Barcelona, Spain

I am finally here!

Ah, Barcelona, Spain looks so beautiful in the sunshine.

Located on the Mediterranean Sea, this port city has a rich history and is a popular tourist destination,

drawing visitors from all over the world.

Ah, there's Antoni Gaudi's Sagrada Familia.

I'm on the morning commuter train heading to Barcelona.

I bet that most of these passengers are on their way to work.

That man seems to be working already.

And that woman looks as though she might have enjoyed a very late night out.

And here we are! In Barcelona!

It's now 8:30 in the morning.

Even though it's still early, the air in the station is already hot...

Good morning.

Are you on your way to work?

Yes, to work.

Is it always hot like this?

Yes, the heat goes on till September.

Oh, wow!

Bye.

Have a good day.

Well, I guess I'll brave the summer heat and start my tour of Barcelona.

Let's see now... First, I'd like to head over towards the sea.

Want to check my map first...

I left the station, and now I'm headed towards the port.

I'm here now.

La Rambla, a boulevard that is popular with tourists is a bit further ahead.

Ah, look at that sailboat.

I wonder how many places it has sailed to...

Just look at all the yachts over there!

And beyond the pier...

Hmm? I wonder what those women are doing?

Aha. It looks like they're feeding the fish.

There sure are a lot of them!

Good morning.

Good morning.

May I ask what you're feeding the fish?

Indian chapati. It’s like bread.

Like nan?

Yes, but thinner.

Are you feeding them, so they'll fatten up and be good for eating?

No, of course not.

Oh, sorry.

Though if fishermen
catch them they’ll sell them.

We just feed them.

So, you just enjoy feeding the fish!

They seem to love the chapati.

Thanks! Nice talking with you!

- You’re welcome.
- See you again.

Bye!

It looks like a great way to enjoy the day.

Even though it's early, there are so many people on the street!

And here I am on the tree-lined pedestrian walkway known as La Rambla.

It is wonderfully delightful.

Hmm? Is that a cafe over there?

Beer? Sangria?

Japanese?

What!?

"Konnichiwa. Kamsahamnida."

What!?

"Arigato."

How did COVID affect you?

It was bad for two years.
I stayed home in bed.

I see.

It’s gotten better since March.
But business is still light.

So customers are not returning yet?

Usually in this season
the seats would be full.

I wouldn’t have time to talk to you.

Hopefully more customers will be coming soon.

Yes.

Nice talking to you.

I wish you luck.

Thank you.

Bye.

Bye.

So, it seems that these seats would normally be full of customers.

Oh, this restaurant serves Spanish fare like paella and fresh ham!

And over here... Looks like a souvenir shop?

And the one over here is a flower shop.

Just look at the variety of colors!

On the other side is a flower shop too.

Oh, look at the nice flower arrangement, she's making!

Good morning.

Good morning.

Pardon me for interrupting you!

How are you?

I'm fine, thank you.

Beautiful arrangement!

I'm delivering these
this morning.

It's beautiful.

This appears to be a great location!

My great-grandmother opened
this shop. It’s our family business.

M-hm. That means...

Four generations.

Wow! For four generations!

We’ve always sold flowers
at this same spot.

How amazing!

My great-grandmother was Carolina.
So was my grandmother.

My mom is Carolina,
and I’m Carolina.

Always Carolina here.

Four generations of Carolinas!

Are most of your customers tourists?

We also have local customers.

That's great!

We make bouquets for weddings.

We decorate hotels and restaurants.

So we’re indirectly
involved with tourism.

I see.

During the pandemic, the hotels
and restaurants were closed.

The lack of tourism hurt us greatly.

Yes, that must have been a hard time!

But then people came
from other districts to buy flowers here,
and they saved this shop.

Ah, a happy ending!

Show of kindness was one
good aspect of the pandemic.

So, you're able to keep your spirits up due to your wonderful customers!

I love my work.
I can’t live without this shop.

I enjoyed talking with you so much!

My pleasure. Come again.

I certainly will!

Thank you.

Bye.

How wonderful that the generosity of the city's residents helped save that flower shop!

It seems that the people of Barcelona are wonderfully warmhearted!

I think I'll check out one of the side streets around here.

This street looks inviting!

I think I'll check it out!

Let's see.

According to my guidebook...

This area is the historic center of the old city known as the Gothic Quarter.

Established during the Roman Era, this district of Barcelona has the longest history and still retains the atmosphere of the old townscape.

