Which Barcelona Neighborhood Best Suits Your Family?
When my husband and I found out our family would be relocating to Barcelona, one of the things I was most excited about was finding a home in the best neighborhood. I happen to love the entire process of house hunting! This was our very first experience living abroad and I couldn’t help but fantasize about our dream apartment. An old world-styled space perfectly renovated with modern luxuries but still maintaining that gorgeous Spanish charm. Views of the Barcelona Cathedral, a short walk to the beach and the melodies of street performers outside my window were all things I thought I wanted in…
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…
Best Things to See and Do in The Balearic Islands
Traveling experts from all over the world share their very best of what to see and do on Spain’s famous Balearic Islands. Before COVID took the world by storm this Spring, the plan was for my family to take a lovely Mediterranean cruise including stops at the Balearic Islands. Before I even had a chance to begin researching the best things to see and do there, the trip was cancelled. What a pity! Three years living abroad in Barcelona has afforded our family the opportunity to see some truly remarkable parts of Spain. We’ve hiked the trails of Montserrat. Swam in the crystal…
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,…
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…
An American Expat in Spain
Truth be told, I agreed to move to Spain and become an American expat having never been here before. No pressure at all, right!? It was during a time when we were done having kids but weren’t ready to completely settle down for the next 30 years. So after some research and lots of late night discussions over wine or coffee – or sometimes both – we decided to stop questioning and start packing! Call it an enormous leap of faith, but also one of the most exciting parts of our move. The unknown waiting to be discovered. What would we find? Who would we…
Take the Quiz: Should I Move Abroad
Before Tony, my husband, and I became expats we would sit in front of the TV and watch other families move abroad. Our favorite show was called House Hunters International and featured a different story each episode. You’ve probably heard me talk about this before ha! Sometimes the people moved for work. Others simply for a change in life. But either way, their lives took a major turn and across the borders they headed! We would watch in awe how these people did it. Left all that was familiar to enter a world unknown. And we wondered, could we ever do the same…
7 Expat Lessons One Year Later
“What row are we again, hun?” I asked my husband as we stepped onto the airport tarmac leading us towards a United Airlines Boeing 757. “Uhh, I think Row 19…..seats A through E,” my husband responded and laughed as he checked all five of our boarding passes. We were in for a long nine-hour flight. Non-stop service from Newark, New Jersey to Barcelona, Spain. As we found our seats, shoved carry-ons into overheads and got situated I felt a strange and familiar feeling come over me. Deja-vu really does exist! Exactly one year ago (down to the minute!) we were boarding the same flight at…
