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Keep calm and split atoms
SURVIVAL GUIDE
Autumn Course 2015
Barcelona
Autumn Course 2015
Keep Calm and Split Atoms
SURVIVAL GUIDE
Contents
Dear Participant ............................................................................................................................ 3
1. General information ................................................................................................................. 3
1.1 WHEN .................................................................................................................................. 3
1.2 WHERE: your hostel in Barcelona........................................................................................ 3
1.3 Mealtimes............................................................................................................................ 4
1.4 Electricity ............................................................................................................................. 4
1.5 Nightlife. .............................................................................................................................. 4
1.6 Banks and money ................................................................................................................ 5
1.7 Weather............................................................................................................................... 5
1.8 Participation fee. ................................................................................................................. 5
1.9 Visa. ..................................................................................................................................... 6
2. Don’t forget to bring with you… .............................................................................................. 6
3. Meeting point… ........................................................................................................................ 7
4. How to get to Barcelona and to the meeting point….............................................................. 8
4.1 By plane (Barcelona Airport). .............................................................................................. 8
4.2 By plane (Girona Airport). ................................................................................................. 10
4.3 By plane (Reus Airport). .................................................................................................... 11
4.4 By plane (Lleida Airport).................................................................................................... 11
5. About Barcelona ..................................................................................................................... 11
6. Useful English-Catalan-Spanish Dictionary ............................................................................ 13
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SURVIVAL GUIDE
Dear participant…
From LBG Barcelona, we all want to welcome and congratulate you for being accepted in our
Autumn Course 2015:
Keep calm and split atoms
Are you ready? Because we ensure you that this adventure will become one of the BEST
experiences of your life. You will have the opportunity to enjoy 10 wonderful days full of new
activities, games, friendship and lots of fun. You will also feel surrounded by our best Catalan
spirit, our hospitality full of affection and, as could not be otherwise, by our kind organisers.
This survival guide will provide you briefly some global information about the country and will
also give you some practical tips and what you have to know before coming.
1. General information
1.1. WHEN
From 10th to 19th of September (Check the schedule for more information)
1.2. WHERE: Your hostel in Barcelona
During the course (except for the weekend trip) you will be staying at the Hola Hostal
(C/Napols 149-151- Barcelona). It's located in the city centre next to the old city and clubbing
area.
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1.3. Mealtimes
Food culture in Catalonia can result quite different to yours. Apart from giving an importance
to each mealtime that may differ to yours’, you may be surprised by how late some of them
are. However, most places, above all in the city centre, have wide serving times. A typical lunch
time (main meal of the day) would be between 2:00-3:00 p.m. and dinner time between 9:0010:00 p.m.
1.4. Electricity
The electric current used throughout Catalonia is the European standard 220-240 V, A.C. 50 Hz.
The sockets are two-pin round, and adapters may be bought at most electrical and lamp
stores.
1.5. Nightlife
One thing you can’t miss of Barcelona is its nightlife: from the old taverns in the Gothic
Quarter to the fashionable discos near the beach or the local city parties with nice surprises
everyday!
The price of drinks in Barcelona is relatively expensive when going out at night. As a reference,
in the clubs we’ll be partying at you might pay up to 4€ for a shot and 8€ for a long drink. The
opening hours for pubs and clubs in Barcelona might differ a bit from what’s usual for the rest
of Europe:
Taverns/Pubs
Discos
After hours
Opening time
9 pm
12 pm
6 am
Closing time
2 am
6 am
12 am
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1.6 Banks and money
The local currency is the euro (€). There are coins: 0.01€, 0.02€, 0.05€, 0.1€, 0.2€, 0.5e€, 1€,
2€. And notes: 5€, 10€, 20€, 50€, 100€, 200€, 500€.
Some approximate prices:
Beer (25 cl): 1.5€ in a pub
Pack of cigarettes: 4 to 5€
Sandwich: 3.5€
Movie ticket: 6.7€/9€
Newspaper: 1€
1kg of bread: 2€
Pizza: 8€/9€
McDonalds Maxi : +/- 7.50€
McDonalds Hamburguer: 1€
Metro or Bus ticket:
Single Metro or Bus ticket: 2.15€
T-10 (A payment of 10 trips): 10.3€
T-Dia (unrestricted movement in a day): 7.6€
T-2Dies (unrestricted movement in two days): 14€
T-3Dies: 20€
T-4Dies: 25.5€
T-5Dies: 30.5€
Barcelona is the capital area, but if you want to go further are more areas, and therefore more
expensive.
