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Last posts

Street Art in Amsterdam

Ara Amsterdammer, Only-Be, Practical Guide to Amsterdam

Street art in Amsterdam sounds like funky music, has a lot of rhythm, it´s just like a trip. Today, the City Council is looking for measures to de-criminalize this practice by creating specific areas where you can go bombing (do graffiti). There are also measures underway to legitimize the most acclaimed graffiti artists and for their work to be acknowledged as art, promoting their exhibitions and works (bringing some to museums from the streets). Despite that painting on walls is as old as mankind, it wasn´t until the 70s that this movement began to materialize in Amsterdam. Graffiti artists, also known as ´writers´, have their roots in the punk movement. This art was born with an activist base as poetry of a revolution, being used as a way of expressing the discontent of the people against the politico-social class and the economic system of the time. Some names to remember Shoe. He´s a graffiti artist that´s been active since 1979, forming the Crime Time Kings collective in the 80s. At that time, he carried out his transition to the legal world by creating his own brand. His style is known as calligraffiti. Another important ´writer´ is Ottograph, with clear pop art influences that can be seen all over the city and across the world. He works for such polarized companies such as Greenpeace and Mercedes-Benz. Mickey is a graffiti artist that has the presence of eyeballs in her paintings as her trademark. Hugo Mulder, aka DHM, has been covering the streets of Amsterdam with his unique black and white style since the 80s, a style that reminds us of a... read more

The best guide to alternative Barcelona

Diana Rodríguez Pretel Barcelonian, Only-Be, Practical Guide to Barcelona

Here are some tips on what other different things you can do in Barcelona, alternative plans for families, couples and young people who want to get to know the city from a different perspective. Up until now, the city has a double appeal. One must innovate and renovate, and this also applies to tourism. Bicycle route In the Catalan capital, it´s easy to find different things to do without falling into the routine and asking what there is beyond. In other words, that as well as visiting the Sagrada Familia, Montjuïc and other beautiful landmarks that this capital of culture holds, all of those plans can be put into practice in a very original way. I recommend that you start with a tandem ride around all of these places that, although they might already be known to you, will still surprise you. The key is to get to know the other side of the city. To finish the ride, a good ending would be to enjoy a sunset where Barceloneta beach comes to an end. Nearby is a place that rents these types of bicycles, on Passeig de la Barceloneta, 33. Its website is: www.biciclot.net. Cava sampling For those who prefer a less extreme tourism, I recommend that they take part on one of the cava sampling courses offered by the Cava Institute on Plaça Francesc Macià, 3. It´s a workshop that costs around 22 euros and there´s the possibility that you might end up a bit drunk afterwards, but it´s generally very satisfying to find out and learn about the elaboration techniques and curiosities that surround this delicious... read more

Top 6 New York Secrets

Hans New Yorker, Only-Be, Practical Guide of New York

New York City is a fascinating place to visit. It’s rich with history, and you’re guaranteed a surprise on nearly every block. While there are all of the obvious tourist spots to visit, there are also a number of fascinating oddities off the beaten track that are definitely worth your time. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out some of our favorite secret spots in New York. The Secret Subway Stations Take a ride on the 6 train (that’s how we call it in NY), and as you’re clattering along through downtown Manhattan, keep your eyes peeled as you pass between 23rd Street and the end of the line. If you’re paying attention, you’ll notice three abandoned subway stations. The Worth Street, City Hall and 18th Street stations all were closed due to changes in the transportation system, but they still sit there, empty and ghost-like as trains sail past. The World’s First Passenger Elevator Head down to Soho, and stop in at the Haughwout Building at 488 Broadway. This old building houses the very first passenger elevators in the world. The elevators were installed in 1857 by American inventor Elisha Armstrong Otis. The elevators aren’t used anymore, and the actual location within the building is one of New York’s little mysteries. Interestingly though, the work done on the Haughwout elevators set many of the precedents for elevators in skyscrapers today. The Hua-Mei Bird Garden As you stroll along Delancey Street in Sara D. Roosevelt Park, keep an eye out for a little half-moon quadrant at the corner of Forsyth Street. At this tiny, hidden park you’ll find dozens of... read more