Onwards, to Barcelona!

Hey everyone,

 I'm so thrilled to be studying abroad in Barcelona!  I've wanted to do this since my freshman year and I can't believe it is finally happening.

First and foremost, I want to grow more comfortable speaking Spanish on a regular basis.  I've wanted to speak Spanish fluently for awhile now, and this is the perfect opportunity to practice  day-in day-out.  Maybe I'll even pick up the Spanish lisp along the way.  Who knows?

Also, I look forward to learning more about literature and culture in Barcelona while simultaneously experiencing these things outside of the classroom.  Literature is a doorway into the heartbeat of a city, and to be able to read about Barcelona and be in Barcelona is an experience I won't soon forget.
 
I want to explore different restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, anywhere where there is a whiff of something tasty, I'm there.  It will be fun to buy food at local markets and interact with the same people daily.  Maybe I'll whip up something for my host family one of these days.   
   
Most importantly, I want to forge lasting relationships with my host family, go on some rip-roaring adventures with you all, and make lasting friendships along the way.  This is an opportunity for me to experience something entirely new. 

 I have this sizzling mix of excitement and nervousness that has been building for the last 24 hours and it won't relent.  I want to be on a plane already!  See you all soon.

-Ryan