23 Places in the World from a Birds-Eye View

Lately, I’ve been leaning towards posting cityscapes or faraway views on my Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook pages, so I started thinking: How many pictures do I have of cities from above or afar? In most of my travels, I get sucked in by the tallest spot in town and have to climb it to get Read More…

Spanish Carnaval for Beginners

Carnaval is semi-equivalent to Mardi Gras in the U.S., but on a bigger scale. It’s a popular party in the rest of the world, especially in Europe. Spanish Carnaval is one of the most popular parties in Europe, and it’s something you may want to plan around when traveling abroad. If you’re reading this, you’re Read More…

Biggest Challenges for an Expat

When I decided to move abroad, it came with feelings of excitement of the unknown, expectations of adventure, and looking forward to learning new cultures and meeting new people. I focused on the positives so I didn’t talk myself out of going once I booked the flight and had my visa. I completely tuned out Read More…

The Last Packing List You’ll Ever Need

Before a big trip, everyone starts thinking about their packing list. Some people pack a week in advance to make sure they don’t forget anything, others pack the night before so they can continue to use all of their things up until the very last day. But I’d be surprised if I met someone who didn’t have Read More…

What is Spain’s Cultural Ambassador Program?

In 2014-2015, I participated in Spain’s Cultural Ambassador Program, or Auxiliares de Conversación en España. So what exactly does that mean? This post is for anyone who has an adventurous side. What is Spain’s Cultural Ambassador Program? There are lots of communities in Spain where the people don’t have the means to travel abroad to learn English Read More…

Home For Christmas: Forgotten Luxuries

The title to this post might be misleading, depending on how you define the word “luxuries.” Of course I would love limos, servants, and movie theaters in my basement, but I’m talking the little luxuries of everyday American life, like heat, and cranberry sauce. I found all my forgotten luxuries when I went home for Read More…

Why Does Living Overseas Make You A Better Person?

So why does living overseas make you a better person? It Opens Your Mind People here in Spain have asked me questions I think are silly, but they are truly curious about what my lifestyle is like. They ask me if I’m rich because I am living in Spain for 9 months. My answer to Read More…

An Expat’s View of the Spanish Culture

When I first applied to the Language and Culture Assistant program, I thought I knew all about the Spanish culture because I studied Spanish in school and read a few books that took place in Spain. I didn’t prepare much for a culture shock because I wasn’t expecting much of one. How different could such a Read More…