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Tag: Barcelona

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By billienkatz

"Me pone un cafe con leche para llevar" is a saying you rarely hear in a cafe or restaurant in Barcelona, unless of course, the person saying it is speaking in a botched 'spanish' accent, and is American. This also may or may not be the summary of my abroad experience, in which, drinking coffee while walking, in class, outside of a cafe, or in a cup to-go is probably worse than FC Barcelona losing to Real Madrid.

Meals in Barcelona are extremely grounded within the family, which is the most central structure of Spanish life. As a result, meals are elongated processes (something I like, yet had to adapt to), you are never rushed to pay the check, and every bite and sip of the meal is consumed within the restaurant. Then, there's me, and the rest of the American study abroad students. I live off of 1-2 cups of coffee every morning at home, and during orientation for my IES program when they explained that coffee wasn't allowed in class, I took it as a personal attack.

I found an alternative solution to the weak instant coffee that was available in my apartment - cafe con leche. This drink uses espresso and hot milk, and combines to give the caffeine kick a person like me needs to be functional during my 9 AM classes. Un cafe con leche para llevar, which is translated into "a coffee with milk to take away" became my morning mantra, and since it's just a tiny cup of espresso and milk, I'm able to finish my cup quickly before entering the IES building.

Now that I am more comfortable in my host city, I decided that my coffee needs were more important than the stares and dirty looks I was receiving from my locals, as I walked down the street with my 'take-away' cup. Maybe this is culturally incompetent of me, and I know that my cross-cultural psychology teacher would not be proud, but this is a cultural faux pas I make day in and day out.

Me gusta mi cafe,

Billie

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By msotomayor12

I have officially been abroad for one month and life is starting to fly by. This week in particular went by inconceivably fast. However, there were several times when my world came to a halt, which made me appreciate just how lucky I am.

For example, my Dad decided to completely surprise me on my birthday this past Wednesday. When I came back from class, I walked into my homestay and my Dad popped right out behind a wall. I am still unsure whether my first reaction was pure shock or disappointment that I did not think my Dad would manage to do something like this again (He surprised me last year in D.C. with my family in tow.)

You know the corny saying “Time flies when you’re having fun?” Well it was my 21st birthday. Even though I was not in the U.S. to fully embrace legality, I did feel a new sense of adulthood. It was as if every part of me realized I was no longer sitting at the “kids table;” I could finally share a quality glass of wine with my Dad in a public place. It’s an awesome feeling.

Unfortunately, I could not spend the weekend with my Dad because the GW Madrid program had already planned a getaway to Barcelona. We boarded the AVE, Spain’s high-speed train, which got us there in two hours. (I mention this because I really hope America invests in these soon. They are incredibly convenient and amazing!)

What I did not expect from Barcelona is its charm. To put it simply, I was in love. I forgot how wonderful everything becomes when I’m in the sun, by the beach, and in the presence of palm trees. Even though I was dressed in winter clothes, it was only natural for me to rip off my shoes and sink my feet in the sand when I got there.

Without the weather making it already obvious, Barcelona is completely different from Madrid. It is a city rich with history that prides itself in their Catalan heritage. It is also the center of modernism. If it was not obvious enough, Antoni Gaudí’s architecture is sprinkled throughout the city. We visited his Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Parque Grülle, and La Pedrera, an eclectic apartment building. His artwork is so unique and “out there,” it is just waiting to be Instagramed.

While I have visited Barcelona before, I saw it differently this time around. For some reason, it just did not meet my expectations three years ago. This time, I realized how unique the city truly is. There are buildings that transport you from one century to the next with only five blocks separating them. There’s a clear difference from the old world and the modern one so the range of activities is unbelievable. Plus, there are so many places to visit that it is impossible to see it all in one weekend. I was surprised to rediscover another Barcelona than when I last left it.

As I always say, sometimes having big eyes (like I do) does not guarantee I’ll see more right away. I’m actually the worst when it comes to finding things. Most of the time, what I’m looking for is right in front of me, but I’m oblivious to it. I guess that makes for more authentic and appreciated surprises.

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By christinatometchko

No pasa nada! This phrase, loosely translated to mean "Don't worry about a thing", is the epitome of the laid-back Spanish lifestyle. Whether it's going for a stroll along the beach or taking a two hour lunch in the middle of the work day, Spaniards sure do know how to relax and enjoy life. This carefree, laid-back style of life was one of the main reasons that I decided to study in Barcelona this semester and I must say, it has yet to disappoint!

