Juicy Jones - fresh, healthy vegan food experience in Barcelona

One thing I love here (among many others) is that you can find absolutely delicious food for every taste. Whether you are a true meat lover or vegan, organic, gluten-free, milk allergic, whatever - you always have plenty of options to choose. One of my favorites when I fancy healthy, fresh drink is a vegan place called Juicy Jones. They have an amazing selection of fresh juices and smoothies (also made out of veggies, not just fruits) and a fixed priced menu available all day long for a very reasonable price. Upstairs is the juice bar and downstairs the restaurant. I actually never tried the restaurant yet, but am completely in love with the juice bar. I have heard that the food is relatively simple but good, consisting mainly of salads, soups, rice, polenta and Indian spiced veggies.

The address is C/Cardenal Casañas 7, one of the streets off from la Rambla to the Gothic. It's very close to metro Liceu and open from 10:00 till 24:00. I have not managed to find their website yet, but googling it gives you several reviews, most of them as positive as mine. 

Spanish healthcare - breaking a bone in Barcelona

My fixed, broken humerus

Most of the time, life is pleasant in sunny Barcelona. The quality of life is high. One enjoys simple things - running along the beach, swimming in the turquoise sea, bicycling around and clubbing till sunrise at one of the numerous discotecas.

So what happens when one day you are not able to enjoy those simple things? Nothing good, dear readers. In terms of getting yourself injured, Barcelona (or Spain) is not the place to be. Quality of life is reduced, and it's reduced considerably.

I was on my way home last Saturday night, trying to take a cab in Passeig de Gracia. It was raining like hell (again, what a strange summer) and the pavements were extremely slippery. I was walking, not running and I was wearing flat shoes. My last thought was something like "shit, should I take the sandals off" and then I flew in the air. I landed on my left humerus which got broken right under the scapula.

First I was taken to Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau by the ambulance which some of the lovely people on the streets ordered. I was given morphine as I couldn't stop screaming. I was in general very happy with the nurses and doctors there, they were doing their best to ease my pains. They took the x-rays and found out the arm was broken, not twisted. I needed an operation. After finding out I lived in Ciutat Vella, they organized a transportation to Hospital de Mar, which is the closest hospital for people living in my area. The ambulance guys were very sweet. It was only after my arrival when everything started going downhill.

Hospital de Mar, right by the beach

Background information: I have had the pleasure of visiting Hospital de Mar before. I have always been very happy with the service. It's a public hospital, but they do have some private organs, as far as I have understood. Generally the public healthcare in Spain has always surprised me; it has been fast, efficient and I never paid anything.

However, the recent experience changed my opinion slightly. So I was brought in on Sunday evening. I had my humerus sticking out of my arm. I was in incredible pains. They left me on the corridor without medicine, without anything. I was there for a long time, trying to ask more morphine and when would the operation happen. Got zero answers and some paracetamol.

Finally, a doctor came. He told me they were not sure if the operation was on Wednesday or Thursday. I couldn't believe what he said. I was expected to lie on the corridor for 4 more days with a bone sticking out of my arm? I started screaming again. It wasn't helping at all that my boyfriend saw some cockroaches scurrying on the floor....

Luckily, I was able to think in the middle of all the pain. I HAD TO GET AWAY from that place. I realized I still had my travel insurance valid as I was in my home country in May. I started calling. I found out I could go to any private hospital in Barcelona and they would cover unlimited amount of costs. I would have laughed but it hurt too much.

Hospital de Mar refused to help me in search for a hospital before they got a guarantee of payment from my insurance company. At the time, I found it inhuman as it took hours and a lot of tears from my side to organize it, but now I kind of understand it. It's just bureaucracy and they have to obey it. After the paper was faxed to them they turned very helpful, phoning all private hospitals, asking which one of them would be able to operate me asap. Finally, they got a confirmation from Pilar de Sant Jordi, a private clinic in Gracia, and the ambulance came to pick me up again. I was moved there on late Sunday night and the staff in Hospital de Mar said that the operation would be the first thing on Tuesday morning. Fantastic, I thought, just one more day in pains and then the nightmare would be over!

