15 Places to Visit in Barcelona, Spain

Sagrada Familia

A visit to Barcelona would not be complete without seeing the incomplete Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's masterpiece. Buy your tickets online in advance so you don't have to wait in the 2-3 hour long line to get in. This church was started in 1924 and will hopefully be finished in 2030... however, the date is always getting pushed further and further back. Maybe it'll be finished one day before I die!

Buy your tickets here!

La Pedrera

La Pedrera aka Casa Mila is one of my favorite things by Antoni Gaudi! Take the night tour and get dinner after. It is absolutely beautiful and much better to take the tour with a guide. You won't be upset! This place is huge and MUST be on your list to visit!! From the rooftop you can see all of the important landmarks in Barcelona including La Sagrada Familia, Torre Agbar, the Olympic Port, Montjuic, Tibidabo, and much much more! It is awesome to do at the end of your trip to see all of the places you've visited! Definitely worth a visit!

Parc Guell

Although Parc Guell is no longer free, it is one of Gaudi's masterpieces that is worth the money to get in. Book online in advance as only 400 people are allowed in every 30 minutes. It costs around 7 euros.

Buy your tickets here!

Montserrat

An hour outside the city is a beautiful mountainous area with a monastery on top and many places to hike. Take a train ride from Placa Espanya to get to this magical place. Plan to stay here all day. If you buy the ticket that costs around 50 euros each, you can take the train, cable car, funicular, and get a huge lunch all included. This will most likely be an all day trip so make sure you have plenty of time saved for this. You can easily buy your tickets at the train station.

Parc de la Ciutadella

This is a beautiful park located in the middle of the city where you can go and relax for the day and have a picnic. It is a locals spot to relax. If you don't have much time in Barcelona, you can easily skip this adventure.

Barceloneta

What's a trip to Barcelona without at least seeing the beach life? Barceloneta is a very touristy packed beach. Maybe not the best place to go to relax, but the atmosphere in the neighborhood surrounding this beach makes it an important tourist attraction. There are many different restaurants and ice cream shops you can't miss out on near this beach.

Boqueria Market
Directly off the metro stop "Liceu" on Las Ramblas in the famous Boqueria Market. There are all kinds of fruit, seafood, candy, and many other things you must try. Buy a fresh fruit juice for only 1.50 euros! You can also buy chocolate covered strawberries as shown on the left. As always, be very careful with your bags here. It is always packed and is a great place for pickpockets.

Catedral de Barcelona and the Gotic Area
This beautiful cathedral in the Gotic area was also built by Gaudi. Stroll around this area for shops and good cafes. It is located very close to las ramblas.

Casa Batllo

Another famous landmark of Gaudi that is not to be ignored. Everything on the inside makes you feel as if you have entered the sea. Get the audio guide to know what you are looking at.

Buy your tickets here!

Magic Fountain Show

The magic fountain show is free and operates many different nights of the week at Placa Espanya in front of the four columns. It is a beautiful show of fountains with colors and music. Check at an information desk to see when it is happening. It is very exciting for the whole family.

Tibidabo

This is the highest place in Barcelona with a beautiful church at the top. There is also a pretty cool amusement park for the family. If you plan to go into the amusement park, plan an entire day here. You will have great views of the city. The church is worth visiting even if you don't plan to go into the amusement park!

Sitges

Sitges is a beautiful town on the south side of Barcelona. It is known for the art around the city and of course some beautiful beaches. Take a 30 minute train ride from the Sants Station to get here. There are many different beaches to choose from.

Garaf

This beach, located directly in front of the train station is also a 30 minute train ride from the Sants Station as it is the stop just before Sitges. This remote area is absolutely beautiful with clean water and is not to be missed if you're looking for a day to relax on the beach. Bring a picnic with you as there are not many shops around. The homes shown below on the left were originally built by the fishermen to stay in while they were there fishing.

Costa Brava: Blanes

Take an hour and a half train ride to the amazing beaches of Costa Brava. The blue water will have you calm and relaxed. After arriving at the Blanes train station, take a short 10 minute bus ride to the beach. There are many shops and restaurants in this town.

Flamenco Show

With Spain being known for it's wonderful flamenco shows, you don't want to miss a chance to attend one. You can go to one anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and a half. They are very fun and can be found in multiple places throughout barcelona!

43 Thoughts and Feelings of a Student Abroad Before Flying Home

After being in Europe for a little over 7 months and prepare to fly back home, my head has been filled with so many different thoughts.

