Reporter’s diary: When Barca came to life with masala dosas

 But, a recent official jaunt to Barcelona offered a narrative on globalism painted by the bright hues of Tamil Nadu, no less. Whether it was the weather, or the food, or even the bargain-driven shopping mentality, the ‘naatu’ flavour was all pervasive. Alighting at a metro station, our group of journalists was caught off guard, although in a pleasant way, at the sight of a hunky Spaniard sporting a tattoo of Pillaiyar (Lord Ganesha). It didn’t stop there. Vendors dishing out 1 Euro souvenir turned out to be Indians, who used their inimitable homely charm to lure customers, engaging in animated negotiations with the price-sensitive Indian tourists. The mother of all surprises turned out to be a South Indian eatery called Chennai Masala Dosa nestled in the upscale Les Corts neighbourhood of Barca. Here, a swig of Sangria jostled for table space with Madurai’s own Jigarthanda. And the decor featured Kanjeevaram sarees used as part of the tapestries. Interestingly, the service staff seemed to be well versed in the customs and traditions of Tamil Nadu, with a waiter going so far as to sport a ‘pottu’ as part of her ‘look’, and belting out fluent Tamil as if she belonged to Mylapore. So much for the notion of borders, we say.