First of all, congratulations for the video, I love the edit and the music! I'd like to share with you my point of view as a catalan. For us having expats living in our city it's been great for many years, we have a learned a lot from them, many of my friends are form many places around the world and I'm truly grateful of that (I really learned to open my mind thanks to people from Mexico, Colombia, Germany or Sweden), in fact I'm married with an expat and we have a child. The thing is that the last 10 years the city has evolved in something unrecognizable. In 2010 I used to live in a 130 square meters apartment in Enric Granados near Plaça Universitat, the rental was 1100€ per month, nowadays, the price is 3 or 4 times more. It is impossible for local middle class people to live in Barcelona and we are pushed out of the city where we grow up. I understand that we live in a globalize society but identity it's also important and when they kick you out of the place where you belong you lose the confidence on others. The last 10 year real state speculation and gentrification are a problem not only for locals but also for expats that came when the city needed them. Barcelona nowadays is not a good place to live in but if you really want to come here maybe sometimes little efforts such as learning some words in catalan or having some interest and respect for catalan culture can help in creating ties betwen cultures. I know we are not friendly at first but I always say that if you have patience with a catalan you will have a friend forever.
appreciate your input here and I absolutely get it. Even personally when I first visited the city 6.5 years ago and compare it to today ( in terms of prices etc. ) there is a huge difference. And you're right, I noticed that even some basic phrases in catalan go a long way
I've been living in Barcelona for a little over 4 years too and this video is spot on. I also lived in Gracia for a couple years but then I decided to move to one of the small satellite towns of Barcelona, which is a pretty good deal, too. I recommend it if you want peace and quiet but also easy access to the city.
A piece of advice for everyone who comes to live in Barcelona: If you at least try to learn Catalan, everyone will love you! We are so used to foreigners just learning Spanish, that whenever we see someone doing an effort (you really don't need to speak it properly at all, just showing that you are trying works) we automatically gain respect for them. Amazing video, and keep up the great work!
@@sakebiouka that's not my experience at all! Catalans recognize its a small language and that you don't really need to speak it to live a normal life in Catalunya. That's why we apreciate when someone makes an effort to learn it out of respect for the culture. Of course there are extreme cases of nationalism, but I wouldn't say it's the most common scenario😁
Amazing video! I’m also living in Barcelona for 4 years now and it really connected with me. For the people who are planning to move to Barcelona, it's definitely worth it. The lifestyle is so chill and you have a very good work/life balance.
I've been contemplating moving to Spain for a few years now. The only thing stopping me is the lack of career opportunities... Your video is making me have a think again. Good stuff :)
5 things to learn if you want to live in Barcelona: 1. Get on the right side while walking or going up escalators. 2. Avoid young men wearing fanny packs, specially if they have broccoli as hair. 3. Learn basic Catalan and locals will instantly like you more. 4. Go to the market for fresh proximity products like fruit, vegetables, fish and meat. 5. Complain about tourists when they block your path.
Wonderful video! Very helpful... especially the insights about making friends with locals... PS. Little tip for your videos: it's so easy to increase the brightness in any editing apps, it will make it even nicer to watch then brightness is consistent:)
Thanks! Yea , I meant something similar to Timeout market with prepared food that opened later on this year :) But you’re right there are markets in practically every neighbourhood:)
Great video Paulius. Can’t relate to the Barcelona summer heat of 33 C since it hits 43 C where I live. While I was in Barcelona during the “heat” I felt like it was perfect.
I’m a Canadian, and moved to Spain during the pandemic. I lived in Barcelona for a year of that, but most of the time have lived in Sitges. It is my happy place lol
would recomment people playing a sport to find a circle of friends. First of all it's another way to be exposed to the language, second you often don't need much or any spoken language to communicate during play. I started jiu jitsu here and found I've been able to bond with people despite the language barrier.
Not to mention local "premium" supermarket chains like Casa Ametller/Ametller Origen which have amazing quality food for relatively cheap prices by Western standards.
The city is overcrowded with low cost Tourism. How its impossible to live on a basic salary since a room in a flat share cost €600 per month or studio appartment will cost you €1100 per month. Also if you live in touristic area be ready to deal with the constant noise of the party people showing non-respect to the locals. The city is plagued with thieves and squatters called okupas here. The traffic is horrible. Sadly Barcelona has lost its identity. Now its 100% an attraction park for tourist. Don't go to Raval at night and don't use your mobile phone on the street.
