May 2012
5 posts
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Bilbao's Best Pintxo
There’s a Basque saying that succiently sums up the culture:
Nola jan jakitea, nahikoa jakitea da.
To know how to eat is to know enough.
If you’ve ever been to Basque Country, or met a Basque person, chances are, you’ve discovered they’re super passionate about food. Everyone’s a foodie. Conversations about food come up regularly, and social gatherings...
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Bilbao (or as the locals say: El Centro del Mundo)
There’s many reasons to love Bilbao. Some surrender themselves to the famous Basque cuisine served up all over town, while others are enchanted by the rolling green hills that surround the city or its brown-sugar sand beaches.
I personally love Bilbao because in some ways it reminds me of Seattle with its moody weather, proud locals and abundant greenery…but with much, MUCH better...
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Travel Photo Editing For Absolute Beginners
My photos of the places I’ve traveled to will always remain among my most treasured souvenirs of a place. They’re unique to me, as the photos reflect the places and people I’ve seen through my eye alone. When I get home, I’m excited to go through them, and hand-pick the shots I want to edit. This process of looking back on them never fails to bring me right back to the...
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How To Learn English (and Other Foreign Languages)
As someone who has been running what I call my “one-woman English academy” for the past two years, I’ve learned not only how to teach my native language to others of all levels, I’ve also learned the techniques to learning a second language. I always tell my students not to be shy in front of me, because I’m a student myself—learning their language, Spanish.
So...
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Why Basque Country Needs to Be on Your Itinerary
Playa La Concha in San Sebastián, Basque Country
I often get e-mails from readers asking for my Spain travel advice. They give me a run-down of their itinerary and it always looks something like this: Madrid, Barcelona and somewhere in Andalucía (usually Sevilla or Granada). Once in awhile I might see a trip planned around a famous festival—like San Fermines (The Running of the Bulls) in...
April 2012
6 posts
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Lisbon vs. San Francisco: Are the Comparisons...
If you’ve heard someone talk about Lisbon, you’ve probably heard them compare it to San Francisco. But, is it true? Could Lisbon, founded in 1255, really have that much in common with San Francisco, founded hundreds of years later?
In short, yes. Lisbon and San Francisco do have some striking similarities:
1) The cable cars
2) They were both built atop seven hills
3)...
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Memorable vs. Mediocre Meals While Traveling
Though Lisbon itself wasn’t my favorite, I did have a great dining experience there that I won’t forget soon.
It came the day after a mediocre meal accompanied by pretty terrible service. Now trust me, I understand that not everywhere else in the world has a tipping culture like my home country, (thanks for that lesson, Spain!) but tips aside, nothing excuses being downright rude....
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Curated Links Week 4
Photo: Taken in the white-washed seaside village of Asilah, Morocco in 2010.
Hope your weekend has been lovely, readers! My apologies for the quietness around here lately. As you know, I just got back from Portugal, and I’m trying to get reorganized.
After a hiatus last week, here’s more curated links!
It’s Sunday. In Spain, that means almost everything is shut down. So,...
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Lisbon: Not What I Expected
I look at visiting new cities as one may look at going on a blind date. Some cities you connect with and want to see again, while others leave little to be desired. Unfortunately for me, Lisbon, Portugal was the latter.
I usually never completely write off places and vow to never return, but honestly, I’d be hard-pressed to find a reason to return to Lisbon. It wasn’t horrible,...
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March 2012
12 posts
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In Lieu of Words...
…more photos of my hike to the narrowest point between Spain and Morocco.
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Curated Links Week 3
Photo: Beautiful Bilbao, Spain
That summer-like weather I described in my last post? I kinda spoke too soon. As luck would have it, Friday ushered in rain, high winds and all-together crappiness. Hopefully it turns around soon, as Semana Santa is the week after next which equals no work+a trip to Lisbon, Portugal!
Have a good week!
—-
Need to learn DSLR camera functions? Try out this...
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Hiking to Morocco?
In the remaining days of winter last weekend, the sun shone brightly, the beachfront promenade was packed with people, and a few brave souls were already dunking themselves into the Mediterranean.
I’m all for staycations and exploring locally so I don’t have to worry about things like backpacker insurance and what to wear to the airport. So, I set off into the sunshine, and I opted to...
