I know im in Barcelona when

I know I'm in Barcelona when I wake up at ten o'clock and think it is early.

I know I'm in Barcelona when I walk outside and receive stares from the locals because I'm a lot taller than everyone else.

I know I'm in Barcelona when I walk on the side of the street and see the same homeless man passed out on the bench outside of an apartment store that reads, "en tempo de recesio', ten k consrver," which translates from Catalan to, "in times of recession, use your money wisely."

I know I'm in Barcelona when I walk down into the subway and see the same elderly man in front of the ticket booth dressed in a sports jumpsuit, asking me something in Catalan with a metro ticket in his hand.

I know I'm in Barcelona when I swipe my semester metro pass through the machine and walk downstairs to see my other elderly friend dressed in an old looking suit, singing opera out of tune every morning on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays before class.

Barcelona is so much more than Passeig de Gracia.

Its so much more than the fashionable stores our mothers love shopping in.

Spain is obviously going through a tough time in their history as almost 20 percent of their population in unemployed.

At the same time, this has been my home for almost three months. I'm used to the same things others would be appalled by.

I've had the most amazing time here and I look forward to making the best out of the remaining three weeks I have left.

I think I could see myself living here after college if the opportunity presented itself.

Until next time guys, Jgendy.