BARCELONA: Not What It Used To Be! 😔

Our full day in Barcelona, it is such a beautiful city with so much to do but the problem with going in the peak season is that it is far too busy.
We've both been a few times now and it feels like the place has changed, now with all the anti tourism protests it doesn't feel like we will visit again which is a real shame.
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[@davidfoster2006]

Rule of thumb is not to go where you are not wanted.

[@SMILEITMIGHTNOTHAPPENYET]

Thats why ive never been to Scotland.

[@janice506]

@@SMILEITMIGHTNOTHAPPENYET Scotlands lucky escape then .

[@SMILEITMIGHTNOTHAPPENYET]

@@janice506 Exactly. Its win win.

[@SMILEITMIGHTNOTHAPPENYET]

@@janice506 I'm from the south west aswell so the scots really hate us. One whiff of my accent and I'm get spit in my cuppa.

[@jaywalkercrew4446]

💯 Ireland,🇮🇪 the same, especially the prodestant part of Derry." Waterside." I got called an English cunt on a regular, even in the shithole Donegal parts. Fuck them, I still terrorisd it.

[@Jojobber]

One of my pet hates is seeing lovely old buildings covered in graffiti. It's such a shame, there is just no need for it, it's so disrespectful.

[@PaulM_aka_4c21]

Totally agree it looks terrible but the only places in the world without it are authoritarian regimes where I wouldn’t want to live. A free society comes with free expression.

[@johnround1697]

Glad you decided not to pay entrance and show us some of the beautiful architecture in Barcelona. I'd rather watch the beautiful helen sup a cold beer .😂 That park looked very nice intil I saw that man in helens nickers put me right off my dinner 😅. Great vlog guys but I've told you about health and safety in the sun and helen must get that sun cream rubbed in on a regular basis when in sun .😮

[@buxtonmick]

​@@PaulM_aka_4c21 ah well, now you put it like that, defacing a beautiful city is perfectly reasonable.

[@davidhargreaves1728]

That’s Barca

[@user-ro8dw8ms9n]

@@PaulM_aka_4c21ah ha …that makes so much sense ..thanks

[@mancavemusician]

New rule for my tourism. I don't go anywhere that doesnt welcome me, I recently chalked of Tenerife where I've been going for 20 years and apparently Barcelona now too.

[@David-cm4ok]

Is it the same in the Canaries now? I’m going to Lanzarote soon.

[@NigelHyphenJones]

@@David-cm4okAgreed….. this is one of my pet hates with the US….. being treated like a criminal before you enter (fingers prints etc)…… unfortunately, this will be happening in the EU in the next year or so….

[@mancavemusician]

Yes, they don't want you there as well. You'll see similar protests.​@@David-cm4ok

[@backintimealwyn5736]

it's a tiny minority of activists, it's unfair for Spain.

[@SCLana]

Spain is beautiful. We went in April, great experience, I really love the architecture and these architecture is not just for locals or their government. I don’t care about their protest. No one stop me to go.

[@stevencopp3354]

Going through an extremely rough time out the mo 😢 as I have to have my left foot amputated as have Diabetes, you guys take my mind off things. So thank you deeply 🙏🌹🌹🫶

[@bythecurb]

So sorry to hear that. Can't imagine what you're going through, sending lots of love ❤️

[@stevencopp3354]

Thank you 🙏🫶 you guys are SPECIAL ❤️ U

[@laydownlays]

Stop eating Carbs and you have no diabetes. I have full diabetes as well, just eat food with little or no carbs and the diabetes goes away... Meat, cheese, eggs, bacon, fish...all zero carb..add low carb veggies(if you want) like cabbage, broccali and keep your leg.....

[@aderonkeokojie]

❤

[@wlove3838]

🙏❤

[@RobAddie]

These local protests target the wrong people. They are just like JSO. A lot of these tourists aren't rich, they have saved up for a holiday and their experience is spoiled. The protesters should direct their anger at their local and national politicians, that is the only way they will get change. And while they're at it they can work on viable options to improve local economies and replace any loss to income to local businesses that rely on tourism.

[@bambubombon]

it's actually politians who are steering the protests away from themselves, the real culprits of the growing decadence in this city and in the country in general

[@Emma-kb1qw]

I agree - That's an intelligent comment 👌 However , do not forget this IS happening around the WORLD as It started in Venice I think. Local workers & local people had to move away paying high prices for accomodation, food, etc due to the incontrolable masses. Also BREXIT didn't help as all the Europeans felt UNWANTED in the UK since then . There You Have It. It has now spreaded all over the Planet .

