New Beginnings in Barcelona: My First Days in the City of Dreams

I touched down in Spain after what felt like the longest journey of my life—14 hours in the air, then another 7 on a bus from Madrid. By the time I finally arrived in Barcelona, I was exhausted, dazed, and honestly wondering what the hell I had just signed up for.

But as the city skyline came into view, I remembered why I fell in love with this place a couple of years ago.

Now, Barcelona is home—for the next chapter of my life, at least. I’m here as an intern at a hostel, which also doubles as my new home. Shared flat, rotating roommates, international energy—chaotic, yes. But oddly perfect. I’ll be here till the end of May, off to London for the summer, then back again in September when school starts. A season of exciting new beginnings.

And what a start it’s been.

The first few days? Pure madness. I met my new roommates over beers and drinking games. Within 72 hours, we’d partied in dimly lit clubs, danced under streetlights, and gotten lost in neighborhoods pulsing with life. There’s a special kind of magic that happens when strangers meet and decide to live with open hearts. The vibe is electric.

By day three, we’d already seen each other naked (hostel life, right?), shared wild ex stories, kissed, shopped, cooked dinner together. We’re not just roommates—we’re a fast-tracked family.

Of course, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. I got sick. I got caught up in a whirlwind romance. I lost my voice shouting across packed bars and found it again in 3 a.m. walks through Poble-Sec. Every moment so far has been intense, honest, raw, and deeply human.

Living in a hostel isn’t glamorous. It’s cramped, loud, and often unpredictable. But it’s also the epicenter of something real—a makeshift tribe of misfits, travelers, and dreamers. We cook together, cry together, and hype each other up. This isn’t just a move. It’s a rebirth.

A defining moment I’ll talk about for years. Maybe forever.

Barcelona, you’re chaotic, gritty, and impossibly beautiful. Here’s to starting over. Here’s to the mess. Here’s to rebirth.