Christine.in.Spain: Spain Travel Blog

Carnaval in Cádiz via Instagram

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:19:00 +0100

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 party—I was dead-wrong.

Carnaval surges full-steam ahead throughout the week and Sunday was just as crazy as Saturday night. However, instead of rain and chilly temps, I said “Salud!” with Rebujitos and Cruzcamp in the sunshine, and found there were just enough people to fill the streets while also making moving around the city an option.

If you choose to go on a Friday or Saturday night, realize you’ll be packed in a crowd and it will be frustrating trying to move anywhere. Passing around a bottle of manzanilla with your amigos and being stranded in the middle of a plaza with no where to tinkle is not my idea of a good time.

That’s why I heartily recommend going on Sunday instead.

You’ll get to see everyone’s costumes much more clearly in the sunlight.

You’ll even find quiet pockets of the city as you snake around the streets.

Bartenders won’t be grumpy—yet.

You’ll be able to enjoy bar-hopping with much more ease of getting around.

You’ll run into cuartetos and chirigotas performing in each plaza.

You’ll see this ancient city bathed in sunlight.

The Catedral is prettier at sunset than at 3AM anyway.

You’ll enjoy beachside drinks.

You’ll see peeks of the city at night.

You’ll get to watch the sunset over the Atlantic before you head home to a nice, warm bed.

Have you ever been to a Carnaval celebration?

Honey River

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 23:54:27 +0100

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!

Here’s a sneak peek of the gorgeous day I had yesterday...

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 21:39:03 +0100

Here’s a sneak peek of the gorgeous day I had yesterday hiking en el campo.

Can you believe this is what February looks like here?

A Hike in Jimena

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:27:34 +0100

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 stretch all the way to Gibraltar.

I’m continuously amazed by tangible history in the form of ruins. Maybe that’s what drew me to study abroad in Greece?

When I finished ooing and aahing, I found the perfect little spot for a picnic:

Then, I started the trek down the rugged hillside…and by rugged, I mean there was no trail leading me down! However, I was rewarded with views like this as I stepped precariously through the rocky landscape:

Some of the trees used for the cork in wine bottles.

And just when I thought I had found a remote place, this guy showed up:

Perfect way to end the day.

To get to Jimena de la Frontera, I took the Algeciras-Granada train and walked from the train station (Estacíon de Jimena) into the city.

Hang This On Your Wall.

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:59:50 +0100

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 want to invest? At least pin them on Pinterest, and give them some love…oh, and while you’re there, follow me!

Via MaeChevrette on Etsy

via Flourish Café on Etsy

via EinBierBitte on Etsy

Via HereandThereShop on Etsy

Via KeepCalmShop on Etsy

Via TravelRelated on Etsy

Via AmyRiceArt on Etsy

Via vol25 on Etsy

via LazyDaisy7 on Etsy

Andalucía's White Towns: Jimena de la Frontera

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:24:00 +0100

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 perched high up on the foothills of the Serranía de Ronda commands your attention.

As a town that carries “de la Frontera”, Jimena’s name is a reference to the Moorish occupation of Spain. Other white villages like Arcos de la Frontera and Vejer de la Frontera all make up what was once the border between Muslim-ruled and Christian-ruled Spain.

In fact, Jimena has seen occupation by many: the Phoenicians, Iberians, Carthaginians and Romans.

However, nowadays, things are much more quiet and these towns make up the famed pueblos blancos (white villages) of Andalucía, though not all carry “de la Frontera” in their name.

The pueblos blancos range from chic seaside resorts, to quiet nature retreats. Visiting Jimena is definitely a gorgeous way to connect with nature.

With stunning views that stretch all the way to the Bay of Algeciras and Gibraltar, I didn’t tire in taking in my surroundings:

And though everyone like to describe small towns as “charming”, Jimena absolutely encapsulated the word.

It was oozing it.

After trekking to through the steep hills of town to where the castle is located, I found the perfect spot for a picnic and went for a ~~leisurely walk~~ grueling hike back down the other side…

Stay tuned to see what I encountered!

Life Lately via Instagram

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:36:10 +0100

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 with no further ado, here’s life lately through the lens of my iPhone:

A walk around the neighborhood at sunset. Love the bright colors+Spanish architecture.

Meanwhile, back home in Seattle, snow dumps in my parent’s backyard.

Guilty pleasure: trashy magazines to build my Spanish vocabulary. :)

Cous-cous and a lentil+curry soup drizzled with coconut milk. Courtesy of mi amiga. :)

Weather in Spain in January. That’s Morocco in the background!