Pilar de Sant Jordi

In Pilar de Sant Jordi, I was given a private room with a bathroom and a huge window. There was a spare bed for my boyfriend. It felt like heaven. There were a lot of nurses coming and going, checking how I was. I felt I was finally taken care of. I passed out immediately and slept for almost all night. The calmante (pain killer) was now injected directly so it had more effect. On Monday morning, I met the doctor. A nice guy, but felt the waves of horror arriving again when he explained they would most likely operate on Wednesday evening. I was desperate. Why would they say first Tuesday morning, and all of a sudden change it again? Bloody hell, should I go to another hospital then?! I started to feel very much pissed off with the Spanish manana attitude. A burst of non-scandinavian rage, tears, yelling and swearing in Spanish was needed until another doctor came to inform that the operation would finally be on Tuesday, but on the evening. Hmph, I thought; me-hospital 1-0.

The operation was successful. It was the technique that surprised me; they had basically nailed the bones back together with a metal stick supporting them. In the Nordics they usually use a cast and just wait for the bones to naturally to grow again, which takes months. It was quite a shock to see the new x-ray pic showing a lot of metal inside my arm, but on the other hand, I was able to MOVE the arm on the next day! Amazed by that, I decided to forgive the future beeping at the airports, huge scar and just hide the creepy x-ray pics somewhere out of sight.

So, happy ending? No one knows. Recuperation is in process and every day I feel stronger. But here, you never know about manana. What did I learn? Trust the public healthcare in Spain during the winter months. Trust it if you have a minor problem, like flu. Trust the private healthcare if you want, but I would not count on it. It offers nicer setting, but the core problem is still the same, endless waiting. (Note: I will buy a full insurance next week, allowing me to use the private healthcare in the future. But this is just my choice).

So what to do if you break a body part in Spain? Pray and wish the best of luck. :-)

Fresh Fish in Barcelona? La Paradeta is what you need!

One of my absolute favourite restaurants in Barcelona (and in the world!) is "La Paradeta". If you are a fish & sea food fanatic like I am, this place has by far the best quality/price ratio in the city. I have brought most of my family and friends there and they all just loved it! Now, don't expect any glamour or romantic candlelit dinner! Should you decide to experience a Paradeta meal, be armed with patience and expect a "canteen-style" decor. The concept is simple: as you get in the door, a market stall displays all the yummy fish, shells, calamari, etc... you can choose from. So all your food is really fresh and you decide on the quantities.

How does it work?
You can't book in advance, so the table availability depends on the number of customers already inside the restaurant upon your arrival. Be prepared to wait, there are always long queues in front of the main entrance. Once you get inside, you get to choose the food you would like to eat. We chose changuetes which are tiny fried fish (really one of my favourites!!!), the sepia a la plancha (careful with garlic :) ) and some huge gambas. There are also many different shellfish you can go for!

Once you've chosen the food, you move on to another counter where you order your drinks, salads, sauces (aioli, mayonese, romesco,...) and bread. You are also given a number. PLEASE PAY ATTENTION to the number as it is very important! Once done, you pay for your meal and find a table. Pricewise, we spent 40€ for the 3 different fish, a bottle of white wine, a bottle of water bread and sauces. Please note that they do not accept credit cards, so make sure you have cash. Once seated, wait until your number is called over the microphone and you can go and collect your food at the counter. And... Voilà! enjoy a delicious meal of fresh products at a really affordable price.

 The Gambas and Sepia a la plancha

Changuetes!

There are 5 different Paradetas; 4 of which in Barcelona and one in Sitges. The most popular would probably be the one in el Borne as it is most centric.