[@shawnbell6392]

It appears the issues have been magnified by airbnb, cruise ships, and bad tourist behavior. All one can do is be a good guest when traveling and advocate against the current Instagram hordes and the aforementioned issues.

[@Benlovescheese]

Majority of them aren't though. Majority of protesters are targeting their government. It's just a bad few who sprayed water pistols at tourists.

[@g.galdos3527]

Politicians don't listen as it is. Scaring tourists away is the way to go, unfortunately.

[@thewrittenwordisalie2959]

Hey, just to add a resident perspective on what's happening. There's a corner place that you pass at @9:25 that sums it all up. Six months ago that was a very local tortilla speciality bar that had existed for over 60 years. Beloved by people in the know, but due to locals and them being priced out, they had to close. They literally couldn't afford to stay open despite being really famous. It's now a generic ice cream place with balloons and shit on the roof. It may be good, I don't know, but I'll never go. It just describes the form of gentrification and the way the cost of living stuff is actually affecting Barcelona. I guess that sums up why people are angry.

[@bythecurb]

Thanks for that, I can understand the anger

[@GNARLOUSE]

Wtf....ok cool won't be visiting your country.

[@christianefiorito3204]

Thats what I said below. It happens to so many famous cities in Europe from Amsterdam to Rome and Venice. People have enough of mass tourism in all inclusive Hotels or AirBnBs

[@anyonecansee4601]

Same in Iceland

[@greensorrel6860]

Happening in Mexico too from what I hear.

[@jonathanmawdesley-thomas1863]

Look in…….. with Helen’s glasses , you guys are so modest with intentional/ unintentional puns ! ( not trying to milk it) . You guys are so natural and funny and northern is fab 😳👊😘

[@stebig1960]

As a Yorkshire Lad I love watching you two because you keep it real, as we say call a spade a spade.🍺🍺👍🏻

[@kevinwylie58]

They don't, they call it a bloody shovel! 🤣

[@MegaVector2011]

About 30 years ago when I was in my 20's I was heading to Benidorm for a Christmas break with my family. Alicante was fog bound and our flight was diverted to Barcelona, they were all diverted so there was no hotel accommodation left....apart from The Ritz. Thomsons bit the bullet and put the whole flight up there, 5 star hotel, wealthy Spaniards dripping in gold looking down their noses at a load of British package tourists, it was hilarious. The City was very different back then, thanks for stirring up memories and for the upload!

[@aestheticsbyjasmine940]

Love this 😂😂😂

[@bythecurb]

Great story. I bet that was hilarious 😆

[@ChorltonandtheWheelies]

Loved that!! You have a knack of making your viewers feel like we are there with you and that's not easy! Looking forward to your next adventure! 😊👏✌

[@bythecurb]

Thanks, that means a lot. I try to do that 🙂

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

I used to go very regularly to visit a friend, but l stayed in Badalona next door and dipped in and out of Barcelona on the tram, a lot more relaxing. Tourism is out of control there no wonder the locals are jazzed off. Good vid, you've squeezed a lot in that one. 👍

[@jettyear3807]

I have a lot of sympathy for the local people as the price of property and to rent is ridiculous in Barcelona these days, I lived in Sarria and the later in the Diagonal Mar district from 1999 to 2015 and in the end I sold up because the city had change so much I felt I was living in Disney land with the amount of tourist coming all year round. In my time there I saw developers buy every bit of land available and build hotels and many new housing developments were bought by investors to rent out to tourusts( Diagonal Mar). Lastly as shown in this video it's very expensive, when I arrived they still had pesetas and it was so much cheaper, tourism has made certain people very rich in Barcelona but a lot of ordinary people are struggling

[@shalinivarma237]

Local people struggling issues with housing cost of living is not the fault of tourist. They should be protesting, lobbying etc against their MPS, govt. Tourism is a massive part of Spanish Economy. If tourists get attacked etc while on holiday or are unwelcomed they will not return and this will impact their economy!

[@jettyear3807]

@@shalinivarma237 I disagree tourism is saturated because of no frills / cost airlines and so this is a major factor of tourists looking for cheap accommodation which I turn is hurting the local people, there was a time in the past when certain class of tourist couldn't afford a holiday abroad several times a year it should if remained like that, just a 2 week package holiday a year!

[@Blondie77128]

@@shalinivarma237the tourism industry has contributed to the problem along with lack of regulation of short term rentals that further decrease available, affordable housing. Supply and demand so yes tourists/tourism is having a negative impact.

