ZiryBlog: Culinary Inspirations

Spain’s heritage remains influential in many of its former colonies, as well as in other European countries. Its history has also crossed paths with other influential civilizations, like Middle Eastern. Similarly, Arabian influence is evident in Spain, especially when it comes to cuisine. The spanish-food.org staff further delves into this matter.
Continue reading “Barcelona Hookah Bar: Experience the Great Merging of Arab and Spanish”

How do you make the most of your trip to Barcelona? With his dedication in exploring and featuring Spain in his writings, travel expert Damian Corrigan shares some must-visit places in the Catalan capital in an article for About.com: Continue reading “Barcelona Shisha Bar: A Perfect Place to Unwind in the Catalan Capital”

So you’ve finished your tour of the activity-packed sprawl of Barcelona. After soaking in the sights and sounds for almost an entire day, however, you find yourself a bit tired and ready to relax. A consensus was reached among your group, and you all decided to wind down at a popular shisha bar in Barcelona like Ziryab.

It’s not bad to Instagram and Tweet everything you’ve experienced while enjoying a nice, traditional hookah in Barcelona with your friends. Still, you’re missing the big point of what the gathering is all about—actual personal conversation, and not having your friends look at you for hours while you indulge yourself on your smartphone. Continue reading “Enjoy Barcelona Hookah Sessions with Friends—Minus Your Smartphone”

Ever wondered what the Caterpillar from the animated film “Alice in Wonderland” smokes? Although the first thing that might cross your mind is a bong, it’s not entirely accurate. In the novel, Lewis Carroll specifically identified the creature as the “Hookah-Smoking Caterpillar”. But what exactly is a hookah and where did it come from?

Leif Harum, who identifies himself as “The Runaway Guide” in his blog, shares what he found out about the history of hookah smoking:
Continue reading “The Middle Eastern Hookah Finds its Way to a Barcelona Shisha Bar”

Autumn has fallen hard, fervent, magnanimous and grey over the city of Barcelona. The warm summer wind has lost it’s strength, falling amongst the cobblestones in cool puddles of rain. The dogs bark differently this time of year.
The warm light of the restaurant becomes a part of this autumn landscape. A golden light like warmest bread. The red of the wine deepens with passion as it fills the glass. The very wood in the walls competes with the timeless history of the room itself.

Suddenly a bang. The light from the “correfocs” washes over the streets. “Are those fireworks?” The people run outside to see. The stairwell is deserted, and from the empty loft of the restaurant, life feels like a celebration. Do you really think it matters that no one else seems to be listening?

The rockets fade away, leaving behind a trail of smoke that slowly lifts as time begins again, revealing smiling faces. It’s time to eat. Some have a bite, others have more than a bite. Everything is fresh, the aromas sit nicely alongside the candles. Take a look inside. Take your time. Everyone seems content. A cold wind rattles against the door, and no one notices. Silence.

What happened here one hundred years ago? This place would make a fabulous apartment. Why do I like it here so much?

The charm. There’s no other way to explain it. Maybe that’s why they call it that in the first place, because a magical charm has been placed upon us, and all those who lived inside these walls, and wandered through the autumn nights, and heard the silent lute of Ziryab.

Come and see.

(poem based on the musician Ziryab, who legend has it – among other things – invented the 5th string of the lute)