tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49295546991627891232024-03-13T16:36:06.456-04:00Food, Love, & LifeJenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529987704266953283noreply@blogger.comBlogger293125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929554699162789123.post-86639368109296025812021-07-11T09:37:00.002-04:002021-07-11T09:37:25.426-04:00preserving memories<div>[Written in 2015 - published in 2021]</div><div><br /></div>Hey y'all. It's me... aka the worst blogger of all time. I'm sitting down at a coffee shop in my college town right now, settling into the weekend after a crazy week of work, assignments, and sitting through a four hour and fifteen minute class. I have about a thousand things on my to-do list (literature reviews, certification exams and presentations, oh my!), but all I can think about it writing this blog post. That's good, right? I haven't had the motivation to write anything beyond research papers and discussion board posts since I started graduate school.<br />
<br />Don't get me wrong; I think about things I could blog about all of the time: a new recipe I've tried (looottss of those), those weekend trips taken with my favorite travel partner (my gorgeous guy), or all of the things that my beautiful city has to offer (free concerts, wild parks, trendy restaurants; the list goes on). I've started multiple blog posts, but I always end up exiting out of my browser before they are complete. I think it is because I was still trying to keep up the persona of a "travel blogger." But guys, it was a little exhausting, and I certainly am no travel expert. I loved being able to write my version of city guides, but really... who was benefiting from them? I have so many wonderful memories from my travels that were completely skipped over for a restaurant review or a perfect list of all of the sites we visited and things we saw.<br />
<br />Forty years from now, when I look back at my time abroad and all of the exciting travels beyond that year and a half, I don't want my written memories to consist of that [slightly boring] trip to the museum. I want them to reflect the weird, funny moments that occurred; the people I met and the conversations held. The important, fleeting memories.<br />
<br />Like that time I flew to Switzerland with a group of girls and became best friends with a Swiss flight attendant. We ended up sharing two pots of cheese fondue with her at her favorite fondue restaurant in Geneva the next day. Or the grandpa we met at a farmer's market on the same trip who ended up walking us around the city; showing us all of his favorite sites... and hitting on my married friend a bit. Or how about that time that I spent four whole hours holed up in a bathroom on what I imagine was the rockiest ferry ride of all time in between Santorini and Athens? SO glamorous, right?! Or how about the time that my friend and I were adopted by the Irish when we were out in Galway? After they gave us their recommendations for their favorite bar down the way, we parted ways and ended up dancing to a live version of American Girl by Tom Petty. Christina and I were the only two people out on that dance floor during the song, and we loved every single second of it. Or what about the time I met my boyfriend's humongous Colombian family and spent a week with them in Medellin over Christmas? I was asked to read from a religious book (in SPANISH) on Christmas Eve, as is tradition in their family for all of the kids to take turns. Talk about equal parts terrifying and comforting.<br /><br />
These are the memories I want to preserve; the stories I want to bring to this blog. I'm feeling my passion to write begin to ignite again. Hopefully I can keep it up.<br />
<br />
I hope that you all are well. I've missed your blogs and interactions with you, to my wonderful readers. Talk to y'all soon!<br />
<br />
xx, Jen<br />
