From the beach one day to the mountains the next, Catalonia is full of surprises. Earlier this week I travelled north to La Masella, a Catalonian-Pyrenees Alp that stands just above 8,000 feet tall. With bluebird skies, stunning panoramic views, and solid company to ride with, this trip could not be any better… Then again, we did the whole trip – transportation, day pass, and rental gear – for less than the price of a full tank of gas from the Holland Bp station. Not a bad way to spend your Friday.
Although the mountain is located way up in the Pyrenees, and a short drive from Barcelona, it is not a tourist location. La Masella is survived by many locals, with Spanish actually being the second language of the mountain; to Catalan (Catalan is the local language, a mix of French and Spanish). Oh, and no one spoke English. Because of these “locals only” vibes La Masella expresses, I found this trip culturally enriching. Encompassing myself in the tranquil mountainous spaces of northern Catalonia was an excellent change of pace from the hustle and bustle of the Cosmopolitan city of Barcelona.
Words cannot describe how much fun I am having this semester abroad. Do not get me wrong, I absolutely love Hope College and miss family and friends dearly, but learning and adapting to an entirely different lifestyle is a new challenge that I will never forget. Cheers to you, Barca!
