barcelona tourist guide

“Che! Revolution and Market” exhibition

There is a pervasive irony from start to end of Trisha Ziff’s exhibition which brings together a plethora of posters, t-shirts, tattoos and other objects adorned with the most reproduced image in the history of photography. Korda’s iconic portrait of the Argentine doctor who abandoned his middle class background and career in medicine in pursuit of social revolution and the emancipation of the world’s poor, has become the symbol and role model for bourgeois romantics and ideal seeking youth decades after his execution.

So exactly what is this exhibition trying to achieve? The irony of this icon as a capitalist brand is made explicit from the beginning of the exhibition with a particularly striking pair of posters displaying a collage of the image made of the logos of consumer giants of the 20^th century. Yet the diverse worldwide appropriation of this image, from a small pin-badge on a businessman’s suit to the proud logo on a young Mexican boy’s homemade machine gun; in many ways these tell more of a powerful story than the image itself.

Ernesto “Che” Guevara’s execution at the age of 39 and his resultant likening to Jesus Christ features heavily in the exhibition from the subtle changing of portrait features to a contemporary Latin American painting which places him in the place of Christ on the cross. This Christ like iconography contributes further to the myth-making which is so essential in the interpretation and evaluation of such a figure. Ultimately the exhibition culminates with the resultant ‘fetishism’ of Che’s image, demonstrated both physically and figuratively on photographs such as a brash tattoo upon the peeping cleavage of a nun.

While a certain level of empathy is implicit, one cannot help but think of the darker side of the man and his ideology: the blood thirsty desire for revolution, and the physical and psychological torture which this socialist hero inflicted upon innocent people.

It could be argued that the exhibition lacks background information, yet the visitor’s intelligence is not insulted by over simplified analysis of the reasons behind this pervasive icon. Instead, these powerful images inspire reflection and a desire to read more about this intriguing character and his fundamental role in modern culture and iconography. For this reason the exhibition is best visited with another person, to cogitate and discuss.

The “Che! Revolució I mercat” exhibition is currently in the Palau de la Virreina on las Ramblas, where it will stay until 20/01/07. For accommodation near to las Ramblas click here

Fish and Chip Shop in Barcelona

The city had almost everything except a Fish and chip shop in Barcelona. Well just a couple of months ago in June that all changed and now there is officially a Fish and chip shop in Barcelona. The aptly titled "Fish and Chip Shop" opened June and is located in Ramblas de Raval amongst the many kebab shops in the area. The city has been crying out for a Fish and Chip shop in Barcelona due to the many ex pats who live there. So far the shop has received positive reviews and offers everything you would expect from a local chippy. From Fish and Chips to Sausage suppers and it even has the traditional scottish drink "Irn Bru" for those north of the border.
Apart from being a favourite with those living in the city. the Fish and Chip Shop in Barcelona is popular with those tourists renting Barcelona accommodation who happen to come across the shop.

Getting There
The best way to get to the Fish and chip shop in Barcelona from Las Ramblas is to go to the bottom at Drassanes and take Calle Sant Pau. Or you can take the same street from the other side at Avenida Parallel. If you are further away from the centre then take the green line metro to either Drassanes or Parallel.

For a more extensive Barcelona guide.

Finding a Ramblas Apartment

Finding a Ramblas apartment might sound difficult as would finding any good accommodation could seem like a struggle in most big cities, but this isn't true.
When you think of the city of Barcelona, one of the first things that springs to mind is Las Ramblas so that is why many people are looking for Ramblas apartment. This famous street is well known for being filled with shops bars and street performers, very popular with tourists. It is the busiest part of the city and that is why people think it is so difficult to find a Ramblas Apartment. There are literaly hundreds of hotels in the surrounding area of Las Ramblas and are usually very busy, however nowaadays the apartments are becoming more popular and right now there are many Ramblas apartments available for rent in the areas like Raval and Barrio Gotico.
There are many examples of popular Ramblas apartments which are beautifully furnished inside and if there are enough people renting, then they can work out cheaper than the many below par hostels surrounding the area.
To find a more comprehensive Barcelona guide, just search online.

A British Guide to Las Ramblas

Ok, i'm sorry to say it, but us Brits are the most dense people when it comes to tourism. In Europe for example, Britain is an island race which is shut off from the rest of the continent and for this reason, we have become more ignorant to other places in Europe. We don't make any effort to speak anyone elses language, we're happy with our culture yet we choose to force it on other cultures when we go abroad!
When it comes to the city of Barcelona for example, we always think of two things.

Number 1: FC Barcelona and all the things that go along with it, like Ronaldinho (and now Henry) and the Nou Camp.

Number 2: Las Ramblas! Or "La Rambla, Las Rambla, La Ramblas or simply put by our oh so wonderful drunk football fans THE RAMBLES!!

First things first, it is called.....LAS RAMBLAS, so when your looking for Barcelona accommodation online near the famous street, then type in "Las Ramblas". However this isn't too important thanks to google's wonderful phrase correction tool.

Anyway, if you want to stay there then make sure you shop around because there are plenty of sites which prey on ignorant tourists who just go for the first hotel they see. Heres a tip, try searching for an apartment near Las Ramblas, as there are many sites which offer really nice, cheap apartments a stones throw away from it.

Look after yourself if your out partying, because British people are the easiest people for the many pickpockets to spot along this street usually due to the lobster suntan we tend to sport.

So try and keep your wits about you, or theres a good chance you'll get robbed whether it be on the metro, in the street or later at night while your drunk. Also if your out a bit drunk on the street and you fancy having a laugh with the local police like you might do at home, think again.
These are not the loveable PC plods from back home, who really don't want to arrest people and prefer to keep the peace.
Over there, the police are basically pumped up full of steriods and have developed a complex through years of being picked on at school. They would like nothing better to batter some drunk British tourist about for being to drunk or loud, and then maybe they'll arrest you for good measure.

Anyway, don't worry, it's not all doom and gloom. Las Ramblas is great for tourists who want to have a good time as it has many bars and clubs at night and entertainment and shops during the day. However sometimes ignorance can bring problems. So why not even learn a couple of basic phrases in Spanish, because people will be so much more friendly and helpful to you if they notice you making the effort.
For a more comprehensive Barcelona guide, look online.