The Take It Easy experience in Barcelona

Olive: Delicatessen del Mediterraneo

Situated between the hip El Born and Barceloneta neighborhoods in always stylish Barcelona, Spain is an unassuming narrow boutique where shelves are lined with all things olive. Here at aptly named OLIVE, Delicatessen del Mediterraneo, an awe-inspiring collection of olive oils sit beside a plethora of olive-oil based cosmetics, soaps, creams, gels, and any other olive-related product one can dream up. Sourced mainly from Spain, in addition to France and Italy, this olive smorgasbord is headed up by a charming Frenchman who also pushes organic cosmetics and chic kitchen design goods. So next time you’re keen on taking up a Mediterranean diet, make a b-line to Barcelona to stock up at OLIVE’s.

Barcelona’s Cuines Santa-Caterina

When Barcelona’s ‘it crowd’ are hankering for some good tucker, I’m pretty sure they head straight to Cuines Santa-Caterina. And why wouldn’t they? Located inside the actual Mercat de Santa Catarina (a fresh produce market) this hip restaurant/bar serves up tasty cuisine from breaky right through to dinner. Ranked as one of Barcelona’s top places to eat and be seen, it’s got several open grills — and you can either sit at the bar, peering into the kitchen, or at large communal tables. Head there early for a tapas-style breakfast, or choose from three oddly grouped cuisines for lunch or dinner: Vegetarian/Sushi, Mediterranean and Asiatic. Thanks to the Scandinavian-inspired decor, you feel like you’re inside a giant warehouse, surrounded by giant shelves topped with boxes, wine, olive oil and vinegar. The prices are surprisingly reasonable, the staff are welcoming, and if you’re there for breakfast, you can hit the market with a full tummy afterwards. Read more

Exxasens

I can’t really get into bands like Pelican and Isis, but somehow Exxasens, an epic, post-rock outfit from Barcelona (how would you say their name in Spanish?) rub me the right way. They’re much more uptempo, with interesting harmony lines and counter-melodies weaving in and out. I guess the closest comparison is Mogwai, but they sound more like space than the rolling highlands.

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Daniel Santiago Salguero

Young Colombian artist and photographer Daniel Santiago Salguero creates images from simple digital photographs to personal diaries which drive a world of imagination, colors and unique perspectives.

El Cosmonauta: the first participatory film in Spain

Cosmonaut is a feature film project by Riot Cinema Collective and the first participatory film in Spanish cinema to date. The project uses the Internet collaboratively under free Creative Commons licences and, with the help of viewers, aims to create alternative finance, creation and distribution platforms for independent films. By inviting viewers to be a part of the production process of the film and give them access to all content created, Cosmonaut intends to engage the audience and jointly develop a closer and more transparent relationship.

Lollapalooza 2009

The dynamic and interesting metropolis of Chicago was the epicenter of a huge phenomena early this month. Heavy storms of rock and roll mixed with indie winds and intense electro sun rays smashed Grant Park. More than 250,000 people were reported wearing wristbands, fashionista hats, sunglasses and shorts. They danced for three days, non-stop. After an overdose of musical heat and good vibes, the only word they would say was Lollapalooza! [Photo via Frumpyali] Read more