Agreed. The city is only affordable for tourists, digital nomads and foreigners with higher or international incomes. Locals with an average income in Barcelona do really struggle.
Expats: as long as you respect our culture and our language you are all welcome! You have to understand Catalan is not the same as Spanish. Catalan is a minority language which is overshadowed by massively spoken languages such as Spanish or English. If you at least try to learn Catalan, we will definetely welcome and love you!!
Don't welcome them. You have no idea what "Expat" means. Other areas of Spain are already totally saturated with grandparents and parents, expats, all these younger people who come here. In all these areas they have formed their guiris ghettos where they live for decades without integrating into Spanish society, they do not speak the language, they do not know the culture, traditions, nothing. They do not even buy in the stores, nor do they use the services because they have set up their own shops and their own service companies, everything they might need to live. On the other hand, when they interact with locals, they demand that They speak to them in English and treat them like the inferior beings they think they are, that's what we are to them. Never make a mistake with these kind of people.
As for the question of Catalan ... nodoby would expect living abroad (to i.e France, Sweden, Finland ...) and feel fully integrated on that new society without a gesture as basic as trying to learn their language. Catalans are not different from other folk. You won't be frowned upon for not speaking Catalan and nodody will tell you "have to", but as with everything else in life, you should not expect results beyond your efforts. If you want to feel as a local, you'll have to go the same route
Hey , I have a video about it , it's from last year. Was thinking to do a new one as well - updated, but last one covers most of the things ( things just got a bit more expensive since last time ) :)
I’m wondering if you can ask your female friends how they feel about safety as a woman when it comes to cat-calling, men approaching them to ask them out or cornering them in alleys etc. This happens a lot to me and my female friends in London and it’s really scary as it doesn’t happen at all in my home country
Sorry to hear that ! I'd lie if I said it doesn't happen. I think it depends on the time of the day and location as well. Say ramblas at night will be much worse than Gracia at night or Eixample during the day vs Raval.
From the point of view of a local (28 and queer), I congratulate you on the video and point of view you deliver. It's not fully true, though, that there are not food markets. There are a lot actually, every neighbourbood having a main one, and Boqueria specifically has sadly become just a tourist attraction. But make sure to check the others, under the name of "Mercats Municipals". Also, the whole thing about squatters affecting private owners is mostly far right propaganda, so make sure to keep in tune with the social movements in the city and the discourses by "Sindicat de llogateres" in order not to fall into the traps of such discourses. Only a very small part of Barcelona would consider squatters a real problem. Raval is also perfectly fine to be around and one of the most interesting areas of the city, I have been robbed in other neighbourhoods that are apparently described as "better". So be careful with that also, because it's a point of view also fed by the far right side of our politicians, based on racism and classism. The problem in every neighbourhood comes when you definetely look like a tourist or when you don't wacth out your stuff. But what you say about Raval can be equally said about Barceloneta, Gòtic, el Born, Poblenou... and the list gones on. Apart from that, amazing video!
Lovley video, but what you say about markets its not true, there is a ton of them everywhere. Just not so much in the center that is where all the expats live 😅 But even there you have always one 10m walking from you place, guaranteed!!
Yea I didn't put it correctly I think. I was talking more about markets where you can go and get prepared food / beers etc. Most markets have a bar or caffee but what I had in mind is something like Timeout market that just opened :)
yes I did, there are schools called CFA's in each neighbourhood they run as normal school ( September to something like June ) and are really cheap. It was really helpful, not only from material they teach but also just being exposed to the language and forced to speak it. Also Paul Noble's audio books ( I think there are physical ones too ) are great and that's what I used at the beginning. Later on you can watch movies/tv series ( that's what I am doing now ) to sort of further improve , because at the start it's pretty much impossible to understand/learn or correct yourself just from tv series alone.
@PauliusCreates Thank you very much, I watched your other videos and found where you mentioned CFA. I will look for one close to me. Would i be able to combine this with a 9-5 job. I tried the movies/series and I was lost. I subscribed to your channel too 😀
Man labai patinka tavo video, aš pats kitą mėnesį važiuoju į Barseloną ir jie man labai padėjo pasiruošti ir apskritai suprasti, kas manęs ten gali sulaukti
Dani might be a hater, but the amount of expats I've met that don't integrate simply because it's easier to live in the expat bubble is astonishing, you have to give that one to him. He's losing his city and his identity.