Don't get me wrong... I love living in our nation's bustling capital, but I'm always so busy with class, work, and interning that I rarely have the time to just relax and enjoy all of the amazing things that D.C. has to offer. Studying in Barcelona through the IES Abroad Liberal Arts and Business Program has allowed me to take a step back and appreciate the small things in life. Whether it's going for a stroll in between classes through Parque de la Ciudadela, running along the beach, or spending the morning wandering through La Boqueria market, there are so many fun ways to spend the day.

While I"m excited to explore Barcelona and all of its unique barrios, this semester isn't just about relaxing and taking a break from my hectic life at GW. At the end of my four months in Spain I want to be able to call Barcelona home and say that I truly immersed myself in this amazing city. In my opinion, the best way to do that is through volunteering.

Back in the states, I'm a summer camp counselor and DC Reads tutor and am looking forward to continuing my tradition of working with kids while in Barcelona. Throughout the course of the semester I'll be volunteering in a classroom at the Pare Poveda School where I'll be helping a teacher with both instruction and classroom management. I'm so excited to work in a Spanish elementary school and see what it's like in comparison to schools in America. My first day volunteering is this week so make sure to check back next month to hear more about my experience!

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I'll admit that I went into the creation of this blog, the same way that I went into the start of my new semester studying abroad - I was going to figure it out as I went. The good news in relation to the blog is that my posts are getting posted, and I'm really enjoying being able to re-live my experiences through a wide focus in a matter that allows me to relay the information back to the readers (whoever they may be). As it pertains to my study abroad experience, I feel as though I'm moving into my self-defined phase 2. Somewhere between my weekend trip to Prague that I just returned home from, and falling into my routine of classes, homework, and truly living in Barcelona, I've realized that the novelty of the experience has worn off. This semester no longer feels like an extended vacation, it feels like the true experience that study abroad signifies. I've found myself no longer marveling at how long I've been here for (3 days, 1 week, a month) and instead focusing on how much time I have to live not only in the amazing city that is Barcelona, but in Europe. This past Friday marked the close of the first month of my program, and since I have found myself focusing on the fact that I have all of February, March and April left, versus being fixated on the time that's passed since I last stepped foot on GW's campus or when I boarded my plane at JFK.

I have so much more to visit and tour, a ton more spanish to learn, and even more that I can't even imagine, but that I know is right in front of me. As a result, I've chosen to embrace this change in my thinking patterns and attribute it as my real beginning of studying in Barcelona.

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By billienkatz

During both GW pre-departure orientation and my program sponsored orientation, I was told many times that this experience in Spain would most likely be the first time I was a minority. As a white female from a suburban town about a half hour outside of New York City, this was a phenomenon I had rarely, if ever, encountered previously. I didn't pay too much attention to these sentiments, but the notion was definitely kept in the back of my mind.

This coming Friday, February 7th marks the one month milestone of when my study abroad experience began. Throughout this month my opinions, expectations and goals for this semester have been challenged, changed, and attained all at various times, places, and levels. One of the most surprising aspects of Spanish culture that I noticed was the way in which they view Americans.

The Spanish have a semi-opposing view of all of us residing in the United States. On one hand they value and recognize the amazing achievements our country and our country's leaders have made, but on the other hand, they hold several stereotypes that are very difficult to change their mind about. The most striking example of this was a conversation I was having with a Spanish student who was surprised by my response when she asked about why America and Americans are so great. I explained that a majority of our country is great; however, there are certainly aspects that need improving. This shocked her and lead my to realize that people from outside countries view American citizens as American flag toting, beer drinking, "ammmmuuuuuuricccaaaa" yelling, crazed people who fail to see the faults within our own system.

While this is only one example, it lead to me start thinking about how the various people I interact with on a daily basis around Barcelona perceive me because they can tell I'm an American. The answer I've been able to come up with so far, is that they love American students. They love that we have taken the time and effort to step outside of our own country and culture to come explore and experience theirs. They love to torture us while we try to communicate in broken Spanglish, even though they speak perfect English and were raised in Chicago, and they enjoy realizing that not every American is living in a self-obsessed facade of being a citizen of the greatest country of the world.

I love America and I deeply valid being American, which lead me to view this period of reflection as helpful and inspiring as I continue to enjoy and be educated by this study abroad experience.

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By billienkatz

The geographic area of Spain is divided into various Autonomous Regions, which operate similarly to the way the 50 state system does in the United States. Barcelona is part of the Catalonia region and there is a strong sense of Catalonian identity, that is causing major political uproar, because the residents of Catalonia are seeking to separate from Spain and become their own country. This would pose many problems for Catalonia if they chose to do this. For example, in order to be a recognized country of the European Union, each country that is currently a part of the EU has to vote in favor of having any additional country join. As a result, Catalonia would need Spain to vote in favor of their EU membership, which I can assure you will certainly never happen. In addition, Catalonia lacks the monetary resources to operate as a stand-alone country from Spain, and without the aid of the EU behind them, they would have many issues surviving.

