Tag: blog

Dine & Dash – Forgetting to Pay or Choosing Not To?

My story about the one time I dined and dashed. I actually forgot to pay

I stared at the bottom of my foam-stained coffee cup; silently mourning the loss of the soothing warmth the caffeinated beverage had so briefly offered me. Maybe just one more for the road, my conscience murmured enticingly. You’ve earned it. In reality, my sluggish mind was trying to find a reason to justify putting off the long walk back home, at least for a little while…

I abruptly cut my reverie short – another intern was expecting me on the other side of town before long and I was already running late. I refused to use being in Barcelona, Spain, where it is customary for people to be a few minutes behind schedule, as an excuse to dawdle any longer than I already had. Continue reading “Dine & Dash – Forgetting to Pay or Choosing Not To?”

The Culture of a Collaborative Economy

When I decided to live and work in Barcelona this summer, I had no idea what the concept of “collaborative economy” was. After just a few days in the city, I soon realized that this type of business practice has emerged as a very significant part of the culture and the economy of not just Barcelona, but many cities across the world.

A collaborative economy is one in which businesses are based on horizontal practices and the participation of the community. This type of model runs on trust and closer relationships between the producer and the consumer.

The collaboration is often virtual, interacting with online networks and building communities of people from around the world. However, many cities also utilize in-person, peer-to-peer networking and interaction between companies based in the same area. Continue reading “The Culture of a Collaborative Economy”

Sustainable and Ethical Living: Coffee

If you are an adult living in the U.S., there is an 83% chance that you are a coffee drinker. Though it is one of the most consumed beverages on the planet, people around the world still have different opinions of the benefits and consequences of this habit. Is it good or bad for our health? While some blame the caffeinated drink for several health issues, other studies showed it can lead to a longer life. I definitely enjoy my morning wake-me-up. Like many products we buy, coffee is produced most by low-income families in under-developed countries.

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Hidden Places in Barcelona

Barcelona is a beautiful city with countless famous attractions and landmarks. If you are here for only a week or two, it is of course necessary to check all of the tourist-y places off your list.  If you’re lucky enough to spend more than a few days in Barcelona however, you might want to explore some of these less known, off-the-beaten-path and hidden places the city has to offer. Continue reading “Hidden Places in Barcelona”

BizBarcelona 2016: Management Lifehacks “Between Friends”

Every year, BizBarcelona features dozens of amazing educational presentations. From building a startup company in 48 hours to online marketing, any entrepreneur can find something to take away from this business fair. This year, one of the speeches stood out as especially valuable, because the information you take from it could benefit you not just in entrepreneurship, but any work environment and even non-professional areas of your life.

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Summer Solstice Around the World

This week, people all around the world will be celebrating one of the most anticipated events of the year–the summer solstice. The sun is at its highest point, resulting in the longest time between sunrise and sunset of all the other days of the year.

In most cultures throughout the world, the summer solstice is much more than just observing the tilt of the Earth in relation to the sun. It is celebrated with many festivals, rituals, and celebrations to recognize this unique day of light. Let’s go on a journey around the world to discover these diverse traditions.

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Challengers Conference: Are Insects the Future of Food?

Last weekend we attended Challengers, a conference bringing speakers at the forefront of disruption, change, policy and maintaining the humanity’s and Earth’s survival and its constant advancement. The speakers, also called “challengers” share their experience, knowledge and ideas to allow more people to either get involved, support or collaborate to help their projects and initiatives succeed.

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On The Road to Sustainable Destinations

Have you noticed that on the slides describing great things about Barcelona on the Aerobus TV screens, they mention sustainability? I definitely have. Barcelona claims to be a sustainable city, and it is the first city in the world to gain Biosphere accreditation as a sustainable tourist destination! Wow!

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Festivals in Barcelona

It’s almost summer! I am so excited for all the sunshine and beach days (finally, after all the rain we’ve had!). With summer comes many activities to do and festivals to visit in Barcelona. How to figure out what to do?? We’ve got you covered here at The Grid BCN!

Looking for a fun way to kick off your summer? Coming up in just a week is the Primavera Sound Festival. It runs from June 1-5. Primavera Sound is the biggest Indie and alternative music festival in the world! According to Time Out, Primavera Sound is the number 1 festival in the world. This is going to be something you don’t want to miss.

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Barcelona: Vegetarian City in the Making

Everything sustainable, organic, natural and ecological is becoming more popular everyday with consumers. This may be part of the
reason Barcelona, declaring itself as a “veggie friendly” city, has decided to implement steps to help visitors to find exciting plant-based meal options. There is even talk of a “BCNvegPoint”; an area reserved for vegan and vegetarian businesses. Wow! But why the increase in vegetarians? Is it some kind of new “hipster” trend or is there something more to it?

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