1 . I’m writing today from my balcony(阳台)in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. It’s summertime. It’s hot. Tourism is at its highest. I look out below as selfie(自拍)sticks extend, sunburns worsen, and loudness takes over.
Living in the Gothic Quarter has been one of the best, yet worst decisions I’ve made while living in Barcelona. I’m surrounded by beautiful architecture, fantastic shops are at my doorstep, and my favorite coffee shop is just around the corner. However, also at my doorstep are hundreds of tourists.
More than 30 million people visit Barcelona every year. But the city isn’t developing well. It’s dying. Financially, it’s doing well. However, the locals aren’t happy. What’s wrong? Landlords(房东)have realized there’s more profit in Airbnb, so when contracts come up for renewal, it’s common to find locals unable to pay up due to the increase in their rental prices. Locals don’t dare visit its nearest beach Barceloneta once the weather warms up. A lot of stores have turned into souvenir(纪念品)shops. Living prices have increased while salaries remain low.
People aren’t sitting back and taking it, though. There are regular anti-tourism protests. The Barcelona City Council has felt pressure from the community to resist tourism. In 2017, a law was approved to control the amount of accommodation made available for tourists. It was hoped the law would distribute tourist accommodation more evenly across the city, placing less pressure on already heavily populated neighborhoods. However, many tourists who come to Barcelona are day-trippers, only crowding the city’s streets. The council’s efforts are not controlling tourism. They’re only controlling accommodation.
If you want to visit Barcelona, consider avoiding May through August. Though I’d argue Barcelona doesn’t quite have an “off season”. Check out some of Catalonia’s other beautiful destinations: putting less pressure on Barcelona and benefiting smaller towns and cities’ economies. Learn some phrases in Catalan. It goes a long way towards showing respect. “Bon dia” instead of “buenos dias” and “adeu” rather than “adios”.
1. Why does the author like the Gothic Quarter?| A．It has good weather all year long. |
| B．It gives her many conveniences of life. |
| C．It makes a perfect location for taking selfies. |
| D．It helps her make much money as a landlord. |
| A．It increases rental prices for the locals. | B．It turns many visitors into day-trippers. |
| C．It results in regular anti-tourism protests. | D．It fails to control the number of visitors. |
| A．Ways to boost Catalonia’s economies. | B．Tips on journeying through Barcelona. |
| C．Respectful greetings used in Barcelona. | D．Catalonia’s other beautiful destinations. |
| A．Tourism is killing Barcelona: A local’s view |
| B．Barcelona’s must-go places: They are worth it |
| C．Barcelona is to vote on Airbnb ban: Whose idea? |
| D．Sustainable tourism in Barcelona: Who benefits? |
