Repatriation is Like a Bad Breakup

About a month ago, I was scrolling through my Instagram feed when a photo of a familiar street in Madrid popped up. Out of curiosity, I clicked on the blogger's profile, and I was immediately inundated with images of the stunning city I had just departed. This girl was frolicking through my favorite streets, sipping on tinto de verano at my favorite rooftop bars, and even brunching in my old neighborhood.

At first, I started tearing up. Then suddenly, envy began to pulse through my veins. "Who is this b*#@%?", I seethed with spite. "Why is SHE in Madrid? That's MY city. It should be ME that's there."

I had never even heard of this random girl's blog, and in reality I'm sure she is a great person. (And given that she was visiting all of my favorite spots in Madrid, we can assume she has good taste.) My childish, unwarranted rage made me feel like a jealous ex-girlfriend. And that's precisely when I realized that Spain broke up with me.

During my first month home, all I felt was heartbreak. My heart literally hurt. I couldn't sleep, I couldn't eat, and the throbbing aches in my chest stubbornly overpowered the jet lag I was so desperately clinging onto. I thought I had run out of tears when I cried all the way to Iceland, but apparently I was mistaken.

I had a lot of valid reasons for leaving Madrid. But now, blinded by the nostalgia of the past three years, I can't really seem to remember them. Something to do with sustainability, finances, and pursuing the next step in my career. Or whatever. I suppose since I left Madrid voluntarily, it was actually me who broke up with Spain. Either way, break ups suck. The fact that it was my decision to "end the relationship" doesn't make it hurt any less.

When you leave a place you love, you feel like you've left a chunk of your soul behind with you.

The process gets exponentially more complicated when you transition between cultures. When I first came to Madrid, I was worried about adapting to a new culture, functioning in an entirely different language, and essentially starting a new life from scratch. But after spending three years immersed in the language, culture, and quirks of another country, I've adopted countless Spanish customs as my own.

I've been stretched and challenged, I've expanded my world view, and ultimately, I've become a little bit more madrileña along the way. Coming home and being expected to feel like a star-spangled American again is like forcing a puzzle piece into a space that doesn't quite fit.

But this time around, it's more than just reverse culture shock. The rug has been ripped out from under me, and gone are the days of two-hour lunch breaks, three-day weekends, and 30€ Ryanair flights whisking me off to my next destination. Since coming home, I've been forced to come to terms with the bitter realities of job hunting, buying a car, saving for grad school, and planning for the future.

Everyone in the USA is probably rolling their eyes and thinking, "Welcome to adulthood, Courtney. It's about time." And it's not my intention to sound entitled or pretentious. But it's a lot to digest at once, especially combined with changes in friendships and the social sphere, as well as those nagging reminders of how leaving Spain absolutely shattered my heart.

I want to be wandering the streets of Malasaña, sipping on vino tinto in Plaza de las Comendadoras, and going on last-minute getaways with my fellow expat friends. I want to be sinking my teeth into a gooey pincho de tortilla at Bodega de la Ardosa. I want to savor vermouth before lunch, tapas crawl in La Latina, and sobremesa for hours afterwards. 

I miss the way Spanish words roll off my tongue and dance languidly in the warm air. I miss watching the street lamps ignite at dusk, making you feel as if the day’s adventures are only just beginning. I miss the feeling that anything is possible, and that seeing the world is a tangible reality. Madrid helped me become the best version of myself, and right now, I’m not sure how I'll be able to preserve that.

I might not sound very original, considering countless other ex-expats have already shared this quote, but it's a frighteningly accurate portrayal of how I'm feeling right now:

"You will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart will always be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place."- Miriam Adeney

It's been about seven weeks since I returned to the States, and I'm pleased to report that I'm doing a lot better than when I first moved back. Since this feels like a breakup, my natural instinct is to lie on the couch, eat guacamole and binge-watch Seinfeld. However, I've been keeping up a crazy schedule of job hunting, interviewing, reconnecting with friends and family, stepping up my exercise regime, and conquering my irrational fear of driving. (But in full disclosure, I still watch Seinfeld.)

And I'm thrilled to announce that I've just accepted a full-time job that feels like the perfect fit for me! (I promise to divulge more details soon!)

The Madrid-shaped hole in my heart has yet to heal, and I doubt anything will ever completely fill it. But I'll continue to try to embrace this new chapter, plan more adventures, and be present in Seattle. Closing the door on my life in Spain has shaken me to my core, but my gut is telling me that this is where I need to be right now.

