La despedida

Here it is. The post I have long dreaded; the one that turned my stomach this morning and makes things feel all too final. All day, hell, all week and even before that I have thought about my last Barcelona post. As I roamed the city today, for one last time, I had to stop myself when I felt tears welling. I kept my sunglasses on and put one foot in front of the other, not having any destination in mind, just walking. I shoved my ipod deep down into my purse and simply listened to the noises around me. I walked past my school, under the Arc de Triomf, toward Parc Ciutadella where I found a sunny spot in the grass. I stared up at the incredibly blue sky and started to reach for my camera, then hesitated. No pictures. I would remember this image on my own: the clouds that looked like puffs from an old man's pipe, the palms of trees swaying in the light breeze, and the blindingly bright sun.  Next, I headed to the Borne and Gothic areas, up La Rambla, and into La Boqueria market for my last chocolate treat. I made my way through the always crowded Rambla up to Plaza Catalunya where I stopped to write my last postcards from Spain. It reminded me of a day during my first week here - I sat by the fountains in Pl. Catalunya and felt completely overwhelmed by the great city that Barcelona is. Now, I see Barcelona in a completely different light. I see it as a place where I expanded my view of the world; where I practiced and stumbled over my Spanish; where I played in the sun and felt the chill of the Mediterranean Sea; where I gained a new appreciation for food; where I made a home for myself; and most importantly, where I grew up. 


Sometimes I forget about how nervous I was to study abroad for a semester. I feared leaving behind everything that was familiar and venturing to an entirely new place. And now, I can't imagine if I had not gone through this experience. It would not have been the same without my Barcelona family: Anjali and Mercedes. I mean it when I say that I lucked out with my homestay placement. Not only is Mercedes a truly sweet woman who constantly reminded us how much she enjoyed our company, but she is a phenomenal chef. La cena was our time. During our last dinner, we chatted away in spanish on a variety of topics, coming to a slight pause when our departure was mentioned. I will forever miss these dinners and the prelude of photo-taking by Anjali every night, without fail. 406 Balmes became my home away from home. Plaza Catalunya became a spot on my regular path to school. Barrio Gotico became my walking ground. La Rambla became my enemy, for its crowds, and my love for its vibrance. El Borne became my go-to venue for food and drinks. Barcelona became my city. So, to say goodbye is difficult. 


There's not much more to say because there's too much to say. That may not make much sense, but to me it is perfectly sensible. The four months I spent here cannot be summed up. They cannot be told in just one story because it is a chain of stories, of places, and of people. 


As I end this adventure, I begin a new one tomorrow...a trip to three countries with three of my favorite people in the world. ¡Venga! Because the biggest adventure is the one I'll be taking on May 16th, back home to the States. 

Hasta luego, Barcelona. Te echaré de menos.