The process of selecting my destination was relatively smooth, largely due to the recommendation of my supervisor, prof. Naoya Fujiwara. Through his guidance, I was introduced to prof. Albert Díaz-Guilera, a renowned researcher in the field of complex networks. Prof. Díaz-Guilera had previously visited our lab, and after discussing my research interests, he graciously accepted my request to visit his lab at the University of Barcelona. The opportunity was particularly exciting, given his prominent standing in the field.

The most challenging part of my preparation was the visa application process for Spain, which was time-consuming and required careful planning. Once the visa was secured, the remaining preparations, such as finding suitable accommodation, proceeded smoothly and did not take much time. I was fortunate to find a comfortable place to stay, which allowed me to focus fully on my upcoming research activities.

Experiencing research life in another lab, especially one with such a vibrant academic culture, was both fascinating and enriching. During my stay, I had the privilege of participating in various activities organized by the Faculty of Physics, as well as attending the regular seminars of prof. Albert Díaz-Guilera’s group. These seminars provided me with the opportunity to engage with researchers from diverse academic backgrounds. The discussions were intellectually stimulating and broadened my understanding of complex networks.

Living in Barcelona itself was an adventure. The city is full of life and culture, and I made the most of my free time by exploring its many attractions. I visited iconic landmarks such as La Sagrada Família and Casa Batlló, both masterpieces of the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. These visits deepened my appreciation for the unique architectural style that Barcelona is known for.

Barcelona’s local culture also left a strong impression on me. I was fortunate to be in the city during the National Day of Catalonia, an event marked by lively celebrations, parades, and passionate displays of local pride. The streets were filled with people singing, dancing, and expressing their cultural identity, which was an exhilarating experience.

One of the most memorable experiences was attending a Champions League football match. Although it was disappointing that the sports stadium Camp Nou was under reconstruction, I was still able to watch a live game featuring FC Barcelona. This was my first time attending a live football match, and the atmosphere was electrifying. The energy of the fans was contagious, and I thoroughly enjoyed being part of such a thrilling event.

The three-month stay in Barcelona, made possible by the GP-DS program, was an invaluable experience that enriched both my personal and academic life. I gained a deeper understanding of the rich culture of Catalonia and had the opportunity to taste a variety of Spanish cuisine, which added to my overall experience.

On the research front, the interactions and exchanges with researchers at the University of Barcelona were particularly inspiring. These discussions not only enhanced my current research but also provided me with new perspectives and ideas that will be crucial in my future work. The experience has strengthened my resolve to continue pursuing my research with renewed enthusiasm and a broader outlook.