B is for Barcelona. 032522

Happy Friday, and welcome to the second installment of (missing) travel adventures in Morning After Thoughts. What's on your mind this morning? Here we go, Day 28!

“The Snugs at Terraza Colon Rooftop Bar, Barcelona, 2019” Photo by Nice Server

1. I first fell in love with Barcelona in 2005. I had planned a Costa Brava trip with a girlfriend of mine when I was studying abroad in Dublin my junior year of college. We started in Barcelona, traveled all the way down to Malaga and Marbella, and then ended up back in Barcelona in the end. I couldn’t go back to Ireland without one last taste of this colorful, fast-paced, and eclectic city. It was springtime, flowers were blooming everywhere, it was beautiful!

2. Many years later I worked as a senior study abroad advisor sending American college students to Barcelona for five (plus) years almost up until the pandemic. I really enjoyed working with students, we spoke the same language, and I loved encouraging them to study abroad because it did change my life. I believe it’s important work and makes the world a little bit of a better place. But the last time I was working in Barcelona in 2019, I really fell out of love with the city. Maybe it was the job, but it was like the city had lost its magic due to the massive crowds, the grime, and I didn’t feel safe from the energy of it all. I was so relieved my husband was with me on this trip. I don’t see myself ever really going back. Do you have a city like that to you, one you fell out of love with?

3. La Sagrada Familia is by far the most spiritual inside worshipping place on earth in my humble opinion. (You must go to the private silent room if you get in.) I’ve been a few times over the years and something new moves me every single time. (Of course I have been kicked out more than once, in line, for having a dress on that doesn’t cover my shoulders properly in the middle of summer, but that’s what the shops across the way are for!) Ah, memories from travel.

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Do you have some travel memories to share? From sex and family drama to work woes and hangovers, what's on your mind first thing in the morning? Welcome to a safe space to reflect light on three things, and please share in comments. I hope you have a wonderful Friday!

Cheers,

Jess