1. Ah I can't wait to go home!!

2. I'm going to eat Chipotle first thing.... then every other American food I've missed!!

3. How am I going to pack everything to go back home?!

4. Why did I buy so much stuff?!

5. I can't wait to see all of my old friends!

6. I need a haircut, pedicure & manicure ASAP!

7. I'll workout as soon as I get home and lose all of this weight!

8. I wonder what it's going to be like to be back in the states...

9. Am I even going to be comfortable there anymore?

10. How am I ever going to leave all of my new friends?!

11. What will I do when everyone speaks English?

12. Do I even remember English?

13. Oh my gosh! I will have my old clothes back!

14. I wonder if they fit...?

15. What old clothes do I even have?

16. Am I really going home?

17. Is this home now?

18. When will I be back next?

19. Will things be back to normal in the states?

20. What is normal?

21. I won't have to take public transportation!! woohoo!!!

22. No more horrible performers on the metro!

23. Wait, that means no more walking...

24. Then I'll have to exercise more..

25. Do I know how to drive a car anymore?

26. Maybe I WILL miss the metro....

27. I get to wear sweats!!

28. Will that look trashy?

29. Maybe I won't wear sweats...

30. How do I greet people?

31. Do I hug them, kiss them on the cheek, just wave?

32. I'm probably going to get sick from all of the food...

33. The time difference will make me sleepy

34. Why do I have a weird feeling inside my stomach?

35. I should be thrilled to go home...

36. I am thrilled to go home...

37. Why am I so nervous?

38. I'm also excited though

39. I want to go home.... I do

40. I'm really going to miss this place though...

41. What am I ever going to do?!

42. I really don't know how to make this adjustment...

43. This is the fourth time I've been abroad and the adjustment of going back home only gets harder each time

I'm really excited to go back home and see my family and friends, don't get me wrong.... but after living a completely different life for 7 months I'm super nervous to go back to a whole "new" lifestyle.  Each has their pros and cons...but leaving one home for another home thousands of miles away is not easy.

I've never been a fan of goodbyes.... only see you laters!

See you later Europe!

Emotions Starting My Last Week in Europe

As my last week in Europe begins, I am filled with many different emotions.
First, I am very sad to be leaving such a wonderful place. I've made so many new friends and fallen in love with the different cultures and atmospheres throughout Europe. It seems as just yesterday I was moving into my new home in Vichy, France and now, 7.5 months later, I am getting ready to leave Barcelona, Spain.
Of course it's going to be difficult and sad to leave this new home of mine, however, I am also filled with much excitement. I'm excited to see my family and friends again. Excited to be reunited with my sorority sisters, especially my big, little, and twin. Excited to eat chipotle and all of the American foods I have missed. Excited to move forward with my newfound knowledge from my travels, studying, and my internship. Excited to start looking for jobs and grad schools that will further my knowledge. Excited for the endless possibilities that lie ahead of me.
Finally, I am thankful. Thankful for an awesome God who has watched over me each and every step of the way. Thankful for each and every person I have met along this journey that has shaped me to be the person I am today. Thankful for every travel opportunity that has opened my mind and thoughts to new countries and cultures. Thankful for the support and love I have received from my family and friends back home. Without them, I know none of this would have been possible. I'm thankful for the amazing internship I've had with a caring boss who taught me many new things and with whom I was able to share my knowledge to help advance the organization as well.
It's going to be hard to leave, but looking back at how much I've grown through this experience I am beyond thankful. The sadness and excitement is to be expected, but I never could have imagined how overwhelmed I would be with thankfulness. This journey has truly been a blessing, one that I will never forget.

The Art Of Packing To Go Home

With 10 days left before heading home, the packing has finally begun.

I consider packing to be an art, whether it's for a weekend trip or a long study abroad experience, although both ends are completely opposite as I have not yet mastered the short trip packing.
Start packing early! I am a procrastinator but will not procrastinate on packing. I like to have everything ready to go about 3 days in advance so you can enjoy your last days with friends. I have so many friends who complain they can't go out with the rest of us because they have to pack.... don't be that person! Live your life to the fullest for the last couple of days! (well the entire time, but especially before you leave! You're going to miss this place!)
Roll everything! Even your underwear, bras, and bathing suits! Rolling clothes provides much more space, however, if you're like me, space is not the problem; weight is the real problem. Airlines like to limit us to 50 pounds which is one of the horrible restrictions travelers must abide by. We try to stick everything heavy including shoes, hair dryers, and anything else into our carry on while trying to keep it pretty light to make our lives less difficult when walking from one end of the airport to the next for connections.
So how do we keep the check-in under 50 pounds, the carry-on light, all the while bringing back all of the souvenirs we've accumulated?

