independent time for the participants to pursue individual interests .
The added plus to this program , however , was that Barcelona attorneys and professionals also participated in the academic and networking programs . Thus , rather than generic seminar content and visiting the city only for the main tourist attractions , we had a more immersive experience , learning from and building connections with the locals .
The Joint Family Law Conference and Networking Exchange in Barcelona was not just continuing legal education . It was a continuing legal experience !
Thirty attorneys and judges , mostly from Georgia traveled to Barcelona for the Conference , which was hosted by the Barcelona Bar Association , Il-lustre Col-legi de l ’ Advocacia de Barcelona ( ICAB ). Over fifteen attorneys and judges from Barcelona also joined the seminars and activities . For the final day of the 3-day Conference , we were honored to be joined by judges from Croatia , Italy , Poland , Germany , Austria and other European Union countries , who were meeting in Barcelona .
The Conference was designed to facilitate active engagement , open discussions , and a sharing of ideas amongst the judges , panelists and participants . Lively discussions were , in fact , had , including an interesting panel discussion with Georgia and Barcelona judges .
ICAB also arranged for us to experience some of the more practical side of practicing law in Barcelona . We toured the Ciutat de la Justícia , the Barcelona Courthouse , which , translating to “ City of Justice ,” is aptly named . Indeed , it is a magnificent structure of eight buildings connected by a huge atrium . The development straddles the border of two jurisdictions ( Barcelona and l ’ Hospitalet de Llobregat ), serving both jurisdictions . It houses 152 courts , and 104 courtrooms . It was a true sight to behold .
ICAB Secretary and Librarian Joaquim de Miguel i Sagnier also gave us an impressive tour of the ICAB Law Library . Renowned as one of the world ’ s first private law libraries , it holds over 300,000 works , including a treasure trove of historic books , parchments , manuscripts and documents , some dating back to the 12th century .
Sr . de Miguel took us behind-the-scenes where we saw ancient maps , wills and other historical documents and books . It was a fascinating experience .
The Conference , however , was not only an academic pursuit . Rather , it was also a networking experience amongst us , and our Barcelonan colleagues . Together , we shared meals , attended receptions , and socialized outside of the program agenda . The ICAB attorneys and professionals were welcoming and gracious hosts .
Many Georgia registrants already knew one another prior to the Conference . However , most of us met at a welcome open house the day before academic sessions started . People quickly developed connections . By the end of the week , we all made new friendships . The camaraderie was inspiring .
The program agenda also allowed for plenty of free time for the participants to explore and enjoy Barcelona . Indeed , it was not all work and no play ! Many people traveled with their spouses , children , friends , siblings , and parents . Some were celebrating birthdays and anniversaries . Barcelona offered something for everybody , enabling all of us to pursue our individual interests at our own pace .
Most of us joined pre-planned group tours of Sagrada Familia , Parc Güell and other popular tourist sites . The highlight was a daytrip to the Penedès wine country . We learned about wine and cava ( Spanish sparkling wine ) at Can Bas and Pere Ventura Estates cellars , where we enjoyed tastings and pairings with an elegant catered lunch .
Some people went sailing in the Mediterranean . Many attended a soccer game . One couple celebrated their anniversary basking in spa treatments . Another celebrated their birthdays at a concert . People shopped in the endless boutiques , designer stores and markets . Others walked along the beautiful sandy beaches .
Barcelona is also known for the culinary experience . Seafood , tapas , and paella restaurants abound . Some people took food tours . Many dared to try foods and drinks they had never heard of before . Vermouth , as an aperitif , was one of the favorites . Barcelona is also home to 70 Michelinrecognized restaurants , 24 of which have garnered stars . Everybody ate well !
Logistically , the Conference was not all-inclusive . Rather , registrants made their own flight and accommodation arrangements . This allowed for greater independence , as some people arrived earlier or stayed longer , and some extended their trips to other destinations .
Moreover , the Conference venue was ICAB and not a hotel conference room , so accommodation choices were not limited to one hotel . Instead , registrants were provided a list of hotels near ICAB , a couple of which offered discounts . Some people preferred five-star amenities , while others preferred the charm that so many Barcelona hotels offer . Many people opted to stay in Airbnb apartments . Thus , we were scattered about , but mostly within a few blocks of one another .
However , we were able to stay connected with one another through a private Facebook group . Group members include U . S . and Barcelona registrants , travel companions , and Conference support staff . Leading up to , and during the Conference , people posted questions , made plans , and shared their Barcelona pictures and stories . It was fun following their adventures . Still active , the Facebook group has been an invaluable tool to bring ( and keep ) everybody , and the memories , together .
Several group questions and concerns centered around COVID-19 travel requirements and restrictions . These change from time to time and differ from country to country . Thus , the best advice was to regularly check the relevant websites for information , up until the day of travel . The U . S . Department of State and the CDC websites are the best sources for information . The Spanish Ministry of Health is the best resource for Spain . Airline websites also provide travel requirements and restrictions .
Other group queries were about exchanging money . The monetary system in Barcelona is euros . Fortunately , in October 2022 , the Dollar was very strong . People bought designer sunglasses , clothes , and other things at what felt like a discount . However , exchange and bank transaction fees can add up . Thus , it is important to know how one ’ s
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