The reason why many Catalan are not keen on the idea of expats is because the Catalan language and culture are already in regression and the massive arrival of expats is not improving the situation. I understand that, as an outsider, it might look like we don't like the people or that we are closed, but we are just trying to protect our culture. If you are planning to stay in Barcelona we'll receive you with open arms but please learn the language. If you were going to live to Amsterdam you would learn Dutch or French if you were moving to Paris. In the case of Barcelona you will have to learn Catalan if you want to truly experience Barcelona and Catalunya. Spanish is not the language of Barcelona or Catalunya. Catalan is just as important as Spanish, if you look it like something optional the locals will not be as open because it is looked as insult to the culture. Obviously we don't blame expats for not knowing this information or for causing a regression in Catalan language (although it is a contributing factor). Just take this information into account if you are coming and we will gladly welcome you.
Bro I also live in Barcelona, don't waste your time learning Catalan, it's like learning Dutch or Swedish, just why would you waste your time if you can use Spanish and English instead lol, just find something more productive to do... and for the Catalans obsessed about a language: guys, get over it, there are more important things in life. Salaries here are ridiculous compared to European standards and all you care about is language, grow up!
We get that and understand that and find it very exciting to learn the language but you also have to know it takes years to learn a language, not just a few weeks. You wouldn’t expect to speak fluent mandarin yourself if you moved to China - it would take you a long time and you’d have to get by in the common language English first the mean time. Same goes for us expats in Barcelona. We try and we obviously have a passion and love for your country - that’s why we live there, it just takes time. So be patient with us ❤🫶🏾
@@RiddimKingdom if they made that effort to fight for higher salaries and more job opportunities, the region would be a lot better than if all they care about is a language...
@@PauliusCreates Also the socialization system is different, try to join a cultural/sport group... Better if it's something like castells or a futsal league.
Barcelona is exceedingly expensive for no good reason . The part about the restaurants and fast food or cafes being cheap is simply not True. A simple example: a Quality butter Croissant (French Standard) in Barcelona can cost you up to 3.50€ or on average no less than 2€ , comparitively in Paris France you would never never pay more than 1.5€ and we all know that Croissants are much much better in France then in Barcelona. Simply true fact. And the food list of menus goes on and on unfavorably for the Barcelona citizens. So let me say that the local Greed in Barcelona is not the fault of the Tourist. Paris The most visited city on the planet gladly sells you a Croissant for 1€and 30cents even at the fanciest cafes and or famous bakeries all during this past year. Barcelona greed is what is dooming the city. Barcelona is overated any way.
I am catalan and my native language is spanish.The majority of catalans have spanish as first language but in recent years there has been a hysteria with catalan language. I would suggest learning spanish first and then if needed catalan. Remember that both spanish and catalan are official, so that every public employee is obliged to speak you in spanish or catalan if you request it. Spanish language is also a part of Catalonia no matter what ultra nationalist say.
yeah, we get it you are spanish immigrant trying to undermine catalan language and culture. Why dont you go back to where your ancestors came from if you dont like Catalonia and its culture. You have plenty of spanish speaking places to go.
There are literally 39 permanent food markets in the city of Barcelona alone. Maybe you should take down your % of perceived integration. Also thank you for your contribution to the gentrification of my city.
@@PauliusCreates No I didn't. You mentioned La Boqueria which is one of them. The worst one, by the way, because it's a tourist attraction full of bullshit stands.
I have been to Barcelona five times and this year will be my sixth. I seriously doubt that just speaking Catalan is what the locals look for. There is both rude and friendly people in Barcelona like everywhere else. It really just depends. Either you are a racist or you're not. I can understand speaking some Catalan but I don't think it is that black and white. I can understand if you are in a rural area of Catalonia or something but in the city it is very multicultural. I say people should look at peoples body language, gestures and effort to be respectful as opposed to what language they are always speaking. The language thing is not the half of it.
Catalans are closed? You forgot to mention that Catalans are a minority in Barcelona, most habitants in Barcelona (and Catalonia in general) are ethnic Spanish that came during the last century for demographic substitution. Ethnic Catalans are a minority, maybe 30% of total population or less. It is frustrating this "they are closed", what we are is a minority and every year there are less of us. Tell the truth.
based on official barcelona website : portaldades.ajuntament.barcelona.cat/en/statistics/aer5n1orli as per 2024 Jan 1 population of Catalans is 46% registered in the city
@@PauliusCreates what is your point? We are 30% of the population, or less. Of your 4 years, have you paid attention? Are we the majority, did you feel?
