"The ontologically relevant result of our analysis of Being-with is the insight that the `subject character' of one's own Dasein and that of Others is to be defined existentially--that is, in terms of certain ways in which one may be. In that with which we concern ourselves environmentally the Others are encountered as what they are; they are what they do.... This Being-with-one-another dissolves one's own Dasein completely into the kind of Being `of the Others', in such way, indeed, that the Others, as distinguishable and explicit, vanish more and more. In this inconspicuousness and unascertainability, the real dictatorship of the `they' is unfolded. We take pleasure and enjoy ourselves as they take pleasure; we read, see, and judge about literature and art as they see and judge; likewise we shrink back from the `great mass' as they shrink back; we find shocking what they find shocking. The `they', which is nothing definite, and which all are, though not as the sum, prescribes the kind of Being of everydayness. ---Martin Heidegger, Time and Being. Barcelona has consolidated itself as a city of reference in the western world --La Vanguardia 19 March 1995
	Barcelona lies on the Iberian Peninsula, but with close ties to the rest of Europe; France is just 100 km to the north. As a Mediterranean city, it contains well-preserved Roman Walls, gothic quarters and post-industrial planning, layering in a manner that Rossi would enjoy. Upon these foundations, recent projects have added contemporary designs and extended its richness, involving Barcelona in modern currents. Setting itself up as an urban laboratory, its research has been at all scales, from large scale urban projects to the detailing of street furniture. It all functions as a unity, the architecture and urban planning, not isolated, but an integral part of daily discussion of all citizens. The city lies between two rivers, the Besos to the north and the Llobregat to the south. The city and its surrounding area are home to about 3 million people. Vacant terrain within urban limits is a more pressing concern for cities now, with a recognition that sprawl at the periphery is not sustainable. The Studio part of the study abroad program has focussed on areas such as the Llobregat river delta and the central city. Half of the semester will be spent in proposals at the larger urban scale, and the second half in a project. The site analysis will begin as a photography charette given by Charles Tashima. A lecture course (Urban Systems) will complement the studio by introducing the various networks that make up the city. A break in these studies will allow for a study trip to Andalusia. Be aware that the program is study abroad not just travel abroad. The effort expected in studies will be comparable to the usual semester in Calgary. Calgary has been introduced to Barcelona, both former Olympic host cities, but that is where the similarities end. To recount just the obvious differences, one is Anglo, the other Latin, one is land-locked--next to a river and high in elevation, the other at sea-level. One has a mainly geographical history, the other has dominated the geography. One has layers of history made of more permanent materials, the other organic. The two cities have chosen different means to develop themselves, according to cultural and environmental factors. But the differences are more profound, and are to be appreciated only with a period of living in Barcelona, with Calgary as a starting point of reference.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

EVDS 702 Advanced Environmental Design Practice Interdisciplinary training in environmental design practice at an advanced level, centred on case studies, information probing and analysis; culminates in a policy planning, design or management assignment and an environmental design presentation on a real world problem. A full year course equivalent offered in one semester. Students will work in groups of four to seven students from a variety of backgrounds. Professionals in a wide range of fields participate in the instruction The area of work extends over the coastline between the ZAL --the new storage area of the harbour of Barcelona-- the new path of the Llobregat River and the area of the Llobregat Delta, which will contain the third runway of the Barcelona Airport in the future. The focus of the studio course is to understand the context involved in a large- scale project where the inderdisciplinary approaches of different technical teams are required to resolve the complexity of the design problems.The site, the programs, and the process proposed for the DESIGN STUDIO will be a perfect case study of what a collaborative process of urban and territorial design demands. The studio totals 96 hours and includes visits, lectures by experts, and tutorial work. It is expected from the students a period of studio work of another 96 hours. The studio will be divided into three four week modules.  The overall studio will be under the supervision of Miguel Roldán.  The first module will be under the guidance of an instructor with an interest in ecological issues.  The second will be under the supervision of a landscape architect. The third will be under the supervision of the Dutch architect who will run the field studies course prior to this module.

