As I pack up my bags and prepare to return home to Canada, it is time to reflect on my stay in Barcelona.
What have I learned?
-Certainly plenty about Spanish culture, about how to take life slowly and relax.
-A lot about architecture, other streams of design, and valuable resources that I can utilize in my future studies and career.
-How to cook (kind of)! With more time on my hands I have been given the opportunity to experiment with new foods and flavours.
-To let go —of not only lost items (I said goodbye to two cellphones and a nice camera during my time here —nasty pickpocketers) but also "lost" opportunities. I now am trying to operate under the belief that if I did not attend something, then I was not meant to attend it.
The hike to the top of Montserrat. |
A day-trip to la Costa Brava with my Uncle. |
-The value of language and am inspired to learn more.
-How to travel solo, and I now desperately want to explore more of Canada.
-A little bit more of Canada's place in the world, and what makes Canada unique among the brushstrokes of many other cultures.
-Why I value the lovely West Coast, and how it forever is and forever will be a huge part of who I am.
-How to handle change and impermanence, especially in regards to the coming and going of the amazing people that have touched my time here.
-And many many many more things. This is by no means an exhaustive list.
I was fortunate enough to visit my roommate's village "Mura" —year-round population: approximately 200. |
I went for San Joan, a holiday marked by a feast and fireworks. In Mura, the whole community gets together in the main plaza to eat, dance, and set off fireworks. |
Kwinten soaking in some sun on the beach at Barceloneta. He has truly grasped the Spaniard's concept of tranquilidad. |
-Coming here? Absolutely not. Why? See above.
-Not bringing maple syrup with me on exchange.
How do I feel about going back?-Sad to be saying goodbye to the lovely people I have met and the never-boring Barcelona.
-Happy to see family, friends, and the beautiful nature of the West Coast.
-Optimistic about how I can take what I learned and bring it forward into my "normal" life.
Would I recommend this experience to a friend?
Heck. Yes.
The thing I will miss the most are the people and I only hope that I will be able to see some of them again. I must say I am quite envious of Europeans who have the ability to travel so easily and inexpensively; therefore, allowing them to actually visit people they meet. While I am sad to leave Barcelona and travelling, I am excited to return and see my home with fresh eyes.
These installations can be found all over Barcelona. This one reads: "Life is so. Full of light. Full of colour. A flower that opens in the center of your heart." |
Drawing the canopy above els Encants flea market. |
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