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Published: August 26th 2014
It's Tuesday morning and I'm enjoying my last cup of Spanish coffee before I return home to the states tomorrow morning. As I sit here at a local cafe in beautiful Barcelona with the most breathtaking view of the Sagrada Familia, I'm beyond sad that my two month journey has come to an end. I set out on this adventure on July 2nd with the hope of obtaining a new level of happiness, healing, new friendships, and above all--a sense of mental clarity. I've achieved all of these goals for the exception of clarity. I still don't know what lies ahead and in all honesty, have seriously contemplated extending my stay until I sort it all out. The reality is, I've fallen even more in love with traveling and especially with Spain. I left a little piece of myself in Madrid and will leave a sliver here in Barcelona but I truly did leave my heart in Granada. Perhaps it's because that's where I began my journey. Or maybe it's because I truly had to immerse myself and I had the most time there for introspection. Whatever it was, I will never forget this incredible time and will never stop feeling
gratitude for having had this life altering experience. I have a feeling I'll make my way back there very soon.
During my travels, I've become much more comfortable in my own skin and am perfectly content being on my own and exploring unfamiliar places. I've decided that moving forward, travel will always be part of my master plan. After my experience in Morocco, I've also decided that I'd like to learn a new language. Why not begin with French! Has anyone ever used Duolingo? Chris recommended this app and I think I'll check it out. I found the language barrier in Morocco while traveling alone to be extremely frustrating and after traveling with some people who refused to fully immerse themselves in the culture and were shockingly rude and offensive (why did they have to be Americans?) I recognize the importance of cultural sensitivity and think it's the responsibility of the traveler to do their best to communicate in the country's native language. In any case, goals for the immediate future.
On Saturday morning I went along with some friends to see the Sagrada Familia and eventually got separated from them as I tend
to get lost in my own thoughts. The last time I was in Barcelona I only saw it from the outside which blows my mind. Lili, were we crazy?! I guess we were more on a food quest than anything else BUT the moment I saw the inside I had an emotional reaction to Gaudi's masterpiece. The outside alone is breathtaking but to see the inside and how its modern Art Noveau details almost contradict the gothic architecture of the exterior in a flawless and brilliant way really blew my mind (photos attached but they do it no justice). Much like how I felt about the Alhambra in Granada, I can definitely meditate to the sight of the Sagrada Family on a daily basis. This can never get old. It's as though an alien structure has shot up from the surface of the earth and now towers over the entire city hypnotizing every one who comes in contact with it. So who was this Gaudi guy, really?
Aside from visiting the Sagrada Familia, I also visited Park Guell where there were beautiful views of the city and I spent some time listening to a street performer and
singer/songwriter Nelson Poblete. Our group took a walk to the magic fountain after our farewell dinner and on my own, I visited the Picasso museum again and spent a lot of time getting lost in the gothic quarter and sampling fresh fruit juices at the Mercat de la Boqueria. Last night I stumbled upon an old local bar where the bartender brought me the menu and then proceeded to bring me individual boxes of canned seafood from the kitchen to demonstrate the items listed on the menu. I usually understand the menu items but these were items like smoked oysters and canned salted cuddle fish that I was unfamiliar with. I ordered mushroom croquettes and pan con tomate y jamon and watched the local BARCA futbol game while drinking a beer. Then I stopped for ice cream on the way home and ate it in the bathtub because...why not? The perks of traveling alone--I can do whatever I want!
As for tonight...I'm meeting my Canadian friend Sophie and Irish Joe for dinner and our very last gelato together. I should also finish the bottle of wine that my host left me. I wouldn't want to be rude!
But on a serious note, I would like to thank all of you who followed my blog over the course of this personal quest and for your lovely and enriching comments. I hope to write again soon while on a brand new adventure. So stay tuned!
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RENanDREW
Ren & Andrew
I'm sad this journey is nearing the end...
I've really enjoyed following your adventures and will be eagerly waiting to hear of your next one! Hope re-entry to everyday life isn't too bad. :) xx And p.s travel rudeness is not just limited to Americans...Australians can be pretty badly behaved too. :(