Weekends Away with CEA

While studying abroad in Barcelona, CEA offers numerous weekend trips or nightly excursions to various locations around Spain; and trust me, you should take advantage of them. Want to know the best part? They are free. That’s right, completely free (already in the cost of your program). So before breaking your bank on one more weekend trip with your friends, save your money and capitalize on the amazing guided getaways CEA has to offer. At the beginning of the semester CEA will host a sign up period for the various excursions that take place through out the semester, so make sure you make your way to the sign up sheet on time because spots can fill up quick!

Along the hiking trail of the National Park of Aigüestortes.

Recently I joined CEA on a one-night excursion to the Pyrenees Mountains, a mountain range about three hours outside of Barcelona that forms a natural border between France and Spain. The Pyrenees Mountains are a great way to take a breath of fresh air and get out of the craziness of the Barcelona city and immerse your self in nature. When we arrived we pulled up to a beautiful hotel situated in the mountains and were immediately allowed free time to go explore; so don’t worry, this isn’t like a middle school trip where you are required to be with the group at hours of the day. After free time, if you choose to do so you can go take a tour of the beautiful Romanesque Churches of Sant Climent de Taüll and Santa Maria de Taüll. Then, you can expect all of the CEA students to gather for a meal together, which is also a great way to meet and socialize with other students in your program.

Inside the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria de Taüll.

In the morning you will meet once again in the lobby for breakfast, pack up your bags, and head up even higher into the mountains to the stunning National Park of Aigüestortes. The National Park of Aigüestortes is one of the fourteen national parks in the Spanish state, and the only one within Catalonia, and it is a must-see. You will embark on a guided hike through the majestic landscape filled with beautiful lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and trees. The landscape is absolutely stunning and you will experience views like never before. Not to mention, when else will you be able to go on a guided excursion through a national park in Spain with numerous friends?

Cows passing by while on our hike.

View from our lunch spot alongside the lake.

My personal favorite location was our lunch spot, which was situated up in the mountains next to a lake; it was nothing like I have ever seen before. These pictures do not do the natural beauties any justice; so I encourage you to join CEA on an excursion to the Pyrenees Mountains and experience it for yourself.

CEA students that went on Pyrenees Mountains trip.

Brynn M. is the Fall 2017 MOJO Blogger in Barcelona, Spain. She is currently a Junior studying Communication at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

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