How to Celebrate a Traditional Easter in Spain
Whether you’re an expat or a traveler to Spain during the Easter holiday, there are some incredible traditions not to be missed! The Easter Holiday, otherwise known in Spain as Holy Week or Semana Santa, is undoubtedly the largest and most traditional religious holiday of the year. Celebrating Easter in Spain as an American expat has really opened my eyes to the different interpretations. All of which are special and sacred. Since our family has only been living abroad for two and a half years, we feel a certain tug of war when it comes to holiday time. We want to continue to…
How to Shop Women’s Clothing Stores in Barcelona
Tips for finding your favorite women’s clothing stores in Barcelona and how to shop here like a local. One of the most confusing things for me when first moving from the states to Barcelona as an expat was finding great women’s clothing stores. Hard to believe, I know, considering this is an enormous city! The neighborhood we live in has lots of privately owned shops for older women, none of which really spoke to my personal style. I tend to like colors, patterns, fitted clothes with some sort of glam (leather, stone, buckle, etc.) And it seemed I always walked out empty-handed when…
12 Popular Movies and Books Set in Barcelona
Movies transport us to another time, while books tap into the limitless possibilities of our imaginations. And its no secret that beautiful cities all over the world like Barcelona provide the perfect backdrop for many of these stories. Romantic corner cafes, dimly lit alleyways, awe-inspiring Gothic architecture, and vibrant festivals around every corner are just a few of the elements that make Barcelona so special. And the following movies and books each capture this city in such a way. Maybe you had a trip planned to Barcelona this summer that never happened thanks to COVID. Or perhaps you’ve always dreamed of visiting the…
Celebrating Christmas in Barcelona, Spain Like a Local
Learn where locals go, what they eat and how they celebrate the most magical time of year in Barcelona, Spain If you’ve just moved to the fabulous city of Barcelona or plan to vacation here over the Christmas holiday, you must be wondering how locals celebrate the most anticipated time of year – Christmas. Look no further for everything you need to know to have a magical holiday season in the Catalonia capital. We’re an American expat family that have been living abroad in Spain for more than three years. And we’ve only ventured back to the U.S. for one Christmas – which…
Living in Spain: 5 Things You’ll Fall in Love With!
What we quickly learned about the Spanish way of life that is easier and more convenient than life in the U.S. When you’re an expat living with three toddlers in Spain you need more than a foamy cappuccino and a Gothic cathedral to make everyday life run smoothly. And in Spain, where they prioritize simplicity and ease, we have come to fall in love with a few of their cultural conveniences. The first time Tony and I visited Europe we took a twelve-night cruise and immediately fell in love with this part of the world – Venice, Athens, Santorini, Dubrovnik. Our days were…
Medieval Castles Near Barcelona Not to Miss
Transport back in time to some of the most authentic and breathtaking castles near the Catalonia capital. If there is one thing about living in Catalonia that will never grow old for me, it’s the incredible and unique medieval castles near Barcelona. One more jaw dropping and awe inspiring than the next. And each with its own mysterious history. I can’t stop taking pictures every time I’m in front of one! Our personal favorite is the castle of Tossa de Mar (read below) which sits perched above the sea right along the Mediterranean with the most breathtaking views in Costa Brava. Talk about…
Skincare Secrets from Spain Discovered
The best beauty brands and skincare products in Spain uncovered for achieving a gorgeous, youthful glow. The women in Spain are quite beautiful and as an American living in Barcelona, I’ve often wondered what their skincare secrets are. Minimal makeup, long locks with a true sun-kissed ombre AND glowing skin. Youthful, dewey and bright complexions. As someone struggling to keep my skin hydrated and toned from the effects of hard city water in Barcelona, this got me thinking! *This article contains affiliate links that may result in a small commission to the writer at no additional cost or commitment to you, the consumer.…
7 Best Family Camping Sites in Spain
If you plan to travel to Spain (or are lucky enough to live here!) and are looking for a truly unique holiday experience, consider camping! Spain has some of the best family camping sites around and is the perfect getaway for nature-lovers and adventure seekers. One of our family’s very first weekend trips in Spain ended up being one of our favorites that we reflect on often. It offered lasting memories and some of the most beautiful landscapes we’ve ever seen! It’s true, Spain boasts some of the most impressive and history-rich cities in the world. But when one ventures off the beaten…
Expat Life: You Know You’re An Expat When…
While becoming an expat is a short-term arrangement, it’s no secret that after a while abroad the term “expat” takes on an identity of its own. See if you agree… Before our family relocated to Barcelona to start our expat life, I would listen in awe to my husband share stories of other expat families. At the time, Tony worked in the Global Mobility industry and was responsible for coordinating the logistics of moving employees and their families overseas. How could they just pickup and move their whole life abroad, I wondered? Sooo many details and decisions, I couldn’t imagine being faced with…
