EASTER WEEKEND IN MADRID

I get it now. I get why so many people are in love with Madrid. Three weeks ago, Chris and I had a long weekend and we decided it was about time to head to the capital, for the first time. I didn’t expect to love it so much – I mean, what could beat Barcelona? – but I can’t help but say this city has its own charm as well.  

A DAY IN GRANOLLERS

Wondering if we should go away for the weekend, Chris and I were checking out hotels online when we found an amazing deal on a four star hotel, including spa.  We didn’t have to think long; let’s go! Two days later we packed our bags and hopped on the train to Granollers, only a 30 minute ride away, for a fun weekend of relaxing, strolling around and seeing what this little city is all about.

ESCAPE THE CITY: PARC DEL LABERINT

On a Sunday morning in January, instead of hanging around at the house all day, we decided to go outside and check out the oldest garden of the city: Parc del Laberint d’Horta. Up in the hills, this park is located on the border of the city and therefore less invaded by tourists. An undiscovered beauty, this historical garden blends neoclassical and romantic elements, as well as Moorish and Mediterranean influences. It’s the perfect place to go to if you want to escape the city and breathe in some fresh air!

ONE YEAR IN BARCELONA

Am I making it more difficult for myself by moving to Spain? Absofreakinlutely. Is it going to be worth it? I will let you know :-) These are the words I wrote over a year ago, before moving to Spain. Last year, our slightly crazy “let’s live abroad” dream suddenly became reality when Chris got a job. It was time to pack or stuff, say goodbye and move to the south. Let’s take a look back and see if it was worth it! 

PARTY ALL WEEK LONG: MERCÈ 2014

Five years ago, I came to Barcelona to  visit Chris and to celebrate my 19^th birthday. It also happened to be the time of the Mercè festival; it was the first time I experienced a correfoc and saw the castellers in the middle of the crowd at Plaça Sant Jaume. There were free concerts everywhere, parades, light projection shows, fireworks at the beach: I couldn’t have picked a better place to celebrate my birthday. This year, I was finally there again to enjoy the biggest festival of Barcelona!

GRACIA FESTIVAL

During the summer months, every barrio in Barcelona has its own street festival. The most popular and colorful street festival of all has to be la Festa major de Gràcia, where they go all out. Streets are decorated in the most fantastic themes, like zombie apocalypse, sea creatures, jungle or Mexican fiesta. These festive decorations are hand-made by the residents of Gràcia. A definite must-see!

TENERIFE PART 2: PUERTO DE LA CRUZ & ROAD TRIP TO TEIDE!

Finally it’s time for part two! After 2 nights in Santa Cruz and a café con leche at our favorite bakery, we took the guagua (bus) to the next destination: Puerto de la Cruz. We spent four nights in this city, chilling on the beach and sipping cocktails, but we also rented a car and explored the beautiful landscapes of this island. Read on!