Executive MBA Council 2005 Annual Conference October 30 - November 2, 2005 , 1. Introduction to Spain1

Geography Country name: Kingdom of Spain Languages spoken: Castilian Spanish (official) 74%, Catalan 17%, Galician 7%, Basque 2% Area: 504,782 sq km (slightly more than twice the size of Oregon) Borders share with: Andorra, France, Gibraltar, Portugal, Morocco (Ceuta), Morocco (Melilla) Capital: Madrid (3 million) Population: 40 million Religion: Roman Catholic 99%, other 1%

Economy Currency: (EUR) App. Conversion: 1 USD = 0,7703 euro (November 2004) GDP per capita (PPP): $22,000 (2003 est.) Unemployment rate: 11.3% (2003 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3% (2003 est.)

Government Chief of State: King Juan Carlos I Prime Minister: Rodriguez Zapatero System: Parliamentary monarchy

1 Source: http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/sp.html

2 2. Health and Safety Information for Spain

The following country information has been gathered and is provided by the U.S. State Department travel web pages at http://travel.state.gov.

Spain is highly developed and stable democracy with modern economies. Spain is a member of the European Union. MEDICAL FACILITIES AND INSURANCE: Good medical care is available in Barcelona. The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance companies prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations. SAFETY AND SECURITY: For the latest security information, persons traveling abroad should regularly monitor the department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. Travelers should remain alert to their personal security and exercise caution. Travelers are encouraged to carry limited cash, only one credit card, and a copy of their passport; leaving extra cash, extra credit cards, passports, and personal documents in a safe location. When carrying documents, credit cards or cash, you are encouraged to secure them in a hard-to-reach place and not to carry all valuables together in a purse or backpack.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The Spanish government has a system for foreigners to file police reports by telephone with an English speaker, which must be followed up by a trip to a police substation to sign the form and obtain a copy.

Dos & Don´ts Barcelona is a relatively safe and cosmopolitan city, but there are some things to be aware of: Do… Do change money at banks or use ATMs rather than exchange booths. Do keep your luggage and personal belongings in sight in public places Do take special care of your handbag or wallet in crowded places. Do use a hotel safe for valuables Do ask how much your journey will cost before you get into a taxi. Do carry contact numbers and a map with you wherever you go. Do carry small change and small notes with you. Do avoid street gambling stalls. They are a fraud. Do be wary of suspiciously helpful gestures Do take care of your personal possessions and be aware of the people around you. Violent crime is not common, but pickpockets are! Do be responsible, safe and aware.

Don’t… Don’t over tip – 5-10% is a good basis for your tipping. Don’t leave anything unattended at any time, anywhere. Don’t take your passport with you; your driver’s license is enough ID (unless you are changing money). Don’t carry large amounts of cash with you. Don’t forget that the last metro leaves the end station at midnight! Don’t forget the name and address of your hotel!

3 3. Useful Information2

Dress code The Spanish are known for their excellent dress-sense and they tend to look smartly casual at all times, particularly in the major cities of Madrid and Barcelona.

Socializing Unlike most Western cultures the Spanish have a relaxed approach to time. The daily timetable is more than a little different to the one you may be used to in America. Afternoon doesn’t usually start until 4 p.m. and can go on until 9 p.m., which is the time most locals eat dinner. As a result, restaurants are open later and bars and discos are open all night.

While Spaniards love to be hospitable, it is unlikely that you will strike up conversation with someone at a bar or restaurant or even on the street. Just like in any major city in Europe, the people of Barcelona are not fazed by foreign visitors, but they are genuinely polite, so, please always try to greet people with ‘Buenos dias’ – Good day, and say ‘Adios’ – Goodbye when you leave.

Shopping and Banking Hours From Monday to Friday and on Saturdays from October to April banking hours for the public are generally from 8.30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Banks close on Saturdays from May through September.

Shops are generally open from Monday to Friday from 9.30 a.m. to approximately 2 p.m., when they close for lunch. They open again from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. or 8.30 p.m. On Saturday they open from 9.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. or 2 p.m. On Sunday many bookstores and convenience stores are open, and major department stores are open most Sundays.

In Spain mealtimes are usually a little later than in the rest of Europe. Breakfast is between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Lunch is served in restaurants between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and dinner from 8pm until midnight.

