Winter Break: Part 2

I may sound like a real snob when I say, I was not that fond of Barcelona...sorry! I'm guessing its because it wasn't summer, and it would certainly be awesome to be at the beach tanning, but as massive cities go, I'd rather be in calmer, cleaner Madrid, with so many less tourists...but that's just my opinion...that said, Barcelona's amazing architectural sites from Gaudí are pretty amazing and you won't find them in Madrid. Here are his crazy, but oh, so cool houses:

And then there's Park Güell which, once again, is just weird, but in an awesome way...And we must not forget the Sagrada Familia which has been under construction since, oh, around 1882!!!
Again, unbelievable sites that you have to see in Barcelona, and then get yourself away from the crazy tourists crowding every square block of the place! Kidding, kidding, really you should head to a tapas bar because you won't be seeing any of the amazing tapas they make there in just about any other place I've been to!

Winter Break: Part 1

After living four months in Madrid, I'd like to think I've got it down pretty good now. I completed the first two semesters of three of my Master's which is extremely hard to believe but OH, so exciting, I've mastered the metro which is probably the nicest I've seen anywhere, and learned how to hop up on a bar stool and ask frankly and without much anglosaxon politeness for my Mahou (practically the only beer available here) and a my pincho of tortilla española. Sí, being a madrileña means being asking for what you, want when you want it, and without a please or thank you.

As for my little adventures, most of them happened recently with my parents when we saw lots of Madrid, Barcelona y some small towns close to Madrid. I would have to say that my personal favorite was the monastery on top of the mountain about an hour outside of Barcelona, Montserrat. It was absolutely beautiful and I wish I could have spent more time hiking around.This is Mom and I up on top of the mountain.Here's the monastery in the side of the mountain.

So, if you take a trip to Barcelona, Montserrat is a must, while I loved all the amazing architecture of Antoni Gaudí, its just can't compare to the beauty of nature.
Happy New Year!

The Next Chapter

I've moved from a small French city of about 100,000 people to a massive Spanish one of about 3,000,000. Each has their pros and cons, but I am definitely a big city girl. This could also be the typical 'honeymoon' stage part of any big move, but things like going for a morning jog in the beautiful Retiro Park, hoping on the metro or being able to have amazing tapas and Cantanese food in the same week makes me think that after a year in Madrid, I'll be crying the day I leave.

Not only the size is a big change, but also the culture and lifestyle in Spain. I love France, but I must say the welcoming people here make me oh-so-happy! We went to a restaurant the other night and the waiters served us with a smile, laughed, helped us out and came to the table before a half hour had passed...really, I felt bad not leaving a bigger tip (and you don't tip in Spain). I am also, surprise, surprise, LOVING the prices, still expensive by US standards, but a really amazing cup of coffee at 1.30 euros - compared with 2 or more in France - makes me not even care that there's a Starbucks two blocks from my house!!!
Although I am absolutely loving the big city, everyone keeps telling me that the 'real' Spain is in its pueblos; therefore, yesterday we headed to Segovia, an hour and a half Northwest of Madrid. Segovia is known for its Cathedral, Roman Aqueduct and Castle. More than anything, the town is just that kind of romantic, European city that has adorable little streets (above) where you wish you had a vacation home.
Here's the aqueduct with the beautiful view of the city.
The Cathedral of Mary of Segovia.The Alcázar Castle that was used by Disney to construct Cinderella's Castle!

!Besos a todos!