Fellow ex-expats, what has helped you cope with repatriation?

Why the Radio Silence? An Overdue Life Update

Oh, hey there! Long time no see. I've intentionally taken a temporary hiatus from blogging, but I promise my reasons are legit.

As Hemingway ever so wisely proclaimed,

In order to write about life, first you must live it.

And that, my friends, is exactly what I've been doing.

You see, today marks one month until I leave Madrid. For good. Cue sobbing.

I'm not even trying to be dramatic, for the mere thought of leaving this place immediately brings me to tears. I'm crying right now as I write this. I'm a hot mess, and at this point it's completely unstoppable.

How I feel about leaving Europe... on opposite day.

When I get really anxious, I do this really fun thing where I internally panic until my stress physically manifests itself in illness. In just the past week, I've battled migraines, stomach troubles, and now strep. I'm currently bedridden with a plethora of antibiotics and painkillers, hence why I finally have the time to sit down at my computer and spill my messy thoughts.

Weakened immune system aside, I've actually been having the time of my life during these two blog-free months. I promise to divulge all of the details in due time, but for now, here's a glimpse into what I've been up to since March - as well as what's to come!

I channeled my inner Indiana Jones at Petra, Jordan.

I fell really, really hard for Israel.

Prepare for a post that fully discloses my intense love affair with the Holy Land!

I still think Asturias is Spain's prettiest region.

The colorful fishing village of Cudillero gave me so many heart sparkles. I also ate my way through Oviedo, which consequently warranted a two week detox and about three month's worth of Tums.

I said hasta luego to Sevilla, my favorite city in Spain.

I also did some serious sightseeing through my tastebuds with Devour Seville Food Tours, which I will recount in full detail when I'm not writing on an empty stomach.

I went back to Cádiz for the first time since studying abroad six years ago.

The entire weekend was such a blur, and while that's partly the tequila's fault, I think it's mostly because it felt so surreal to be back after living there so many years ago. The town itself hasn't changed at all, but I feel like a completely different person. (Can you believe that back then, I actually hated living in Spain?! Blasphemy!) While revisiting old haunts felt entirely bittersweet, I had an incredible time giving the city the second chance it deserves. After this visit, I feel like things have truly come full circle.

My best friend came to visit!

We took way too many selfies, drank way too much rosé, and laughed so hard our stomachs hurt.

Then we went to Stockholm and ate all of the gluten-free snacks.

Because Celiacs that travel together stay together. Also, why is Sweden so good at everything?!?

I finally got Snapchat.

Hi Courtney, welcome to 2016. The last to hop on the bandwagon per usual, I finally succumbed to my millennial fate. Follow along with my unfiltered misadventures at courtney.likkel

WHAT'S NEXT?

Next weekend I'm wrapping up my European farewell tour with one last visit to my favorite city in the world... Paris!

As soon as school finishes, I'll bid my darling, germ mongering preschoolers adieu and jet off to Croatia for eleven days with my momma. I couldn't be more excited to traipse through the Adriatic with my original partner in crime and all-time favorite travel buddy.

On July 5th, I'll reluctantly drag myself to Madrid-Barajas airport with an obscene amount of baggage, both tangible and emotional. From there I'll cry all the way to Iceland, where I'll spend a few days pretending to be outdoorsy before flying home to Seattle on July 8th. (That is, assuming airport security doesn't escort me off the plane. Whoever is seated next to me is in for a real treat.)

As soon as I get in my fix of Chipotle and snuggles from Kitty Purry, it's time to start adulting. That entails buying a car, applying for jobs, and saving money to move into a place of my own. (Much like my fellow Spaniards that live with their parents for a shockingly long time, I'll be crashing with my pops until I can get my feet on the ground. Which is actually great, because my dad is my best bud, the ultimate grill master, and the cleanest person I know. The only catch is that he lives in a retirement community, so... yeah. Better save that cash quickly.)

My entire life will be turned upside down (though maybe not this literally)

In between all of this "adulting", I'm going to need a mental escape from the drudgeries of suburbia and reverse culture shock. This is when I plan to tackle my massive back log of travel posts, because at this point I'll be desperately needing to relive my adventures.

I know I haven't been the most consistent these past few months, but I hope you can forgive me and stick around as this tumultuous journey continues!

Have you got any advice for this soon to be ex-expat?

