Up until today, anyone would have thought that the weatherman was trying to trick us into believing the weather would take a turn for the milder, while we've been scrambling around Plaça Catalunya over the past few days trying to find a shaded place to cool off and avoid pigeon droppings. However, this morning felt considerably cooler, partly thanks to a light breeze and an overcast sky. Maximum temperatures are expected to drop to 26ºC (hurrah!) and there's a good chance it will continue to rain into the evening. In fact, reports are warning the downpour could be 'intense'.
A fitting forecast considering the sad turn of events during yesterday's clásico. Real Madrid beat FC Barcelona in the second leg of the Supercopa 2-1. Following the first round which went 3-2 in favour of Barça, the Catalan team needed to draw to take the cup. However, although the defeat was bitterly disappointing, with one man down after a player received a red card, it was close throughout the closing minutes of the game.
Further proof that positive change can happen after events like 15M, which receive mostly negative press coverage and fuelled the Indignados movement, is the story of a community-owned allotment in Poble Nou. Over 30 neighbours own and work the land, growing vegetable and fruit despite the increasing urbanisation of the area. The plan is to pass on these skills to the next generation and reclaim a sense of self-sufficience and community spirit.
After mixed feedback in regards to the FGC's new tattle-tale app, which allows passengers to alert staff to suspicious behaviour on the trains, adjustments have been made. It is now no longer possible to 'vote off' a beggar or busker, at least not through the smartphone app.
The new issue of Metropolitan is out now! Be sure to pick up a copy at your nearest distribution point (a list can be found here).
The Summer in Barcelona blog is back tomorrow for its last entry.