<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529987704266953283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929554699162789123.post-78387863254625023522015-01-23T14:55:00.001-05:002015-01-23T14:55:26.725-05:00{recipe} oven roasted fajita quinoa bowls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Sometimes you just really need some fajitas. Am I right, or am I right? You especially feel the need for fajitas in your body <i>right this second</i> when it is chilly and pouring and you're *stuck in the house because you definitely don't feel like getting wet and cold even though you really need to run some errands*. Just me? </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nn-g_8B4n3s/VMKXnGc5eQI/AAAAAAAAE9k/zKYJXRGEkH4/s1600/image_2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nn-g_8B4n3s/VMKXnGc5eQI/AAAAAAAAE9k/zKYJXRGEkH4/s1600/image_2.jpeg" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I got the idea to make oven roasted fajitas on Pinterest (duh), and the cravings began. I decided to make a fajita bowl because I didn't have any corn tortillas, and there was that whole not wanting to get wet thing going on, so you know I was not about to run out to Publix or Trader Joes for that. I thought to myself, "I love <i>burrito</i> bowls! Why not make a fajita bowl?" And the quinoa fajita bowl with roasted corn and a jalapeno lime cilantro Greek yogurt crema was born. Ohhh I'm getting hungry again just thinking about it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Click through for the recipe!</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b>Oven Roasted Fajita Quinoa Bowl with Roasted Corn & a Jalapeno Cilantro Lime Greek Yogurt Crema</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b>Ingredients</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<i>Seasoning Ingredients</i>:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<i>Adapted from <a href="http://www.budgetbytes.com/2013/02/oven-fajitas/">Budget Bytes</a></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>1/2 TBS chili powder</li>
<li>1/2 TBS smoked paprika</li>
<li>1/2 tsp garlic powder</li>
<li>1/4 tsp cumin</li>
<li>1/8 tsp cayenne pepper</li>
<li>1 tsp sugar</li>
<li>1/2 tsp salt</li>
</ul>
<div>
<i>Fajita Bowl Ingredients</i>:</div>
<div>
<i>Adapted from <a href="http://www.budgetbytes.com/2013/02/oven-fajitas/">Budget Bytes</a></i></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>1/2 of a large sweet onion, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces</li>
<li>1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces</li>
<li>1 medium green bell pepper, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces</li>
<li>1 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces</li>
<li>1 lb chicken breast, sliced</li>
<li>2 TBS canola or vegetable oil</li>
<li>1 cup of dry quinoa + 2 cups of water</li>
</ul>
<div>
<i>Roasted Corn Ingredients:</i></div>
</div>
<div>
<i>Adapted from <a href="http://motherhood.modernmom.com/roast-frozen-corn-olive-oil-7933.html">Modern Mom</a></i></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>2 cups frozen corn</li>
<li>A few glugs of olive oil</li>
<li>Salt to taste</li>
<li>Freshly ground pepper</li>
<li>A good shake of smoked paprika</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<i>Jalapeno Cilantro Lime Greek Yogurt Crema Ingredients:</i><i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>Adapted from <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/cilantro-lime-cream-sauce-28058">Food.Com</a></i></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>4 oz. Greek yogurt</li>
<li>1/2 jalapeno pepper</li>
<li>1 juicy lime</li>
<li>1/2 bunch cilantro</li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b>Game Plan:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ol>
<li>Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Mix all of the ingredients for the seasoning in a small bowl and set aside. </li>
<li>Slice the onion, bell peppers, and zucchini and then place them in a large 9x13 inch casserole dish. Slice the chicken into very thin strips and add it to the dish with the vegetables. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the chicken and veggies, and then add the oil. Use a spoon to evenly distribute the seasoning and oil throughout the dish. Bake in oven for 35-40 minutes, stirring once halfway through.</li>
<li><b>While the chicken and veggies are in the oven</b>, prepare the rest of the dish in this order:</li>
<ol>
<li>First, combine the 1 cup of dry quinoa and 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Turn the burner to high. After the quinoa and water begin to boil, turn the heat to low and cover the pot. Let simmer on low for 12-15 minutes, or until the water has evaporated. Fluff with a fork. </li>