[@Blondie77128]

@@jettyear3807and the folks who can now afford to travel seem to lack the appropriate level of social skills and manners to remain welcome in their travels.

[@JustMe-nj6dp]

Same problem in Devon & Cornwall can see their issue when it comes to second homes. There is too much property for part time use & tourism only. The balance needs restoring but I feel it's been allowed to hold to far that there is no way back.

[@deborahr2236]

Helen you are so positive and just enjoy life what a wonderful way to be ❤

[@TrevorDodd-ev1sx]

I have moved with my wife from Azerbaijan to Italy with the intention of living here permanently. We have been refused apartment rentals despite offering to pay 9 months rent in advance on a 6 month rental. We've been told we will not rent to English people or we don't want people from your country to my wife. My wife is a PHD Geophysicist and speaks 5 languages. We've now decided to go back to Azerbaijan after a miserable few weeks.

[@bythecurb]

I'm very sorry to hear that

[@patriciamckeon4650]

I can't say I blame the Italians 🥂

[@TrevorDodd-ev1sx]

@@patriciamckeon4650 why ?

[@jeroenvanrixel7980]

Well to be fair Italy is the best province of North Africa.

[@danasandoval624]

Best not to stay there if they don’t want you or your money don’t give it to them. There will be a day they will regret turning away people that would have paid on time and been good renters.

[@cham3784]

One of the best KZbin’s around atm. You both make a lovely genuine couple. Helen is fantastic and beautiful and a natural in front of the camera. James you make a lovely BF for her very attentive and look after her really well like a man should. Love following you both. ❤

[@Boosan75]

Helen, you're hilarious singing with the busker that made my day 😂

[@Whisky_Warrior]

Yeah made me laugh too! Helen is a gem, so real and down to Earth.

[@mattgreen9125]

I did wonder on your previous video whether you saw the protests. They had them on the news back in the UK as well. Double edge sword, if they drive all the tourists away, Barcas economy will take a massive hit.

[@Max-kr4wl]

Barça is the football club

[@janefriel6895]

The weather is worth it. Heat on in July here. Absolutely ridiculous. Love your dress Helen.❤

[@nige3801]

I love your vids, I feel like an honourary friend travelling along with you two!

[@tonybytheway7543]

If Spain doesn't want British tourists then I suggest we all book our summer holidays elsewhere. How long do you think before they are begging us to come back?

[@muckle8]

About 1 hour.

[@yodaami]

Destinations without the typical sort of Brit that chooses to go to Spain will be very attractive to tourists from other countries. They won’t be begging you back. 😂

[@legionnairegonk4425]

​@@yodaami Typical Brit? There is no such thing.

[@Ilar-en7lg]

Please do.

[@Ilar-en7lg]

​@@muckle8Lol, you wish.

[@adriadevereaux4157]

You seem a lovely couple - your positive and engaging attitude made this delightful.

[@user-rp5vs1xs8q]

Thanks for sharing your holiday with us. I look forward to the next one contents. It’s very good thank you.

[@LisaJust-lv9ed]

Awww Helen don’t stop being you🤗take care you two love birds 🥰

[@user-wq2xi6pv8o]

Enjoyed the video glad you and Helen are having a great time together ❤❤

[@hatersgonnahate4343]

Same is happening in portugal where I am an expat.. "Tourists not welcomed" etc spray painted around town. 😢

[@jamesdean4100]

i did mention this to you james/helen in the comments from your last vid...always thought about going to barca but dont think the locals deserve my wonga,used to love going to malaga and lanzarote over the years but think i ll give em a miss from now on...if they keep treating paying tourists like this they re gonna fall on hard times in the long run. will take my hard earned to countries that welcome my custom in future

[@JohleneOrton]

I live in Spain (married to a Spaniard) and I totally agree with you. Service in this country is nul & void.. We normally travel out of Spain during our vacations because of this..

[@celtasnake]

Barca? That city does not exist. I suppose you also call manchester as "City" or "United" and New York as "Jets".

[@ellicherry1394]

Fabulous video. Great to see more of Barcelona, Loved Helen parking the boat, no messing about there. Go Helen! ⭐

[@cfcuker]

Lot of bloody graffiti everywhere. Ruins the place!

[@bythecurb]

I agree

[@user-my8bb6nc1x]

Graffiti? Riots? Yeah, they sure know how to show us lol.

[@user-vx1th6sd4d]

You should try going to Portugal for a change, the people are lot friendlier in my opinion, same climate and lot nicer place in general IMO. Also another fun fact not a lot of people know that Portugal is Englands oldest Allie dating back to I think 1147.

