Since arriving in Barcelona, the weather has been phenomenal- much warmer than bitter cold Illinois and MUCH sunnier. However, this past weekend, we unfortunately got a ton of rain that just wouldn't stop. I realized that about 90% of my plans included going somewhere outside, but with the ice cold rain we were getting, there was absolutely no way I was even going to try to experience any outdoor activities. I realized I needed a back-up plan, so here are a few ideas I came up with to have just as much fun indoors as you would outdoors!
Museums
Luckily, I live in a city filled with history everywhere you walk. When rain confined me inside this weekend, I started googling museums as my first plan of action. Not only did I find some really unique museums (The Chocolate Museum and the Erotic Museum for example), but I also discovered some places that highlight Barcelona's incredible history (Museu Picasso and The Barcelona History Museum just to name a few!). Even if a typical visit to the museum isn't your thing, there are still plenty of unique places that can suit the interests of everyone! Plus, Google is my best friend when it comes to these sorts of things because in Barcelona, many of the museums are free on Saturdays or Sundays. Not only do I get to enjoy myself and learn a little bit, but I get to save my wallet some pain!
Churches
If you're studying abroad in Europe, churches are grandiose, beautiful, historical, and plentiful. In Barcelona alone, I don't think I have enough fingers to count the amount of churches in the city. The best part about churches? Not a single church is the same as another. For example, the Sagrada Familia is a more modern take on a basilica with leaning pillars and funky stained glass, while La Iglesia de Santa Maria del Pi has a lot of history surrounding the Spanish Civil War. Not only are churches a wonderful way to avoid the rain, they also provide an insight into what life was like in a city hundreds of years ago.
Cafés
When I think about Europe, the first idea that pops into my head is a café. On nearly every street corner of the city, you can find one. Steering clear from the rain is easy while enjoying a tea or café con leche and a chocolaty crêpe. Bonus points if you find a little restaurant with un menú del día, an affordable way to get a three to four course lunch while staying dry!
Write
As boring as it may sound, staying in might be the answer to avoiding a rainy day. On days like these, I like to write. As of late, I have felt completely inspired to start a travel journal for each day of my Spanish experience. This task is simple and only takes about 5-10 minutes a day. Plus, it's perfect for reflection later in life! In addition to the journal, I've been writing poetry and short little stories (something I've never really done before). Your writing can be about absolutely anything from the metro ride, to a visit to the beach, to a drink you had at lunch. And the best part? Your writing does not have to be good!!! Writing while abroad is a good way to process all that you're seeing around you regardless of whether it is garbage or the next George Orwell novel.
Rainy days blow, but if you look hard enough, there's always something fun and exciting to do! That being said, my fingers are crossed, and I'm hoping for sunny weather again soon!
