I had a short break in Barcelona last week with Rich. Amazing city and so much to see; we only scratched the surface in the few days we were there.
One difference between our holidaying homo attitude that emerged is that I always like to do as the Romans do (and the Romans did ‘do’ each other a fair bit) and get a taste of the local gay scene when in a cosmopolitan, foreign city, along with all the history and the sights. Rich, on the other hand, has no desire to tread the gay path while away and views this as a waste of time and a form of sexual tourism.
I think this has to do with Rich’s view of any gay scene as a means to an end; a cattle market that doesn’t have any real cultural value. Fair enough, but I think it’s just another strand to the rich and varied tapestry of city life and a place’s homo quarter gives it character just like it’s ancient quarter. And, okay, the bottom line might always be a, er, bottom, but every gay scene has it’s unique points and to me that’s as interesting as it’s famous buildings.
In the end, we compromised and decided to go for a quick, post-dinner drink in one of the gay bars, but gave up after walking for half an hour and finding not a whisker of gay Barcelona! So we went to a nice looking, random, local bar and had a great time.
When in barcelona…
One difference between our holidaying homo attitude that emerged is that I always like to do as the Romans do (and the Romans did ‘do’ each other a fair bit) and get a taste of the local gay scene when in a cosmopolitan, foreign city, along with all the history and the sights. Rich, on the other hand, has no desire to tread the gay path while away and views this as a waste of time and a form of sexual tourism.
I think this has to do with Rich’s view of any gay scene as a means to an end; a cattle market that doesn’t have any real cultural value. Fair enough, but I think it’s just another strand to the rich and varied tapestry of city life and a place’s homo quarter gives it character just like it’s ancient quarter. And, okay, the bottom line might always be a, er, bottom, but every gay scene has it’s unique points and to me that’s as interesting as it’s famous buildings.
In the end, we compromised and decided to go for a quick, post-dinner drink in one of the gay bars, but gave up after walking for half an hour and finding not a whisker of gay Barcelona! So we went to a nice looking, random, local bar and had a great time.