Samuel K.: Life in Barcelona

As my Erasmus+ stay in Barcelona is slowly coming to an end, I have been thinking a lot about everything I have experienced over the past few weeks. Looking back, I realise how lucky I have been to live and work in such an amazing city. Every week brought something new, and I have made memories that I will definitely keep with me for a long time.

One thing that made my stay even better was our accommodation. We were lucky to stay in a modern residence with a rooftop pool, where we spent many evenings together after work. It quickly became our favourite place to relax, talk about our day and simply enjoy the warm summer evenings. The location was also perfect. Within just a few minutes, we could walk to the beach or visit one of the biggest shopping centres in Barcelona, which made our free time even more enjoyable.

Another place that I really enjoyed visiting was La Boqueria, one of Barcelona's most famous markets. Together with Nicolas and Omid, I spent some time exploring the different stalls and discovering a completely different side of the city. I was amazed by the huge variety of fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood. Some of the sea animals were even still alive, which was something I had never seen before. It was a completely different experience from shopping in Austria and gave me a better understanding of the local food culture. Even though we didn't buy anything because many of the products were quite expensive, I still think it was one of the most interesting places we visited.

One of my personal highlights was definitely trying stand-up paddling in the Mediterranean Sea. I have always loved being near the ocean, so this was something I was really looking forward to. Thanks to my former teacher, who was taking photos for the company, we were able to borrow the boards for free. Spending time on the water with friends, enjoying the sea and the beautiful view of Barcelona was such a peaceful experience. It was also a lot of fun and something I would do again without hesitation.

When I look back at everything I have experienced, I realise that Erasmus+ is about so much more than just an internship. It is about meeting new people, experiencing different cultures and stepping outside your comfort zone. I am incredibly grateful for everyone I have met, for everything I have learned and for the opportunity to live and work abroad. Barcelona has given me memories that I will never forget, and I know that saying goodbye will not be easy.