Hmm, definitely feels historic!

What's that? Sounds like a flute!

Hello.

Hi.

Hmm? Ah, it's the flute again!

Oh, it's that lady with the bicycle.

Is she a street musician?

Is something about to begin?

I was expecting you. Hold on.

Huh? What's going on?

Ah it's a pan flute!

I’ve got many.

Okay, I’ll park the bike.

Hello.

I’ll bring my knives later.

Okay.

Knives?

- Over here?
- Yes.

- Here you go.
- Okay.

Thanks.

Excuse me.

May I ask what's going on?

This is a knife sharpener
turned with my bicycle.

With your bicycle?

Watch. I strap a leather
band on the wheel.

Now I’m ready.

Like this.

I go around restaurants and bars
to sharpen their knives.

I've never heard of sharpening knives with a bicycle.

This is an old method
that I’ve revived.

Knives were sharpened
this way in the past.

- Eh?
- I’ll run it now. Watch.

And what about your pan flute?

It’s to draw customers.
It’s an old way, but it works.

It really resounds.

The sound tells them that
the knife sharpener is here.

Got it!

Oh, it's starting.

Pedaling the bicycle turns the sharpening stone.

That's so fascinating!

Looks like it really sharpens the knives!

Ah, it's human powered and eco-friendly.

Perfect for the SDG era, Sustainable Development Goal.

How long does it take to sharpen one knife?

3 minutes on average,
though it depends on the shape.

3 minutes for this size.
10 minutes for a larger one.

And you have to continuously pedal...

Great for keeping fit without dieting!

I get thirsty. I need
water when I’m done.

I bet!

Since it’s so hot.

Of course.

Oh, hello.

Hello.

Do you have done this often?

We need our knives sharpened
routinely. It’s good that she comes.

It must be convenient.

How did you fare during the COVID lockdown?

Restaurants were closed except
for take-out, so I had no work.

I got out my pan flute
and got work from neighbors.

They needed sharp knives
‘cuz they were cooking at home.

Bet they were happy to have their knives professionally sharpened.

They were quite happy.

They needed sharp knives
for home cooking.

Of course.

It was a tough time, but
I got to know more of my neighbors.

I also had my close customers.

So, you survived the crisis with new ideas, and also made new acquaintances.

Thank you for talking with me!

Thanks for taking interest.

Keep up the good work.

Take care.

Thanks. Bye.

Thank you too.

Bye.

So, she uses the pan flute to draw in customers and sharpens knives with her bicycle.

It may be an old method but it's a new idea to me!

Hello, how are you?

I hope you are enjoying your tour of Barcelona.

My name is Carlos Pascual, and I'm a tour guide here.

Many people from all over the world come to Barcelona, and they all are eager to see this amazing structure!

It's the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, the quintessential work by the genius Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi, and a World Heritage Site.

Construction on the building began in 1882 and continues still today.

There are many other a buildings designed by Gaudi in Barcelona.

This is Casa Mila.

It was built as a residence for business owners and it too, is a World Heritage Site.

And in the center of the city at Plaza Real is a lamppost designed by Gaudi.

Here is Casa Vicens, one of his early works and also a World Heritage Site.

And there are many more.

Many of our visitors say "Gaudi is great!" and "Hmm..."

Gaudi's ideas are so unique.

But actually, part of the work was done, not by Gaudi himself, but by another architectural genius.

His name was Josep Maria Jujol.

He was 27 years younger than Gaudi and was his apprentice.

Here is Casa Mila.

Jujol's innovative styling adds flair to this building.

This unique balcony decoration, looking like vines entwined on the building, is also Jujol's work.

Just look at this ceiling!

It's like a rippling sea surface turned upside down.

This unconventional pattern was also designed by Jujol.

This is Casa Batllo, another popular tourist attraction as well as a World Heritage Site.

The exterior design is incredibly exquisite.

The wall is decorated to present a different appearance, depending on the sunlight.

If you look closely, you can see the patterns are created by the shattered glass.

This is also Jujol's work.

As you see, Jujol took on the role of adding rich embellishments to Gaudi's works and enhancing their artistic value.

A church designed by Jujol stands in a provincial village.

While Gaudi mainly worked on large-scale projects in urban areas, Jujol usually worked on projects for farmers and the common people.

Thus, despite his talents, he was never able to gain fame during his lifetime.

This modest church is treasured by the people living in the village and is known as "the other" Sagrada Familia".

How was it?