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Airport Style
I believe that your personal style should never be sacrificed for an airplane ride. Whether I’m at the airport at 6AM or mid-day, I keep my sweatpants and slippers tucked away in my bag. However, I don’t go to extremes, and the airport isn’t my personal runway as it seems to be for some women (I will never understand wearing high-heels to get on a plane!).
I tend to meet in...
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Guest Post--Benidorm: Not Just Mobility Scooters!
Benidorm. Wait! Don’t judge a book by its well-publicised cover. Thanks to the popular ITV show, this Costa Blanca resort has been given a slightly wronged name. Yes, it’s brash, at times it can be a little tacky, but it’s also full of beautiful beaches, with a year round mild climate and boasts a huge range of activities.
The famous high-rise skyline is the postcard picture of Benidorm. Despite...
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Why I Prefer To Be Rich in Experiences
Before I graduated from university, I envisioned my post-grad life to be somewhat of the following: successful career in PR, apartment in the city, happy hours with my girlfriends, etc. After I studied abroad, as cliché as “I found myself in Europe” may be, I did absolutely discover that travel was going to be a priority in my life and the aforementioned vision of what I though being...
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Curated Links Week 2
Photo: San Francisco, 2011
I hope you’re all recovering well from St. Paddy’s Day! I had a great day—went to Tarifa for a beachside walk at sunset, out for drinks in the center, then out again for tapas and beers at one of my favorite local restaurants. We finished the meal with a shot of ron miel (honey rum, mmm!) from the bar, that our waiter so nicely decided to give us....
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Santorini: The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of
Going through my Santorini pictures always makes me happy. I feel so blessed to have been able to visit this famous Greek isle, not once, not twice, but THREE times! It’s truly a magical place, and even though it’s overrun by cruise ship groups come high-season, I recommend it to everyone, as it’s an island with something to please everyone.
Though Santorini promises to be an...
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Curated Links.
Notre Dame at dusk. Paris, 2011.
Believe it or not, my only interests do not just consist of travel and Spain. Here’s my list of favorite assorted links and reads from this week; accompanied by one of my travel photos from the archives. Curated Links are to be updated every Sunday and best read in your PJ’s. Cup of café con leche optional. ❤Christine
I miss being a student, so when...
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Hydra: A Traffic-Free Island in the Aegean Sea
Though back home in Seattle friends and family are still bundled up, here on the Mediterranean, it’s already feeling like spring. These next few months are the perfect time to visit southern Europe: it’s warm and mostly sunny, with lower airfare and fewer crowds than the high-season of July and August bring.
It’s no secret that one of my absolute favorite places in the world...
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Guest Post--Spain on a Budget: It is Possible?
Travelling can be expensive, no matter where you go. It can be especially expensive if you enjoy the finer things in life or if you have family in tow. But budget restrictions shouldn’t mean that you should give up your travelling dreams or your perfect holiday abroad – it is possible to do things on a budget no matter where you head to.
If Spain is the place that takes your fancy, there are...
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My 7 Super Shots
Hostelbookers.com, one of my go-to sites for booking travel accommodation, has started up a meme to share favorite travel photos in the blogging community. One of my favorite bloggers, Erin from La Tortuga Viajera, has tagged me to participate, so here goes!
A photo that…takes my breath away
Santorini, Greece is as breathtaking in person as it is in photos. It is truly one of the most...
February 2012
4 posts
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Carnaval in Cádiz via Instagram
After spending my first Carnaval in Cádiz back in 2010, I knew I’d be back. Though that first visit took me there on a Saturday night, braving the cold, the bottle-filled streets and the mobs of people until the wee hours of the morning, this year, I was content with settling for a Sunday day-trip instead.
If I thought going in the day would mean I’d be missing out on the...
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Honey River
Since I’m in a bit of a chocolate-induced food coma, I’ll let my photos do the talking. Here are the promised pictures of my hike from this past weekend in El Rio de la Miel, or Honey River.
Feliz Día de Los Enamorados!
P.S. Did you know the Spanish are considered the world’s most romantic nationality? Well, CNNGo seems to think so!
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A Hike in Jimena
Though the white-washed village of Jimena de la Frontera was beautiful; its flower-filled patios and steep, winding streets couldn’t compare with the natural beauty in its surroundings.
After climbing to the top of the foothills which Jimena clings to, I walked through the ruins of the Moorish Castle. At one time, the castle made an ideal lookout for approaching threats as the views...
January 2012
9 posts
5 tags
Hang This On Your Wall.
Not that anyone actually needs inspiration to travel, but when your suitcase is collecting dust and you have no trips planned for the foreseeable future, a gorgeous typography print on your wall will perk you up and get you motivated to put a few extra pennies in the travel fund.
So, I saved you the time of scouring Etsy, and found these darling prints by some very talented artists. Don’t...
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Andalucía's White Towns: Jimena de la Frontera
When you live in a bustling, congested port city, sometimes you just want to get away. To escape the noise, the pollution, the people, and find solace in a quieter, simpler place.
This place for me was Jimena de la Frontera.
Jimena is the type of fairytale Spanish town that seems straight-out-of-a-postcard. White-washed villages have always captured my heart, but Jimena’s regal position...
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Life Lately via Instagram
So all you fellow iPhone owners are likely familiar with the app Instagram. If not, it’s an app that turns your blah camera phone photos into something a bit more eye-catching with fun filters.
Anyway, a fellow blogger, Jenni of Story of My Life, started documenting her day-to-day life via Instagram, compiled them into a weekly round-up and has encouraged other bloggers to participate. So...
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17 Mile Drive, California.
If you ever find yourself driving near Monterey and/or Carmel, California, stop everything and find the signs that point you towards the 17-Mile Drive. This gorgeous stretch of scenic road leads you through the Del Monte Forest to the Pacific coastline with several sights and stops in-between.
If you go slowly, as I did, it can make for a beautiful day-trip. Otherwise, plan on at least...
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Guest Post-Northern Majorca: Peace and Quiet...
The Balearic Islands are home to many treasures, but none are as stunning as the northern coast of Majorca. Home to many towns and resorts, including Puerto Pollensa and Alcudia, the north of the island is a far cry from the busy atmosphere of the south. Majorca is certainly an island of contrasts, with lush green hills and white sandy beaches, to the bustling hubbub of Palma and the party town of...
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What I'd Wear: Casual City Sightseeing
I’ve been wanting to find a way to incorporate fashion into my seemingly ‘Spain-only’ blog. Those who know me can attest to my love of fashion, or at least, my inability to avoid sales at my favorite stores. This is another reason why expat lifestyle wins out for me—I get to have a closet! Albeit, a small European one.
So, I’ve started a new series: What...
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An American's Perspective on Celebrating The...
As of Saturday, the holidays in Spain are officially over. Three back-to-back weekends of stuffing my face with everything from jamón to croquetas, tipping back glasses of vino and bubbly, conquering the cobble-stone streets in high heels and exchanging gifts has finally wound down.
This was my first entire holiday season spent in Spain, and after a very American Christmas last year, I’ve...
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So, You Wanna Live in Spain? Here's How.
Salamanca, Spain
Dreaming of basking on golden beaches in Andalucía, exploring cosmopolitan Barcelona or dining exceptionally well in Basque Country? Have you always wanted to learn Spanish and immerse yourself in a new culture? I wanted it all when I set out to find a way to move to Spain in 2009.
I remember searching the WWW high and low for someone like me, someone who’s been there,...
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San Francisco in 48 Hours
I managed to pack in a lot of sight-seeing into just two days in San Francisco.
Here’s what I did/saw:
Admired the skyscrapers in the Financial District
Saw the Christmas lights in Union Square
Sampled clam chowder (yes, in a sourdough bowl) and saltwater taffy
Explored Chinatown’s gastronomy
Went to the Golden Gate Bridge
Strolled around Ghirardelii Square
Toured...
December 2011
8 posts
4 tags
Christmas Scenes in Algeciras
Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Though I spent Christmas up north (no going home this year, boo-hoo!) I took a walk around my town to take in some of the Christmas decor and share it with you. :)
A tiny church in Plaza Alta.
And the main church in Plaza Alta.
Plaza Alta’s Christmas Tree.
The Town Hall during a 3-D show.
Interesting.
An Algecireño street.
Lights...
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Where I Went in 2011
As the year wraps up, I’m looking back on how amazing it’s been, and how lucky I feel to be enjoying these experiences. This year, though I added just one new country to my list, I added many new destinations and explored my adopted country even more thoroughly.
January
I started off 2011 fresh from a Christmas visit in my hometown of Seattle. I rang in the New Year in the...
