I have officially hit the half way mark of my study abroad session in Barcelona, throughout which I have shifted away from feeling like a tourist on vacation and much more like a student/resident of Barcelona.

Despite my heinous lack of sense of direction I can, for the most part, ride the metro places without having to have one of my friends or roommates accompany me. I am also starting to be able to order food or ask for directions without feeling clueless. It’s safe to say that I am adjusting to this new normal and am absolutely loving it. There are major points of contrast in comparing Spanish and American cultures, some of which have been harder to adhere to than others (i.e. eating dinner at 10pm and having half the city shut down in the afternoon for siesta). The Spanish lifestyle I have been integrating into here is much more laid-back and blissful. Whether it’s handpicking your food of the day from a local market or fruit stand (because buying in bulk is fairly uncommon), spending two to three hours at a restaurant simply enjoying the company of friends, or walking to the beach, there is no rush here in Barcelona.

So far, my experience abroad has been insane and such a fantastic opportunity. I am growing closer and closer to other students in my program and doing my best to thrive outside my normal environment. We have been developing friendships with people all of whom are out of their comfort zones and experiencing an adventure of a lifetime together. I have already gotten to see so many stunning places and continue to experience different things that I couldn’t do anywhere else such as: taking a traditional Spanish cooking class, visiting architect Gaudi’s masterpiece- Park Guell, spending a day in a beautiful Mediterranean village, walking to a lookout point where you can see all of Barcelona, eating brunch on the beach, and so much more.

With two weeks left I am trying to make sure I can see as much as I possibly can and spend as much time with the people I have bonded with, before our short time together is up. I even have created a calendar with a to-do list so that I have an organized way to plan out my remaining time in this beautiful city.

Living in a completely different environment and culture has created an opening for reflection and evaluation. I can easily say that this has been one of the most amazing things I have ever been fortunate enough to do, and would advise anyone who can plausibly go abroad to do so. As I’ve said before and will probably say a thousand more times- I am head over heels in love with Barcelona, and am to blessed to be here.