[Duke Castile]

Thedude3737 - After reading what some of these other guys are saying about the rivalry between Spanish people and Catalans, and given your fluent Spanish, do you think maybe you were mistaken for a Spaniard?

[bojangles]

Good luck lad, you know who to shout if you make a trip to good old blighty

[WanderingSoul]

(08-14-2013 06:37 PM)Fisto Wrote:  

Thedude3737 - After reading what some of these other guys are saying about the rivalry between Spanish people and Catalans, and given your fluent Spanish, do you think maybe you were mistaken for a Spaniard?

He works as a chef in LA, they probably thought he was Mexican and wanted to go slummin lol.

Had a Japanese friend when I was in Spain. He worked in the kitchen of a restaurant
with a bunch of Mexicans. Everyone would make fun of him and tell him he talked like a Mexican. Then he'd proceed to get wasted and run around butt naked. Good ole Japanese fun right there.

Ill share my experience in Spain when I'm not typing on my phone. I was there for three months, but it was almost ten years ago.

[Duke Castile]

(08-15-2013 12:25 AM)RioNomad Wrote:  

(08-14-2013 06:37 PM)Fisto Wrote:  

Thedude3737 - After reading what some of these other guys are saying about the rivalry between Spanish people and Catalans, and given your fluent Spanish, do you think maybe you were mistaken for a Spaniard?

He works as a chef in LA, they probably thought he was Mexican and wanted to go slummin lol.

Had a Japanese friend when I was in Spain. He worked in the kitchen of a restaurant
with a bunch of Mexicans. Everyone would make fun of him and tell him he talked like a Mexican. Then he'd proceed to get wasted and run around butt naked. Good ole Japanese fun right there.

Ill share my experience in Spain when I'm not typing on my phone. I was there for three months, but it was almost ten years ago.

The last thing I want to do is read a 10 year old story about how there are "Two" different Barcelonas

The one the tourists see, and the one you get to know after you've been there for awhile.

[Veloce]

(08-14-2013 06:37 PM)Fisto Wrote:  

Thedude3737 - After reading what some of these other guys are saying about the rivalry between Spanish people and Catalans, and given your fluent Spanish, do you think maybe you were mistaken for a Spaniard?

Not at all. I don't look like any Spaniard, not even the blue eyed Celtic spaniards. And my Spanish isn't THAT good...

I wouldn't call it a "rivalry" per se between Spaniards and Catalanes. It's the inclusiveness factor. During Franco's rule until '75 he was a big proponent of cultural homogeny and made attempts at outlawing many traditional Catalan cultural aspects; language, music, food, etc. Of course enforced by executions during the earlier part of his rule. There are still many grandparents in the Catalan region that remember this all too well.

That's the only explanation I have for the inclusiveness to Catalan culture. I think they just want to stick to their own thing and not have to mind outsiders too much, but there are other forum member who are more knowledgeable than I.

I met some Spaniards from Valencia and Galicia and they were much friendlier, but again this just might have been a fluke so take this with a grain of salt. Just charge in there and see for yourself; you might have a drastically different experience than I.

Some recommended keywords and phrases:

"Quisiera"=I would like (polite)
"Quisiera una Caña"=I would like a beer

"Dame" (as in DAH-meh)=give me (more assertive, direct, for a nightclub setting)
"Dame un glop"=give me a shot

"Ven conmigo a..."= Come with me to..."mi apartamento/mi casa/otro bar"

"Pareces nerviosa" = you seem nervous

if things start moving along, you can throw down...

"Somos una buena pareja" = we make a good couple

Or a total cheeseball line, yes I said this to a Catalan girl:
"Tus ojos son como las estrellas"

I was pushing the beta game pretty hard, seeing what worked and what didn't. It got a good laugh and a makeout session.

[WanderingSoul]

Its true, there are definitely two Thailand's. Luckily, I live in the one that doesn't included getting blowjobs from ladyboy prostitutes. Maybe I can get my Japanese friend to put a wig on for you the next time he gets drunk and naked.

[Duke Castile]

(08-15-2013 12:43 AM)RioNomad Wrote:  

Its true, there are definitely two Thailand's. Luckily, I live in the one that doesn't included getting blowjobs from ladyboy prostitutes. Maybe I can get my Japanese friend to put a wig on for you the next time he gets drunk and naked.

