5 Struggles of Living in Barcelona No One Talks About

“A Bulgarian-Born nomad, Dayana has traveled since she was 16-years-old, discovering the world one culture at a time. She is based in Barcelona, where she eats copious amounts of jamoón ibérico and plans her next move. You can read more of her work here.”

For many, the idea of living in Barcelona is as close to paradise as it gets – fantastic weather, delicious food, cheap rent, fiesta all day and night. Barcelona is arguably Europe’s most fun city with a chill and larger-than-life attitude. This is my second time living here and all my friends from around the world blow up my phone to either visit me or ask for advice on moving here. As someone who’s experienced the good, bad and ugly of this city, I’ll tell you the 5 struggles of living in Barcelona no one talks about.

  1. The party vortex

In Catalonia we’ve got more holidays than I can count – I’m talking celebrations of different saints, the three-day Sant Joan festival, the Three Kings, fiesta de Gràcia – the list goes on. Couple that with Sonar, Brunch Electronic and Primavera Sound among the many music festivals that rage all summer, and you’ll forget what sleep is. The attitude towards life here is that it should be fully enjoyed and we try to do so to the best of our abilities. Having lived in the US for 7 years prior to settling in Barcelona, I could have never imagined clubbing with my coworkers and boss till 5am, bar hopping all night and greeting the sunrise half-asleep at at the fountain at Placa Reial. While this is all fun and games, at some point it becomes a way of life.

I had never seen so many 26-35 year olds mooching off of friends while working as party promoters to support their party habits, as I have here. In North America, you’re supposed to have your life together by 30, one hundred per cent. In Barcelona, it’s totally possible to stumble from one afterhour to another non-stop for 6 years without a care in the world. If you let yourself get sucked into the party vortex, you’ll lose all purpose. This happened to me for a summer and to my roommate for a few years. I know people who are still trapped in this cycle and love their lives just as they are. Barcelona has room for both 6-am risers and party bohemians who don’t see daylight for weeks at a time. Life here is what you make it.

  1. Expats are prime victims for scammers

As if the world of real estate wasn’t difficult enough to navigate already, there are people who come to the city with the sole purpose of stealing expat money. It happened to me twice. In one of the cases, I girl who lived in my flatshare for a little while asked me to join in on this new place with her through Tecnocasa and even took me to the agency for a tour of the apartment. That’s how elaborate scams can be, involving legitimate institutions and agents. She ended up disappearing right after I sent her my deposit.

The other case was even more bizarre. I used Spotahome to book a room for the summer, trusting that as a respectable European agency they knew what they were doing. Turns out, the landlord they had worked with and deemed as “one of the best,” was using a fake name and at the end of August ran away with the deposits of more than 90 tenants valued at around 60,000 euro. Worst of all was that Spotahome left me pretty much alone to deal with the owner of the apartment who after weeks of me being extremely insistent and refusing to drop the case, gave me my deposit back. That being said, Barcelona is indeed a lot more affordable than Boston or London and you can have a very good quality of life here. Just make sure to document every financial move and research everyone you do business with.

  1. Finding a job is hell

I forgot to mention that while the party vortex and landlord scams were happening, I was also actively job hunting. It took me just about 3 months to find a decent job. The crazy thing is that everyone says: “oh, you’re American-educated and speak fluent Spanish, you’ll literally find a job in a day.” Not true. I tried everything – went around stores with CV in hand, applied online, searched job boards and used apps like Cornerjob to get interviews. None of that worked.
The most I was able to find before securing a stable gig was working as a part-time sales girl at a boutique for 2 weeks and making juice at a local fruiterie for another week.

I finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel when I got a call from a recruitment agency I had sent my CV in about two months after I had first contacted them. The recruiter guided me through the hiring process and I finally got my steady paycheck. Though Catalonia is said to have recovered from the economic crisis more or less, finding a job is still tough. If you want to make it in Barcelona, you have to come with some savings and be super active with your search. When you do manage to get a job, life can be very nice as you’ll never have to worry about your next paycheck and you can go and splurge on all the delicacies the city’s restaurants have to offer as well as easily travel around the country.

