Barcelona!

I have studied Spanish for the last seven years, and have fallen in love with the language and various cultures. And every since I started learning about the different Spanish speaking countries, I have dreamed of going to Barcelona, Spain. This popular tourist area is rich in culture and history. In my last Spanish class I did a presentation on Antoni Gaudí, a famous Spanish architect. His work depicts a more Modernisme style along with influences from nature.  After seeing pictures of his most famous building located in Barcelona, I am really eager to visit the city and see Gaudí’s Work.

In addition to learning about the city in school, I have also seen it featured in different movies and television show. I first discovered the city when I watched The Cheetah Girls 2 back in middle school. After watching this popular Disney film, I too wanted to dance and sing in the streets of Barcelona. The entire movie was filmed there and highlighted the cities greatest features.

Most of my knowledge about Barcelona has come from school and TV, so I haven’t really heard any negatives. The city it known for being a popular tourist attraction, and is a major cultural and economic center in southwestern Europe. I think the city is not only a great vacation spot but also an unique location to study abroad. It would be the ideal place to further my knowledge about the Spanish language and culture. Even if I never have the opportunity to study in Barcelona, vacationing there is definitely on my bucket list.  

"City ties"

I recently spoke to my cousin Sarah about her experience living in Detroit. She lived there for eighteen years before going away to the University of New Orleans. I asked her if she felt safe living close to the rougher areas of the eastside and she explained that she had to be cautious when walking to school or taking the bus. My cousin then went into detail about what it was like going to school in Detroit. She said that the kids were misbehaved and there were not a lot of class options because they were continuously laying off teachers.  But went on to say that although the city was rough and dangerous, it did not stop her from achieve her goals.

I also lived in Detroit, but only for a few years. I also lived closer to the Westside and I never went to school in the city. Even though we are closely related our experiences growing up were entirely different. My parents sent me to private school instead because they did not like the district. I later moved to Northville and finished up my grade school education in their public school system. I cannot say my experience with public school was completely different because all the districts were facing similar problem. But unlike the area my cousin grew up in, I rarely felt worried about my safety. I walked carelessly to the bus stop every morning.

My cousin and I were close growing up and although our circumstances were different we both were able to achieve most of our goals. By doing this interview I have realized that the area you live in does not necessary determine your fate. I also remembered that there are problems in every city and it’s up individuals to decide if they are going to let these problems hold them back. My question is, is the city the problem or the people?

My City

The most common perception of Detroit is that it’s a rundown dangerous city and that majority of the news that comes out of the city is about crime and murder. Some of these facts may be true but there is still plenty of good left in Detroit. The city has a lot of decent qualities to it and is still often referred to as the motor city. It also has Greek town, Fox Theater, Detroit river walk and various other entertainment to offer, that often attract tourist and locals from the surrounding areas. Along with this, the city has also been the background for box office films such as Iron Man and Read Dawn.
I personally relate Detroit back to my family and the part of my blood that is still spread throughout the city. Although I have turned into somewhat of a “suburban princess” it was not too long ago that I was smacking on Now and Laters on the way home from the corner store. I remember spending countless summers hanging out with my cousins in the city, where we would make daily trips to the neighborhood park. I also remember going to Belle Isle to ride the giant slide and feed the ducks. Now that we have all grown up and either left the state or moved to the suburbs we are quick to forget our urban playground.
I think that there is still enough heart and soul left in Detroit for it to be as lively as it was decades ago. People just have to be reminded of all the qualities the city has to offer.  In addition to, we have to remind ourselves that we cannot try and change the city from the outside by sending aid and assistance to the city. Instead we should step out of our comfort zones and try to change the city from the inside. The city of Detroit may not be as “happening” today as it use to, but it is never too late to change it.