The working day usually begins between 8 a.m. and 9a.m. with a lunch break at 2 p.m. In the afternoon businesses open from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Tipping Service charges and taxes are usually included in hotel bills; however in addition, a tip should be left for the chambermaid and porters should be tipped per bag. It is also customary to leave a tip for the waiter. Restaurants often include service in the bill so a tip is discretionary. In cafes and bars it is 10 to 15 per cent. Tip taxis 10 to 15 per cent when metered.

Food and Drink Eating out in Spain is often cheap, and meals are substantial rather than gourmet. One of the best ways to sample Spanish food is to try tapas, or snacks, which are served at any time of day in local bars. These range from cheese and olives to squid or meat delicacies and are priced accordingly. Many of the specialties of Spanish cuisine are based on seafood.

Spain is essentially a wine-drinking country, with sherry being one of the principal export products. The majority of Spanish sparkling wines are sweet and fruity. Spanish brandy is as different from French as Scotch whisky is from Irish. It is relatively cheap and pleasant, although most brandy drinkers find it a little sweet. Spain has several good mineral waters. A popular brand is Lanjarón, which comes from the town of the same name. It can be still or sparkling.

2 Source: Lonely Planet (Spain, 2000) Time Zone Mainland Spain/Balearics: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Electricity3 220 or 230 volts AC, 50Hz. Generally, round two-pin plugs and screw-type lamp fittings are in use. Spanish sockets are two round-pin variety, totally different from the U.Ss sockets and similar to other European sockets (but not identical). As a great variety of electrical plugs can be found in Europe (see type C, the most common type), a good all-around adaptor4 set is recommended. No matter what type of plug an outlet might accept, voltage in Spain is 220-230V 50Hz (while it is 110V 60Hz in the US). Please remember that changing the plug does not change the voltage. Using a plug adapter just changes the shape of the prongs. If the appliance hasn't been designed, converted or transformed to the right voltage and hertz you are likely to hurt yourself or the appliance. It means that you have to use both adaptor (to change the shape) and transformer (to convert the higher line voltage into the lower voltage required by their appliances) when using U.S. appliances in Spain.

Telephone Country code: 34. Outgoing international code: 00. Area codes are incorporated within a nine-digit number. The following are a selection of codes for major centers: Madrid 91 and Barcelona 93.

Currency The Euro is now the official currency of 12 EU member states (including Spain). The first Euro coins and notes were introduced in January 2002; the Spanish Peseta was still in circulation until 28 February 2002, when it was completely replaced by the Euro. Euro (€) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. Currency exchange: Money can be changed in any bank, and at most travel agencies, major hotels and airports. Credit & debit cards: MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, and Visa are widely accepted, as well as Eurocheque cards. Check with your credit or debit, card company for details of merchant acceptability and other facilities, which may be available. Traveler’s cheques: International travelers cheques are widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in , Pounds Sterling or U.S. Dollars.

Value Added Tax (VAT) Refund Information Value-added tax (VAT), similar to sales tax, is called IVA in Spain (pronounced "ee-vah"; for impuesto sobre el valor añadido). It is levied on both products and services such as hotel rooms and restaurant meals. When in doubt about whether tax is included, ask, "Está incluido el IVA"?

While food, pharmaceuticals, and household items are taxed at the lowest rate, most consumer goods are taxed at 16%. Non-EU residents are entitled to a refund of the VAT paid on purchases of more than €90 provided they take the goods out of the country. A number of shops, particularly large stores and boutiques in holiday resorts, participate in Global Refund (formerly Europe Tax-Free Shopping), a VAT- refund service that facilitates getting your money back. Excluded are purchases of food, beverages, tobacco products, cars, motorbikes and medicines, as well as commercial products bought in large quantities (where it is clear the items are not intended for your personal use). For eligible purchases, pay

3 Source and more information: http://kropla.com/electric2.htm 4 e.g. grounded electric adapter plug with European style plug (male) and universal socket (female). This adapter converts all standard international plug styles to the European recessed socket plug style.

5 the full price (including tax) and ask the sales clerk for a tax exemption form called a "formulario". This form must be stamped within six months of the purchase date by Spanish customs (this can be done when you are leaving the country). Banco Exterior branches, located at Barcelona and Madrid airports, will provide refunds for stamped formularios. Or your tax refund can be mailed to you or credited to your credit card account.

