Living Abroad

Yourlandmyland’s Carta para Los Reyes Magos

So I’ve decided to do something different this year. In Spain, most families do not exchange gifts on Christmas, preferring to wait until Dia de Los Reyes, or Three Kings Day. This Christian holiday falls on January 6 and is also referred to as “Epiphany“, or the day when...

How to apply for the Auxiliares de Conversación program in Spain

Well guys, it’s about that time. The application period for the 2014-2015 Auxiliares de Conversación program will open next month on January 9, and I can practically feel your anxiety and anticipation from here! This program is basically a dream and I understand why any American would want to...

A Winter Getaway to Madrid

Man oh man can some cities whip out the charm during the holiday season…New York; Washington, DC; Ludwisberg, Germany (I’ve heard); and now Madrid! Most people think that a trip to Spain should only take place in the spring or summer and of course, I’m here to prove them...

The Weekend Files: La Vida Española in Chinchón

Sometimes living in Madrid, it’s hard for me to get the feeling that I’m actually in Spain. In my experience, most large cities have similarities: great restaurants, fashionable people, fast lifestyles, and occasionally the culture of the destination is lost. When I start to get the “get out of...

Where to see Europe’s most famous monuments without leaving Madrid

If you’re a bit strapped for cash but want to see the most famous monuments in Europe, I may have a solution for you. Parque Europa, located in Torrejon de Ardoz (a suburb of Madrid), is home to 17 replicas of European monuments, as well as an original piece...

How I’m Battling Homesickness

Alright. It’s time for me to cut the crap. While Spain is beautiful and my life seems completely together on paper, I would be lying through my key strokes if I were to sit here and tell you all that everything is as perfect as it seems on Instagram....

The Weekend Files: Segovia – A Photo Essay

I’ve traveled to a few places in my life that just cannot be described in words.  There’s no appropriate word or phrase to describe the vivacity of the colors, the interesting yet often complicated history, the warmth of the people and the intricate architecture. Segovia is one of those...

The Weekend Files: Hiking in Cercedilla, Spain

So I’ve been a resident of Madrid for 5 weeks now (how did THAT happen) and although I absolutely love living in the heart of the city, I was starting to go a little stir crazy. I missed changing leaves, fresh mountain air and feeling soreness in my legs...

The BEST walking tour of Madrid

I know it goes against some blogger rules to use words like “hate”, “best”, “worst”, “hottest”, etc. because they are terms that are impossible to measure (seriously PR people, how do you KNOW that your hotel is the “hottest”?), but when I come across a service that happens to...

How I found my apartment in Madrid

In my experience, apartment hunting is always incredibly frustrating and Madrid proved to be no different! Luckily, at this point in my life, I know when and when not to settle, so I was able to find an incredible apartment at the expense of only a few tears and...