<li><b>While the quinoa is simmering</b>, prepare the roasted corn. Combine two cups of frozen corn, a good glug or two of olive oil, salt, pepper, and a few shakes of smoked paprika in a bowl, making sure to coat all of the corn evenly. If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 400 degrees, and prepare a piece of foil large enough to hold the corn. Place the foil on the rack in the toaster oven and spread the corn on top. Roast the corn in the toaster oven for 10 minutes. If after ten minutes the corn is not quite roasted, heat your toaster oven to the regular toast setting at medium. It should be ready after that! If you don't have a toaster oven, place corn on a cookie sheet and pop in the oven with the fajitas for ten minutes. </li>
<li><b>While the quinoa is simmering and the corn is roasting</b>, prepare the crema sauce. Put 4 oz. of Greek yogurt, half a bunch of cilantro, and the juice of half of the lime into a powerful blender. Blend until smooth. Chop half of a jalapeno and throw into the blender. Squeeze the rest of the lime into the blender, and blend once again until smooth. Pour crema into a small bowl for serving.</li>
</ol>
<li>Once all of your fajita bowl ingredients are cooked and ready to go, make your bowls. Scoop a few spoonfuls of quinoa into a shallow bowl first, and then top with the chicken and veggies. Now add your roasted corn and crema, and finish it all off with a few cilantro leaves, chopped green onion, & your favorite hot sauce. A bit of salsa and avocado would also be delicious in this bowl. The sky is the limit for fajita time! </li>
</ol>
Eat slowly, savor the flavor, and try not to look at your crazy kitchen for now. <b>Those dishes will do themselves if we leave them there long enough.... right?! </b>xoxo, Jen<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HOGBUs8IAL8/VMKXnOwKrzI/AAAAAAAAE9s/Z9TlxLZBmuU/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HOGBUs8IAL8/VMKXnOwKrzI/AAAAAAAAE9s/Z9TlxLZBmuU/s1600/image.jpeg" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529987704266953283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929554699162789123.post-65883249296629414862015-01-12T10:32:00.001-05:002015-01-12T10:33:53.419-05:00five months gone<div style="text-align: justify;">
How exactly do you start writing blog posts again after completely disappearing for over five months? I had such high hopes for my blog for the fall semester. After all, I still had (have?) a ton of travel post catching up to do - and I was moving to a new (old) city, with new things to explore and do. But then the reality of grad school hit me square in the face. Between all of the hours I spent in kindergarten classrooms (LOVE), assignments that needed to be completed, and the pages of research papers I had to read (not so much on the loving department), I had zero time to sit down and tend to my blog. I couldn't even really sit down to read other blogs! It didn't bother me much for a while, because I was still getting used to the idea of grad school. But then I realized that something was literally missing from my life. Totally dramatic, but if you are reading this post I know you understand me! So here is to 2015. A year to balance work with play. A year to get fit and stay healthy. A year to explore and conquer. Let's hope I can stay #<b>StrongInTheSpring</b>. Until next time, friends. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gjjqqRhYZp0/VLPobFnXq5I/AAAAAAAAE70/LEdUCZ4tUmY/s1600/IMG_7051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gjjqqRhYZp0/VLPobFnXq5I/AAAAAAAAE70/LEdUCZ4tUmY/s1600/IMG_7051.JPG" height="1013" width="760" /></a></div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529987704266953283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929554699162789123.post-61732253524618688812014-08-08T10:37:00.000-04:002014-08-08T10:40:57.814-04:00{life} loving lately<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Lately I'm loving....</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XCOIa3Cl4F8/U-TcUTTZ7GI/AAAAAAAAEvA/42Rr4ryr1C4/s1600/image+(24).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XCOIa3Cl4F8/U-TcUTTZ7GI/AAAAAAAAEvA/42Rr4ryr1C4/s1600/image+(24).jpeg" height="1013" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
