One Year Later…12 Things I Love & Hate About Living in Barcelona

It's been one year to the day since I landed in this city for my open-ended adventure abroad. These are twelve things I love & hate so far about living in BCN. + I'm coming back to The Bay late spring

On March 14th, 2023, I boarded a flight from SFO to BCN with my whole life consolidated into two suitcases and a carry-on. I had a three-week stay lined up, a handful of friends, and comfortable savings. I left behind my dream job and clientele, a budding new relationship, and an abundant community of friends. There have been many days since that I wondered if I made the right choice. I still have my moments, but now, as I’m preparing my renewal documents for my visa, the thought of a denial terrifies me and thus clarifies that I am home (at least for the foreseeable future).

With that said, many things about this city irk me and make it hard to imagine a long-term future here…but then I sit down on a sunny terrace with the friends who welcomed me wholeheartedly into their expat family, and I sip vermouth and tell myself I can deal with all these doubts mañana.

Did that bold statement above make you a little nervous? Fret not. I still plan on spending ten weeks in Oakland this year. My …