Jean Galea

Health, Wealth, Relationships, Wisdom

The Best Bakeries in Barcelona: A Delicious Guide

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best bakeries barcelona

Barcelona’s vibrant food scene is as diverse as it is delicious, and nowhere is this more evident than in its bakeries. Whether you’re looking for artisanal bread, buttery croissants, or something a little more adventurous, this city has you covered. Below, we’ve gathered some of the absolute best bakeries in Barcelona that you must visit to indulge in all things freshly baked.

1. Origo: For Bread Lovers

If you’re a lover of sourdough and rustic loaves, Origo is a must-visit. Nestled in the barrio of Gracia, Origo has made a name for itself as a true paradise for bread enthusiasts. Their commitment to high-quality ingredients and long fermentation processes makes their bread not only delicious but also healthy. The crusty loaves here are the perfect combination of crunch and softness, offering an authentic taste that keeps you coming back for more. You can also buy freshly brewed coffee there. Be prepared for lines on the weekend.

2. OZ Bakery: A Hidden Gem

Tucked away from the main tourist areas, OZ Bakery is a hidden gem that locals swear by. This bakery offers a fantastic range of artisanal baked goods, but it’s their rye bread that steals the show. It’s rich, hearty, and full of flavor—a perfect accompaniment to cheese or charcuterie. OZ Bakery also offers an array of pastries, including fluffy cinnamon rolls that are simply irresistible.

3. Brunells: Tradition Meets Modernity

One of Barcelona’s oldest bakeries, Brunells has been operating since 1852, and it’s still one of the best places to go for a taste of traditional Catalan baking. Brunells masterfully blends tradition with modern innovation, offering classic treats like ensaimadas and a rotating selection of creative pastries. Their attention to detail is evident in every bite, making this bakery a staple for those who love the mix of old and new.

4. Patisserie Hoffman: The Croissant Queen

No bakery list would be complete without mentioning Patisserie Hoffman, a place that has arguably set the bar for croissants in Barcelona. Their mascarpone croissants are nothing short of legendary—a light, buttery pastry filled with creamy mascarpone that melts in your mouth. Each bite is perfectly balanced, making it easy to see why these croissants are hailed as some of the best in the city. Hoffman’s offerings are not limited to mascarpone, though; they have a range of inventive flavors that will have you wanting to try them all.

Indulge in Barcelona’s Baking Magic

These bakeries are just a glimpse of the incredible baking talent scattered throughout Barcelona. Whether you are seeking the perfect loaf of sourdough, a slice of tradition, or a croissant that will leave you speechless, Barcelona’s bakeries are sure to delight. Make sure to stop by Origo, OZ Bakery, Brunells, and Patisserie Hoffman on your next visit, and experience the magic of fresh, local baking.

So, which bakery are you heading to first?

Is “Ignoring Your Kids” Really the Secret to Happiness?

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Recently, a post on X titled “How to Be a Great Parent by Ignoring Your Kids” by the investor Andrew Wilkinson caught my attention—not because of its controversial title, but because of its content and reactions elicited. While many seem to see this as an eye-opening revelation, I can’t help but wonder why it’s being hailed as such. Perhaps the idea resonates more in cultures where the burden of parenting is uniquely heavy, but from my perspective, there’s more to be discussed.

First off, let me say that every family is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to parenting. Some points made in the article are, frankly, common sense—reduce over-scheduling, allow children some autonomy, and don’t strive for perfection in every moment of the day. Great, we’re on board with that. But the underlying tone that reducing parenting to something akin to negligence leads to happy families feels misplaced.

The reality is that many parents today are, in fact, very happy with their families—so long as they have a stable income and reasonable free time. We know that parenting is tough. We live in times of increased social and economic pressures, and we’re more aware than ever of how our actions impact our children. This isn’t a bad thing. It’s not a crisis of parenting; it’s a realization of how much our presence means to our children.

