Connecting the Dots: Catalonia vs. Spain: Barcelona Style

I had been told repeatedly that Barcelona was awesome, so I booked a flight from Copenhagen to Barcelona. Looking back (in Sweden I realized), it probably was not the smartest way to get out of Copenhagen; however, after booking a flight, it rarely makes sense to change a plane reservation. A more logical route would have sent me south to Hamburg and then around Germany towards France.

I was expecting big things out of Barcelona simply because everyone raved about the city. While it was interesting, I was a little underwhelmed initially however. The longer I stayed though, my opinion continually changed. Similar to New York City, the city never really sleeps. You also need to pay attention to what is above your head—not just what you are seeing at street level.

One concept that has consistently surprised me is the lack of nationalism around Europe. Being raised in the United States, where we have not been in a physical civil war in 150 years, the amount of divisions (especially within countries) was unconsidered prior to arriving. Barcelona is a perfect example. The Catalonian region (where Barcelona resides) does not really consider itself Spain. Texas is one of, if not the most independent state in the US; however, we still consider ourselves Americans. That feeling of nationalism does not seem as present in Europe. It has been an unexpectedly awareness and is shockingly common throughout Europe. The numerous wars and constant changing of borders has led people to form very small, tight knit regions and communities.