Please share your wisdom! (Or just send wine.)

8 Ways Living in Madrid Has Ruined Me for Life

After almost three years of living in Madrid, I still get heart sparkles wandering through the streets of Spain's capital. Despite the ups and downs of expat life, Spanish culture has effectively seduced, indulged and transformed me.
From the captivating lifestyle to the ability to travel extensively through Europe, Spain has spoiled me in countless ways. My years in Madrid have undoubtedly been the best of my life, and quite frankly, I'm worried that none of my future endeavors will ever compare.

But my time here must unfortunately come to an end, and in just four months I will be tossed back into the cruel reality of adulthood in the USA. Spain's enviable way of life has ruined me for good, and I'm not quite sure how I'll be able to readjust to American mediocrity (and expensive wine).

So, what's so special about life in Madrid?  Take a peek at what I'm making a conscious effort to savor these next few months:


1. Tapas, tapas, tapas

Heaven is a gooey slice of Spanish tortilla

The best way to satisfy an indecisive palate is by sharing a variety of small plates and sampling bites of all the different treats. The ultimate solution for culinary commitment-phobes, tapas solve the problem of having to commit to just one dish. They're also known for being delightfully cheap, or in some cases, even free.

Although Granada is best known for its heaping plates of complimentary appetizers, there are also a few bars in Madrid that generously dole out free tapas when you order a drink. Even if you aren't served a legitimate tapa, you'll at least be given a small dish of olives or potato chips to snack on.

To score free food in the center of Madrid, check out La Petisqueira, La Blanca Paloma and El Respiro. Otherwise, head outside the center to more residential neighborhoods. In the neighborhood that I work in, Carabanchel Alto, all of the bars spoil me with overflowing plates of free huevos rotos, cocido or tortilla  when I order a glass of wine to cope with the stress of teaching preschool.


2. Phenomenal wine for unbelievably low prices

It's always wine o'clock somewhere in Spain

Every time I visit the USA, I die a little inside every time I have to pay $14 for a glass of Chardonnay. I know it's my own damn fault that I'm a wine snob I have good taste, but seriously, fourteen bucks? ¡Qué va! 

The going rate for a glass of wine in Madrid is anywhere between 1.50-2.50€, while a particularly high quality glass can cost you 3.50€ (at the most). Not only are the prices delightfully low, but the selection of native Spanish wines is positively delicious. Rioja, Ribera, Toro, Somontano, Albariño... I'll take a glass (or five) of each, por favor.

Looking for great wine in Madrid? Check out De Vinos, Vinoteca Vides, Stop Madrid or Casa Gerardo (Almacén de Vinos) for carefully curated selections of decently priced wine.


3. Unparalleled nightlife

¡Salud!

It took me two years to learn how to keep up with Spaniards after dark. In Madrid, the locals start heading to the bars or pre-gaming at home around midnight, and finally roll up to the club around 3 am. After dancing the night away, they slowly make their way home once the discotecas close between 6 and 7 am.

During my first two years as an expat in Madrid, I could only handle this exhausting ritual once every two months. Even when I did make it out until 6, I could hardly function the next week. But now that I'm on Year Three and feel casi madrileña, if I don't do this at least once a week, I feel like I'm doing something wrong. It's not a successful weekend in Madrid unless I dance 'til sunrise and sleep past 1 pm the next day.

Considering that bars back home close before 2 am, I don't know how I'm going to adjust to the pathetic lack of nightlife in Seattle. Clubbing isn't exactly popular in my hipster hometown, so who knows how I'm going to get my groove on after hours. I'm not trying to fly to Vegas every time I want a proper fiesta.


4. Efficient public transportation

Madrid has surely spoiled me with a remarkably efficient public transportation system. While I adore the ability to walk everywhere in Madrid, I can also get to any given destination by metro, bus or train. The system here is well-connected, affordable and relatively idiot-proof.

Given that Spain isn't exactly known for its efficiency, I appreciate their flawless transportation system even more. As someone who harbors an irrational fear of driving, this is the main thing I wish I could bring back to the USA with me.


5. The Spanish dining experience

Federal Café: great restaurant, terrible service. Just the way I like it.

Six years ago when I studied abroad in Cádiz, I positively abhorred the meal schedule, the slow service, and the aloof waiters whose attention you could never seem to grab. And what was that sobremesa business all about? Sitting around the table, just talking for hours after a meal? Who's got time for that?