[@GA-ik6pi]

Totally agree

[@sophocles1198]

Except Porto is overrun with tourists.

[@jeanjacqueslundi3502]

People should put themselves in other people's shoes a bit. It's mindblowing to me that there are english or other non-spanish people taking this personally. Yes, Portugal is all those things, but we too are 'starting' to have problems here for similar reasons. Locals' lives are being deeply impacted by all these dynamics, directed to tourism and immigration. You'd think people would want to understand WHY the spanish are upset.

[@misuchimiss1161]

Anywhere in E Europe is better

[@ChingChangWallah.]

@@jeanjacqueslundi3502 They are not helping themselves by selling gifts aimed solely at tourists.

[@christinephillips3552]

Hi, great video as ever😊 i think you guys may understand why theres some tension with tourists. But i can explain to others who are negative about the Spanish as i live here. Im not in Barcelona but down on the southern tip of Spain, but we are all being affected by the escalating rental and house prices. This is definitely fuelled by greedy people cashing in on tourism. Airbnb and such like in tourists destinations have priced local people out of the market. You need to remember spanish wages are relatively low so this is understnderbly causing unrest. Some landlords will even only rent out from September to June! Then cash in on tourist for the height of the season, quite where you're supposed to go for 3 months i don't know. This definitely needs regulating for the good of everyone as its causing tourist destinations to be overly busy. I hope this insight helps 😊

[@sandinelson7915]

Same over here in California if you rent in beach communities especially. Vacation homes started taking over from long term rentals at triple the rent. Caused locals to be deplaced

[@malcolmbrown152]

Totally agree with your synopsis but surely this is not the blame of the tourist, more the blame of the unscrupulous property owners. The tourists will come to beautiful places all the time such facilities exist, it's not their fault that Spain's infrastructure has been exploited by greedy property owners. I understand that by targeting tourists may be the only way of raising awareness of the problem but surely regulations on the business use of second properties needs to be considered. Maybe the creation of the Schengen area has caused this issue with outsiders unable to stay for more than 6 months wanting an income stream from their vacant properties. Who knows, it's a complex scenario and not just for big tourist cities, we experience similar issues in the UK where living in a commuter belt for a big city raises property and rental costs for locals whose salaries don't match those of the commuters. Put simply, it's just greed.

[@LosAngeles-le2bf]

@@sandinelson7915Don’t lie! It’s not really an issue here! We have bigger problems in California to deal with, such the homeless, high crime and immigration. The vacation homes are the least of our worries!

[@VintageLPs]

I live in Montana, U.S.A. and our housing prices have gone through the roof because of all the people moving out of California, Washington State and Oregon. They are leaving those states because all three are liberal, they have poor records for prosecuting crimes and the criminals and addicted homeless are taking over. People leaving make a fortune selling their property and they purchase homes online without even seeing them. Our low cost of living has disappeared and the cost of a home is now ridiculous for the wages people earn here. The house across the street from me on a small lot with no view sold for $640,000. A friend just sold her small average home on a busy street for $530,000. In Bozeman, Montana the homes are probably double that and service workers are living in small RV’s parked on the streets. The cost for a night in the oldest part of Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park is almost $300 a night and the bathroom and showers are down the hall. One thing you won’t see in Montana is people protesting against tourists. 🤣

[@nedkabinder]

Lovely to see barcelona in all its glory and so much to see Glad you two are having a great time .

[@SarahBoldan]

That boat trip is one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen 😂 not sure about the romance, love you guys have a great holiday!! X

[@robsim5261]

Love your assertiveness james "I'm not going on that boat" next clip your rowing made me laugh 😂😂 enjoy your holiday mate

[@leethompson7118]

Helen….ur rowing…😳🤣me and my Mrs haven’t laughed as much in years…380 🤣🤣🤣brilliant James..u two need ur own show 🤣🤣🤣love u guys ❤️

[@Gadgetdad007]

This video was an absolute treat to watch. It’s a pity I can only give it one thumbs up. 👍🏽

[@bythecurb]

Thank you

[@annieallcock8123]

Enjoyed your trip guys ❤ ...roll on the next one 🎉🎉

[@keithc9461]

Spain for British and Irish is our fave destination, having spent 30 years going to this Beautiful country I would always advise people to swerve the tourist traps and stay outside of main places, well done to you both

[@ROUTEPLANNERPAUL]

Well said

[@LosAngeles-le2bf]

What about Portugal? I have never been but I hear it’s beautiful.