Some points in the article paint today’s engaged parents as overly obsessive, “hovering” at playgrounds, or indulging in endless activities that don’t add value. While there may be truth in recognizing the harm of extreme overprotectiveness, dismissing involved parenting as simply “misery-inducing” doesn’t resonate with the experience of many families. Modern parents are not just taxi drivers or babysitters—they are role models, guides, and companions in a child’s journey to becoming an adult. And that isn’t something you can achieve by ignoring them.

The nostalgic description of letting kids “roam free” through neighborhoods in the 90s, unsupervised and wild, may sound ideal, but it ignores the social context that allowed that freedom. Back then, we lived in closer-knit communities, less dominated by fear. Families knew their neighbors; communities were more tightly interwoven. There was a trust that children could explore safely, largely because the entire community contributed to that safety. We no longer live in that world, and blaming parents for wanting their children to be safe isn’t addressing the root of the problem—it’s avoiding it.

This brings me to Gabor Maté’s insights in Hold on to Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers. Maté speaks to the essential role of attachment in a child’s development. The idea of parents stepping back to let children figure things out entirely on their own—while it sounds like a nostalgic homage to the “good old days”—risks missing a fundamental point: children need their parents to be their secure attachment. In Maté’s words, children are meant to orient themselves emotionally through their attachment with their parents, and when this connection weakens, they will naturally seek attachment elsewhere—usually with their peers. This is where many modern parenting models go awry.

Maté’s argument emphasizes that a child’s emotional development is deeply tied to the attachment hierarchy in their lives. When parents are less involved, children increasingly turn to their peers for guidance. While this peer attachment may seem like a natural part of growing up, it often replaces the parent-child bond that is necessary for developing a secure sense of self. The author of the article encourages us to step back and give our children more independence, but if that means replacing parental engagement with a void filled only by peers, it can lead to deeper issues like anxiety, depression, or a general lack of direction as children grow into adolescents.

Instead, we should aim for a relationship that allows children to flourish both independently and securely—one where they feel comfortable exploring the world but also know they have a firm and loving foundation to return to. This doesn’t mean stifling a child’s natural autonomy, but it also doesn’t mean leaving them without the anchor that only parents can provide. As Maté notes, children need to understand that they belong to their parents and family first before they seek belonging from others.

The article also largely ignores a crucial factor: quality time. Being present isn’t about clocking hours supervising kids; it’s about true engagement. Whether it’s a bedtime story, a shared project, or just having an honest conversation, these moments matter. Parents today may spend less time letting their kids “fend for themselves,” but in the time they do spend together, they have the opportunity to truly connect—something that was not necessarily a given in past generations. I think we should be encouraging parents to be educated, to spend meaningful, quality time with their kids, and to try and see the world from their perspective. It’s not about helicoptering; it’s about being there when it counts.

Moreover, this idea of “parenting lazily” as the ultimate solution feels short-sighted. It’s not a matter of neglect versus smothering. It’s about balance, an ongoing negotiation between letting your children explore, face challenges, and learn independence while being their foundation, their safety net when things go wrong. There’s a lot of room between letting kids “roam in packs” and building trust and autonomy in a guided, intentional way.

Maté reminds us that true independence comes from a place of security. When children feel they can depend on their parents, they gain the internal stability that allows them to explore confidently. It’s not independence for the sake of it, but an independence rooted in a strong relationship. When we, as parents, truly “hold on to our kids”—emotionally, not physically—we allow them to feel safe enough to venture out.

The reality is that our world has changed, and parenting has changed along with it. It’s not an overprotective shift or an irrational reaction to fear alone. The increased involvement of parents today reflects an understanding of the importance of formative experiences in early life, and a recognition that as parents, we shape the people our children become. Yes, there can be too much of a good thing, but the solution isn’t to swing to the other extreme.

Rather than choosing between being an “overprotective parent” or a “negligent” one, let’s strive for a healthy balance—one that recognizes the changing needs of both our children and the society we live in. Let’s challenge the notion that our parental involvement should be minimized, and instead work towards a way of parenting that allows both us and our children to flourish.

