Mehdi visits Barcelona

The day begins very early for Mehdi in Barcelona. The sun is barely showing its first rays, but the young man is already prepared to take on the city. He leaves his apartment with a determined step and heads toward the bus stop. As he settles in on board, the hum of the engine accompanies him through the still-quiet streets, where urban life is slowly waking up.

Mehdi gets off the bus and finds himself facing the majestic Sagrada Família. The sight is striking. The infinite details of the stone catch his eye as he blends into the flow of numerous visitors from all over the world. A tour guide gives explanations through a megaphone, his voice echoing amidst the admiring whispers of the crowd contemplating the towers soaring toward the sky.

To continue his journey, Mehdi dives into the entrances of the Barcelona metro. He lets himself be carried by the flow of commuters, lulled by the characteristic rumble of the train on the tracks. A few stations later, he steps back into the daylight and emerges onto the magnificent Plaça Reial. Under the arcades and palm trees, the atmosphere is vibrant, paced by the footsteps of passersby and the joyful hubbub of the square.

Lunchtime has arrived. Guided by lively notes, Mehdi pushes open the door of a warm, welcoming restaurant. While the kitchen bustles and glasses clink, a group of musicians plays a live set of Catalan rumba. Mehdi sits down, savors his meal, and lets himself be carried away by the festive energy and the rhythm of the guitar.

Mehdi resumes his walk and crosses the famous Plaça Catalunya, a true crossroads of the city where pigeons and travelers meet. But late afternoon is approaching, and a crucial appointment awaits him. Mehdi finds a lively bar to watch the Tunisia match for the Africa Cup of Nations. The Spanish sports commentary blares from the television as he holds his breath with every play, sharing the excitement of the moment with the other patrons.

Night has now fallen over Barcelona. After this intense and emotionally rich day, Mehdi heads back. He enters the quieter streets of Poblenou, his adopted neighborhood. The silence becomes more prominent, only broken by the distant laughter of a few passersby. Mehdi smiles, tired but happy, as he heads inside to get some rest.