All of the time I have been able to spend with this wonderful, sweet, thoughtful man.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The <a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod2330025">new mascara</a> I am using lately. Holy amazeballs, this stuff is good.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The new color of <a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod2330025">revlon nail polish</a> I picked up at Target the other day. I love Essie and OPI as much as the next girl, but I love the price tag of this similarly high quality nail polish more than the others!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Dining at <a href="http://thetamparefinery.com/">The Refinery</a> in Seminole Heights. A unique menu that changes daily and a whole lotta delicious craft beer options. What more could you ask for?</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tpWUebaTEKE/U-TcSfoPOAI/AAAAAAAAEu4/e95OSxagO0E/s1600/image+(22).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tpWUebaTEKE/U-TcSfoPOAI/AAAAAAAAEu4/e95OSxagO0E/s1600/image+(22).jpeg" height="760" width="760" /></a></div>
<br />
Total Wine because I can find a <a href="http://www.casalgarcia.com/en/">wine</a> I tried in Portgual and my <a href="http://www.totalwine.com/eng/product/honoro-vera-garnacha/120168750">favorite Spanish red</a> in the same aisle. Yes.<br />
<br />
All of the back to school shopping I get to do again! Say hello to my gorgeous new <a href="http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/recon-backpack.html">bookbag / hiking pack</a>.<br />
<br />
In a similar vein, I cannot wait to say hellllo to some gorgeous new gameday dresses! <a href="http://www.lmaeboutique.com/carolina-garnet-scallop-dress.html">This one</a> is perfection.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I'm also really excited to move up to Tallahassee and get to know the city like I never did in undergrad. This means that I will definitely be checking out the <a href="http://www.localharvest.org/tallahassee-farmers-market-M1165">Farmers' Market</a>, <a href="http://railroadsquare.us/">Railroad Square artwork</a>, and <a href="http://www.trailahassee.com/">Tallahassee Trails</a> much more this time around.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">And finally...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thealisonshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/investinpeoplewhoinvestinyou-570x570.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://thealisonshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/investinpeoplewhoinvestinyou-570x570.png" height="760" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
{<a href="http://thealisonshow.com/2014/06/awesome-part-6-invest-people-invest.html">credit</a>}</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I saw this quote at the perfect time last week. Invest in people who invest in you. Sounds so simple doesn't it? It's important to remember this at this extremely transitional period of life. Let go of the negative energy in your life and focus on the people who, and things that, make you feel energized and happy. Namasate.</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">What are you loving lately?</span><br />
<br />
xx, JenJenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529987704266953283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929554699162789123.post-40386111259129207052014-07-31T11:26:00.001-04:002014-07-31T11:28:02.894-04:00{travel} paradise is a beach in greece<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have always been fascinated by landscapes and climates that are completely the opposite of Florida. Who needs to travel to a place with a beach when you've spent your entire life tanning on the white sand beaches on the west coast of Florida? I always find myself much more in awe of Mountains! and Valleys! and Snow! <b>But then I went to Greece.</b> Let's just say that the inner beach snob in me was cured. Warning: This is a photo heavy post. Prepare to feel the desire to book a ticket to Crete directly after viewing.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uann7vpf8AQ/U9pcvfRVLnI/AAAAAAAAErM/qpvOxRofM9g/s1600/IMG_2509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uann7vpf8AQ/U9pcvfRVLnI/AAAAAAAAErM/qpvOxRofM9g/s1600/IMG_2509.JPG" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QI1VPqDCW9k/U9pcyJHL88I/AAAAAAAAErY/Krq90JSKEKE/s1600/IMG_2505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QI1VPqDCW9k/U9pcyJHL88I/AAAAAAAAErY/Krq90JSKEKE/s1600/IMG_2505.JPG" height="1013" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QRODwuNAMZo/U9pc0GB8P6I/AAAAAAAAEr0/1O8zFJyUQUs/s1600/image+(19).