So after a thousand movies, books and films that romanticize the city of Barcelona, I arrived and was like HUH???? The city is a splitting image of New York City, which was such a disappointment because I was expecting to see more small old streets with winding passage ways and black gated balconies, but perhaps maybe I watch too much tv. Since my expectations were so high, after touring the city I was kind of confused, but I have to say the region of Catalunya as a whole (the region in which Barcelona is located) is BEAUTIFUL. Catalunya is engulfed by mountains and small villages with Barcelona being the city of its center. Thanks to Tammy’s uncle we got the chance to stay with one of his business clients whose family goes back generations living in Catalunya, hence he knew all of the less visited tourist spots that he thought we’d love to see, and we LOVED it.

We visited the Montserrat, the oldest school of music in Europe (perhaps the most prestigious) and its gorgeous cathedral. Interestingly enough, two of his nephews are attending school there and just to give you an idea, approximately 50 students (its a boys only school) are accepted into the school and it ranges from ages 10 to 14 across various grades. His family was probably the most interesting part of my trip. Between meeting all of his musical genius nephews, nieces, and sisters to talking with his parents about their FIRST HAND experiences with Spain’s Franco era, I couldn’t have had a better time or more culturally enlightening experience. And of course, all the hospitality/accomodations were free and we got a ton of free dinners, lol, student bliss.

Anyway, he also took us to Nuria, which is this awesome ski resort up in the mountains. It was SNOWING!!!! How cool, I drank fresh mountain water from a rock (thought of you Uncle Bruce and your hatred of bottle water lol) and then played in the snow like I was 8 again.

In all, the trip was amazing, but recommendations to all who are planning to travel to the region, spend a day in Barcelona and AS MUCH TIME AS POSSIBLE IN THE MOUNTAINS.

Pics are below, love ya!

The first trip my friend Tamaro (aka Tammy) and I took after we moved from Madrid to Sevilla was to Granada, which is still in Andalucia (the region is Spain which I live). It’s a small little urban town, kind of reminds you of something in Canada, surrounded by mountains, gorgeous blue skys and a lot of grass.

We made the trip essentially because Tammy was invited to a Muslim’s women conference there and she invited me to tag along. I promised myself that after moving from Madrid to Sevilla, it was time for me to be open and attentive to new experiences and what God wanted to show me during my abroad experience in Europe. Granada’s history of Spain’s Muslim rule, the Islamic architecture, and sense of community amongst muslims in the town is phenomenal. We were actually invited to stay in a woman’s house who was from America that decided to move to Granada literally after visiting it once. She converted to Islam and never went home, true story. It’s completely understandable though because the laissez faire lifestyle and muslim community just support a spiritual, free life.

Everything was provided for us for free, not just accommodation wise, but food too. What amazed me was although everyone new I wasn’t Muslim and in fact a Christian, I was treated with such kindness and taken care of in so many ways. I was delighted to experience such a feeling of community and never a sense of being an outsider. In all, Granada was incredible, the people, La Alhambra (the most famous muslim monarchy ruins in Andalucia or maybe even Spain as a whole), and the small city.

hope you enjoy the pics!

I’ve set a goal for myself to visit at least 10 different countries by June. Thus far, I have England, Wales, and now… PORTUGAL!!!! under my belt with Italy and France coming in the next few weeks. I’ve deemed this journey mission impossible because a few months ago I would’ve never thought I’d be traveling Europe or studying abroad for the full academic year. But it’s happening and I’m lovin it, as the McDonald’s commercial would say (P.S. McDonald’s does not taste the same in Europe as it does in the United States).