Don’t forget to check with your bank the details on debit and credit card compatibilities with
Spain.
1.7 Weather
Weather in Spain is usually very nice and warm, so in September we will probably enjoy of
sunny days! This way, you can expect temperatures between 28°C and 35°C during the day and
between 25°C and 28°C by night. You should so bring shorts and T-shirts but it’s also advised to
bring a jacket just in case! Anyway, we recommend you to take warmer clothes with you.
1.8 Participation fee
The nominal fee for this event is 40€. According to the GDP of your country (the one of the
university you apply through, not your nationality, from http://www.imf.org), you will pay the
full fee, a part of it, or nothing.
Countries are divided as follows:
- Category 1: full fee (40€): Norway, Austria, Sweden, Netherlands, Iceland, Germany,
Denmark, Belgium, Finland and France
- Category 2: 2/3 fee (26€): Spain, Italy, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Greece,
Portugal and Lithuania
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- Category 3: 1/3 fee (13€): Estonia, Poland, Hungary, Latvia, Russia, Croatia, Turkey and
Bulgaria
- Category 4: no fee (0€): Romania, Montenegro, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,
Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine and Moldova.
1.9 Visa
For people who need a visa please let us know what kind of documentation is necessary to
obtain it. We will send it as soon as possible and we will help you as much as we can to get the
visa.
2. Don’t forget to bring with you…
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Passport (and visa if required). Note: Bring both Passport and ID or European Driving
License so in case that you lose or someone steal one of them you are not in trouble
Travel and health insurance. If you’re from an EU member country make sure to
request and bring your European Medical Card which will get you medical assistance
at the Catalan Public Health.
In compliance with BEST regulations, LBG Barcelona will cover your basic living
expenses (food, housing, transport), and all group activities. However, it is advisable to
bring some money in case you might want to make some extra expenses (souvenirs,
drinks at clubs...). Also remember you might have to pay a small fee for the course
depending on the country you come from. It will be requested at the beginning of the
activity in cash and local currency (Euros).
Medicines (something specific that you have to take and you are not sure you will find
here). Catalan pharmacies are well provided with condoms of many kinds and sizes, no
worries about that.
The temperature in Barcelona in September is usually warm (sometimes very warm for
central European standards) so bring a reasonable amount of short clothes, however it
is advisable to bring also long trousers and at least one long pullover as nights might
get a bit chilly. Also notice that some clubs we will be entering at night might have
some kind of dressing code (i.e. no shorts, no trainers...)
We will be going to the beach so swimming clothing, towels, rubber duck...
Remember the amount of sunlight you’ll be taking in Catalonia is probably by no
means comparable to that in your country, you MUST bring sun cream.
Mosquito repellent might be useful for the weekend trip.
Sleeping bag.
DON’T bother bringing your laptop computer, you will have enough chances of
sending e-mails back home, and you will be enrolled in many activities much more
interesting than stalking someone's profile on facebook.
As in any BEST event, an international evening will be held where each participant will
show typical food and drinks from her/his country, so bring a reasonable amount of
these. A flag may suit decorative needs.
A printout of this Survival Guide.
And of course… ALL YOUR ENERGY AND PARTY SPIRIT!!! :D
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3. Meeting point
The meeting point is the place where participants will gather to meet with organisers and go to
the hostel. It is VERY important to be there on time. If you know in advance you won’t be able
to make it to the meeting point, please tell us. And when you arrive, call one of the organisers
(Anna: +34 636 08 60 33) and one of them will go to find you.
The meeting point will be in:
Barcelona - Sants Estació Train Station
In front of the McDonald’s that you’ll find inside the Station
September 10th (Time to be confirmed)
Here there is a map of the subway and regional railway network of the Barcelona municipality.
The station marked with a red circle represents the meeting point, “Sants Estació” (station).
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4. How to get to Barcelona and to the meeting point?
4.1. By plane (Barcelona Airport)
The modern and well-attended BCN airport is located just outside the city, in Prat del
Llobregat. Then, you have different possibilities to go downtown, but don't worry because it
isn't difficult.
