Barcelona completely overrated
Aug 23rd, 2016, 04:18 AM
#21
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Just got back from Barcelona and absolutely loved it. Without getting into anything else I am only going to comment on the cleanliness in Barcelona that the OP mis-characterized. We all kept commenting on how clean Barcelona was and what a superb job the authorities do on cleaning the streets. Outside our Eixample apt there appeared to be street cleaning and garbage removal daily. Back in NYC the streets seem far dirtier than Barcelona.
Aug 23rd, 2016, 04:52 AM
#22
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Yep, some people here act like fangirls. They can't stand it when someone says anything negative about their beloved country or city.
Writing a less-than-glowing report about Barcelona or a certain Paris arrondissement unleashes a torrent of mockery and patronizing comments from the know-it-alls.
Writing a less-than-glowing report about Barcelona or a certain Paris arrondissement unleashes a torrent of mockery and patronizing comments from the know-it-alls.
Aug 23rd, 2016, 05:12 AM
#25
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There is a joie de vivre that is unique to Barcelona. The art is in the architecture rather than in the museums and there are layers of history to be found by simply walking the city.
The Catalans have long been independent types and I think is part of why people dislike it.
If cleanliness is a criterion for visiting some place, than go to a computer chip factory. It is not like there are open sewers in Barcelona. And if you need safe, go to Grandma's. You are traveling, not picking a maternity hospital.
I would be curious as to some characteristics as to those who like and dislike Barcelona, such what size town/city they come from? What do they do for a living? And what is there general world view conservative/liberal, without capital letters.
And yes the OP was causing trouble. But I find amusing that people who are anonymous but are frequent posters and often create fights of their own, complain about trolls. As if permanent status affords some sort of immunity.
The Catalans have long been independent types and I think is part of why people dislike it.
If cleanliness is a criterion for visiting some place, than go to a computer chip factory. It is not like there are open sewers in Barcelona. And if you need safe, go to Grandma's. You are traveling, not picking a maternity hospital.
I would be curious as to some characteristics as to those who like and dislike Barcelona, such what size town/city they come from? What do they do for a living? And what is there general world view conservative/liberal, without capital letters.
And yes the OP was causing trouble. But I find amusing that people who are anonymous but are frequent posters and often create fights of their own, complain about trolls. As if permanent status affords some sort of immunity.
Aug 23rd, 2016, 07:26 AM
#27
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We were in Venice last July, when it was sinking under the weight of tourists. I've never been there in the summer before, but I wanted to take my granddaughter there, and July is the only time she can come to Italy.
It was very hot, and many of the vaporettos were uncomfortably crowded, but no one made us feel unwelcome. I actually thought the residents were very patient with tourists smacking them in the face with backpacks and leaning over them to take photos.
It was very hot, and many of the vaporettos were uncomfortably crowded, but no one made us feel unwelcome. I actually thought the residents were very patient with tourists smacking them in the face with backpacks and leaning over them to take photos.
Aug 23rd, 2016, 07:43 AM
#28
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'Yep, some people here act like fangirls. They can't stand it when someone says anything negative about their beloved country or city.'
I don't think it's that at all. It's frustration about unrealistic expectations. Name me a major city anywhere on the planet that doesn't have run down areas, overdue refuse collection or occasional grumpy locals. That place does not exist. The expectation that every part of a city - wherever you choose to stay - should be a Disneyfied picture postcard version with smiling 'helpers' on every corner is totally unrealistic. Also to complain about the number of tourists when you yourself are tourist adding to the melee......seriously? That is not the fault of Barcelona or any other city that gets crowded.
Tourism is only a part of the economy, and everything cannot and will not revolve around your desire to see only the cropped-in images in guidebooks. People have to live and work there too. I also think it's sad when people can't see past the lack of perfection and find some balance with the good bits (the architecture, the food, and so on). In any place, not just Barca.
