Barcelona Apartments - Akaza Holiday Apartments in Barcelona

Dear Akaza friends,

Since 2010 Andrea left Akaza and left Richard her business partner to take over the Akaza office and its running. She has since then been around the globe exploring, learning and expanding on her world views, and more over going deeper into her life devotion, Ashtanga Yoga.

Dear Akaza Blog-Reader,

Being held in many countries all over the world, the Ocean Grand Prix, Power Boat Championship has established itself as one of the most striking competitions for Power Boats.

The OGP Ocean Grand Prix Powerboat World Championship will come to Barcelona in October 2011.

The event got credited by UIM (Union Internationale Motonautique) and includes race for 2 powerful genres: OGP Pro 1 (Prototype Boats) and OGP Pro 2 (Production Boats). It often takes place from June to October and thanks to success from previous editions, the competition has been attracting top racers from noted teams. Beyond a competition, the championship offers a golden chance for brands to spread its image to audiences, it helps marine industry, especially hull and engine manufactures present most innovative products.

Spectators can be guaranteed to enjoy the race at its best because of unlimited public viewing and abundant public access to dry pits, team and time trials.

This year from 7 to 9 of October the Championship will visit Barcelona and expect to thrill Catalan fans with top speed competitions!

Dear Akaza Blog Readers,

As you maybe already know on November 7^th 2010, Barcelona will have the honour of welcoming Pope Benedict XVI to the city. Following a visit to Santiago de Compostela on November 6^th, the Pope will travel to the Catalonian capital to consecrate La Sagrada Familia due to its artistic uniqueness. Cardinal Lluis Martinez Sistach of Barcelona is expecting nearly half a million people. Designed by Antoni Gaudi, La Sagrada Familia is one of the most impressive churches in the world and is famed for its beauty and stature, both inside and out, so it is only natural that the Pope should want to acknowledge the importance of the building. Under construction since 1882, the church attracts approximately 2.7 million visitors annually. The Pope’s keenness to consecrate La Sagrada Familia as a basilica is thought to increase visitors even further.

If you are interested in seeing Pope Benedict XVI, have a look at his schedule:

On the evening of November 6^th, the Pope is expected to arrive at Barcelona’s El Prat Airport at around 21.00. He will then spend the night at the cardinal’s residence.The next morning, at 9.15 on Sunday November 7th, Pope Benedict will journey through the city in his Popemobile from the archbishopric to La Sagrada Familia .The Popemobile will travel through the streets surrounding the church so that well-wishes can greet the Pontiff. This is likely to be your best chances of seeing him. At 10.00, Mass will begin with sections in Catalan, Spanish and Latin. There is space for 10,000 people in the church, but for security reasons only 6,500 people will be allowed to inside the church.

The congregation will include pastoral councils, priests, diocesan delegations, families, the sick and young believers. It is also expected that King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia will attend. Large screens as well as 30,000 chairs will be set up outside the church to watch the ceremony. However, you should be aware that there is not a lot of space surrounding the church so if you dislike large, busy crowds, this spot may be best avoided.

Later on in the afternoon, at 17.15, the Pope will visit the foundation of the Niño Dios where he will visit and pray with children suffering from disabilities.

The Pope will then return to Barcelona airport at 18.00 for the official farewell ceremony. The Spanish Royal Family is also expected to attend. The Pope will then fly back to Rome at 21.15.

For security reasons, the Sagrada Familia`s doors will be closed a few days prior to the Pope’s visit.

It is not hard to believe that Barcelona has been rated as one of Europe's number one destinations, as this city has more to offer than most big cities all over the world. With a privileged position next to the Mediterranean you find four kilometres of beaches in the middle of a city with more than 1,5 million inhabitants, as well as the pulse of a cosmopolitan city that never sleeps. After an extreme makeover lasting more than two decades, Barcelona has transformed itself to one of the most interesting and stylish cities in the world.

Barcelona is the second largest city of Spain and capital city of Catalonia, one of 17 provinces that form Spain. Catalonia has two official languages, Catalan and Castilian (Spanish) which are both widely spoken. After a political repression in Francoist Spain where public use of Catalan was forbidden, today Catalonia is working for political autonomy and greater freedom of cultural expression.

While visiting you will not be left bored. A lively street life, an extensive nightlife and a wide variety of art will keep you more than busy. Walking around the city it is hard to miss the work of the world famous architect Antoni Gaudí. Among his work you find the impressive basilica La Sagrada Família and the garden complex Parc Güell, both a must to see. When leaving Barcelona, you have probably taken more than one stroll down Las Ramblas, a kilometre-long pedestrian avenue, in the middle of the old town of Barcelona, that connects the main square Plaza Catalunya with the Christopher Columbus monument near the port. Las Ramblas is famous for its non-stopping performances (human statues, mimes etc.), cafés and small shops.

The tourist attractions are many and offer something for everyone. The Picasso Museum, Ciutat Vella (Old town), Barcelona Magic Fountain and the village Poble Espanyol are all popular places to visit,. To arrange a tour in or out of Barcelona please e-mail us. info@akaza.net with your preferred sights to see, or simply let us take care of it and put together a tailor made sight seeing tour for you either in Barcelona or out of Barcelona. or why not go to Nou Camp to see a football match with FC Barcelona. It is a once in a lifetime experience, "Barça" is all about politics, love, hatred and a true passion for the game. To get tickets for one of the games please e-mail us with your request of game you want to attend and how many tickets you need: info@akaza.net We can then arrange to deliver them to you once you are in Barcelona.

http://www.bcn.cat/english/ihome.htm (Offical homepage)

www.tutiempo.net/Tiempo-Barcelona-E08001.html (Weather forecast)

http://www.tmb.net/en_US/home.jsp (Public Transport)

www.guiadelociobcn.es (What is going on)

Some Facts: