Submitted by Elizabeth McTighe on the 2015 spring semester study abroad program in Barcelona, Spain…
We have just completed our first week in Barcelona, Spain and are finally getting acclimated to the Catalan way of life. Our apartments are located in el barrio Clot, a residential area away from the busier center of Barcelona located around the famous Las Ramblas. Getting around is extremely easy and we have been taking the metro mostly everywhere. My favorite part of the city so far is el barrio Gotico where the Barcelona Cathedral is located. The cathedral was designed by Gaudí, who is by far my favorite architect here. One of the things I love about this city is all the history and hidden corners and streets you can find while exploring. While walking around shopping, you can find hole in the wall tapas bars where you can sample all local foods. Some must try tapas include pan con tomate (bread with tomato), chorizo, and croquetas (croquettes). Dinner time here is around 9PM so getting some tapas can help hold you over till then.
Our program directors have been keeping us super busy since we have arrived. This weekend, we hiked the Tibidabo Mountain located in the district of Sarriá-Sant Gervasi. At the top of the mountain, you can see the entire city of Barcelona stretched out before you and I finally realized how much there is to explore. While watching all my classmates snap photos, I realized that although I want to document my entire time here sometimes you have to take a step back from your camera or Iphone and just truly experience what is in front of you. This is a once in a lifetime experience and one of my goals for the trip is to stay present.
