Well it is time for me to share this experience with another Hallac. My younger brother is studying in Poland and visited me for his spring break. Living a very different life abroad, he is in a constant study mode. I have devoted my energy during his time off to make him act his age. He should experience the fun of living light and carefree for a week before he returns to his heavy workload and life of solitude. I joke that he is crazy to choose this life but we all have our preferences.

    Upon arriving we walked the busy night scene of Las Ramblas and he commented on the architecture surrounding. His interest in architecture could only be enhanced here. I took him to see Antoni Gaudi’s “La Sagrada Familia”, the distinct temple of Barcelona which is in restoration. On the walk back towards Old Town we hit siesta time which meant stores were closed and the town was asleep. He fell amazed at the empty city, not so much in an “I could get used to this” manner that I fell to, but a “what the hell? No one works around here, what a lazy city”. We’re all entitled to our own opinions. He was impressed with the architecture, however, couldn’t resist the feeling that at the rate in which Spanish work this temple will never be completed.

The main aspect he was looking forward to is the abundance of skateboarders throughout the city. After chatting up locals he found himself riding a bit throughout the week. This alone made his trip worthwhile. Barcelona is one of the top skateboarding cities of the world and all the nightlife and food I could bring him would not compare to a few hours of riding the hotspots hidden throughout the city.

With my brother gone, things continued as normal. Classes continued and art trips to the Picasso Museum and Miró (Joan Miró) Foundation took place. I am continually showed what an art-filled city Barcelona is and how proud the Spanish are of their native artists.

I spend more and more days at the harbor people-watching and sketching. Daily trips to the Boquería continued, as did the constant surprise of each new day’s happenings. New friends are constantly made and new foods introduced here.

please read on for more entries. - Entry #9

Filed under: Studying Abroad Journal