Hello again! Today I though I’d spice things up and video a day in my life here in Barcelona. This is a pretty average day for me, a super long day (my classes didn’t finish until 8:30pm!!) but I still managed to get out around the city. I’ll also share some tips about how I’ve made Barcelona feel like my home.
One of the biggest challenges about living in a new city is integrating yourself into your new city and making it feel a bit more homely. This can help prevent homesickness, and just generally makes you feel way more comfortable and happy! You’ll see me doing a couple of things in the video, including:
- Get involved in your hobbies, or pick up new ones!
Back in New Zealand, I just started getting into bouldering – and one of my first goals in Barcelona was to join a bouldering community! I was chatting to a girl while hiking up Montserrat at an Erasmus event (yup, the same trip I mentioned last time!), and she casually mentioned she was also into bouldering! I asked her to add me to the Barcelona Bouldering group chat, and almost everyday someone will message in, asking if anyone wants to go climbing with them. It has been so much fun meeting people with the same hobbies and interests.
I also tried out a bungee workout – which was so much fun! Again, I was just chatting to a girl afterwards who had taken some cool videos of the class, and we made plans to go again!
- Trying new cafes and restaurants
I’ve been going to new cafes and restaurants a couple times a week! They’re an easy way to explore the area I live in, try new foods and catch up with friends. My flatmates are so much fun, so going to dinner with them is always a blast! Also, this leads me on to my final tip…
- Speak the local language!
Speaking as much Spanish as I can (even if it’s not the best!) is such an great way to integrate into my community. Practicing on random café and restaurant staff is easy, because they’ll never see you again if you really embarrass yourself! But it’s also helped me make more local friends, like my bungee friend. Plus, you’ll know more about what’s going on around you.
Anyway, if you want to hear more tips, check out my podcast episode! It’s also available on most major streaming platforms (search Great Morning Podcast – and find me on Instagram as well!).
