

Break it down: divide the content into different parts. Every few paragraphs, add a subtitle to make it easier to read.

Use keywords: people use keywords to search the Internet via web browsers, use them, too. You must include them in the head and body of the text. You should also make sure that the keyword placement is natural and does not seem out of place.

Try to create some controversy: debates and controversy sell. If people get involved in your topics, you’ve done a good job.

If you follow these simple tips you will make your texts and articles more appealing and attractive. Making a living as a blogger is more than feasible and you can also write for extra income. Why not practice your typing skills and write for us: blog writers

Tags: blogging success, blogs, professional blogger, Successful Blogger, Successful Blogging

Christmas time is over! At last the happy post-Christmas time can begin. Say “Goodbye” to the kitschy Christmas decoration, and “Welcome” to the winter version. We start strict diets for regaining our perfect body we had before the delicious Christmas dinner and we are gradually getting back to the normal daily routine. Well, that sounds more or less harmonious, right? I’m so sorry, but we’ve forgotten the main problem: the invasion of those difficult to place gifts or where to put it gifts.

„Ooooooh…that’s a very special” gift! Thank you so much, aunt Marry!” Confess! You know exactly what I’m talking about. Those horrible junk gifts you receive from your distant relatives or even from good friends with “unusual” tastes. It’s exactly this taste-specific problem which the term “where-to-put-it” describes. Gifts where you only can ask yourself “Eeeeemmm…what the hell shall I do with it? And, above all, where shall I put this “thing”?” Of course, it’s better to keep these thoughts to yourself and thank the person nicely, who originally wanted to make you happy. Millions of junk gifts, and millions of questions, which can make our life harder than it already is. It even can provoke serious problems with your partner…

Don’t panic, you’re not the only person on earth who is tearing his hair out with those “where-to-put-it” gifts. It seems to be an international problem. That’s exactly why a kind of “self-help-group” in Barcelona was setup where people can talk about their “pongos” (Spanish determination for “where-to-put-it” gifts). Last February numerous affected people got to enjoy a unique and unprecedented exposition in Barcelona. Ladies and Gentlemen, we proudly present the….where-to-put-it exposition! Whether they are little golden angel figures, a singing ugly fish with passive infrared detector, colourful boxes in different types, or “creative” clocks in a Rocky Mountains form… you get really crazy seeing all those “special” gifts. And what is the best?

Firstly, you are not alone; secondly, to be honest, you feel quite good seeing other people with even worse gifts than you have; and thirdly, you can participate with your own “where-to-put-it”. A panel of authentic experts of junk gifts chooses the ugliest unwanted gift and awards it with a prize of 600€. This year there is planned to organize a further edition of this special festival. As you can see, you even can make big money with Aunt Mary’s present.

Perhaps even you belong to the group of people giving strange gifts, but you still haven’t noticed it. Who knows! Why don’t you try giving a mini vacation and surprise your partner with a breathtaking stay in one of the most beautiful cities of Spain? Rent the best apartments in Barcelona and enjoy comfortable and economic accommodation.

Tags: barcelona, junk, junk gifts, Kitschy gifts, unwanted gifts

Since last November, the “2 for 1” formula, the free drinks and “happy hour” have been prohibited in bars and clubs in Barcelona. A measure taken by Health Public Law hopes, with all this, to prevent addictions and some other negative consequences derived from the consumption of alcohol. To break this law, it may cost these pubs up to 6.000 euros, or even the closure of the establishment in case they reoffend.

Irish Pubs used to be the most enthusiastic with this “happy hour” practice, which used to be between 6 pm to 8 pm, when drinks cost cheaper, or even half price.

To many consumers, this measure will probably not affect them in any way, due to “happy hour” beginning and ending too soon for those who start drinking after dinner. On the other hand, this practice was very popular indeed among young tourists who visit Barcelona and who are used to paying much more money for a drink in their own countries.

