It doesn?t seem like our group has been in Spain for only two weeks.?
By now, we each have our daily routines and are comfortable enough figuring out the metro and exploring the city by ourselves (during the day, of course)! There’s never time to be bored? except Sunday mornings and afternoons when EVERYTHING (except some grocery stores and maybe museums) is closed.
It definitely feels like a normal semester, with classes beginning in the morning, gaps between classes, and free afternoons. But, there is so much more to do and explore in a city this big with this much history!
This week, we learned more about Catalan independence, and the topic was so intriguing and provoking that everyone has just about taken a stance on the matter. Though we don?t have all the information and experiences that Catalans or Spaniards do, we understand that this topic is of importance. It?s been especially interesting to learn the difference between traditions within the region and the country. My favorite is Caga Tio (look it up, seriously. It is so funny and makes so much sense. It?s also eco-friendly)!
For my part, I have been attending a Christian church in Barcelona, and I love it because the people there are so nice, and they seem to be fascinated by my Mexican-American cultural mix. They were amazed when they learned I spoke English, and wanted me to translate everything! And the feeling goes both ways because I?ve been able to hear them speak both Catalan and Spanish and it amazes me how they live their lives in both worlds. I even got to speak to a woman about her trio of cultures: she is German-Catalan/Spanish and has many stories to tell about growing up with a Catalan mother and German father. I love being able to spend time with locals and hear their cultural experiences and other stories. Going to church was definitely my best decision because I will always remember the people I met and we will hopefully stay in touch with each other.
The most exciting thing about this week was getting to go to MADRID! It feels much more urban there because it?s so clean and there are many confusing roads. Walking around is also harder because of all the inclines! And shopping is fun because there are SO MANY options. It is beautiful! Since we were only there for 1 full day, we didn?t get to see much, but we were able to see the most beautiful (in my opinion) locations. Hearing a harpist and violinist playing at the Royal Plaza was surreal. The Parque El Retiro was so beautiful and I couldn?t even tell that we were still in the city! And, the breakfast places definitely cater to American tourists, which I loved because they had everything I could have wanted. I discovered that cinnamon in a cappuccino is a game changer! It was definitely a busy, fulfilling weekend, and I hope to be able to go back before returning to the States.
I cannot even imagine what the next few weeks will bring, but I know I will enjoy it!