Spain: See Ya Barca, Onto Madrid!

Today is our last day in Barcelona, as we will be taking a two and a half train ride to Madrid shortly as I am writing this. Barcelona was an amazing experience for all of us. Many of the sites we visited were jaw dropping and very inspirational. For a lot of the students, Barcelona itself was an experience we will never forget. We also bonded very well and the chemistry we have together will help make Madrid an equally great experience for all of us.

The ideas from the places we visited here in Barcelona can surely be applied back home in the United States. Antonio Gaudí was an architect who was doubted by a lot of people for his time. Despite this, he continued his work inspired by nature and religion to ultimately become one of the most iconic figures in Barcelona. Monserrat, the monastery we went to yesterday was also inspiring because of how high up in the mountains it was. The people who originally constructed the area was so passionate about their religious culture that they trekked almost 2,400 feet above ground level to create such a destination. Simply following your passion and understanding your past can lead to great innovation/design – as these places and other sites that were visited in Barcelona follow this idea. As Professor Suarez once said, we must “honor the past to create the future.”