It has officially been over a month since I came to Spain. Throughout my time here, I have learned so much about the world around me, as well as learning a bit about myself. I truly believe that travel can change the way a person views everyday situations. Travel helps you become more educated on our current cultures and societies. What I love about Europe is that they are so interested in the politics and culture in America. They’re not shy about asking me about the current state of US politics and I am always happy to share my opinions.
Studying in Europe is helping me understand how many different cultures there are in a small area. When you’re immersed in a culture, you also become immersed in the politics. When I first came to Spain, I didn’t know anything about their government. But watching the news and talking to locals made me realize that no matter where you go, there will always be a reason to protest. Just this week, there have been several protests in Madrid and Barcelona. This past Friday, pro-independent unions protested a ruling by the Supreme Court that sentenced nine separatist leaders to prison. The airport in Barcelona was filled with protesters, and some flights from Madrid had to be stopped. I was terrified because my family who came to visit me were going to take a flight from Madrid to the states. There were threats of protests in Madrid that would stop the highways, luckily my family was safe.
I know two students from my school back in the States who are currently studying in Barcelona. One has been quite and has not mentioned the protests, while another student is actively protesting. It scares me to think about how one’s world can change in an instant. A few weeks ago, I booked a flight to Barcelona, I may have to cancel due to my own safety.
“History is written by the winners”, is a quote I’ve been hearing often. In Spain, the scars of Franco’s reign are still fresh, it is still relevant to the situation in Catalonia. It is a very sensitive topic to bring up, but everybody has a story. I have listened to some local’s voices on this topic; many of them were fine with Franco’s reign while others are still angry, which they have every right to be. Since I am not a citizen here, just a passing traveler, I felt like it was not in my place to talk about my own opinions about their politics. I have no problem with this, I prefer to just listen to their stories. From what I’ve noticed, Seville does not seem to be very opinionated on what is happening in Catalonia. I believe in the power of the people, I believe in freedom, and I believe in doing the right thing. I am unsure what to think about the protests, but if people are able to fight for the voice of the people, and for the benefit of the people, that is noble.
It has been five days since the start of the protests, and it looks like it won’t be ending anytime soon. No one is sure how the situation will turn out, or who the “winners” will be.
Ali's Adventures Abroad 