Eighth Week in Barcelona + Coronavirus Crashed the Party

Monday, March 9

My internship was super busy today. We took a bunch of photos and videos as there was a professional dancer and grandparents visiting. Lunch was eaten at the last minute because we were running around the whole day.

After work, our Monday Sunset destination was the Iberostar hotel in Plaça Catalunya. Lots of people came this week: Jojo, Lanie, Natalie, Lexi, Lucy and Judy. We ended up staying long past sunset, ordering nachos and a hummus platter. The place had a beautiful view and great setup. They also had a pool on the roof and it looked like they would have parties when it got warmer. I said that we should all definitely come to one of the pool parties in the future.

After sunset with drinks and appetizers, Jojo and I decided to eat out for dinner. We went to 100 Montaditos as it was down the road. I had been last time I was in Spain and had been meaning to go again. I got a veggie sandwich and a chocolate/cookie/dessert type sandwich. We decided to walk home instead of taking the metro.

Tuesday, March 10

For our culture class today, we met at the Catalonian Parliament building for a tour. Jojo, Natalie and I walked there from our apartment. It had impressive hallways and many people working. Some of the TVs were showing stories on coronavirus. We learned about how they broadcast a signal so anyone can tune in to what’s happening, as well as how reporters go about a normal day here. We even got to see a behind-the-scenes production room.

Where the most important leaders sit in formal meetings.

Jojo and I had time to grab brunch so we walked to Picnic, a cute restaurant with great food. this is actually where I had my first coffee in Spain! But, it barely qualifies as it was a raspberry latte. Here, I finished my paper for class after we devoured our pancakes.

Wednesday, March 11

The day our world got flipped on its head.

We were in our first class, the journalism seminar by discussing the coronavirus - precautions to take in public and the number to call if you have symptoms. As we were watching a documentary on refugees, the man in charge of Mizzou Journalism Abroad said that he wanted to video call us - this is the class with the whole program. We all knew what that meant. He basically said that we needed to book flights home for this weekend. THIS WEEKEND. Our program would continue online, whatever that would look like with our internships and classes. People were crying, others were asking about finances, and others were silent. Some people’s parents had just landed, and more were about to board a flight. My family had gotten home a few days prior. I was pretty content. My parents had made it clear that I probably wouldn’t be staying the whole time. I had explored nearly everything I had wanted to see.

After the call, my professor (who was also our Program Director) tried to calm us all down. We asked her where we should all eat tonight and made a reservation.

We still had our Women and Gender Studies class, so a group of us went to a local spot for some snacks (aka patatas bravas). Some people ordered beers to drink away the pain. This was at La Bodegueta de Llull. We headed back for class (a little late) and analyzed different children’s books, both in Spanish and English. This was one of the most fun, compelling classes.

After that class, we decided the group of us 10 girls would go have our last day together. We rode the metro to Barceloneta and got a wide assortment of tapas for lunch (along with some tequila shots). We talked about our highs, lows, what we were thankful for, and what this class meant to us. We headed to the beach, hung out for hours, and took it all in for one of the last times. some of the girls ran into the water. We couldn’t believe we were being sent home - everything was normal and fine here. no one was acting out fo the ordinary. We grabbed some gelato before all heading back to our apartments. We would see everyone again for dinner.

Boquerones and baby octopuses. More gelato.

Back at the apartment, lots of phone calls were happening - to parents, airlines, friends, anyone. It slowly started to sink in that we would not even get one more week here. American Airlines had a crazy wait time so i setup a callback when it was my turn. We got ready to go out and headed to dinner.

We taxied to El Cangrejo Loco, where our professor had suggested, and met up with everyone in the program (plus Quinn’s mom, who had landed earlier today). I ordered a mojito and crab legs (they were my favorite food before I was vegan so I wanted to get them before I went home and back to being vegan). [During dinner, American Airlines called me back and I scheduled a flight for Sunday morning - I wanted a weekend to say goodbye to Barcelona. My flight in May was a direct flight but now I was connecting in Miami. At least it was in the USA.] We all went around and said what this program had been for us and how thankful we were for everyone.

We then decided to go to Touch Music Karaoke Bar with everyone. After performing California Girls with Lexi and watching everyone go up there, I decided that I needed something else. The Barcelona nightlife is great, and I wanted to experience it one last time. I asked Jojo is she wanted to go to a club and we were on our way to the strip.

We had a list to get us into many clubs for free. Since we hadn’t been to Pacha, we decided to go there. It definitely wasn’t the busiest club tonight, but I am happy we chose that one. We danced like idiots and got some drinks. Then, Jojo turned her phone to show me a text from a friend saying that Trump was setting a travel ban. We both looked at each other, shrugged and continued to dance. We had our flights booked for this weekend.