Who can resist the bi-annual sales in Spain? Not this girl.

Coming from Seattle, I’ve promised myself to never take the sunshine for granted. Especially in winter!

Sunrise from my balcony.

Here’s to another lovely week!

17 Mile Drive, California.

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:54:41 +0100

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 two-three hours for stops and photos. If you’re pressed for time, it’s still worth paying the toll (about $10) and driving through.

The 17-Mile Drive isn’t just stunning scenery, the famed Pebble Beach golf course and The Lone Cypress tree. It’s also a wealthy neighborhood, dotted with mansions, several golf courses, and plenty of residents zipping by in their Lamborghinis.

As beautiful as it was, I couldn’t help feeling I had just paid the toll (residents don’t pay) to see how the other half (err, 1%, isn’t it?!) lives. As a budding photographer, the landscape was perfect for practice, but if you’re not into taking photos, you may not get the same experience out of it as I did.

Or maybe you will. It was seriously beautiful.

I’ll let you decide:

Practical Information:

Entry fee (per-car) of about $10 USD includes a map and descriptions/history of 20+ points of interest.
Motorcycles are NOT allowed entry.
Some of the coastline is closed April 1st-June 1st for seal pupping season.

Guest Post-Northern Majorca: Peace and Quiet Guaranteed

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:57:39 +0100

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 Magaluf. The north of the island is more attractive to people looking for a bit of peace and quiet, rather than an all-night party.

There are many old towns scattered across the region, which are well worth visiting. Alcudia in particular has a 14^th century wall and a number of small, local cafes which offer excellent food in this stunning location. It also has a market, where you can pick up some handmade trinkets, as well as a piece of jewellery or two.

Pollensa has two towns, one by the sea and another in the mountains. The old town, which is nestled into the lush green hills, is home to a 13th century church, Esglèsia de Nostra Senyora dels Àngels, which was built by the Knights Templar. Most houses in the town were built in the 17th and 18th centuries and many streets are very narrow and compact, a design synonymous with the medieval era. The central square, called Plaça Major, has numerous outdoor cafés and is also the home of the weekly market.

Formentor is another stunning location, situated on the tip of the coast, with rugged landscapes and spectacular views. With peace and quiet guaranteed, the cape is a stunning place to spend a week or even two.

What will you need for a holiday in Majorca?

Beach wear is a must; you will probably spend much of your time lying on the golden sand. There are some very nice restaurants in the area, so you should pack a few dresses and maybe even a pashmina or two.

With the travel market in disarray at the moment it is always a good idea to take out holiday insurance and with so many companies out there offering different policies it can sometimes be difficult to decide which one is best for you. Comparison sites like MoneySupermarket.com offer you the chance to evaluate all the different policies, so that you can get the best deal on your travel insurance.

Disclosure: This post was made possible by moneysupermarket.com

What I'd Wear: Casual City Sightseeing

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:38:00 +0100

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 I’d Wear, featuring outfits I’d choose depending on weather, location and activity, influenced by the fashion I’m exposed to here in Europe. Don’t worry gentlemen, I haven’t left you out! Here, I’ve put together two sets with a day of casual city sightseeing in mind, for both women AND men:

SHOP: Wildfox Couture long sleeve top, £105 Zara hooded coat, $100 H&m pants, £7.99 Dune over knee boots, £169 Studded bag, £10 COLLECTION XIIX fringe scarve, $38 Gucci oversized sunglasses, $275

When traveling, it’s über-important to dress in layers, as you never know if the current weather conditions will change, while keeping in mind that you’ll get warmed up from all of the walking around. These outfits have a temperature of the 50’s-to low 60’s (F) in mind, much like the winter here on the southern coast of Spain.

For women, I’ve chosen leggings as they’re stretchy, comfortable yet still chic and don’t take up a lot of room in your suitcase. This outfit in particular is all about comfort as I’ve chosen a soft, crew-neck, sweatshirt-inspired top and riding boots—perfect for a long day of walking. The hooded coat by Zara is one I actually own (in black) and provides just the right amount of warmth and slight protection from a rain shower, if need be.

Topped off by oversized sunglasses, a versatile print scarf and a messenger bag that you can store your valuables in and keep close to your body—we don’t want any pockets picked here!

