Thanksgiving with Friends and Family

 Being abroad during the holiday season is difficult. It is difficult watching your friends and family back home celebrate something you grew up doing, but now you are unable to and you are having to watch through a phone screen. Luckily, I was able to ease some of this homesickness as my family flew to come see me. This was something that I had been looking forward to for the past few weeks. We traveled all throughout Spain exploring new places and the “touristic” spots that I haven't yet been to.  

       This past weekend I explored Park Guell, Sagrada Familia, MNAC Museum and Casa Batlló with my family. We lucked out with weather last week as it was in the high 50’s the entire week and the sun was shining. Walking through Park Guell and overlooking the entire city was such a beautiful time. Seeing what I had seen just from the city center from above, truly put into perspective how grateful I am for this experience. Learning more about the history of Gaudi and viewing Barcelona through his artistic lens was both inspiring and intriguing. We had an interactive experience at Casa Batlló where we got to listen to audio throughout the entire museum and then see visuals through a tablet. The rooftop at Casa Batlló was so nice and we got to sit out there planning the rest of the day through Barcelona. Finally, our last stop in Barcelona was the Sagrada Familia followed by a rooftop tapas lunch. The Sagrada Familia was even more beautiful on the inside than the outside. We thoroughly enjoyed both of these experiences as this was the first museum that my siblings have experienced outside of the states. I was able to introduce my family to some of my favorite Tapas like croquettes and Patatas Bravas at various restaurants. Along with museums, we tried many new restaurants which was the highlight of my week. I received many recommendations from previous friends who studied in Barcelona to try Harry’s Italian Cuisine with my family. This was everyone’s favorite meal! The appetizers, main course and dessert were all amazing and it was all decked out for Christmas which was even better. 

      I brought them to two of my favorite Barcelona classics like Billy Brunch and Bo de B. Billy Brunch has been a go to of mine the last few months since being abroad. This brunch restaurant is open till 5PM Sunday-Saturday and has various options for whatever you are in the mood for. I highly recommend the Eggs Benedict, Smoothies and Avocado Toast. We also went to Bo de B for lunch on Friday which is a sandwich shop at the end of the Gothic Quarter. This small sandwich shop only charges Euros and is always very popular. You can customize a sandwich or salad with various toppings while they cook your choice of meat right there. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! For just under 20 euros you can get a sandwich, drink and side of patatas bravas. To the study abroad students here in Spain,  if you have any time these three two weeks… Go! Finally, we explored the Christmas markets around the Sagrada Familia and Cathedral which all sold small trinkets, ornaments or classic Spain desserts. I loved seeing how these markets differed from other ones in Europe as well as in the States. 
      

         During this holiday season before the weekend hits, make a trip to the American Super Market for all your Thanksgiving classics to make the holiday season a little more homey. Grab your friends and some of your favorite Thanksgiving foods or some of your new favorites and have a Friendsgiving! 
 

      Just under three weeks left here in Spain and I can’t believe it! They weren’t lying when everyone said it would go by fast!