Jean Jacques Bertschi, M.P., Co-Founder of Schule Talenta Zurich, WCGTC Delegate for Switzerland

Es folgt der Text in deutscher Sprache

Barcelona cannot be grasped in one visit only!
But the place of the biennial conference of our world-wide organisation for the sake of gifted and talented children could not have been chosen in a more accurate and symbolic way: With these remarks, I will try to make myself clear as to why you should not only come to the Catalan capital to participate (which - of course - is worth while), but I would like to encourage you to "dive in" what I call the incomparable mood of an incredible city. I argue from the position of an "intimate stranger" - a Swiss who owns a flat in the Olympic village and tries to keep up with the pace of Barcelona's thrilling development.

In the booming phase between 1980 and 2000, many things have changed -though (at the same time) many Catalan traditions are stronger than ever. The capital of "Catalunya", an autonomous region of modern Spain, opened its eyes towards the sea, dressed elegantly and created several - not only the world famous - ramblas. They are small and beautiful paradises for pedestrians between 12 and 98 of age... Parks, bars, restaurant, walks, beaches, sports facilities present themselves along what you could define (as compared to a famous skyline) the "sea-line" of Barcelona - innovations and attractions along six kilometres of new beaches. And people from Barcelona are not afraid of competition: If the new Olympic port gets more and more successful, the Old Port (Port Vell) strikes back with even more breathtaking sights and attractions. The city of Barcelona is a flywheel for new quarters, buildings and public spaces.

Don't you agree that it takes a lot of self confidence and courage to compete for the Olympic Games, the world games number one? And though, the Barcelona Olimpic games were the unforgettable present to the youth of the world, inspiring for all that took part. There was creativity, solidarity, friendship, emotions, thrill and beauty. In the meantime, the opening hymn "Barcelona", sung by one of the world's famous sopranos, local Montserrat Caballé, and Rock lead singer Freddie Mercury, has become deeply "classic" - an impressive symbol for the Catalan ability to bring new and old together in a unique and convincing synthesis. Go to the water fountains at Plaza España at night, look at the "liquid painting and motions", accompanied by this moving duet of opera style and rock band!

Perhaps, as a stranger you feel the special brand of Barcelona even stronger than the native population: This incredible ease to bridge centuries, merge styles and epochs, create new sites (while cherishing the old ones) and to tolerate popular performances next to "elitist culture" and avantgarde! And the "national" soccer club of Catalonia, F.C. Barcelona, has its posters and placards painted by Joan Miro... F.C. Barcelona, or simply Barça, presents itself proudly as "mès que un club" (more than just a club). Football, believe me, is not less important in Catalonia than politics.

Coming back to vision and business: When the promoters of the Olympic Games 1992 started to realize their visions they managed to invest most of the money in future-oriented new quarters, facilities and meeting points. They created lasting infrastructure and new urban life. Visit the places and feel their strong belief in the future!

Successful companies and enterprises are characterised by two elements: the power of vision and the power to execute. Both can be seen and admired in Barcelona. Already in 1860, the city planner Ildefons Cerda conceived streets each with four lanes, right angles throughout the city, rhombic crossings and green courtyards. His "Eixample" was and still is a highly modern extension of the traditional city. Far looking and far thinking. Like with a thick, red pen, the big Avingudas - Meridiana and Diagonal - were designed to run through the city as a longitudinal and latitudinal framework, meeting at the artistic roundabout of Glories. The tunnels for the Metro were built ages before the trains of the Metro eventually ran. And finally the ramblas: What a symbol of pulsing life! They bring people together. They unite generations and cultures.

The enormous drive and labour to develop the city begin to pay out: If you want to have a look at the great diversity of attractive places, sights, museums, stores, it takes several days. Some of the keywords: Tibidabo, Montjuich, Plaza España, Anella Olimpica, Ramblas, Plaza Catalunya, Port Vell, Vila Olimpica, Barri Gotic, Arc de Triomf, Diagonal, Parc G�ell, Passeig de Gracia, Barceloneta, Nou Camp. And still I have forgotten to speak about the famous Sagrada Familia, this unconventional church by Antoni Gaudi, that has been "under construction" for more than hundred years and will go on hopefully for many decades. At present, Subirach is developing the ideas of Gaudi further - in a congenial manner. And here again, you meet the sense for business of this city: In order not to miss important stages of this "making of a vision", you will have to visit the Sagrada regularly. Not bad for Barcelona tourism...

Barcelona really offers very much for the whole family - for every age, for every taste, for every level and aspiration. Forsa Barça. Try it out!

Jean Jacques Bertschi, M.P., Co-Founder of Schule Talenta Zurich, WCGTC Delegate for Switzerland