Today I will share BB2ME number 51 Learn about places by visiting them. Specifically I will describe a memorable trip I took to Catalonia in 2019 to explore this wonderful region of Spain. It was a life changing adventure.
Europe is my favorite part of the world to explore.
Let me start with a bit of background in case you don’t know much about me. Europe is my favorite part of the world to explore. Whenever I have a chance to travel or take a vacation, Europe is at the top of my list. Below, you see Monserrat pictured. If you go to Catalonia or spend time in Barcelona, I definitely recommend visiting Monserrat if you get the chance.
I have visited Europe many times to explore it.
Over the past decade I have visited Europe many times. This year I’ve already been there twice. Below you see a picture of me on a famous bridge in Girona. Girona is a wonderful city located in Catalonia. It is easy to get to about an hour by train or car from Barcelona. If you are a Game of Thrones fan, you definitely need to explore Girona. A lot of filming was done there.
Each trip to Europe is unique.
One of the wonderful things about visiting Europe is that each trip I take is a unique experience. For example, the first time I went to Barcelona in 2019, I caught a football match. This is back when Messi was in his heyday. I had an amazing time watching the best football player in the world at his peak.
My schedule became flexible so that I could explore more.
A nice thing that happened back in 2019 is that my travel schedule became more flexible. Both my sons were in college, so I was no longer tied to the local school calendar. Below, you see the schedule I followed when visiting Catalonia. You’ll notice I went in early October, which is a perfect time to visit Spain. I was able to spend a whole week there and explore all over this magnificent region.
I had more money available for travel
Another helpful thing happened in 2019. I was finally done paying alimony to my ex-wife. I decided to take the money I saved on alimony and used it to fund my trip to Catalonia. It was a good time to get away and explore something new. Also, due to the timing in October, Kim could not join me since her kids were in school.
BB2ME #51 — The best way to learn about a new place is by spending time there to explore it.
Why I wrote this BB2ME
It’s one thing to say you’re going to do something. It’s another thing to do it. In this case I love traveling to Europe. I read books, watch videos, and do a lot of research, all of which are helpful. However it’s not the same as going somewhere to explore it. In this case I went to Catalonia Spain for a week. I went everywhere, ate great food, slept in a castle and had a fantastic time. None of that would have happened unless I went there.
How I incorporated this billboard into my life
I incorporated this billboard into my life by increasing the times I go to Europe each year. I do my best to get there at least twice, if not three times a year. There’s so much I want to see and explore there. Wandering all of Europe is the best way I can learn about this part of the world.
What about you?
Are you actively pursuing your passions, or are you talking about doing things rather than doing them? If that’s you, I want to encourage you to actively pursue your passions and explore the world. European travel may not be your thing, but that does not matter. Whatever your thing is, get out there and do it.
I am Doug Keating, and this is my letter to my sons.