This issue of Catalonia vs. Spain was blatant from my first few days in Barcelona. First and foremost, the majority of residents in Barcelona speak Catalan (and Spanish) as their primary language, and this separates them from the rest of the country almost instantaneously. In addition, the Catalonia flag is similar, yet different from the national flag of Spain, and while walking down the street you see more Catalonia flags than Spanish flags hanging off of residential balconies.

This issue is so important to daily life and current events here in Barcelona that it has been discussed in every single one of my classes so far, and I've only been in classes for a week! This past Thursday in my Human Development in the Spanish Socio-Cultural Context class, my professor, a Canadian citizen who has lived in Spain for almost 15 years, was explaining that his close friend is a crazy obsessed FC Barcelona fan; however, when Spain won the World Cup in 2012, he showed no interest because he doesn't care about Spain's accomplishments, his ties fall directly to Barcelona and Catalonia.

Here is a clear example of regional nationalism that is alive and well in Spain. This is contrasted with the mentality of the United States, where we all love being American and love America. I don't ever walk around shouting about how Connecticut is the superior state out of all 50; however, every July 4th I let my nationalistic tendencies fly. Someone who has been born and bred in Barcelona speaks Catalan, lives in Catalonia, and has little personal and/or public interest in Spain as their country.

I'm very interested to see how much more I can learn about this conflict, especially in the upcoming weeks during the Olympics! I wonder if Barcelona will set up TV screens in the plaza's and display a sense of support for the Spanish athletes competing, and I wonder if the citizens of the Catalonia region will ever find pride in their Country.

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By billienkatz

The word 'orientation' is defined as "the determination of the relative position of something or someone, especially oneself." This is essentially what the first week of my Barcelona experience has been. My program through IES Abroad began with a planned orientation period for all of the students in the program, which consisted of different discoverIES programs such as trips to the open food market, bicycle tours, hikes, and more to help us integrate ourselves into the Barcelona lifestyle. However, in my opinion, the free time outside of the program, the time my roommate and I ended up walking in a giant circle wandering home from class, and the time I found my new favorite place (for now) in a strange city, is what aided the most in my adjustment to life here in Spain.

While my program (and most study abroad programs) designate certain days or weeks as part of "orientation" to the experience, I view orientation as a semester long commitment. Yes, I've seen some of the typical Barcelona sights - I've been to Park Guell and Sagrada Familia, I've found Passeig de Gracia (the equivalent of Fifth Avenue in Manhattan), and I know how to navigate the Metro system; however, I know that my time here is just beginning.

This experience is about integrating myself into a different culture, country and language, and I view this task as both the most rewarding aspect and most challenging aspect of this semester all in one. I want to make Barcelona feel like home, but I also want to use it's easy access to Europe as a way to travel and to explore the world and various cultures and countries.

I hope to provide you with an insight not only into my personal experience, but the lifestyle of Barcelona, the city and it's people. This past week has been one of the most exhausting, incredible, and confusing weeks of my life, but I am so excited to continue this journey, which I know is just beginning.

Adios, for now!

Billie

By christinatometchko

Hola amigos! My name is Christina Tometchko and I'm a Junior majoring in Political Science with a Public Policy Focus and minoring in Communications. Originally from Mountain Top, Pennsylvania, I will be spending the Spring 2014 semester studying with IES Abroad on their Liberal Arts and Business Program in gorgeous Barcelona, Spain. My semester abroad will be my first trip out of the U.S. so I'm looking forward to immersing myself in the local culture of Barcelona, exploring all the other amazing cities that Spain has to offer, and doing as much traveling as possible! Along the way I hope to continue my commitment to serving my community through volunteering in local elementary and high schools throughout the city. I can't wait to get started and invite you to join me on my journey as I discover all of the amazing hidden gems that Barcelona has to offer!

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By meaggymurphy

Barcelona was definitely not the same Spain that I have gotten to know in Pamplona. I knew it would be different as soon as I got there when the first sign I read was in Spanish and Catalán. The architecture of the city was also very different from any city I've seen since arriving here; between the huge marble buildings, the Gaudí houses, and the giant palace sitting on top of Montjüic, I kept having "Toto, I have a feeling we're not in Pamplona anymore" moments. I hadn't realized how used to small-city life I'd become until I realized how different I felt seeing everything in the big city.

