Comments on: Staying off the Tourist Trail (or Not) in Barcelona

By: Nora Dunn

Nora Dunn — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 21:32:05 +0000

In reply to Charlie@Seattle Trekker. Awesome, Charlie - happy travels!

By: Charlie@Seattle Trekker

Charlie@Seattle Trekker — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 19:12:04 +0000

Barcelona is on my “Must See” list so I really appreciate the tips and suggestions.

By: Keith Louttit

Keith Louttit — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:06:37 +0000

Sorry, there are like a dozen, and from the map it looks as if you can walk to one from any of the train stations in Beijing… I actually envy you at this point…

By: Keith Louttit

Keith Louttit — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:57:55 +0000

I just checked, and there are THREE Mickey D’s in Beijing… as well as a KFC and a Pizza Hut… lucky you! go get that special Scavenger Hunt bonus pic girl!

my brother is willing to double down on our bet if you do it…

By: theprofessionalhobo

theprofessionalhobo — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 09:25:04 +0000

@Despina – Glad you’re inspired to escape to Catalan! Too bad I couldn’t make my way to Athens on the Train Challenge…..ah well – just means I’ll have to come back that way another time! (Hopefully you’ll be there!) 🙂

By: despina

despina — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 06:18:37 +0000

I’ll have to agree with Nacho, it is quite unrealistic to blend in and discover any hidden gems just by visiting a place for a few days or even less. Having spent a good 7 years abroad, studying and working, I think that speaking the language, even at a very basic level helps one connect to the place.
I’ve been to several places in Spain and love the spanish culture which I find very close to my own, however Barcelona has remained for years a dream target-destination.
Your blog is probably the kick I needed to start planning my Catalan escape. Thanks for that
Happy travels and take care 😉

By: theprofessionalhobo

theprofessionalhobo — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 15:51:49 +0000

@Lisa – Even as an expat, you couldn’t shake that feeling of being an outsider, huh? Maybe that’s the problem with expat life; in general it implies supplanting yourself in another culture, but not necessarily becoming a part of it. Then again, unless you’re born somewhere, I think it’s always hard (if not impossible) to fully integrate. The mission I guess is to what degree you can learn about local life while you’re there.

By: Lisa @chickybus

Lisa @chickybus — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 15:09:32 +0000

I so relate to this post. I lived in Barcelona about 10 years ago and there were times where I, an ex-pat, had this kind of experience. It wasn’t so easy to get off the beaten path for me, either. I lived in Gracia, which had some good spots, but plenty of tourists, too, depending on where I went. At times, I also became one.

Nice view in that final shot–looks like it was worth it!

By: Keith Louttit

Keith Louttit — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 11:03:21 +0000

i didn’t say you actually had to ‘swallow’ it, just the pic would be an adventure in story telling for millenia to come…

By: theprofessionalhobo

theprofessionalhobo — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 11:00:42 +0000

@Keith – Ah yes, Gaudi. His architecture has a formidable presence in Barcelona, and I love looking at it.
As for the McDonald’s cheeseburger – although I’m not totally averse to eating one ever again (we all have our weaknesses), I can’t actually remember the last time I had one if that gives you any indication of my total lack of addiction to the place.