Prologue: My Medicine Needs Its Own Suitcase

I really wish I was kidding. My life is a joke per usual. Nevertheless, I can't wait for this semester to begin. Before I leave, the real challenge is fitting my plethora of clothes, shoes, medicine, and miscellaneous items that I can't part with into my suitcases(that I constantly wish were larger), my carry on, and my really trendy backpack that has come out of its summer hiding spot for this journey. Basically, tomorrow is going to be struggle if I've ever seen one.

Besides my disdain for packing, I am extremely excited for the next four months. I will be living with one of my best friends, Rachel(who I studied abroad with in High School) in a homestay with a lady named Cochita Sanchez. We actually have no idea who Conchita is, but if all else fails we have about 10 different variations of Frango mints, coffee, and hot cocoa to win her over and show her the best candy chi-town has to offer. I think it's a foolproof plan.

While in Barcelona, I am taking five classes: International Events in Barcelona: An Artistic Perspective, Catalan Cultural Studies, Language Culture and Communication: A Spanish Perspective, The Business of Sports in Europe, and Intermediate Spanish. I am honestly beyond thrilled to take a break from journalism classes and take electives. Besides class, I can't wait to experience Spanish culture, Barcelona nightlife, and eat delicious Spanish food. So far, my only trip booked is to Dublin for St. Patrick's Day with a big group of friends which will be an epic experience, but I look forward to traveling everywhere in Europe since I have never been there before.

I leave the arctic tundra of Chicago for Barcelona(which conveniently is about 40 degrees warmer, such a win) on Monday at 2 pm. I have to catch a flight that leaves around 7 pm from Newark and get to Barcelona by the morning of Tuesday January 11th. I can't wait for the next few months to come and I will send my next update from across the Atlantic.

Adios for now,
Lauren