On May 30th, ten college students made the long journey to you with hopes of experiencing something new, something different. We were ten people that came from different worlds, backgrounds, and friend groups. We experienced you for twenty-one days. None of us knew how the group would fit in with each other. Would there be cliques? Would there be drama? It was one big question to everyone. But none of us would’ve guessed that one special place can bring people together in a way that nothing else can.

You created a family, Barcelona. A family that laughs together, laughs at each other, makes sure that everyone feels seen and heard, and most importantly, loves one another. You gave us some of the best experiences that we’ll still be talking about ten years down the road. You showed us your beautiful architecture, gifted us with blue skies and summer heat, let us experience your amazing food that we’ll be dreaming about, and immersed us into your beautiful culture.

Every day brought something new; new adventure, new chaos, and more and more love for you. From exploring the city to playing board games in the common room, we still could never wrap our heads around the fact that we were lucky enough to be with you. You made us sweat buckets every day. You made our feet throb all of the time. You made us feel exhausted like no other. But would we change any part of that? No. You gave us the kind of happiness that many dream about. And you were a dream, Barcelona. You gave us so much. But the best gift you could’ve ever given us was each other. You brought ten people together that probably would’ve never met or spoken outside of you. You bonded us for life. And for that, I thank you. We left our hearts with you. But don’t worry, we’ll be back, Barcelona.

With all my love,

Jordan

The post Love Letter to Barcelona appeared first on A Creative Journey.

Halfway through already!!!! It’s crazy to think that a week and a half ago a group of us, who didn’t really know each other, came to Europe and have made so many memories that we will take with us forever.

This experience has been amazing so far. What we’ve seen and done are things that very few people get to do in their lifetime. This past weekend, nine of us hopped on planes and buses and took off to Paris, France for a little getaway.

The little girl inside of me is screaming just typing that.

We arrived in Paris Friday morning with very little expectations since most of us have never been there. Getting into the taxi and seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time is something that I will never forget. The only feeling I could express about that moment are chills.

Once we all met up at the Airbnb, we wasted no time and left to explore the city. We had family dinner at a restaurant near the Eiffel Tower and the food was incredible. Truffle pasta with ham, grilled chicken with risotto, bread that tastes like pure heaven; Yeah we were living it up with the food options.

Once we finished dinner we walked through the city to go see the Eiffel Tower light up and sparkle. The moment our eyes met with the lights… *cue ugly crying*; It was the most magical thing I’ve ever seen. I’m 90% sure that each of us called every person we know to show them what we were experiencing. There were tears shed, group hugs, and lots of laughter shared within our little group.

To end our first night, we went back to our Airbnb and went to our rooftop terrace to soak up the view that we had of the city. We bonded over memories that happened throughout the day and couldn’t wait for more. 

Day two was definitely packed full of plans. We started the day by waking up early to go get breakfast from a cute cafe. I had a waffle with nutella and a cappuccino. It was easily the yummiest breakfast I’ve ever had. Then we broke off into little groups and went to museums, shopped around, and soaked in the atmosphere.

To end our day, we went to dinner at a cafe that was near our apartment, where I got my first dessert in Paris. Of course I had to get Crème Brûlée and it was amazing. And we even made a little friend in the restaurant; we’ll call him Remi.

We ended our evening by sitting on our rooftop terrace once again, playing games, sharing stores, and capturing the moment. This little weekend trip was filled with moments that, as a group, we will cherish forever.

With love,

Jordan

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