Charcoal Marl Zip Through Hoodie - Mens Hoodies & Zips - Clothing -… LIGHT GREY SNOOD - Scarves & Snoods - Accessories - TOPMAN, $32 RVCA Wrightwood Mens Trucker Hat, $20 ELIXIR Mustang Mens Flannel Shirt, $25 Adidas Ciero mid blk/wht/gum, £65 Burberry Men’S Black Chronograph Watch, $575 Dior Homme 19cm Carbon Copy Denim Jeans, €801 1STDIBS.COM - Lost City Arts - Pre Depression Humpback Porcelain NYC…

For the guys, I’ve gone with comfortable layers as well: a warm flannel shirt, an optional scarf and a hoodie if you get chilly. When traveling it’s always crucial to keep a watch on you, so I’ve included this seriously stylish all-black watch by Burberry. Ignore some of the outrageous prices here and focus on the overall look. You can easily find a comparable pair of jeans for a LOT less, but with a similar cut and wash.

A trucker’s hat adds some interest to your look, and flatters most everyone, while casual Adidas sneakers are perfect for a day of non-stop action.

RECAP:

What: Casual and comfortable clothes for a day of sightseeing in the city.

Where: Where temps are similar to the southern coast of Spain, Northern California, and Greece. 50-60 F & 10-15 C.

When: Winter.

An American's Perspective on Celebrating The Holidays in Spain

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:36:27 +0100

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 come to a few conclusions:

Christmas in Spain is a More Gradual, Less-Intense Version of Celebrating.

Between Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Ever, New Year’s Day and Three Kings Day, you’ll need momentum to make it through all of the holiday lunches and dinners, however, you won’t be spending energy on decorating your house, or buying a ton of gifts for everyone from your postman to your 2nd cousin, two times removed, like we seem to feel obligated to do in the USA.

Christmas trees in the homes are generally smaller and simpler (but have you seen their Nativity sets?!), Christmas lights are mostly reserved for in the center of town, hanging above the streets (so pretty!) and from what I’ve seen stockings aren’t hung by the chimney with care…they aren’t hung at all. Bummer.

The beauty in celebrating in Spain is in its simplicity and emphasis on togetherness, which Christmas should really be about, right? Which led me to think that…

Americans Are a Bit Over-Board at Christmas. But, I Love It.

We put crazy lights up on our house. We crank up the Christmas tunes every chance we get. Heck, some of us usher in the season as early as midnight after Thanksgiving just to get our hands on the perfect gift. (Ok, not that this is a shining example of American culture.) Though celebrating the holidays abroad this year was a fun experience, I can’t say that I preferred it.

My family and I may go a little crazy finding the perfect gift for everyone, decorating the house until it looks like a winter wonderland, and baking tins full of Christmas cookies, but nothing will ever beat the joy of being home and celebrating the traditions I grew up with. There’s just a certain magic in the air on Christmas morning that Spain can’t compete with. Our overall enthusiasm for the holiday season is undeniable, while in Spain it’s treasured and enjoyed, but with less fanfare.

Holidays Make You Crave Comfort Food.

Though I enjoyed trying out new foods and sharing in the experience of eating a traditional Spanish holiday meal, spreads of mini-crabs, cold-boiled prawns, patés, and escargot just didn’t cut it. Blame it on my not-so-enthusiastic-about-most-types-of-seafood-self, but I was craving my Mom’s honey-glazed ham and scalloped potatoes on New Year’s Day and her signature perfectly juicy beef roast on Christmas. There’s nothing like being home for the holidays!

Living in a Catholic Country Is Awesome.

This last Friday we celebrated the Epiphany, of Three Kings Day in Spain. No work, and another excuse to have a dinner party and be surrounded with friends and food. America, take notes.

Hope you all enjoyed the holidays, wherever in the world you celebrated them!

So, You Wanna Live in Spain? Here's How.

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:37:42 +0100

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, done that, whom I could ask questions from like “How did you move abroad?” and “How did you find a job in a different country?”

Before I made the move to Spain, thoughts of pursuing a life abroad consumed me , I knew there had to be a better alternative to signing up to slave away in the corporate world for the rest of my life. And though I didn’t have a guide like this, spelling out my options for me, I did find an opportunity in Spain that would change my life forever.

If you’re interested in moving to Spain, I want to help you.

Here are your options:

Go as an Au Pair

This is how I first came abroad. An Au Pair is a young man or woman (though most families prefer women) who come to live with a family and teach the children English, or whatever their native language may be. It’s a great way to experience living abroad without having to worry about paying for rent or food, as it’s all provided to you. In addition, you’re given a weekly wage that you can use to go out, travel, or however you like.

