"I'll look back on this and smile because it was life and I decided to live it"
16 weeks, 8 countries, 18 cities, 19 airplanes, a million bus/train/metro rides, and a lifetime of memories. Well, I'm back in the States, and officially functioning on the Eastern Time Zone again. I can't even begin to describe this past semester in full, and how I feel about leaving. So let's talk about what I did before I left instead.
I think my last update left off right before finals week, and my last week with my host family. I somehow managed to survive all 6 final projects, but finishing classes was not even the most exciting thing that happened. Emily came to visit me on Tuesday, and I got to show her all of my favorite Barcelona spots! We went to Park Guell, Park de la Ciutadella, the Gothic Quarter, the beach of course, and the bunkers (which I had actually never been to before but are now on the list of my favorite places).
But most importantly, on Wednesday we took a day trip to Montserrat, which is my all time favorite place to be. We hiked to the top of the Sant Jeroni trail, just like I did one of my first weekends in Spain. It was still like climbing a million stairs, but climbing stairs has never been more motivating than the view you get from the top of this mountain. We also saw Mountain Goats once we reached the top!
After Emily left on Friday, I had to go pack...I've been avoiding this for a while because I know my growing collection of souvenirs and Christmas gifts will not all fit in my suitcase. Luckily my parents are coming on Saturday so I can try to pass some stuff off to them. But it's my last night at my host family's, which I've also been avoiding. I loved having the chance to stay with Susana and Alejandra. They are both wonderful people and I am going to miss them. They did so much for me this past semester, and have taught me so much. They know that my favorite meal is Spanish tortilla so they made that for my last meal with them. I think I had like 4 pieces. I really need to learn how to make this. Then I asked if we could take a family picture, and they insisted that their cat Teo be included (please take special note of the cat's face in the picture, haha). Below is the final result. I love this picture so much.
On Saturday, I took all of my stuff to the Bed and Breakfast my parents and I stayed in during my last week in Spain, and then went to pick them up from the airport. I was soo excited to see them! I got to show them some of my favorite Bar'na spots (again. I should just be a tour guide). We did all of the above, plus some. I went to La Sagrada Familia one last time before leaving Spain because it is such an incredible Cathedral. But this time, we went up in the towers! It was amazing. From the top you could see some of the sculptures and details up close. Being my third visit, it was really exciting to see it from a different perspective.
We found several Christmas markets in Barcelona, but also took a two day trip to Berlin, and found some Christmas markets there too. I love Christmas. In Berlin, we also visited Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Berlin Wall Memorial. It was freezing cold there, and although I had a really great time traveling with my parents, I started to miss good old Barcelona and it's warmer Mediterranean temperatures.
Well, here we are. The goodbyes. I've made a home away from home, I've made new friends, seen old friends, found my passion in traveling, tried new experiences, and completely lost sight of my comfort zone. Living in Barcelona has been an amazing experience. There were ups and downs, as with anything you do, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. As tradition has it, I drank from Font de Canaletes on Las Ramblas so that one day I can return to Barcelona. And I can't wait. But until then, I hope I get to continue living life like an adventure, no matter where I am. Thanks to everyone who supported me during my time abroad! |