Urban Systems The architecture of Barcelona in a Eurpoean context. The urban area of Barcelona is dissected as a series of infrastructures at a variety of scales. Historical and recent projects are introduced. Students to become well-acquainted with the city through group analysis and individual study. A half course equivalent with Xavier Costa

The Contemporary City The contemporary city, urban systems and urban theory. A half course equivalent with Xavier Costa

Field Studies  A one week tour of the Netherlands, including vists to contemporary projects and leading design offices.  A half course equivalent.

HISTORY OF THE PROGRAM The program began after Prof. Margaret Koole, who lived in Canada for several years and resides in Barcelona,  spent a term as a visiting studio instructor at the Faculty of Environmental Design in the winter, 1994 semester. In the fall of 1994, some of ten architecture students studied in Barcelona under her direction. In the fall of 1995, seven architecture and two planning students participated. The following year, eight architecture students went. The 1997 program saw the effort greatly expanded with 22 students involved (13 from architecture, 6 from planning, 2 from industrial design, and 1 from environmental science).  Twenty-seven students, participated in the 1998 program, half of them from programs other than architecture.  Following this program, the Faculty decided to take the program to a new stag of development by associating with the School of Architecture at the International University of Catalonia.

INDEX

Calendar

Preparation
Budget
Health Insurance
Dealing with Expenses
Visas and Passports
ISIC International Student Identity Card
International Driver's License
What to Bring


Information and Addresses
Barcelona: Arrival by Air
Tourist Offices
Trains
Buses
Metro
Bicycles
Taxis
Shops
Banks
Postal Services
Telephone
Police
Health
Climate
Libraries
Bookstores
Supplies
Photo Services
Guides
Movie Theaters
Spanish Language Courses
Schooling for Children
Housing
Markets
National Holidays
Calendar of Events
Views of the City
Language
Bars and Restaurants

THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN

SEMESTER ABROAD PROGRAM BARCELONA 99

Calendar (M T W T F S S)

Week 1   13 14 15 16 17 18 19 SEPT
Week 2   20 21 22 23 24 25 26
Week 3   27 28 29 30 1 2 3  OCT
Week 4   4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Week 5   11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Week 6   18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Week 7   25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Week 8   1 2 3 4 5 6 7  NOV
Week 9   8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Week 10  15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Week 11  22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Week 12  29 30 1 2 3 4 5 DEC
Week 13  6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 September (Monday): Semester begins

10 December (Friday): Semester ends

LOCATION

The school and apatrtment buildings are in the upper third of the map at right.   The School of Architecture at the International University of Catalonia (see the red dot at the upper left of the map by "SCHOOL") is near the "Sarria" rail stop (circled). The apartments are just north of the "Joanic" metro (subway) station (see the red dot just below "RESIDENCE").   Because the rail-subway lines radiate from central Barcelona, the bus line (approximately following the red dots from "RESIDENCE"    TO "SARRIA") is likely the most direct means of travelling between the apartments and the school.  The trip is about 20 minutes. The "Ramblas" (famous central street in the older city) runs from near the "Catalunya" metrio station (see the orange subway line on the map) to the harbour.
The map at right shows the location of the school in more detail (marked by the "X"). You can visit the school's web site at http://www.unica.edu/uic/netscape.htm
The map at right shows the location of the apartments in more detail (marked by "R").  The Joanic metro stop is a few blocks to the south.

Preparation

Budget

Many students now in their MDP or third year have been to Barcelona. They may help you by providing information beyond this summary. Some prices are given in pesetas. For the past few years, the Canadian dollar has fluctuated parallel to the peseta; C$1 has been worth about 110 pesetas (PTAs).

The cost of living in Barcelona is similar to that in Calgary - therefore calculate a figure similar to what you would spend while in Calgary during a semester. Some things are cheaper, and others are more expensive, therefore calculate a figure similar to what you would spend while in Calgary during a semester. If you will be staying in the furnished student apartments, cooking at home is rather inexpensive, and the food you buy is generally of excellent quality. Around the city, there are plenty of restaurants offering a menu at lunch time for 800+ PTAs. This is generally the average price, and includes an appetizer, main plate, beverage and desert. A coffee in a bar is around 100 PTAs, a beer on tap 150 PTAs, a bottle of good wine 500 PTAs. A fare card for 10 trips on the metro is 760 PTAs. Clothes are about the same in cost (and even cheaper if you shop at the stylish Sara which has forced more than one person to buy an extra suitcase for the journey home). Books in the English language are more expensive, but Spanish books and architecture journals are much cheaper than in Canada. A film costs 700 PTAs, a museum entry anywhere from 200--600 PTAs. But more on that later. You might spend more than usual just because you are in a foreign country, and will buy things not available at home. If you're planning a large purchase of some sort, shop, and ask around to make sure you get the best price.