This law joins the next Anti- tobacco Law, which is much more restrictive than the current law. With this new law, smoking will be forbidden in any public place, including, of course, bars and pubs, just like other European countries such as Italy or Ireland. Along with it comes the decision to finish with the “lateros” (street sellers, who offer cheap beer illegally).

Perhaps somebody will cry over these losses, but this is not reason enough to not keep enjoying all the varied offers of leisure time in the city and at a reasonable price. Maybe this measure will contribute to the decreasing of the irresponsible consumption of alcohol among young people.

Public health versus cheap fun (most of all in crisis periods), controversy is thus served. One piece of advice: Barcelona is much more than “happy hour” and “2 for 1”. There are a hundreds of delightful bars for all kinds of budgets where you can have fun with your friends. Don’t hesitate and make your booking at Apartments in Barcelona, a different way to stay which is far away from the impersonal hotels. Discover the exciting Barcelona night life and have a great time, too.

Tags: barcelona drinking, bcn happy hour, happy hour, happy hour barcelona

2009 couldn’t have given anymore and if we weigh up what happened last year, words like financial crisis or influenza A pass through our head. But not all have been negative things; this year has left us many smiles, surprises and a really good taste in our mouths: the new Michelin Star Restaurants in Spain guide has been released. So what does this mean? That it has submitted the list of the best culinary establishments in the country for 2010… It is well known that Spain is famous for its delicious Mediterranean cuisine. In fact the Londoners awards S. Pellegrino – announcing the 50 Best Restaurants in the World, awarded first place to a Spanish restaurant: el Bulli. Spain was the second most awarded country after France and with only one less prize.

This year the Celer de Can Roca Restaurant – regented by the Roca brothers, finally took the third and well deserved Michelin star, an award that experts say has been a long time coming because this year it has been selected as one of the five best world restaurants in the list of St. Pellegrino Award.

The 2010 Michelin Guide is full of novelties, especially in the category of a single star. But the biggest surprise of the year is for Tokyo, that has obtained the three stars for 11 restaurants and it becomes the city with more stars of the highest standard in the world. Up to eleven restaurants have achieved three stars! Meanwhile, in Spain only the Roca brothers restaurant has achieved the highest score. There are currently seven restaurants with three stars, besides the Celer de Can Roca: Juan Mari Arzak´s restaurant the Arzakf, Ferran Adria’s restaurant ‘El Bulli’, Pedro Subijana’s restaurant Akelarre, Carme Ruscalleda’s restaurant Sant Pau, Martín Berasategui’s restaurant El restaurante de Martín Berasategui and Santi Santamaría´s restaurant Can Fabes.

In the two-star category there are: Paco Roncero’s restaurant La Terraza de Casino in Madrid, Casa Marcial restaurant in Asturias, Les Cols restaurant in Girona and the y el Lasarte restaurant in Barcelona. Unfortunately, Tristan restaurant in Mallorca has lost one of its two stars.

The restaurants that have earned a star are many and varied: the David Muñoz’s restaurant the Diverxo (Madrid), Etxebarri Axpe restaurant (Vizcaya), the Ramón Freixa Madrid’s restaurant (Barcelona), As Garzas restaurant (A Coruña), Fonda Xesc de Gombrèn restaurant (Gerona), La Cabaña de la Finca Buenavista restaurant (Murcia), Bo.Tic restaurant (Gerona), Kabuki Wellington restaurant (Madrid), Cocinandos restaurant (León), A Estación de Cambre restaurant (A Coruña), Casa Julio de Fontanar dels Alforíns restaurant (Valencia), El Torreó de L’India restaurant (Tarragona), the Alejandro restaurant in Roquetas del Mar (Almería), La Broche (Madrid) and M.B. (Tenerife).

This year the Michelin Guide features 1893 restaurants and 116 snacks and tapas bars, plus 235 restaurants with a Bib Gourmand label, an indication which refers to the high quality meals at reasonable prices (around 35 euros). Are you fond of good eating? Visit Spain, one of the most prestigious culinary countries of the world. The Catalan capital will surprise you with its rich cuisine. Rent Apartments in Barcelona and … enjoy your meal!

