Barcelona

My first pit stop after England was Spain, and more specifically to the beautiful city of Barcelona. My aunt was able to hook me up with one of her friend's family who was living on the outskirts of the city. The only catch was that the family did not speak any English. After 5 months of jamming my head with Tamil it was time to make the switch. Needless to say, my brain was not happy. However, I think that was my favorite part of Barcelona, pushing my language skills. My grammar was absolutely horrible, but overall I was able to communicate. One of my proudest moments was being able to successfully have a conversation with my host family about Spanish politics, and almost understand everything that they taught me :)

 I absolutely loved acting as the adopted daughter to this family for one week. I was completely immersed in their lives and family structure.We had big lunches, took siestas, and had insightful conversations about USA vs. Spain through my broken language skills. It was the quite the cultural exchange. They made delicious food, and I definitely came back with an profound appreciation for bread with tomato :)

Besides spending time with this family, I was able to spend a lot of time exploring the city of Barcelona itself. The majority of the site seeing was done with myself, and I wouldn't have changed a thing about that.

Ah, Solo traveling.
Commence rant:
It is a beautiful, beautiful thing which I fully believe that everyone should experience at least once in their life. Traveling by yourself brings about self-awareness, an heightened awareness of  your surroundings, and opens you up to explore endless possibilities. I often look back at my time in Spain and realize that I share these memories with no one but myself. It is as though these memories, which almost feel like secrets help deepen and nurture the relationship I have with myself. Self-love in this day in age, hard to come by. & I don't mean that in a narcissistic way, but being alone gives you time to think, reflect, and expand as you are immersed in a new environment. You have to call all the shots, and make all of the decisions. Sometimes it is hard, but it provides the opportunity to enhance your problem solving skills and follow your instincts. Personal growth is absolutely a result. At the same time, you are able to do whatever you please with your day and can indulge yourself in whatever you desire. If I wanted to spend the entire day curled up in my bed, no one would stop me or judge me. You are on your own schedule, and that feeling is empowering. So yes, I was able to causally stroll through Las Ramblas with no plans, no stress, & pure enjoyment.

The view from my table during lunch

Another thing, it allows you to connect with people you might not have otherwise. I went to Park Guell totally by myself, taking my sweet time taking in the surroundings around me. I hiked to the top of a gorgeous and scenic overlook of the city. I quietly sat on a rock admiring the city below me. Next to me were two Italian men drinking wine quietly by themselves. I decided to engage them in conversation. We talked for an hour about Barcelona, life, travel, everything. They offered me a place to stay in Venice if the occasion every arised. I don't think that experience would have happened if I was alone. Traveling with others blocks you from branching out and finding new opportunities, which often times are incredible and transformative.

Lunch Selfie

Photo Cred: The Italians

What is comes down to is the fact that people are terrified of being alone, even if just temporarily. It makes us feel vulnerable and perhaps we are afraid of what we will find out about ourselves when there is no one else their to serve as a buffer. I do admit, I had moments of loneliness and embarrassment. Maybe not embarrassment, but more a fear that I was being judged by others.However, I realized that the only person that judging me was myself. My first solo meal in Spain started that way but by the end I was feeling liberated. That first solo meal I parked myself in front of La Sagrada Familia drinking a giant class sangria and eating awesome paella. & you know what, I had a blast!

Park Guell

Okay, that can be the end of that rant :)

In Chupitos

Besides enjoying some quality self time, I was able to meet up with two friends who were studying abroad in Barcelona. They took me to a cute cafe and out to get a taste of the infamous Barca nightlife. We started in a dive bar where we drank mojitos. Afterwards, we went to a shots bar named Chupitos. This bar was awesome, and the bartender was a hoot! Many embarrassing pictures were taken. Finally, we ended the night at a club and a late night walk around the city. Overall, Barca was certainly an eclectic experience. Family cross-cultural dialogs, self-growth through solo adventures, amazing tastes and views, & night club college reunions. Definitely wouldn't change a second of it :)

xoxo,

Becca