Basking in Barcelona

Along with the Activities Team, 26 IB and pre-IB students travelled to Barcelona for four days. This annual trip is a good introduction to Spain enabling our students to discover some of its culture, architecture and history, as well as experience some of its markets and food.

Amongst all the visits and group meals, one big reflection from students on the trip was that they formed new and stronger friendships. Spending time visiting La Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, the Nou Camp and enjoying delicious meals and tapas together allowed students the opportunity to get to know others they might not normally mix with.

Students studying Spanish were able to practise their language skills and others were able to soak in the culture and learn the basic phrases. The group were one of the best we've had so far and all were very eager to immerse themselves into Spanish life. At a special lecture given before the trip students were able to learn a little more about Gaudi and his buildings before their arrival in Barcelona.

This year the itinerary was:
Thursday – guided tour of La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's unfinished cathedral and a group meal at a local restaurant with a feast of tapas.
Friday – a walking tour with a local guide that took us down the smaller and offbeat streets as well as showing us the famous Boqueria market and allowing time for 'churros con chocolate'. In the evening we went to a flamenco show.
Saturday and Sunday – free time as well as visits to the Nou Camp and Parc Guell.

Several of our students were keen to reflect on their trip:
Sebastian: Although I think that everything in Barcelona was amazing, I think that my highlight was Park Guell. It was a very peaceful. You could see all Barcelona, even the sea. Park Guell was my highlight because it had amazing sculptures, buildings and tile work designed by Gaudi, it was simply a magical place.

Si Ao Liu: The second group meal was fantastic! The food was nice, and we sat on a long table, chatted to each other.

Anna: I think that the best thing about this trip was that it was balanced between activities and free time. I think it was very well planned and everyone had the opportunity to see the most important things and parts of city, as well as have opportunity to do whatever he or she was interested in. Another advantage was the fact that places which we visited were different from each other and everyone could find something for oneself.

March