From Terminal 1:
By train: Take the Shuttle Bus that circulates between T1 and T2 non-stop, it will leave
you in front of the Terminal 2, and then follow the instructions from above in order to
catch the RENFE train. There is only one train line and the destination is Barcelona but
you should leave in the Barcelona - Sants stop, where the meeting point is located.
By bus+metro: The same local buses pass by T1 (#46 in daytime and N16 or N17 at
certain times in the night), or you can take the private one, Aerobus A1 (which leaves
from 06.10 to 01.05 and is more expensive than the local ones). All of them take you to
Plaça Espanya. From there you can do a short walk to the meeting point or take the L3
(Green) metro line to "Zona Universitària" way and stop in Sants Estació. Then follow
the instructions from above to go to RENFE train station. Once in the Train Station look
for McDonald’s!
From Terminal 2 (A, B, C):
By train: RENFE underground trains leave from the train stop next to the Terminal 2 A
every half an hour, at .08 and .38 minutes of any hour (from 06.08 to 23.38). The ride is
19 min and takes you to Sants Train Station. There is only one train line and the
destination is Barcelona but you should leave in the Barcelona - Sants stop, where the
meeting point is located.
In order to find the train stop at the airport, follow the signs, or ask random people for
‘RENFE’.
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By bus+metro: You can catch the local bus nº. 46 (daytime) or N16 or N17 (night), or
the private Aerobus A2 (which leaves from 06.00 to 01.00 and is more expensive), both
of them leave in front of the Arrivals Terminal T2, and take you to Plaça Espanya. From
there you can do a short walk to the meeting point in Sants Estació or take the L3
(Green) metro line to "Zona Universitària" way and stop in Sants Estació. Then follow
the instructions from above to go to RENFE train station. Once in the Train Station look
for McDonald’s!
Prices (single tickets):
Local buses: 2.15 €
Metro: 2.15 €
Renfe: 2 .50€
Aerobus:
Single ticket: 5.90 €
Return ticket: 10.20€
Timetable:
Pl. Catalunya (Barcelona) - Terminal T1
05.30 h to 06.50 h each 10 min
06.50 h to 21.45 h each 5 min
21.45 h to 00.30 h each 10 min
Terminal T1 - Pl. Catalunya (Barcelona)
06.10 h to 07.30 h each 10 min
07.30 h to 22.25 h each 5 min
22.25 h to 01.05 h each 10 min
Pl. Catalunya (Barcelona) - Terminal T2
05.30 h to 06.50 h each 20 min
06.50 h to 22.20 h each 10 min
22.20 h to 00.30 h each 20 min
Terminal T2 - Pl. Catalunya (Barcelona)
06.00 h to 07.00 h each 20 min
07.00 h to 23.00 h each 10 min
23.00 h to 01.00 h each 20 min
Train
Timetable:
5:42 h to 23:38h each 30 min
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Terminal T1 - Pl. Espanya (Barcelona)
5:30 6:05 6:20 6:40 7:00 7:20 7:40 8:00
8:20 8:40 9:00 9:20 9:40 10:00 10:17 10:32
10:47 11:02 11:17 11:32 11:47 12:02 12:17 12:32
12:47 13:02 13:17 13:32 13:47 14:05 14:17 14:32
14:47 15:02 15:17 15:32 15:47 16:02 16:17 16:32
16:47 17:02 17:17 17:32 17:47 18:02 18:17 18:32
18:47 19:02 19:17 19:32 19:47 20:02 20:17 20:32
20:47 21:02 21:17 21:32 21:47 22:05 22:22 22:42
23:02 23:25 23:50
Pl. Espanya (Barcelona) - Terminal T1
5:00 5:25 5:50 6:15 6:40 6:55 7:15 7:35
7:55 8:15 8:35 8:55 9:15 9:35 9:55 10:15
10:30 10:45 11:00 11:15 11:30 11:45 12:00 12:15
12:30 12:45 13:00 13:15 13:30 13:45 14:00 14:15
14:30 14:45 15:00 15:15 15:30 15:45 16:00 16:15
16:30 16:45 17:00 17:15 17:30 17:45 18:00 18:15
18:30 18:45 19:00 19:15 19:30 19:45 20:00 20:15
20:30 20:45 21:00 21:20 21:40 22:00 22:20 22:40
23:00 23:25 23:50
4.2. By plane (Girona Airport)
Another option to get to Barcelona by plane is flying to Girona Airport, which is where Ryanair
operates several routes. Even though their fares are usually cheaper than those of airlines
flying to El Prat, please note that your flight will be labelled “as Barcelona (Girona)” but you
will actually be arriving at 120Km from the capital.
