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As the sun rose over the ocean and the city awoke behind it. A complete wave of serenity, a sense of belonging, hit me and I knew I had found another place to call home. My trip to Barcelona was unplanned, it was a whim decision where everything aligned. A friend of mine was travelling there to film a documentary and asked me if I'd like to fly over from London and meet up with him. My visa was still valid. I had leave and the funds. There was nothing to stop my reckless sense of adventure. 2 days later everything was arranged and 2 weeks later I would be adventure bound on a plane that arrived in Barcelona at just after 1 am. My days in the Catalonian capital were occupied with endless activities and awe. The Sagrada Familia, the Gothic Quarter and the ocean. On my 4th day, I decided to go up the hill to the Montjuïc Castle with a hostel mate. It was a single photo that would turn this day from good to great. My hostel mate and I didn't exchange contact details. We trusted the word of each other and the power of a midday meeting point. It worked out perfectly. We met up, caught the bus, and commenced our journey to the top. Once there we entered the fort that is Montjuïc Castle and learnt about Barcelona, Catalonia and Spain. We learnt the very structure that was meant to bring peace and restore order was once the very reason for the downfall of such a historical city. Today the Catalonian flag flies high as a symbol of peace and in remembrance of events that almost destroyed the nation. A reminder that Barcelona is for everyone but most importantly, at its heart, it belongs to the Catalonians. From the look out points of the castle one is able to experience a panoramic view of the city, the harbour and the country that extends beyond. The views are magnificent, and looking out one can truly understand why a nation would be so protective of the beauty that exudes the Catalonian district. It was here the photo was taken. The photo was of someone wearing a bright red shirt that contrasted magically with the dull browns and greys of the city that seemed to extend beyond the horizon. After taking the shot, my hostel mate encouraged me to go and ask the person if they would like me to share it with them. This is where our real adventure began! The exchange of details took place, and we left, ambling with no direction down the hill that would take us back into the city. We turned a corner and happened to walk into the people we had just exchanged details with. It was too awkward to slow down and walk behind them. Yet speeding up and walking ahead would mean we would have to maintain a pace of purpose. We were willing to do neither. Thus, our decent resulted in new-found friendships, an afternoon, evening and morning well spent. Card games learnt. Locals met. A siesta had. And most of all there were laughs shared. Walking along the boardwalk back to the hostel I saw the moon set, the clubs close, the yachts glow and people enjoying their lives. It was here that something inside of me said: Barcelona, hello! It was 4:55 am and I didn't expect to find another place to feel at home.