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QRODwuNAMZo/U9pc0GB8P6I/AAAAAAAAEr0/1O8zFJyUQUs/s1600/image+(19).jpeg" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hperN_iyCvs/U9pcx8iRaYI/AAAAAAAAErU/vp7AgL6kCic/s1600/IMG_2511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hperN_iyCvs/U9pcx8iRaYI/AAAAAAAAErU/vp7AgL6kCic/s1600/IMG_2511.JPG" height="1013" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ek8TU9gkvs/U9pczh_rmXI/AAAAAAAAEr4/PLjx2fp5WME/s1600/IMG_2536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ek8TU9gkvs/U9pczh_rmXI/AAAAAAAAEr4/PLjx2fp5WME/s1600/IMG_2536.JPG" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rF-wE2CozlQ/U9pcyPyNR-I/AAAAAAAAErc/1qWSYovZvDQ/s1600/IMG_2514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rF-wE2CozlQ/U9pcyPyNR-I/AAAAAAAAErc/1qWSYovZvDQ/s1600/IMG_2514.JPG" height="1013" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Aaaand the award for the most beautiful beach I've ever been to in my entire 24 years of life definitely goes to Elafonisi Beach on Crete. Even though we were there during a crazy wind storm (sand pelting into your skin at 30 mph is not very fun), it was still the perfect day. If you ever find yourself in Chania, make sure you make time for a day trip to this beach.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b>How to get there:</b> Go to the main bus station in Chania and ask for a ticket to Elafonisi. There is one bus a day that goes to Elafonisi and one bus that takes you back to Chania. ENJOY!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
xx, Jen</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529987704266953283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929554699162789123.post-67157673694447578492014-07-24T12:06:00.004-04:002014-07-24T12:10:05.835-04:00{life} hashtag: i'm definitely not in madrid anymore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OstiBZfj7eQ/U9EVa7dGHWI/AAAAAAAAEqc/5g1WtK9mr_0/s1600/IMG_3560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OstiBZfj7eQ/U9EVa7dGHWI/AAAAAAAAEqc/5g1WtK9mr_0/s1600/IMG_3560.JPG" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
As I take the first sip of my iced coffee to go, I smile. I'm definitely not in Madrid anymore.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
An unobstructed sunset glowing behind the tall, swaying palm trees. The quiet, empty streets of suburbia, broken up only by the laugh of a child or the low hum of a lawn mower. The pool in my backyard. I'm definitely not in Madrid anymore.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The conversations with friendly strangers. "How are you doing today?" "What are your weekend plans?" "This drink is free because it took way too long to come out." "Oh, excuse me. Sorry!" "You have a wonderful day, honey/sweetie/darling/my love!" I'm definitely not in Madrid anymore.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The five minute drive to the grocery store? A 20 minute walk. The twenty minute drive to a restaurant? A 60 minute walk. I'm definitely not in Madrid anymore.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The abundance of cultures and cuisines. A twenty mile radius on Yelp showing great Vietnamese! Korean! Colombian! Peruvian! Mexican! Lebanese! Italian! Cuban! and finally American! restaurants. I'm definitely not in Madrid anymore.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The hours spent sitting in a car. But on the other hand, that glorious, glorious one stop shopping. (Hello Target. Hello Publix.) I'm definitely not in Madrid anymore.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Slowing your car to allow a deer to cross the road. Waving hello to an alligator in the pond. Stopping and patiently waiting as an owl decides whether it wants to stay chilling in the middle of the road or fly away to the nearest tree. Seeing unidentifiable animal prints in the backyard. Was it a fox? Or a raccoon? I'm definitely not in Madrid anymore.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The extremely predictable afternoon thunderstorms and the extremely high humidity. Blegh. I'm definitely not in Madrid anymore.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
It's the slight withdrawals from plaza life and 2 euro glasses of wine. From tapas and jamon, rooftop drinks just because, and the Spanish language. But making up for it with happy hours with friends and $5 craft beers (helllo my pretties). With delicious sub sandwiches and smoothies, rooftop drinks just because (somethings never change), and being asked on your first day back, "Hablas espanol?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Here's to you, America. You're pretty darn cool.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7GkDofDRVoE/U9EupoVrm1I/AAAAAAAAEqs/BSubGtaf3GE/s1600/IMG_3707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7GkDofDRVoE/U9EupoVrm1I/AAAAAAAAEqs/BSubGtaf3GE/s1600/IMG_3707.JPG" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