@@PauliusCreates That statistic is about people born in Catalonia, immigrants children and all the ethnic Spaniards children that have come during the last century included. Catalans are 30% or less of total population in Catalonia. Mass immigration has made an ethnic substitution to the point we are a minority, how you spread common lies that we are "closed" to avoid talking about how we have received the most immigration anywhere in Europe. I hope it happens to your country and immigrants coming to your country wash it off as you are "closed".
Yes, you find people like me. Who only ask you to try to make the effort to know where you moved into. Learn the language, integrate in the culture and become one more. Also, you get to understand that you (yes you too) are gentrificating our city and pushing us out of our neighborhoods (you live in mine and i had to move away from it) and this is something we do not like. Within Spain you have plenty of options where to go, so not everyone needs to come to Barcelona, you can stay away from it. We have enough, and yes you can tell. Bars and Cafés made for tourists and expats (a single coffe is not priced 2-3-4€ that's a trap), shops, and stuff like it. We do not like that. We are been pushed away to get "Latte Cafe" and stuff like it we don't need. So yes, Galicia, Murcia, or even Madrid can be a better place to relocate if the requested previously is not enough. And it's not only for you European/non-europeans it's also for other spaniards too. We used to live alright before you all decided to move to our small city, so you need to understand that.
You're blaming the outcome, not the cause. If people couldn't move here, they wouldn't. But they can. Ask your government to isolate and cut ties with other countries that promote free movement of people. And this problem will be solved.
First of all, congratulations for the video, I love the edit and the music! I'd like to share with you my point of view as a catalan. For us having expats living in our city it's been great for many years, we have a learned a lot from them, many of my friends are form many places around the world and I'm truly grateful of that (I really learned to open my mind thanks to people from Mexico, Colombia, Germany or Sweden), in fact I'm married with an expat and we have a child. The thing is that the last 10 years the city has evolved in something unrecognizable. In 2010 I used to live in a 130 square meters apartment in Enric Granados near Plaça Universitat, the rental was 1100€ per month, nowadays, the price is 3 or 4 times more. It is impossible for local middle class people to live in Barcelona and we are pushed out of the city where we grow up. I understand that we live in a globalize society but identity it's also important and when they kick you out of the place where you belong you lose the confidence on others. The last 10 year real state speculation and gentrification are a problem not only for locals but also for expats that came when the city needed them. Barcelona nowadays is not a good place to live in but if you really want to come here maybe sometimes little efforts such as learning some words in catalan or having some interest and respect for catalan culture can help in creating ties betwen cultures. I know we are not friendly at first but I always say that if you have patience with a catalan you will have a friend forever.
appreciate your input here and I absolutely get it. Even personally when I first visited the city 6.5 years ago and compare it to today ( in terms of prices etc. ) there is a huge difference. And you're right, I noticed that even some basic phrases in catalan go a long way
I've been living in Barcelona for a little over 4 years too and this video is spot on. I also lived in Gracia for a couple years but then I decided to move to one of the small satellite towns of Barcelona, which is a pretty good deal, too. I recommend it if you want peace and quiet but also easy access to the city.
Thanks ! I know quite few people do that, not gonna lie it crossed my mind few times too ! Out of curiosity which town did you move to ?
The same is thought by the local population that you are expelling.
A piece of advice for everyone who comes to live in Barcelona: If you at least try to learn Catalan, everyone will love you! We are so used to foreigners just learning Spanish, that whenever we see someone doing an effort (you really don't need to speak it properly at all, just showing that you are trying works) we automatically gain respect for them.
Amazing video, and keep up the great work!
Not really
@@Trico274 Yes, really
No they won’t, catalans don’t even like Spaniards who speak catalan as a second language, the ethnic nationalism is off the roof
@@sakebiouka that's not my experience at all! Catalans recognize its a small language and that you don't really need to speak it to live a normal life in Catalunya. That's why we apreciate when someone makes an effort to learn it out of respect for the culture. Of course there are extreme cases of nationalism, but I wouldn't say it's the most common scenario😁
@@sakebiouka lmfao what are you on bro
Amazing video! I’m also living in Barcelona for 4 years now and it really connected with me.
