Europe, enjoy the DIFFERENCES
Sep 14 '99
This epinion highlights the DIFFERENCES of European countries, cities and people.
IT WILL BE UPDATED REGULARLY TO HIGHLIGHT SOME OF THESE WONDERFUL DIFFERENCES:
I have learned one thing during my years travelling the world - the thing that makes places special, exciting, fulfilling, adventurous, humourous (I could go on and on) are the DIFFERENCES. I live in the USA - and I love the differences between this country and Europe, but I love Europe deeply...
Many of the places throughout the world can - by some people - seem 'less' or inadequate, boring, or difficult to understand. If all countries functioned the same, were governed the same, used the same currency, spoke the same, had the same food... we would live inside the book 1984. We would - in essence lose our individuality and national identity. Europe enhances my belief in nations, differences, authenticity, change, progress, the stark DIFFERENCES between these tightly packed countries makes Europe special.
This epinion will be updated regularly to highlight some of these DIFFERENCES, I hope that some of you support MY belief in the value, education and wonder you can have travelling through Europe.
Barcelona and Manchester
Two incredible cities, very similar, very alive. I recommend both cities to everyone interested in: Art, Music, Dance, Football (soccer!), Culture, incredible people.
1. BARCELONA is both old and new -
Las Ramblas: a pedestrian street, brimming with street entertainers, old shops, cafes, people watching life go by - spend a full day soaking in this long street, watch the street entertainers
I like the website: www.barcelonaturisme.com/
You will see some of the architecture and culture that makes this city so special.
A great tour: I strongly recommend the 'Barcelona Bus Turistic' to get around the city and be taken to the best places. You can get tickets and information at: Turisme de Barcelona information offices:
Pl. Catalunya - 17, pl. de Catalunya, basement.
Sants Railway Station - Pl. dels Països Catalans.
The Cathedrals and churches: all make for a history lesson. You realize from the number and size of these places just how important the history of Spain is to the modern world, this city was a hub for travellers throughout the world.
Culture: Picasso, Gaudi - the place oozes culture. Make sure that you visit the many famous Gaudi sites in Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera, Park Guell, Casa Batllo, see these at the following website:
http://www.gaudi.tm/
People: I found the people both fascinating and interesting. Any language problems were easily overcome with smiles and jokes.
2. MANCHESTER is a fast paced, fast moving city -
Not a typical tourist destination - this city is home to Dance Music, Art, Manchester United Football Club (and Manchester City and Salford United), some wonderful turn of the century architecture. manchester is a great stopping point between Liverpool (home of the Beatles) and The Lake District (see my reviews elsewhere in epinions.com)
The best place to start looking at Manchester: www.manchester.gov.uk/
You will LOVE the differences in society, the people, the art and music...
Art and Art Galleries: for art and art galleries look at the following website: www.u-net.com/set/mcag/cag.html
Music and Dance Scene: For the Best in Music and dance scene, try the website: www.tmossey.freeserve.co.uk/
The following are my favourites Nightclubs:
The Brickhouse +44 (161) 236-4418, address: 66 Whitworth Street West, Manchester
Discotheque Royale +44 (161) 839-1112, address: Peter Street, Manchester Dry 201 Wet Bar +44 (161) 236-5920, address: 28-30 Oldham Street, Manchester
Equinox, +44 (161) 237-9549, address: Bloom Street, Manchester
The Haçienda, +44 (161) 236-5051, address: Whitworth Street West, Manchester
For a good look at the Best Pubs in Manchester try the website:
www.boardwalk.co.uk/
My favourite Pubs in Manchester (a real variety!)
Athenaeum, +44 (161) 833-3784
1 York Street, Spring Gardens, M 2
A former bank but with its grand marble pillars and high ceiling it feels like walking into a palace. Deserted during the day , but AFTER DARK - it's for partying and clubbers - a really lively place to be seen!
The Cornerhouse, +44 (161) 228-2463
20 Oxford Street, M 1
My favourite Pub, for Artists, 'locals', students, a great place to hang out and watch life go by. It is also an Art Gallery, Theatre and Cinema
Generation X, +44 (161) 236-5504
New Wakefield Street, M 1
For 'Gen X' types, pink walls, amazing lighting, superb sounds, a club below!, pumping music, exhibitions, a REAL place to be seen, and see the amazing outfits that people wear.
The People and Culture: Friendly and down to earth, they will help you order your pint! Humour and brashness, the people love life and will welcome you to Manchester.
IN SUMMARY!
Comparing Manchester and Barcelona - I find the cities are alive and growing, Barcelona takes life a bit easier, and the people are friendly, Manchester people might be struggling more with life, but have a great sense of humour. You will love the similarities and the differences.
Enjoy Europe and Enjoy Life!
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Epinions.com ID:
Rob.
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Member: Robert Martindale
Reviews written: 22
Trusted by: 140 members
About Me:
An original member - alive and kicking again...
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