Pia: A Special Last Week in Barcelona

My last week in Barcelona turned out to be one of the most memorable weeks of my stay. It was full of small adventures, special moments, and time with both colleagues and family.

One of the highlights was a day trip to Andorra. Early in the morning, we got on a bus for a three-hour ride through the mountains. The journey itself was beautiful, with views of valleys and huge mountains along the way. When we finally arrived in Andorra la Vella, the capital of Andorra, we spent the day exploring the city. Even though it is one of the smallest capitals in Europe, it felt unique, with narrow streets, little shops, and the mountains rising up all around. It was a completely different atmosphere from Barcelona and definitely worth the trip.

When we returned to Barcelona, I had another very special moment. My boss invited us for a farewell coffee. He even surprised Eraa and me with donuts. It may sound simple, but for me it was the best way to end my last day at work.

That week was also special because my family came to visit me in Barcelona. I had the chance to play tour guide and show them around the city I had come to know so well. Walking with them through the colorful mosaics and curved architecture of Parc Güell was unforgettable. I felt proud to share this part of Barcelona with them and to explain them how I lived in Barcelona.

Finally, the day of my departure arrived. The funny thing: while I was waiting for the uber to pick us up and drive us to the airport, THE SAME BIRD which stole my jamón, landed on my backpack and was silently watching us. After a while it started picking my backpack and I had to shoo it away several times because it always landed back on my backpack and it didn't stop. Then it landed and stayed on my suitcase and it was with us until the uber came, then it flew away.

After all the goodbyes, we boarded the plane in Barcelona, but then came an unexpected delay. Because of the weather, we had to wait one and a half hours inside the plane before we could take off. It was a little tiring, but at least it gave me time to think back on everything that had happened during the week.

When we finally landed in Salzburg, the contrast couldn’t have been bigger. Instead of sunshine, we were greeted by rain and the typical cold Salzburg weather. It felt strange to be back, but also comforting in a way.

Looking back, I can honestly say that my last week in Barcelona was beautiful and unforgettable. Between the adventure in Andorra, the farewell with my boss, the family visit, and the final memories of the city, it was the perfect ending to my time there.