On Our Radar: (Vicky Cristina) Barcelona

We haven't returned to Barcelona since college when we went to see the Olympics. While we had a fantastic time seeing track, volleyball, water polo, and much more, we saw very little of the city. We chalk it up to an Olympic experience as opposed to a Barcelona vacation. What we do remember is the late (late!) dinners and nights out, the long afternoon siestas, and the red wine and tapas. We've always longed to go back for more of the gorgeous Catalan city.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona, the new movie by Woody Allen, opens today starring Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson, and Rebecca Hall, and promises to light our interest in Spain once again. Vicky and Cristina are two Americans spending their summer in Barcelona who meet and follow Javier Bardem (who can blame them?) to his home. Penelope Cruz, whose roll in Volver inspired us to take Spanish language classes, is Bardem's ex-wife and crazy, sometime lover. We're hoping Vicky Christina Barcelona proves to be as good on screen as it does in the trailer.

When we make it back to Barcelona, we'd like to stay at the boutique Casa Camper Hotel in the stylish Raval neighborhood close to great shopping and the contemporary art museum. Started by the hipster, Spanish shoe company, Camper, the eco-friendly, non-smoking hotel offers amenities like a 24-hour healthy self service snack bar, the rooms come equipped with separate lounging areas with hammocks, and free bike rentals (one of our fave ways to explore European cities).

Check back for our review of Vicky Cristina Barcelona.