Hola Gracia

In all honesty I never made it to the museums. As I say lots to do! And there's still loads I haven't done or seen. I am coming back it's worthwhile. I've been based around the Gracia neighbourhood. It's sprawling and if you can be bothered to get out and just walk, there is so much to look at. Especially for a long weekend. Don't get me wrong there are some very special places in Barcelona. The public transportation has been fantastic. Much like any city really, you can choose from the undergound, buses, trams and loads of taxis. The trains are pretty good too.

I would recommend catching the bus direct from the airport to the city. They go every 10 minutes and it's really cheap and drops off at all the major plazas. The train is a little more tricky from the airport as it stops at the city limit and then you have to transfer to the underground. But it's still cheap and easy.

All public transport can be paid for using a universal transport ticket. You can get them from the underground stations. Don't know what the new prices are but I paid leass than 10Eur for and 10 trip ticket.

Taxis are set to tariff's based on the time. Although they are better than taxis in Amsterdam. You can still get stung sometimes. My recommendation, just be firm and clear and don't get out of the cab until all has been finalised. It worked for me, but then lady luck always shines.

There are some people who could be described as doggy lovers. I am not. I like dogs, I even love dogs, but the dogs I like and love are normal sized dogs. I'm also a firm believer that if you live in the space of a shoe-box on a major city road. Then it's not the best place to keep doggys.

Holland is a place famous for dog poop on the street. But I've never seen the authorities here resort to paying for actual anti-dog poop adverts. These are not small. No, they're slapped on the length of the buses. It's clearly so much of a problem even the officials are prepared to admit it.

Learn Spanish! I can't stress this enough. Not everyone speaks or wants to speak English. It can't help to know some basics and at least look to be making an effort.

TESOL

I am studying a TESOL certificate. It´s an intense course lasting approximately 30 days and theres a variety of locations to choose from. I chose Barcelona, nice!
But you can go to Seville, Prague, Florence, London and Madrid. The certificate is Trinity approved. Fingers crossed I pass the exam.
http://www.eurotefl.com/

The Autograph Man

A: Zadie Smith
ISBN: 037550186X
2002

The story of Alex Li Tandem and his struggle to survive friendships, family, life and love. Some say he has an obsession with Kitty Alexandra...other refer to him as an avid collector who never made it big.

Herfst in Het Netherlands

Well it's that time of year again and I think it needs to be documented cos it gets a little silly around this time of year.

This week we have the habitual herfst raam decoraties!!! Anything remotely harvest festivally gets shunted into a window display of any Dutch home worth it's salt.

I decided I should integrate and joined this year with a hearty selection of heather and conkers. I also received a gift from my neighbour which had no other place in my home...

Can you believe they don't know the game conkers?
What do they collect them for?

Anyway, enjoy the selection. It won't be long before these are all changed for Sinta Klaas deco.

Super SUSHI

On Saturday we went to SUMO - Sushi House in Rotterdam
We sat next to the Chef to watch the action... it was superb.

The choice is amazing, and beautifully prepared.

We started with Chicken Teriyaki, fish balls (which looked like tubes) with shitake mushrooms.
Then came the range of Sushi

The Nigiri Sushi is 1 to a portion, rice on the inside, seaweed on the outside
Maki Sushi is 4 to a portion, rice on the outside, seaweed and filling on the inside or vice versa
Handrolls/Temakis are the Japenese version if an icecream cone (quite large)

damn there's just too many to remember!?!

Various fillings from Fresh/Raw tuna/makrel, smoked salmon, water shrimp, avocado, cucumber. . . blah blah
I'm told the Green Tea was super nice, preferred the Sake myself. They had a rather impressive Sake dispenser (according to mule, this years must have luxury item!)

The price is 'all-in' at €15.50 per person (excluding drinks)
Arrive early (12noon) to avoid disapointment (open until 17.30)

SUMO - Schouwburgplein 11 — Rotterdam
map (Via Michellin)
5 minutes from Rotterdam Centraal Station, head for the square with the big red crane lights and the Pathe Cinema, and you'll see it at the back. (look for the sumo wrestler eating a bowl of food)