Arrival
After CEA CAPA, the study abroad partner program that would be organizing my education in Barcelona, Spain, generously arranged my transport from the airport to the homestay, I arrived expecting to be met by a staff member since I was informed via email that someone would direct me and introduce me to my host family. My driver, who did not speak any English, kindly helped me remove my suitcases from the trunk and pointed me in the direction of the building. However, I suddenly found myself standing alone in the street with two large suitcases and a heavy backpack. Thinking that maybe I was misremembering the email and the CEA CAPA representative was not actually going to be there (they have 400 students to take care of, after all!), I paused, looked around, lugged my luggage across the street and up a short flight of stairs, then reviewed the email containing my address. I buzzed the corresponding “piso” and was allowed to enter the lobby. Approaching the small elevator, I apprehensively pressed the button and pulled open the gate in front of the mechanical doors. The slow and slightly rickety ride made me wonder if perhaps me and all my things exceeded the recommended weight limit, but fortunately, the doors opened and I was met by a little dog with her tail wagging and a smiling woman who greeted me with a “besito” and proceeded to speak to me only in Spanish. As we sat together on her sofa, the CEA CAPA representative arrived and was surprised to see that I had managed to find my way up to the apartment. I nervously chuckled, wondering if I had done something wrong, but she simply apologized, explaining that there was a miscommunication and that she was relieved I was there.
Introductions
The following days were spent being introduced to the program, new people, and the city. I would be taking classes both at the CEA CAPA Center with other students in the program and the University of Barcelona. This would allow me to other American college students as well as locals of all ages and nationalities who would likewise be attending my Spanish class at the University. My CEA CAPA classes include Spanish Civilization and Culture (in the Spanish language) and Spanish Architecture and Painting (in English), and these began on Monday, September 9. The week would be bisected by a free day on Wednesday, September 11, which was a Catalonian holiday.
Throughout the first week, I opted to walk instead of using the metro. While a bus tour organized by CEA CAPA was a helpful way to get an overview of the city and orient myself within it (I learned the locations of the bullfighting arena (now a shopping mall), the World Fair 1929, the 1992 Olympic Stadium, Barceloneta (a beach city), and Las Ramblas, the “Fifth Avenue” of Barcelona), I find I become best acquainted with a new place by exploring on foot. I noticed how there is a “supermercat” on practically every block selling fresh produce, as well as many empanada shops and other restaurants selling international cuisine. Moreover, I noticed how many of the intersections do not use red, green, yellow stop lights, and instead indicate either go or yield depending on whether pedestrians are allowed to cross. This came as a bit of a surprise as cars would speed around corners before abruptly halting just outside the bounds of the crosswalk when they realized that pedestrians were in it. Public transportation is very easy and accessible, but many people also ride bicycles or motorcycles because it is quicker to weave around all the traffic. I even saw a little girl clinging to her father on the back of one!
Living Like a Local
I chose to live in a homestay because I wanted to experience life as a local, build a relationship with a native Spanish speaker, and practice my language speaking skills. To my astonishment, I learned that only four other students out of 400 chose a homestay as their living accommodations. I felt sorry that the other 396 students did not know what they were missing! My homestay family includes a single mom whose adult daughters have since moved out and her cuddly, little dog who she affectionately calls “cariño” o “locuita” (little crazy). I would be living there with another student in my program. My homestay mom would prepare my meals, wash my clothes, and clean the home. She asked me what my food preferences were, if I had any allergies, and if I would prefer a “picnic” (a tupperware of some kind of grain, vegetables, and protein) or tin foiled “sandwich” as a packed lunch for the days I would be at school. It had been years since I felt so taken care of! While my homestay mom does not speak any English, she, my flatmate, and I enjoy conversation together over dinner every night. I have to admit: sometimes we need the help of a translating app. However, for the most part, we are able to piece together the Spanish and respond intelligibly, albeit sometimes awkwardly.
To further enhance my experience here, I joined a gym, and I also found a church to attend. The International Church of Barcelona welcomes a congregation consisting of people from all over the world living in Spain. I heard many different accents and met someone from the Netherlands who helped connect me to a Young Adults group that I could attend during the week. I also knew a priority for me while I am here is to spend time at the beach. On Saturday, our first free day, the other “homestay amigos” (as they are known in the group chat we created) and I planned to meet at “Playa de La Barceloneta.” The beach differed from what I was familiar with: the water of the Mediterranean was warm, there were not any waves, and there were people (“hawks”) milling about selling umbrellas, drinks, massages, and hair braiding.
Final Thoughts
Before leaving, I experienced emotional ups and downs. When I was tired, I felt worried and overwhelmed. When I was rested and energetic, I felt excited and optimistic. By the time I arrived, I became “wired” on the excitement of it all. What I mean by this is that I was thriving on very little sleep, feeling both energized and positive. While jet lag may have been a factor, I was having trouble sleeping, especially as I thought about all the things I wanted to do both locally and internationally while I am here. Talking to my housemate helped me to remember where to set my intentions and prioritize my time and resources. She asked me why I made the decision to come here. This question reminded me that I came here to learn Spanish, and Barcelona attracted me by having city life as well as closeness to nature and the ocean. I picked Barcelona for a reason, and there is already so much to see here. Additionally, there is something so special about familiarizing yourself with a place, developing a routine, and getting immersed in the language, culture, and lifestyle. I want to be able to navigate without using a mapping device, to spend time at different beaches and learn which is my favorite, to become a regular at a cafe, and to discover the hidden gems within the bustling streets and tourism-centered economy. I realized that this is much more important to me than trying to organize stints in other countries that could drain my energy and be unrealistic financially. Perhaps I am at the peak of the “honeymoon phase,” but I feel hopeful and excited about new relationships and experiences as well as my potential to grow.