Sisterfriends

                                                                                                                                      (Author: Rachel)

Among the many joys of being an expat, there are the inevitable challenges as well. One of the largest  is that many of the people you meet here are in the same boat as you... with no guarantee for how long they will be living here or when they will leave. This is something I learned quickly to accept, and to not allow to stop me from still investing in friendships. It is just ¨part of the game¨, and is something that  begins to feel somewhat normal.

However, just because something is expected, does not mean that it is easy.  I have experienced this on various levels throughout the last two years, but recently experienced it very significantly. Two of my closest friends here in Barcelona have moved back to the U.S. These girls have been my anchor since the moment I arrived in the city. We have been roommates, travel companions, and what felt like sisters. We navigated the moving process together, ventured into new countries, tried new foods, attempted to speak new languages, had weekly pizza night, brunches, picnics, beach days, and built countless memories in the process. They have been my rock amidst a challenging couple of years. There is no way in the world that I would have survived without them, and the laughter and perspective they brought to my life. They truly changed my life for the better.

I have no doubt in my mind that the bond we have will remain strong as we continue our life adventures in three different places, but I will miss them every day.

Here are some pictures to highlight our two years in Barcelona together.

Our first week in Barcelona, we cooled down in the cafe right around the corner from our new apartment.

Jumping quickly became a tradition.

We didn't let the fact that it wasn't swimsuit weather stop us from jumping!

The first time we left Spain together on a road trip to Southern France.

Looking out over Carcassonne, France.

Apple Orchard Jumping

Castle Jumping

Paris in November 2012

Brugge, Belgium in December 2012

The first of many hikes together up to Tibidabo

They were the HUGEST support in my teaching. This was after my first concert at BFIS.

I love this one, because it shows us just hanging out in our kitchen, which is what we did the most. :)

In Stockholm, Sweden Fall 2013

We took a trip to the island of Mallorca Spring 2014.

Picnicking in Parc Ciutadella

Celebrating after our last day of school (pure joy!)

On a Cava tour just outside of Barcelona.

Our final night together in Barcelona.

My life is better for having been able to live two years with these girls! I wish them both the best on their new endeavors, and I will miss their presence, support, and smiles in Barcelona every day!