Shawn,

They say the purest Catalan is spoken east of Barcelona, like in Girona or Vic. I would agree to go to the rural towns to really learn it once you are there. As you progress down the peninsula, by Tarragona, you will find that the catalan accent sounds more castilian. People from Tarragona have trouble sometimes understanding the Catalan spoken from Girona...so take your pick.

I would also agree with Mariposita to take courses at the Generalitat in Barcelona for free, but sign up ahead of time as they fill up quickly.

SORT!!!!

Marcia