The University of Barcelona advises its foreign students that the cost of living, including accommodation, is about $1000 per month. Other students, having lived here, advise me that this figure is generous. If you cook at home, there is money left for travelling.

Airfare $1200
Tuition $2000 (1999/2000 approx.)

Prgoram Fee $350 (payable to Anne Johnston by Aug. 16)

Expenses $2000 (including basic supplies) *
Field Trips $1500
Apartment $ 1350- (based on single room 3 MO X $450/MO)

The fee for the apartment is about $350/month rent plus about $100 for heat, light, etc.  The apartment is charged by the month occupied rather than by the calendar month.  If you stay on for a few days at the end, the rent will be pro-rated on a daily basis.

If you are sharing a room, note that the fee is per person, not per room.

* Giving a rough estimate of someone else's spending habits, is more than a wild guess. Extrapolate from it what you would do.

The above prices are based on a full term. It seems that airfares go down after the Labour Day weekend, and again on 1 November (in case you are thinking of visitors). It also seems cheaper to fly to Barcelona via another European city such as London, Amsterdam or Frankfurt (the most convenient hubs) than directly.

Health Matters

Check with the Alberta Plan to ensure that you're covered completely. If you have coverage for private clinics, the wait for doctors and treatment will be substantially shortened. If you're on a continuing medication, take enough for the duration of your stay. Most medicine is available here, but sometimes under different names.

Contact lens wearers advise bringing enough solution with you, because the prices here are double those in Canada.

Dealing With Expenses

Banking cards: There are bank machines on every block, that take all bank cards. Master Charge and Visa are widely accepted.

Traveller's Cheques: Can be brought in Canadian dollars. Use American Express, as these are well recognized. Again, any bank will be able to cash them for you, but with a commission of $10, unless you go to the American Express office in the city centre. However using the bank machines is much easier, the exchange rate is better, and you are not charged a fee.

Other Methods: Wiring money to Barcelona can be time-consuming and fraught with potential errors. Since you are not a resident, you can open an account for up to $500. There are no Canadian consumer banks in Barcelona. The airport currency exchange in Calgary has a good supply of pesetas.

Before arrival, have some local currency available (in smaller bills 1000 or 2000 PTA notes) for the trip from the airport to your accommodation and food for the first day, when you'll be jet lagged. Keep your money in a secure money belt, or purse that is kept around your shoulder and close to the body. Be conscious at all times, particularly in a crowd, as to the location of your valuables. Keep cameras in purses or bags strapped diagonally across your body. Avoid "ladies" and children selling flowers--they start harassing you, and then empty your pockets. Like any large city, there are people looking for "opportunities." The best deterrent is to avoid looking like a tourist. The 1997 class scored "excellent" in this respect.

Visas And Passports

There are no special visa requirements. Those are staying three months are considered visitors.

Ensure that your passport will not expire during the study period. Keep a photocopy of it (showing its number and date and place of issue) in a separate place in case it is lost or stolen. Also, you will need a second original copy of your birth certificate, in case the Canadian Embassy has to replace your passport.

You need no special visa to stay beyond three months. If you do find work, they will pay you "black" in any case, so you won't need to get a work visa. A work visa takes a long time to get, and is extremely complicated - recommended only if you are planning to stay here for years.

Any problems while in Barcelona can be dealt with by:

Canadian Embassy
Nunes de Balboa, 35
28001 Madrid

Tel: 1 431 4300
Fax: 1 431 2367

ISIC International Student Identity Card

"Travel Cuts" agencies can give you this card at a cost of $30. It gives you discounts on various flights, trains, clubs, museums, and allows you to stay in youth hostels.

