My day-to-day routine looks quite different now than how it used to look walking to class up Bascom hill and getting lunch at Memorial Union. Now, I spend my mornings grabbing a Café con leche and taking the metro to class in the heart of Barcelona! The metro was one of the biggest adjustments for me since coming to Spain, however I have learned to love the simplicity and accessibility of the Barcelona metro. Being on the metro I enjoy observing the interactions of locals around me on their daily commutes and I try to learn about the customs and culture of Barcelona by observing my surroundings on my way to school.
My favorite place in Barcelona thus far has been Bunkers el Carmel. The Bunkers el Carmel are historic Spanish Civil-War era bunkers known for panoramic views across the city. My friends and I came here one Tuesday after class right in time to catch the sunset. We brought some snacks with us and joined lots of other visitors at this beautiful outlook of the city. I was in awe of the city skyline featuring the Sagrada de Familia, ocean views and mountains in the distance. This was really a “wow” moment for me. At this moment, sitting at Bunkers I thought to myself, “I really am in Barcelona… a place I’ve dreamt of for so long”. In preparing for my study abroad program I had a lot of jitters about this new experience. However, since the day we touched down in Spain, I have grown to love this city and feel at home here. Bunkers was one small notion of this, feeling so amazed and excited of the city in front of my eyes that I am so eager to explore!
Jessica Paul
Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Major: Communications Sciences and Disorders & Human Development and Family Studies
Program: IES Barcelona
One goal of mine that I have while on my program is to form new friendships, explore the vibrant culture of Barcelona and Spain through its food, famous sights, and communities.