How do you break up with the city you’re in the love with? How do you effectively say

How do you effectively say goodbye to your local family of friends for the past 7 years during the covid crisis?

I had a few weeks to figure it out.

By the time you read this, I will have most likely left Barcelona. I was offered a great

I was offered a great opportunity working for Nephron Pharmaceuticals in Lexington, which I humbly accepted.

Saying goodbye

I started my departure plan by making a calendar of people and places I wanted to see before I left.

Hikes to Montjuïc and Tibidabo, cheap beers at 100 Montaditos and dinners at my favorite restaurants were on the to do list.

Breaking the news to friends has not been easy, to say the least. But they have all been supportive of my decision.

As an avid photographer, I wandered the semi-deserted streets of Barcelona snap ping shots along the way and savoring each moment.

The covid crisis has not been kind to the city – no tourists, closed restaurants and high unemployment.

Yet, there is a lot to see and reminisce about before leaving.

A noticeable, peaceful quiet has fallen over the city, allowing me to see things in a different perspective.

With less people around, you can take your time and enjoy the true beauty that is found here.

Barcelona will be slow to recover from this crisis, but I hope they will heal and persevere. Time seems to do that.

It’s kind of ironic to be leaving in autumn, which signals the end of things, a time for change, sadness and maturity.

Final thoughts

Every day is a roller coaster of emotions. I am excited for the new challenge in life but sad to say goodbye to the friends and students I’ve met during my 7 years here.

I would like to say thank you to each and everyone of them. You have made my life-changing experience here an unforgettable one.

I am truly blessed in life and am glad you came into mine.

Salut to my friends: Leo, Inna, Diego, Chris, Mhairi, Nick, Beverly, Beth, Luke, Gabriel, Mark, Saad, Joseph, Jane, Mitch, Stefi, Martin, Antonio, Bob, Larry, Lino and Halden.

I’m leaving Spain a changed person. One with a better understanding of people and the Catalan culture.

I’m taking with me a sense of life and purpose. I’m also taking the Spanish sense of living life to the fullest.

Future plans

I look forward to reconnecting with old friends and family in Lexington and the US.

I also hope to share some of my photography from here in upcoming shows in the Columbia and Atlanta areas.

I leave Spain for now, but this is not goodbye or adiósbut rather see you later!

¡Hasta luego!

I have a feeling I will be seeing you again in the future.