This is about my third full month of studying abroad (please don't make me think of going home yet!!!!!). There are so many reasons to love studying abroad- SO many that I had to compile an A-Z list of all things Barcelona!

Art

Dalí, Miró, Picasso... How could you not love to look at the works of some of the most influential and famous artists in the world?

Bus System

Call me crazy, but I'm thankful every single day for the public transportation in Barca- after a few weeks, the metro is beyond easy to use. If you'd prefer to take the bus, they're punctual, clean, and easy to navigate (except for the NIT Bus- never take the NIT Bus)

Catalan

With their own language and culture, I've never met a group of people with more pride than the Catalans. They're Spanish, but first and foremost, they're Catalan.

Dalí

Okay, okay, I know I mentioned him earlier, but c'mon. It's Salvador Dalí! It's truly surreal to see his art in real life!

Encants

My favorite words: "Próximo estacion- Encants" Nestled in between the Sagrada Familia and the Torre Agbar, it's my final stop on the purple metro line before my homestay.

FCBarcelona

Speaking of that Catalan pride from earlier, the Barca games are electric to say the least. Tenim un nom el sap tothom: Barça, Barça, Baaarça!

Gelato

Sometimes I think I talk about gelato too much, but can you ever truly talk about gelato too much???

Looking for a nice local place to listen to some live jazz? Well, look no further. A relaxing place to spend the night alone or with friends.

Ice Bar

It's a bar made of ice!!! I've spent 3 months here and still haven't tried it, but one of these days, you'll be able to catch me there in my parka.

Juice Station

The HAMMOCK juice station!! All I have to say is that it's a must. Eating amazing food and drinking fresh juice all while lounging in a hammock? Sign me up!

Kisses

Spain has the famous two kiss greeting! A kiss on the left cheek, then a kiss on the right for a warm and welcoming way to greet your loved ones!

La Sagrada Familia

In my opinion, this is the number one spot to see in Barcelona. Gaudí outdid himself once again. Unbelievable and indescribable.

"Mañana más"

This is our favorite phrase in our homestay. When we say thank you to our house mom every night after dinner, she always says, "mañana más" -Tomorrow, more.

New Friends

...because studying abroad wouldn't be any fun without someone to share the memories with.

(The pizza place next to) Oveja Negra

I could say Oveja Negra or Opium as far as clubs and bars go, but let's face it. You are 100x more likely to find me grabbing a slice at the pizza place next to Oveja Negra (note to self: learn the actual name before I leave Barca)

Pan con Tomate

Pan con Tomate aka the best creation to ever grace this earth. A close second for the letter 'P' was Paella. Even better? Try them together. Ugh, I will miss Spanish food.

Quiche

Before coming to Barcelona, I had never had quiche. Big mistake. Here, it is a cheap and delicious lunch, and I probably have a quiche or two a week. My fave is quiche con calabacín- yum yum.

Ramblas

You're not truly a tourist of Barcelona until you stroll down Las Ramblas. The Cheetah Girls strutted down this exact street most likely trying to find Amorino, one of the tastiest gelato places in BCN (See, I told you I talk about gelato way too much).

Spice Cafe

Hands down the nicest staff, best study spot, and most delicious carrot cake (I'm not kidding, do not leave Barca before snagging yourself a bite!)

Tortilla de Patatas

I have definitely been missing out for the past 19 years of my life- Tortilla de Patatas is now one of my absolute favorite foods. If you're really feeling adventurous, join a cooking class taught in Spanish to improve your language skills AND learn how to cook a perfect tortilla (easier said than done- I was stuck on stirring duty).

Urquinaona

It's my last red line metro stop before school and probably the hardest word in the language to pronounce. It's also only a few minutes walk to George Payne, Petit Pot, 365 Cafe, Alsur Cafe, Palau de la Musica, and one of the greatest crepe places in the world- not a bad location for school at all.

Vueling

Every study abroad student has a love-hate relationship with Vueling. No leg room, little service, and uncomfortable seats, but it's the cheapest airline by far. I'd take 3 cheap, cramped trips with Vueling over one expensive luxury flight with another airline any day.

Weather

The weather in Barcelona could not be any better. There is hardly ever any rain and the temperatures have been between about 50-75 this entire semester. I couldn't wish for anything different.

Xylophone? X-Ray? Xerox?

X is hard, folks.

"Yuck"

My exact thoughts about going back to the States next month...

Zapatos

...because I've bought way too many shoes here. Really though, how will I fit these in my suitcase to go back home? Better question is: If I can't fit the shoes in my suitcase, do I get to stay here forever??