Water polo is violent, and I love it. Through my eyes, all I see is a well-choreographed dance in the waves. It’s a familiar scene that fills me with a feeling of camaraderie and exhilaration. Yet, here, thousands of miles away from my team, I was hit with a twinge of regret. Studying in Barcelona was an opportunity that I could not pass up; however, it came at the cost of the sport that had become an integral part of my life, water polo. Tragically, without a full team and pool, this niche sport cannot be played.
Determined to stay connected to the sport I’d come to love, I embarked on a search to find alternative ways to stay fit while abroad. My commitment was solidified as I immersed myself in the water, seeking solace and finding familiarity in the rhythmic strokes of swimming. Swimming became my lifeline, allowing me to maintain a sense of connection to water polo.
My first hurdle was scouring the city for a suitable place to swim and train, all while navigating through language barriers and unfamiliar surroundings. I knew I wanted to find a pool that sold daily tickets and had enough lanes to allow me space to practice without bothering other swimmers. After persistent research, I finally found Piscina Sant Jordi, an Olympic-sized (50-meter) indoor pool that ticked off all my boxes. A close second place was Piscines Bernat Picornell, a large pool complex located in Monjüic, which was home to the 1992 Summer Olympic Games.
Adjusting to Spanish aquatic facilities, I strived to stay fit, maintain my technique, and be ready to dive back into the game upon my return. Through my investigation, I came to realize the differences between American and Spanish pool etiquette. Initially what struck me as odd about Spanish pools was the use of swimming caps. Unlike in the United States, all swimmers are required to wear a swim cap. Even bald men are not exempt from this stipulation. Be this as it may, I have yet to feel a stray hair brush past me in the pools here, so I have no complaints with this rule.
Similar to the first difference, the second that caught my attention was regarding personal hygiene. Pre-swim showers are not just recommended as they are in the U.S. but enforced. Prepare yourself for a pre-swim wash to cleanse off any grime that could cause waterborne illness.
On the few days I didn’t feel up to the long walk to the pool, I would opt to make use of one of Barcelona’s biggest attractions: the beach. The manmade sandy beaches that line Barcelona are the perfect spot for open-water swimming and remain warm enough for swimming into the late fall months. After a few visits, I even befriended a local swimmer who recommended Bogatell beach as the quietest and calmest of them all.
In Barcelona, my passion for water polo never faltered but evolved through swimming and discovering Piscina Sant Jordi. Adapting to unfamiliar surroundings, I embraced the challenge of staying enthusiastic about the sport that I love and found sanctuary in Barcelona’s waters.
Addie Jay is a student at the University of Pittsburgh and an ISA Featured Blogger. She is studying with ISA in Barcelona, Spain.