Living in Spain has been an experience unlike any other, and getting used to a culture that moves at nearly half-pace in comparison to what I would typically expect has been challenging yet fascinating all at once. Before I stepped onto the plane, I genuinely had no idea what to expect from my time in Barcelona. All I really knew was that I was about to spend five weeks in a country where the language was not my own and a constant flow of culture was to be found. While both of these pieces of knowledge are true, I have found that the subtle nuances of life in Barcelona are far greater than simply a difference in language and few pockets of culture here and there. Riding the metro, walking further in a day than I probably would in a week at home, eating tapas at 2pm and dinner at 10, and visiting notoriously stunning sights such as the Sagrada Familia Cathedral have made me realize how different life in Spain truly is from the ways of America. Rather than attempting to find ways to sink back into the comfort of my typical routine, it has been an incredible experience to attempt to live more like a true Barcelona local.
I expect class to be both interesting and informational, and feel as though I stand as having quite a bit to learn from both of our professors here in Barcelona. At this point, I have extremely limited knowledge on the functioning of the European Union, despite hearing its name all throughout my time in school. I think that the content so far is valuable to having a more well-rounded understanding of the differences in how life and business are conducted outside of the United States. There is so much to see and do here, and a small part of me wondered if I would appreciate or dread attending class each day. So far, though it?s only been a few days, I feel like having a deeper understanding of how Spain is run has allowed me to appreciate even more deeply the culture and lifestyle that is held by the people here.
Even though we have only been here for a few days, it feels like time is flying by! There is no shortage of sights to see and people to encounter, and honestly, it felt a little overwhelming at first. As the trip moves on, I think that I am most looking forward to continuing to push myself out of my comfort zone and try new things. Especially in the dining and cuisine area! There are so many unique dishes that have already become staples in my diet here, and can?t wait to discover more. I?m excited to see the ways my expectations change and those that end up staying the same!