When you view Gaudi's masterpieces, be sure to remember that there was another genius who supported Gaudi.

Don't forget!

Gracias! Adios! We'll be expecting you.

It's now 1:30 in the afternoon.

Time to check my map.

From the port, I strolled along La Rambla, chatted with a flower vender whose shop has been in the family for four generations,

found the woman who sharpens knives with her bicycle and now, I am here.

I think I'll tour the old town a little bit more.

Though shutters are closed, it seems that the buildings along this street all consist of retailers on the ground floor, and residential apartments on the upper floors.

The sky is so clear, and it feels great.

It's a perfect day for a walking tour.

Hmm, is that woman out shopping with her dog?

Hello.

Hello.

Huh? What are those two doing?

Angle lower.

Oh.

Hello.

Lower.

Zoom in more.
And be careful of cars.

Hello.

Hello.

Are you posting on the web?

Yes.

What kind of photos?

Shots with this croissant.

This bakery makes the best-tasting
croissants in the world.

Uh-huh... They're that good?

That's the one? Do you live here?

Yes, from Barcelona.

Oh. What about the photographer you were directing?

He’s Greek.

Greek?

But he lives here.

Huh?

Are you friends?

He’s my partner.

We met via an on-line chess game.

On the internet?

Chess.

M-hm. So you met on-line.

And then???

Then we met directly,
and now he lives here.

So, I guess, you fell in love?

We introduced ourselves to each other.

Our names, our work,
our nationalities.

M-hm. What attracted you to her?

I liked her from the start.

She was a good person. She still is.

We exchanged photos
and she looked attractive.

Videos too.

We talked by phone and on the web.

That’s how our love grew.

Fascinating!

So the lockdown nurtured your relationship!

Yes, that’s where it started.

So, you two are kind of "thanks to Covid!"

It’s thanks to COVID, yes.

What an interesting way to start a relationship.

You two look good together!

Thank you. Bye.

Bye.

Ahh, seems like they have a good thing going!

M-hm.

She is gregarious, and he seems to be a bit shy.

It appears to work for them.

Interesting what attracts people to each other.

Here I am at a plaza.

People are strolling, riding bicycles, all enjoying the afternoon in their own styles.

Just want to check the guidebook.

This is La Plaza de la Catedral.

"Barcelona cathedral, the landmark of the old town, stands overlooking the plaza.

The cathedral is a masterpiece in Gothic architecture, its construction starting in 1298 and taking 150 years to complete."

And there it is!

It's a masterpiece, all right.

Everybody is here to see this, I guess.

Just a minute.

It says that there is a mural that is very popular with young tourists on a street north of the plaza.

The "kiss mural".

What could that be?

I'm really interested to see that!

Ah, It must be up there... the wall at the end of the street.

Are all these people here to see the "kiss mural" too?

Whoa! There it is!

Yep, it is a kissing mural! Very effective!

Ah, they're taking pictures.

Probably going to post it on the web!

And now they are kissing!

Certain to attract likes on the web!

Hello.

Hmm? It's made of small pieces of tile.

Let's see...

"This street art consists of 4,000 photos of ‘moments of freedom' taken by residents, made into tiles and assembled by local artists."

Just look at all the different photos!

"Ever since its installation in 2014, young people began posting photos of themselves kissing in front of the mural on social media, and it has now become a new tourist attraction in Barcelona."

How much fun is that!

I wonder if they feel that the fact that they kissed here, strengthens their love?

It's true! They ALL kiss here.

Obviously it is better to come here with a partner...

Would you like me to take your photo?

I guess you really don't need me.

Where are you from?

Hello.

She’s Italian. I’m Colombian.

Oh my! So, this mural is famous overseas?

Do you know the meaning of this mural?

Yes.

It symbolizes what’s
essential for humans.

The sound of a kiss is louder
than the sound of cannons.

The message is that
a kiss overpowers war.

Oh, is that true?

Love is the most important, right?

Yes, I can agree with that.

May I ask if you are married?

- Not yet.
- A little later.

I am sure you will have a bright future!

- Yes.
- Thanks.

Bye. Take care.

Hello. How are you doing?

That couple was saying, "a kiss overpowers war."

I like that way of thinking.

Well, I am now far away from old town.

The stores here all look closed.

This one is also shuttered!

That store on the corner also appears to have closed.

The one next to it is shuttered too.

And the one further down.

It's a street of closed shutters.

I wonder if the reason these businesses are shut down is due to COVID?

Oh, that store is open!