Using Automobiles

If you are planning to rent a car at some point, all foreign drivers must have a valid drivers license and a translation of the licence in the form of an International Drivers Licence available through the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) or provincial equivalent. Renting a car in Spain is much more expensive than in Canada. Book ahead through a travel agency in Canada for better rates.

What To Bring

The onus will be on you to set up a personal work space for yourself in the studio space, which will be very basic compared with the facilities at The University of Calgary. Portable equipment is recommended: a T-square and the very basics you need to draw. All architecture students operate like this in Barcelona. Bring a small roll of trace, so that you can get started. Supplies needed for presentation drawings are all available here. Also bring a few basic sketch books in various sizes (here, they tend to be very expensive). On site sketching will constitute an important part of the time here. The studio will be introduced with a photography charette, and therefore bring a 35 mm camera (if you don't own one, bring what you can).

If you are staying in the apartments, you need to bring towels, and that's it. Be advised though that the apartments are equipped according to Spanish basic needs. Bring along any special things that you wish to have. As for clothing, see the sample temperatures given in the next section, and decide for yourself. For short day trips, bring a small bag or knapsack and good walking shoes. Rain gear is advisable, as the fall can produce some torrential downpours.

Information And Addresses

School Address in Barcelona (Studio)

to be updated

Apartment Address in Barcelona

to be updated

Pension Address in Barcelona

Hostal Levante (1000-1500 ptas/day)
Bajada de S. Miguel
08002 Barcelona
Tel: +34 3 317 9565
M: St. Jaime

Emergencies:

to be updated

School address in Calgary:

The University of Calgary
Faculty of Environmental Design
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary AB Canada
T2N 1N4

Tel: +1 403 220 6601
Fax: +1 403 284 4399

Transportation from Barcelona Airport

Taxi: from airport. Pay what the meter reads, plus an airport surcharge of 600 ptas). The fare should be no more than 3,000 ptas.

Tourist Offices

Barcelona Informacio. City information, Tel: 010, or 3182525. Information is available in English.

The tourist office with the most information is located in the Officina de Tourismo de Barcelona, PlaÁa Catalunya (below on the Corte Ingles side) tel: 93 304 31 35

Palau de Ia Virreina, Ramblas 99, (beside the best food market in the city). Tel: 93 301 7775. Open Mon-Sat. 9:30--19:00. Sun 10:00-14:00. You can also book tickets to most events.

Gran Via Corts Catalanes, 658, Tel: 3017443. Open Mon-Fri. 9:00--19:00. Sat. 9:00-- 14:00.

Oficina de Turisme Juvenil de Catalunya. Gravina 1, Tel: 3020682. Student ID Cards and youth hostel cards are available here. ID pictures can be made in machines available in many metro stations.

Tourist Attention. Ramblas 43, Tel: 3019060. If you run into a strange emergency, people here speak English and can help you out in almost any circumstance. Open during the day.

Centre d'fnformacio: Asseorament per a Joves, C. Avinyo, 7. Tel: 4027803. Mon-Fri 10:00--14:00 16:00--20:00. Good library of information.

Trains (stations)

Sants, Placa dels Paisos Catalans, Tel: 490-0202 M: Estacio Sants. The hard Placa of Viaplana, Pinon is in front. All national and international trains leave from here.

Estacio de Francia, Terme, Avinguda Marques de l'Argentera, Tel: 490

0202, M: Barceloneta. All trains going north, you catch from here. It is Barcelona' s first train station, beautifully renovated.

Passeig de Gracia. Tel: 4900202 M: Paseig de Gracia. Many national and international trains stop briefly at this station with the two tracks. It's a good place to get on, because you'll get a seat before the train goes on to larger stations. The trains going to Sitges all go through here.

Placa d'Espanya. Tel: 205 1515 M: Espanya. The airport train stops here. Trains run by the province of Catalunya use this station. Thus from here you can get to the shrine of Montserrat and Santa Coloma de Cervello (Gaudi's chapel).

Placa de Catalunya. Tel: 2051515 M: Catalunya. Trains going to the local mountains and university campuses leave from here.

