Product Description

If you're planning to stay in Catalonia and want the most authentic experience you can get then it pays to be prepared. Much more than a tourist guide, listing the usual attractions for the casual tourist, Going Native in Catalonia digs deep beneath this nation's psyche to give you a warts-and-all induction into the Catalan way of life. Inside you will discover: * why Catalonia is not just another part of Spain * the quirks of the Catalan people and language * a brief history of Catalonia and its politics * intimate guided tours of key towns and cities * advice for short, long and medium term stays * personal photographs from the author's travels * Catalan culture, art, style and partying * witty anecdotes and interesting facts to share * the inside scoop on Catalonia's culinary delights * tips on 'going native' yourself and living there * much, much more...'Going Native' guides are written with a rare type of traveller in mind...longer term visitors who want to become a true part of their new home. So, whether your stay is a month or a lifetime this guide will give you everything the tourist travel guides won't.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #58755 in Books
• Published on: 2008-05-21
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 208 pages

From the Publisher
This is the second book in our "Going Native" series. The first was "Going Native in Murcia". "Going Native in Alicante" and "Going Native in Tenerife" will follow shortly and we're keen to hear from expats living in other regions of Spain keen to write the "Going Native" guide for their home region. So be sure to get in touch!

From the Author
WHy I Wrote This Book...

The key to my success living in Catalonia has been teaching the English language and British culture to the Catalans, and having a curious nature I've learnt a lot about the Catalans in the process.

Telling the Brits things about the Catalans that only I could possibly know gives my life a sense of balance - I'm imparting knowledge in both directions. I also think that the history of Catalunya is just such a terrific story, after three centuries of oppression it's truly amazing that the language and culture have survived intact - hats off to an intelligent, resilient and proud people.

It's also a way of saying thanks to the many people I love here. Sharing their way of life has made me more of a person - I've been accepted, learnt a lot but have never been asked to give up my Britishness. Thanks, Catalans!

I also often see foreigners who've just arrived and have no idea where they are and I felt the need to tell people everything I wish I'd known when I first came here.

I hope my ramblings enthuse you with a love for the place that I've called home for the past 30 years and that they'll help you to dig beneath the surface of Catalonia and Barcelona to see the true nature of this unique nation.

About the Author
Simon Harris arrived in Barcelona in 1988 with a guitar on
his back, plans to learn Spanish and then go travelling in
Latin America. However, he met his Catalan wife, decided to
stay and ended up learning Catalan instead. 20 years on he
has no regrets.

Friends, a family, first a career as a
musician and now one as a University teacher are testaments
to a fortunate twist of fate. 'Catalonia has given me so
much,' he says, 'and in writing this book, I want to return
the favour.'

Customer Reviews

No parlo catala
The book is aimed squarely at the British. The authour`s views on "Sunday Roasts", sandals with socks and a lack of asassimilation of the average Brit with the Spanish are very similar to my own.

Come to Spain and integrate. I had forgotten how important Catalan is in the provence. We had a house in Argeles Ville, just across in the border in France and one time had a three way conversation with our agents, Catalan for the Father, Spanish (Castilian , we had just returned from Colombia) and English for us and all three for the Son. Great fun.

Learned many things about the area. I had not realised how interesting Tarragonia is and it is now on my list of places in Spain to visit.

Could have done with a bit less history or maybe move it to the back of the book.

I live in Murcia province. If we are in a restaurant, we have to leave if there are more than two Brit couples in there. And dont get me started on "L" or "P" registered vehicles - CHANGE YOUR PLATES!

Thoroughily enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone thinking of living (anywhere) in Spain.

Full of wit
This is a book that you can read at home and it will jog your memories of the tastes , scents and sounds of Catalonia. But if, like me, you haven't been to Barcelona and Catalonia for a couple of years it offers a witty and insightful guide that you can use on your next trip to discover
new and even greater pleasures. Well done Simon !

The real Spain
A facinating insight into Catalonia, well written with sections for everyone; the tourist, the would be 'native', the curious, the historian and everyone in-between. The personal anecdotes made me smile while the facts were enlightening and often surprising, a book to read before you explore this region but also one to take with you as a reference book.