6 4. Barcelona5 Area: 487 sq km Population: 1.6 million Barcelona has transformed itself into one of the most dynamic and stylish capitals in the world. Summer is serious party time, with week-long fiesta fun. But year-round the city sizzles - it's always on the biting edge of architecture, food, fashion, style, music, and good times. The buildings, many the work of the eccentric genius Gaudí, will blow you away. The art, with significant collections by Picasso and Miró, will make you clammy all over. The people, with their exuberance, their duende, their persistent egalitarianism, will fascinate you. Barcelona's enviable position between the mountains and the sea ensures year-round outdoor fun. It is a city that is inconceivable until you get there, unbelievable while you walk its streets and unforgettable after you've gone - if you ever manage to tear yourself away.

Barcelona's coastline runs roughly northeast to southwest and many streets are parallel or perpendicular to this. Two major hills - Montjuïc and Tibidabo - provide good landmarks for orientation. The focal point of town is La Rambla, a 1.25km (0.75mi) boulevard running northwest and slightly uphill from (Old Harbour) to Plaça de Catalunya. The Plaça is the boundary between (Old Town) and the more recent additions further inland. L', the city's 19th-century answer to overcrowding, stretches 1.5km (1mi) north, east and west of Plaça de Catalunya. Montjuïc begins about 700m (763yd) southwest of the southeastern end of La Rambla, and Tibidabo, with a landmark television tower and golden Christ statue, is 6km (4mi) northwest of the city.

The Ciutat Vella, a warren of narrow streets, centuries-old buildings and budget accommodation, spreads on both sides of La Rambla. Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) is at its heart, on the lower half of the eastern section of the boulevard. West is , where travellers need to be alert; its southern part forms a seedy red-light district called Barri Xinès (Chinese Quarter). Port Vell has an excellent modern aquarium and two marinas, and at its northeastern end is La Barceloneta, the old sailors' quarter. Beaches and a pedestrian promenade stretch northeast from there to Port Olímpic, a harbor built for the 1992 Olympics and now home to lively bars and restaurants.

Things To Do and See La Rambla Seven different streets make up Barcelona’s most famous avenue for promenading, La Rambla. This lively street is full of shops, cafes and restaurants. It stretches from the magnificent Statue of Christopher Columbus to Plaza de Catalunya.

Barri Gotic (The Gothic Quarter) The Gothic Quarter is the heart of the old medieval city and is full of narrow streets, charming little squares, and numerous bars and restaurants. There are several places worth visiting: the gothic Cathedral at Plaça de le Seul whose crypt contains the remains of one of the city’s patron saints – Santa Eulalia; the Plaça del Rei - the historic centre of Gothic buildings; the Palau Major - the residence of the Catalan Kings; the City Hall and the Palau de la Generalitat at Plaça Sant Jaume.

5 Source: Lonely Planet Spain Estadi Olímpic The was originally built for the Great Exhibition of 1929 and was renovated for the Olympic Games in 1992. Next to the stadium is the futuristic Sports Palace, which was built and designed by the Japanese architect Arata Isozaki.

Sagrada Familia Sightseeing in Barcelona would not be complete without a visit to Gaudí’s La Sagrada Familia, the weird and wonderful symbol of Barcelona. The construction of this church began in 1882 under Frances de Villar, who was later replaced by Antoni Gaudí. Gaudí combined asymmetrical spires with gothic cross-shaped floors. Unfortunately he died before the church was completed. Nowadays the work continues slowly because of differing opinions as to whether or not it should be completed.

La Pedrera (see the picture on the previous page) La Pedrera was designed by Gaudí and built between 1905 and 1910 as an apartment/office block. Formerly called the Casa Milà, it's better known as La Pedrera (the quarry) because of its uneven grey stone facade that creates a wave effect, which is further emphasized by elaborate wrought-iron balconies.

Visitors can tour the building and go up to the roof, where giant multicoloured chimney pots jut up like medieval knights. On summer weekend nights, the roof is eerily lit and open for spectacular views of Barcelona. One floor below the roof is a modest museum dedicated to Gaudí's work.

Museu Picasso Barcelona's most visited museum shows numerous works tracing the artist's early years and is especially strong on his Blue Period, with canvases like The Defenceless, as well as ceramics and early works from the 1890s. The rest of the museum traces Picasso's life and travels.