I wonder what kind of store it is.

Look at all the shoes on display.

It must be a shoe store!

Excuse me.

Hello.

May I have a moment of your time?

Sure. No problem.

Hello.

Hello.

This is a shoe store, right?

Yes, we make shoes here.

Ah. You’re shoemakers.

Yes, we two do all the work.

All our shoes are handmade.

Fantastic!

It seems that many of the stores here have closed.

Many stores have closed due to COVID.

But new stores have opened too.
We opened 6 months ago.

We found this outlet vacant
due to the pandemic.

Oh??

So, new tenants were welcomed, due to the vacancies?

Yes. Very low rent was offered.

So it was a good chance for us.

Ahh, the COVID crisis offered you a chance!

I'd like to see your shoes.

Sure. Come inside.

Thank you.

Wow. There are so many different designs here.

All our shoes are unisex,
for both men and women.

These designs are just amazing!

Oh, this one is cute.

And each pair is handmade...

Did you start out wanting to do this kind of work?

No, we studied architecture
together in college.

We had both worked
for 12 years as architects.

Architects?

Yes.

An unrelated field?

We see a relation, since
shoes are like small houses.

Our feet need properly
constructed shoes.

We use protective material,
just like in architecture.

We apply our architectural
knowledge to our shoes.

May I ask if you are married?

We aren’t married.

We’ve worked together a long
time, so we decided to continue.

So, you're perfect partners!

Please continue making your fabulous shoes!

Thank you. See you again.

Bye.

Shoes are like small houses, she said.

I'm sure shoes made with that concept are comfortable to wear.

My name is Jaime.

This is a wonderfully charming city!

And there is so much to see and enjoy here!

Today, I'd like to invite you to one of my favorite places for enjoying the best of Barcelona cuisine.

Follow me and you'll see it.

My third best pick is patatas bravas.

Spicy hot potatoes.

It's a simple dish of potatoes roasted and then fried, topped with a spicy sauce of tomato and hot pepper.

The potatoes are piping hot.

Be careful, don't burn yourself!

The taste of potatoes with spicy sauce is addictive!

And it tastes better with chilled beer.

Ah, the perfect match.

Hmm...

He's snuck out again.

My second best pick is boquerones, which are marinated anchovies.

It's a dish of fresh fatty anchovies marinated in vinegar, typical for a seaside town.

Olive oil is added to make the taste mild.

Just look at how cute these anchovies look all lined up on the plate.

Mmm.

These anchovies go so well with white wine.

Where did that man go?

When I find him he's going to be in trouble.

Nothing is better than eating like this.

Even better than being with my wife.

Red wine!

Here's my top pick, pulpo con hummus y chorizo, best to have with red wine.

Spicy chorizo and fresh octopus are stir-fried, and set over a mound of chickpea paste.

Paprika is sprinkled on to add flavor.

Mmm, the octopus is so soft and mixed with chorizo, it becomes something very exquisite as well as being nutritious.

We Barcelona men know how to enjoy life, by eating delicious food and drinking well.

And the wife says nothing.

Uhihihihi.

Hey, what are you doing here?

I was just thinking about how to express my love for you.

How about, "I love you!"

Stoping silly!

I am about ready to end this relationship here and now.

You are in danger.

Danger!

I'm sorry.

Forgive me.

Forgive me.

The time is now 3 PM.

Where's the map?

I talked to a couple who found each other on the web, saw the mesmerizing kiss mural, stopped over at a newly opened shoe shop,

and now I am here.

This area colored green is Montjuic, the main site of the Barcelona Olympic Games.

I think I'll head in that direction.

Ahh look at those stairs.

I bet Montjuic is up at the top.

Let me check the guidebook.

"Montjuic, the hill which was the main venue for the Barcelona Olympic Games in 1992, has since been remodeled into a park with sporting facilities,

and is now a place that can be enjoyed by all."

Uh-huh.

Ah, there's a tunnel!

What are those people doing on the walls?

Oh, I get it, the walls are designed to be climbed.

Let's see...

"This facility was set up by the city and the sports association in 2004 for the enjoyment of both veterans and beginners of sport climbing,

in light of the increase in sport climbers at the time."

That's interesting!

Hello. Do you come here often?

Yes. I like it because it’s free.

It's free?

Isn't it scary up there?

Yes, a lot of adrenaline.

That must be exhausting.

I’ll be going straight
to bed tonight.

I'm sure.

Go, go.

He's defying gravity.

