I made it! After months and months of planning, researching and waiting, I have finally made it to Barcelona! Before my departure, many people had asked me if I was nervous aboutleaving the country for 4 months. But to be honest, all the excitement and preparation left me no room to be nervous. I got off the plane feeling tired above anything else. But thankfully, our SAI program coordinator, Mireia, was waiting for all of us at the airport with a smiling face and welcoming arms.

Walking along the port in Barceloneta

La Sagrada Familia at night

Once I walked into my new home, I was pleasantly surprised with how equipped and spacious the flat was. I knew I was going to be able to call this place home. Despite our jetlag, me and my four other roommates decided to walk around our new neighborhood to familiarize ourselves with the surroundings and to get to know the city. Coming from a big city like Chicago, the people of Barcelona proved to be different in a way that they really just wanted to enjoy the day with no rush or pressure to get somewhere.

Las Ramblas

SAI Beach Day Trip to Sitges

The location of my apartment is amazing. When looking at a map, Barcelona seems like a huge city. But once you walk around, you realize how almost everything is walkable if you take the time. My apartment (to me) is right in the middle of the city. But the best part is that I can walk to the city center or the beach, while living in a quieter, more residential area. I could not be happier with the location and feeling of safeness of my new home.

Arc de Triomf

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