Annika – Three Weeks in Barcelona: Finding My Rhythm in a New City

Barcelona has a way of making you feel at ease surprisingly quickly. After three weeks here, I’ve settled into a routine that feels both new and familiar at the same time. I’m currently doing my Erasmus internship at an English language school, where my mornings are spent helping with the teenage summer camp and my afternoons are dedicated to administrative tasks. The team at the school has been incredibly welcoming, and they made it very easy for me to feel like part of the group from the first day.

Outside of work, I’ve been exploring the city as much as possible. I’ve walked through the Gothic Quarter, visited the Sagrada Família, enjoyed the views and colors of Park Güell, wandered along La Rambla, and admired Gaudí’s architecture at Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. I’ve spent time at Montjuïc, relaxed at Barceloneta Beach, and also discovered a few small local restaurants that I really enjoyed. I’ve tried different Spanish dishes, from simple tapas to paella and churros, and tasting new things has become part of exploring the city. Barcelona is full of energy, and every part of it has its own atmosphere, which makes discovering it really enjoyable.

A few days ago, a friend from Austria came to visit me for five days, and having her here made my time in Barcelona feel even more special. We walked through different neighborhoods, spent time at the beach, tried new restaurants, and explored places I had already seen but now experienced in a completely different way. It felt good to show her the spots I’ve grown to like, and we had a lot of fun just wandering around, talking, and enjoying the atmosphere of the city. Having her here made Barcelona feel even more familiar, and it was great to have a piece of home with me for a few days.

This weekend, we went to Platja de Garraf, a beach a little outside Barcelona. It was beautiful, with clear water, warm sand, and big waves that made swimming both fun and challenging. We spent the day enjoying the sun, relaxing, and taking in the scenery. Everything felt calm and easy, and it was one of those days that stays with you for a while.

Being here has been such a wonderful experience so far, and even though I only have one week left in Barcelona, I’m really looking forward to the time that’s still ahead. The city has already given me so many great moments, and I’m excited to enjoy my last days here and make the most of everything before I leave.