TED Talk Tuesday: Barcelona

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“Allow me to state here how much I love Barcelona, an admirable city, a city full of life, intense, a port open to the past and future.” – Le Corbusier

Already packing your bags for your month in Barcelona, España? Before you dive into the Sea from one of BCN’s many magnificent beaches, dive into this week’s edition of TED Talk Tuesday: Barcelona edition. From Catalonian history, to creating your own history (which includes taking the long route home), we’ve curated some of our favorite TED Talks highlighting the Catalonian capital. Now, grab some tapas and press play.

“A cartography weighted for human emotions.”

Mapping researcher at Yahoo! Labs Barcelona, Daniele Quercia, enlightens us with the concept that the shortest path, may not be the best or most beautiful path. During your month in Barcelona, put away that mapping app every once in a while and get lost. It may turn out to be a more fulfilling journey.

“In every grain of sand there is a history of the Earth.” – Rachel Carson

Already dreaming of the playa and getting that sand between your toes? Us too. Barcelona’s Denis Delestrac gives a brief history of sand: where it comes from, where it’s going, and how many countries are running out of it. Some extra food for thought and appreciation for your upcoming beach siesta.

“We are Catalan.”

Not exactly a TED Talk but equally as educational and insightful… Barcelona is the capital of the Spanish region of Catalonia. Their most recent referendum to secede from Spain and become an independent state was in 2017. This is a great starting point before jumping into the local Spanish and Catalan culture for yourself on your BCN adventure.