We throw stuff out! Yes, it's horrible but must be done. No shampoos, conditioners, lotions, toothpaste, or anything of the sort is coming back with us. Those 10 pairs of shoes you brought and wore 3 pairs the entire time? Yes, unless you didn't walk much, those 3 pairs are probably completely ruined and should be thrown out (This is where the crying starts). While crying, you might as well get rid of those nail polishes, stained, ripped, or torn up T-shirts, and anything else that needs to go. Don't be a pack-rat, your souvenirs are much more important than those nasty things you will most likely throw out when you get home anyways.
Check the expiration dates on all the medications you brought and didn't use. If they are bad, toss those out as well.
Now that you've made some extra room for additional "pounds", wrap all those shot glasses and valuables in plastic bags. Once they're in plastic bags, wrap them individually in different clothes so that they don't break.
Try to separate dirty clothes from clean clothes so you don't have to rewash everything when you get back.
Shoes go in the carry on bag to save weight in the check-in bag. Medications that you don't need on the plane should go in your check-in. Clothes, bras, underwear, swim suites, and sleepwear should all go in your check in (pack one outfit in your carry on if you don't have clothes at the place you are going in case luggage is lost).
Bring a pen (in case you have to fill something out), motion sickness meds, or any important meds with you in the carry on.
Reading books should also go in the carry on (if you've already read them, leave those at your "home" so that the next person living or staying there can enjoy them and it will be less added weight).
A sweatshirt and pillow are nice to have in your carry on so that you don't freeze on the airplane and can sleep more comfortably. (SMALL pillow)
Don't buy alcohols or your favorite foods before you go through security to take home to your friends! Buy those at the duty free and then you can carry them on and not have to worry about the 5 pound bottle of vodka you're bringing back.
Pack your computer in an easily accessible part of your carry on. You will have to take this out at least once to go through security and nobody likes to wait on the person who packed their computer in the bottom part of their carry on.
DO NOT BUY ANY LIQUIDS TO TAKE THROUGH SECURITY!! Don't bring wine and make sure your water bottle is empty! I've had so many people complain about not being allowed to take these things through security and the officers throwing them out in front of them... it may sound stupid but the officers will have no mercy on you and will yell at you (security officers don't mess around).
You can, however, bring an EMPTY water bottle to fill up AFTER you go through security to save money on water. With the cabin pressure on the airplane it is extremely important to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight!
For the carry on, make sure it is a backpack or a rolling bag as it will be much easier to drag around the airport. You can also have a smaller handbag that can fit under the seat in front of you. An over the shoulder bag or smaller backpack is perfect for this. This would also be a good place to pack your laptop so it is easy to get out and you can also ensure that it is not getting tossed around in the cabin of the airplane.
Check in before you go to the airport to save time & bring your passport and a copy of your itinerary!
Finally, if all else fails: SIT ON YOUR SUITCASE!!! (it will eventually close... hopefully)

& I'm totally ready to come back to the states!!!
Chipotle, here I come!!

41 Signs you've been abroad in Europe too long

41 Signs You've Been Abroad in Europe too Long
Have you been abroad in Europe too long? If any of these apply to you, you have definitely spent a good amount of time in Europe... but hey! Europe is awesome! You're lucky to have experienced this much time in a foreign country!

1. You begin to use British saying like "cheers mate" or spelling words with a "u" that is not needed i.e. you're my favourite!

2. Coffee is no longer accompanied with milk, it's espresso or nothing

3. You grocery shop every day... fresher is better

4. You now call soccer "football"

5. You root for a european football team in the world cup

6. Facebook has become your main form of communication with your friends back home

7. Croissants and Nutella are your typical breakfast

8. You can't remember the last time you wore sweatpants and a T-shirt

9. Walking has become your main mode of transportation

10. You can't remember what an "American" size house looks like anymore.

11. You don't remember what it's like to have ice water at a restaurant

12. You daydream about Chipotle

13. Deep Fried foods are only a great memory

14. You've gained 10 pounds or more since you left home

15. Your wardrobe has slowly become filled with black, white, and brown clothes

16. You've stopped translating the currency into dollars when you buy things, the euro is now the norm

17. You now have a list of about 30 or more places you need to visit in the world

18. Normal selfies are boring... all of your selfies have a something cool in the background like the eiffel tower.

19. Paying 4 euros for a bottle of wine is crazy expensive to you

20. You don't know how to hang out with your friends other than going to a famous sight or a bar

21. Whenever you hear a bell, you move to the side as fast as possible so that a bike doesn't run over you

22. You're no longer surprised seeing a dog in a restaurant

23. You've begun to forget words in English

24. You don't remember what a cornfield looks like (well at least for the ohio folks where cornfields are your closest neighbor)

25. Your computer is running slower because of all the pictures you've uploaded to it

26. You dread packing to go home because you've acquired way too much stuff

27. You've forgotten that music other than techno is played in clubs

28. Staying out till 6 am on the weekends is normal

29. Central Air conditioning? Central Heat?... What is that?

30. You don't remember what American English sounds like... all the English you hear is jumbled by non-natives or is British English.

