Barcelona teambuilding 2011

Published: 27.06.11

Gaudi, shopping, football, vineyards, and Spanish feasts. 135 Omega team members experienced the best of what Barcelona has to offer on the 2011 teambuilding.

Barcelona turned sunny throughout the long weekend 2-5 June despite the rainy welcome as the Omega team checked in to exclusive hotel Catalonia Ramblas, located in the center of Barcelona, Thursday afternoon. The guests could choose between a number of spa and wellness offers, but the hotel stay was for most participants limited to sleeping. The city had too much to offer.

Vineyards and shopping

As the clouds lifted the participants got ready for their optional outings Friday morning; tour of famous football stadium Camp Nou, outing to the vineyard Bodega Pares Balta, shopping with a Barcelona fashion expert or a bicycle trip in the South Catalunian wine district were the options. Most of the participants jumped on the bike to see the wine district`s many vineyards from the road.

“The roads were perfect for cycling, and this way we got to know the district really well as we passed several large vineyards. Our last stop was at the small vineyard Loxarel. All production here was organic, and it was very interesting learning about the history and production at a small vineyard compared to the large, commercial ones. We got to taste three wines, and the visit felt more special as the production here was limited and the wine somewhat exclusive,” says Omega participant Audhild Brun.

With a local expert updated on the latest in Spanish fashion and shopping trends, a smaller group got to know what the city had to offer shopping enthusiasts.

“The guide knew so much, and was really fun to listen to. She presented the designers, Spanish fashion history, as well as manufacture industry in Spain. At the same time we got to learn a lot about the city. There was not much time for shopping during the tour, but we all got to explore in the shops afterwards,” says teambuilding shopper Camilla Berg.

Saturday was sunny and warm, just in time for the outing to the small town Sitges, 45 minutes by bus south west of Barcelona. The small town is known for its many narrow, charming streets filled with art galleries and historic buildings.

“It actually reminded me of Nice, with grand vacation houses and a beautiful promenade at the port,” says Berg.

After a tour and lunch in Sitges, the Omega crew got ready for the evening`s lecture: making Sangria.

The feast

På restaurant Barca Salamanca ventet bartender-ekspertise klare for en skoletime i At restaurant Barca Salamanca expert bartenders were ready to give the team a class in the art of Sangria making. The recipe was not too hard, according to many participants; It didn`t matter if the proportions were right as long as all the ingredients were included. Most were satisfied with own effort, and others focused on quality assuring the product. Tasting was just as important as the making. .

After the Sangria course it was time for dinner. And a feast of enormous proportions awaited the participants.

Tapas is mandatory when in Spain and started off as the entree. Then pork followed as the next course. Roasted pig was on the menu, and the guests were served each and every part of it.

“Some got a leg, others an ear. Many were a bit skeptical in the beginning, but the dinner was good, and most of it was eaten,” says Bodil Nærland Bjørnsen.

Satisfied with a full pork dinner the team builders were ready for coffee and dessert, but the feast would not stop there; before cake and crème brulee, everyone was served a big portion of tenderloin as a third course.

Visiting Gaudi

Still full after the dinner the night before, it was time for some Barcelona sightseeing Sunday morning. Participants could choose between three different sightseeings: a walking tour in the old city, guided bus tour, or a trip to architect Antonio Gaudi`s most famous buildings. Gaudi-enthusiasts got to visit a complex designed by Gaudi in 1906-1911.

“What a building! No straight angles, strange variants of all rooms, and a completely surreal building. But Gaudi was without a doubt a visionary architect, with modern solutions for lightning, indoor plumbing and ventilation. But still, what a weirdo,” concludes Camilla Berg after her Gaudi expedition.

Sightseeing in Barcelona was the final post on the program before departure back to Norway. 135 Omega team members went back north; updated on Sangria making, wine production, shopping and Gaudi. Still full from Saturday`s dinner.

Complete program Barcelona Teambuilding 2011