¡Hola Barcelona!

     My flight for Barcelona is tomorrow, and I have a lot to do between now and then! I had a busy couple of days (summer school final was due, championship swim meet, and swim team awards dinner), but I could not be more excited for my trip. Over the course of the past week, my mom and I have been gathering things I will need for the trip, both round the house and at the drugstore. We have made sure that I have all of the random items that are nearly always forgotten, like a converter, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray,  and appropriate chargers for my phone and laptop. I was also able to complete a couple of online shopping purchases, ordering new clothes and shoes for the trip. We also purchased/picked up gifts for my host family, including a Menlo Park candle, SHP gear, California coffee table books, and more. My suitcase is nearly full to the brim, but I am confident that I am prepared for nearly anything that could happen while in Barcelona. In addition, my family has given me envelopes and packages to open while I travel abroad. Also, last night I got the very best surprise. Two of my best friends stopped by my house with fresh baked cookies and a letter to say goodbye before I left! It made my day, and I was sure to tuck their letter in my suitcase.
     My exchange partner, Laia, and I have been communicating using instagram and whatsapp in an effort to get to know each other and talk about expectations for the trip. She gave me advice about what to pack, and laid out a rough schedule of what we are going to do in Spain. We have been talking a couple of times a week since early February, and I could not be more excited to finally meet her in person! I have had limited contact with the rest of her family (parents and younger brother), but my mom has been emailing with Laia’s mom, discussing the logistical side of the trip. As much as I love summer in California and the amazing experiences that come with it, part of why I am so excited for my exchange is to get away from everything for a couple of weeks. I’m ready to meet new people and enjoy the time/space to decompress from the hectic pace of Silicon Valley. Also, more obviously, I can’t wait to be in Spain and practice my Spanish! I have never visited Spain before (but have always wanted to) and have been taking Spanish classes for 12-ish years. I think that I have been prepared well, learning about the culture and language of Spain in class, so I am excited to finally make the jump from textbook to real life. I know it will be tiring, and even scary at times, but I am excited to switch from a life of comfort and stability to one of spontaneity, all by myself.