Real Talk

The ten month writer’s block

While I know that blogging rule number one is to never apologize for not writing when life gets in the way, I’m just gonna go ahead and break that rule and explain myself. Here’s why I haven’t written a single word on this blog in more than ten months.

Think twice before calling Madrid a “racist” city.

So I thought it’d be important to preface this post with the definition of two words that are often misused, overused, incorrectly interchanged and rarely understood. After reading my thoughts on this topic that is hardly ever talked about (but I am constantly asked about in private), I ask...

Eight lessons learned (mainly the hard way) during Semana Santa

I would in no way classify my Semana Santa trip as a raving success. By the time it was over, I was exhausted, pissed at the world and in need of complete isolation.  Of course, it wasn’t all bad. I saw some beautiful places and met some amazing people...

How to know if you’re ready to be an Auxiliar

Alright ya’ll! In less than a week, the application period for the Auxiliares de Conversación will close on April 1, and if you’re anything like I was, you applied months ago. However, if you’re still on the fence, hop to it! The waiting period is freaking awful and I spent...

What to do when tragedy strikes at home when you’re abroad

There are so many fears that arise when you decide to move abroad, and one very real fear that no one talks about is the fear that something tragic will happen at home while you are away.  Although all of my family and friends were in good health before...

Reflections on visiting home for the first time after moving abroad

First, I must apologize for the lapse in posting. After arriving to Madrid from the US, I was hit with a heavy case of jet lag that left me disoriented and always looking for the next moment when I could sleep. Then I contracted some sort of stomach bug...

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 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....

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...

The five things Auxiliares should do within 24 hours of arriving to Madrid

Well look at that, it’s the end of September! My fellow Auxiliares and I have flooded the city of Madrid over the past week, and I know there are a few of you still out there anxiously awaiting your arrival. In my less than two weeks here, I’ve made some...