It has been just over a week since I arrived home from Barcelona, and I definitely miss it. I must say, I was ready to come home after the eight weeks were up. I missed my family and friends like anyone who was away from home for that long would. I also missed home cooked meals, and sleeping in my own bed. It has been great to be home for a little before I head back to Penn State on Friday. This summer was a great experience, and has helped me learn about not only Marketing, and business functions, but it has also helped me learn more about myself.

        This past week has been an extraordinary way to conclude my summer. Last Thursday two of my roommates and I went to the tip of Tibidabo, a mountain on the west edge of Barcelona. It is the highest point in the city; therefore the views are surreal, as pictured below. Once we arrived at the mid-point of the mountain, we had a beer at an outdoor bar that overlooks the entire city. Needless to say it was one of the best, most memorable moments of this entire summer.

        Only a week and a half remains here in Barcelona, and we're losing time to see all that the city has to offer. A co-worker of mine mentioned a drink known as Llet Pantera after volleyball one day, so the girls and I decided to make a night out of tracking it down.  Llet Pantera, also known as Panther's milk, is native to Barcelona and has a "secret" recipe, according to locals. So we made our way to Born, my favorite part of town, and began our search.

        This past weekend was by far, one of the best. After work on Friday, my friends from work and I went to a rooftop bar as a goodbye to our colleague for a few weeks. Then, after a longer than expected Friday night out, we made out way to the beautiful Tossa Del Mar. Once we arrived on Saturday, we each took a much-needed nap before heading out on an incredible catamaran around the islands. The catamaran was all you can eat, drink, and dance for four hours. As you could imagine, a dream come true.

        With only five and a half weeks left, I realized that I better start exploring before my time runs out. The Festival of 'Sant Juan" was Thursday night, and luckily we didn't have work Friday. Each of the interns was in need of a three day weekend. The festival of 'Sant Juan' receives a lot of hype in Barcelona, and around 8pm on Thursday I realized why. Expecting to be out and about till morning along with the rest of the city, I attempted to sleep after work on Thursday.

The concept of being here for less than two weeks, and gaining the experience that I already have, both professionally and personally, blows me away. I feel like I have been here for months plugging away at my work, exploring the city, and living a dream. Although working full time wears down on everyone slowly, especially when you're not used to being in an office from 9-6 everyday, the experience is unmatched. Interning at Golden Gekko is great, due to the personalities you're surrounded by, but also stressful.

Although I'm a firm believer in setting your expectations at a level where you'll never be disappointed, I'm far too optimistic about this summer to do anything of the sort. Hershey, Pennsylvania, my hometown, is great, but there is no match for a summer in Barcelona. Since the day I was awarded this internship I've been actively researching Barcelona's culture among everything else the exciting city has to offer. I've never been to Europe before, and as a college student there are few better places to travel for the summer.