[@andreschusan6086]

I solo backpacked it to Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, Tarifa (to Morocco by ferry... YES!) and Sevilla back in November/ December 2023 and it was the absolute best time I had in my life. The locals, culture, gastronomy, all had tremendous class and were amazing. It's a shame to be hearing/ reading/ watching what is going in such a beautiful country. Te amo España. G from Canada

[@jacklifeonwheels]

Went last year 2nd time won't be going back, full of pickpockets

[@Howie57]

Don't entice them then 🤡

[@geraldinemckeown283]

Went last week . Grabbed chain off from neck one day . Unzipped back pack next day . Left on third day . Felt unsafe

[@debbieharry387]

We love your programmes!! I ve even got my 87 year old mum hooked!! double s up as armchair travel and company for her.

[@bythecurb]

Awwww say hello to your mum 🥰

[@tonemc6047]

To be fair it’s a mixture of propaganda and locals being priced out of the housing market both buying and renting due to foreign investors buying up properties to rent out at sky high prices that the locals have a problem with .Spain relies on tourism,it’s a big part of their economy.

[@antoniolopezlopez4236]

Not only tourism but yes, its a big piece of the cake. Tourism it´s over 12% of the gross product. The service and financial sector (BBVA, Santander..) in general has a big weight in the economy, but consider also that Spain is the second car manufacturer of Europe after Germany (2.5 million vehicles manufactured per year). Ford has one of the biggest plants of the world in Almussafes counting already with 50 years of activity, and now there are big investiments in automotive industry related to electric car. There are other important industry sectors related to pharma and medical equipment (like Grifols), of course construction (from the real state bubble years), weapons (mainly short weapons and ammo) and renewable energies (Abengoa, Elecnor, Acciona...). In Spain more or less 50% of energy generation is renewable. There are also some big companies related to defense and military sector like Navantia (war ships) or Indra (Radar systems) but thats another story.

[@alfaeco15]

The housing market being constrained by politicians.....

[@deblou7]

Exactly, spot on... the media of course will tell a pack of lies to make european tourists look like a problem instead of the spainish government

[@jasonsmith7737]

That lunch seemed extortionate. Maybe I’m missing something but i felt you were ripped off . Looked lovely but no need for those prices .

[@ravenblack2262]

Same with lake district and Cornwall

[@joannebowman5504]

Not been to Barcelona yet, looks stunning! Helen, your dress is beautiful xx

[@stevenvamplew7145]

your lass is so much fun mate,enjoy life now cos i lost mine and lifes too short. love you both

[@bythecurb]

Thank you, so sorry to hear that mate

[@M15Guys]

For some reason I haven't tuned in to your video's for some time - Now I am so glad I have ... the chemistry between you two is fantastic and makes for a real feel-good piece of footage - Thanks so much for posting xxx

[@bythecurb]

Thank you

[@jonathanparry9505]

I can’t understand why a few people would be anti tourist when they are such an important part of the economy. Thanks for sharing have a great holiday

[@Max-kr4wl]

Because flat owners prefer to make way more with tourist flats in the center than renting it out to locals. the rental prices are skyrocketing and a family or young people with a medium income have absolute zero chances to find a decent flat to live in anymore. That is the issue. Also local businesses, small shops get forced out of the city center and get replaced by the 129th standard tourist souvenir shop owned by international companies. Locals don't make a lot of money with tourism. It's the big international companies. On top of that many tourist behave like morons, because they are on vacations, get drunk, screaming in the streets at night during the week when locals have to sleep to go to their job the next day. I hope that explains a bit what the problem is. And no, I am not from Barcelona, but I live here for a while now so I can somehow understand the locals frustration, but I don't support the idea of throwing water in people's faces. That's bullshit.

[@jonathanparry9505]

@@Max-kr4wl thank you that is understandable why local people should be dissatisfied with the situation

[@Okram.31]

It's happening from Barcelona down to Malaga. Locals don't believe the drop tourism will not be that much because Spain has become commercially a powerhouse in other areas. Let's see.

[@psmithbell]

It’s a very unbalanced economy. A few people get rich. The rest suffer. Prices on everything go up to unaffordable totals. Wages are low. It’s seasonal. Tourists aren’t often pleasant. The one from ships don’t spend much on meals etc. because they get it in the ship.

[@Okram.31]

@psmithbell But seasonal work provides employment opportunities for non business owners. Such overgesds costs pushes seasonal prices up. More so, from The 1st of April saw an increase of City taxes in addition to regional taxes depending on the type of property rented. Where's the revenue from taxes going?

