I Want to Go With Oh to Barcelona

March 2012- Cha Jones, Contributor 

"Go with Oh"

Listen up ladies I am entering the “Go with Oh” blog competition where I can choose from 10 destinations in Europe to spend 1 month traveling to 4 different cities for FREE! Sounds like heaven to me, what about you? (for more information go to www.GowithOh.com)

Again, there are 10 destinations to choose from and I decided I would choose Barcelona. When I think of Barcelona the first thought that comes to mind would be people running through the streets on a bull run. However, I know that Barcelona has so much more to offer like rich culture and so many great sights. Here are (5) things that I must see when I go to Barcelona:

My Wish List...

(1)  Poble Espanyol de Montjuic

I absolutely love architecture and I can only imagine what it would be like to walk in admiration of some of the most beautifully designed buildings in the world.  As a poet, this would be a paradise where images  dance on pages while escaping the prison of my thoughts. A place where old and new could meet and find common ground, the thought of never seeing Poble Espanyol de Montjuic almost scares me.

(2) La Rambla

Can’t you just see me rambling down La Ramlba, which is one of the most famous streets in the world? La Rambla is the Arabic word for “dried riverbed” but there is nothing dry about dancing in the street, participating in all the festivities and admiring the structure of the trees painting a canopy for buildings lining the street. Wow! People watching on one of the best streets in the world sounds like heaven calling me.

(3) Casa Battlo

Known as Gaudi’s work of art, Casa Batllo sits in the heart of Passeig de Gracia. It’s been called “an emblematic work” for Catalan architect. I would call it a collage-like building with a marine encouragement. I’d love to see how one man could take fantasy and superimpose it on a building such as Casa Battlo.

(4) Barcelona Beaches

I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t love the beach, so no matter where I go I have to enjoy the water and the the sand warming my toes. I can’t imagine going all the way to Spain and not being able to play on the beach, even if it were only for a moment. I understand that Barcelona has some wonderful beaches where I would be able to people watch, see some nice architecture, and have a refreshing drink while relaxing and listening to the waves.

(5) Barcelona Cathedral’s

I can never get enough of some beautiful and well preserved architecture, and the cathedral’s of Barcelona would be a must see for me. The giant Gothic Barcelona Cathedral towers over the old town area, and I can only dream of what pleasure it would have been to walk the streets in the days of its creation. 

I can't wait to see Barcelona up close and in person for myself. After the 1992 Olympics I have been dreaming of my date with destiny and this fall seems like a great time make that happen!

If you would like to learn more about the "Go with Oh" blog competition or would like to get some information on how you can win 4 fantastic prizes in the Go with Oh FaceBook competition please go to www.GowithOh.com for more information and a chance to win. 

5 Ways to Fight the Holiday Blues Living Abroad

'Tis the season to be jolly.  When the winter season comes, people are normally filled to the brim with holiday cheer, joy and excitement.  Most people can't wait to eat, drink and be merry with friends and family.  However, this time of year can be extremely difficult for people who are living overseas.  Expats who are far away from home tend to get lonely and depressed when the winter months set in.  Here are 5 ways for people living overseas to fight the holiday blues while in another country.

1.  Make sure to connect with people.  Meet up with your close circle of friends or go meet up with new friends.  There are normally many events going on during the holidays --- even in other countries.  Find out where the events are taking place, get dressed, get out and go have some fun with people.

2.  Make sure to enjoy your alone time.  Though spending time with others is fun, it's also important to spend time doing things you enjoy by yourself.  Spend time on your favorite indoor or outdoor hobbies.  Instead of feeling lonely and depressed, use your time to focus on being creative and/or active and developing yourself.  Some great winter activities include: Hiking, jogging, yoga, skiing/snowboarding, drawing, painting, sculpting, reading, writing, cooking, cleaning, organizing, etc.

3. Focus on new activities and be productive.  Use the winter months to your advantage.  Enroll in new classes, finish a project that you started, start a new project, or get involved with an organization or a book club.  There are countless options that will keep your spirits up.  Make sure you spend your time wisely.

4. Donate and Volunteer.  Instead of focusing on yourself and your depression, focus on others.  There are many organizations that need your help.  Spend your time by volunteering or by raising funds for a charity.  You could create a holiday event or attend an event that will donate toys, needed items or funds to a worthy cause.  Spend some time doing internet research to find out about groups and organizations in your area that are making a difference.  

5. Cook for others and remain in good company.  You are as good as the company you keep.  Make sure to surround yourself with positive and happy people.  Cooking is an essential part of life and survival.  Invite people over and cook for them.  Try new recipes and have deep discussions.  Play games and enjoy the food and the good company.  Going out to eat is nice, but staying indoors and enjoying a home-cooked meal with friends can be even nicer.

  

Living in a different country away from home can be extremely challenging.  Don't let the winter months pass you by without experiencing some joy.  Hibernating is cool, but make sure you get out and enjoy life a little also. ;)

Author: Eve Dennard (South Korea)

Welcome to Women of Color Living Abroad.

It is my pleasure to begin this great and wonderful blog for Women of Color Living Abroad. I am hoping that this blog will become a great resource for all women of color who desire to live abroad, as well as a place for those who are currently already living abroad to communicate and give of their knowledge.

I would like this blog to bring us together no matter what our life path is, to share, educate and give back the knowledge and experiences that we’ve been blessed as world travelers to have.

I promise to keep the blog and the group on Facebook positive, educational, and inspiring. All I ask for in return is that you help me by sharing what you know and asking about things you want to know.

Thank you,

Cha Jones, a traveler