Taxi: Girona Airport is located about 12 kilometres from the city of Girona and can be
reached quickly by taxi. It is advisable not to choose this option as it can be really
expensive. Once in Girona train station you can take a train to Barcelona for around 7€
(you can claim a discount with an European Youth Card - We call it "Carnet Jove"). You
should leave in the Barcelona - Sants stop, where the meeting point is located.
Bus: There is one direct bus connection from this airport to downtown Barcelona, wich
cost 16€ for a single trip, 25€ for round trip. The bus line in charge is “Sagalés” and you
can check the timetables and fares at:
http://www.sagales.com/index.php?Origen=cp315&Desti=553&secc=cerca
The bus (free wifi inside) will arrive at the “Estació del Nord” station. When you get off
you should take the metro red line (also called L1) going to “Hospital de Bellvitge” (You
are now at “Arc de Triomf” station, it’s very close from the bus station and also very
well indicated) and then go to “Espanya” station, where you should switch to green
line (L3) going to “Zona Universitària” and get off in Sants Estació. Then follow the
instructions from above to go to RENFE train station. Once in the Train Station look for
McDonald’s.
(Metroticket:
2.15€)
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4.3. By plane (Reus Airport)
Ryanair brings you more options from 103 km away from Barcelona. This airport labeled as
"Reus (Barcelona)" is also cheaper than Barcelona's ones but you have to be careful with the
transportation to the capital.
Taxi + Train/Bus: Reus Airport is located about 7 kilometres from the city of Tarragona
and can be reached quickly by taxi. It is advisable not to choose this option as it can be
really expensive. There you can find a train or bus to Barcelona for around 7€ (you can
claim a discount with an European Youth Card – We call it “Carnet Jove”). You should
leave in the Barcelona - Sants stop, where the meeting point is.
Bus: There is one direct bus connection from this airport to downtown Barcelona. The
bus line in charge is “Hispano Igualadina” and you can check the timetables at:
http://www.igualadina.com/pdfs/REUS%20AIRPORT.pdf
The bus will arrive straight at Sants Estació station so then, you have to go inside the
Station and look for McDonald’s.
4.4. By plane (Lleida Airport)
Ryanair and other low cost companies also let you fly to another secondary airport, situated
150 km away from Barcelona. This airport labelled as "Lleida, Lleida Pyrenees or Lérida
(Barcelona)" is also cheaper than Barcelona's ones but you have to be careful with the
transportation to the capital.
Taxi: Lleida Airport is located about 15 kilometres from the city of Lleida and can be
reached quickly by taxi. It is advisable not to choose this option as it can be really
expensive. There you can find a train or bus to Barcelona for 10,50 euros (train ~ you
can claim a discount with an European Youth Card) or 18,50 euros (bus). You should
leave in the Barcelona - Sants stop, where the meeting point is.
Bus: There is no direct bus connection from this airport to downtown Barcelona. First
you have to go to the city of Lleida and then come to Barcelona, as explained above.
5. About Barcelona
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, was founded by the romans 2000 years ago and was
originally named Barcino. It is located on the west coast of the Mediterranean Sea and
bounded by the Collserola ridge and rivers Besòs and Llobregat.
After being invaded and ruled by several barbarian nations, in the VIII century it became part
of the Muslim kingdom until the beginning of the IX century, when the Francs conquered the
old town.
In the X century the Catalan Counties became independent from the Franc Empire, and
established themselves as a Kingdom, of which Barcelona was the main city and the centre of
trade and power. During the following centuries Catalonia became the dominating empire of
the western Mediterranean ruling in many of its surrounding territories.
