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Today’s PrideNomad™ Trivia:

In today’s email:

Barcelona vs. Valencia: No losers here.

Training…A New Perspective: It’s not what you’re thinking!

NomadHack: Pill Pushing Priorities (say that 3 times fast!)

UP FRONT:

Barcelona? Valencia? Decide!

Barcelona has generally been a favorite go-to destination for PrideNomads™ and the general digital nomad population alike. But Valencia has been getting quite a bit of attention lately, particularly having earned the 2024 European Green Capital designation this year. Let’s do a quick comparison:

Barcelona

Barcelona is like that extroverted friend who always knows where the best parties are. It's a buzzing metropolis famous for its stunning architecture (hello, Gaudí!), vibrant nightlife, and, of course, a dynamic gay scene centered around the Eixample district, affectionately known as "Gayxample." The bars and clubs here are legendary, and the vibe is very inclusive. Not to mention, Barcelona's beaches are a great spot to relax, work on that tan, and maybe flirt a little (or alot).

Valencia

On the other hand, Valencia is like Barcelona's laid-back cousin who knows how to party but also enjoys chill brunches and long strolls on the beach. It's a bit smaller and might not have the same international fame as Barcelona, but it packs a punch with its stunning arts and sciences complex, beautiful old town, and delicious food scene (the birthplace of paella, for example). The gay scene is smaller but still vibrant, with a welcoming community that makes it easy to feel at home.

Go for the Win…

So, if you're after non-stop action, art, and a bit of beach time, Barcelona might be your jam. But if you're looking for a more relaxed pace with plenty of culture and fewer crowds, Valencia could be the perfect choice. 

That said, why should it be either/or? Why not do both? The train ride is less than 3 hours, so consider doing a tour of some of the great cities of the southern part of Spain.

This week, we’ll do a quick run-down of Barcelona (which we often shortcode as “BCN”, the city’s airport code).

_{Barcelona 101: Work Hard, Play Harder}

First off, if you're into architecture, you’ve hit the jackpot. Gaudí’s stuff is everywhere. Yeah, the Sagrada Família is still under construction (has been for, like, 100 years), but it's worth a look—and they’ve finally announced a completion date, so who knows? You might get to see the completed version.

And Park Güell? It's like stepping into a Dr. Seuss book, but cooler, with less rhyme.

Now, for the foodies, get ready to loosen your belt! The tapas scene here is no joke – think plates of patatas bravas, bombas, and all the ham you can dream of. 

And yes, there’s more to local cuisine than paella and sangria. Hit up the food markets, like La Boqueria, and eat your way through them. Just save room for churros.

Nightlife? As with many European cities, Barcelona doesn’t sleep.

Whether you're into fancy cocktails or want to dance till dawn, there’s a spot with your name on it. The LGBTQ+ scene is popping, especially in the Gayxample district – yes, it’s really called that, and it’s fabulous (you’ve got options galore).

Why Work Here? Because You Can.

The vibe for digital nomads is top-notch. Co-working spaces? Check. Cool cafes with even cooler Wi-Fi? Double check. Plus, nothing beats a work session with a view of the Mediterranean. It’s like, why stress over deadlines when you can take a beach break and get back to it with a fresh mind?

The Real Deal: What to Actually Do.

• Hit the beach: Barceloneta is the go-to, but don’t just stop there. Explore a bit, and you might find your own chill spot.

• Get lost in the Gothic Quarter: It’s like a maze, but cooler, with awesome hidden bars and shops.

• Montjuïc: For the best views and a bit of greenery. Plus, the Magic Fountain show is pretty neat.

• Flamenco: Yes, it’s a bit cliché, but also a must. Find a local spot, sip some wine, and enjoy the show.

• Day trips: Got a free day? Check out Sitges or Girona. Beach vibes and history, all in one.

Barcelona may feel like the perfect place for your second home…but don’t start making plans just yet—we’ve got more options for you in the coming weeks!

THE CRAZY IDEA:

Taking “Training” to a Totally New Level.

As a PrideNomad™, we expect you to live a life full of passion, creativity and adventure.

That said, we discovered a wild ride of a story about Lasse Stolley, a German teen who's flipping the script on what it means to be a digital nomad.

Picture this: instead of hopping from one trendy co-working space to another, Lasse's office window is a constantly changing landscape because he lives on trains. Yes, you read that right—trains!

Now, before you conjure up images of cramped quarters and less-than-stellar conditions, let’s paint you the real picture.

Lasse's life is the epitome of train luxury. We're talking first-class travel, snoozing on night trains, and kicking off mornings in plush DB lounges (yes, he’s got coveted Platinum status—same as if you were on an airline).

And when it's time for a shower? Public swimming pools and leisure centers have got him covered.

All this for USD 10,500 a year? 

That's a steal when you consider the fact that he's circumventing rent, utilities, and the hassle of long-term leases. And let's not forget the unlimited freedom and adventure that comes with this package!

Our train-bound hero isn't just riding the rails for fun; he's a self-employed coder who's turned Germany's Deutsche Bahn network into his mobile workspace. He writes about it in his blog, Life on the Train.

Imagine coding away with the backdrop of Germany's picturesque countryside, this kid is living it.

His adventure began in the summer of 2022, right after Lasse decided to trade the conventional path for endless tracks. Whether it's a spontaneous trip to the Alps or a dive into the urban jungle of Berlin, all it takes is a quick check on the app for the next connection, and voilà—he's off to his next destination. No fixed address, just an endless journey of discovery.

Now, embracing this nomadic life on the rails did come with its challenges. Minimalism is key—Lasse travels light, with just his laptop and noise-cancelling headphones in tow. It's all about keeping it simple and focusing on what's truly essential.

One of his favorite experiences? Gliding through the Middle Rhine Valley, where the train slows to a crawl, allowing passengers to soak in the serene beauty of vineyards and the gentle flow of the river. It's moments like these that make the hustle and bustle of train life worth it.

In just a year and a half, Lasse has covered over 310,000 miles, turning train compartments into his home and the entire country into his backyard. While he's not sure how long this journey will last, one thing's for sure—his thirst for exploration is far from quenched.

Certainly, this isn’t for everyone, but we hope that Lasse's story inspires you to think outside the box, (or the train carriage). The world is vast, and sometimes the best adventures are found on the less-traveled tracks.

NOMAD HACK

Staying Healthy While Abroad.

If you’re going to be gone for a while, be sure to check to see if your destination requires written prescriptions. If they do, consider stocking up on your pharmaceuticals or carrying your prescription(s) with you.

Here’s some good news:

Many parts of the world don’t require prescriptions, and you may find your drug costs to be less than that in your home country.

For instance, statins and other drugs are readily available without a prescription in Spain, Portugal, and Thailand.

Do your health planning BEFORE you leave to ensure you’re staying healthy.

Trivia Answer:

That’s it for this week. See you next week. Please share this with your friends!

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