Buses

Run daily from 6:30--23:00. Night buses from 23:00--4:00, leaving from Placa Catalunya. You need a T-1 ticket, costing 640 ptas, available at metro ticket kiosks, and most banks and tabacco shops. If you don't have this T-1 ticket, you can always buy a single fare for 120 ptas from the bus driver.

Bus 100 runs from 24 June until 29 September, daily from 10:00--7IS. Day tickets are available on the bus for 600 ptas. These buses, called Discover Barcelona (Descobrexi Barcelona), go around the city covering 15 major points that would otherwise be difficult to reach, i.e.. the Pedralbes Monastery with the new Thyssen collection, Parc Ia Creuta del Coll. With your ticket, you are able to get on and off.

Metro

Runs Mon--Fri. 5:00--23:00, Sat. 5:00--1:00, and Sun. 6:00--lOO.

Barcelona's metro system is very efficient, with trains running every 5 minutes or so. The T-2 tickets with 10 journeys cost 640 ptas, and are available in Metro stations at the booths, and in the machines. Warning, if you buy only one trip, it costs 120 ptas. T-1 tickets are also valld.

Bicycles

Since the Olympics, bicycles have become more and more popular, especially the mountain variety, and it is now possible to rent them. On weekends, they are available on the beach by the Puerto Olympico. Or at a small shop called Bicitram, Marques de l'Argentera, 15, M: Barcelonetta. Open daily from 10:00--20:O0. The tourist office has a pamphlet called "Informacio Bici" with all the new bicycle routes in the city, now even more than last year.

Taxis

There are too many taxis in Barcelona, and this is great for the consumer, in terms of availability. They cost 290 PTAs. as a base price, for the first 6 minutes or 1.9 km. On main streets they are available 24 hours per day, by raising your hand at one with a green light on.

Shops

Most shops and services open between 9:00 and 10:00 and close for lunch between 13:00 and 14:00, opening again at 16:00 or 17:00, closing at 19:00 or 20:00. There are exceptions to the rule, food shops may open at 8:00, and some bakeries do remain open during lunch time. Corte Ingles on the Plaza Catalunya has everything and is open continuously all day.

Banks

Count on the banks being open from 8:30--14:00. It's better to exchange money there, because you'll get a better rate, and because it's safer. You'll need your passport. The many money machines are of course, always available. Lock the door behind you when you go in.

Postal Services

Stamps are available at all tobacco shops (little shops with brown and yellow signs outside). An airmail letter/postcard is 9l ptas to Canada. Don't worry about weight, because they don't. Within Europe is about 70 ptas. If you need special services, the Correo Central on Plaza Antoni Lopez , corner of Paseo Colon and Via Laeitana (M: Barceloneta) is open Mon-Fri 8:30-- 22:00, Sat 9:00-14:00, Sunday 10--1 2:00

Telephone & email

Local calls can be made from telephone booths for 25 ptas. You pay either in coin, or with a calling card, available in banks and tabacco shops.

International calls only from booths so marked `Telefono Internacional', or at one of Telefonica' s offices. The rates go down after 22:00 and on weekends all day. It's easier to call long distance with a telephone card available at banks. To call abroad, dial 07, and wait until you hear a special dial-tone. Then to North America, dial 1, the area code, and the number. To other countries after 07, dial the country code, the city code and the number. If you have a calling card in Canada, and wish to make a longdistance call with it, dial: 900 99 0015. It seems that you get cut off a lot using this service, so each time explain to them what happened to avoid being charged another $7.00. To call collect, dial 025 and ask the operator to assist you.

Calls within Spain require a `9' first, then the city code, and then the number. T[[dotaccent]]is includes a call from one part of Barcelona to another.

Directory Enquiries: Barcelona city and province: 003, other provinces, 009, Europe 008, the rest of the world 005.

Operator: For international calls 008, for Spain 009.

When you need help, ask if they speak English first: "Habla ingles?"

Telefonica. Placa de Catalunya, Fontanella 4. M: Catalunya. Mon--Sat 8:30--2 1:00. The call is booked first, and paid for afterwards. Calls over 500 PTAs can be paid with a credit card. Collect calls can be made and are requested as "Llamada de cobro revertido." There is also a telephone centre in the Sants train station.