But then my parents started calling me and all the Americans were fleeing the clubs, either heading to the beach or heading home. I went to the back patio of the club and answered my dad’s call. They were saying that in less than 24 hours I wouldn’t be able to get into the country, Annoyed, I called American and was on hold for 40 minutes. People from other countries were asking what was happening, if I needed a drink, and if they could help (lol). I finally was over being on hold and called my parents saying so and that I was going to enjoy my last few days in Barcelona and my flight was Sunday. Jojo’s parents weren’t worried so after that we headed back into the club and had ourselves a night. We ended on the beach, taking in the water and reflecting on our time here, which was almost 2 months. We ended up taking a taxi home around 4 am. We had things to do tomorrow!

Thursday, March 12

Jojo and I met Lanie, Lucy and Emily (another girl in our program) for brunch at Alsur Café and Backdoor Bar. Isabel had taken a flight home this morning and Cece and Natalie went to a different restaurant. Everything on the menu looked delectable, so we ordered nearly all of it. Lucy and I split mac n cheese croquetas before I received my two mains: banana bread french toast + an açaí bowl.

Cece met us as we were waiting for the check. Our waiter was a bit rude and snobby but we didn’t let that ruin one of our last days in this amazing city. We then headed to Arc de Triomf to take in the strip and get some photos. This was basically where I always was, so I wanted a few photos there. After snapping a few photos and getting in the bubbles, we hopped on the bus to Park Güell.

Emily, Jojo, Lanie, Lucy and Cece and I with the bubble, and right as it popped.

Once at Park Güell, we ran into a few other people from our program and got lost in nature. I had been here before but through a different entrance, so it all was new to me! We chatted and laughed while exploring.

We eventually made it to the main area (where the famous bench is) and most of it was under construction. We still sat and messed around for a bit. I had to keep an eye on the time as I was meeting Natalie at Sagrada Familia.

Top row: Jojo and I posing on the famous bench.

Middle row: Some views at the park.

Last row: Emily and I on the bench. Lanie and I also on the bench. Judy and I near the exit.

Once it was time, I walked from Park Güell to Sagrada. I met up with Natalie after a little confusion and we headed in to get our audioguides. Cece had a ticket for 15 minutes after us, so we met her while looking at the first façade. Again, I had already seen all of this but it was nice to be refreshed on the history and significance of everything.

After exploring Sagrada, we decided to watch sunset from a rooftop bar. (We really love sunsets.) Cece, Natalie and I headed to Mood Rooftop Bar where Lanie and Jojo met us. We got one cava sangria and one traditional sangria before realizing that we were a bit cold and hungry. However, the only food they had was Lindt chocolate fondue. We happy obliged and split the fondue and toppings.

We made friends with a worker and asked for his recommendations on where we should go tonight. He gave us a long list but many of them were closed. We also stopped in a little shop to get traditional Catalonian desserts before heading back to the apartment. We got ready for the night and headed to Incognito, a tapas restaurant in the Gothic Quarter.

Patatas bravas, shrimp and veggie quesadillas.

Cece and I at Incognito.

Hoping to go to El Paradiso, which the Mood worker had recommended, we walked there. The bouncer was very odd, making us wait ‘in line’ outside and shushing us. We were outside? And this place was a bar? After getting those weird vibes, we headed to The Mint where I ended up making friends with a man named Rodrigo from IDK CHECK. Jojo had a friend from home visiting Barcelona for the weekend, so he and his friends also met up with us at this bar. After the bar closed (and accepting that no clubs were open), Jojo, Lanie and I headed to the beach with Jojo’s friend’s group. We talked about the craziness of everything and compared Germany (where they were studying) to life here.

Friday, March 13

Another day, another brunch - we were trying to get in as many restaurants as possible! Today Jojo and I met up with Emily and Lanie at Eat My Trip. I ordered a turmeric latte (which I spilled a bit of on my dress) and a chocolate waffle concoction. The glasses were very intersting as they didn’t have a bottom and the food presentation was instagram-worthy.

After eating up all the food and reflecting on the semester (even more), we wished Emily safe travels. She was leaving tomorrow morning and wanted to wander around a bit more alone before packing.

Lanie, Jojo and I wanted to go inside one of Gaudí’s houses, so we bought tickets to Casa Battló the day before. Luckily it was still open - Sagrada Familia had closed along with a few other tourist attractions. We wandered into every corner possible of the place and even got roped into a tourist attraction - a photo from the balcony! But hey, we were about to go home so why not buy it.

Some shots of the architecture, Lanie and me.

We decided to explore the Gracia neighborhood and just wandered aimlessly down the road. Many people were still out and about, seemingly without a care in the world. Eventually, we sat down at Jardins del Palau Robert and, you guessed it, reflected on the semester, this city, its history, and, of course, the pandemic.

Jojo went to say goodbye to her coworkers and Lanie and I each headed to our apartments. I walked home and really enjoyed it. I felt at home here and I had done enough to be content with leaving. After all, at least I got to come here in the first place. I knew I would return one day, under very different circumstances. I took in all the apartments with their clothes drying and flags waving. I picked up on some Catalan words and checked the street signs on the buildings. Oh, and those crazy octagonal intersections that for some reason make way more sense. Ultimately, I arrived back at the apartment and attempted to pack. I changed into a different outfit as it would get chiller at night.