I don't think it's that at all. It's frustration about unrealistic expectations. Name me a major city anywhere on the planet that doesn't have run down areas, overdue refuse collection or occasional grumpy locals. That place does not exist. The expectation that every part of a city - wherever you choose to stay - should be a Disneyfied picture postcard version with smiling 'helpers' on every corner is totally unrealistic. Also to complain about the number of tourists when you yourself are tourist adding to the melee......seriously? That is not the fault of Barcelona or any other city that gets crowded.
Tourism is only a part of the economy, and everything cannot and will not revolve around your desire to see only the cropped-in images in guidebooks. People have to live and work there too. I also think it's sad when people can't see past the lack of perfection and find some balance with the good bits (the architecture, the food, and so on). In any place, not just Barca.
Aug 23rd, 2016, 08:08 AM
#29
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>> Yep, some people here act like fangirls. They can't stand it when someone says anything negative about their beloved country or city. <<
Of course they do. It works like this:
People read all these "10 best cities in Europe" lists which are so abundantly published by travel websites, magazines and newspapers. Barcelona is always among them, also Sevilla. Madrid not and Cordoba not (although I favour Madrid over Barcelona and Cordoba over Sevilla).
Then, many people who travel to Spain, see nothing but Barcelona and Sevilla, certainly not Madrid and Cordoba. I can tell from hundreds of itineraries which have been posted here. It is not just a phenomen with Spain. For Germany it is even worse, since American guidebooks (includings Fodor's Germany simply ignore three quarters of the country).
But the travellers, when they return, are overwhelmed by what they have seen "Just got back from Barcelona and absolutely loved it"). This is also a kind of self-justification: I have carefully planned my trip would I admit that I chose the wrong destination? And: If I had not seen other places, I cannot rate them and I cannot compare.
What has always puzzled me is why especially the American travel resources are so terribly selective. Are these commercial interests? (Certainly, when Rick Steves, Condé Nast and Fodor's are involved.) Is it a vicious cycle? (First, they write about Barcelona and Sevilla and Cinque Terre and Rothenburg o.d.T. and then the readers expect that they write exactly about those things they already know.)
I am getting increasingly tired on commenting those standard itineraries of American tourists, which reflect the guidebooks and travel websites:
For Spain:
Barcelona - Sevilla - Granada
For Italy:
Rome - Amalfi Coast - Cinque Terre - Florence - Venice
For Germany:
Munich - Neuschwanstein - Rothenburg o.d.T.
For England:
London - Stonehenge - Bath - Cotswolds
etc.
And there are always Fodorite fangirls confirming these beaten paths.
The good thing is that those standard itineraries leave the true gems untouched.
This divides the travellers into two groups: Those who follow the beaten path and love it and those who are more adventurous and find better places. Exactly, members of both groups are posting in this thread. And they will never agree. That is why I predicted, this thread leads to nothing. It is already proven.
Of course they do. It works like this:
People read all these "10 best cities in Europe" lists which are so abundantly published by travel websites, magazines and newspapers. Barcelona is always among them, also Sevilla. Madrid not and Cordoba not (although I favour Madrid over Barcelona and Cordoba over Sevilla).
Then, many people who travel to Spain, see nothing but Barcelona and Sevilla, certainly not Madrid and Cordoba. I can tell from hundreds of itineraries which have been posted here. It is not just a phenomen with Spain. For Germany it is even worse, since American guidebooks (includings Fodor's Germany simply ignore three quarters of the country).
But the travellers, when they return, are overwhelmed by what they have seen "Just got back from Barcelona and absolutely loved it"). This is also a kind of self-justification: I have carefully planned my trip would I admit that I chose the wrong destination? And: If I had not seen other places, I cannot rate them and I cannot compare.
What has always puzzled me is why especially the American travel resources are so terribly selective. Are these commercial interests? (Certainly, when Rick Steves, Condé Nast and Fodor's are involved.) Is it a vicious cycle? (First, they write about Barcelona and Sevilla and Cinque Terre and Rothenburg o.d.T. and then the readers expect that they write exactly about those things they already know.)