The stunning stone mansions that house the museum are situated on the Carrer de Montcada, which was, in medieval times, an approach to the port. The first floor is devoted to Picasso's Blue Period. The second floor displays his impressionist-influenced works, produced in Barcelona and between 1900 and 1904. The haunting Portrait of Señora Canals (1905), from his Rose Period, is also on display. Among the later works, all painted in Cannes in 1957, is a complex technical series entitled Las Meninas, which consists mostly of studies on Diego Velázquez's eponymous masterpiece.

Gràcia A fully-fledged suburb since the end of the 19th century, Gràcia is home to a combination of artists, students and intelligentsia mixed with average Joseps, who lend it a down-to-earth atmosphere. There are lovely parks to enjoy during the day and at night the square becomes a popular and vivacious meeting place.

Once a separate village north of L’Eixample, and then in the 19th century an industrial district famous for its Republican and liberal ideas, Gràcia was incorporated into the city of Barcelona in 1897. In those days it had some catching up to do, as the town had poor roads, schools and clinics, and no street lighting or sewers.

In the 1960s and '70s the area became fashionable among radical and bohemian types, and today it retains some of that flavour – plenty of hip local luminaries make sure they are regularly seen around the bars and cafés of Gràcia.

Plaça del Sol is a pleasant place to sit during the day, surrounded by cafes and serene 19th-century architecture.

8 5. Getting Around

The metro is probably the swiftest and easiest way to get around inner areas, and buses or suburban trains to get a little further out. Buses service the airport and can get you into town pretty efficiently. Obviously, in a town like Barcelona your boots were made for walking but hiring a bike can be handy too, despite the sometimes hair-raising traffic. Speaking of which, driving in Barcelona is a frustrating business, so use the public transport or snag one of the many taxis available if you really need private wheels. Renfe-run Rodalies service the airport as well as towns around Barcelona. Buses run along most city routes every few minutes, and there's a tourist bus that covers two circuits of major sites.

Barri Gòtic and surrounding areas are ideal for walking, but you'll probably need to use public transport to reach further-flung sites like La Sagrada Família and Parc Güell more efficiently.

Public transport The subway is the easiest and fastest mean of transport. Barcelona has got two different systems: the subway with its five lines and the FCG, with two lines in Barcelona and four more lines going to nearby towns. Timetable of lines: 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5: Mon to Thu: 05 - 24 h. Fri, Sat and holidays eves: 05 - 02h. Sun and holidays: 05 - 24 h.

The bus is certainly a slower transportation but it allows you to enjoy the city views while moving around. Timetable: Mon to Sun: 6:05 - 22:35 h.

The NITBUS (night bus) is yellow and the service runs approximately every 30 to 45 minutes, between 11pm and 3 or 4 a.m. All of them stop at Pl. Catalunya. Timetable: Mon to Sun: 23 - 4 h. Price of a one-way ticket (for bus, metro or night bus) is 1,10 €.

Taxi Black and yellow cabs show a green light when free. Just wave your hand to call them. The meter (it is compulsory to use them) will indicate the price to pay, but an extra fee is charged when taking it at the airport or when you carry luggage with you, etc. Prices are shown on a sticker inside the cab.

To call a cab: Tel. 93 225 00 00 Tel. 93 490 22 22 Tel. 93 330 08 04 Tel. 93 212 22 22 Tel. 93 358 11 11 Tel. 93 300 38 11 6. Important Numbers and Addresses

Hotel Princesa Sofia Barcelona Plaza Pio XII, 4, 08028, Barcelona, Spain Tel. + 34 93 508 10 00 Fax: + 34 93 411 21 06 www.expogrupo.com Princesa Sofia Barcelona, a five-star hotel, is located on the Avenida Diagonal in the heart of the business, residential, and exclusive shopping district of Barcelona. It is also in close vicinity to the famous football stadium and near the “ Palau de Congressos de Catalunya.”

All standard rooms are provided with the following facilities: Internet access, TV with remote control, wide range of national and international channels, video games, and video on request, guest folio display and message retrieval via TV, air conditioning, global connector, dual-voltage power points, data port, direct dial telephone, two lines, voice mail, bathroom telephone, bathrobes on request, hair dryer, mini-bar, In-room safe, valet service, 24-hour laundry service, and 24-hour room service.