xx, JenJenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529987704266953283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929554699162789123.post-63478809838673455842014-07-23T15:46:00.000-04:002014-07-31T11:33:52.719-04:00{travel} colorful chania + exciting news!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Soooo I'm skipping over like.... 5 other trips to write about one of the most beautiful places in the entire world (but seriously), GREECE! So, why don't you dollop a few scoops of Greek yogurt into a bowl and drizzle generously with honey? It's gonna be a long one!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2YEgNqSkBoQ/U866xQiknlI/AAAAAAAAEnY/266C3s_Qwmo/s1600/IMG_2649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2YEgNqSkBoQ/U866xQiknlI/AAAAAAAAEnY/266C3s_Qwmo/s1600/IMG_2649.JPG" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I went to Greece with my best blogger friend, <a href="http://www.adelanteblog.com/">Courtney</a>. We started reading each other's blogs in January, met up for a few glasses of wine later that month, and booked a trip to Greece together in February. We had no idea if we'd still be buddies 5 months later when we bought those tickets, but luckily we never even had to worry about that at all. Bloggers make for the best travel partners. We love to wander aimlessly through cities and take photos of ALL THE THINGS OMGZ. What else could you want on vacation? ;)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We ended up in Crete because we found really cheap RyanAir tickets from Athens to Chania, and like every other English teacher abroad, we chose to go to the island that was cheapest to get to. I am so glad that we found those inexpensive tickets, because we both absolutely loved wandering around the old town of Chania.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Sights & Activities:</b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span>One tip I hope to pass along to you if you ever find yourself in Chania? Book a room with a view of the Venetian Harbor, even if it is the absolute most touristy area of Chania. It's all worth it because then you get to wake up and look at this every morning. And that is pretty awesome.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><b>Venetian Harbor: </b>This harbor was built by the Venetians in the 1300s for trade purposes and to protect the port city from pirates. It is completely worthwhile to spend a good chunk of time walking along the water until you reach the lighthouse at the end of the harbor. Beware though, you will definitely be dodging restaurant promoters left and right. Because Greeks speak English SO FREAKING WELL, we decided to go with the Spanish right. <i>Lo siento, no entendemos.</i> Worked like a charm. Below: the view from our room at <a href="http://www.loukiahotel.gr/">Loukia Hotel</a>.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gq92MSG7KaU/U86-EI4E9wI/AAAAAAAAEoM/CPBMq10HZsU/s1600/IMG_2283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gq92MSG7KaU/U86-EI4E9wI/AAAAAAAAEoM/CPBMq10HZsU/s1600/IMG_2283.JPG" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XR2wzn-MZjY/U86-EU83pnI/AAAAAAAAEoQ/L5p9fmBwrEU/s1600/IMG_2296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XR2wzn-MZjY/U86-EU83pnI/AAAAAAAAEoQ/L5p9fmBwrEU/s1600/IMG_2296.JPG" height="1013" width="760" /></a></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Eats & Drinks</b>:</span> You know that feeling you get when you travel? The feeling of absolute bliss mixed with that nagging voice in the back of your head that keeps telling you, "Don't forget to eat vegetables! Have you had a piece of fruit today? ANOTHER deep-fried piece of meat? Okay fella - it's time to go home and start eating healthy again or else you are gonna gain that vacation five!" Yeah.. that doesn't exist in Greece. The food is so wholesome and fresh that you won't feel like you are on vacation. And that is a wonderful, wonderful thing. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189415-d4013166-Reviews-Stelios-Chania_Town_Chania_Prefecture_Crete.html"><b>Stelios</b></a>: Remember how I said to stay along the Venetian Harbor? Well... whatever you do, don't eat by it. UNLESS you go to Stelios, a local seafood taverna and ouzeria, where prices are reasonable, quality of ingredients is important, and Greek is spoken more than English. This little taverna was tucked away at the very end of the Venetian Harbor just before the walkway to the lighthouse begins. We loved Stelios so much that we ate there twice! On our table?<i> Dolmades: </i>grape leaves stuffed with a rice, herb, and ground meat mixture, topped off with a dollop of Greek yogurt of course. <i>Dakos</i>: hard Cretan dried bread that is baked several times and then topped with EVOO and finely chopped tomato and <i>mizithra</i>, a light, crumbly white goat cheese. Kinda like a Greek version of bruschetta if you will! Cretan salad: Ready to branch away from the delicious but generic Greek salad, I ordered the Cretan salad. This one is served up with some of the bread used to make <i>dakos</i>, chopped up spinach, cucumber, tomato, olives, red onion, and more <i>mizithra</i>. Loved it.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XwKyluBgQmk/U866-sj3gwI/AAAAAAAAEn0/Tk78ASIEOD0/s1600/IMG_2416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XwKyluBgQmk/U866-sj3gwI/AAAAAAAAEn0/Tk78ASIEOD0/s1600/IMG_2416.JPG" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cD1dFbezcpk/U866-qNjF8I/AAAAAAAAEnw/8YVGzVgnj8Y/s1600/IMG_2417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cD1dFbezcpk/U866-qNjF8I/AAAAAAAAEnw/8YVGzVgnj8Y/s1600/IMG_2417.JPG" height="1013" width="760" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Greek Breakfast:</b> The breakfast eaten around the, well - Greece. The Greek yogurt in Greece is so creamy and thick you almost feel like you need to chew it! This ain't no watery Greek yogurt imitation, <i>ahem Spain</i>. And don't even get me started on Greek honey! It is especially delicious when it comes out of a ceramic cow. I mean.. look at how cute that little guy is! I want one! We started most of our mornings on the island with Greek yogurt with honey and an iced Freddo Cappuccino. Take me back!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f_drCK5ASBA/U867hwF3OJI/AAAAAAAAEn8/lABchYh7QCg/s1600/IMG_2656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f_drCK5ASBA/U867hwF3OJI/AAAAAAAAEn8/lABchYh7QCg/s1600/IMG_2656.JPG" height="1013" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.welloftheturk.com/"><b>The Well of the Turk</b></a>: You know how they say that good things come for those who wait? Well, good things also come for those who get lost and run around in circles until they finally find a nice local to point the way. Yep, that's what it took to find this gorgeous, delicious restaurant. And good things... my how they did come. Tucked away into a narrow alley off of the main tourist drags, The Well of the Turk is totally worth the work it takes to find it. Their menu is an eclectic combination of Turkish and Cretan delights, such as <i>apaki, </i>smoked Cretan pork that has been marinated for hours in vinegar. Although the food is absolutely delicious, the ambiance is what makes you want to come back for more.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-__9cqBWqpKA/U87EcUDHLYI/AAAAAAAAEoc/o8OSN9pJ-7o/s1600/IMG_2492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-__9cqBWqpKA/U87EcUDHLYI/AAAAAAAAEoc/o8OSN9pJ-7o/s1600/IMG_2492.jpg" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TPE5_Azy988/U9AN7_yc2-I/AAAAAAAAEos/-SHD-iqT3ko/s1600/IMG_2564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TPE5_Azy988/U9AN7_yc2-I/AAAAAAAAEos/-SHD-iqT3ko/s1600/IMG_2564.JPG" height="1013" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Ambiance:</b></span> What I loved most about our time in Chania definitely has to be the hours we spent wandering through the narrow alleys, slipping into a shop every now and then to peek at the jewelry. I loved the colorful contrasts and the GORGEOUS bougainvilleas. I also adored the slower pace of life. Whether it was a leisurely lunch spent listening to the table of old Greek men in the back of the restaurant crack up over a cat video (seriously), one too many iced Freddos to go, or a casual glass of wine on our balcony with a view of the harbor, it was nice to let go of the stress of big city living and just relax, Greek style.