[@westernnut8407]

"That dog looks like how I feel ". 😂

[@colinevans39]

Your a great couple thanks for the tour great down to earth people keep it up 🙏👍

[@alexpiptom]

I’m from the U.K. and I’ve lived in Barcelona for 6 years. The problem is that everyone always goes to the gótico/las ramblas areas and there’s too much overcrowding. There’s so many nicer areas like placa España and sants/les corts that no one even bothers to go to. If you treat it like a Disney park and pack yourself in with everyone else and don’t actually explore, expect to be disappointed! It’s the same for the food. If you just eat in the tourist areas you’ll pay three times as much for 3 times worse food than you get in the local areas.

[@yvonnerollinson9779]

Come to Alicante you will be welcome I have lived here for 24 years and never felt unwelcome. Spain was built on tourism and still gives a good service.

[@Barbara-yj5tl]

Helen sees the joy in everything whereas I’m more like James 🤣😂 Another great video once again x

[@sandimoo]

I love how uninhibited Helen is! And why not? Life is too fecking short……

[@steadybcn]

Brilliant guys! We've just left Barcelona after living there 16 years. Really enjoyed your video, had forgotton so many places and the memories came flooding back. ❤

[@chrisvalford]

Nice post, not too touristic. I've lived in Barcelona and the Costa Brava for 10 years, the biggest change in BCN was after the lockdown finished. A lot of bars suddenly had younger patrons and even more would only serve you meals after 10pm. You have to remember that most Spanish people eat around this time, so I think it was bit of a reset to earlier days. Glad you discovered the public transport, if you plan well you can get almost everywhere for a couple of Euros, even Sitges and Blanes on an ordinary ticket. The recent protests are purely down to the availability of accommodation within Barcelona City. Too many apartment blocks have been purchased and converted to Air B'n'B so as Catalans are very proud of their heritage, they want to keep the city Catalan and not another generic expensive tourist trap. About 10 years ago you could rent a good 2 bed apartment for 600 Euros a month, now they are well over 1000. This cycle has repeated over the years but this cycle the local population are kicking back. There is also an issue where fantastic family run businesses had disappeared, mainly due to the owners retiring and not having children to pass them on to, or the children are not interested. So there are a lot of locals (small shops) which have become apartments. To rent a local today in the centre costs in excess of 1000 euros per month plus 21% VAT, so as you can see, it's not viable to start a business where the only trade you get is the occasional tourist.

[@michaelburgin2871]

Sat here in Rotherham listening to the Rain watching this fantastic Vlog feeling kind of down, even James's Sister and Mother are Living it Large at the side of the canal at Park Gate, Keep them coming Guys cannot fault the content here's to the next one.

[@bythecurb]

Thanks mate 🙂

[@siroyal2040]

Great video as ever, I am allways hungry when I watch your vids it's all this food lol 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@allisgood4648]

Come to Phuket , Thailand ... we will welcome you there!!

[@rupertbath2748]

What I love about your videos is I feel like I'm third party in the group.

[@mum-0217]

The buildings are built quite close together and tall all helping to keep off the mid day sun. This is similar to Medina in Malta again with similar types of buildings. I agree with the previous coment about the graffiti but some people might see it differnetly like works of art like a banksy? Main thing is you are having a nice time and its nice to see some good weather for a change. 😎😎

[@lindenthornton9277]

Peasholm Park, exactly what I was thinking!

[@NigelHyphenJones]

I was there earlier this week from down south…. probably the best thing in the town…. as for the rundown rest of it and the weather 🤔

[@kevinhunton668]

I was told when I was in Spain by a local the narrow streets are on purpose because of the hot climate the narrow streets keep you cool

[@bythecurb]

Yep that makes sense 😃

[@volt8684]

I the late 70s early 80s the Spa ish rejected the Brits and we went elsewhere until the tourist areas of Spain went broke. Here they go again

[@moserruya805]

Pity, best try Portugal.

[@daz7987]

Telling tourists to get out that put millions into the country but say Immigrants welcome

[@johnconnick3796]

See what happens to the Spanish economy, I think it'll go tits up

[@griswald7156]

@@daz7987 they’ve got what they want from tourism…a rich community…lets face it tourists are a nuisance arent they ? Being sick everywhere and flashing their dosh with nothing to do all day..except enjoy your town and get uppity when it suits them.. Now they have got wealth they would like their cake and eat it….in my favourite spot in Cornwall in 1980 i was finding relief in a toilet felicity whereupon i noticed some graffiti etched on the cubicle wall…it read “Emmets spend your money and go home”i mean Emmet isn’t a complimentary term is it ? That’s a red flag word..if you hear it move away from your present position, for your safety.. The problem is endemic.well when your community gets saturated in cash…they want you out…Cornwall has a long way to go yet..before they tell you to “get out of my country” and squirt water pistols at you in the chip shop..

