Thoughts in Transit

After packing my bags, I left our small apartment in Sorrento, Italy, and headed to Barcelona, Spain, where I’d be studying abroad for the next month. Once we arrived, my friend Regan and I settled into our new apartment. The room was small and consisted of two twin beds and a bathroom, but we made due. We didn’t know many people in the program, but Haley, another student, reached out to invite us on a weekend trip to Ibiza with her friend Brooke. By the end of our first two days together, the four of us were inseparable, planning every bit of our free time as a group. Soon after, we met Chloe. At first, she seemed a little reserved and standoffish, but once she warmed up, she turned out to be one of the funniest and wittiest people I’ve ever met. Regan, Haley, Brooke, and Chloe were foundational to making my time in Spain so special.

Costa Brava, Spain

For our first weekend, we decided to stay close and took a train to Costa Brava for a beach day. There, we met some friendly locals who showed us the best cliff-jumping spots. The scenery was breathtaking, and the train ride —though cramped arm to arm—was scenic within itself. If you’re looking to escape Barcelona for a day, Costa Brava is a must-visit.

Ibiza, Spain

The following weekend, we took Haley up on her offer to visit Ibiza. I’d describe myself as pretty chill and laid-back, so I wasn’t sure how much I’d enjoy a place with Ibiza’s wild reputation. We arrived bright and early at 7 a.m.—and you might be wondering, “What does one do in Ibiza at seven in the morning?” For Regan and me, the answer was brunch, tanning, and swimming at the hotel pool. By 3pm, we were showered and napping, perfectly content. Our friends arrived around 6 p.m., and after they settled in, we got ready for a Calvin Harris show at Ushuaïa Ibiza. After being denied at the door for looking under 18 (humbling) and walking back to our hotel to grab our physical passports for proof, we were finally allowed in. Even though we missed the opening, we managed to squeeze our way to the barricade. I can confidently say that the 100 euros spent on the ticket was well worth it.

The next morning, we woke up early and took an Uber to a port on the other side of the island. There, we boarded a shared yacht we’d booked the night before for just $30 each. The day was a dream—swimming, cliff-jumping, and soaking up the sun. By the time we returned to the hotel, we were exhausted. What was supposed to be a quick nap turned into three hours of deep sleep. The four of us spent our last night in Ibiza, grabbing sushi and going to sleep early.

All in all, I think the trip was time well spent but definitely not for someone who is looking for something cheap. There is so much more to Ibiza than just partying and I am so glad we were able to explore the island outside of overpriced clubs. 

Recommendations for Barcelona, Spain:

Food/Coffee:

Honest Greens- I don’t think words can do this place justice. This is the BEST place for salad/grain bowls and has the best healthy options. There are multiple locations throughout Barcelona so you’re bound to be close to one. Also amazing coffee and bakery!!

Flex Bowls- Really good healthy food place with a ton of different options. They have acai bowls, salads, quinoa based bowls, etc. You can basically make your own bowl with whatever you want in it and it’s so good and all really healthy

Rosa Negra- The best Mexican I had while in Barca. The margaritas are great, and their quesadillas and enchiladas were amazing.

SAGA Coffee Stories- This place was right next to where we had class and we went almost every day. Cutest little place, lots of options, and had lots of room to study!

Bars/Clubs:

George Payne- We watched the Euro Cup Finals here and the atmosphere was incredible! It’s an Irish bar with a Pub feel to it and was so fun to watch sports games or start the night at. 

Dow Jones- This was probably my favorite bar in Barca because it had sports games on, a pool table in the back, and when the stock market crashed every couple of minutes drink prices would fall like fifty percent. So much fun!

Opium- This was my favorite club. The music and lights were awesome! We danced here all night before running in the ocean at sunrise! Right on the beach. 

Razzmatazz- We would go here every Wednesday night to see El Dirty. The ticket was like $14 and came with two free drinks. Viewer discretion advised!!!  

Things to do:

Sagrada Familia- We went here on a tour which is usually not my thing but it was so beautiful, definitely recommend!

Barcelona Casino- We went a couple of times and blew some fun money on BlackJack and slot machines. The casino is super nice and was fun to dress up and go to!

Bunkers- Top of Barcelona, you can see everything from bunkers. The view is beautiful, we went at sunset and brought bottles of wine, blankets, snacks and a speaker. It was so fun and a view you will never forget. It gets crowded so go a little early to get a good spot!