Increasingly people are finding that an efficient and cheap way to communicate, is by email and internet. Such cafe's are multiplying rapidly, and you will find something in any conglomeration of shops. 1997 Barcelona particpants commented that some cafes use the word "cyber" or "internet" but don't have computers!

Police

Emergencies, call 092.

Central Police Station. Laietana 49, Tel: 3026325 M: Jaume l

Health

Emergencies, call 092.

Ambulances. Tel: 329 7766 or 300 2020.

Emergency Doctor. Tel: 212 8585 or 317 1717.

Dentist. Instituto CDBSA. Paseo Bonanova, 71. Tel: 212 7588. M: Sarria Emergency walk-in at 8:00, otherwise by appointment. Canadian standard dental treatment. Dr. Vila speaks English.

The following hospitals have 24 hour emergency service: Hospital Sant Pau. Av. Sant Maria Claret, 167, Tel: 3473133 M: Hospital Sant Pau Hospital Clinic. Casanova, 143, Tel: 3231414 M: Hospital Clinic. Hospital Crue Roja. Dos de Maig, 301, Tel: 2359300. M: Hospital Sant Pau.

Climate (high and low temperatures o C and days with precipitation)

Sept Oct Nov Dec

Calgary 18o/3 o 8D 12 o /-2 o 7D 3 o /-8 o SD -2 o /-13 o SD
Barcelona 25 o /19 o 7D 21 o /15 o 9D 16 o /11 o 6D 13 o /8 o 6D

Taken from "Temperature and Rainfall each Month for Selected Places Around the Earth." National Geographic Allas of the World, National Geographic Society 1981.

Libraries

Biblioteca del Col.legi d'Aquitectes de Catalunya. Placa Nova, 5. Tel: 3015000. M: ticeu/ Jaume I. Mon--Fri 9:00-14:30 16:00-19:00. Sat 9:00-14:30. This library is only open to architects and students of architecture, therefore bring ID. Recently they introduced a yearly 5,000 PTA user fee, which is worth the cost (bring photo for the card). It's a quiet place and all books and periodicals are available in the stacks. There's nothing missing because no one can take books out.

Escola Tecnica Superior de Barcelona, Diagonal, 649, Tel: 4016333 M: Universidad. You can use the library, but you can't take books out unless you are an official student of the school, but the staff will readily assist you. Because of the enormous amount of students, and theft before the recent computer system was installed, the selection isn't astounding. It is an open shelf system, and all periodicals and their back copies are available.

Biblioteca de Ia Fundacio Antoni Tapies. Aragon, 255. Tel: 4870315. Tues--Fri 11 :00--20:00. As a scholar, you should phone a day beforehand. They have a good collection of modern and eastern art books.

Biblioteca Publica i Universitaria. Gran Via Corts Catalanes, 585. Tel: 3184266. M: Universidad. Mon-Fri. 8:~21:30. Sat: 9:00-14:00.

Bookstores

The Col.legi d'Arquitectes has the most extensive architectural bookstore. At the school on Diagonal, they have one in the basement, with a more reduced selection, but cheaper. Otherwise try:

Llibreria Cafe Laie. Pau Claris, 85, Tel: 3181739 M: Catalunya. One of the better bookstores, with a good selection of books on the arts. A small, but current section of English paperbacks. There is a cafe upstairs with smorgasbord menu at lunch time for about 1,000 PTAs. In the afternoon, you can sit for hours with a coffee.

Liberia Herder. Baimes, 26. Tel: 3170578. M: Universidad. Because it's beside the university it offers textbooks and current intellectual readings.

Abacus Cooperativa, Ballnes, 163. Tel: 4155811. M: Provenca. With a 800 PTA membership fee, you are entitled to the many discounts they offer on most books. A good ordering service as well.

Supplies

At the school on Diagonal, there is a counter open during school hours. Otherwise the College of Architects also sells everything, and is closer to us in the Barrio Gotico.

For incredible paper and sketch books, Raima, C/ Comtal,27 tel: 93 317 4966 near via Laietana.

Specialized black & white processing and printing, Blanc I Negro, c/o ProvenÁa, 215 tel: 93 215 7520.