You’re going good.

Oh, no!

Oooh, no!!

How are your hands?

Well, my hands are okay.

The stain is from the rope.

Our hands are shaking
from gripping the rope.

I can see that.

It requires a lot of strength!

Please don't get hurt!

Yes, we’re always careful.

Bye.

Bye.

Oh these guys seem to be relaxing after all their effort!

Well, I've come a long way up the hill!

Oh, look up there, a whole bunch of people!

Ahh, they're all enjoying the view!

I'd like to see!

Excuse me, I'd like to check it out.

Oh, oh my! Stunning!

The Mediterranean Sea!

What a great view!

I can even see the whole city!

And there's the Sagrada Familia.

Its presence is awesome.

It's now 7:00 PM.

I've come down the hill from the Olympic site of Montjuic and I am now in a residential area.

This area is definitely a residential atmosphere.

There's a lot of greenery.

Is that a flower garden alongside the staircase?

It looks like they are carefully tending to it.

Hello.

Hello.

May I ask what you're doing?

We’re planting seedlings and seeds.

Are you going to plant that?

This is Plectranthus, a herb.
The leaves give off aroma.

M-hm. Is this your garden?

We share it.

Among neighbors.

A community garden?

This was an abandoned lot.

It was dry and full of weeds.

And he proposed to
make it into a garden.

What do you plant here?

Here are flowers, and
here are baby tomatoes.

This one has grown a bit.
We plant various breeds.

Uh-huh.

We grow pumpkins and zucchini.

Potatoes too.

And also bell peppers.

Nice!

Sometimes people steal them.

Eh? After all the effort you all have put into it?

That's terrible!

It’s okay. If we see them
we invite them to join us.

"If you want tomatoes,
help us on Tuesdays."

We just let things be.

So you don't yell at them.

You guys are great!

Do you all live around here?

We’re French.

Portuguese, Italian...

He’s from Barcelona.

You're an international group.

We all live here in Barcelona now.

Did this garden bring you together?

Neighbors got together
to form a community.

People also join from other
districts, so members keep changing.

We sit on the steps
and have beer together.

And neighbors say hello.

We always have new people joining us.

It’s good that our
circle keeps growing.

So I’m positive about this activity.

Sounds like a lot of fun!

It's a great garden! Thanks!

I hope so. Thank you.

Take care.

Bye, everyone.

Amazing!

They changed a barren plot of ground into a thriving garden!

So they have vegetables, as well as strong international personal bonds.

This group even welcomes vegetable pilferers to the group.

What a great garden!

And now I'm back in old town!

Now, that's an amazing building.

I'd better check the guidebook.

This is...

"Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, a major church of Barcelona, built in the 14th century by sailors praying for safety at sea."

Huh.

Think I'll head that way!

Whah! This building continues for a very long way!

It is a very large church!

Look, it's open!

And the entrance is quite impressive!

Oh, there are some women coming out.

Good evening.

Good evening.

This is quite a huge church!

Yes.

It must be gorgeous inside.

Very beautiful.
It’s a splendid church.

May I ask why you are here?

The daily mass.

It starts at 7:30 every evening.

Your husbands don't come with you?

No.

I’m a widow.

I see.

She’s a nun.

Huh?

I’m a nun.

My husband won’t come.

My husband is in heaven.

I see.

I’m sure.

So, what do you pray for at the daily mass?

We pray for world peace,
and for the people.

We pray for all the people
who are suffering in this world.

From sickness, war, poverty,
and discrimination.

We pray for all who are in pain.

Were you able to pray at the church when the pandemic was at its peak?

Everything was closed.

But we connected via the internet.

The internet?

Services and masses
were held daily online.

We could participate online.

That's interesting!

I bet you were happy when you could finally meet up in person!

We were very happy to
be able to see each other again.

Of course.

It was great talking with you!

You’re welcome. Bye.

Bye.

They pray daily for all who suffer in the world.

I hope their prayers are answered, and that there will be peace in the world.

And hopefully fewer people will suffer.

I've walked five minutes from the old town, and I'm feeling the ocean breeze.

Just up ahead is the sea.

Ah. It's a sandy beach.

Look at all the people sitting together and enjoying each other.

It's an ordinary sight to see, and yet I feel that it is so precious!

They look like they're having fun!

Wow! It's already 9 PM and it's not dark yet.

In this city, one day is so long!

All the people I have met today in Barcelona seem to be celebrating the bonds that connect them with each other.