Slowing Down to Appreciate My Host City of Barcelona
Sometimes you fail to truly see things until you stop. For me, there were a lot of parts of Barcelona I wanted to explore and experience, but it wasn’t until I allowed myself to take a breath and truly enjoy, that I was able to see and finally understand Barcelona.
Throughout my time studying abroad, I made great efforts to travel within Spain and the rest of Europe. However, I feel as though myself and other students often forget to enjoy the city we originally selected to call home for the three or four months we study abroad. I felt a pressure to see as much as possible, but this was not sustainable for me or the planet. Participating in the Slow Study Abroad Weekend through my CEA CAPA Sustainability Content Creator role allowed me to see Barcelona in a way I hadn’t had the chance to before. It forced me to stop and listen, stop and look, stop and finally enjoy.
Me and a friend sitting on a bench in a greenhouse at Parc de la Ciutadella.
Parc de la Ciutadella
During my Slow Study Abroad Weekend, I revisited one of my favorite spots in Barcelona, Parc de la Ciutadella. This park is known for the Cascada Monumental, an intricate fountain and stunning example of Barcelona’s architecture. Instead of simply walking through, using the park as a means to an end destination, I spent more time here. There were people dancing, couples talking softly, bikers, and children playing with toys.
Cascada Monumental in Parc de la Ciutadella.
Every time I had visited the park before this I made note of its grandeur, but had never walked the stairs of the fountain, spent time in the greenhouses, or taken a boat ride. When I actually took the time to do these things, I was able to appreciate the space around me significantly more.
Greenhouses at Parc de la Ciutadella.
Friends enjoying the boats at Parc de la Ciutadella.
The Gothic Quarter
Another one of my favorite places to stroll through in Barcelona is the Barri Gotic (the Gothic Quarter). During the Slow Study Abroad Weekend, I decided to spend the evening listening to the wide variety of street performers there.
Gothic Quarter at night.
These musicians light up the atmosphere of the Gothic Quarter and allow listeners to be transported into another world. From violinists to opera singers, there is someone sharing their talents on every corner. It was a reminder to appreciate the small moments and take time to practice gratitude for a world worth singing in.
Kissing mural in the Gothic Quarter.
Enjoying the Weekend
All weekend, I walked from place to place or took the metro. I cooked at my apartment or ate at vegan restaurants, and I was finally able to feel at home in a way I hadn’t been able to before. Throughout my time in Barcelona, I experienced waves of homesickness; the hustle and bustle and fear of missing out on “once in a lifetime” experiences kept me constantly on edge. However, taking time to slow down, look and listen, and enjoy, gave me the chance to connect to Barcelona and the culture I had selected to immerse in.