A hardware store, the size of a department store, with everything, Servicio Estacion c/Aragon, 270 tel: 93 278 1351.

Photo Services

If you use one hour photo developing services, they can be expensive, and poor.

Boarda, Tallers, 17 (just off las Ramblas) Tel: 302 0795. M: Catalunya. This shop has all supplies needed for any aspect of photography, also used cameras. Next day service for most types of photo finishing. Excellent quality and inexpensive.

Agfa, corner of Gran Via and Villaroel. M: Urgel. Cheapest same day service known.

Guides

Any guidebook on Barcelona will offer different insights and tips on the city, complementing the information in this brochure.

INFOBARNA: www.infobarna.com

010 ADUNTAMENT DE BARCELONA: www.bcn.es

BARCELONA ON LINE: www.barcelona-on-line.es

HELLO BARCELONA: www.bcn.netcomtel.com

Map of Barcelona Sold in all bookstores that sell maps. Get one before your arrival, that includes more than just the city centre. The free tourist maps aren't too accurate.

Movie Theatres

The majority of films playing in Spain are dubbed. More and more theatres in Barcelona specialise in original sound tracks, which follow. Information on current films and times are available in the daily newspapers, but especially in El Pais and La Vanguardia .

Filmoteca de la Generalitat de Catalunya. Av. de Sarria, 33. Tel: 410 7590. M: Hospital Clinic. Specialises in old films, has series on producers, foreign films, etc.

Arcadin. Traverssera de Gracia, 103. M: Diagonal. Two small theatres, so go early. Current films.

Casablanca. (2 theaters) Passeo de Gracia, 115. M: Diagonal.

Icaria Yelmo. (15) Salvador Espriu, 61 (Olympic Village) M: Ciutadella

Melies Cinemas. (2). Villaroel, 102. M: Urgel

Renoir les Corts (6) Eugeni d'Ors, 12 M: Les Corts.Rex. Gran Via Corts Catalanes, 463. M: Rocafort. One very large theatre. Current Hollywood films.

Verdi. (10) Verdi, 32. M: Fontana. Five theatres. Current and older foreign films.

Spanish Language Courses

Escuela Oficial de Idiomas. Av. de les Drassanes. Tel: 93 329 3412 M: Drassanes. There are 4 month languages sessions beginning in October and March. This school is the cheapest, and one of the best for the money, but Spanish classes for foreigners have such a demand, that they hold a lottery around the end of September. Go to the school and check when, exactly.

Universitat de Barcelona. Estudis Hispanics, PlaÁa Universitat, Gran Via

Corts Catalanes, 585. Tel: 93 318 4266 ext. 2084. M: University. They also hold Spanish and Catalan classes for foreigners. Because they are more expensive, (and also very good), there is space if you book on time. Check dates around the end of September.

Private language schools are listed in the telephone directory, offering any sort of course tailored to your private needs, at a price, of course.

Also the university bulletin boards always have offers of exchanges, you teach English for someone else teaching you Spanish.

Schooling For Children

Daycare Centres: there is a public or private centre in nearly every block in the city. Children are accepted from 3 months of age. Costs range from 20,000 PTAs per month.

Kindergarten: Children begin with 3 years of age. At least every other block has one, and costs are similar to daycare centres. They are available for half or whole days.

Elementary Schools: Here follows a list of schools that will take Canadian students for a term.

Kensington School

C/ Cavallers, 31--33
08034 Barcelona
Head Master: Mr. Giles
British System, considered the best English language instruction in Bar.
242.000 PTAs per term (Sept--Dec)

American School of Barcelona

c/ Balmes, 7
Espluges de Llobregat
Contact person: Elsa Lamb
Fax: 3434734787

American System.
65.000 Registration Fee, 63.000-72.000 per month Fee.

Markets

There are many very good markets with fresh food, open daily. There is one just around the corner to the apartments, on Gran Via. The best on in the city is probably:

Mercat Sant Josep, Boqueria, Ramblas, M: Liceu. Mon-Sat 8:00--20:00. If it's not available here, it's not available. Good selection of fresh food in season. Also you can eat at the small stands in the market. Worth seeing if only for aesthetic reasons.