For the people who are planning to move to Barcelona, it's definitely worth it. The lifestyle is so chill and you have a very good work/life balance.
I've been contemplating moving to Spain for a few years now. The only thing stopping me is the lack of career opportunities... Your video is making me have a think again. Good stuff :)
Sinceramente no te recomiendo españa
I've lived in Barcelona for almost 8 years now and can only agree with you. This video was very accurate, good job man!
Thanks for doing these kinds of videos Paulius, so useful !
I've been living in Barcelona for only 6 months, and so far it's been amazing. Great video!
5 things to learn if you want to live in Barcelona:
1. Get on the right side while walking or going up escalators.
2. Avoid young men wearing fanny packs, specially if they have broccoli as hair.
3. Learn basic Catalan and locals will instantly like you more.
4. Go to the market for fresh proximity products like fruit, vegetables, fish and meat.
5. Complain about tourists when they block your path.
the one about the broccoli hair was spot on hahahaahahahaha
What's up with them? 😅@@alexeyholoshkin1101
Broccoli hair...what do you mean?
@@sluggingbread Starts with 'mo' and ends with 'cans'.
That is an amazing and well-thought overview of a city, thank you so much! And it's nice to hear an honest opinion about every point
I am glad you posted a new video! I am planning on making my to Barcelona from Toronto this year and your videos have been extremely helpful :)
Really happy to hear that and have a great move !
A short, concise and very helpful video. Thank you very much!
Great video 👏🏻 Love the new video style 🎥
Thanks !!
Awesome video! Music and B roll was on point. Also surprised how well the iPhone works as a mic! Keep it up dude.
Thanks man ! Appreciate it , yea it definitely does surprisingly good job
Wonderful video! Very helpful... especially the insights about making friends with locals... PS. Little tip for your videos: it's so easy to increase the brightness in any editing apps, it will make it even nicer to watch then brightness is consistent:)
There are a lot of food markets in Barcelona, you just need to look for them. Great video by the way!
Thanks! Yea , I meant something similar to Timeout market with prepared food that opened later on this year :) But you’re right there are markets in practically every neighbourhood:)
Great video Paulius. Can’t relate to the Barcelona summer heat of 33 C since it hits 43 C where I live. While I was in Barcelona during the “heat” I felt like it was perfect.
haha yea I guess it depends where you're coming from
Great video man, I've been waiting for a good video on this subject for a while and I think you nailed it
Thanks for the info!
I’m a Canadian, and moved to Spain during the pandemic. I lived in Barcelona for a year of that, but most of the time have lived in Sitges. It is my happy place lol
Very good and accurated information about Barcelona.
I´d say Raval is fine during daytime, during nighttime you should avoid it.
would recomment people playing a sport to find a circle of friends. First of all it's another way to be exposed to the language, second you often don't need much or any spoken language to communicate during play. I started jiu jitsu here and found I've been able to bond with people despite the language barrier.
Boqueria is probably the worst market to do normal groceries. In Gràcia you can go to l'Abaceria, l'Estrella, Lesseps or any other municipal market.
Correct! I think his references are only from the center of Barcelona, but even there you will find lots of markets.
Not to mention local "premium" supermarket chains like Casa Ametller/Ametller Origen which have amazing quality food for relatively cheap prices by Western standards.
I really enjoyed wtchng this fantastic video, Thanks for sharing
The city is overcrowded with low cost Tourism. How its impossible to live on a basic salary since a room in a flat share cost €600 per month or studio appartment will cost you €1100 per month.
Also if you live in touristic area be ready to deal with the constant noise of the party people showing non-respect to the locals. The city is plagued with thieves and squatters called okupas here. The traffic is horrible. Sadly Barcelona has lost its identity. Now its 100% an attraction park for tourist. Don't go to Raval at night and don't use your mobile phone on the street.
Agreed. The city is only affordable for tourists, digital nomads and foreigners with higher or international incomes. Locals with an average income in Barcelona do really struggle.
Been here for 15 years and if I´d do such video it´d would be exactly the same . Thanks for this one ;)
Thanks for the information
Expats: as long as you respect our culture and our language you are all welcome! You have to understand Catalan is not the same as Spanish. Catalan is a minority language which is overshadowed by massively spoken languages such as Spanish or English. If you at least try to learn Catalan, we will definetely welcome and love you!!