  1. It’s hard to integrate in Catalan groups

Although you may speak fluent Spanish, your Castellano won’t get you very far in this city. Though locals are friendly and open to conversations, they admit that speaking Catalan is huge when it comes to accepting someone in a friend group. I don’t speak Catalan yet and my interactions with locals go as far as grabbing a few beers after work with my coworkers at 100 Montaditos, lots of who are Catalan. In order to get an “in” with the locals, you should be well-versed in local politics as the push for independence is stronger than ever and express an interest in their language and traditions. Most importantly, give it some time.

 

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Image by author

  1. Tourism drives us nuts

When you’ve got a city with 1.6 million residents and almost 9 million tourists, problems naturally arise. Yes, Barcelona is gorgeous – from Gaudí’s quirky architecture to the luscious Parc de la CIutadella, Montjuïc’s hiking trails, natural parks and simple, delicious recipes, everyone wants a piece of us. That’s the problem. As much as we’re willing to share our city with visitors, we attract the wrong kind of crowd. One euro beers and clubs that don’t shut until 6am are a breeding ground for party tourism, i.e. drunk dudes screaming and pissing on the streets shirtless while you’re trying to get to work. I woke up to two guys passed out on my doorstep one morning and was kept awake all summer by the 7-am party crowd outside of the Moog in the city center. Lots of tourists fail to see the entire perspective on Barcelona.

We’ve got peaceful, relaxing Montjuïc just 40min away from Plaça de Catalunya. The jaw-dropping views of Montserrat are just an hour out via train. We’ve got Poblenou’s small restaurants and cervecerias, as well as fabulous modern and contemporary art museums. Our food scene is a total melting pot between Ferran Adrià’s revolutionary dishes to Thai, Vietnamese, Ethiopian, Greek and local Catalan cuisine. Sadly, a huge number of visitors fails to take advantage of all this because they’re passed out on at the overcrowded Barceloneta all day and waste crazy money on vodka Red Bull at Opium all night. My advice for you when it comes to dealing with tourism is to accept it for what it is and if you live in the center like I do because of the cheap rent, practice meditation and take side streets between June and September until the swarm of visitors scatters around.

This is my Barcelona experience so far. It’s been a huge struggle at times, but living in this vibrant Mediterranean hub is absolutely worth it for me. If you’re considering a move here, make sure to think about both sides of the picture and have a plan in place. Happy travels!

Connect with Dayana:

You can read more about our Bulgarian-Born nomad  Dayana’s Travel Blogger work here

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Barcelona Is Jamie’s Place in the World, It’s His Life – Can You Say the Same about Yours?

“It’s your place in the world; it’s your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live.” —Mae Jemison
I am sure you have heard the quote above. I admire people who go for the life they want. It is not for everyone and it’s risky, it is so much easier to settle. And so much less rewarding. I wanted to find out from Jamie how he ended in Barcelona and why. So let’s find out together…in his unedited replies..

Please introduce yourself.

I’m Jamie and I’m from Reading, a large town outside of London. Ever since leaving college 14 year ago, I’ve always been in the finance industry. Starting off small and working my way up. I have worked for companies such as Prudential, Google and then more recently I found myself in the online gaming industry as a Risk Analysis. This gave me plenty of opportunities to travel and as such I have lived in Dublin, Gibraltar and the south of Spain.

Two years ago I got itchy feet and decided to leave the finance industry and follow my passion. I trained and qualified as a Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach, and decided to move to Barcelona and work for myself.

How did you end up in  Barcelona of all places?

Barcelona is my favorite city in the world, so it was a no brainer to see if it was possible to be based here. The climate is perfect for training outdoors (which is what I now specialise in), and so I moved here 2014.

What is the best and worst about Barcelona for youwhat is a typical day and weekend??

