Below is a recap of the Amherst College Field Hockey team's recent trip to Spain, an seven-day stay from May 27th through June 2.
Hello from Barcelona!! Amherst field hockey is so excited to be in Spain to absorb some Spanish culture, see beautiful sights, and develop our field hockey skills.
DAY 1 – The team arrived in Barcelona at midday on Monday, May 27th. Though jetlagged, we made it to our hotel (right near the beach!) and then had one of many amazing meals. We loaded the bus to our first adventure: a bike tour of the city. This included a stop at Parc de la Ciutadella, home of Gaudi's Fountain, Arc de Triomf, and Júlia the Mammoth. We returned to our hotel area and ate dinner at a restaurant on the beach. We tried traditional Spanish food, including patatas bravas and milanesa.
DAY 2 – Our day started with breakfast at our hotel and we soon headed to our first hockey session. We arrived at Atlètic Terrassa Hockey Club for a training session with one of the Club's head coaches. We braved the heat and enjoyed a great practice where we expanded our skills and grew as a team. After practice, we traveled to a local restaurant for a leisurely 3-course lunch. From lunch, we loaded the bus on our way to a lovely walk, which granted us panoramic views of Spain's second-largest city, Barcelona. After our walk, we had several hours on our own to explore the city, see sights and do some shopping.
DAY 3 — On our third packed day in Spain, ACFH participated in some stand-up paddle boarding in the Mediterranean Sea. For many, the paddle board took some getting used to, but we were soon up and moving. We paddled along Barceloneta Beach, eventually relaxing and playing some games on our boards. After returning to the shore, many people laid out on the beach, soaking up some Spanish sun. After a lunch consisting of brick oven pizzas and bruschetta, we strolled along the beach leading us to board a cable car that carried us over the city. The evening brought us to our first game against one of the Atlètic Terrassa Hockey Club teams, whose coach had trained with us the previous day. After three tallies from Vivi Caruso '27 and another from
Justine Liguori '26, the Mammoths prevailed, winning 4-1. After the friendly match, we went to the clubhouse, where our hosts graciously served us Spanish tapas to close the night.
DAY 4 — On our fourth day, ACFH ran a clinic with Special Olympics España catering to differently-abled people in the area. We split into four groups, each coming up with a different game or drill to do with the athletes. After passing, shooting, and field hockey tennis, we ended the clinic with a full-field game. This event gave us a greater appreciation for our sport and how it is a vessel for connection. After the clinic, we transferred to the city center, where we spent more time enjoying local cuisines and exploring the city. After some free time, we reconvened at the famous Sagrada Familia, a basilica designed by Antoni Gaudi, and one of the most recognizable landmarks in Barcelona. The cathedral began construction in 1882 and is still ongoing – they expect its completion in 2033. We began with some time on our own to explore the church before attending a guided tour. Our tour guide explained the stories Gaudi told with each facade, the significance of the building materials used in the church, and the basilica's convoluted construction process. The evening brought our team to FC Barcelona near the Olympic Stadium for our final game of the trip. After tight gameplay and with a goal from
Isa Lattuada '26, we tied FC Barcelona 1-1.
DAY 5 – After four days in Barcelona, we packed up our things and drove three hours north to the small country Andorra, which is bordered by Spain and France in the Pyrenees mountains. Upon arrival, we dropped off our bags and took a short walk to an Italian restaurant where our expectations were once again exceeded. One menu item really stole the show - the Nutella-filled croissant. With full bellies, we drove up a mountain to Mirador Roc Del Quer, a lookout over the town of Canillo. And, of course, had some ice cream before traveling back down the mountain. Being in the heart of Andorra la Vella, the country's capital, we were able to choose from a variety of restaurants nearby before heading back to our hotel for the night.
Day 6 - Our last full day in Andorra was nothing but incredible. The morning was a bit chilly, but the air was crisp, and we were ready for adventure. We started with a hike, led by a local guide, who took us up the mountain, making stops to explain the wildlife and vegetation. The mountain was home to pigs, cows, bears, deer, and slugs, amongst other animals and plants. At the summit, we were surrounded by the snow-capped mountains, a scene that was truly magical. After our hike, we embarked on one last adventure: The Tibetan bridge of Canilla. This suspension bridge was 600 meters long and nearly 2000 meters above the river flowing through the valley, Vall del Riu. With some feeling anxious and others excited, every member of the team made their way across the bridge and back. The night ended with a traditional Spanish dinner with what felt like endless tapas, steak, salmon, and crème brûlée.
Day 7 - On our last day, we said goodbye to the mountains of Andorra and drove back to the bustling city of Barcelona. At the airport, we said goodbye to our amazing tour guide, Cristian, and boarded the plane to Boston. This trip gave us a greater appreciation for our sport and our team. Amherst Field Hockey made memories that will last a lifetime, and we are grateful for everyone who contributed to making this trip possible. In less than three months, we will be back on campus to start our fall season, and we can't wait to bring you all along that journey, too!
