I’ve officially been in Barcelona for two and a half weeks and can now say I’m feeling more at home. Don’t get me wrong, I feel like I have so much more of the city to see, and often times get overwhelmed, but I am getting much more comfortable here. 

Before arriving in Europe, my biggest fear was navigating public transportation. I’d never caught a taxi, been on the Tarc, let alone been in a metro station. How was I supposed to go from driving everywhere to having to figure out catching a train to class? Well, it really wasn’t that bad. First of all, Google Maps is a blessing, and has told me which bus/train to catch and when. And second of all, the other people in my program were just as unfamiliar, so we figured it out together. Turns out I have more common sense than I thought.

Typically, I’m someone who tries something at a restaurant, loves it, and doesn’t order anything else. I’ve been making slower progress when it comes to trying new food, because how could you not order patatas bravas every time you’re at a tapas bar? But, at the same time, I have tried a variety of new things — the most adventurous being octopus! Back in Louisville, we’re not really known for seafood, so I hadn’t had much outside of the basics. So, tackling a big pan of paella with unpeeled shrimp, mussels, and squid rings was seriously intimidating, but also surprisingly delicious. It’s my goal to continue to try more amazing and unique food, because so far, it’s been rewarding.

But, it was most clear to me that Barcelona was becoming my second home when I felt ready to get back to my bed in my apartment after this past weekend’s trip to Seville and Granada. I enjoyed the views, the greenery, and the lovely Spanish culture outside of the city, but in the end, I was ready to be back in my place in Barcelona, Spain.