Chelsea Couture

If you were to sum up your Barcelona experience in one to two words, what would you say? My Barcelona Experience is…

Contentment

Explain why you chose those words.

I found contentment when I studied abroad in Barcelona and again when I returned as a staff memeber with Barcelona SAE. I found a calmness that I previously had not known existed. I found contentment in the laid back culture, and let the stress of the future fall away, by finding peace within myself. Barcelona forced me to face my biggest challenges, come to terms with them, and accept them. It is because of Barcelona that I find contentment in who I am and how I view the world.

What was your favorite place to eat in Barcelona? Favorite food?

My favorite place to eat is Can Marti on Tibidabo. This is a great place to eat Calcotada (a spanish BBQ) in the early spring time. It is tucked away in the more residential area of Tibidabo and overlooks the city. This is a great place to eat a lot of amazing traditional Catalan food and enjoy the company of others. You will never leave this restaurant feeling hungry!

What is you favorite place in Catalunya? Why?

My favorite place in Catalunya (besides Barcelona) is Montserrat. This mountain allows you to escape the city life and enjoy nature.

Is there a site in Barcelona that you would recommend to future students that may be a little more “off the beaten path”?

I would suggest exploring the parks in all of the neighborhoods in Barcelona. It is a good way to get to know more of the local cultural, and to enjoy a peaceful walk.

If you had one perfect day in Barcelona where would you go, and what would you do?

I would rent a bike and ride it a long the ocean. I found hike up to one of the many sites with amazing views of Barcelona. I would relax and have a picnic in Montjuic. The majority of my afternoon would entail exploring and getting lost in a neighborhood that was unfamiliar to me. Picking a random metro stop, and just going is a great way to discover the city. I would end the day looking out over Barcelona from the top floor of one of the hotels that have a bird’s eye view of city.

What is one piece of advice that you have for future students coming to Barcelona?

Leave your expectations at the door and be open. Be open to a new way of life, to other people, to all experiences, and to yourself.

What do you think makes Barcelona unique?

Barcelona is made up of many smaller neighborhoods that are all so unique with different atmospheres, layouts, and inhabitants. Each neighborhood is so communal, and has its own parades and celebrations throughout the year. In Barcelona there truly is something for everyone.