Orientation/First Observations
Barcelona is like New York City: loud, bustling and crowded. Similar to New York City, Barcelona is compensating for the large amount of tourism that overwhelms the majority of the city. Although the locals that call Barcelona home speak Spanish, or their native tongue Catalan, many of the storeowners speak English, in hopes of attracting tourists. The metro is similar to the subway, the city center is similar to SoHo or Times Square, and the coffee is similar to the café con leche. Upon landing in Barcelona, it was clear that I was somewhere new, however in a weird way it felt like home. Although I’m sure I look like more of a tourist than I’m willing to admit, I feel somewhat comfortable, because the energy feels just like New York City to me.
However, it soon became clear that I wasn’t home, and that I was in fact a tourist. At orientation, we were warned countless times about pit pocketing: a danger that has become a citywide phenomenon. The warnings continue: don’t drink too much, don’t take the metro alone, and don’t wander the streets at night. However, the most shocking of them all, “sorry blondes, but you are a target.” I thought, maybe the director was joking, but it soon became clear that as a blonde, it was clear to locals that I wasn’t Spanish, a disadvantage brunettes weren’t experiencing. As silly as that may seem, it was shocking to hear that due to my hair color, my possibility for danger was heightened.
After I got over the shock of accepting the blonde hair dichotomy, I tuned back into the orientation taking place in front of me. The director went on to discuss phone plans: finally, a conversation that comforted me instead of terrified me. Unlike any other phone plan I’ve had abroad before, this one basically allowed me to call and text whoever I wanted, whenever I wanted. This comforted me greatly, allowing me to call my friends and family at any given moment.
Similarly, the director gave us a quick history brief on the country, and specifically the conflict between Catalonia and the rest of the country. I had heard of this topic before, and considered myself a generally well-educated student in terms of current events in Spain. However, hearing a local discuss the true implications of each side, it peaked an interest, I already knew I had, but to new heights: possibly the beginning of my first story while here in Barcelona. The multitude of the issue covers many areas of interest: culture, economics and much more. This lends itself to multiple stories on various levels.
Now that I’ve been here for over 24 hours, I have a pretty good idea of what the rest of my time here will be: busy, hectic and exciting. I hope to continue noticing differences and similarities, whether as a tourist, or possibly a better-acclimated “fake local”, generating newsworthy and interesting stories. Cheesy as it sounds, the possibilities really are endless and I’m looking forward to discovering more and more each day.
