Life is good in the Mediterranean. The inhabitants within the Catalonia and Balearic Island regions of the country have demonstrated their active lifestyles, close relationships, deep interactions within their community, and a diet that I have been striving to emulate. The coastal climate, paired with all of the adventures I have embarked on, has a way of making the days last longer. Looking back on the week’s events, I am blown away by the number of steps I took and how many sites I saw. Throughout my journey, I continued to recognize important aspects of Spanish politics, culture, and business.?
On Monday, our study abroad group was presented with an occasion to observe the role historical events play in Catalonian politics. Our wonderful tour guide identified landmarks as we walked around the Montju?c area of Barcelona. We began the tour at Pla?a d?Espanya, and for three hours we made our way up the mountain to Montju?c Castle. Arenas de Barcelona, a bullfighting arena that now functions as a shopping mall, was the first historic site we saw that represented the evolution of time. While the arena is no longer a venue for concerts or bullfighting, it ironically remains a place of entertainment for locals. Next, we saw Torres Venecianas (Venetian-inspired towers), Font M?gica de Montju?c (water fountain with lights), Palau Nacional (main site of 1929 International Exhibition), and the stadiums that were home to the 1992 Olympic Games. Each structure?s proximity and longevity throughout the centuries of different government rule was impressive to witness. A Catalan Independence lecture the following day further informed me about the past and present forms of government in Catalonia.?
Later in the week, I worked with three other students to present the cultural traditions in Catalonia. I enjoyed learning that Sant Jordi, Correfocs, Sant Joan, Castellers, Diada Nacional, Caga T?o Christmas, La Castanyada, and Sardana are the most popular traditions that Catalans partake in. Castellers, a human tower built at festivals, is deeply rooted in the culture and was the most unique tradition I researched. The composition of the tower involves a child who climbs to the top and raises four fingers- representative of the four stripes on the Catalan flag- to indicate construction is complete. After my presentation, I added witnessing a castell being formed, dancing the Sardana, and tasting panellets to my bucket list of items to accomplish before leaving Catalonia!?
A company visit to Moritz was a great way to start the weekend. Our group had the privilege of receiving a behind-the-scenes tour of Barcelona’s first brewery that was established in 1856. We learned about how the beer production process has adapted over the past 160 years, the long-lasting relationship that the company has with FC Barcelona and the marketing strategies of the family-owned brewery. To my amazement, Moritz has never had a TV commercial, but rather has focused on more traditional models of advertising. For instance, their SEAT 600 cars drive around town in parades to capture the attention of potential customers. In addition, the logo is posted on restaurant windows and umbrellas, suggesting the brand is highly favorable among beer drinkers. In 2016, the Moritz Beer Lab was established to give free rein to new ideas and flavors. I admire this innovation component of Moritz?s business model.?
In addition to the lessons I have learned thus far, I cherish the relationships that I have formed with my peers on this trip. I spent Saturday in Mallorca, Spain with 20 new friends. I would have never foreseen this experience occurring prior to meeting them all just 2 weeks ago! It was a memorable day, to say the least. The 24-hour trip included traveling together on late and early morning flights, spending the day at the beach, and sharing meals. I have a lot to look forward to during the next three weeks!