Avoid Getting Pickpocketed in Barcelona with These Tips
Learn the places to avoid, the distractions to be aware of, and the smartest products to prevent getting pickpocketed in Barcelona. Unfortunately, it turns out the rumors are TRUE. Barcelona, as incredible and unique a city as it is, also takes the cake when it comes to being the number one city in the world for pickpocketing! But fear not – these tips will help you avoid this petty crime while visiting. Perhaps it’s the warm weather year round or the inexpensive cost of living – but Barcelona seems to attract a larger population of needy than other European cities. In the Catalunya…
What is Reverse Culture Shock and How to Tackle It
Many expats and travelers experience culture shock in a new place, but what about the reverse culture shock that happens when returning home? How hard can it really be to return home after years of living abroad? Most expats focus on the initial cultural shock they experience in a foreign country. But not to be ignored is the adjustment that comes with returning home to the country you’ve always known…this time as a citizen of the world. Kind of like visiting your favorite restaurant only to find everything on the menu has changed. It’s called “reverse culture shock” and refers to the emotions…
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…
Are You Moving to Barcelona? Common Expat Questions Answered
Answering some of the most common questions I receive from expats preparing to move to Barcelona. So you’ve decided the expat life is for you (maybe after taking my online quiz here) and you’re ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime! Congratulations on making a fantastic decision to move to one of the most desired cities in Europe. As an expat wife living in Barcelona for three years, this city has earned a very special place in my heart. But before stepping foot here, I spent the months leading up to our relocation agonizing about soo many things. Neighborhoods, schools, apartments,…
8 Awesome Weekend Trips from Barcelona in Under 2 Hours
Mountains, beaches, history & nature make weekend trips from Barcelona limitless. According to local travel authorities, holiday-goers should plan to spend their summer months much closer to home by taking road trips versus jet setting to a faraway place. And with so many beautiful beach towns and remote mountain villages to visit from Barcelona in just under two hours, this isn’t necessarily bad news! Of course, we’ve loved exploring new European cities like Vienna, London, Paris, Prague, and Rome. But a friend once told us if we moved to Spain and didn’t have a chance to actually experience it beyond Barcelona, it would…
What It’s Like Living Abroad During a Global Pandemic
No matter what corner of the planet you’re on, the global pandemic has been the focus of all nations. Businesses have shut their doors, many people have lost their jobs. And sadly, thousands have lost their lives. It’s a scary, uncertain and stressful time for us all whether you work on the front lines protecting and treating the sick or are sitting at home waiting for what comes next. Here at home, where we haven’t left the apartment to do more than take the trash out or grocery shop, it feels like we’re in mourning. Mourning the loss of travel, the loss of…
My Favorite Apps for Tourists and Expats in Barcelona
How in the world would we survive these days without the convenience of technology? Things that seemed virtually impossible 20 years ago are now a finger swipe away. I’ll admit, sometimes I think about the fact that our family has moved to the other side of the globe and wonder if we’re crazy! Language barriers, cultural differences, currency conversions, metric system, city navigating. It’s all overwhelming if you stop and think about it long and hard. But then I’m reminded of how modern the world has become. How very easy it is today, thanks to the internet and tons of useful apps, to…
One Thing I Hate About Being an Expat
If you look at photos and videos of our time living abroad, it seems life is bliss. And believe me, we DO love living life overseas. Exciting experiences, new friends, rich cultures – there’s so much to gain from living overseas! So what is the one thing I could possibly hate about being an expat? Oh, there is a “thing”, trust me! It’s something I should have anticipated all along, well before arriving in Spain. It’s something that, if it weren’t for this incredible experience, we could have actually avoided. And despite all this, in a weird way, I’m thankful for this “thing”…
5 Perfect Date Nights in Barcelona
Looking to wow your special someone with a unique date night in the Catalan capital? These 5 ideas will guarantee a night to remember. After more than three years living in this vibrant city, one thing is for sure. Barcelona has it all! Whatever you’re into when the sun goes down, it offers the perfect date night for couples. Seeking a romantic table for two in a quiet outdoor plaza? Plenty of top notch restaurants to choose from. Perhaps you’re into a more authentic experience wandering the dark alleys of El Born – lots of options. For adventurers in search of reaching new…