My other first impression of everything was the Barcelona has a style uniquely its own. Kids walk around with dreadlocks and tattoos, and cafes play tons of rock and indie music. That's to say I saw an alternative culture there that is definitely not the norm in Pamplona. Also, protesting seems to be a favorite pastime of the people living there. There were no shortage of protests over the Catalán independence movement, and that just contributed to a very rebellious vibe that I found throughout the city.
Barcelona also surprised me by how international it is. In the hostel where I stayed, I got to meet tons of people from all over the world. The other thing I realized about Barcelona very quickly is that is a lot more aggressive than what I've become used to. There are tons of crowds, lots of noise, always someone protesting or trying to sell you something. Barcelona, at least after spending time in the relative calmness of a northern Spanish city, was a bit of a reverse culture shock. It was like being in New York, with all the tourists and hugeness, except Spanish-style.
The best part of being in Barcelona was reuniting with friends from GW- some of whom study there, others who study elsewhere in Spain, and even one friend who came all the way from London (which isn't actually that far when you aren't thinking on American terms, I've come to realize). Of all the things I saw, my favorite was a nighttime fountain light show that happens in from of the National Palace every night. The fountain is coordinated to lights and music, and the view of the show with the huge palace in the background was unforgettable. Ah, wait! I also really liked the Park Güell, with all of Gadí's whimsical architecture woven in with the nature surrounding it. And there was also his Sagrada Familia, which was definitely the most unique and impressive (and also least churchy) church I've ever been in. I loved seeing all of Gaudí's works throughout the city because I felt like he left little pieces of his genius behind in every detail of one of his sculptures and every piece of one of his mosaics.
The other thing I liked about Barcelona (which is also something that I really like about Spain, to be honest) is that no one needs an excuse to get together with friends, eat good food, enjoy oneself, and ya está. For example, one day we took a free tour (props to my friend for finding an awesome free tour service) and just happened upon a huge wine/food/ham festival (ham gets its own category, but that is another post for another day) outside of the Barcelona Cathedral. Or at night, every terrace and cafe in the city is full of people and music. For me, that was the best part about Barcelona; it never sleeps, but it never sleeps because everyone is having too much fun. That's what a siesta is for, after all!

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By stlake

Before I get into this post, I want to apologize for the amount of typos in last week’s post. I was so excited to tell y’all about my Barcelona adventures, I did not proofread as much as I normally do. I also want to correct one of my extremely witty pop culture references; the quote “the rain in Spain stays mainly on the plain” is from My Fair Lady with Audrey Hepburn not Funny Girl with Barbara Streisand. Got two of my favorite divas mixed up, my sincerest apologized. Now onto this week’s post involving another one of celeb idols.

As many of you reading my blog know, I have been dancing my whole life. I did not think I would continue through college, but I have now started to study it through an academic and performance lens, and I couldn’t be happier. However, when looking for study abroad programs, I did not look for a program with dance. I thought I could use a semester off and did not think I would miss it as much as I do.  But, I do feel like a part of my day is missing because I’m so used to rushing from class, work and rehearsal. Yes, I know jam packing my schedule is not sticking with my new “go with the flow” mindset, but something’s got to give. So when my friend Audrey found a dance class at a local gym, I jumped at the opportunity to join her. But hey, that was a YOLO moment right? So I am kind of sticking to my new mindset-cut me some slack ok?

Back to my story. Running late, I rush into the studio and see Audrey surrounded by a group of teenage girls wearing regular street clothes. I was wearing sneakers, leggings and my trusty Beyoncé concert t-shirt; ready to bust a move. They looked me up and down (something I have gotten so used to here in Spain, but that’s another blog post.) and the teacher laughs and asks me if I was ready for another class. At this point, Audrey and I are nervously laughing, wondering what to expect. The teacher then says he normally teaches “Dancehall hip hop”. The combination we learned was to “Shell it down” by T.O.K; I definitely recommend it for a prime dance party. So needless to say, there was a lot of poppin, lockin and twerkin. The girls in the class were so nice and we had a great time. Then at the end of class, after admiring my t-shirt, one of the girls ask me if I wanted to see a dance they learned a few weeks ago to a Beyoncé song. Of course, I was thrilled to see their combination to “Upgrade You” and wished that was the class I went to.  Our mutual love for Queen B led us to having a conversation about what to do around Alicante and more information about their dance company.

The class wasn’t particularly challenging or unique. So at first, I couldn’t quite understand why it made me so happy. And then it dawned on me; during a week where I was feeling a little bit of homesickness and FOMO (fear of missing out), it was extremely comforting to realize that many things are universal. Dance is a language in and of itself. I could understand exactly what the teacher meant even though I did not understand all the Spanish vocabulary.  Although I don’t think I will attend the class again, it did get me back in a dance state of mind.  Now I am on the hunt for a challenging modern dance class either at the university or at another studio in Alicante.

Until next time, peace, love and Beyoncé.

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