Yeah, you are lucky. Your Thailand includes a rich gf that buys larger and larger clothes to fit around your ever widening ass!

Damn....

I can't believe you went straight for the jugular like that....haha

[WanderingSoul]

What? You didn't see the little kiss I gave you after lol?

[Julio]

(08-14-2013 04:27 PM)Fisto Wrote:  

Julio - Do you recommend OKcupid then?

Yes, for english speaking girls.

For spanish girls use Blendr on your iphone and Twoo /POF.

Keep me posted if you come to Madrid and wants to try the nightlife here

[Aliblahba]

(08-14-2013 04:27 PM)Fisto Wrote:  

Alli - Go fuck yourself

I was only trying to help.

[ChrisGambi]

Get michael thomas spanish off its money

[TravelHardcore]

You just know this thread will be epic again. If by any bad luck I'd be forced to return to Europe early, I'll hit you up there for sure. Hope you can pick up some decent Spanish-Spanish there as well. I'll be starting to study that soon too.

[Vacancier Permanent]

That's going to be one awesome trip Fisto. You've set the bar very high with your DR and specially SEA exploits, so I'm hoping you can at least match the same in Barcelona.

Just one advice, even if you're not a footie fan, go watch a match or two or 10 at the Camp Nou of FC Barcelona. You will be mesmerized by the skills of the players specially watching them live.

Other than that, have a blast amigo!

Suerte!

[Sp5]

Prediction: you won't rack up the numbers, but will be drawn into deeper relationships, because: (1) it will take on average more time to get women into bed, and (2) you will find more affinity, more education, and thus more that are worth spending more time with.

If you like "champagne" type sparkling wine, you can drink enormous amounts of cava, like Freixenet and Cordoniu, because it's 3 euro a bottle.

New Year's Eve in Barcelona is a wonderful outdoor drinking party, just don't get hit on the head by an empty bottle of cava when the crowd is throwing them onto a pile on the Ramblas.

You should watch the great 1994 Witt Stillman movie Barcelona to get you in the mood.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109219/

[Justice Beaver]

(08-15-2013 06:44 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  

That's going to be one awesome trip Fisto. You've set the bar very high with your DR and specially SEA exploits, so I'm hoping you can at least match the same in Barcelona.

Just one advice, even if you're not a footie fan, go watch a match or two or 10 at the Camp Nou of FC Barcelona. You will be mesmerized by the skills of the players specially watching them live.

Other than that, have a blast amigo!

Suerte!

Definitely agree, even if Fisto isn't a football (soccer) fan, seeing playing Barcelona play at Camp Nou has got to be in the "things to do before you die" list lol 100,000 pack into the stadium, and you really feel the buzz from the fans, it's breathtaking.

I've only been to Barcelona once, and for a one week holiday, but Fisto, you should definitely check out a place called "Las Ramblas" it's a massive street that is mainly a touristy kind of area, but would also be amazing place for day game

[Duke Castile]

I'm definitely going to see some football matches! I'm down to do it all.

[thegmanifesto]

(08-16-2013 03:21 PM)Justice Beaver Wrote:  

Definitely agree, even if Fisto isn't a football (soccer) fan, seeing playing Barcelona play at Camp Nou has got to be in the "things to do before you die" list lol 100,000 pack into the stadium, and you really feel the buzz from the fans, it's breathtaking.

I've only been to Barcelona once, and for a one week holiday, but Fisto, you should definitely check out a place called "Las Ramblas" it's a massive street that is mainly a touristy kind of area, but would also be amazing place for day game

Wholeheartedly disagree.

Las Ramblas is the worst street in all of Barcelona, arguably the planet.

The only purpose it has is to jog down it as a direct route to the water or to watch tourists get hustled at three-card-monte for old times sake.

Fisto, avoid at all costs.

[Justice Beaver]

(08-16-2013 04:39 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  

(08-16-2013 03:21 PM)Justice Beaver Wrote:  

Definitely agree, even if Fisto isn't a football (soccer) fan, seeing playing Barcelona play at Camp Nou has got to be in the "things to do before you die" list lol 100,000 pack into the stadium, and you really feel the buzz from the fans, it's breathtaking.

