My Most Memorable Last Day

by | Dec 4, 2023

Four people stand wearing bright aprons and masks over their eyes. They stand next to each other in front of a counter full of cooking utensils. They are in a kitchen with stone walls and warm lighting.

My Most Memorable Last Day

by | Dec 4, 2023 | Study Abroad Advice

Hey Explorers! My name is Kaity, and I am happy you’re here! My study abroad trip definitely rocked my world in more ways than one. I went to Barcelona two years ago and had the time of my life. I was lucky enough to be there for a month. I experienced so many different things in that time span. However, our last few nights together were some of my most memorable. By the end of the trip, I had learned everyone’s majors, their likes and dislikes, and their hopes for the future. We all were friends in such a lovely way. I am so thankful for the memories I have made with each of those people. However, our last activity together was one that truly made the trip feel real. 
Starting the Night
Our last day’s activity was a surprise. We were all excited yet nervous. The gals on the trip were told to wear their hair back. We were all told to wear less nice clothes to make sure we didn’t ruin anything we cared about. We met our guides for the day at a market. They introduced themselves and told us we would all be learning to cook paella! Paella is a Spanish dish made with rice and some form of protein. We were all excited. We had tried paella previously but being able to cook it was exciting. The guides were our chefs and they led us around the market. They showed us which ingredients were good, local, and fresh. We helped purchase our ingredients for the day before venturing through the city to their restaurant. 
The camera stares down a long kitchen counter. On both sides, people reach across to pour, stir, and mix things in. The counter is full of food.
At the Restaurant
The whole building had been rented out for us so we had a private and premium experience. The chefs had us dress up in aprons and prepare for the class. We learned about the history of the dish before we split into teams. To make the day more fun, we turned it into a competition. We were split into four teams, each making a different kind of paella. My group cooked the vegetable paella. I was excited because that meant I didn’t have to play with raw meat. For the most part, we chopped and prepped vegetables for when they would be ready to use. The rice and other ingredients were added slowly to a large pan. We all cooked together, creating delicious dishes to share later. 

Presentation

When our dishes were finished, we presented them in a “Chopped” fashion. Each team plated and served their paella to the chefs of the day. They tasted each and deliberated on whose was to be the “best”. Unfortunately, my team did not win. However, we did come in second place. After we served enough of each dish for each person in the room, we were able to eat and relax. The restaurant was a beautiful setting. Waiters appeared from the back doors and served us wine that complimented each dish wonderfully. 
Settling In
The night became about relaxing. We were able to hang out with each other and enjoy the dish of the place we had been in for a month. We ate and drank for an hour before things started picking up. Someone found the wire for the speaker and that was when we all started kicking it. We played songs that got us up and dancing. Fueled by wine, friendship, and good food we were all in the mood to celebrate. We celebrated the memories we had made; we celebrated the food we had cooked, and we celebrated the fact we had completed the academic program. The trip abroad was worth six credits, a usual semester long class is three credits. Someone turned on Sweet Caroline and that was where the fun began. We sang, danced, and drank into the night. 
A girl stands wearing an apron and smiling. She holds a spatula, the cooking end sits in a large pans. The girl is stirring vegetables. She is in a kitchen with cozy lighting.
Heading Back
As we walked out it was a bittersweet feeling. We walked as a group back to our apartments for the last time. We said goodnight for the last time. We all got dressed and ready for bed for the last time. I went to sleep next to my roommate staring at my suitcase. There were many things I missed about America, but I would deeply miss the friendships I had formed, the memories I had made, and so much more. I am forever thankful for my experience abroad. Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to grow as much as I did. I knew I could make friends wherever I went. I knew I could go abroad again. I knew I could do whatever I wanted. It was relieving, it was exciting, and it made me want more. My advice is to go abroad whenever possible. If you have the chance, take it. You never know what is going to come of your trip.
Explorers, take the pictures. Make the memories. Soak everything in and never forget it. Studying abroad is going to be a core memory. Whether for better or for worse, it will be a story you’ll talk about for years to come. Remember it how you see best. I take pictures, but my roommate on my trip kept a travel journal. No matter what it is, keep the memories and hold them close. I look forward to tell y’all more travel stories soon!