Not being able to speak much Spanish, it was a real challenge for myself to move here, however I am taking lessons and slowing improving. Apart from that I can’t really fault Barcelona. Thankfully most of my current clients are expats who speak English, so while it’s been difficult finding them, most of them have now been with me since I started a year ago.

How do you find the lifestyle in Barcelona compared to your hometown in the UK?

The lifestyle in Barcelona is second to none. It has everything London has, but on a smaller scale, with better weather and we have some beautiful beaches close by. The cost of living is far lower in here too compared to London.

How do you make your living now and how would you like to develop that career?

I’m a Personal Trainer and I train clients one on one or one on two. At the moment we do most of our training outside, although in the future I’d like to expand and eventually set up my own training studio.

Do you see the differences between nationalities easily yours vs. Americans vs. other Europeans?

Barcelona is very diverse, and my clients are from all walks of life. Currently I have clients from Spain, the UK, France, Italy, Venezuela, Jordan, Germany, the Netherlands, Turkey and Russia. Everybody is completely different which is why I love doing what I do.

What do you miss the most and the least from your own country?

The only thing I miss from the UK is my friends and family. However, being in Barcelona I am never short of visitors. The ‘red tape’ and bureaucracy in Spain means everything takes a long time to complete, however you soon get used to it.

Knowing more about life and having lived with your decisions for a while (like work) would you still choose to be there and why? Why not..

I wouldn’t change living in Barcelona for the world, it’s an amazing place and very central in Europe too, so easy to explore or get away for the weekend if I want to. Recently there has been a lot of press about Catalonia breaking away from Spain, I hope this doesn’t happen as I can’t really see any good coming out of it.

What cafes or restaurants do you recommend to tourists to go to in Barcelona and why? Or to do something else.

There is a great coffee shop called Federal in Gotic where you can watch the world go by. Make sure to try their cakes, they are pretty good!

What would be your ideal life with no monetary issues to make it happen!

I love passing on my passion for health and fitness, so I would love to have my own training studios around Europe. I’d employ only those with the same passion and work ethos as mine and we’d work hard to get Europe fit!

Anything else you would like sharing with us?

If you are based in Barcelona and would like to start training, or even if you are visiting and want to try something new, be sure to look me up!

How to connect with you:
Facebook: facebook.com/jlhealthfitness
Website: www.jl-healthfitness.com
Linkedin: es.linkedin.com/pub/jamie-szymonik/17/ba3/590

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Barcelona – Feb 23 2011

Come and mingle with a great international crowd in an exclusive atmosphere. We have booked the B LOUNGE of the Hotel Barcelo Raval entirely for ourselves from 8.00pm until midnight. Enjoy a fantastic selection of cocktails, accompanied by a tasteful selection of chill-out and lounge tracks in a unique and cosmopolitan setting right in the heart of the city and the most fashionable area in the centre of Barcelona.

This is the perfect opportunity to socialize, share business ideas and expand your network of friends. We will also have a ‘Business Corner’ where you can put your business cards and flyers on a table in order to promote your business among the other guests. Feel free to spread the word among your contacts but don’t be afraid to come alone because I will introduce you to other people.

Whether your reasons for networking are professional or personal, this is THE event in Barcelona to meet the right people. You’re guaranteed a fabulous time!

Please try to be punctual as doors will close at 11.00 pm.

RSVP is a MUST

Look forward to seeing you there!

Barcelona – Mar 30 2011

Come and mingle with a great international crowd in an exclusive atmosphere. We have booked the B LOUNGE of the Hotel Barcelo Raval from 8.00pm until midnight. Enjoy a fantastic selection of cocktails in the best of company in a unique and cosmopolitan setting right in the heart of the city and the most fashionable area in the centre of Barcelona.

This is the perfect opportunity to socialize, share business ideas and expand your network of friends. We will also have a ‘Business Corner’ where you can put your business cards and flyers on a table in order to promote your business among the other guests. Feel free to spread the word among your contacts but don’t be afraid to come alone because I will introduce you to other people.

Whether your reasons for networking are professional or personal, this is THE event in Barcelona to meet the right people. You’re guaranteed a fabulous time!

