Two Weeks Down

The last two weeks have been some of the hardest and most rewarding weeks of my life. The days have been some of the slowest, and the weeks some of the fastest. I feel like I already know the city so well, and yet still have so much left to see and do.

When I sat down to write my last blog post, I was quite jet-lagged, overwhelmed, and still settling in to my new life here. I had barely been here for 48 hours. Those first few days were some of the hardest days I have ever had. I felt truly lonely for the first time in my life. As I had known was coming, I was left without everything that was familiar. I missed my people so deeply and yearned for each day to go by quickly. And I of course still do miss my people, my home, and my dog (obviously), but every day it becomes easier to feel like this can be my home for the next 11 weeks. Less and less do I need a map to know where I'm going, less and less do I struggle to understand the rapidly spoken foreign language, and more and more am I beginning to appreciate my people here. My host mom and dad are here to help me with anything I need and are flexible to allow me to be able to experience the city and even the whole of Europe. After a weekend away from the family this past weekend, I was greeted with a "Hannah, you're home!" and a super tight squeeze from Laia. Moments like those remind me that these people are here for me as much as I am here to help them.

So now that I've bored you with my feelings, I'm sure you're probably more interested in exactly what I've been doing since I've been here! Since I was four, I haven't lived anywhere other than Pittsburgh, so getting to explore a new city is amazing! The list of things that I want to and can do while I am here is extensive and exciting. Each day I wake up with the kids, make them breakfast, and pack their lunch for school. After dropping them off at nine, I have eight hours to do with whatever I please. Some days this has been venturing to the city and wandering the Gothic Quarter or heading to the beach, some days have been spent doing the more touristy things, seeing La Sagrada Familia or Park Güell, and others have been spent resting, watching Netflix in bed. Each day, no matter what I choose to do, is new and offers many opportunities. I have also been able to meet up with some other au pairs who are living in Barcelona for lunch or exploring during the days. There is an extensive network of au pairs here from all over the world! It has been great to be able to talk to other girls around my age who are having similar experiences. Accompanied my by many trips around Barcelona has been the amazing food! Everything I have tried has made me love this city and culture even more. When five o'clock rolls around, I head to the school to pick up the kids. Each day after school, I either take them to their activities, home for English lessons, or both. Every night is concluded with family dinner (around nine), and at that point I am very ready for bed.

Not only do I have parts of my weekdays free, but my weekends as well. This past weekend, my friend Zoe, who is attending school in Scotland, flew down and we got to explore the city together. In March, I will be flying to London for a few days, and will hopefully add another short trip in April (suggestions are welcome). Being able to have easier access to the rest of Europe is proving to be a great opportunity.

Although I am enjoying my time here, I love talking to people from home! I am always up for sharing more about my trip (and speaking in English is always refreshing). Please reach out if you want to chat!

Thanks for reading and much love,

Hannah