This used to be the case a couple of years back. At the Malpensa airport in Milan, I saw a policeman smoking inside the airport right under the do not smoke sign. I heard they were cracking down for a while recently, but it might have been shortlived.

I can’t for the life of me imagine you not getting along with anyone. The most interesting thing I thought about the smoking ban in Spain was how many smokers – according to the survey – were in favor of it. It’s like they were saying, “please, stop letting us smoke.” That definitely wasn’t the reaction here in California. Smokers were pretty pissed.

DD,

I hate to be so particular, but right there, that’s the sorta wicked grammatical abuse I was talking about. Wicked as an adjective (ie. that shit is wicked yo) is for teenage skaters. Those highbrow Bostonians, they only use it to modify adjectives and verbs. So, for example, you could wish us a ‘wicked rad holiday.’ But simply a ‘wicked holiday’ does not suffice. Regardless, happy holidays to you too.

Alex,

Happy holidays to you too. My Argentinean friends had prepared me well for Spanish meal times, but I still don’t see how it’s humanly possible to party nearly every night until about 5 a.m. and then go to work just a few hours later. No wonder they want their independence, the EU won’t allow that for very long.

Definitely, I had a feeling they don’t really like immigrants there in Catalunya… being the exact same opposite in Andalusia! (that is, unless you are african)… we (I am Costa Rican definitely keep certain similarities, that go way back to the invasion of America back in 1492 (not the type of guy that would hold that stupid grudge after sooo long, but things are to be said the way they were).

I loved the way andalusians talk, I could never understand a single word, but they were so welcoming, and fun, you’d think you’re in your home country! … ohh… and Madrid, by far, best late night partying EVER.

Anyway, didn’t you think their meal times were way too weird?, and how the hell to they manage to party all night til 5 am (or more) and then go to work the next day?, EVERY DAY almost? hehe they don’t go to work until like 10 but still…

Excelent Blog! Merry Xmas and Chanuka and Kwanza to you all

It can be used either as a verb modifier or adjective modifier – like how Mexicans use “bien.” As in, “Boston is wicked cold.” Or, “Boston esta bien frio.” Or: “No mames, eres bien buena.” “Damn girl, you are wicked fine.”’

Ok. I like the adjective modifier best. But I will take this opportunity to wish you a ‘wicked’ Holiday! Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad! Happy Winter Solstice! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanza! Happy ______!

Les Deceo un Feliz Navidad Prospero Ano y Felizidad.

As to smoking bans. Health rights trump pleasure rights (a company cannot claim a right to make profit as an excuse to pollute)- especially for workers. Those who work in bars and restaurants have few other options for work, so for them it is not as much as a choice.

I am also pleased to see that the new smoking ban in Washington state also prohibits smoking around building entrances.

I emailed you saying I didn’t have it anymore (unfortunately – it was a good read). Have you not been getting my emails?

I´m in complete agreement with HP on the smoking ban. I also don´t see any arguments above that even attempt at refuting any of his points.

And just to remind you… do you have that Bangkok article? Thx…

Xolo,

Beautiful yes, but I have never encountered such high maintenance women. Never mind their tempers.

I’m somewhat surprised to see stereotypes coming from your keyboard. My Mexican friends always tell me the exact same thing about las norteñas.

Sokari,

I agree. But venga and claro are pretty universal words in the Spanish speaking world whereas vale and tio seem to be uniquely Spanish. Y te prometo que la próxima vez que ando en españa, daré una vuelta por Andalusia. This whole ‘buy a drink get a tapa’ phenomenon sounds too good to miss. Un abrazo.

Shimonkey,

It’s warm and sunny here in SD. At the beach this morning there was a lady swimming in the ocean in her bathing suit. I hope you’re staying warm, having fun, and taking lots of pictures.

Moreno,

Netscape on Windows 98! Incredible. You’re retro down to the OS. It’s a shame though, if you were using Firefox, Quitomzilla could constantly remind you how much you don’t want to smoke.

Swervecurve,

I was not being-judgemental. I was making the judgement that this is one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen. It’s amazing what attraction can do for patience.

Peter,

Her response was to stick her tongue far down the Italian professor’s esophagus – yet another reminder that had I been better behaved in my last lifetime, buddha would have rewarded me with the spirit-body of an Italian professor of contemporary literature in this one.

Anyway, I agree about my harshness. That’s the funny thing about traveling. You judge entire regions based on your interactions with a select few; sometimes just two or three. It’s entirely unhealthy and related to what I said in the “Killing the Ventriloquist” post. I should have emphasized the fact of just how many wonderful interactions I’ve had over the years with the people of BCN, which is probably why I keep coming back. Obviously though, based on these comments, the observations did strike a chord with some others. I really don’t know where I stand on smoking bans. Right now I’m sick and I have a hunch that the smoky cafes, bars, and clubs are largely responsible. But like you say, I chose to go in. Just to clarify though, what do you think about the ban on smoking in the work place?

Oh, and on eye contact. I’m a big eye contact person. I make eye contact with almost every passerby. As does every Catalonian it seems, which surprised me. But no, never a smile.

Georgia,

Coming from you, that’s a very meaningful compliment. Though when I was mentioning competent journalism, I wasn’t talking about New Yorker-style prose (which I love), but tough questioning, researching, number crunching, and thoroughness that I think lead to the best articles. It’s easy to write whimsically about how “Catalonians are culture snobs,” but getting a more accurate picture based on surveys, interviews, history, etc. is much more time consuming.

Candy,

Que ondix? Me hiciste LOL con tu post de dichos.

Chris,

I absolutely agree that individuals often (please, no idiotic responses about Nazi Germany) make better decisions when influenced by large groups. It’s best when this change can come about culturally, but sometimes gov’t is necessary.

HP,

Since this post has somewhat changed to a smoking ban discussion, I thought I’d chime in

Ie: “Now that the topic fits into my dimetric world view, let me explain how ‘my side’ sees things. “Methinks” is one word, Shakespeare.

Melissa,

Thank you. Though I’m not so happy about going from Spanish cuisine to American cuisine. I tried to order an espresso and croissant yesterday (not smart for a sick man), but it just wasn’t the same. Why does every food item in America have to be so damn large?

DD,

It can be used either as a verb modifier or adjective modifier – like how Mexicans use “bien.” As in, “Boston is wicked cold.” Or, “Boston esta bien frio.” Or: “No mames, eres bien buena.” “Damn girl, you are wicked fine.”

Alex,

I have to admit that I would also like to one day live in Barcelona for a few years. But in a city where jobs are so scarce and anti-immigration sentiment is on the rise as it is, it makes sense that foreigners are none-too-welcome.

It’s only been a little over a year since I was in that marvelous place… I wish I could just move there… something pretty hard for any non european.

Catalonians are a bit hard on strangers at first… but as soon as you get your first friends, they will be very welcoming, guaranteed! They won’t hate you if you don’t speak catala, but learning a few phrases will make them like you a lot more!

I once thought they were being a bit too extreme and “unforgiving” with the rest of Spain for their independence ideas, but spaniards from other regions aren’t exactly easy on them as well… I once received a huge hatemail from some guy scorning at me for spelling Catalunya without the “ñ”, amazing!!

I like that word. ‘Wicked’.