Last night I decided last minute to stroll around the Basel Jazz Festival, and I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of acts around the city. The festival was alive with different settings from small intimate venues to larger stages, each offering a unique experience.

After buying some water at Barfüsserplatz, I wandered through the streets and found myself in front of a medium-sized stage on Freie Strasse, where a salsa-based Latin jazz band was performing. The musicians were incredibly talented, with a singer who reminded me of some of the greats of the genre.

I spent the next hour enjoying the music and sharing the experience with the rest of the crowd, Latin and non-Latin alike, who were completely immersed in the performance. Really cool!

The latest EU statistics from Eurostat show a complex picture regarding tobacco addiction. While some progress is visible, with many countries showing declining usage since 2022, the figures confirm that nearly one in six people still rely on nicotine products daily (16.5%).

This habit, which includes everything from traditional cigarettes to modern vaping, demands careful scrutiny. The data highlights how the highest addiction rates are found among those aged 35–49 years old, a segment policymakers must prioritize.

Looking across Europe reveals geographical differences between the member states. Countries like Bulgaria (26.3%), Sweden (23.9%), and Croatia (23.6%) record significantly higher daily use rates compared to nations such as the Netherlands (9.9%) or Ireland (11.7%).

Not only do I personally dislike cigarette smoke, but it is also a public health concern. Any EU measure that will help to reduce tobacco consumption is welcome.

A few days ago, I had the opportunity to visit the city of Tarragona for the second time, and I remembered why I liked it so much the first time I visited several years ago. Since moving to Europe, I have always been fascinated whenever I have the chance to visit Roman ruins, and Tarragona (called Tarraco in Roman times) is a city with a great number of them, including an amphitheater, a circus, and an aqueduct.

Specifically, this Roman amphitheater, dating back to the 2nd century AD, is one of the main tourist attractions of the city, and it is impressive to see how well it has been preserved over the centuries, as you can see in the photo above. The city of Tarragona is a place full of history and culture, and without a doubt, it is a destination worth visiting if you are in Catalunya.

Sixteen years ago, while I was living in Dublin, I experienced the electricity of the 2010 World Cup when Spain clinched their first title. Working for the Spanish Search Quality Team gave me a unique perspective; I felt an immediate and profound connection to that victory. The celebrations in Dublin were truly unforgettable. It was a moment of immense pride, and it was wonderful to step out into the streets and celebrate with friends with whom I am still close today.

Fast forward to 2026, and they have done it all again! This time around, Spain proved themselves once more, fielding an absolutely superb team that appeared even stronger than their 2010 counterparts. The final match, which I had the privilege to watch from Catalonian territory, was intensely competitive: a nail-biting showdown against Argentina, a side already under widespread scrutiny for their behavior both on and off the field. In extra time, Spain secured a well-deserved 1-0 victory.

And honestly, today those memories from 2010 are so vivid, and I’m happy again for my Spanish friends for such a well-deserved victory with such an amazing team. Campeones campeones, Oe oe oe, Campeones campeones, Oe oe oe…! 🇪🇸

A couple of days ago, I found myself back in Sitges! While strolling through the narrow streets of the charming city center, I took a picture of the iconic cathedral overlooking the sea, and it made me remember why I loved this town the first time I visited many years ago. There is such a unique vibe here—a perfect blend of Catalan tradition and Mediterranean warmth; it feels like a place that forces you to slow down and savor every moment.

We ended up having lunch at a yummy Italian restaurant on the seafront called La Terraza, then we got some nice ice cream from a local gelateria, and spent some time just sitting on the promenade watching people go by.

I was curious about why this town is such a lovely place and has become such a beacon of tolerance for the LGBTQ+ community. I read up on it this morning and found out that Sitges has always been a haven for artists, writers, and free spirits—which explains its totally open-minded atmosphere!

They host so many cultural events and festivals throughout the year, like the famous Sitges Film Festival. Already counting down to my next visit!

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