What Economic Downturn?

Kia ora Amigos,

Arrived in Paris today after a couple of days in Lyon and Barcelona.

First impressions of Spain were not of another economically ravished European Union state - in fact, quite the opposite. The shops were full, the streets were pumping, and there was a positive vibe wherever I turned. But walk 5 minutes in any direction from the main strip, and you'll be in the wopps. Liquidation sales, homeless, gone-through rubbish bins - you name it and it would have been there. I stuck out like a sore thumb with my camera and tidy clothes. The tourist label came with its negatives - pickpocketing. I figured that if I thought like one, I would be able see through the many clever plots used by the world's classiest thieves, in the world's pickpocketing capital. They work in groups, and it's often the ones you expect least that will end stealing from you. Anyway, I was certainly eyed out as a tourist, but thankfully I avoided the crime.. There was an attempt to get me, but they failed haha. I suggest watching pickpocketing videos on Youtube.

Spain is currently sitting with about a 25% unemployment rate - higher than that of Greece believe it or not. And with a little exploring it quickly became pretty obvious. and sobering.

All that aside, Barcelona was just a cool city. With a population just over the size of Auckland, and a CBD 10x more crowded, it had a good vibe. The food was amazing too - the paella I had was a million times better than what you'd find down at the farmers markets in Auckland (and the shellfish wasn't Vietnamese ...Ben Appleton...). The tapas - yeah they were stunning too. And all the meals were finished with what seemed like a glass of complimentary Spanish paint-stripper - I can't remember the name of the drink, but it was the most potent alcoholic thing I've had.... to be perfectly honest, it was actually pretty good. Visited a couple of Ghadi buildings too - amazing. For those who don't know, he was an "architect from Catalonia, Spain, who belonged to the Modernisme (Art Nouveau) movement and was famous for his unique style and highly individualistic designs" [wikipedia].

I loved Lyon too, but it was very different to Spain. Definitely ranks as one of my favourite cities in Europe so far. But gutted I wasn't able to meet up with my friend when I was there..

3 hours sleep last night, and 1:15 am here now. Bonsoir.

Yay Maths. Unemployment rate across EU. *Google.

Sagrada Família, by Gaudi. This isn't actually my picture sorry... light was bad that day. From http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9juiqY8b81rvrhzwo1_1280.jpg

The city markets - pickpocket central.

1992 Barcelona Olympic Stadium. For Sam Patchett and Hohwieler.

Rece$$ion.

Amazing tapas.

The token shot. Had to put it up.