Barcelona, Cataluyna... no, not Spain lol

So many memories about my time in Spain. I'm going to concentrate on Barcelona and Cataluyna in this post although I did do the requisite tourist trip to Madrid and had a good time, a great time even! But in terms of immersion I had more of it in Barcelona and its surroundings. There are wayyy too many pictures to insert here so I'm just gonna have to give you a taste and perhaps give you a buzz to take a bigger bite on your own:)

Think Barcelona and think architecture. As many experiences as I had in and around the city, I still recall such diversity and conscious variations of architecture which made this relatively small city really interesting to be in. I think I have walked every inch of the city [ok I exaggerate lol] soaking in the feel of the place. I really had a good time there.

Sure, there were some bad experiences which come from it being a bit of a tourist trap like pickpockets - rampant - and prejudice - no explanation there. Just 'backwardness' by certain persons who just weren't ready to grow. Nonetheless these were minor as I handled myself pretty great in both instances.

So onto some pictures!






Everything about Barcelona includes the name Gaudi. And when I say everything, I mean everything. His legacy permeates Barcelona and there is substantial pride attached to the distinction that his creations brought to this city and region.

Although incredibly innovative, I admit to not finding love with Gaudi's approach; indeed, like I titled above, the word 'gaudy' used to flash into my mind regularly while I tried to compose an expression to the obviously star struck of relative interest hahah

The [in]famous Sagrada Familia was the most interesting story of all in that its primary claim to fame is this Roman Catholic church that has been under construction since 1882... and still is. To me it is totally an exercise in indulgence and, well, ugly! I couldn't believe the decadence that's been put into this 'monument'! There is clearly skill and talent manifested in the sculpting and artwork generally, but it is not easy to sense the beauty of this church at all. Nonetheless, to each his own and I encourage you to soak it up for yourself and form your own opinions.

I was blessed to be able to visit a gorgeous mountain sanctuary at Montserrat which hosts the Virgin of Montserrat. We couldn't take pictures of her so take a look at this link and smile with me: she's black! hahah I thought that was incredible! But it explained a lot to me thereafter about the way I had been received in certain settings. It wasn't a big deal to be in the company of everyday people who just look like me. This was cool I'll say... I've had the whole range of responses so far hahah




I truly enjoyed the visit to Montserrat; something just resonated with me while there and I really was in no hurry at all to leave. Just positive energies! Those views were hard to not love as well. I highly recommend a visit to this beautiful place.

But for more mundane views of my life as a Doctoral student in BCN, I share with you:





Man, this was a stressful time and programme! Cerveza evenings came periodically lol I'd leave campus just to go to sleep and reconnect then meet up with the students for beer later. I love how beer and wine are available at Western European universities! Oohie!

Well Barcelona proper has as its most famous walkway 'La Rambla'; it is the primary thoroughfare in the city. Lots of fun at La Rambla... lots and lots :D Here is an image that popped up from time to time, which is some kind of protest.  I really couldn't tell you against what, but then again, I never quite get these kinds of staged events... lol


One of my favourite places was the marina... so beautiful. I guess it brought me close to the water and that felt like home somewhat. This entire area was developed for the BCN Olympics and remains in immaculate condition. Really, really nice.

I met lots of wonderful people while on this programme... LOTS! This trip started out as a pilgrimage as I might have said in previous blogs and really started my awareness about the spirit connecting and the wonderful potential in humans as spirit. I feel so honoured by the experience.

At left is my friend Myriam from Mexico with Japanese parentage, so wonderful; next to her is Lilia from Beijing; gosh, such a beautiful, open, generous and loving person! Next to me is my totally awesome friend Markus from Stuttgart in Germany... shockingly we were the best friends of all during this programme. Absolutely nothing in common prior to coming there hahah Just a love for fully extending and challenging our minds and thinking. We went on to do great things together when we went to Sweden! Such very fun memories. The other friends are Desi from Bulgaria, Rodrigo from ArHentina [don't ask!] and Karita or Little Face [a very poor pun from a very poor punner... sigh...] from Feenland. [Also don't ask!]

I witnessed and experienced some traumatic things while in this programme, that's the truth. But I learned so much of my 'self', which has a totally different meaning now than it did back then. The self I'm speaking to is my spirit which walked and talked with me throughout some kind of mess! But it was there, I assure you, all the time.

I don't have a desire to return to Barcelona anytime soon. But please enjoy the best of my experience there with me!

Peace and lots of love to you!

sherri