As my classmates and I prepare our last dinner together, a pot luck to be more specific, memories from this summer are already taking center stage in my mind.
Last night a few friends and I walked to the Gothic Quarter to seek out a salsa bar that we had heard of from some other acquaintances. Apparently, salsa lessons went from 11-12 and the bar in the place would open soon after. Of course we all jumped on the salsa bandwagon, eager to involve ourselves in something very Spanish.
As we made our way down there, we learned that the salsa lessons had been, in fact, an hour earlier therefore we had unfortunately missed the opportunity. Down the road was a hole-in-the- wall bar with live music until 3. A few of us were intrigued, so we entered.
The first performance, to me, lacked the entertainment I had been looking for. It consisted of a few guys from the UK who played guitar and saxophone and sang more American alternative music. The vocals and tune in general were quite catchy, but the guitar talent was lacking. To my other friends, he was amazing. Having a few friends as extremely talented musicians, I hold high standards for guitar players. An extremely personal and biased opinion, but regardless it was very fun to see someone live. I give much credit to anyone who can preform well in front of masses of people.
The next few performances were much better. A few guys played guitar and sang Spanish raggae and alternative music. I really enjoyed this. I finally felt like I was in Spain. No more American music existing in the atmosphere. Amazing.
We had to leave early due to a final exam in the morning, and as we walked out we were harassed by a group of guys who were scolding us for leaving before the music ended.
"Why are you leaving? This is authentic Spanish music you're missing out on!" he exclaimed.
As I justified myself with a pathetic excuse of "exam manana" (exam tomorrow) he shook his head in disgust, appauled that we would miss out on the next few performances.
For some final suggestions, I highly, highly recommend seeking out hole in the wall places that reside in less touristic areas. Being in a city where tourists are so prevalent, it is extremely easy to become caught up in it. Yes, it is in your comfort zone, but no it will not give you the study abroad experience you are looking for.
The point of studying abroad is to act and feel as though you are in a foreign culture. To me,the clubs and tourist activity is extremely enjoyable at times, but it will only get you so far in terms of enhancing the cultural immersion one always hopes to experience in a foreign country.
Seek out the underground bars. Take a stroll to the gothic quarter. There's a whole different life over there. It strays away from the tourist pull that exists in La Ramblas and around the beach. It feels... real. It feels like a true experience.
Take some salsa lessons, listen to music where you can't understand the lyrics, spend some time with genuine spanish people. Use that broken up spanish to the best of your ability! That will make your trip one hundred and fifty percent worth it.
If there is one thing I have learned in Barcelona, it is that it is all about stepping out of your comfort area, and it is all about seeking out the opportunity to do so. Especially in such a touristic city.
Missing you already, Spain.
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