Apprehension. Ever since receiving the news several months ago that our trusted colleague and friend, head of Smoking and pioneer of Pure Hemp, had decided to leave MCM, the future seemed clouded with uncertainty. Change is the one constant, it's true, but Santi had been our constant. Santi's sharing of the Hempify vision had set us on our course. In what direction would these winds of change blow us now?

Through the night we flew, into the unknown..

We arrived in Barcelona early, and despite a sleepless night, feeling strangely refreshed. We were met in the Smoking offices by a host of old friends and with an espresso in hand we settled in awaiting 'Xavis' arrival.

Enter Xavi, Xavier, Smoking's very own X-man and a breath of fresh air. Peace. A meeting with an old friend, we'd only just met. Business can wait, first lunch. A few cervezas, a bottle of wine, manchego, jamon, a midday feast of Catalan delights and we know we are home, and on course with a fresh breeze filling our sails.

Maybe it's the legacy of the afternoon siesta, but Barcelona it seems does not sleep at night. A perfect way of avoiding jet lag, really, why bother adapting to the new time zone. Tapas, cerveza, wandering the old city with Xavi as our guide we finally settled in at the 'pipe club'. Second floor, no sign, buzz to get in, yet a favorite of traveler's and locals alike..

We have been told that in Barcelona people are reserved and don't talk to strangers. We beg to differ. Our next three nights can only be described as madness. Glorious madness. Discussing Jim Jarmusch with film maker Tony 'Montana', then finding ourselves at his bar 'Kulas' kicking off the next night. Debating Neil Young with the advertising guru at the pipe club, chillin' to Bob at the jazz club, free drinks at Maria Mulata's, African connections from Morocco to Senegal all to the beat of Burning Spear. Connections and reconnections. And of course late night tapas with Liam the crazed Irishman

By day, or what was left of it, we basked in Gaudi's glory. Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. Pure genius. Pure inspiration. A man so ahead of his time, disconnected from time. A visit to any of his buildings is more than enough reason to visit Barcelona. We can't wait to come back.

TOP