I am feeling sad that this experience is coming to an end. Life lessons were taught. Friendships were made. Things were seen. I honestly did not have many expectations walking into this trip, but if I did, they have been greatly exceeded. The balance between group tours and free time has been amazing, as we have gotten to see so much together but also have had plenty of time to know the city of Barcelona on our own. Walking into Gracia (our neighborhood where we lived) after every weekend trip started to feel like home. I got comfortable knowing that it was a sevenish minute walk from the Fontana metro stop to our apartment. The shops were familiar. The walk to our favorite ice cream shop, Anitas, felt way too easy to get there. I have lived here for almost five weeks. It is crazy to think that I have been here that long.?
It is interesting that you really do start to realize what you like and don?t like about cities as you get to visit them. And I loved our visit to Madrid. It felt different than Barcelona – being less crowded and cleaner and quieter. Learning about the history of Toledo, being the old capital of Spain, was so cool. There was so much rich history in the city as the buildings and streets looked like they had never changed. I also got to visit Switzerland this past weekend and it was amazing! I loved the city of Montreux and want to go back as soon as I can!?
I am feeling grateful for the experiences I have had these last five weeks and excited to bring them back to America and share what I have learned!
