I was nervous entering this trip to Barcelona. It was the first trip I have taken completely by myself and was afraid that I would end up spending the 5 days there on my own; just my new camera and me. I wasn’t even in my room before I was talking to people from America and a guy from Argentina. Later that night, two Canadians arrived and we were all talking and discussing background, experience and reasons for travel.I arrived late Tuesday, January 26th, and my adventure started with a free walking tour on Wednesday. I got to know the two Canadians better as well as found a funny Australian. So far, out of my travels, Australians are the most fun to be around. I feel like my sense of humor fits in very well with them. They are sarcastic, without a filter, pretty open minded, and know how to have fun.
The walking tour ended at a little local restaurant where we had some local Spanish flare for lunch. It was delicious. I ordered a veggie burger made from tofu and beets. The beets made it look like meat once I bit into it. I ate my lunch with a very refreshing glass of sangria in honor of being in Spain and celebrating my sister, Eileen’s birthday. I spent the rest of the day walking the beach and taking pictures of the beautiful scenery. The best part of Barcelona was being able to see the sun, blue skies, and stars at night.
Being in Europe has taught me to appreciate the small things and not take the little comforts for granted. Growing up in Arizona, I was privileged to see the sun almost everyday of the year. I never knew how much I would miss it once it disappeared. Just thinking about it warms me up. I packed light for this trip. Just the essentials. I wore the same jeans for three days and changed my shirt every other. It was nice to not have to worry about material objects and just explore.
Later that night, my new friends and some hostel roommates got together to have a beer and discussed some pretty serious and deep outlooks on the world, humanity, compassion, and what it means to live. I will save the details for another post, but this was such a humbling moment in my trip. has taught me to appreciate the small things and not take the little comforts for granted. Growing up in Arizona, I was privileged to see the sun almost everyday of the year. I never knew how much I would miss it once it disappeared. Just thinking about it warms me up. I packed light for this trip. Just the essentials. I wore the same jeans for three days and changed my shirt every other. It was nice to not have to worry about material objects and just explore.
On Thursday, January 28th, I spent the later part of the afternoon at Gauid’s Park. This is by far, one of the most beautiful places I have ever been too. It brought me back to Arizona in many ways. I saw palm trees and prickly pear cacti throughout the whole park. It brought a lot of comfort even though I was so far away from my home. Seeing so much breathtaking views in the park reminded me that there is so much beauty in this world. Regardless of the destructive pattern of human existence, nature and the creativity of the human mind are creating wonderful things together. It was also my sister Felecia’s birthday! The day could not have been more perfect. The feeling of being home was overwhelming and needed.
Friday, my last full day in beautiful Barcelona, the two Canadians (Max and Justin), the Australian (Jono), and myself went to Monserrat, a mountain monastery an hour outside of Barcelona. The weather could not have been more perfect. The mountains were cast out by fog and it was chilly. This was the only day that I really needed my jacket. From the top of the mountain, you could see the countryside as well as the Mediterranean Sea!
On Saturday, I left my new friends and the sun and returned to Brussels after a five-hour flight delay. It was snowing heavy in Brussels, which killed me. I hate snow as it is and to go towards it from the beauty of Spain was hard. I really didn’t want to leave. Maybe I will get back there someday. I hope so!
This was more of a practical update post a week and a half after the trip itself. I have been running around like a mad man for a week. I hope to have more updates soon! Thanks for reading family and friends. I will update with pictures later. My internet is not uploading them at the moment.Much love and peace! JP
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