Getting Ready for the trip--Barcelona and the Creativity Workshop

“Sometimes you just have to jump out the window and grow wings on the way down.”
― Ray Bradbury

This is the spot I will be chronicling my adventures in Spain. I will be sharing short writings and pictures of my adventures . I hope you find joy and inspiration by following along with my journey.

When I found out that I got a Rural Trust Global Teacher Fellowship, I could not believe it. I was going to Barcelona to attend the Creativity Workshop and study the art of Antoni Gaudi!!! I had tried to find a way to travel and attend this workshop for many summers. I had already gotten rejected for 3 other professional development grants this year and when I got an email from the Rural School and Community Trust saying "congratulations to the recipients" I almost skipped right over my name before realizing I was a recipient! Not only was I going to be able to travel, but I was going to study something I was passionate about-- art and creativity as inspired by nature, and use this to spark my teaching next year.

​Gradually, after a conference call with the Trust, I suspended my disbelief and began the planning. The monies had not arrived and I was worried about making plans before they did. I spent endless time on searches for my flights. Should I fly from NYC? from Bradley? from Boston? Should I take the flight with a 24 hour layover (too long)? or a 1 hour layover ?(too short). The possibilities were endless. Finally I took my first "jump" and found a flight that I thought would work at a reasonable price.


Choosing the hotel created a similar dilemma for me. I wanted to spend time outside of Barcelona, experiencing less touristy attractions. But how would I get there? how would I get back to the airport? Should I go north or south? I know you people who travel all the time are thinking this was silly, but for me it was all a huge deal. Finally, with the help of my understanding son, I chose a place in the city-- rationalizing that I could do long day trips to see the things I wanted, while having a comfortable "home base" to come back to.

When I get to Spain I am sure I will have the same anxieties and challenges about my adventures that I had while planning. But I have taken the jump out the window and am sure my wings will grow beautifully on the way down. Barcelona here I come!

“This Rural Trust Global Teacher Fellowship was made possible with funds from The Rural School and Community Trust, helping rural schools and communities grow better together.”