Don't welcome them. You have no idea what "Expat" means. Other areas of Spain are already totally saturated with grandparents and parents, expats, all these younger people who come here. In all these areas they have formed their guiris ghettos where they live for decades without integrating into Spanish society, they do not speak the language, they do not know the culture, traditions, nothing. They do not even buy in the stores, nor do they use the services because they have set up their own shops and their own service companies, everything they might need to live. On the other hand, when they interact with locals, they demand that They speak to them in English and treat them like the inferior beings they think they are, that's what we are to them. Never make a mistake with these kind of people.
so compared to the rest of spain, is it harder to integrate in BCN?
It's not easy. Is it the hardest, not sure, I didn't live everywhere, but it's def not the easiest
@@PauliusCreates okay thanks! good to know though
Someone walks in with a Bernese mountain dog around 3:05. I wonder how that breed copes in the heat there!
Hopefully they are visiting from some town close to pyrenees 😅
As for the question of Catalan ... nodoby would expect living abroad (to i.e France, Sweden, Finland ...) and feel fully integrated on that new society without a gesture as basic as trying to learn their language. Catalans are not different from other folk. You won't be frowned upon for not speaking Catalan and nodody will tell you "have to", but as with everything else in life, you should not expect results beyond your efforts. If you want to feel as a local, you'll have to go the same route
Loved it!!!
Thanks for a great video. What would be a good salary to live comfortably in Barcelona? What do you spend on groceries, rent, etc on average?
Hey , I have a video about it , it's from last year. Was thinking to do a new one as well - updated, but last one covers most of the things ( things just got a bit more expensive since last time ) :)
lo mejor que te busques otra ciudad
I’m wondering if you can ask your female friends how they feel about safety as a woman when it comes to cat-calling, men approaching them to ask them out or cornering them in alleys etc. This happens a lot to me and my female friends in London and it’s really scary as it doesn’t happen at all in my home country
Sorry to hear that ! I'd lie if I said it doesn't happen. I think it depends on the time of the day and location as well. Say ramblas at night will be much worse than Gracia at night or Eixample during the day vs Raval.
From the point of view of a local (28 and queer), I congratulate you on the video and point of view you deliver. It's not fully true, though, that there are not food markets. There are a lot actually, every neighbourbood having a main one, and Boqueria specifically has sadly become just a tourist attraction. But make sure to check the others, under the name of "Mercats Municipals". Also, the whole thing about squatters affecting private owners is mostly far right propaganda, so make sure to keep in tune with the social movements in the city and the discourses by "Sindicat de llogateres" in order not to fall into the traps of such discourses. Only a very small part of Barcelona would consider squatters a real problem. Raval is also perfectly fine to be around and one of the most interesting areas of the city, I have been robbed in other neighbourhoods that are apparently described as "better". So be careful with that also, because it's a point of view also fed by the far right side of our politicians, based on racism and classism. The problem in every neighbourhood comes when you definetely look like a tourist or when you don't wacth out your stuff. But what you say about Raval can be equally said about Barceloneta, Gòtic, el Born, Poblenou... and the list gones on. Apart from that, amazing video!
Can you do a video solely on cheap places to eat out and buy groceries. Especially vegan and vegetarian
Hey whats the song at the intro?? Its really good and I cant find it online via the lyrics
Hey , it's My Valentine - Roy Edwin Williams , I got it from epidemic sound :)
Good video!
I'm looking to move to Barcelona as a teacher of languages. Thank you so much for the information.
❓whats that bubble tea lookin cafe at the 10:10 mark?
Hey, it's Papi tea & coffee 奶霸奶茶 ( close to Fontana )
Lovley video, but what you say about markets its not true, there is a ton of them everywhere. Just not so much in the center that is where all the expats live 😅 But even there you have always one 10m walking from you place, guaranteed!!
Yea I didn't put it correctly I think. I was talking more about markets where you can go and get prepared food / beers etc. Most markets have a bar or caffee but what I had in mind is something like Timeout market that just opened :)
Did you go to a school to learn spanish? What learning methods will you say were effective for you?
yes I did, there are schools called CFA's in each neighbourhood they run as normal school ( September to something like June ) and are really cheap. It was really helpful, not only from material they teach but also just being exposed to the language and forced to speak it. Also Paul Noble's audio books ( I think there are physical ones too ) are great and that's what I used at the beginning. Later on you can watch movies/tv series ( that's what I am doing now ) to sort of further improve , because at the start it's pretty much impossible to understand/learn or correct yourself just from tv series alone.
