What a wonderful adventure!
As this trip begins to wind down, I cannot be more grateful for the opportunity that I was given to come to the Barcelona area in Spain these past 2 weeks. I have learned so much, experienced so much, and have truly put this experience close to my heart. As I begin to pack up and get ready to head back home, I want to first go over some of my favorite moments of this beautiful trip!
To begin, Park Güell. This place was park that was made in the image of Guadi, a famous architect in Barcelona. The park was wonderful with so many different pathways and views, but the main stage took the cake. With the entire view of the city right in front of you, it’s hard to say this wasn’t one of my favorite activities.
To continue, this is a tree very high up in the mountains in the countryside nearby Barcelona. As a class we all stayed at a beautiful house dating back to the 1300s but the morning in which we hiked for what felt like hours to the upper part of the mountains to a beautiful view and even more beautiful tree. As someone who loves to go on hikes in their spare time, this definitely made me feel connected to the region and incredibly happy overall. This was such an unforgettable moment.
Words cannot begin to describe the Sagrada Família and alls its beauty. This was without a doubt a highlight of the trip, I spent hours here. The architecture was so intense and detailed, the history was so vast, and it was simply breathtaking. I loved this place so much I know for a fact I want to come back once it’s completed, as it’s still under construction and has been since the 1800s! I took so many pictures and bought so many gifts, this place was beyond my wildest dreams. On top of that I felt connected to this place as a Catholic and sat down and prayed before the new year. Overall I can’t say enough about how this experience impacted my life. 
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! Now this was an experience I will never forget. Welcoming in the new year not only 6 hours ahead of everyone else in my life, but in a new country across the world?! As the clock hit midnight it was an eruption of celebration with hundreds of people in the city of Barcelona. It was a surreal experience and honestly was such a fun way to start 2026, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
ZOOOOM! Biking around in the Penedés wine region was so much. Looking at the amazing views and traversing the terrain was something beautiful. I love to go Citi biking in NYC, yet this was totally different. The fresh air, the endless view of vineyard and mountains, the sun beautifully beaming, I can’t think of a more interactive and fun activity on the trip. I loved it so so much!
THE FOOD. Oh my goodness, how could I forget! This class revolved around food and it delivered. I tried so many things I don’t think I thought I would, like snail, rabbit, and an assortment of olive oils and meats. But how could I not mention the best of it all, PAELLA! This seafood paella was one of its kind, and more importantly making this together in a group was so much fun and made the meal that much better.
More than anything, none of the trip would have been nearly as fun and enjoyable if it weren’t for all the amazing people I met on the journey. Newfound friendships conjoined with brand new experiences, it made for a perfect harmony. If I had the ability to go back in time and change the people on this trip, I wouldn’t change a soul. I will be forever grateful to have been abroad for the first time ever with such amazing people.
To finish things up, I can’t thank Manhattan University and my scholarship donors enough for this amazing opportunity to go abroad to Barcelona and have such a memorable and meaningful experience. Coming back from this trip I have learned so many things not only about the region, but about myself. On top of that, friendships with everlasting memories. Once again I want to thank Manhattan University for this amazing opportunity, and more importantly want to thank my gracious scholarship donors for making this a reality and giving me a helping hand to make this opportunity possible. To sum it all up, visit Barcelona and enjoy all the amazing sights and activities this city and region have to offer.
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