Studying Abroad in Barcelona

Carnival. One word encompassing a wrath of celebration and we took this party down to Sitges. Sitges is a small town on the water which is infamous for their celebration of Carnival. Carnival is best described as America’s Halloween with a little more drag queen and alcohol, a little less candy and pumpkins but the dress attire is entirely up to you. Feather masks are a safe bet but truly anything goes.

A few friends of ours put together a party bus meeting at the city square Plaza España, where we all boarded dressed in crazy scarves, masks, and costumes anticipating a night of mayhem. Which is exactly what we got. What I also got this night was an introduction to Carles. Sharing more in common than a mutual friend, I found a Barcelona native who wanted to show me Barcelona from his viewpoint and not a guiri’s. Another word I’ve learned. A “guiri” is an obvious American tourist portraying every stereotype that we have come here to defy. One stereotype I must admit it embarrassingly true is our volume in which we speak. Always louder than the neighboring strangers Americans make themselves heard and not always in a good way. One of the first things we learned here in Barca is the popularity of pick-pocketing, if someone wants to rob you they will not use violence, reassuring right? Yes, but they are so good you will not know the robbery took place. Be smart and watch your back. Not in a paranoid way because that will consume you but in a smart manner and you will leave this city with what you came.

So a little more about Carles because there are a few more locales in Barcelona which I have been introduced. Our first dinner date, a direct result of a lost bet, was at Buddha Bar. This restaurant was great, other locations in Paris, New York, and Shanghai, there is reason to its reputation. The food was delicious and the numerous surrounding Buddhas, including a gigantic 8-foot Buddha who’d freak one out much more had his eyes been open. A strange brothel-like entrance set an interesting mood but a definite recommendation on my behalf. Close enough to walk home we passed the Cathedral and Sant Jaume, both of which take on much different scenes at night.

Walking Barcelona’s streets at night in the Old Town you may find gypsies, prostitutes, skateboarders, children, anything is possible. However, bums are a certainty. The men will shout catcalls no matter the time of day. Warned early of the men’s need to shout “hola guapa”, or “chica bonita”, in a matter of one day’s explorations it runs from flattery to annoyance and inappropriate behavior all too quickly. So girls out there who are contemplating a semester abroad beware. Some of the men are vultures, they will not touch but my best piece of advice is to rock an IPOD on your walk to class. It comes in handier than you’d think. Plus, it creates a soundtrack to your life as you walk streets that never look the same two days in a row.