@PauliusCreates Thank you very much, I watched your other videos and found where you mentioned CFA. I will look for one close to me. Would i be able to combine this with a 9-5 job. I tried the movies/series and I was lost. I subscribed to your channel too 😀
@@Chinedu311 no worries. Yes , they normally have times after work, I’ve done it for 3 years :)
Man labai patinka tavo video, aš pats kitą mėnesį važiuoju į Barseloną ir jie man labai padėjo pasiruošti ir apskritai suprasti, kas manęs ten gali sulaukti
Džiugu girdėt ! Puikios kelionės :)
Dani might be a hater, but the amount of expats I've met that don't integrate simply because it's easier to live in the expat bubble is astonishing, you have to give that one to him. He's losing his city and his identity.
The reason why many Catalan are not keen on the idea of expats is because the Catalan language and culture are already in regression and the massive arrival of expats is not improving the situation. I understand that, as an outsider, it might look like we don't like the people or that we are closed, but we are just trying to protect our culture. If you are planning to stay in Barcelona we'll receive you with open arms but please learn the language. If you were going to live to Amsterdam you would learn Dutch or French if you were moving to Paris. In the case of Barcelona you will have to learn Catalan if you want to truly experience Barcelona and Catalunya. Spanish is not the language of Barcelona or Catalunya. Catalan is just as important as Spanish, if you look it like something optional the locals will not be as open because it is looked as insult to the culture. Obviously we don't blame expats for not knowing this information or for causing a regression in Catalan language (although it is a contributing factor). Just take this information into account if you are coming and we will gladly welcome you.
Thanks for sharing your point of view
Bro I also live in Barcelona, don't waste your time learning Catalan, it's like learning Dutch or Swedish, just why would you waste your time if you can use Spanish and English instead lol, just find something more productive to do... and for the Catalans obsessed about a language: guys, get over it, there are more important things in life. Salaries here are ridiculous compared to European standards and all you care about is language, grow up!
We get that and understand that and find it very exciting to learn the language but you also have to know it takes years to learn a language, not just a few weeks. You wouldn’t expect to speak fluent mandarin yourself if you moved to China - it would take you a long time and you’d have to get by in the common language English first the mean time. Same goes for us expats in Barcelona. We try and we obviously have a passion and love for your country - that’s why we live there, it just takes time. So be patient with us ❤🫶🏾
@@RiddimKingdom if they made that effort to fight for higher salaries and more job opportunities, the region would be a lot better than if all they care about is a language...
@@PauliusCreates Also the socialization system is different, try to join a cultural/sport group... Better if it's something like castells or a futsal league.
Who is Danny? 🤔
2 things to know if you're thinking of living in Barcelona:
1. Don't.
2. Same goes for Spain in general.
Barcelona is exceedingly expensive for no good reason . The part about the restaurants and fast food or cafes being cheap is simply not True. A simple example: a Quality butter Croissant (French Standard) in Barcelona can cost you up to 3.50€ or on average no less than 2€ , comparitively in Paris France you would never never pay more than 1.5€ and we all know that Croissants are much much better in France then in Barcelona. Simply true fact. And the food list of menus goes on and on unfavorably for the Barcelona citizens. So let me say that the local Greed in Barcelona is not the fault of the Tourist. Paris The most visited city on the planet gladly sells you a Croissant for 1€and 30cents even at the fanciest cafes and or famous bakeries all during this past year. Barcelona greed is what is dooming the city. Barcelona is overated any way.
haha i asked you about valencia before and dani told me to move to valencia :D
The worst crime and bag snatching I’ve seen anywhere was in Valencia
@@RiddimKingdom this is not the first time i hear this. i'll go there next month, i should be careful :D
I am catalan and my native language is spanish.The majority of catalans have spanish as first language but in recent years there has been a hysteria with catalan language. I would suggest learning spanish first and then if needed catalan. Remember that both spanish and catalan are official, so that every public employee is obliged to speak you in spanish or catalan if you request it. Spanish language is also a part of Catalonia no matter what ultra nationalist say.
yeah, we get it you are spanish immigrant trying to undermine catalan language and culture. Why dont you go back to where your ancestors came from if you dont like Catalonia and its culture. You have plenty of spanish speaking places to go.