National Holiday

11 September 1a Diada
12 October National Day
1 November All Saint's Day
6 December Constitution Day
8 December Immaculate Conception
25 December Christmas

Calendar Of Events

La Diada. Catalan national holiday. (11th).

Festival de Tardor. Theatre festival, September-October.

Fiesta Mayor de Ia Merce. Festival of Barcelona's patron saints (24th).

Gaudi Mujer. Trade fair for Women's fashions.

Mostra de Cocina. Week of wine and food tasting from stands set up on Rambla de Catalunya and Gran Via at the end of September.

October

Dia de Hispanidad. Columbus apparently discovered America in 1492. (12th)

Liber. International Book Fair.

November

Tots Sants. All saints is celebrated with special sweets. (1st)

December

Feria de Santa Llucia. Christmas market in front of the cathedral. (8th).

Views Of The City

A good way to get yourself spacially oriented in Barcelona, is to get up high and see how the different structures of the city meld and are bordered by the sea, the mountains and two rivers. There are various cable cars giving you such views. Also:

Sagrada Familia, from the towers.

Casa Mila, from the roof.

El Corte Ingles, department store in Plaza Catalunya, from the roof terrace.

Monument a Colom, the Columbus statue at the end of Ia Ramblas.

At the foot of Tibidabo, from the bars and restaurants. Take the bus from Av. de Tibidabo, and then up to the Tramvia Blau terminus.

Foster Tower, on the top of Tibidabo. 500 ptas.

Language

Since the program is offered in English, you can get away with not knowing any Spanish. Just be able to speak with your hands well, and you'll survive. If you can take a Spanish course beforehand, you will enjoy your stay a little bit more.

On signs, and on the street, there is a constant interchange of Catalan and `Castellano'. The reasons for this constitute a long story, but suffice it to say that the two have their similarities.

Museums

Picasso Museum c/Montacada, 15. Tel: 93 319 63 10 T-S 10-20:00, Su 10-15:00 Located in a gothic palace, the main collection is about the early work of Picasso.

Contemporary Museum of Art, Barcelona. PlaÁa de Angels. Tel: 93 412 0801 M-F: 12-20:00, S 10-20:00, Su 10-15:00. Designed by Richard Meier. Changing shows, but basically new Catalan art.

Miro Foundation. Montjiuc Park, PlaÁa Nept[[dotaccent]]. Tel: 93 329 1908. T,W,F S 11-19:00, Th until 21:30, Su 10:30-14:30. One of the most complete collections of Miro, with changing exhibitions, designed by Jose-Luis Sert in 1975. Great place for lunch.

Tapies Foundation. C/ Aragon, 255 (between Pg. de Gr[[daggerdbl]]cia and Rambla Catalunya) Tel: 93 487 03 15 T, W, Th, F, S, Su: 11-20:00. Basic collection of Tapies' work with rotating exhibitions. Originally a Catalan publishing house designed by Domenech in 1880.

CCCB Centre of Contemporary Culture, Barcelona. Montalegre, 5, Tel: 93 412 07 81. Exhibitions on the City. Good bar. Famous politicians come for a "quiet" lunch. A historical charity hospital, renovated by Villaplana and Pi&Ograveon.

Cultural Centre of the Caixa Foundation. Passeo de Sant Joan, 108. Tel: 93 207 74 75. Built as the Casa Macaya , 1901 by Puig I Cadafalch. Good changing exhibitions.

National Museum of Catalan Art. Palau National, Montuic Park. Tel: 93 423 71 99. T, W, F, s: 10-19:00, Th to 21:00, Su to 14:30. Built originally for the 1929 International Exhibition, recently the interior has been renovated by Gae Aulenti. Permanent collection of Catalan Gothic Chapel remnants.

Bars And Restaurants

These recommendations come from last year's classes:

Quatre Gats: a modernista bar in the old city where Picasso used to hang out. Lunch from 2 to 4, menu for 1,500.

Club Nautic: off of Pg. Colom, near Columbus statue.

Mordisco: large good cheap salads for 700 ptas. Designer types hang out here.

Plaza Reial: all clubs here have good jazz.

Designer Bars: includes Nick Havana, Seltz, Zaza's etc on Rosellon amongst other locations.