Coming from Australia, living in Spain was so cheap! Whilst we had saved a lot to make the most of our year in Spain, we were able to enjoy our life there due to the fact that living expenses were relatively low. For those of you about to take the plunge, I’ve collected average costs on living in a few different cities of Spain. Some of these figures were given to me by friends who are living in those cities, and others were taken from Numbeo.
When we found out last year that we were moving to Spain in the Auxiliares program, we jumped in the air, Anchorman style, with elation. How exciting to move to the land of flamenco, churros and, more importantly, forced siestas! Then I looked at my letter confirming the town we would be living in: Pozoblanco. Um, where? (more…)
Cádiz Carnaval brings out the ‘crazies’
Spain has many festivals, but Carnaval has to be one of the most accessible. You don’t have to risk your life running with bulls or cop a tomato in the eye. But Carnaval IS one of Spain’s craziest and most enjoyable festivals. With that in mind, we and a bunch of friends decided to travel to the sea-side city of Cádiz (click on the link to read about Cádiz) to enjoy the festivities with the locals. If you would like to rub shoulders with guys in drag or your favourite movie characters while enjoying a lively atmosphere, then Carnaval is for you!
10 Reasons Why Barcelona is my Favourite City
I often get asked where my favourite city is. It really is a tough question to answer, as I almost feel like a parent or teacher: you can’t have a favourite (“As each one is special in their own way”). But, let’s face it, I’m sure every parent and teacher deep down has a favourite child (even if they aren’t willing to admit it!). So with that honest and decisive attitude in mind, IF I had to choose, it would be Barcelona.
Comically nicknamed “Ecce Mono” (Behold the Monkey)
Ever since I came across the story of how 83-year old Cecilia Giménez botched the fresco of Ecce Homo when taking it upon herself to “restore” it in 2012, I became fascinated and obsessed, vowing to see it in person. Two and a half years later, a trip to Zaragoza, a bus ride to Borja and a six kilometre hike up a hill (which actually felt more like 16!), I finally fulfilled my wish…
What is it like to do the Running of the Bulls?
Summer in Europe is a dream for so many. Not only to enjoy the beaches and see the monuments and history in sunny and warm days, but also to celebrate some of the craziest festivals in the world. San Fermin – better known as the Running of the Bulls – is one of those crazy festivals. A Spanish man’s right of passage, it involves running through a 825m track, navigating through narrow and winding cobblestone streets… oh, and did I mention whilst being chased by six 500kg+ bulls?!?