Giving Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving, friends! While I'm still bummed that I can't celebrate with a gluten free American Thanksgiving feast here in Spain, I feel profoundly thankful for everything else in my life right now. Although 2013 has been a year of monumental transitions, I have so many things to be grateful for this year. While my list could go on and on, I feel particularly blessed by all of the following:

My Friends

Growing up is hard. Now more than ever we are all sorting out which friends are here for a reason, a season or a lifetime. I'm incredibly grateful for my lifelong best friends, who have encouraged me and loved me through the toughest of times. We're all going in different directions and embarking on new adventures, and although I wish I could be in Seattle/New York City/Orange County with them every day, the physical distance between us irrelevant. I love you guys so much.

My Job

How I managed to score a well-paying job in one of Europe's most struggling economies is completely beyond me. Nevertheless, I feel incredibly blessed to 1) actually have a job, and 2) work at a job that I genuinely enjoy. While teaching English is exhausting, it is incredibly fulfilling. Even when they're being little monsters, I love my students with all my heart. And nothing cures a case of the Monday's quite like getting tackled by 25 kids at once screaming, "We love you teacher Courtney!"

Since Spain doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving, it's my job to explain to my kiddos what it's all about. It's hard not to play favorites when some include me on their turkey crafts!

Madrid

It's a well known fact that my first time living in Spain didn't go so smoothly. Thankfully, living in Madrid is pretty much the opposite of living in Cádiz, and I couldn't be happier here. (I take that back. It would be awesome if Madrid had a beach. But I digress...) I'm so blessed to live in a city that I actually click with. Every day I'm reminded of something that makes me love Madrid even more. Yesterday I stopped dead in my tracks and realized, "Wait a second, it's November. Why is it sunny outside?!" As a native Seattleite, I had forgotten that sometimes it doesn't rain 3/4 of the year in other places. Like, where did the rain go, you guys? It may be freezing here, but a sunny November is a novel concept to me. I don't hate it.

Life in Madrid is undoubtedly enriched by my roommates, coworkers and friends I've met here. I'm thankful for the community that I'm building, the support system I can rely on, and the adventure buddies I can explore the world with.

and most importantly...

My Family

The beginning of 2013 brought some adverse times for me, and I couldn't have survived without the support of my parents. Their love, encouragement and wisdom kept me afloat during those times when I didn't think I'd make it through. My parents are and always will be my best friends, and I am lucky to have them by my side for constant support (even if they're an ocean away). Also, this past August I gained a new stepdad and stepsister! I lucked out with two new superb additions to my family. Every day I am grateful for the many ways in which my family supports me and helps me grow.

So with that said, I hope everyone has a wonderful Turkey Day! (And don't worry about me completely missing out, I'll surely be stuffing my face with all of my favorite gluten free Thanksgiving dishes when I come home for Christmas!)

Autumn in Retiro

"Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall."

- F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

Between my love for pumpkins, brightly colored leaves, wearing boots and scarves, apple cider, butternut squash, football and Thanksgiving, autumn is undoubtedly my favorite season. While I initially felt disappointed that I'd be missing out on a beloved Pacific Northwest autumn this year, I'm quickly realizing that fall in Madrid is a truly magical time as well.

While the city is generally lacking in nature (especially in comparison to the ubiquitous greenery of Seattle), the undeniable presence of fall can still be found in Parque del Buen Retiro - my all-time favorite spot in Madrid.

I spent the majority of last week sick and cooped in my apartment, so this past Saturday seemed like the perfect day to take advantage of the autumn sunshine and take a stroll around Retiro. This is the only place in Madrid that truly feels like fall to me; the trees are adorned with vibrant reds and oranges, colorful piles of leaves scatter the ground, and the crisp autumn air remains untainted by the surrounding city life. While I do wish the rest of the Madrid felt just as much like autumn, I suppose that's what makes Retiro so magical.

Madrid via Instagram

I'm not going to lie you guys, it's been a rough week. But despite being overwhelming and exhausting, it's also been filled with little victories that have kept me afloat. 

Although I've been sick on and off for the past month, this week my mystery sickness escalated. Truth be told, I was avoiding going to the doctor for as long as possible because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to understand them. (Classic conflict-avoider move.) Nevertheless, after visiting them twice this week, I'm thrilled to announce that I understood everything they told me in Spanish. And they understood me! As frustrating as being sick may be, at least I feel consoled by the fact that I can successfully communicate with my doctor in a foreign language.

Something about being sick inevitably induces waves of homesickness. I've spent this past week longing for mom's chicken noodle soup and sincerely missing the creature comforts of home. Despite these pangs of homesickness, I'm trying to focus on all of the things I adore about Madrid. By constantly reminding myself of why I love living here, I've managed to keep my spirits high. So while we're being positive, here are a few of my favorite Instagram shots of life in Madrid thus far:

A gorgeous autumn day in Retiro

My street

Drinking tinto de verano in my favorite plaza, conveniently right next to my apartment

Enjoying a glass of wine atop my favorite rooftop bar in Madrid - Círculo de Bellas Artes

Roomie night! I'm incredibly lucky to live with such encouraging and supportive individuals

Famous huevos rotos from Almendro 13 in La Latina

Exploring the Royal Palace at night

Just your average building in Madrid...

Nighttime view of la Catedral de la Almudena

Another silver lining of this past week: WE FOUND BRUNCH!! Last weekend we ventured to Carmencita Bar - a charming little vintage café that serves delicious American-style brunch. The best part: it's only 2.5 blocks away from my house. And did I mention that they have 1 Euro mimosas?!?!

Since I've been constantly reminding myself of all the reasons I love living in Madrid, I'm getting more and more anxious to recover soon and get back to exploring the city. I don't usually mind having down time when I'm sick, but this week I'm feeling particularly antsy. I guess that means I really do love it here.

Follow along on Instagram @courtneylikkel