London House Exchange Review – How to Lose Money With UK Real Estate

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Property partner homepage

London House Exchange (formerly Property Partner) is one of the better-known real estate crowdfunding platforms in the UK. The platform was founded in 2014 with the promise of giving investors the opportunity to enter the UK property arena with an investment of just £1,000.

With property prices – at least in the case of London, much heftier than much of mainland Europe, it was touted as ideal to invest into UK real estate without breaking the bank. London is also where the super-rich all clamor to buy some real estate, and I would argue it’s the most prestigious real estate market in Europe.

After more than GBP 60,000 invested over the years, I can tell you that this is one of the worst platforms I’ve ever used in terms of returns. While it continues operating, you should stay away from investing in any of its properties. The team has been courteous and professional in its replies and updates, however, has proven to be incompetent at the main task of investing our money profitably.

Property Partner Alternatives

If you want to invest in other markets in Europe here are some other platforms to check out:

If you want to diversify your investments across more asset classes, you might want to check out P2P lending platforms like Mintos and Peerberry.

The Verdict?

Stay away, you are likely to lose money if you invest in London House Exchange.

Why I Love Cold Water Immersion

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cold water immersionOne of my favourite activities at my fitness club is cold water immersion. I willingly submerge my body into a pool of 12-degree water, embracing the cold that offers both a mental and physical reboot.

Cold water immersion (CWI), a practice I’ve woven into the fabric of my daily routine, isn’t merely a challenging physical activity but an avenue to tap into unseen mental and physiological realms.

The Science Behind Cold Water Immersion

The science on CWI is not really conclusive, so we have to be honest about that point. There are many people, including personalities like Wim Hof, who make it sound like a holy grail. In my opinion, it’s not. It’s just one more activity that can help maintain a state of well-being.

Here’s what science does tell us about cold water immersion:

  • Physical Effects on the Body: When your body hits the cold, it triggers vasoconstriction, diverting blood to vital organs and engaging the metabolic systems in a unique dance to preserve warmth. It’s a natural, physiological response that bolsters circulatory efficiency.
  • Psychological and Neurological Effects: The initial shock gives way to a surprising calmness. Research indicates that CWI can enhance mood and reduce stress by activating the sympathetic nervous system and releasing endorphins.
  • Immune System and Recovery: Science suggests that regular CWI can positively influence the immune system and reduce muscle inflammation, aiding in quicker recovery post-physical exertion.

Duration and Immersion Recommendations

How Long Should You Stay In? The recommended time for cold water immersion can vary depending on experience and tolerance levels. For beginners, starting with 1-2 minutes is ideal. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually extend your time to around 5-10 minutes. However, it’s important not to push beyond your limits. Research suggests that 11-15 minutes per week, split across multiple sessions, can be sufficient to gain the desired physiological benefits without overexposure to cold stress.

Which Parts of the Body to Submerge? To achieve the full benefits of CWI, it is generally recommended to submerge as much of the body as possible, ideally up to the neck. This ensures the core, which houses the majority of vital organs, experiences the effects of the cold. However, even partial immersion (such as submerging just the legs or arms) can provide benefits for circulation and inflammation reduction. Hands and feet are often the most sensitive, so you might find it easier to keep them out initially until you build tolerance.

Submerging the head in cold water immersion can have additional effects, both positive and negative. On the positive side, dunking your head can activate the mammalian dive reflex, which helps lower heart rate and conserve oxygen, potentially enhancing relaxation. However, sudden head immersion also carries risks, particularly for individuals who are not used to it. The rapid cooling of the head can lead to a sudden spike in blood pressure or even cause lightheadedness or fainting.

If you decide to submerge your head, it’s best to do so gradually. Start by wetting your face and the back of your neck before slowly dunking your head. This can help your body adjust more comfortably and safely to the extreme temperature. As always, listen to your body and don’t push beyond what feels safe.

It’s also quite common for men to experience discomfort in the groin area, particularly in the testicles. This discomfort happens because the body instinctively attempts to protect reproductive organs from the extreme cold by drawing them closer to the body, leading to a tightening sensation and sometimes pain. If the discomfort is too much, wearing neoprene shorts can help provide some insulation while still gaining the overall benefits of cold exposure.