I signed up for a free account on greataupair.com* and started to communicate with families. After a few months on the site, narrowing down choices and options depending on where in the world the family was located, how many kids, what would be expected of me, etc. I found a family that seemed like a good match and made the move to southern Spain.

*You can also go through an agency, but this requires money on your part.

Apply for the North American Language and Cultural Assistants Program

This is a fantastic way to come to Spain legally with a secure job. I applied to this program in 2010, and though was given a position (in the Balearic islands!) ultimately decided to give it up, as I knew I would get island-fever, and had a good reason to return to Algeciras. :) Basically, the Spanish government gives out a couple thousand English teaching assistantship positions throughout Spain to college graduates from North America.

Though getting all of the required paperwork, background checks and visa appointments is a pain in the arse, if you apply early, your chances of getting a spot are pretty good. You’ll work just 12 hours a week for a salary of around 700 eur/month. Not bad, as you’ll find if you budget and teach private classes in your free time, you’ll have enough to get by and even travel a bit. Applications opened in November and though getting placed in the area of Spain you want may be slim, it’s not too late to try.

Study Abroad

I am a huge advocate for studying abroad. It was single-handedly the most positive college experience I had, and if you have the opportunity to do so, what’s stopping you? If it’s money, look for scholarships that will help make your study abroad dreams a reality. If you’ve already completed your undergrad—don’t worry! Consider studying for your Master’s degree in Spain. Not only is tuition often cheaper, an international Master’s program always looks great on a resumé.

Get a work-sponsored visa

This is undoubtedly the most difficult way of coming abroad, but if you’re already working for an international company with offices in Spain, your chances of getting a work-sponsored visa may be higher. Also, contact language academies in Spain looking for professors—they may be willing to sponsor you. Do a Google search for “academias de íngles” followed by the city you’re looking to live in.

It’s not easy for someone outside of the European Union to find a way to live and work in Spain, but there are options. Just remember to really research the town/city you’re interested in before making the move—trust me! Or else you could end up in a city like Algeciras, which isn’t exactly straight out of a fairy-tale.

¡Buena suerte!

San Francisco in 48 Hours

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:36:43 +0100

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 Alcatraz

Walked around the touristy Pier 39

Found San Francisco’s curviest street; Lombard

Wished for bay windows

Though I’ve been to San Francisco before, it was great returning as it has been a few years. It definitely struck me as a livable city, and has been added on to my now rather long list of places in the world that I could definitely consider calling home for awhile.

Though 48 hours is enough time to see most of the major sights, it felt a bit rushed, and I would recommend at least 3 days to maximize your time in the city. I, however, had to return back south to visit with my family in San José, go wine-tasting and explore the super-charming towns of Carmel and Los Gatos. Stay tuned!

Christmas Scenes in Algeciras

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:42:51 +0100

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 strung up everywhere.

And more lights.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Where I Went in 2011

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 22:53:00 +0100

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 gorgeous waterfront pueblo of Lekeitio in Basque Country and made several return trips throughout the year.

I also returned to Sevilla to explore and it grew on me even more.

February

A beach escape to Albuefeira, Portugal for a 3-day weekend convinced me that traveling in the off-season may be the way to go.

March

March was low-key, and I spent it exploring my own backyard; Tarifa, Spain.

April

In April, I returned to Granada, met my favorite Spanish footballer (Fernando Llorente!) and tried out an Arabic Spa for the first time. Sadly, Fernando was not present.

I also celebrated Semana Santa (Easter Week) in the Basque Country, where I dined at my favorite Basque chef’s (Karlos Arguiñano) restaurant in the surfing town of Zarautz.

May

May marked the arrival of feria season in Spain. I went to Jerez de la Frontera for a gorgeous weekend of rebujitos, Andalusian horses, flamenco dresses and more!

June

June-August I severely slacked on blogging as I was busy entertaining visitors throughout the summer months. In June, I took a beautiful train-ride up north to Madrid to meet some friends, went back to Bilbao for a weekend, moved apartments and counted down the days until my family arrived!

Then, I went to Zahara de los Atunes for a weekend of beautiful beaches and al fresco dining.

July

July was a busy, busy, month of traveling all over Spain and France. After getting over a yucky stomach bug, I traveled (still not 100%) to sweltering Sevilla and caught a plane to Paris!

My week in France consisted of seeing the Jardin de Luxembourg, eating all the French pastries I could get my hands on, going to Versailles and soaking up everything Parisian!