For sunset, Lanie, Jojo and I headed to Tibidabo, a hill that had intrigued us all since we arrived. It looked over the entire city and was lit up at night. It was the highest point in the city. We had heard that it was a bit overrated, but after seeing the view, we begged to differ. There is a small amusement park up there and a massive church. After seeing a small shop, we decided to get some snacks. I got a mango fanta, frijo chuches and caseras (basically chips and this frozen little fruit-dessert things). We took in the sunset from the side before heading to where the view of the sea, and Barcelona, was. There was also many bikers who rode up this hill - it would be a great hill to train on before a race!

We wandered up some steps to the church and enjoyed each others company. When the bell tower rang out, I swore because I was so scared! Multiple people laughed. Everyone was taking pictures of other groups and speaking in broken languages as best as they could.

Lanie, Jojo and I being idiots.

We wanted to grab some drinks at the W Hotel, but sadly it was closed. Lanie and Jojo were bummed that they never got to go, but we got dinner right below the hotel on the water. The restaurant we decided on was Tejada Mar and the waitress was very aware of the virus and took precautions. That was odd to us as nearly everyone else had been normal. We invited the other girls who were still here - they had all seen the sunset on the Bunkers (we didn’t want to go there again and never seen Tibidabo). They all ended up joining us: Vivian, Judy, Linden, Sarah, Natalie and Cece. I split paella and oysters with Lanie and everyone all shared pan con tomate and patatas bravas. To drink, I got an aperol limon because I wanted to try Aperol before returning home.

Our amazing food, plus Lanie and I posing with our drinks.

After an emotional and reminiscent dinner, we said our goodbyes to all the girls from the other apartment. They were all leaving tomorrow morning. It was an odd feeling, having them leave tomorrow and us staying. It was as if Barcelona was out home and they were visiting. But, in less than 24 hours, we would be in their shoes.

We watched the waves crash a few times and called a cab.

Saturday, March 14

Welp, this was it. Our last day in Barcelona. Basically two months before when we should have been leaving. We had plans to see the sunset on the beach today but everyone was too tired, so we decided against it.

Jojo, Lanie and I tried to get brunch one last time at a place called Milk, but everything was closed. We walked around the Gothic Quarter and settled on chocolate croissants from a little bakery, but we had to eat them outside. Things were getting a bit weird now. Next, we explored more as Jojo hadn’t wandered around this neighborhood yet. We went to the Cathedral, which was nearly deserted, and took a few photos. We went to that same Mercat (de Santa Caterina) and headed to La Rambla.

Jojo and I in our apartment’s lobby. Then our explorations in the Gothic Quarter.

On the way, we got free tea samples at Sesame and looked inside Barcelona Is My Style - they had some cute/funny/clever stuff. We made it to La Rambla and headed to La Boquería. immediately, I headed to the Catalonian food stand with the amazing croquetas. I got them on my first full day in Barcelona and my last full day. We got some juices and just enjoyed all the sights, smells and energy. We were laughing like crazies after I burped in the middle of saying a word. A security guard looked at us confused.

My favorite croquetas and trying to be the Mona Lisa (notice the crooked sunnies).

Once we left, we headed to the sea and Jojo stopped at a few vendors to see if there was anything worth buying.

A flower stand on La Rambla and how empty it was near the port.

We ended up at Port Colon and eventually, Rambla del Mar. these were dangerous places as I got to see all the beautiful boats that were docked, and a few sailors pulling in to the port. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t tempted to just hop on one and see where life took me. I decided against it because maybe a global pandemic wasn’t the ideal time.

We then found a creepy mall (I believe it was called Maremagnum) that felt like it was out of an apocalyptic movie. The lights were on and there was music playing, but all the stores were closed. All the escalators were going down, telling people to leave. Naturally, I ran up one of them to see if anything interesting was up there. I heard what sounded like a group of old men drinking before I rode down on the escalator,

Deciding that we should get lunch, we walked to Bo De B as we had heard so much about it, but it was closed. Nearly everything was closed! The only place we could find open was Pizza Pazza and it was 1-in-1-out. I felt like I was in Italy where the pandemic was terrible. We decided to stop at a small grocery store to get food for dinner, as most places would be closed.

In the taxi on the way home, we explained the situation to our driver in Spanish. He was complimenting how well we spoke and expressing how sorry he was that we had to leave. As we neared our apartment, Jojo spotted her friends and we told them to come to our apartment. While we cleaned up and packed, they hung out and we all discussed the craziness of flights and getting home.

After they left, we had to eat up basically all of our food so we did a pasta bar with a bunch of different sauces and vegetables. We packed, sorted donations and took out the trash. Around 8 pm, everyone started clapping outside. We joined in but were confused - “What happened?” “Why is everyone clapping” Were some of the questions we asked each other.

I had scheduled a cab for the next morning at 3:30 am, but Natalie and Cece woke me up to say that they wanted to leave even earlier. We made the cab grab us at 2:30 am, about 1 hour after when we decided all of this.