I recently had a short break in Barcelona, and found it a fascinating place. We walked everywhere and covered a fair bit of the city, and saw the usual contrasts we are accustomed to in capitalist cities. There are places of beauty and tranquility,
of course that doesn't mean that all is well and everybody is happy. As a matter of fact there seemed to be some people who had a distinct dislike for banks!!
We also went to a large squat, but alas, it had been evicted some time earlier. The front of the building was covered in a magnificent mural, what a shame it was boarded up, the usual state repression on self expression.
Another notable sign of state repression was watching the African migrants selling their wares on the busy streets of the city. They had developed a wonderful strategy for making a quick get-away when ever a police presence appeared. All their wares were spread out on a sheet, the corners of the sheet had thin ropes tied to them and the seller held the ropes, which were tied together, were held in one hand, as soon as the state enforcers appeared they simply pulled the ropes and slung the sheet over their shoulder and scampered off in different directions. While sitting sipping coffee at a pavement cafe, I saw them quickly melt into the crowd on two occasions as a police van came slowly round a corner. I always marvel at human ingenuity.
We also visited the CNT library, and found it full of very interesting "things" and people, though language was a problem.
However, the highlight of the visit was to the "Local" a wonderful anarchist centre, which has been there for 27 years. It was an Aladdin's cave of books, t-shirts, badges, CDs, history and wonderful friendly people. There were rooms for meetings and other resources for helping them with their campaigns, both local and national. I left feeling a bit envious, as we here in Glasgow have nothing remotely like their "Local". Sadly when I got home I discovered I hadn't taken a photo of that wonderful centre, so all I have is the memory.
