You come across a lot of strange towns while traveling by train through Europe. Eerie, remote locations whose only inhabitants are gypsies, transients, and those employed by the train stations to service them. One such place, somewhere off the beaten path in France - its name escapes me - struck me as being particularly odd. [...]

Devoted AP readers may remember a post from a couple months back titled Precision Fade, in which I described the characteristics of a good, reliable barber.
Like new clothes, toothpaste or food, haircuts are a regular part of the consumption process, and how one cuts/styles their hair says a lot about who they are. To keep [...]

Casa Milà, better known as La Pedrera, is a must see attraction for anyone visiting Barcelona. Designed by architect Antoni Gaudí, the one-of-a-kind building took six years to construct and is one of his best-known works. Its wavy honeycomb-like facade and rooftop terrace covered in surrealistic chimneys are characteristic of his imaginative and kooky style. [...]

Barcelona is bright and beautiful. Its architecture, culture, beaches, restaurants and public spaces are world-class. Locals are warm-spirited, gentle and accommodating. Time moves slower here. Nobody cares where you work or how much money you make. It’s what you do with your life outside of work that matters. People pursue their extracurricular interests, and work [...]

Everybody that knows Vancouver knows it has a major drug problem. Heroin, crack, cocaine, weed, ecstasy and LSD are all openly traded and consumed on the streets. Special prescription pharmaceutical items one may desire can easily be obtained provided one has the right connections. This has resulted in colleges, high schools, and even elementary schools [...]

Although graffiti culture is alive and well in Paris, artists making their mark on the streets of Barcelona take reclaiming public space to a whole other level. Every nook and cranny of available space is caked with years of murals, wheatpastes, etchings and tags. On doorways and apartment entrances live the faded creations of yesteryear [...]