If the residents of Madrid and Barcelona, Spain, seem a little bit high, that's probably not because they're high on life. Instead, it may just be because of the cocaine and LSD found in the air. Yes, you read that right:
A new study has found the air in Madrid and Barcelona is also laced with at least five drugs - most prominently cocaine.
The Superior Council of Scientific Investigations, a government institute, said on its website that in addition to cocaine, it found trace amounts of amphetamines, opiates, cannabinoids and lysergic acid -a relative of LSD - in air-quality control stations in the cities.
But authorities say that the amount is so miniscule that there's no reason for alarm: Link (Photo: cuellar [Flickr])
I was perhaps at little unfair, it is a beautiful city and Gaudi's buildings are fantastic so we had a great holiday despite the bad bits. However I really didn't feel safe walking around at night trying to look after my girlfriend. I felt more on edge than any other large city I've been to such as London, Rome, Tokyo.
I got the impression that we were targeted for being English (despite having a go at Spanish) and even an Italian friends said the same when he was talking in English to his girlfriend. I always wanted to go to Barcelona, but I was very disappointed with the night time atmosphere - not what I expected at all.
get it?
No, sorry- When I'm on duty for my salary-paying Boss, I in fact wear rather neutral attire. ...But they say that it's all in the gaze... ;-)
For anyone who doesn't know, lysergic acid is primarily found in ergot, a rye mold found almost everywhere, AND it does not get one high by itself.