My Personal Routine

  1. Preparation: Before I enter the pool, I ensure mental alignment with the impending cold and adhere to safety, ensuring I’m well-rested and not alone during the process.
  2. Execution: Slow and deliberate, I enter the water, focusing on maintaining controlled, steady breathing to counter the initial shock and gradually immerse my entire body.
  3. Post-Immersion Process: Post-immersion, I gently warm my body and focus on replenishing it with nutritious food, while also dedicating time to reflect on the experience.

Timing matters. When incorporating CWI into a fitness routine, it’s crucial to be mindful of when to take the plunge. I practice CWI after my padel matches as an aid to recovery and lower inflammation, but I avoid it after weight lifting sessions, as some research suggests it might not be optimal for muscle growth. CWI right after intense strength training can potentially blunt hypertrophy by limiting the body’s natural inflammatory response needed for muscle repair.

If your goal is to enhance muscle gains, avoid immersing right after lifting sessions. Instead, schedule it on rest days or after cardiovascular activities where inflammation reduction might be more beneficial. For general stress relief and recovery, early mornings or after work can be ideal times to get the mental benefits without conflicting with muscle recovery.

Benefits and Challenges

This daily plunge has fortified not just my physical being but also my mental resilience, offering a consistent space to practice surrender and grit simultaneously.

It was never easy. To this day, cold showers are too difficult for me, but I found that the plunge is something I can do consistently. Having said that, the initial fear and physical discomfort were barriers that required persistent and mindful efforts to overcome. If you feel the same, know that it’s absolutely normal. If you never manage to get accustomed to cold water immersion, that’s also OK; it’s not essential to your well-being—just find something else that works for you.

Conclusion

My journey with CWI has been really interesting. I have gained a deep appreciation for the body’s capacity to adapt and find calm in chaos. It has helped me build up the ability to prepare myself for adverse conditions, rather than constantly be in a responsive mode, changing my moods and level of motivation as a reaction to outside factors. While my experiences are personal and subjective, the underlying theme of embarking on a journey of self-discovery through pushing physical and mental boundaries is universally relevant.

Ultimately, cold water immersion is about more than just braving the cold—it’s a tool for resilience, mental clarity, and adaptation. If you’re curious, start small, and listen to your body as you progress. It’s not about following a fad but finding what adds value to your well-being.

How I Hire Developers

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how to hire developers
When hiring developers, it’s crucual to develop a structured process that ensures you find the right candidates. Hiring can be a huge resource hog, especially for small companies that have to divert important resources like the CEO’s time for the hiring process.

The method below was shared by one of my friends, Dan Avramescu, who works on misstourist.com. Dan is a valued member of the the Good Life Collective, and in one of our business discussions in this community, he illustrated the meticulous process he has used to hire successfully over the past years.

Here’s the detailed breakdown:

Step 1: Posting the Job

I start by posting the job on djinni.co. In the job post, I outline all the requirements and desired qualities for the developer. This is based on my experiences with past developers—what I’ve loved about working with them and what I haven’t. Both are important, as I don’t want to repeat frustrating experiences from the past. These insights are split into the “Requirements” and “Nice to Have” sections to set clear expectations from the beginning.

Step 2: Screening Questions

I use subjective screening questions to filter out candidates early on. This approach helps me avoid candidates who might use AI tools like ChatGPT to generate polished but insincere responses. Over time, I’ve learned to spot those telltale signs of AI-generated answers.

