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¡Hola Madrid!

Thursday, September 19, 2013
Hola todos! I know it's been a while... but I thought I should check in to let you all know that I'm alive and finally made it to Madrid! And suffice it to say, I absolutely love it here.

Since arriving on Sunday, my first several days here in Spain have been a whirlwind of apartment hunting, setting up private English classes, signing up for Spanish classes, eating as much tapas as possible and drinking lots of sangria to ease the stress of finding a place to live. (Seriously, as if apartment hunting in itself wasn't bad enough, having to do it in a foreign language is downright impossible.)

To be honest, I haven't had much time to sightsee or explore much - naturally, avoiding homelessness has been my priority. Once I find an apartment and move in, I'm hoping to play tourist for several days before I start my job and get to know my new home much better. But from what I've seen thus far, Madrid is ridiculously gorgeous. I'm already quite infatuated with this city.

Here's a glimpse of what I've been up to besides apartment hunting:

First lunch in Spain: paella and sangria (an obvious choice). I'm a happy girl.
Plaza Mayor
Literally, every single building I pass by is insanely beautiful.
Catedral de Santa María la Real de Almudena

I can already feel that this city is a good fit for me. Thus far I've done a really great job of acclimating to the culture (and by culture I actually mean drinking tinto de verano/sangria/Rioja wine, eating jamón ibérico, dancing until the sun rises and taking siestas every day).

I'm hoping to come back with more updates once I find the apartment of my dreams (please, send good vibes into the universe for me) and have explored more of Madrid! Until then, hasta pronto, mis amigos.

Touchdown in London

Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Cheerio lovelies! I've finally arrived in London, and thus far it is smashing. I'm pretty knackered from my flight but I'm trying my best to fight this bloody jet lag. (How's my British accent coming along? I just really want to impress the Royal Baby.)

I apologize in advance for not blogging much in the next week or so. I may be a little busy making best friends with Kate, drinking tea and searching for Diagon Alley. Stay tuned for more updates coming soon, and feel free to follow me on Instagram @courtneylikkel as I venture through London & Paris before moving to Madrid. Cheers!

photo via

A New Chapter

Monday, September 2, 2013

I can't believe the time has come for me to say goodbye to Seattle. As much as I complain about this city (and it's god forsaken weather), I really, truly love this place with my entire heart and soul.

Yet, it's time for me to move on. A new adventure in Spain awaits. (Which daresay, will most likely followed by a permanent move to Southern California for grad school.) As hard as it is to admit to myself, I'll probably never live here again.

Seattle, I am so blessed to have called you home for 20 years now. Thank you for all of your good memories - you will always have a place in my heart. So on that note...

Hola España!