Then, I went to Tarifa, Ronda, Marbella, Granada and Nerja before I packed up the car and road-tripped from Andalucía to País Vasco. Along the way I stopped in Consuegra and saw the famous Don Quijote windmills, took a day-trip to Toledo, stopped in Madrid and finally arrived for a week of enjoying Basque culture.

Once in Basque country, I went pintxo-hopping (txikiteo) in Donostia, sight-seeing in Guernica+Bilbao and drove up and down the curvy Costa Vasca until we got to France, making stops in St. Jean de Luz and Bayonne.

On the way back down south, we stopped for a few hours in Salamanca and made it back down to the Costa del Sol.

Phew!

August

August was a bit more relaxed, spent enjoying every minute with my family. We explored Tarifa and Sevilla together, as well as Vejer de la Frontera, a traditional Andalusian pueblo blanco.

September

Back to Basque Country I went, this time to attend my first-ever Basque wedding! It was a fun night filled with lots of food (9 courses!) drinks, and dancing!

October

A car-load of friends and I went to Granada for Halloween weekend, exploring the tea rooms in the Moorish quarter and partying until (almost) sunrise!

November

November was a super exciting month for me as I was heading home(!) to celebrate turning 25 and being there for my first Thanksgiving in 2 years. I spent a week in San Francisco before driving up through Northern Cal and Oregon until Seattle.

December

This month brings trips to Bilbao and Madrid for Christmas and ringing in 2012 respectively.

What a beautiful year it’s been!

San Francisco's Chinatown

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:40:00 +0100

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 Francisco’s Chinatown

Chinatown, as to be expected, is certainly unlike the rest of San Francisco. Old men teeter down the streets, the scent of sautéed ginger lingers near restaurant entrances, and street markets offer everything from fake Prada bags to live turtles.

The streets transport you to what one may imagine of population-heavy China: congested, lively and full of sensory surprises.

Lunchtime in Chinatown

An essential to-do on my Chinatown list was to stop for some ethnic fare. Hello, Mongolian beef, pot stickers, fried rice, General Tso’s chicken and Thai iced-tea!

Chinese lanterns were everywhere.

With a full belly, I continued through Chinatown, snapping shots of the traditionally-styled architecture before moving on to a different SF neighborhood.

Fun Facts About San Francisco’s Chinatown:

It is the largest Chinatown in the world. Well, outside of China itself.
It is the oldest Chinatown in North America.
It draws more visitors than the Golden Gate Bridge.
It is one of the most densely populated neighborhoods not only in San Francisco, but in the entirety of the United States!

Have you ever been to a Chinatown? Where? How does it stack up to San Francisco’s?

Why Being an Expat is The Best of Both Worlds

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 10:43:00 +0100

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 the downfalls of being an expat, I do recognize that this lifestyle allows you to have your cake and eat it too. With your home-base located in the country of your choice, life in a new country and culture can have the same exciting benefits as a life of continuous travel, and then some.

A road to somewhere.

Expat Lifestyle Advantages:

Once you wade through visas and red-tape, you get to call a new place in the world home for as long as your heart desires. If it doesn’t work, there’s always your real home sweet home waiting for you.
Traveling in your new homeland is always an option, and exploring the surrounding countries are too!
There’s time to settle in, learn the language and connect with locals.
You’ll learn and celebrate new traditions, while teaching yours to others.

Long-term Travel Potential Pitfalls:

No place to call home.
Uncomfortable and frequent bus rides, plane rides, etc.
Packing, unpacking, re-packing. Repeat often.
No time to connect with the locals.
Constantly applying for visas, dealing with border policies and restrictions (here’s to you, Schengen Union!)

Though I catch myself fantasizing about a RTW (round-the-world) trip, or becoming a digital nomad, being an expat in Spain suits me perfectly…for now.

Which lifestyle do you prefer? Continuous long-term traveler, or that of an expatriate?

Wake-up Call.

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:34:28 +0100

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 me by the time I lugged my bags up to my apartment.

It felt like a leg cramp initially, but got progressively worse as the hours passed.

Did I wear compression socks on the plane? No.

Did I take an aspirin before boarding. Oops.

Did I get up and walk around often? Err…sleep won out on that.

Apparently compression socks aren’t just for old people, because I wound up with a blood clot in my leg. Yup, you enter the quarter-of-a-century-club and it’s all downhill from there.

