My Favorite Moments So Far

With just under 50 days left, my study abroad journey is coming to an end. It feels a lot like leaving for college all over again. With everyone saying “Enjoy your time abroad! It goes by in the blink of an eye!” I didn't believe them till last night. 

One of my favorite things to do here in Barcelona is take long walks around the city and find new ways to maneuver throughout this large city. Last night, one of my sweet BFF’s from this program and I went for a walk down to the beach. After two long weeks of studying and preparation for midterms, we took some time to ourselves to walk along the beach and sit down to watch the sunset. 

While we were sitting there, watching the waves crash and dogs running along the beach with their owners, we began reflecting on our time here. The homesickness feeling is starting to come now more than ever, as we're so close yet so far. In less than 50 days we will be back at our home and at our home universities. We are so close to going home, yet it still feels so far away. We all made the decision to come abroad to explore the world and challenge ourselves to do something bigger than ourselves. 

Throughout this time abroad, we all have created a lifetime of memories that we are eagerly waiting to share with everyone back home. “Where did the time go” and “Wow I can’t believe it’s almost over” are two phrases that were repeated many times. This has been one of my favorite memories so far abroad. Although bittersweet, sitting at the beach with one of my new favorite people, truly just made me much more appreciative for the life I have lived these past few months. 

Another special memory was the very first trip I took here— a weekend getaway to Mallorca, Spain. Planning every detail, navigating the journey, and dealing with small mishaps along the way gave me a newfound sense of self. Weekend traveling while studying abroad is one of the many and my most favorite perk of it all. Travel as much as you can! This is an opportunity to explore the world before all those “adult obligations” start happening. 

Travel with new and old friends and do as much as you possibly can! I am currently finalizing the last few details of my upcoming trip to Interlaken, Switzerland this weekend. This is one of those trips that everyone tells you they are so jealous of! Paragliding, hiking, and eating fondue along the Swiss Alps is what I am beyond thrilled about. 

Following this trip, I have a few final trips planned before the end of my program happens. I am beyond thankful for the opportunity to travel throughout Europe with some of my best friends and create new memories in new places, but soon it will all just be memories that I share with my friends and family back home instead of reality. And to be honest, I am dreading this day. But for now, I will be taking advantage of every opportunity and taking it all in!