Week 18: The Finale

Hey, there beholders. The time has come. My study abroad escapade officially ended this week. While I spent most of the week packing and sulking, I was still able to fit in some lasts. 

Tuesday

On Tuesday, Rashmi, Alexa, and I finally made it to the bar Sips. We’d been meaning to go for so long because apparently, it’s the best bar in the world. The most special thing about this bar is the hospitality. When we entered we were greeted by every server with an “Hola.” This simple gesture honestly put such a big smile on my face. Other than that it was very similar to many other bars. Maybe the “best” part of it is something we didn’t have access to. After that, we headed over to our favorite restaurant, La Pepita where we met our fourth roommate, Soraya. La Pepita is such a special place to us because we walk past it every day from our apartment to the university and we just love the vibe there. This was one of the “lasts” that is sentimental to us and the food and drinks certainly didn’t disappoint. Our guy friends were apparently stalking us and came to the window next to where we were eating to wait for us to finish. It was pretty funny so we finished up our dinner and then all headed out together. That night I had a very early birthday celebration in which I got a free limo (provided by a promoter) and a VIP table at Pacha. It was so much fun because a lot of other people in my program were at the club too. It was a very successful last time going out in Barcelona. 

Wednesday

Wednesday was Alexa’s last day so therefore our last day all being together. We suited up into our “I ❤️ Barcelona” shirts and headed over to the bunkers for one last sunset with a view. It was beautiful and peaceful and again, sentimental to us. For our last supper together we went to La Selva and enjoyed a delicious meal. La selva means the jungle and the decor in the restaurant certainly fits that name. It’s all steak and beef there so I got a burger and it was great. After that, we went to Anita, my favorite ice cream spot, and therefore had our last ice cream run. 

Thursday

Finally, Thursday. The dreaded day. My last day in Barcelona. I had a little spa day where I got my nails and hair done, but then I had to finish packing everything up. After I packed, my roommates and I shopped around for a little bit and got dinner at Sumac & Mambo and it was so so yummy. We shared the slow-cooked lamb, hummus, and wood-fired beef. The lamb was amazing. I’d definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone traveling to Barcelona, although it is on the pricier side. We ended up walking all around Gracia afterward and just reminiscing on the good times. It was a very simple and lovely ending. 

And there you have it. My abroad experience all wrapped up. I am so grateful that I was able to have this opportunity and it has forever changed me for the better. Not only was I able to experience and learn so much about the world, but I also grew so much as a person. Shoutout to my wonderful family for allowing me to have this opportunity. I am so thankful.

The Party Doesn’t End There

Part of what kept me from completely falling apart when leaving was that I had so much to look forward to. Straight from the airport I went home and got ready for my family’s holiday party that evening. I immediately got to see all of our amazing family friends, my best friends, and a college visitor! One of my closest friends (and my g-big in my sorority), Lulu, and her boyfriend, Nate, came to visit me for the night. The party was an absolute blast and such a fun way to be welcomed back into the States. You’d probably think I would get tired from the jet lag by now, but no, I kept the night going. After the party died down I took Lulu and Nate to New Hope for some bar hopping where I ran into literally everyone I know from New Jersey. Okay not really, but I was shocked at how many people I bumped into at the bars. Overall it was a super fun night filled with old friends, new friends, and everyone in between. 

On Saturday my family celebrated Christmas with some gifts and breakfast. It was really fun for me because I finally got to reveal all of the souvenirs that I bought them. I think I killed the gifts this year (and I think they agree). I spent the rest of the day unpacking and repacking and procrastinating a lot. When I woke up my first morning home it looked like a tornado had gone through my room so I was dreading dealing with that. 

Finally, I headed off to my favorite place in the world on Sunday. Saint Lucia! I am beyond excited to be spending a week in this paradise and this year is extra special because my best friend Mimi is joining us.

Well, this concludes my weekly recap posts. Thank you so much to those who followed me throughout this journey. I hope I was able to share my experiences well enough that you all were able to live vicariously through me.

Sending virtual hugs and high-fives,

Chlo