I am getting increasingly tired on commenting those standard itineraries of American tourists, which reflect the guidebooks and travel websites:
For Spain:
Barcelona - Sevilla - Granada
For Italy:
Rome - Amalfi Coast - Cinque Terre - Florence - Venice
For Germany:
Munich - Neuschwanstein - Rothenburg o.d.T.
For England:
London - Stonehenge - Bath - Cotswolds
etc.
And there are always Fodorite fangirls confirming these beaten paths.
The good thing is that those standard itineraries leave the true gems untouched.
This divides the travellers into two groups: Those who follow the beaten path and love it and those who are more adventurous and find better places. Exactly, members of both groups are posting in this thread. And they will never agree. That is why I predicted, this thread leads to nothing. It is already proven.
Aug 23rd, 2016, 08:08 AM
#30
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In July I spent 3 days in Berlin.
It was very crowded, very hot and humid, construction everywhere , a couple of museums closed, and (surprisingly ) some areas were dirty.
Had it been my first visit the impression of the city would have been rather negative.
Luckily, I have been several times before ( and intend to return).
It was very crowded, very hot and humid, construction everywhere , a couple of museums closed, and (surprisingly ) some areas were dirty.
Had it been my first visit the impression of the city would have been rather negative.
Luckily, I have been several times before ( and intend to return).
Aug 23rd, 2016, 08:23 AM
#31
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And I bet I know the Paris arrondissements better than you after sleeping in 150 different hotels scattered across all arrondissements over a decade.>>
___________
If you start paying your bills, you will not have to do that.
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If you start paying your bills, you will not have to do that.
Aug 23rd, 2016, 08:27 AM
#32
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I was just there in March, and found it charming. Go figure.
If you'd like a less touristy, more affordable version of Barcelona where absolutely no one speaks English to you, try Valencia sometime.
If you'd like a less touristy, more affordable version of Barcelona where absolutely no one speaks English to you, try Valencia sometime.
Aug 23rd, 2016, 08:32 AM
#33
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s: "Those who follow the beaten path and love it and those who are more adventurous and find better places. Exactly, members of both groups are posting in this thread. "
It is satisfying to ignore " the beaten path " after on has followed it the first or second time and has the means / time/ opportunity to return
and explore further.
Most travellers who reside outside Europe do no have that luxury.
I wonder if " only off the beaten path " travellers visiting the U.S. for the first - and maybe only -
time would opt for New York, San Francisco , Boston...
or would prefer Fresno, Boise , Cleveland ...
It is satisfying to ignore " the beaten path " after on has followed it the first or second time and has the means / time/ opportunity to return
and explore further.
Most travellers who reside outside Europe do no have that luxury.
I wonder if " only off the beaten path " travellers visiting the U.S. for the first - and maybe only -
time would opt for New York, San Francisco , Boston...
or would prefer Fresno, Boise , Cleveland ...
Aug 23rd, 2016, 08:49 AM
#34
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"affordable version of Barcelona where absolutely no one speaks English to you, try Valencia sometime."
Valencia is a beautiful city with superb breaches...
The language is similar to Catalan , but I found Castilian ( Spanish ) was spoken
everywhere.
Valencia is a beautiful city with superb breaches...
The language is similar to Catalan , but I found Castilian ( Spanish ) was spoken
everywhere.
Aug 23rd, 2016, 08:51 AM
#35
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The part of this that bothers me are the slams at Disney World, where I have never smelled excrement or urine in the streets, seen anyone living at the entrances to attractions, or swimming in the various canals and decorative waterways.
Why pick on Disney World?
Why pick on Disney World?
Aug 23rd, 2016, 09:31 AM
#37
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Really? i was just been planning on to visit Barcelona next week, thanks for sharing the information. Can you please suggest me any other venue in Spain that is good enough to spend your holidays.And can you please suggest any travel agency as well? I have been traveling through <a href="http://www.mytripdeals.co.uk/"> My Trip Deals </a
