And I’m crazy, but you like it (loca, loca, loca) You like that it ain’t easy (loca, loca, loca)

My first trip away from Madrid this semester to somewhere I've never been before was a complete success! I realized that I am definitely one of those people who wholeheartedly believe that a city is a living breathing thing, with it's own secrets, gifts, memories etc...From the moment I breathed in the Mediterranean air and felt the salt on my lips I have been missing oh so much I realized that this city and I were going to learn a lot from each other. Barcelona to me, is a city of wonder. I don't know if I coined this term or if I have heard it before and just don't remember where but nevertheless,  with it's Parisian influence and overabundance of palm trees ( oh hey Soflo) and melt in your mouth crepes Barcelona just leaves you thinking, dreaming and wanting more. I spent the first day introducing myself to this city that made me forget all about Madrid..homegirl who can't seem do anything but obsess over Madrid say what? I know! My friends and I were unbelievably lucky to find an apt with a great view of the beach and walking distance to the heart of the city. It wasn't touristy at all and was situated within a cute neighborhood. The best thing to do when visiting a new city is to slip into a cafe ( which is usually a bar) and observe the culture. I was craving a tostada (toast/baguette) with a creamy delicious tomato base) with a cafe con leche. To my disappointment,  the bartender was an older lady who greeted my friend and I with a scowl. She scoffed at my request and told me that what I needed was a croissant. I really don't like arguing over petty things with strangers so I just agreed that yes of course, I needed a croissant..food is food of course. I ate my food standing because all of the chairs seemed to be occupied, My friend  and I chatted quietly in Spanish to not be rude and took it all in because it seemed everyone was staring at us. I'm not sure when it as that won them over  but slowly things changed. A sweet lady with a grandma vibe came over and told me that I had to sit down and found a chair for me and then the bartender gave me this look of worry and asked me if the croissant had been filling enough. It was all just really sweet and rare. It left me thinking about what was ever so wrong with taking your time to getting to know someone until you let them in to the ever so private and rightfully cherished inner circles of your life. Our hearts and lives are so precious that there isn't anything wrong with letting someone prove themselves worthy of being part of it. Now please don't give the evil eye to every person that comes into your life, but be warm and accepting without giving them the key to everything.I seem to still be going through my post idealistic phase so I doubt I will ever be able to not be that naive.

The level of exquisite beauty that can be found in Barcelona is mind boggling. It's a testament to Gaudi's gift as an artist and in my opinion, I don't think a more deserving city could have been chosen for the birth and development of such ingenuity and creativity. The Gaudi houses that adorn the city and  La Sagrada Familia are a must when visiting Barcelona.The church, still under construction 115 years after work was begun, was Gaudi's life's work and when you stand inside of it and  try to take it all in you just simply can't and that's okay. In the pamphlet it simply says reflect. and that's it. I reflected on Gaudi's gift. I think that it's so easy to become intimidated by people who were so clearly meant for something but it inspired me instead. It was also curious to me how Gaudi was not given the praise he so rightfully deserved for his brilliance when he was alive. Why is it that so many wonderfully talented artists aren't appreciated until after they pass away? I think it all goes back to intimidation. I also understand it because it's rare to find whatever it is that completes you and makes you be better than anything you thought possible. Barcelona taught me to let it go. I 'm surrounded by genius, by artists who weren't understood and simply let go trying to impress their peers and just lived for themselves, it's moving and action producing. Who cares what's expected of you? Do whatever your heart tells you to do. So day number 2 and 3 were like an early philosophical Christmas present for me.

The last day we spent it at the beach. The clouds were perfect and the weather was warm enough to take off your shoes and feel the sand between your toes. Cheesy but one of the best feelings in the world! I miss my friends and my family and my old life so much sometimes that I lose sight of why I'm here and the end goal which I don't know either lol. Sometimes I hate thinking so much and that morning I just stopped. It was freeing. You just get so caught up in the day to day that you don't realize sometimes you should think about how unbelievably lucky you are and in the future. Not in the typical omg, I have to figure out what to do for the rest of my life fashion but on the things that can change if you want them to and the fact that you can be with whomever you want to be and become everything you knew you could be and more.  All the people, the disappointing people, the annoying people,  the inspiring people, the confusing people..they all serve a purpose..