31. You've forgotten what it's like not to use a converter for all of your plugs.

32. You're not even sure if you know how to drive a car anymore

33. Heck, you haven't even ridden in a car since you've been there (except maybe a taxi)

34. You are completely broke.. really, where did all that money go?

35. "Fast food" is now going to a bakery and buying a sandwich

36. You've forgotten that there are stores open past 9pm back home

37. The beautiful architecture and churches around you are completely normal

38. You've gotten really good at charades thanks to all of those times you've had to use hand motions to communicate with someone in public

39. Beer or wine with dinner is normal because it's cheaper than water

40. You call the place you are staying in Europe "home"

41. & you can't even imagine what it will be like to go back to your other home... 

20 Thoughts of a Student Abroad!

20 Thoughts of a Student Abroad!

After being abroad multiple times, I have found there are thoughts nobody else understands except for those who go abroad for a month, semester, or year! I'm not talking about those people who vacation to the nice islands for 2 weeks and think they've been gone for years. I'm talking about those who go and fully immerse themselves in the culture for an extended period of time and who actually feel the highs and lows of being abroad!

From arrival to departure, below is a list of thoughts we have!

1. This place is beautiful, I never want to leave here!

    Upon arrival in a new country, everything is new, fun, and amazing! All I want to do is explore all day everyday and I begin to plan my future in the country! I never want to leave and I'm going to live here forever and ever!

2. Best Food EVERRRR!
    I never want American food again & I am going to try as many restaurants as possible! I begin going out and tasting these new foods, sure they make me a little sick at first, but who cares?! I'm only here for a little bit and need to try EVERY restaurant in this town or else I won't feel like I've officially lived here.

3. Architecture... HELLO BEAUTIFULNESS!
    Everything is ancient and beautiful with such details, why don't we have this in the states?! This will never get old!

4. Sweets for Breakfast?!
    Heck yes!!!

5. NUTELLA!!!!!
   Why hasn't this stuff become as popular in the states?! Breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, and dinner.... there's always nutella incorporated!

6. WHERE ARE THE PUBLIC RESTROOMS?!
   Never pass up an opportunity to pee because public restrooms are few and far between, not too mention they cost money!

7. Why don't the toilets flush better?!
   There's never a normal "flusher" like in the States. I'll never take a toilet bowl filled with water for granted again... it flushes so much better!

8. Children who speak foreign languages are adorable!
   Although I'm a bit jealous of the children because they speak the language better than I do, they are absolutely adorable!!

9. Let's Explore the entire country!
    I'm in a new country so I need to take advantage of it and explore not only my city but every city around! I plan thousands of trips! Sure they cost a lot of money, but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity right? I'll work EXTRA hard when I get home to make up for lost money!

10. The clubs here are awesome! 
    No matter how the clubs are, they are new and different! What happens in a foreign country, stays in a foreign country right? Even your phone stays in the country after it's been stolen or lost at some point during that night you stayed out too late.

11. Where did all of my money go?!
    I travelled too much, the clubs were way too expensive and that whole eating out all the time thing... What was I thinking?

12. Mmmmm, Pasta!
    After spending all that money, I'm going to live off pasta to make it through the rest of this trip. Survival 101 when broke: eat pasta!

13. I've gained SOOOO much weight!
    Sure the food was great and totally worth it, but did I really need to eat crepes with nutella every single day? 20 pounds later... that was probably a bad idea. Do I regret it? Absolutely not!

14. Where's the closest CHIPOTLE?!
     Like really though, why hasn't chipotle moved to every country yet?!

15. I NEED American food!
     I've been here too long and am sick of the food and want nothing more than McDonald's, Mac N Cheese, Peanut Butter, and Beef Jerky! OK, maybe not the McDonald's, but it's American and I'd totally settle for it! Care package anyone?!

16. I miss my car!!
    Although public transportation is awesome and saves money, I totally miss the freedom of driving my car wherever, whenever! Sometimes that drive through the country roads with my music blaring is just what I need!

17. I miss 24.7 stores and restaurants!!
     OK, call me crazy, but I miss being able to make a late night run to the store to get something or the ability to go to a restaurant at any time of the day (no more siesta hours from 12-3)! Steak N Shake at 3 am?! Yes please!

18. I miss my sweatpants & yoga pants!
    Being in a foreign country, I've realized America is such a lazy place to live where it is completely acceptable to go out in sweatpants or yoga pants. However, dressing "casually cute" everyday in a foreign country is the norm and if I went to the grocery store or class in yoga pants I would be looked at like I'm absolutely crazy!! I just want my lazy days back!

19. Where did all of my time go?!
     Wow I can't believe I leave tomorrow! It feels like I just arrived yesterday!!

& When you finally arrive back in America...

20. OMG I MISS IT! THAT WAS THE BEST EXPERIENCE OF MY ENTIRE LIFE!
     Although there were things I missed about America, I will never forget the amazing experiences I've had & I need to go back ASAP!!!