But after almost three years in Madrid, gone are the days of wanting to eat dinner at 6 o'clock, pining for free refills of ice water and appreciating quality customer service. Now, I live for the late night dinners and the delightfully slow meals. Bringing the check with the food is an unforgivable offense, and I find myself unreasonably put off when friends aren't in the mood to sobremesa.

After getting accustomed to Spain's slow service, I feel irrationally annoyed by American customer service norms. I don't want to be bothered or checked in on, especially when it means that I'm therefore obligated to tip 20%. Please take my order, then leave me alone and let me eat in peace!

The Spanish dining experience is not only more pleasant because I can enjoy my meal without being bothered or rushed out to have my table turned, but also because the food here is decidedly sublime. In Spanish cuisine, less is more. The traditional gastronomy focuses on fresh, high quality ingredients, rendering it all the more savory in its simplicity.

Hungry yet? Here's a list of my favorite places to eat in Madrid.


6. A slower pace of life

The makings of a good morning

Perhaps the most refreshing thing about the Spanish lifestyle is its relaxed pace and no pasa nada attitude. Spaniards work to live, not live to work. They're not becoming workaholics or multi-tasking themselves to death. Instead, they're focusing on enjoying life. The people of Spain take joy in life's simple pleasures: savoring a caña in the sunshine with friends, engaging in long conversations after meals, and making family their number one priority.

Though most madrileños don't actually nap during the post-lunch siesta hours, I secretly relish when some of the shops close and life temporarily slows down. On the weekends when the city is dead until 11 am, I savor my leisurely morning ritual of grabbing a café con leche at Toma Café, feasting upon some homemade pan con tomate, and slowly getting ready until it's time to grab a vermouth and a bite to eat with friends.


7. The lower cost of living

The view from my bedroom's balcony

My rent in Madrid is on the higher side, mostly because I chose to live in a recently remodeled apartment in a rather trendy neighborhood. (I also picked a bedroom with two balconies and an unbelievably picturesque view.) But while I consider my rent to be pricier than the norm, in reality, it's still insanely cheap. In fact, it's half the price of an apartment in Seattle. That's right, a full 50% cheaper than rent in the USA. (And that's not even taking into consideration the utilities and cleaning services that are included in my rent here!)

Not only is housing reasonably priced, but groceries are also remarkably cheap. On average, I only spend 30-40€ on weekly groceries (not including my specialty gluten-free goods that are usually more expensive). I score the best deals at local fruterías, which are neighborhood grocers that only sell fresh fruits and vegetables.


8. Being fully immersed in an extraordinary culture

Spain exemplifies beauty unlike any other country I've visited. Between the friendly locals, vibrant customs and seductive language, the Spanish culture is decidedly electric. Vivacious, dynamic and unpretentious, Spaniards truly know how to live. Whether it's at the dinner table or on the streets, their love for life is positively contagious.

Being surrounded by such an effervescent culture has made me appreciate life in a new way. Whether it be savoring a steaming cortado at my favorite neighborhood bar before work, taking a short siesta in the sunshine on my lunch break, or eavesdropping on the musical inflections of a Spanish conversation (and relishing the fact that I can understand most of it), life in Spain has taught me to find joy in the relatively mundane.

It will surely break my heart to part ways with a culture that constantly excites me and brings me to life. Though I will try to find ways to bring the Spanish lifestyle back to the USA with me, right now I have to soak up as much magic as I can during my last few months here.

Have you ever lived abroad?

How did it "ruin" you for life?

Skydive Interlaken: The Best Thing I've Done Abroad

For as long as I can remember, skydiving had always been at the top of my bucket list. Last summer when I was back in Seattle to get a new visa, I convinced my mom to jump out a plane with me for my 25th birthday. Seeing my home from such a drastically different perspective made me appreciate the beauty of Seattle in a much deeper way. Furthermore, free falling from 14,000 feet made me positively euphoric. I immediately knew I was hooked.

While my mom touted that once was more than enough, I could only respond with a smirk. I quietly suspected that my next jump was imminent. So when I stumbled upon Travel Channel's list of the world's best places to go skydiving (with Seattle ranking as #4!!), I looked up flights to Switzerland on a whim. When I unearthed a ridiculously cheap flight to Basel, I immediately booked my next skydiving adventure in Interlaken.

Except this time, I chose to switch it up. Because why jump out of a plane when you can jump out of a helicopter?

