Day 1...
The journey there couldn’t have gone better with our students negotiating flights, immigration and Covid checks with ease. After orienting ourselves at the hostel we headed off for lunch at McDonald's of course although some opted for pizza and ‘mucho mucho pollo’. After that we hopped on the rush hour Metro and headed for Nou Camp stadium. Lots of steps, lots of people, lots of noise, lots of excited football fans… everyone did so well but we were all wilting! Back on the Metro for our slap up meal at the hostel, and a well earned rest.
Day 2...
After a surprisingly scrumptious breakfast we headed out to Rambla de Mar, the very cool and groovy central area. Despite the rain we explored the gothic quarter, ate paella, strolled along the port, bought lots of souvenirs and, I'm pleased to report, found another McDonalds. We returned soaked to the skin and with aching feet but having had a fantastic time. More paella for dinner and then it was card games and ‘Mafia’ until bedtime.
Day 3...
We awoke to beautiful Barcelona sunshine so we quickly got started and went to Barcelona Zoo. We saw lions, tigers and bears (oh my!) along with (my favourite) anteaters, meerkats, hyenas and flamingoes. For a city zoo it was pretty fun, and just lovely to be strolling around this beautiful city in the sun. After that we hopped back on the Metro for our final visit to Poble Espanyol via the Magic Fountain and stunning Art Museum of Catalonia… via what felt like a thousand steps. After a quick lunch we headed back to the hostel and then it was time to get to the airport and bid a fond adios to this beautiful city. The students were amazing, with so many growing in confidence and resilience during the few days we were away. Watch this space for the details of next year’s residential trip!
