Submitted by Susanne Steele on the 2020 winter session program in Barcelona, Spain sponsored by the College of Education and Human Development…
During my last week here in Barcelona, I strived to make the most of my time. I attended Sunday mass at the Barcelona Cathedral, the sermon was in Spanish so I was not able to understand the language, but that did not mean that I wasn’t able to understand the importance of religion that hung in the air. Everyone in that church at twelve o’clock on a Sunday was there to signify their devotion to God, which I felt though their deep vocal repetition of choruses and prays. Honestly, it is absolutely indescribable how it felt to be in such a sacred place during a religious service in a country where religion is so significant.
I went to Ciutadella Park where lots of locals were enjoying time with their kids or taking a leisurely walk among the large park grounds. In Spain compared to the United States there seems to be a lot more area dedicated to parks, encouraging more time for leisure. I remember in Madrid that I spent the whole day walking around in El Retiro Park taking in the local rowing boats on the big lake, dancers swinging to salsa under a pavilion and birds chirping everywhere. One thing I have noticed while in Spain is that people (the locals) spend more time outdoors and off of their electronic devices compared to Americans. This was easily seen in any restaurant I ate in with locals actively engaged in conversations at their tables rather than having their faces stuck in their phones like most Americans do when eating.
I will never forget the amazing time I have spent in Spain and cannot wait to share my experiences and spread my understanding of the Spanish culture with others.
