Chris Hartman

What are you up to these days? Have you graduated? Are you working? How did your experience in Barcelona have an impact on your life?

Study abroad was like a sample platter of another culture…I was able to experience and join in some aspects of Barcelona life while having the help from an amazing staff to back me up. It was a great way to get my feet wet and excite my thirst for more.

If you were to sum up your Barcelona experience in one to two words, what would you say? My Barcelona Experience is…

Mitakuye Oyasin

Explain why you chose those words.

It’s an old Lakota phrase that means “we are all related.” This is because of the similarities that I have found even being from a different part of the world. It’s clear that there are differences, but the similarities help bring us together and allow a starting point for getting to know one another.

What was your favorite place to eat in Barcelona? Favorite food?

For a Catalan interpretation of an American tradition I would go to the Vespa burger restaurant in Gracia. but for local cuisine I would go over to Barcelona Brunch.

Is there a site in Barcelona that you would recommend to future students that may be a little more “off the beaten path”?

I recommend the neighborhoods of Raval and Gracia. Both places are good and full of things to see and do. but even getting out and heading to the Poblenou area is always a good time.

If you had one perfect day in Barcelona where would you go, and what would you do?

Having a picnic in one of the many parks and then watching the sunset!

What was something you were surprised to learn about Barcelona or Spain? Or what aspect of the country or city were you least expecting?

Cataluña is a culture and world different from any other part of Spain.

What is one piece of advice that you have for future students coming to Barcelona?

Keep an open mind, and do as the locals do.