If you had asked me In January, where I would spend my last weekend in Europe; I wouldn't have been able to tell you at the time, because I had no plans. Before boarding my plane to Europe five months ago, I advised myself to be open to new experiences, be spontaneous, and jump at opportunities. Now, as I sit at my desk in Granada, Spain and reflect on all that I have been able to do while being abroad, I can happily admit I have accomplished a lot. As cliche as this sounds I have been truly living my best life. I have been so free and peaceful, but my childlike wonder still exists each time I board a plane, train, or bus because I know that the destination will lead to exploration of a land that is foreign to me.
I just experienced my final weekend in Europe (*sigh *tear *tear). Luckily, I had the privilege to travel to Barcelona for the weekend with three of my gal pals. The four of took the sage advice of Chanel (a fictional character from the Cheetah Girls) who said, “We gotta strut down these streets like there runways and let Barcelona know the Cheetahs have arrived” (Cheetah Girls 2). When we were young the Cheetah Girls were our idols and we all dreamed of one day coming to Barcelona. That day finally arrived for the four of us and we did everything in our will power to make this weekend Cheetalicious. We confidently walked through the enchanting streets, because we came to Barcelona with trusty google maps and a foolproof itinerary. When you only have 72 hours in a new place you must be fierce and come prepared.
This weekend I was transported to “Gaudi land” for I saw and experienced his impressive work in person. The photos, stories, and videos of his masterpieces do not do them justice. You must go visit in person to truly see his works come to life. While visiting his home, Parc Güell, and the Sagrada Familia I came to learn more about this man's personal life and his character. He was an extremely devout Catholic, a mathematician, architect, artist, and visionary. He lived a simple life but his imagination was limitless. God and nature were his primary inspirations. He had the ability to make solid objects appear fluid, have colors pop more vibrant and intense than ever seen before, and seamlessly unite religion and nature. I was deeply moved while I was at the Sagrada Familia because the entire church is covered with profound symbolism.
After we finished touring the city in Search of Gaudi’s art we experienced what else the city had to offer. We visited the Gothic quarter, saw a free light show at the magic fountain, ate deliciously unique food at the famous restaurant called Brunch and Cake, swam in the Mediterranean at night, and walked along the La Rambla.
While I was walking onto the plane on Sunday night, I realized that my European adventure ends in less than a week. This is a difficult reality to accept, but as I sat in my seat I couldn’t help but be filled with an overwhelming feeling of joy. My heart is so so happy. I can’t possibly look back on my time abroad with sadness or stress because for the past 155 days I have fallen in love over and over again. I have fallen in love with the food I’ve eaten, specifically: gelato, magnum mini ice creams, fresh pasta, lemon granita, and patatas bravas. I have fallen in love with the places I’ve traveled to, most notably: Orvieto, Rome, Paris, Cinque Terre, and Granada. I have fallen in love with the people I have met, most importantly: my landlord’s in Italy, the friends I made in both Italy and Spain, my host family in Spain, the children and faculty at the school, and the residents and visitors at the Home for the Elderly. I have fallen in love with the languages I have heard even when I don’t understand them. Lastly, I have fallen in love with the cultures I have been able to experience. Travelling for the past 5 has shown me the magnificence of the world, humbled me, and taught me the true value of loving your neighbor. Despite being exposed to a multitude of unique cultures, it is clear to me that no matter where we are from our humanity unites us as one.