Born: Carrer Comercial 7
Sagrada Familia: Pssge Simo, 18
Sants: Calle Riego, 27
Meridiana: Calle Pacific, 74
Sitges: Sant Pere, 24-26

You can find all the information you need on their nice website: http://www.laparadeta.com/

Run Run Run in Barcelona

Last May, as the summer was slowly approaching, I felt the urgent need to find a new after-work hobby. After hesitating between art classes, danse classes and pilates I decided to go for something that would get my endorphin levels surging for the summer. Although many friends suggested I join them at their gym, I decided to go for a cheaper and more outdoorsy option: running! I valued the fact that I could go whenever I felt like it and that beside the initial investment in good running shoes (VERY important!!) it is free!

If you are currently living in Barcelona, you have probably already noticed the large number of runners in the city. The reason for this is, I believe, that there are so many options to choose from when looking for the perfect run. Indeed, you can run by the beach, stroll down open avenues, race up hills or even go and explore the nearby mountains and get a bit of fresh air.

Armed with my new running shoes and my i-pod I decided to discover the itineraries the city had to offer. One of the most popular ones is, without a doubt, going down Avinguda Diagonal from Glories shopping centre to Diagonal Mar. This run of 5.55 km is very enjoyable as you get to run down an open avenue with very few cars and many other runners, cyclists and people rollerblading. It is perfect if you work in the busy 22@ area and wish to go for a lunchtime of after-work run.

Directions

1. Start your run at Avenue Diagnol and Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, at the Glories metro station.

2. Notice the slight incline in the road towards the east. Begin running up the incline. 

3. Keep running straight along Avenue Diagnol this entire run. You will run through the city, through street lights and pass a number of tiendas (stores). You are running in the middle of the avenue where there is a walking/running/cycling path. Pass the Selva de Mar metro station on your right (1.16 mi / 1.87 km). 

4. Continue straight. The running path will force you to veer left onto Carrer de Llull for one tenth of a mile. You are still following Avenue Diagnol. When you reach Rambla de Prim (the end of the diagonal) turn right to cut back to the Diagnol and head back to where you began (3.45 mi /5.55 km). 

5. End your run where you began, at Avenue Diagnol and Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes.

(Source http://www.blazetravelguides.org/destinations/barcelona/diagnol)

Many runners enjoy running by the beach and breathe in the seaside air. I particularly like going down Avinguda Joan de Borbo from Barceloneta metro station (don’t go there if you’re hungry the smells coming from the restaurants are amazing J), turn towards hotel W, turn back and continue towards the Hotel Arts. The sights are just breathtaking, especially at sunset, and the beach offers you great opportunities to stretch after your effort. Finally, another popular running destination is Ciutadella Parc which is completely traffic free and offers an interesting alternative to city asphalt.

There are a few running clubs which you can join in Barcelona if you wish to meet other sporty people :

·         Corredors Club
http://www.corredors.cat/index.php

·     Run 2 Live Barcelona
http://www.run2livebcn.cat/

There are also many races throughout the year, the most popular ones being the Barcelona Marathon, the Cursa del Corte Inglés, Cursa de bombers or Cursa dels Nassos. This nice blog lets you know all about the races in the city:    http://runningbarcelona.blogspot.com/

So if you do decide to go running in this wonderful city let us know what you think! Don't forget to be careful (I wouldn't go at night as some areas are a bit dodgy afterdark) and stretch after your run :)

Doing sports in Barcelona: DIR gyms

I still remember my first spinning class experience in Spain like yesterday. The room was small but equipped with such an effective air conditioning that I had to wear sweater on during the first songs. Some kind of techno-trance mix, spiced with Latin rhythm, was playing so loud that it was impossible to hear one's own thoughts. Co-cyclists were all packed in the front row as close to the instructor as possible. New participants kept on coming in until the last minute of the class. Their hair was open and they started to scream in ecstasy every time the song hit the climax. The instructor was yelling without a pause, spitting without restraint, apparently he had a lot to say - shame that I couldn't hear one word. And no, this was not a rock concert, just a normal SpinDIR class at DIR gym!

