With absolutely zero expectations, an explorative spirit, and an open mind, I packed up my bags, said adios to mi familia, and headed to Spain. I was immediately immersed in an unforgettable experience right off the bat: the plane ride. My seat-neighbor introduced himself to me on the plane ride, and we ended up bonding over the next 8 hours. He told me of his experiences in Barcelona, gave me recommendations, and inspired me to soak up this trip of a lifetime. Once we landed, we hit the ground running and began to explore the streets of Barcelona. After orienting ourselves around the city for a couple of days, we began to start checking off bucket list items: beach day, long hikes to beautiful overviews, restaurants galore, and so much more. However, the most influential part of this trip for me so far has been the people I have been fortunate enough to meet. Not only do I feel as if I have gained 20 new best friends from Texas A&M, but I also have found companionship in many people from Barcelona. The woman I met on a street in the gothic quarter who stood with me for 2 hours talking about life in Spain, the taxi driver who so patiently practiced my Spanish with me, and the group of college-aged friends who curiously asked me all about Texas reminded me that while our cultures may be different, our love, respect, and mutual curiosity for humanity remains the same.
I can confidently say that my expectations have been exceeded, and this trip has already been stamped with more memories, moments, and stories than I could ever imagine. I hope to continue to grow here in Barcelona, picking up more and more of the customs and cultures of this unique city. I am excited for what’s next and eager to learn.
