After months of anticipation, my study abroad journey to Barcelona finally began! We left the airport at 8 PM on Sunday, December 29th, and arrived at El Prat Airport around 11 AM the next day. Despite the long flight, excitement overpowered any exhaustion as we made our way to the HCC Taber Hotel, where we dropped our luggage, freshened up, and prepared to dive straight into Barcelona’s vibrant culture.
Our first class was held on Barceloneta Beach, a stunning setting to begin discussing how cultures shape their food habits. It was fascinating to explore how cultural norms about food have evolved over the years, often dictating what societies consider “normal” to eat. The discussion left us pondering our own food choices and their cultural underpinnings.
Later, we embarked on a bodega tour that I can only describe as a feast for all the senses. Eli, our enthusiastic guide from “Barcelona Born & Bred Tour Guides,” led us through an unforgettable culinary experience. We didn’t just eat—we learned. Every place we visited had a story, and Ellie made sure we understood the history behind each bite.
One highlight was visiting Bar del Pi, a place that has been around for nearly a century (since 1926). Eli shared the fascinating history of its kitchen, which served as a bomb shelter during the Spanish Civil War before formal bomb shelters were constructed. Standing in a place with such a layered history while enjoying tapas made us feel deeply connected to Barcelona’s past. This is exactly why I came to Barcelona: to not just taste the food, but to understand the stories and the cultural heritage that shaped it.
The bombas—a fried potato ball filled with spicy meat—were a crowd favorite, but it was the layers of history behind places like Bar del Pi that truly stood out. Paired with cava, Spain’s answer to champagne, and Spanish vermouth, the experience transcended mere eating. It was a journey into the soul of Barcelona.
Tuesday brought even more wonder. We began the day with an in-depth tour of the Sagrada Familia, where the intricate architecture and symbolism left us awestruck. From there, we wandered through the Gothic Quarter, a charming maze of history and beauty. Lunch at Tapeo was a true delight. We savored ribs, burrata, fried eggplant, and a parade of tapas, all accompanied by Catalan red and white wines that elevated the meal to another level.
Yesterday’s New Year’s Eve celebration was an unforgettable night, but today, January 1st, brought a much-needed free day to explore the city on my own. I spent the day shopping a little, but mostly walking around Barcelona, taking in the sights, sounds, and rhythms of the city. My feet ache from all the exploring, but a Tylenol fixed me right up! Despite the soreness, I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.
Professor Emmett Ryan is making sure we don’t just skim the surface of Barcelona’s culture. Every activity, every site, and even the readings and class discussions tie together seamlessly, showing us how food, history, and cultural identity are intertwined. It’s been eye-opening to see how much thought and planning have gone into ensuring we absorb as much as we can.
This trip has already been so enriching, and the exploration has only just begun. In a few days, we’ll venture to the Catalan countryside, and I can’t wait to share more about how this journey deepens my understanding of the connection between food and culture. Stay tuned!
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