Examples of Subjective Screening Questions:

  1. What’s a recent task that frustrated you? How did you handle it?
    • Helps understand how candidates deal with challenges and their approach to problem-solving under pressure.
  2. What solution are you most proud of in your career?
    • Allows candidates to showcase their creativity, technical skills, and the impact of their work.
  3. What is something that annoys you about working with [specific language/framework]?
    • Reveals critical thinking and familiarity with the tools they use, as well as their ability to articulate areas for improvement.
  4. Tell me about a time when you significantly boosted the results of a project you worked on.
    • Identifies past successes and their ability to contribute meaningfully to a team.
  5. Describe a situation where you had to learn a new technology or framework quickly. How did you go about it?
    • Assesses their learning agility and willingness to adapt to new challenges.
  6. What’s the most challenging bug you’ve ever had to fix? How did you approach it?
    • Demonstrates their debugging skills and perseverance.
  7. Can you tell me about a time when you had a disagreement with a teammate? How was it resolved?
    • Explores their interpersonal skills and ability to handle conflicts professionally.
  8. What do you think is the most overrated technology or trend in software development right now? Why?
    • Gauges their industry awareness and critical thinking about current trends.
  9. Describe a time when you had to balance multiple priorities. How did you manage your time and tasks?
    • Assesses their time management skills and ability to handle workload effectively.
  10. What motivates you to stay in the field of software development?
  • Helps determine if they are passionate and likely to remain committed long-term.

These subjective questions help provide a deeper understanding of the candidate’s experience, problem-solving skills, and personal traits. They elicit genuine, thoughtful responses and provide insights that go beyond technical skills.

Why These Questions Matter

  • Depth of Insight: These questions provide a deeper understanding of the candidate’s experience, thought processes, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Authenticity: Subjective questions elicit more genuine responses compared to technical questions that can be easily rehearsed or generated by AI.
  • Cultural Fit: Understanding how candidates handle challenges, work with others, and stay motivated helps determine if they will be a good fit for the team and company culture.
  • Adaptability: Questions about learning new technologies and managing multiple priorities reveal their ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic work environment.

Using these subjective screening questions, along with the initial video screening and live coding interview, helps me identify well-rounded candidates who are not only technically skilled but also have the right attitude, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities.

Step 3: Initial Video Screening

The first screening question is always:

“Send me a video (45 seconds to 2 minutes) where you talk about a few things about yourself, personal or professional.”

In this video, I look for:

  • Ability to articulate thoughts clearly.
  • Comfort in speaking English.
  • Willingness to put in effort (not just clicking “apply”).

I move forward with candidates who demonstrate excellent communication skills or those who may be a bit nervous but still manage to communicate effectively. I disregard candidates who read off a script or stumble too much.

Case Example

I once rejected an excellent QA candidate because of his arrogant attitude. He refused to make a video, stating he wasn’t desperate for a job. Even though he was clearly skilled, I didn’t think he’d fit well in a team environment. However, for roles that require only one developer, I might give such candidates a chance.

Step 4: Screening by Criteria

When I gather a reasonable number of candidates (15-20 at least), I further filter applicants based on:

  • Matching skill set.
  • Video presentation.
  • Relevant experience.

Step 5: Live Coding Interview

I invite 5-10 candidates for a live coding interview. During this interview, I set tasks that are similar to what they would work on within our development stack. These tasks are intentionally designed to be impossible to complete within 1-1.5 hours. This lets me observe:

  • Their ease of working with the stack.
  • Their problem-solving skills.
  • How they utilize online resources and AI tools like ChatGPT.
  • Their ability to quickly complete basic tasks, indicating familiarity and prior experience.
  • How they handle errors and debugging.

I inform candidates that they can use any resources online, as I want to see their resourcefulness and comfort with AI coding tools. In fact, I secretly hope they will use AI—a good programmer is a lazy programmer who looks to automate rather than do manual work.

Step 6: Final Selection

From the live coding interviews, I typically narrow it down to 2-3 candidates. I then make my final decision based on their overall performance and fit for the role. If I don’t find 2-3 suitable candidates, I run another batch of coding interviews.

Conclusion

I’ve been using this process myself with excellent results. It helps me find developers who are not only technically proficient but also good communicators and team players.

Having access to discussions like this one is why I really love being part of several communities. If you haven’t checked out the Good Life Collective yet, go do so, and let me know if you have any questions about what I am building there. Thanks again to Dan for this great experience share.

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Jean Galea

Investor | Dad | Global Citizen | Athlete