Barcelona, Beyond the Postcard.
In the Fall of 2024, I packed my bags, boarded a plane, and did something that felt both incredibly exciting and slightly terrifying. I moved across the world to Barcelona for a semester abroad. Not only was it my first time in Europe, but it was also my first time truly living alone.
Funny enough, my love for Barcelona started long before I ever stepped foot on Spanish soil. My favorite movie ever is Vicky Cristina Barcelona, and after watching it, I became completely fascinated by the city’s romantic charm, art, architecture, and effortless European energy. (Yes, a movie partially influenced a major life decision…) I wanted the kind of experience where I could wander through beautiful streets, eat incredible food, meet people from around the world, and maybe have my own little movie moment along the way.
Barcelona also felt meaningful to me for a deeper reason. Coming from Spanish descent, I had always felt connected to Spain’s culture, traditions, and history. Through my mother’s side of the family I am a descendant of the Güell family. One of Eusebi Güell’s children married a Cuban woman, and that connection became part of my family tree. Walking through places El Parque Güell wasn’t just visiting a famous landmark; it was stepping into a piece of history that is connected to my own story.
Of course, one of the best parts about Barcelona was exploring everything the city had to offer. I was completely amazed by the creativity and history woven into every corner. I spent afternoons taking in the colorful mosaics and incredible views of the city, and I could never get tired of getting lost in the Gothic Quarter’s winding streets.
Academically, learning in a European classroom environment challenged me to think differently and opened my eyes to new ways of approaching business, culture, and communication. My international marketing courses were especially interesting because I was able to see firsthand how brands adapt their messaging and strategies across different countries.
One of my favorite parts of living in Barcelona was embracing the Spanish lifestyle, especially the tradition of taking your time with meals and enjoying every moment. I became the person who would eat dinner out almost every single night, constantly exploring different restaurants across the city and searching for my next favorite spot.
My favorite food memories came from the places that made Barcelona feel like home. In Poble-sec, one of our favorite restaurants was Benzinha, which quickly became a go-to spot. I also loved discovering spots throughout the city, from enjoying wine and small plates at Vinoteca to experiencing the history and charm of Los Caracoles, one of Barcelona’s classic restaurants. Whether it was tapas with friends, fresh seafood, paella, patatas bravas, or churros dipped into thick Spanish hot chocolate, every meal became a memory. Food in Barcelona was never just about eating, it was about slowing down, connecting with people, and enjoying the experience.
One of the biggest highlights of my semester was traveling. Since I was already in Europe, I wanted to take advantage of every opportunity I had to explore. Outside of Barcelona, I traveled throughout Spain to places like Madrid and Santiago de Compostela, experienced the beauty of Mallorca, and even visited Porto. I also ventured beyond Spain to Budapest, Zurich, Vienna, Paris, London, Munich, Morocco and Florence. Every destination had its own personality, history, and unforgettable moments.
Barcelona gave me the adventure I was hoping for. While I came home with hundreds of photos, new stories, and a much heavier suitcase (mostly thanks to shopping), the biggest thing I brought back was a new perspective and a reminder to always say yes to the experiences that scare you a little.