I just got back from Portugal early this morning. It’s currently 2:23pm in London and I am EXHAUSTED, in a good way of course My 3 girlfriends and I decided to take a different fall break route than most of our friends and go to Estoril, Portugal, a little beach town in the southern part of the country with a ton of history and catholicism breathing out of every historic establishment. We were approximately 30 minutes away from the country capital, Lisboa, and learned that the Portuguese way of life is a tad bit different (or maybe a lot different) than the American or even British way of life. Talk about relaxation, these people do not stress and you cannot force them to do so. There is no rush in any daily activity and boy oh boy do these people LOVE breakfast food. Eggs are served with every meal of the day without a doubt! But without fail, you can always find your typical hamburger on the menu like any European country. I think that’s kind of gross, but whatever.

The people were very accommodating language wise. I was warned not to speak Spanish to them because they find that offensive. If anyone has studied Portuguese, you would know that the languages are almost identical, but I guess there is still some historical/cultural tension. For instance, we would be at a restaurant and the staff would claim to speak English, German, and French but not Spanish. Ummmm, please spare me who are you fooling! lol There is no way you don’t speak Spanish and your countries are that close to each other and languages that similar. But not all of the Portuguese found Spanish insulting. In fact, on election night, I got in this really deep conversation with a half Angolan and Portuguese man about the significance of the Obama election and the work ethic of black Americans. He spoke in all Portuguese and I replied in all Spanish. We communicated very well, but he swore I was Cuban since he couldn’t believe that an American actually took the time to learn another language other than English lol.

So the night of the election we stayed up until 7am Portugal time celebrating the Obama victory with tears, screams, and plans of excitement of how we were going to contribute to the change when we got back to the states. The following morning we were still in complete awe, but ran to the nearest beach store to pick up Portuguese newspaper coverage on the election results. We layed on the beach almost relieved that this entire thing was over (yet just beginning) with confidence in our new President and his ability to deliver. Afterwards, we celebrated with a delicious Portuguese dinner and proceeded to pack our bags for our next afternoon check out.

I honestly could not have asked for a better vacation and, as an avid Obama supporter, a better victory. Enjoy the pictures, there are more to come in the following weeks!

P.S.

I read Toni Morrison’s new book A Mercy about a Portuguese slave girl in Portugal. How cool is that!!!!!

I realized over the last few days that as a writer/new blogger I refuse to post space fillers. I haven’t blogged for almost 3 days, but I think that’s okay because you would rather read something that I truly wanted to share versus something I was just using to pass time.

Well to the “juicy” stuff! I’ve finished Hill Harper’s Letters to A Young Sister: DeFine Your Destiny. Why it took me until this morning to get through it after I’ve owned it for over a month is beyond me! The funny thing is that I’m pretty sure I finished it at the right time, and as I explained in “No Experience”, the book probably delivered a well needed message for my ongoing journey in Europe. Hill Harper has an excellent message for all young women. Although I’ve already grown through some of the stages he touches on, it was nice to reflect on the streams I have managed to cross and the rivers/oceans that lie in front of me. Moreover, as I read through the last 90 pages this morning (yes I’m a “G” when it comes to reading lol), I immediately started to reconcoct my recent thoughts about where I wanted to take my career. Like Hill, I feel so fulfilled when I empower people, but I realized that specifically working with young women and inspiring them to be and attain whatever dreams they put their mind to, gives me more satisfaction.

I spoke to my little sister Amber last night (Isn’t she beautiful!!! I LOVE YOU SIS!) and to hear the excitement in her voice about starting her new school in Somerset, NJ and the new friends that she made, truly made me feel even more excited for her future experiences. My mom shot me an email this morning saying how much it truly meant that I called her for her first day of school all the way from London.  What I think most older sisters don’t realize is that your first opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young women starts in your familial circle. My sister has expressed repeated times her desires to be a singer, an actor, a fashion designer, etc. I have made it very clear and I will say it a THOUSAND times if necessary that I will support ANY and ALL of her positive aspirations as the women in my family have done for me despite of what anyone else (family members included!) has to say about my decisions.

I appreciate you being there and I also thank my male supporters because I haven’t forgotten about you!

Peace & Blessings!

Ari