There are about a thousand reasons why I shouldn't have gone to Switzerland. Of my many flaws, my impulsivity seems to be the one that gets me into the most trouble... while also allowing me to make the best memories. Spontaneously booking a skydiving pilgrimage to Switzerland was the best bad decision I've ever made. 

Financially, it completely screwed me over. People always talk about how expensive Switzerland is, and good lord, they're not lying.

Jumping out of a helicopter costs roughly the same amount as my rent, which alone is more than half of my monthly paycheck. So if you do the math, you'll realize that this immediately puts me in the red. While I also teach private English lessons after school and earn a few bucks here and there from blogging, freelance projects and photography gigs, it's not nearly enough to fund skydiving and a social life. Needless to say, I've been staying in and eating a lot of canned soups and spaghetti this month.

When I developed a nasty sinus infection a few days before my trip, I started to wonder if draining my bank account while simultaneously making myself sicker would be worth it in the end. In all honestly, it was still worth every penny. Here's why:

Experiencing such an unparalleled adrenaline rush while surrounded by breathtaking scenery was positively surreal. While skydiving in Seattle was epic in its own right, jumping out of a helicopter in Interlaken was on a completely different level. 

Without the fear and anxiety that accompanied my first jump, I was able to fully appreciate the jaw-dropping views of the Swiss Alps. Admiring the majestic mountainscapes while falling from the sky was an overwhelmingly sublime experience. After the free fall, my veins were pulsing with adrenaline, exhilaration, and an incomprehensible amount of joy. I was buzzing with euphoria. I couldn't stop smiling all day long.

Sure, I had to say no to other adventures in Switzerland and forgo experiencing the local cuisine in lieu of cheap sandwiches made from stolen hostel goodies. And unsurprisingly, I got a lot sicker and was out of commission for two weeks afterwards. The rest of February has been spent scrounging cheap tapas, cutting back on the Spanish nightlife, and obsessively pinching pennies until my next paycheck. But without a doubt in my mind, the sacrifices were 100% worth it. Skydiving out of a helicopter in Interlaken was by far the most memorable thing I've done abroad, and surely one of the best experiences of my entire life. 

Have you ever gone skydiving?
What's the most memorable thing you've done abroad?



This is not a sponsored post, but I genuinely can't recommend Skydive Interlaken enough.
They were friendly, professional, and made me feel safe throughout the entire adventure.

2016 Travel Bucket List

Is it just me, or did the new year sneak up on us? It's hard to believe that February is just around the corner. But with a new year comes new adventures, and I have a pretty good feeling about 2016! While I hit most of the cities on my 2015 travel bucket list, there are still plenty of places in Europe (and beyond!) that I absolutely must see before moving back to the States.

Seeing as this will be my last year living in Spain, nailing down my 2016 travel plans has been a rather daunting task. The old cliché of "so much to see, so little time" has never rang so true. I'm starting to feel like I'm racing against the clock (... and my bank account is suffering accordingly). But I'm determined to make the most out of my last six months abroad, so here's what's on the calendar for my 2016 farewell tour!


Interlaken, Switzerland

After my first skydive in July for my 25th birthday, I knew I'd be hooked. I dragged my mom along with me (because she's not a regular mom, she's a cool mom), and afterwards she feverishly insisted, "I certainly won't be doing that again!" I could only respond with a smirk, because I knew it wouldn't be long until I jumped out of a plane again. But I suppose I was mistaken, because this time I'll be jumping out of a helicopter!


Tel Aviv, Israel

photo via

One of the best parts about being a teacher is having spring break, so this March I'll be heading east to visit one of my favorite sorority sisters in Tel Aviv. I'll arrive just in time to celebrate Purim, a festival similar to Halloween that commemorates Queen Esther. Safety permitting, I'm hoping to take a few day trips such as Jerusalem and...


Petra, Jordan

I've dreamt of seeing these ruins for years, and drooling over Jessica's stunning photos only intensified my wanderlust! Seeing Petra in person would be an absolute dream come true, so here's hoping a quick jaunt from Israel is safe and feasible!


Cádiz, Spain

Cádiz, 2010

It's been six years since my disastrous study abroad experience in Cádiz, and I've spent the past two and a half years postponing my return. Before I leave Spain for good, I need a redemption trip. While my semester abroad in Cádiz was less than ideal, its trials and tribulations pushed me to grow and challenge myself in new ways. While living  there wasn't necessarily a good fit for me, it's still a gorgeous city worth visiting. I know returning will bring back a lot of mixed emotions, but at this point I feel ready to face those demons and fully embrace everything wonderful about this charming southern town (... especially the beaches!).