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San Francisco's Chinatown
During my recent trip back to the United States, I stopped not only in my beautiful city of Seattle, but also in San Francisco, for a week of relaxing with loved ones and sight-seeing. I had been to San Francisco’s Chinatown a few years before, but the memories were fuzzy, so I made sure to include it on my itinerary this time around.
I’m so glad I did.
Street Art in San...
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Why Being an Expat is The Best of Both Worlds
Even those who travel long-term, and are arguably, “living the dream”, aren’t free of complaints. They’ll be the first to tell you that while life on the road is amazing, on some days, you just get tired of travel.
Flying high.
That’s why I’m of the belief that expat life is simply the best of both worlds.
Though I’ve written before about...
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Wake-up Call.
Oh, Spain. A trip to the hospital right after my return from my amazing US vacay wasn’t the warmest welcome back.
But let’s be honest, I really can’t blame it on you.
After 5+ hours in the plane from Seattle to Philly, then another 7 from Philly to Madrid, plus a 6 hour unplanned nap in the car (damn jet-lag!) and yet another 6+ hours driving down to el sur, my leg was hating...
Guest Post: Tips to enjoy stress-free travel...
This post has been made possible by moneysupermarket.com.
Seeing the world and taking in as many different cultures and customs is an amazing experience and that well-worn saying that travel broadens the mind is certainly true.
Here are a few pointers to remember for anyone about to embark on a special trip around Europe that are designed to ensure your break goes as smoothly as possible:
Invest...
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Guest Post: Experience the Holiest of Holies in...
Today’s post has been made possible by firstchoice.co.uk. For a truly unique look into Spanish culture, consider a holiday around the famous Holy Week celebrations that take place in Sevilla each year. I myself have yet to go, but the experience is definitely on my bucket list!
Spain is a country overflowing with warmth, culture and intrigue and it’s a shame that many people only get a...
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Home.
I’m back in Spain after 3 short, but blissful weeks back home in the States. Though coming back to Spain is always difficult, I appreciate the perspective it gives me, and how it’s made me value every second I spend with my family and friends.
Before this last trip, I hadn’t been back to my homeland for a year. Going back was exactly what I needed to start the new year off...
November 2011
10 posts
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Guest Post: Fall in Love With Gaudi's Barcelona
While I’m enjoying my last few days at home, please read on about Barcelona’s esteemed architect, Antoni Gaudi. Today’s post has been made possible by Jet Abroad.
Barcelona is the home of great architecture in Spain. Although the city might not have a reputation as being the cheapest destination in Spain to visit, if you take advantage of the cheap flights on offer at the...
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Guest Post-New Culture, New Climate: Sweating...
Fitting in perfectly with Christine’s summer-inspired posts about the best beaches in and around her location in Southern Spain, I thought it might be nice to add some of my own perspectives now that I’m heading into my second summer of 2011. Plus, Christine’s at home in cold, rainy Seattle this holiday season, so what a better way than to bring her some warmth!
After seeing the beginnings of...
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Guest Post: Celebrating Thanksgiving Abroad
Today’s guest post is from Lauren of laurensroadlesstraveled.com. After living and studying in both Australia and England, she’s back in the U.S., readjusting to American life in Washington D.C. Here, she shares her experience celebrating Thanksgiving abroad, and sharing a part of her culture with others. Enjoy!
One of my fondest memories while studying abroad in England was the...
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Guest Post: From Olive Groves to Grape Vines
Hi, I’m Liz from Memoirs of a Young Adventuress, where I blog about traveling and expat life abroad. Four years ago, I said goodbye to the freezing cold New England winters and hola to sunny warm Spain for the first time, and I haven’t looked back since. Unsatisfied living in the same place for too long, I have called several cities in Spain home, from Salamanca to Madrid, Córdoba and...
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24.
Today, yours truly hits the quarter-of-a-century-old mark. As I’m celebrating turning 25 in San Francisco, I wanted to share my reflections on what the past 24 years of my life have taught me—lessons I’ve learned, and am sometimes revisiting and reminding myself of.
You are responsible for your own happiness. Fight for it.
Never take the good people in your life or your...
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Guest Post: Coming Home
So, you’ve spent the last year teaching English in Spain/on a round-the-world trip/WWOOFing in rural Australia/generally avoiding the real world. And you’re coming home. Ugh. To some people, coming home is a let down. There are no multilingual parties with blasting house music in small town America. There are no beaches in Nebraska. Everybody speaks English and you can’t make 20 euros an hour...