I've only been to Barcelona once, and for a one week holiday, but Fisto, you should definitely check out a place called "Las Ramblas" it's a massive street that is mainly a touristy kind of area, but would also be amazing place for day game

Wholeheartedly disagree.

Las Ramblas is the worst street in all of Barcelona, arguably the planet.

The only purpose it has is to jog down it as a direct route to the water or to watch tourists get hustled at three-card-monte for old times sake.

Fisto, avoid at all costs.

Each to their own, different experiences from different people create different outcomes, if he doesn't like it, then fine, but I believe it's a good suggestion. As for the worst street in the world, I think that is a bit of an exaggeration.

[thegmanifesto]

Suggesting Las Ramblas in Barcelona is like suggesting Times Square in NYC.

If you wouldn't have said, "I've only been to Barcelona once, and for a one week holiday" I would have guessed it. Hell, I would have bet a few G's on it.

Only someone who doesn't know Barcelona would give that advice, like someone who doesn't know Miami Beach would suggest Ocean Drive.

Not trying to be harsh here, but I have to call out terrible advice when I see it.

[Justice Beaver]

(08-16-2013 05:22 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  

Suggesting Las Ramblas in Barcelona is like suggesting Times Square in NYC.

If you wouldn't have said, "I've only been to Barcelona once, and for a one week holiday" I would have guessed it. Hell, I would have bet a few G's on it.

Only someone who doesn't know Barcelona would give that advice, like someone who doesn't know Miami Beach would suggest Ocean Drive.

Not trying to be harsh here, but I have to call out terrible advice when I see it.

I understand what you are saying Mr. Manifesto but I guess I would call this a gentleman's disagreement. Even if it was a week, three months or year, i'm sure with your experience, as you know, when you hit the ground running, you get results, so time frames don't matter. I'm sure there are ton's of guys that have gamed in those places and got great results, and with all due respect, Times Square, Ocean Drive & Las Ramblas are all in completely different settings.

[Vicious]

The pick pockets run rampant on Las Ramblas . Even if you are a big dude I wouldn't recommend going there. I have several stories of people close being lifted in some way there, including a sibling. These are some of the most accomplished thieves in Europe at this sort of thing and they run in packs and are highly coordinated.

The one reason I would visit Las Ramblas is to go to the open market (La Boqueria) which is on the right side going down to the sea about halfway down. They have fantastic jamon iberico de belota, fresh fruit drinks and seafood.

[Soma]

FWIW, I'm extremely careful about getting pickpocketed, almost to the point of neurosis, and the only place I've ever been successfully pickpocketed was Barcelona. Admittedly, I was very drunk, it was 3am and I was wearing only underwear, but that's a story for another time.

[ChrisGambi]

don't think any of thise scrowny romanians would dare pickpocket fisto, but their skills are amazing. there s a cool travel ch doc about them.

there are amazing shoring oportunities in barca, there are tons of eastern bloc, colombianas and brazilian chicks plying their trade, and these chix love big, alpha type guys, have had the greatest times with them. a little fewer than before the crisis but still plenty.

also there's a gym chain called dir or dyr that is amazing, puts gold in santa monica to shame, one of their branches has an awese outdoor pool perfect to meet chix.

finally the local dudes are among the most likable in eu, unlike italian scum they are not overly protective of their chix (just watch the jersey shore episode in florence)

[Vicious]

Eh, the robber gangs are locals and thinking you are immune due to size is just what they want you to think m

[TravelHardcore]

(08-16-2013 04:39 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  

Las Ramblas is the worst street in all of Barcelona, arguably the planet.

The only purpose it has is to jog down it as a direct route to the water or to watch tourists get hustled at three-card-monte for old times sake.

I can't believe tourists are getting ripped off by these people. It's such an obvious scam. I found it amusing to observe them for a while.

It's so clear who is in on it after 2 minutes. All the 'pretend players' looked like Eastern Europeans and even their acting was horrible when they "won" or occasionally "fake lost" the game.

I saw an older Indian guy lose €150 ($200) in 3 games while his wife was pleading with him not to play anymore. What a sucker.