Tags: el bulli, ferran adria, Michelin Star Restaurants 2010, michelin stars

The Barcelona Montjuic Fair prepares to host the media event that will turn the city into the world capital of the mobile phone industry: the 3GSMA Mobile World Congress will be held from the 15th to 18th February. You are invited to join to this event, which brought together 47,000 visitors in 2008 and where you’ll find the best in new technology.

For the fourth consecutive year, the Catalan capital will host thousands of mobile phone companies who’ll showcase their latest developments. This internationally renowned congress stands at the foot of the towers of the Plaça Espanya. Formerly it was held in the French city of Cannes (1996-2005) where the seafront was full of stalls. There were those who even rented a yacht for special parties and meetings!

During the congress various conferences will be held. It will also grant several awards, such as the Green Mobile Award, the Best Technology Award, the Mobile Personality of the Year Award and Best Mobile Services, among others. GSM Association (GSMA) is the organizing company, the entity that brings together most of the suppliers, manufacturers and mobile service operators worldwide.

It is expected that the3GSMA Mobile World Congress will stay in Barcelona at least until 2012, so try to enjoy this year’s edition as it was the last one. Barcelona will become the global platform for telecommunications! If you are involved or interested in this kind of business, this is your perfect appointment: find out how this sector develops. More than 1.300 companies find in this congress an infinity of opportunities, ideas and perspectives for the mobile industry. This is a sector that does not know the effects of the economic crisis.

This is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a world that is increasingly growing, the opportunity to discover the charm and richness of Barcelona. Come and visit this fair and the streets of the Catalan capital, you will not regret it! Rent Apartments in Barcelona; they are economical and very comfortable!

Tags: 3GSMA Mobile World Congress, barcelona, mobile phones barcelona

The charming village of Sitges, just outside Barcelona, is not only famous for being one of the most popular gay destinations in Spain, but also for its colourful and lively carnival. Up to a quarter of a million Catalans, Germans, Britons and other Europeans will crowd the city for an entire week. At the Sitges carnival anything goes! Festivities commence on the Thursday before Lent with the arrival of the King of the ‘Carnestoltes’ and ends with the Burial of the Sardine on Ash Wednesday. Sitges is a town of revelers, and Carnival is the festival of all festivals.

Devils, angels, indians, cowboys, drag queens, pirates… During the Carnival, thousands of masks and costumes take to the streets to live these intense days of celebration, where the imagination and joy are felt everywhere.

During the carnival days the town of Sitges is governed by the ‘Carnestoltes’, (the king of the Carnival), with the collaboration of the Queen of the Carnival. Throughout this week dozens of social and cultural events are held, such as the famous carnival parade (‘Rua de l’extermination’) with floats, bands, etc. Thousands of disguised people run and dance of one side to another to the sound of music.

Among all the acts, the election of the Queen and the Infantile Queen of the Carnival, stand out which are present in all the important acts of the carnival, together with the King Carnestoltes. During Carnival week the ‘Xatonades’ are prepared, (a typical dish of xató and omelette), characteristic of the area and a characteristic at this time of year.

This year the carnival will be held between 11th and 17th February and the city is already putting on its best clothes to greet the thousands of spectators eager for fun. Nobody wants to miss the dances and the Xatonades, as well as the two evening parades: the Sunday Parade, known as “Rua de la Disbauxa” (Rampage Rua) and the Tuesday Parade, called “Rua de l’extermination” (Rua of Extermination). But these celebrations are not only for adults, but for children too. The evening parades are specially designed for them…

Come on; do not leave your costumes at home! Dive into the world of imagination and become a different person for a few days: a rock star, an astronaut even Kermit the Frog…anything goes! At the Sitges Carnival, fun is guaranteed! To find the best accommodation, rent apartments in Barcelona, and enjoy your stay in the city.

Tags: carnival in sitges, sitges, sitges carnival