To clarify, if some of you have not been going to spinning classes in Scandinavia: participants go into the room 10 mins before and the door is locked precisely when the class starts. They stay quiet, start sweating, start making faces, sweat more, stay quiet. The instructor works as hard as every participant. Once in a while, s/he might say something. Like, "harder". When the class is over, everyone cleans their bikes, mutters hardly notable "thanks" and goes home. End of story.

The spinning class experience is actually just a small, amusing example of the strangeness (at least from an expat point of view) in the gym business in Barcelona. If you are going to join any gym, be prepared: there are as many prices and deals as there are potential clients. Never agree with the first offer. Never forget to mention your "friend" who got better price. And never, ever get pissed off, no matter how much you would like to punch the person behind the desk: then the game is over and you will never get a reasonable offer.

DIR Diagonal, fab pool area

When I joined DIR the first time, I managed to negotiate a fair deal where I had unlimited access to all classes whenever I wanted. I paid 44 euros a month. When my boyfriend joined, he wasn't as lucky: he ended up paying 59 euros a month, with exactly the same deal. Afterwards, when we asked for a reason for such a big difference, we were told that I had gotten a "special offer" which was only valid the day I joined. As he had been told exactly the same, we did not give up. We asked for an official price list. The response was an A4 size book of 70 pages, all written full of different prices. We gave up.

DIR Claris, our center

Now, when we returned to DIR, I had to pay 6 months in advance but the price was 40 euros a month. Although, I have to enter the gym always between 17.30 and 19.30 during weekdays. I can stay as long as I want. Poor boyfriend was not lucky this time either: he is paying 45 euros a month so again more than I do. Why? Because he is a guy. Yes, believe it or not, this was the reason given. Maybe they run out of imagination as we were joining together, at the same time. So boys out there, sorry, but in this country should you only not pay drinks for girls and high entrance fees to clubs, but you are also tyrannized by gyms.

Check out more information about DIRs at www.dir.es. According to my experience, they still offer quite a nice cost-quality ratio (if you can negotiate even a little bit). Last, one more example about the joining fee conversation few weeks ago:

DIR: So the joining fee is 80 euros.

ME: No, that can't be. 

DIR: Well, maybe I can make a special offer. Today, for you, it's only 65.

ME: It's too much. It's more than I pay per month!

DIR: Oops, silly me; today it's actually 25 euros, I forgot!

ME: Really? Last time I paid 10 euros.

DIR: Oh no, look: the computer says that it actually is 10 euros, only today, only for you! Lucky you!

My favorite places in Barcelona pt.1: The Montjüic pool

I have had a hundred potential blog post topics in my head now for about a week. I have been fantasizing about this moment when we finally open the blog and I can just let my fingers fly on the keyboard. Now, when the moment is at hand, I don't not know what to write about!

Everyone who has visited Barcelona knows that there is never enough time to see everything. There are simply too many cool things around. I still discover new wonderful places every week! That's why, I thought it would be actually cool to share some of my all time favorite places here.

As the past week has been melting hot, I was really waiting for the weekend and total relaxation by the sea or a pool. In my opinion, one of the most wonderful places to sunbathe and chill is the Olympic outdoor pool up in Montjuic. It offers outstanding panoramic views over the city, and it's never too full. For some reason, most of the crowd heads to the packed beaches instead and ignores this amazing, unique oasis. It's far from being fancy or elegant, and has maybe seen its best days, but it sure has got a very special charm which makes me return over and over again.

The pool is open from June till September and costs 5-6 euros to enter. They don't offer any chairs for sunbathing, so bring a towel to lie on. In case of empty stomach, there's a small cafe on the spot where they sell tapas and drinks. The dressing rooms are equipped with showers, but there are no lockers so you need to take all the stuff to the pool area.

The easiest way to arrive is to take the green metro line to Paral-lel and continue with funicular up to the hill. When you come out from the funicular, cross the street and walk 15 meters to the right - and voilá, there you are!

BTW: Also Kylie Minogue is a fan of this pool; it offered a fantastic setting for her video "Slow" in 2003: