Shopping

I remember my mother saying it was a good option to cut your hair during new moon because it was supposed to grow quicker. However, when I came to Barcelona I realized there were other perks in cutting it in a full moon.

One of the most attractive hair saloons I had noticed was “La Pelu”. They have some stores around downtown, where you can always see interesting colors and styles in both the people that work and are served there.

La Pelu has a lot of special perks, but one of the longest running is the opening of the store at Argenteria (Argentería 70, near Santa Maria del Mar church) at night one Saturday a month, when the moon is full – from 22:00-01:30. On their web page they have the dates for these “special nights” – next ones are June 2, July 7 and September 29th (2012). August has a full moon – but also vacations.

An appointment is needed and you will get a reduction on the normal price – plus a fresh glass of cava and a very “Barcelonian” look. It is not possible to pay with credit cards.

If you want to take home a very personal souvenir, this might be a good experience. And well… maybe you even get your hair to grow faster than what you were expecting. Opening times change during summer months.

Built in 1892 Mercat de l’Abaceria is situated on the busy Traveserra de Gràcia, just 200 metres from the Library, very near John Lennon Square (see the Lennon square article) and even nearer to Bodega E. Marín (see the Bodega E. Marin article). it is one of four markets in Gràcia and one 39 food markets in the city.

You’ll find some of the very best veggies, fruit, fish, meat, cheeses and herbs here as well as Japanese sushi and fresh pasta, an Iraqi grocer selling food and drink from the eastern mediterranean, and a second-hand bookstall where all the books (some in English) are just € 1.00.

The market has three bars, all of which sell food prepared with ingredients from the market, so, when you’re done shopping for veggies you can cool your heels and slake your thirst before buying your fish, meats and cheeses.

The city council does a really inspiring job of promoting the city’s 43 markets (39 food markets and 4 non-food markets) – with healthy eating tours led by nutritionists – including tours for diabetics and weight watchers – practical demonstrations on food preparation and resource packs for local schools.

In honest truth, sometimes during vacation one needs a little time off from restaurants. However, one doesn’t feel so adventurous as to cook or only eat sandwiches.

This little place near the Borne market offers a good solution. From a simple salad to an impressive sushi plate – going into different tradition Catalan meals – you could get most interesting things from the international diet – with, of course, a special interest in the Mediterranean meal.

I won’t say it is especially cheap because it is not – it is a about great food ready to eat. Don’t be scared, either: a plate of sushi is around € 8 and a roasted chicken can be around € 10. You don’t have to give a great deal of thinking (and cooking) for your special at home meal, with everything prepared and ready to microwave. They have all the range from starters to dessert, and a great selection of wines.

I was drawn in by the sushi platters but the selection of cheeses, oil, vinegar and other delicatessen canned product is worthwhile the visit. A little hint of Catalan: Bon àpat means, literally, good meal. And, if you ever need it, they offer catering service – to be arranged at the Borne store.

Wondering what to take back home? How to surprise that friend that has-it-all? How to preserve your memories of funky-Barcelona. Take a walk and go to WaWas. You might find what you need.

The idea behind this shop is to be a unique souvenir shop, with changes from season to season. You’ll find a lot of stuff either designed or directly made in the city, which gives them a different sense from the global souvenirs – that lately seem to be all the same.

The range of articles is quite broad: from a nude book made in Barcelona with “real” women, to kitchen sets, tapas cookbooks, fridge decoration and nice handbags. Also, WaWas has a quite good selection of material for the photographer that went back to the Lomo Camera. Besides other small surprises.

I always find some “object of desire” that will either be good for me or as a very nice present to someone who is leaving far from this place. Take a look at the postcards and to the little corner that has been taken over by kids clothing and Mexican toys. You never know what you can find.

Finding a good vintage store in Barcelona is not easy- it seems that Spanish people are not really into the idea of wearing other people’s old clothes.

Luckily there is one street that saves the recalling of old spirits – Calle Riera Baixa. Door on door, second hand stores offer everything a vintage lover’s heart desires: boots, sunglasses, 70s summer dresses, jeans, bikinis from the 40s…Here you’ll find the good old dress for good old fun!

The best shopping day is saturday because all the second hand stores put their clothes and furniture outside on the street.

When tired from shopping, you can also find a beautiful old cafe in the same street: stylish in its old spirit- just like you.