When I first got to Barcelona, I thought that it was fairly similar to big cities in the United States, such as New York City or Chicago. I was wrong. Yes, the activity, smells and noise are similar, but that is where the similarities end. After 5 days here, I am slowly adapting to this different way of life, and getting over the initial nervousness towards the language barrier. The late sunsets, cafes on every corner, and walkability of this city have suited me well. I love trying different foods, seeing the beautiful architecture, and simply observing the motion of the city. There is a different breath that gives life to this city, unlike anything that I?ve seen before. But, to be fair, this is my first time experiencing life outside of the States. Going to class every morning has been a great way to get my sleeping schedule back to normal and to see how the city wakes up. The public transportation system is incredibly efficient and I use it to go everywhere with no problems. I have learned so much from only one week of international business lectures, yet I have not been stressed about school–my favorite combination. Experiencing this Spanish life while simultaneously learning about its history and its current state has opened my eyes to the culture of this city. I am most surprised at how little I know about Spain, and Europe in general. Already I feel a sense of fulfillment in the decision I made to come to Barcelona, but in the coming weeks, I hope to gain a more thorough understanding of the culture, as well as the international business environment. Any opportunity that I have to safely broaden my perspective I will take advantage of without hesitation. So far, I have not regretted that philosophy, and I believe I will return to the US with a fresh outlook on life.