After 6 hours in the hospital, needles and catheters being poked into me, an ultrasound, and being pushed around in a wheelchair, I was given my diagnosis, some meds and was told to rest up. Thankfully, this blood clot is superficial (meaning it’s located in a vein closer to the surface of the skin, not to be confused with deep vein thrombosis which is life-threatening.)

It was a huge wake-up call, not only to be more diligent about getting up and walking around on the plane, but that the peace of mind of going to the doctor is completely worth the huge pain in the arse of going to the hospital.

So, what does it feel like? Well, it felt initially like how your leg feels right after a bad Charlie horse subsides, then the pain increased and I couldn’t walk without limping. Walking is painful—my leg feels hard and stiff and sharp pain shoots through it when I’m standing. It only really feels OK when it’s elevated, but I’m breaking up rest with just a bit of walking around as the Dr. instructed.

So to all you travelers out there, promise me you’ll: 1) get up frequently and walk around the aisles 2) take off your shoes and rotate your ankles/wiggles your toes 3) stay hydrated and avoid alcohol on the flight.

Get it? Got it? Good.

Guest Post: Tips to enjoy stress-free travel around Europe

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:33:59 +0100

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 in insurance

Never leave home without travel insurance. It really isn’t worth taking the risk of thinking you can do without it because we’ve all heard or experienced at first-hand the different holiday horror stories that can occur. Something as cheap and straightforward as a worldwide travel insurance policy can safeguard you and your belongings and leave you safe in the knowledge that if you lose your luggage or your flights are cancelled then there’s a safety net in place to protect you.

Enjoy net gains

Booking in advance online for things like flights and accommodation usually results in decent discounts and that’s money you can reinvest back into making your trip away extra special. Hotel chains and airline companies are all too happy to reward customers for booking months in advance with money-off incentives. Booking up early for things will also help to spread the cost of your getaway, which reduces the chances of going into debt to fund a holiday in Europe.

Do plenty of research

Knowledge is power, especially if you’re out and about exploring new and exciting places. Learn as much as you can about a particular place as possible to make it easier to acclimatise to your new surroundings. Check out online forums where other fellow travellers may have a few hints and tips to pass on and also try and teach yourself a few basic phrases in a foreign tongue as this’ll help you to get along with the locals.

Don’t pack the kitchen sink

The last thing you want if you’re moving from one place to the next is to be lumbered with a big suitcase packed with pretty much anything and everything you can stuff into it. Try and travel light, or at least as light as possible. Packing an item such as travel wash means you’ll be able to wash and reuse clothing, which in turn means you don’t have to pack as much. Also remember to take essentials like insect repellent and sunscreen.

Be savvy with your money

Think carefully about when and where you change currency in Europe because the rate of exchange can differ quite drastically. For instance, avoid getting money changed in airports as they are notorious for offering a poor rate of exchange, which of course means you get less in return. Euros are also not excepted in every country in Europe – they are not in England, for example – so be sure to find out what is legal tender in the country you intend to visit.

Guest Post: Experience the Holiest of Holies in Seville’s Calendar

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 10:52:07 +0100

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 small sampling of the true taste of Spain whilst on beach holidays there. When it comes to drinking in the heady taste of Seville, however, it’s possible to have your cake and eat it too by taking a short ride up from the coast to the city and there’s no better time to do this than during Seville’s Holy Week.

Semana Santa is one of the most important celebrations in Seville and can trace its origins way back to the 14^th century. Celebrated during the Easter week, Holy Week celebrates the resurrection of Christ, but it’s also an education in Spanish religious history and a time of great revelry for the Spanish people. During Holy Week floats representing the stages of Christ’s life are marched through the streets by members of the Cofradias, the religious associations whose job it is to look after the idols of Christ and the Virgin Mary that are. The Cofradias proceed from their church through the narrow streets of the city towards the Cathedral and crowds of up to one million people can gather to watch them over the eight days of Holy Week.

This procession is not just carried out by one brotherhood – over 60 Cofradias of around 60,000 brothers take part in the proceedings during Holy Week and each has their own style. Some of the groups of brothers march in absolute silence, whilst others are accompanied by brass bands, wind quartets or simple cappella choirs. No matter what their accompaniment, the audience usually hold their peace whilst the idols pass them by.

Holy Week gives tourists an important opportunity to see an event which has been historically significant to a huge proportion of Spain’s population and one that continues to be vital to this day. It may not be as lively as many of Spain’s other festivals, but what it lacks in vigour it makes up for in poignancy.