Please try to be punctual as doors will close at 11.00 pm.

RSVP is a MUST – Please RSVP here on EuroCircle

Look forward to seeing you there!

Barcelona – May 26 2011

Come and join us on this fantastic sunset jazz cruise aboard the Catamaran Orsom, the largest sail Catamaran (75ft) in Barcelona. Relax in great company and enjoy the sun, sea and views in the luxury and comfort of the Catamaran Orsom which is fully-equipped with a bar and… music system. Chill out to great music accompanied by a live saxophone player while watching the sun set over Barcelona. It doesn’t get much better than that!

When we arrive back at the port after our 1½ hour sail, we will stay onboard the catamaran and serve you a delicious mixed paella, followed by a selection of tasty desserts. Additional drinks can also be purchased at the bar. After the cruise (approx 10.45pm), we invite you to continue the evening with us with a complimentary drink at a nearby bar.

The ticket price includes:
– Welcome drink on arrival (beer, wine, sangria, soft drink or water)
– Snacks during the 1½ hour jazz cruise (with live saxophone player)
– Mixed paella followed by a selection of desserts onboard the catamaran
– After the catamaran – Complimentary drink at a nearby bar

Metro: L3 Drassanes
Buses: 14, 17, 19, 36, 40, 45, 57, 59, 64, 157
Parking: Recinte Port Vell, Moll de Bosch i Alsina

Hope to see you there!

Barcelona – Jul 26 2011

Come and mingle with a great international crowd in one of Barcelona’s most exclusive places to spend a summer evening! We have booked the VISIT UP terrace of the Hotel Pulitzer entirely for ourselves from 8.00pm until midnight. Enjoy a fantastic selection of cocktails, accompanied by a tasteful selection of chill-out music in a unique and cosmopolitan setting in the heart of the city, right next to Plaza Catalunya.

VISIT UP is an open and inviting space to listen to great music, and enjoy a drink under the night sky. What better than to go up to this calm oasis in the center and forget about the heat, stress and noise of the city!

This is the perfect opportunity to socialize and expand your network of friends. So, whether your reasons for networking are professional or personal, this is THE event in Barcelona to meet the right people. You’re guaranteed to have a fabulous time!

On arrival, everyone will receive a raffle ticket with the chance of winning some fantastic prizes!

Please try to be punctual as doors will close at 11.00pm.

RSVP is a MUST. Please RSVP here on the EuroCircle website and also send the names of the persons attending to barcelona@eurocircle.com

Look forward to seeing you there!

Barcelona – Sep 21 2011

Come and mingle with a great international crowd in one of Barcelona’s most chic and exclusive Lounge Clubs! We have booked the fabulous FAHRENHEIT Restaurant and Lounge Club entirely for ourselves from 8.00pm until midnight. Enjoy a fantastic selection of cocktails, accompanied by great music from a live DJ. For those who wish to eat, there will also be a 4-course a la carte menu and a pica pica selection available at specially discounted prices (for more information email me and I will send you a copy of the menu).

This is the perfect opportunity to socialize and expand your network of friends. So, whether your reasons for networking are professional or personal, this is THE event in Barcelona to meet the right people. You’re guaranteed to have a fabulous time!

On arrival, everyone will receive a welcome glass of cava and a raffle ticket with the chance of winning a prize including:

* Dinner for 2 at 7 SINS BAR – starter and main course and a bottle of wine (See www.7sinsbar.com)

* Bottle of Moet & Chandon Champagne (See www.moet.com)

* Pair of tickets for a DateClub Speed Dating event (See www.dateclubconnect.com)

* Bottle of Bacardi (See www.bacardi.com)

Please try to be punctual as doors will close at 11.00 pm.

RSVP is a MUST – Please RSVP here on the EuroCircle website and also send the names of the persons attending to barcelona@eurocircle.com

Look forward to seeing you all there!

Barcelona – Dec 14 2012

We are meeting at the Zanzíbar, a beautiful place in a very elegant neighborhood next to Plaza Francesc Macia, just off Av. Diagonal. It is very well connected with buses and trams.