Stockholm, Sweden

photo via

My best friend Meghan is coming to visit me in May (hooray!!!), and while she's on this side of the pond, we plan on popping over to Sweden to visit her cousin. I've been dying to get back to Scandinavia since I fell in love with Copenhagen last spring, so I can't wait to see what Stockholm has to offer!


Croatia

photo via

Before moving to Madrid, I promised myself that I'd make it to Croatia. Twenty-two year old Courtney dreamt of the seemingly endless champagne showers of Yacht Week, but twenty-five year old Courtney knows that eight days on a boat may cause an accidental Dramamine overdose. Land, ho! Though my lack of sea legs prompts me to forgo the party boat experience, my mainland itinerary will hopefully be balanced out with plenty of island hopping.

Paris, France

Paris, 2013

I can't think of a better way to conclude my time abroad than by revisiting the city I love the most (shhh, cover your ears, Madrid). Paris was the first city I ever truly fell in love with, and despite countless visits and a magical study abroad stint, I still can't get enough. This June, I plan on getting in a large dose of French goodness before I go home and have to wait another five years until I can afford it again. (Just kidding... I hope. Please be good to me, grad school loan gods.)


Reykjavík, Iceland

photo via

The cheapest one way ticket home is through Iceland, which is especially convenient considering Iceland Air offers a free stopover for up to seven nights! Since Iceland has been on my bucket list for years, my last European hoorah will include a few days in Reykjavík on my way back to Seattle.


A bittersweet return to Seattle

Home sweet home

As ludicrous as it sounds to say out loud, I think I'm finally ready to move back to Seattle. It's time for me to take the next step in my career, I have absolutely no savings and I'm ready to live closer to my family. Leaving Madrid will surely break my heart (alright, more like shatter it to pieces), and I expect my transition back into reality to be particularly gruesome, but I still feel called to come back home and take the next step - whatever that may be. Leaving Seattle after Christmas break was unusually tough this time around. My week at home reminded me of how solid my community is, and I feel a renewed gratefulness for my friends who still make me feel as if no time has passed.

I could very well come home, feel miserable, panic and buy a one-way ticket back to Spain... but I think I have a pretty good feeling about this next move.

So, to sum up the next step in the words of the late David Bowie,

"I don't know where I'm going from here, but I promise it won't be boring."

Cheers to an epic 2016, my friends!

What are your 2016 travel plans?

Will you be visiting any of the same destinations?

2015 Travel Highlights

Happy New Year, friends! It's hard to believe that 2016 is already upon us, and a part of me is sad to see 2015 go. Through all of the memories and misadventures, twenty-fifteen has been an incredible year of travel. Last year took me all over Europe, while this year allowed me to explore more of Spain. I've savored some of the most mouthwatering meals of my life, shared laughs with new friends on the road, showed old friends around my home in Madrid, and fallen deeper in love with the Spanish culture (and cuisine!).

Each place I visited captured my heart in a unique way. Seven countries, 25 cities and countless adventures later, it's safe to say that this year has been one of my best yet. Though it's impossible to pick favorites, here are some of my best travel memories of 2015!

Defrosting on the Costa del Sol

Giving Barcelona a second chance

Getting a taste of Valencia

Canary Island hopping in Puerto de la Cruz, Costa Adeje and Las Palmas


Living off papas arrugadas con mojo in the Canary Islands 

Getting drenched in Galicia

Surviving my first TBEX conference in Costa Brava

Learning to love solo travel in Copenhagen

Stuffing my face with gluten-free pintxos in San Sebastián

Discovering my new favorite city in Spain

Being beach bums with my mom in Palma de Mallorca

Skydiving in Seattle for my 25th birthday

Falling head over heels for Porto

Spending Thanksgiving weekend devouring pizza in Florence

Enjoying Christmas markets and family time in Strasbourg and Heidelberg

Today I'm off to Seattle to ring in the new year with friends and family, and I couldn't be more excited to be home again. After a week in Washington, I'll be headed back to Madrid to finish my third (and final) year of teaching English in Spain. But I'll be going out with a bang, so stay tuned to see what adventures are in store for the new year! Bring it on, 2016!

Cheers to a 2016 that's just as epic!

What are your favorite travel memories from 2015?