[@SD-li9g]

BS talks and money walks these days.

[@arcabuz]

@@johnconnick3796talking as a Brit?,

[@europa1387]

I found Barcelona a bit unwelcoming, Seville on the other hand was very friendly.

[@user-go9lb8mx9k]

I rented a room in the city centre for 2 years, 10 years ago when I worked in Bcn. Mark my words - a room. Could't afford a flat on the local salary. It was getting bad with tourism already then. But what is also driving the housing prices is "people having fun", living the "expat experience" paying overpriced rent for a year or two for a flat because they already have the money from home that the locals don't.

[@paulinepaterson7392]

You guys are so relatable.....another great video!

[@user-uz3lb6nn3m]

Love Barcelona but hate all the graffiti. Enjoyed the video keep it up 👍

[@kronkite1530]

If you bump into the Squirty Activists you should ask if they’ve ever been to London or Rome or Paris? Then have “hipócrita” ready.(Or a bottle of piss… and the Emergency Number for the British Embassy!)

[@neilt1889]

When we go we love sitting down at the marina and have a few drinks and tapas by the cable cars 👍

[@stephenhaggis1065]

I know you love Spain but as far as I’m concerned, it’s off my holiday list. Time share sold and S-d the Spanish

[@celtasnake]

Good, we don´t need shit like you.

[@markfalshaw-gv9im]

Helen is just Boss ,if there were more people like Helen we'll the both of you the world would be a better place for Shaw 😊

[@ScotsmaninTenerife]

I passed that craft beer bar in a video and mentioned you would both like it and you end up in it lol I planned to pop in but ran out of time.

[@bythecurb]

😂😂

[@daviddrysdale693]

Love Helen singing and dancing ! 😂

[@PaulM_aka_4c21]

Never liked going to Spain, not very friendly, Spain & England have a long negative history in previous centuries. In comparison Portugal is like a breath of fresh air, much friendlier. But we go to Greece now, especially Kos if you want to meet really friendly people.

[@giorgipiorgi]

Our oldest ally 🇵🇹🤝🇬🇧

[@muckle8]

Same .

[@P4276470]

Love Portugal

[@paulpreston8918]

Portugal is in a different league than Spain. Love it there.

[@burntre1]

Greeks are only friendly if you’re spending money with them.

[@MegMerrilees]

I’m sat ere in me recliner an I feel as if I’ve walked miles. I truly admire your stamina. Lovely couple

[@VikingJay17]

Also me; "i dont want to just sit next to random people" 😅

[@chrisprescottguitar]

Hi James & Helen, I found your channel just over a week ago and must've watched about 50-60 of the vlogs in that time. I bloody love this channel. There is real authenticity that you don't find elsewhere on KZbin, great personality and interesting content. Hope I bump into you on a day out one day! Keep up the good work :)

[@bythecurb]

Thank you so much :-)

[@alisonstorey3309]

Great video James and Helen.....enjoy you holiday

[@iaincphotography6051]

Well guys you must have got your 10'000 steps in and some. Glad you're having a good time.

[@simoncarter691]

Loved this video as did not know about the park after having visited Barcelona for many years. Looking forward to the Sitges Vlog as it’s a place we stay at often. Thanks again as great to watch you both ❤

[@ernestbailey9194]

Another lovely honest video. I too am from Barnsley, well Cudeth to be precise. I picked up from this video Helen maybe a Catholic, like myself, as she mentioned Confession. I think you would both love Malta for a Winter break, As it is a beautiful little Island, English speaking and full of History,The majority are Catholic and are very welcoming. You would love the History of it Everything from Cathedrals to Standing stones beautiful scenery etc, Valletta the capital is beautiful and the best place to stay, ( in my opinion). There are buses to every part of the Island from Valletta, also the little island of Gozo is beautiful, accessible via ferries. honestly I could go on forever about it. having been dozens of times, and still haven't seen all the beautiful things that are there. I have rattled on a bit. It is a shame that some people in the world are getting nasty about everything, as Barcelona wouldn't be the same without tourists, it is the selfish few who are trying to spoil it for the normal people. Keep up with your lovely videos and being down to earth polite people.