Appetizers:
smoked salmon hors d’oeuvres
mini hamburgers
bread with tomatoes and tortilla
chips, peanuts and kikos

Drinks:
Beer and wine 4€
cocktails and mix 8€

Come share a drink with members and non-members of EuroCircle, make new friends and new contacts.

See you on Friday!!!

Barcelona – Feb 06 2013

Hi, Eurocircle members have requested another informative evening about jobs in Spain, so we are pleased to invite you to our next event “Keys To Access The Spanish Job Market”

Guest speakers:

Albert Corbella: Consultor. Adecco Information Technology

ADECCO: OPPORTUNITIES IN THE SPANISH JOB MARKET
-General introduction to the present job situation in Spain.
-Which job fields are growing.
-IT field in growth.

Helena Serrano: Founder/Senior Recruiter at Medio Segundo

MEDIO SEGUNDO: HOW TO ACCESS THE JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN GROWING DEMAND
5 basic keys:
Personal Marketing Plan.
Professional CV and Portfolio
Applications
Attitude
Networking

Like always you will enjoy a welcome drink and tasty appetizers in the elegant Ornina Lounge Bar.
Come early to network before the presentation.
The guest speakers will start the presentation at 20:15 be punctual.

Barcelona – Jul 17 2013

Dear friends,

You are invited to a very special evening…
Barcelona Connect and EuroCircle Barcelona are delighted to announce their first joint after work business networking & cocktail event: “New Job Opportunities.”

Join us on Wednesday July 17th from 19h, at the elegant and centrally located venue “La Martinera”.

Come and gain some valuable insights into new job opportunities and tips for your professional development, with guest speakers that include recruitment specialists and headhunters. You can also meet them personally, and enjoy an inspiring networking evening in a relaxed ambience.

You will be welcomed with a glass of cava and some delicious aperitifs, and included in our free raffle – with some excellent prizes such as meals for 2, an aromatherapy massage, and more to be announced.

Although the first presentation will start at 20:00 hs., we suggest you come early to network with participants and speakers.

Confirmed guest speakers from:
Europe Language Jobs: www.europelanguagejobs.com
Talent Search People www.talentsearchpeople.com

€10 to be paid at the bar. This includes a welcome drink, appetizers and raffles.

RSVP requested

We look forward to seeing you there!
Feel free to contact us if you’d like any further information at ,

EuroCircle Barcelona
& Barcelona Connect
—————————————-

Amigos y amigas,

Estan invitados a una noche muy especial…

Barcelona Connect y EuroCircle Barcelona se complacen en anunciar su primer evento conjunto: “Nuevas Oportunidades de Trabajo”.

Te esperamos el miércoles 17 de julio, desde las 19:00 hs. en el elegante y céntrico bar “La Martinera”.

Recibirás valiosos consejos e información actualizada para tu búsqueda de trabajo de especialistas/”headhunters” en desarrollo profesional. Además, tendrás la posibilidad de conversar personalmente con ellos en un ambiente informal.

Te recibiremos con una copa de cava de bienvenida y unos deliciosos aperitivos; además, estarás participando de varios sorteos con premios tales como una cena para dos, un masaje aromaterapéutico y muchos otros que iremos anunciando en las próximas dos semanas.

Si bien la primer ponencia comienza a las 20:00 hs., te sugerimos que vengas temprano para ampliar tu red de contactos y conversar con los ponentes.

Los ponentes confirmados son:
Europe Language Jobs (www.europelanguagejobs.com)
Talent Search People (www.talentsearchpeople.com)

Entrada: €10 a ser pagados en la puerta del bar. Incluye una copa de cava de bienvenida, aperitivos y sorteos.

Por favor regístrate

Te esperamos!
Por cualquier consulta, puedes contactarnos en barcelona@eurocircle.com, francesca@barcelonaconnect.com o al 692213669.

EuroCircle Barcelona
y Barcelona Connect