There are literally 39 permanent food markets in the city of Barcelona alone. Maybe you should take down your % of perceived integration. Also thank you for your contribution to the gentrification of my city.
+1
Que pesada xika de verdad
you misunderstood the type of markets I am talking about and you're welcome
@@PauliusCreates No I didn't. You mentioned La Boqueria, and it's one of them. The worst one, by the way. A tourist attraction full of bullshit.
@@PauliusCreates No I didn't. You mentioned La Boqueria which is one of them. The worst one, by the way, because it's a tourist attraction full of bullshit stands.
I have been to Barcelona five times and this year will be my sixth. I seriously doubt that just speaking Catalan is what the locals look for. There is both rude and friendly people in Barcelona like everywhere else. It really just depends. Either you are a racist or you're not. I can understand speaking some Catalan but I don't think it is that black and white. I can understand if you are in a rural area of Catalonia or something but in the city it is very multicultural. I say people should look at peoples body language, gestures and effort to be respectful as opposed to what language they are always speaking. The language thing is not the half of it.
If you want to integrate, speak catalan
If you want to pay 5 euros for a cafe, you can just keep speaking english!
@@pou2254 right! and if you wanna be racist just be racist, i care not!
@@adambriceland6588 Bro how is a language about race lol
@@pou2254 u tell me
regardless of what you do as a job you should learn Catalan
London has absolutely awful working hours. Some of the worst in the world, not even a paid lunch break. Hate it
Crack!!!
Catalans are closed? You forgot to mention that Catalans are a minority in Barcelona, most habitants in Barcelona (and Catalonia in general) are ethnic Spanish that came during the last century for demographic substitution. Ethnic Catalans are a minority, maybe 30% of total population or less. It is frustrating this "they are closed", what we are is a minority and every year there are less of us. Tell the truth.
based on official barcelona website : portaldades.ajuntament.barcelona.cat/en/statistics/aer5n1orli
as per 2024 Jan 1 population of Catalans is 46% registered in the city
@@PauliusCreates what is your point? We are 30% of the population, or less. Of your 4 years, have you paid attention? Are we the majority, did you feel?
@@graells8318 my point is that 46% is not a minority
@@PauliusCreates That statistic is about people born in Catalonia, immigrants children and all the ethnic Spaniards children that have come during the last century included. Catalans are 30% or less of total population in Catalonia. Mass immigration has made an ethnic substitution to the point we are a minority, how you spread common lies that we are "closed" to avoid talking about how we have received the most immigration anywhere in Europe. I hope it happens to your country and immigrants coming to your country wash it off as you are "closed".
@@PauliusCreates Actually it is. 54% is the majority, isn't it?
Expats?? You are a foreign immigrant going to live in another country. Stop using the term Expat.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expatriate
@@PauliusCreates por cuanto tiempo estaras en bcn? y a ver si aprendes catalan
Den of thieves.
Yes, you find people like me.
Who only ask you to try to make the effort to know where you moved into. Learn the language, integrate in the culture and become one more.
Also, you get to understand that you (yes you too) are gentrificating our city and pushing us out of our neighborhoods (you live in mine and i had to move away from it) and this is something we do not like.
Within Spain you have plenty of options where to go, so not everyone needs to come to Barcelona, you can stay away from it. We have enough, and yes you can tell. Bars and Cafés made for tourists and expats (a single coffe is not priced 2-3-4€ that's a trap), shops, and stuff like it. We do not like that. We are been pushed away to get "Latte Cafe" and stuff like it we don't need.
So yes, Galicia, Murcia, or even Madrid can be a better place to relocate if the requested previously is not enough. And it's not only for you European/non-europeans it's also for other spaniards too.
We used to live alright before you all decided to move to our small city, so you need to understand that.
You're blaming the outcome, not the cause.
If people couldn't move here, they wouldn't. But they can. Ask your government to isolate and cut ties with other countries that promote free movement of people. And this problem will be solved.
@@PauliusCreates That's the stupiest thing ever and has nothing to do with we claim.
BCN is great - if you steer clear of the locals - they so lame.
Then don't move here thanks!
I'm surprised his camera wasn't stolen during filming by an immigrant.