Bone Boot Camp and Barcelona are two things that Jeffrey and I would never have put in a sentence before registering for the WCC Social Science Department’s 2025 Spring/Summer Bioarchaeology Study Abroad course, ANT290. The course focuses on collecting data from skeletal remains excavated from a Roman necropolis on the island of Menorca, off the coast of Spain, as well as cultural immersion through international travel.
Our orientation to Catalonian Spanish culture began in Barcelona with our guide, Ariadna. She told us that Catalonians are very proud of their history and language which has been influenced by many peoples across the last 2,000 years. We saw Roman walls, Gothic cathedrals, Baroque, NeoClassical styles while we explored the Ramblas neighborhood.
Unlike some places in the United States, Barcelonians restore old buildings to preserve their heritage. At every turn, was a picture postcard moment. Narrow streets are not widened; instead, small cars and mopeds zip through, much like a Jason Bourne movie set.
The first landmark we saw on arrival was the city’s bullfighting arena, which reminded us of the Minoan culture’s reach in the region. In true Barcelonian spirit, the arena exterior remained the same and the interior turned into a shopping mall to support tourism.
Tragic historical moments are turned into memorials as a show of resilience. The Nazi bombing of Plaza de Saint Felip Nero in 1938 scarred the stone walls of surrounding buildings as orphans perished. Barcelonians left the pockmarked walls intact and opened a school in the plaza.
Another field trip was to the Museum of Archaeology where we saw Roman artifacts and multimedia interpretive aids, including virtual reality “sightseeing.” Our group commented on the videos of modern day actors talking about their lives in Roman society. In one video, a husband talks about all the rights and freedoms he enjoys as a full citizen. With withering looks, his wife corrects him that not everyone shares his experience.
Our last night in the city was historic—Barcelona celebrated its LaLiga soccer victory over their bitter rivals, Madrid. Fans crowded the streets to celebrate.
With that, it was off to Menorca!
Tags: Study Abroad