First stop, Gracia and what was the Rius i Taulet plaza, now Vila de Gràcia. You might be wondering, why? Why make the name change from something so dynamic and challenging to the tongue for something more, well, mediocre. Ahhhhh. Like anything, there is a story here.

Rius i Taulet was the name of a former Barcelona mayor. While this may not seem like big news, those new to the area, waiting for a friend for a coffee might think different and well, even the europa press covered the news.

The official new name ceremony took place on April 19th, coinciding with the date of the Revolte de les Quintes 1870, a large revolt and was motivated by the work of Grup 1850, a Gracia org, who, among other things are calling for the popularization and use of the Gracia flag, creating a kind of Gracia logo to emblazon on public transport and more Gracia-promoting goodies. The group started over four years ago and with the signatures of 1,040 people collected a little over a year ago, the name change happened. Why was there ever a petition to begin with?

Probably the most to suffer, besides those new to the block, walking 'round in circles in the Barri are shop owners, who are NOT being helped by officials in the area to change the address on their bags, business cards, etc... If you have a family member with the same last name (rius i taulet) or are looking for a free, and unique souvenir to bring back home, you might want to stop by these businesses and get their tossed out Rius i Taulet goods.

Now onto Raval, where another BCN oddity is present. What seem to be either rubber or ceramic, brightly painted dolls have been nailed into the corners of several streets. A bit of a shock when looking up to find out the street name and get your bearings, instead there is a bizarre doll-like figure smushed into the wall, but they are also kinda cute. You'll find them between CCCB and Ronda Sant Antoni, what we don't know is why?

Another peculiar city persona is the old naked guy. A man covered in tattoos who walks the streets, mostly near Pl. Espanya and St. Antoni, does come out more when the weather warms. What we know about this character is that he's not a BCN native, and that Esteban T.C., who prefers to be free of the restrictions of clothing, also has a clever tattoo of blue underpants.

There you have it, just some additional funky tidbits to add to the next tours you give visiting family and friends. Have YOU seen anything strange or bizarre out there? What?