So, the winner is Barcelona. I have been here now since the 1st of July and I am really enjoying it. I must say that the first 2 weeks were unsettling: I realized that I didn't know the city at all, that the city is much bigger than I thought it would be, that my Spanish wasn't that great either and that I actually didn't know anyone. Being all by yourself then is pretty interesting, raw and beautiful at the same time. Because you know: it can only become better. I really questioned my own restlessness and continuous urge to move around and decided that this would be the last time. That I really cherished my life in Amsterdam, my family and friends and that the climate wasn't so bad after all. I would just do this for 3 months and then I am finally done with moving around and would be able stick to one place and settle down. I realized that this adventure had already been a success because of this feeling and insight.
Interestingly enough, however, not surprisingly, less than 2 months further down this road - I am thrilled about this and considering to move to a next location. Really? Yes. I met a couple of interesting people, love the interactions with a different culture, and behaviors, and the fact that I manage again to survive and have actually a really god time.
The city is fantastic. Its beauty, grandiosity, charm, warmth is just amazing. I am completely in love with Barcelona. And so are all my friends visiting me. Just walking through the streets, without going anywhere, but just meandering around is like a continuous fantasy.
Of course, I have to work, and pretty hard though as well. We just kicked off our financial year. Also, working on my thesis to pursue that Doctorate degree somewhere in the coming years really keeps me busy. But the combination of that with this city is so interesting. As soon as I step out of my house, the pressure and stress fade and transfer into a sweet, soft feeling of happiness. (and that's why I think it's crisis here... there's just no sense of urgency, pressure or competition).
So, I'll keep enjoying my last couple of weeks and will definitely provide an update of my next destination.
It's important to continuously push our limits, our borders and our ambitions. And it's so rewarding if it happens to turn out to be a success.
