Written by Christina Mortensen, (University of Minnesota), CET Barcelona, Spring 2026
Living abroad is a privilege, because there is so much to learn, see and do. Let me talk about some memorable experiences!
Calçotada
i got the catalonian experience calçotada! special food tradition calçotadas Generally this happens during March and April, as that is the season for delicious dishes. So, onions are roasted over a fire in tin foil. You must take them after they are ripe calçotadaPeel off the charred layer, dip it in the sauce and then eat it. to peel calçotadaYou pinch off the top of the onion and simply slide your hand down to remove the skin. I didn’t peel my onions properly my first attempt, but I quickly got the hang of it!
The sauce was my favorite part. It was made from tomatoes, chillies and other spices. You know how some people are fond of sauces, but others like their food drier? Well, with one calçotada It’s wonderful when onions are absolutely disgusting in sauce. In my opinion, it makes food more delicious.
Note: Bibs are required. Eat calçotada It involves hanging a pickled onion above your head, and clothes will be stained.
Flamenco Class and Show
Another unique experience I had while living here was getting the opportunity to learn about flamenco. CET offered flamenco classes and shows to students, and I definitely took advantage of the opportunity.
Before attending the show, we had to practice flamenco dancing. I grew up dancing, although the style of flamenco is very different. It has many claps and stomps which make it unique. The class learned about two types of claps that flamenco dancers use. One version of the clap is quieter, while the other produces more noise by placing your hands differently.
I found it interesting to learn about all the different rhythms associated with flamenco dancing. The technique of flamenco is very specific, making it difficult to pick up. However, the hardest part was moving the wrists. Now, my wrists are relatively flexible from my acrobatic dance classes. However, my wrists were not giving me the mobility I was demanding. Dancers have rounded arms and wrists, but it’s hard! I really enjoyed taking the class, and I also enjoyed watching my non-dance friends attempt to learn the choreography.
After our class we got front row seats to the flamenco show at the Plaça Real. During the performance, I was absolutely amazed by the dancers. I was especially impressed by the female dancer. The young woman was involved in the demonstration. She was very emotional, and I’m very curious about the story she was trying to convey. Apart from the emotional aspect, both the dancers were very talented. Flamenco dancing consists of a lot of small steps, and both dancers were able to move their feet quickly. It seemed as if they were capable of 100 beats per second. In another life, I think I would be a flamenco dancer; Watching the dance is very gratifying and you get to wear a gorgeous outfit.
Trek around Gracia
In my CET Spanish class, we have a big project every few weeks. Our most recent project involved going around neighborhood Gràcia and learning about different parts of the area.
An impressive part of the neighborhood is Plaça del Diamante, which was one of the first places my class was expected to go. This part of the neighborhood includes a statue from a novel. The statue depicts the novel’s heroine Colometa, a woman living in Gràcia during the Spanish Civil War and post-war period. The statue reflects the hardship and emotional struggle she went through. I have included a picture above.
On a more light-hearted note, I also explored Carrer de Verdi. The street overlooks the Cinema Verdi, one of Barcelona’s most famous arthouse cinemas. The cinema includes Catalan films, which is important! Additionally, there are also small and independent cafes and boutiques. You won’t find a McDonald’s in this area, as it is filled with local businesses. I found it very refreshing to explore the road.
Finally, I discovered Plaça del Sol. The area was very beautiful and had lots of little cafes. Small cafes served coffee and alcoholic beverages. In this field, there is a common term called botellon. The idea is that groups of people bring their own drinks to a public space to socialize. It’s a way to save money and enjoy life (since you bring your own drinks). What a lovely concept! Drinks, sunshine, friends, what more could one ask for!
last words
Now, sadly, I only have a month left in Barcelona. To students: What I want to say is that if you are thinking about studying abroad, do so. I may have no money and be in debt, but the experience is worth it. It’s comfortable and safe to grow up and live in your own culture, but it’s very important to see the world. I believe I have become more knowledgeable and appreciative of different cultures. I’ve also become more confident talking to people and trying new experiences. I know I still have a lot to learn, but this experience has already changed the way I see the world and I’m really grateful for that.
This is also my final blog post and I hope you enjoyed reading about parts of my life here in Spain! Thanks for joining the journey. IHurry up!! (see you later)