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The dynastic union with the crown of Castille started an eventual process of decadence and
loss of power which culminated with the abolition of Catalan independence from Castille in
1714. Despite the banning of Catalan law system and cultural traditions and language, these
were kept alive by its inhabitants and were recovered as Catalonia became the motor of
Spanish economy since the XIX century until nowadays.
After many, many wars and revolutions Barcelona is
coming into its own as one of Europe's most
beautiful and modern cities. Few places can rival the
narrow alleys of the Gothic Quarter for gypsy
atmosphere, the boulevards in the modernist
Eixample for elegance and distinction or the colorful
atmosphere of its never ending nights.
Besides, Barcelona's location means that it enjoys a warm, welcoming climate and pleasant
temperatures all year round. Even the fragrance of the Mediterranean occasionally overcomes
urban fumes on the beach or in the port.
Nowadays, Barcelona enjoys a frenetically active cultural life and heritage and with its three
million inhabitants is the second largest city of Spain, surpassed only by Madrid. Barcelona is a
major economic centre with one of Europe's principal
Mediterranean ports, and Barcelona International
Airport is the second largest in Spain.
Barcelona is today an important cultural centre and a
major tourist destination and has a rich cultural
heritage. Particularly renowned are architectural works
of Antoni Gaudí and Lluís Domènech i Montaner that
have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The city is well known in recent times for hosting the 1992 Summer Olympics.
As the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona houses the
seat of the Catalan government, known as the
Generalitat de Catalunya; of particular note are the
executive branch, the parliament, and the Supreme
Court of Catalonia. The city is also the capital of the
county (comarca) of the Barcelonès.
And to end, you may be surprised to find out that
Spanish is not the main language in all of Spain.
Catalonia, for example, due to its deep and old-root
identity has its own language, Catalan. So, perhaps
you could take advantage of learning some words in Catalan.
If you want read more information about Barcelona: http://www.bcn.cat/es/
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6. Useful English-Catalan-Spanish Dictionary
Everyday:
Good morning – Bon dia - Buenos días
Good afternoon – Bona tarda - Buenas tardes
Good night – Bona nit - Buenas noches
Hi, Hello - Hola - Hola Good
bye - Adéu - Adiós
Thank you - Gràcies - Gracias
You're welcome – De res - De nada
Please – Si us plau - Por favor
Help - Ajuda - Ayuda
Yes/no – Sí/no - Si/no
What time is it? – Quina hora és? - ¿Qué hora es?
Where is my luggage? – On són les meves maletes? - ¿Dónde están mis maletas?
I don't know – No ho sé - No lo se
I don't understand – No ho entenc - No lo entiendo
How are you? – Com estàs? - ¿Cómo estás?
Everywhere:
Pleased to meet you (Boy/girl) – Encantat/Encantada de conèixer-te - Encantado/da de
conocerte
Do you speak English? – Parles anglès? - ¿Hablas inglés?
I speak English – Parlo anglès - Hablo inglés
I don't speak Catalan – No parlo català - No hablo catalán
Where is the nearest shop, hotel, restaurant, bar, toilet? – On és la botiga, hotel, restaurant,
bar, lavabo més proper ? - ¿Dónde está la tienda, hotel, restaurante, bar, lavabo más cercano?
What's your name? – Com et dius? - ¿Cómo te llamas?
My name is… - Em dic… - Me llamo..
How much does it cost? – Quant val? - ¿Cuánto cuesta?
This cost too much! – Això és massa car! - ¡Esto es muy caro!
I would like… - M’agradaria… - Me gustaría..
May I smoke? – Puc fumar? - ¿Puedo fumar?
A smile – Un somriure - Una sonrisa
A kiss - Un petó - Un beso
Sorry - Perdona - Perdón
The bill, please – El compte, si us plau - La cuenta, por favor
How fast can you learn these:
Numbers:
1 – u - uno
2 – dos - dos
3 – tres - tres
4 – quatre - cuatro
5 – cinc - cinco
6 – sis - seis
7 – set - siete
8 – vuit - ocho
9 – nou - nueve
10 – deu – diez
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We will try to make you feel like at home...we will do our BEST to make
this event unforgettable for everyone!!!
BEST BARCELONA
In case you’re in trouble
If you run into any kind of trouble contact the main organizer:
Alex Muelas: +34 618 21 10 91
If you really need to get emergency assistance
you can dial the European Emergency Number:
112
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