By Marcelo G.R, Jacob N., Grade 10
What was supposed to be a debate trip turned into an extended stay. Without the choice to rebut, the debate team was left optionless in Spain.
The debate team, trying to get back to Munich, found themselves unexpectedly stuck in the vibrant city of Barcelona due to 70 centimeters of snow in Munich.
After a successful debate tournament, the MIS debate team was planning to leave Barcelona that Sunday afternoon. However, cancelled plane after cancelled plane saw that most of the debate team stay until Thursday. This unanticipated extension afforded them the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Barcelona, exploring iconic landmarks such as Las Ramblas and the awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia.
The members of the team even braved the chilly 6°C winter waters of Barcelona’s beaches for a refreshing swim. In addition to embracing the city’s attractions, the team indulged in the delectable offerings of local Spanish cuisine. feasting on local delights such as patatas bravas, croquetas, pan con tomate etc.
Despite the daytime delights, the mornings presented an unsettling routine of packing and anticipation, only to be met with the disappointment of yet another canceled flight, as succinctly expressed by a 9th grader on the trip who remarked,
“The situation was quite uncertain since we were waking up each day, packing all our things, thinking that our flight leaves early in the morning each day, only for it to be cancelled for some reason or another” – Raimi G.
Though this might seem like a dream, Barcelona on Lufthansa dime, it came with some major disadvantages. When returning to school, the students were met with the harsh reality, they were very behind on school.
With many tests and assignments to catch up on, they were quite stressed. Messaging all teachers for needed extensions, it was brutal. A 10th grader even went to say, “I’m going to need a lot of caffeine to make it through the 5 straight days of 2 assessments, it will definitely be difficult.”