[@leeyoung9469]

Listen guy’s everyone should do Barcelona once it is spectacular. However, it’s given over to tourism so everything is a full-on rip off. If you fancy visiting authentic Spain give Malaga city a go. It’s absolutely stunning and there are reasonably priced bar/cafes/restaurants. It’s a truly beautiful city. Adiós.

[@rossco5409]

Plus free tapas with your drinks, Andalusia region is stunning.

[@daboi1663]

Spend 2 weeks every year in Alcudia Spain. Costs me about 2 grand and i spend about 3 grand. Completely boycotting Spain. I planned on moving there but seeing how these people feel, i will be going elsewhere. The problem tourists are probably as low at 5percent out of the total of tourists that travel cause no problems and spend thousands.

[@ruthieaus]

Loving binge watching all your videos with my husband. You're a great couple, we love your honesty and how down to earth you both are. Enjoy your travels. Much love from Australia. ❤

[@bythecurb]

Thank you 😊

[@colinlawton1781]

Hi Helen and James another great vlog 👍 look forward to seeing more of your vlogs 😎 😎

[@dougy2457]

The Spanish gave up learning how to row after the Armada, have a great time you two

[@andysneddon3615]

Top stuff!, beautiful architecture, liked the tour !!, great stuff guys !!😮❤

[@mikelop8143]

Love your journeys with you and Helen James, makes you feel we are with you and great humour 😊👍, keep them coming well done.

[@bythecurb]

Thank you 😊

[@MarianneInmarsilia]

10, 000,000 tourists visit Barcelona annually. It’s just not viable any longer for the inhabitants (that’s not even counting the high number of digital nomads who go there to make it “ home” for 3, 6 or 12 months). The housing market is a nightmare. Rents are sky high, there is a terrible shortage and the minimum wage in Spain has not kept up with the rising costs. Quality of life for inhabitants has become unbearable….hard to go to the park or the beach with one’s family as they are full of tourists. Many of them party going, drunken and obnoxious. Even commuting into and out of Barcelona for workers has become a challenge; having to vie for space with beach going tourists. Mass tourism is not equitable or sustainable for locals. The fabric of many neighborhoods has eroded. This is truer and truer in Paris, Lisboa and many other overly visited cities.

[@janewilliamson8785]

Helen, the concentration on your little face when you were rowing. You did brilliantly x

[@bythecurb]

😂😂

[@Amiguru]

A lovely city but far, far too hot for me. The main reason it is so wonderful is that there are hardly any cars where you took us so far James. Thank you. 🥸

[@alexandraea]

I’ve lived in Bcn for almost 15 years now and I agree with a lot of the comments about how tourism has negatively impacted the housing situation and caused gentrification in a lot of the neighbourhoods which makes them lose their authenticity. Gracia for example, as my friend puts it, has gone from hippie to hipster. But I’d also like to add that a lot of northern Europeans and Americans have a drinking culture which is very different from here. (i’m from northern Europe myself.) And when they come here with the sole intention of lying on the beach and getting drunk which then leads to aggressive behaviour, people screaming and fighting in the streets, it causes a lot of stress for the locals who are just trying to go about their regular lives, going to and from work, picking up their kids from school, running errands. A few years ago there was a news story of some drunk Brits running around naked in the Barceloneta neighbourhood. A lot of times I don’t think people view these popular tourist destinations as a real place with real people living there, it’s just an amusement park created for their entertainment. I’m happy for tourists to come here, a lot of Spain’s economy depends on it, but as long as they’re being respectful of the place that they’re visiting.

[@user-mq9jv3pg6i]

Hi,really enjoyed this trip,what a beautiful time,gorgeous city. Helen you should go busking fir beer money 😅 You did great Helen rowing that boat ,talk about multi talented😂 Food looked delicious 😋 Thanks both ❤

[@allanwilson2078]

Loving the videos guys have a fantastic time.

[@user-cd5hc3vu2e]

I just love you two perfect for each other x

[@lukeappleton3669]

I love you two 😂 rubbing garlic over bread. Lovely weather there, it’s such a shame to see all that graffiti on those gorgeous buildings. Keep up the good work guys, I love how natural you are with each other. Perfect

[@elizabethdunn2992]

What a lovely trip you’re having, fab vid guys 😊❤

[@helenbosworth5950]

Helen so hilarious love watching your videos makes my day thank you

[@SusanTurner-yo9lf]

Thank you for sharing, looks like you are having a great time! Shame you had to walk all the way up that hill and couldn't get in, I felt your pain.😮

[@melissamaughan5929]

I do love Helen’s laugh 😹