“I Like your style”, Armando, our tour guide smiled as our group began to disperse. 

I laughed and said, “ Thanks, my mom says I dress like a grandma”. 

Earlier in the day, I met Armando, who is from Central America,  at a snug corner street in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. After a delicious tapas meal of Chorizo in wine sauce and a Spanish omelet,  I found him and a group of 3 other tourists. All of us signed up for a walking tour where we would view the architecture of Antoni Gaudi. 

As we walked down the bustling streets of Barcelona, Armando, with a proud pep in his step explained Gaudi’s fascination with nature and marine life. As we walked, we came across various buildings that were crafted with colorful mosaic pieces, and religious figures (St George and the Dragon is a particularly Gaudi-esque motif), and biblical heroes. Armando described Gaudi as a “super Catholic” which is why biblical symbolism is etched in each of his buildings. 

While I marveled at the nautical and religious craftsmanship of Gaudi’s style, what struck me the most was Armando’s chipper demeanor. He beamed as he told us the tale of St. George and how the patron saint saved a princess from a Dragon. According to the legend, the blood of the dragon transformed into a Rose; each year on April 23rd, St George is celebrated (Armando explained this is Barcelona’s version of Valentine’s Day) and the city is decorated with thousands of roses. 

I was grateful to learn from Armando and his energy left me with a pep in my step. He created a connection amongst our tour group that was organic. 

As I continued to explore Barcelona, I met people from all walks of life. A middle-aged couple who met while studying abroad in Australia, a woman from Toronto, and couples from Paris, LA and Chicago. On my last day in Spain, I met this delightful young woman named Mariam from Morroco. 

Now I’m normally a wallflower type. I make an effort not to make eye contact or engage in conversation, but Barcelona’s breezy countenance loosed the reigns of my social apprehensiveness. With one day left of my trip, I booked a guided tour of Barcelona’s famed Sagrada Familia Church. Sagrada was Gaudi’s final work before he was tragically killed in a traffic accident. Miriam came up to me after the tour and asked if I was staying to explore more of the church. I said yes and we partnered up to learn more about the history of Sagrada. Mariam was peppy and easygoing. And she loved taking pictures. Lots of em. 

I honestly felt like I stumbled into an impromptu photoshoot. Mariam stopped me at various points of our exploration to pose in front of bright red, blue, and green stained glass. We ventured outside to a lush green park with a massive pond; according to Miriam, there was a spot that Instagram influencers flocked to for a perfect picture of the Sagrada. Mariam, with her bright smile, encouraged me with “One more photo”?  

“You sure love taking pictures” I commented as we made our way to the bus stop. 

“I do” she replied with a sunny smile. “It helps me capture the moment perfectly so I can look back on the memories”. 

“I hear that” I replied. 

Without Mariam, I would have breezed by the Sagrada (or left immediately after the tour guide finished the tour) and missed the way the stained glass illuminated the church with a rainbow of color. I wouldn’t have sat down next to her and listened to the chimes or church organ. I probably wouldn’t of met Mariam had I rushed the experience. 

What God showed me on my trip to Barcelona was the beauty of people. A tour guide who made sure you were accounted for on the bus. A gentleman who helped me order a pastry at a shop in Montserrat. A couple from Chicago whom I sat down and chatted with over a glass of wine from a centuries-old vineyard. A group of young women who invited me to dance at an underground club when they saw I was by myself. My Airbnb host who greeted me every day and made sure I was comfortable during my stay.  I met so many people who shaped my experience in Barcelona. What would have happened if I kept myself closed off? Kept my head down, silent and rushed on by? 

I booked my trip to Barcelona on a whim and I can say that my decision was one of the best I’ve made. The warmth and openness of the people encourage me to be more open with others. To share pieces of myself and be kind. And, of course, take lots of pictures. 

Leviticus 19:34

“You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.

With love, 

Leah