I’ve lived in Catalonia for 8 years. There are 5 things...
If your idea of Spain is eating paella, dancing flamenco, and improving your Spanish, Catalonia might surprise you.Even those who have visited the regional capital, Barcelona, might have missed what makes Spain's second most populated region different from the rest of the country.I wasn't prepared when, in 2016, I moved to Catalonia from Madrid with…
Barcelona is banning Airbnbs. Other European cities have cracked down already...
In July, thousands of Spaniards took to the streets of Barcelona to protest overtourism. Protesters squirted water from toy guns at visitors sitting at sidewalk cafés.The demonstration was the culmination of years of surging visitor numbers and rising housing and other living costs in the seaside metropolis. Barcelona's mayor has declared skyrocketing rents and home…
Protesters spray water guns at tourists in Barcelona as thousands rally...
Protesters swarmed the streets of Barcelona to condemn mass tourism, which they blame for skyrocketing rent prices and the city becoming "unliveable."Multiple outlets reported that thousands of protesters, including more than 150 organizations, marched through Barcelona on Saturday.Photos showed protesters carrying signs that read, "Barcelona is not for sale" and "Tourists go home." Protesters in…
I caught my employee secretly working a second remote job. Here’s...
This as-told-to essay is based on an email conversation with Patrick Synge, the cofounder and CCO of the business-process-outsourcing and remote-recruitment company Metrickal. The business is headquartered in Barcelona and has 10 full time, fully remote employees, in addition to more than 200 contractors worldwide. The following has been edited for length and clarity.I'm the…
I’m excited to leave the US and pursue a new life...
After visiting Barcelona in 2016, I couldn't stop thinking about the city, so now I'm moving there.Landing a Digital Nomad Visa and an apartment in my desired area hasn't been easy so far.As a Black woman with a chronic illness, I'm surprised how diverse and accessible the city is. Thanks for signing up! Access your favorite…
The key to solving loneliness and pollution might be giving up...
Barcelona is a decade into transforming many of its streets into green, car-light public spaces.The effort is admired by urban planners around the world and could be a model for US cities.Americans are increasingly demanding dense, walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods. Loading Something is loading. Thanks for signing up! Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed…
Zero income tax and tight security makes Dubai one of the...
Dubai is one of the best cities for a working vacation, or "workation," a study found.The city scored highly in terms of tax, safety, and mobility.Dubai is known for strict law-enforcement policies and has a zero-tolerance policy on crime. Loading Something is loading. Thanks for signing up! Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while…
Barack and Michelle Obama spotted enjoying a special date night at...
The Obamas were spotted enjoying a date night at a Bruce Springsteen concert in Barcelona. Barack and Michelle Obama were seen dancing together at the side of the stage. The former first lady also joined "The Boss" onstage to sing backup vocals and play the tambourine. Loading Something is loading. Thanks for signing up! Access…
I bought a second home in Spain for $250,000 because I...
Michael Steven Grant and his partner bought a second home in Sitges, a town near Barcelona, Spain. The couple still lives in the US and are able to visit for extended periods because of remote work. Grant, who plans to retire in Spain, shares some advice for buying a home overseas. Loading Something is loading.…
