Hi Graham!
You are right! But I had no idea that North Shields could be so small! Of course that Barcelona would be better! I know some small towns in Brazil, like Caldas and Pocinhos. Both are so little that everybody know everybody and all the things that happens on the town, everyone knows.
You thought that what you were saying was about a hundred thousand inhabitants!
So Barcelona is much better, but sometimes it's good to know small town, like North Shields or Caldas. Just for knowing, not for living. Or, if it was a city it would be better.