U.S. Embassy, Consulate General in Barcelona Po. Reina Elisenda de Montcada, 23 08034 Barcelona Consular Section hours open to the public (Monday-Friday): 09.00 to 13.00 Tel: +34 93280-2227 Fax: +34 93205-5206

American citizens who require urgent assistance should call (91) 587-2240 between 3:00pm and 5:30 pm. For emergency assistance after hours, American citizens may call (91) 587-2200 and ask to speak to the duty officer.

Emergencies Emergency call 112 Medical ambulance 329-9701 State police phone 091 Municipal police phone 092 Fire emergency phone 080

If anything does get lost or stolen in Barcelona, there’s a City Police Station at La Rambla 43, opposite Plaça Reial (City Police Emergency phone: 092, 902 102 112) and the city’s main lost-and-found office is on 93 402 31 61.

Hospitals, medical emergency telephones Hospital General de la Vall dHebron 93 274 61 00 Hospital Clinic i Provincial 93 227 54 00 Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau 93291 91 91 Hospital del Mar, near Barceloneta 93 248 90 11 /10 Dental emergency 93 415-9922 On duty pharmacies 010

Pharmacies are identified by the large green cross displayed outside the premises. You will find an ample selection of over-the-counter medication for the usual variety of colds, headaches, digestive discomfort, etc. If in doubt ask the pharmacist, who is very knowledgeable. If you need a doctor and he prescribes medication be sure to keep the receipts to claim when you get back home.

Lost/Stolen Bank/Credits Cards VisaCard: 900 99 1124 Diner’s Club: 917 01 5900 MasterCard: 900 97 1231 American Express: 336 393 1111

11 Recommended Restaurants

Recommended by Mary Clark

RESTAURANT LOCATION/TELEPHONE COMMENTS Senyor Parellada Argenteria, 37 Great upscale restaurant in a neat area of Casa Fonda 08003 Barcelona Barcelona where there is plenty of nightlife. Tel: 310 50 94 Book in advance

Casa Calvet Casp, 48 is housed in a building 08010 Barcelona designed by Gaudi. Very upscale and Tel: 412 40 12 excellent food. Book in advance Fax: 412 43 36

Restaurant 7 Paseo De Isabel II, 14 A landmark – Traditional Catalan cuisine in Portes Tel: 93 319 30 33 or a traditional Catalan environment. Best 93 319 29 50 dishes are the rice dishes like “paella” and Located near the Port other “arroy” dishes. Book in advance

Les quinze nity Placa Reial, 6 Located just off the Ramblas, lovely Tel: 93 317 30 75 outdoor seating on the plaza real with traditional Catalan fare. Don’t take reservations

Julivert Meu Bonsucces, 7 Very casual restaurant with “pan can Raco Rustic 08001 Barcelona tomale” and salads located just off the top Lloc Per Colles Tel: 93 318 03 43 of the Ramblas. One of my favorites for its rustic atmosphere.

Agua Pg. Maritim de la Barcelona, 30 Part of the Tragaluz owned restaurants. 08003 Barcelona Located in the Puerto Olimpico with views Tel 225 12 72 of the Mediterranean. Good idea to book in Fax 93 225 18 61 advance. Upscale.

La Flauta Aribau, 23 Casual restaurant with traditional in-formal Tel: 93 323 70 38 cuisine.

Entenca, 206 La Flauta II Tel: 93 322 13 65

Tel: 93 451 55 55 La Flauta a casa seva Barcelona

La Venta Plaza Dr. Andreu, S/N La Venta is in Tibidabo with upscale Tel: 93 212 64 55 cuisine. Go to “Mirablau” for a drink 08022 Barcelona before or after dinner for a spectacular view of Barcelona and the Mediterranean. “Mirablau” also for nightlife.

Vivanda Major de Sarria, 134 bxs. In Sarria with garden seating and great Tel: 932-031-918 food. 932-054-717 08017 Barcelona

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St. Remy Bradier, 12 Beautiful restaurant off of Paseo Bonanova. Tel: 93 418 75 04 Great food. Upscale. Fax: 93 434 04 34 Barcelona

La Balsa Infanta Isabel, 4 La Balsa is upscale with a great atmosphere 08022 Barcelona and great food. Also near the foot of Tel: 93 211 50 48 or Tibidabo. 93 211 10 56 Fax: 93 418 46 06

Tram-Tram Major de Sarria, 121 Tram-Tram is also in Sarria fantastic 08017 Barcelona gourment restaurant with a “menu de Tel: 204 85 18 degustacion” to sample several dishes. Great for wine.

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