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nkBePBKhT6k/U9AO-BqfgCI/AAAAAAAAEo0/JKgomAAQRoI/s1600/IMG_2325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nkBePBKhT6k/U9AO-BqfgCI/AAAAAAAAEo0/JKgomAAQRoI/s1600/IMG_2325.JPG" height="1013" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v-S9mGYwXBs/U9AO_VJO7aI/AAAAAAAAEpA/tivQ0skpC3E/s1600/IMG_2418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v-S9mGYwXBs/U9AO_VJO7aI/AAAAAAAAEpA/tivQ0skpC3E/s1600/IMG_2418.JPG" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ITVFauip1_U/U9APC8WyRQI/AAAAAAAAEpo/Yo704AGxsKg/s1600/IMG_2650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ITVFauip1_U/U9APC8WyRQI/AAAAAAAAEpo/Yo704AGxsKg/s1600/IMG_2650.JPG" height="1013" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IeBk9fQfL-g/U9APAkRqY_I/AAAAAAAAEpY/8u8htZJ9r4g/s1600/IMG_2646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IeBk9fQfL-g/U9APAkRqY_I/AAAAAAAAEpY/8u8htZJ9r4g/s1600/IMG_2646.JPG" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K9grWnl0lSk/U9AP6VyW6rI/AAAAAAAAEp0/q1hYfhVE2lU/s1600/IMG_2647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K9grWnl0lSk/U9AP6VyW6rI/AAAAAAAAEp0/q1hYfhVE2lU/s1600/IMG_2647.JPG" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jPUO7ZPYAPo/U9APBE17FzI/AAAAAAAAEpg/vPrV2cVvlHY/s1600/IMG_2648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jPUO7ZPYAPo/U9APBE17FzI/AAAAAAAAEpg/vPrV2cVvlHY/s1600/IMG_2648.JPG" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PKK3mmk3PVI/U9AP6gY2VYI/AAAAAAAAEpw/l8eniCWYvPI/s1600/IMG_2633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PKK3mmk3PVI/U9AP6gY2VYI/AAAAAAAAEpw/l8eniCWYvPI/s1600/IMG_2633.JPG" height="1013" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Okay, on to the <b>EXCITING NEWS</b> part! I've decided to open up an Etsy shop in order to sell some of my travel photography. A few of the photos in this very post are on sale for $25.00 in my shop. Shipping is free. If you are interested in purchasing one, check out <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/WayfaringWanderlust">Wayfaring Wanderlust</a> on Etsy. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
xx, Jen</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529987704266953283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929554699162789123.post-77517360925914255102014-07-15T00:15:00.000-04:002014-07-15T00:15:50.637-04:00{life} a goodbye letter to madrid <div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Do you know what is really hard?</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Trying to find adequate words to describe how much my time living in Madrid has meant, and will continue to mean to me. I spent my entire last day wandering around my old barrio, Malasana, smiling one moment, and tearing up the next. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Smiling at the memories those streets hold.</b> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5UVR9pwx01g/U8RIxSn56ZI/AAAAAAAAEj0/NBLdhIPXl0I/s1600/IMG_1929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5UVR9pwx01g/U8RIxSn56ZI/AAAAAAAAEj0/NBLdhIPXl0I/s1600/IMG_1929.JPG" height="1013" width="760" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The afternoons spent drinking tinto de veranos and the late nights that followed, always with a slice of pizza and liter and a half of water in hand. The days spent window shopping; not for clothes, but for the next restaurant or bar to add to our list of places to try. The quiet, peaceful mornings and the loud, chaotic nights. The summer afternoons spent meeting for ice cream and iced coffee. The winter nights spent dodging into the first warm place we came across for a plate of queso and a glass of red wine. I must have walked these streets a thousand times over the last year and half, but there was always something new to see; something to marvel at or write down to check out later. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Tearing up over the thought of separation from my Spain family.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mTECfZ6mdV0/U8RSmFpsTeI/AAAAAAAAEkI/Yoe_W3Ubgzc/s1600/IMG_1612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mTECfZ6mdV0/U8RSmFpsTeI/AAAAAAAAEkI/Yoe_W3Ubgzc/s1600/IMG_1612.JPG" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As I passed my favorite coffee shop, a ton of memories started flying through my head. The first time Breanne and I walked through the doors we were immediately in love. We set out to make it "our place" in the huge foreign city we now called home. Little did I know at the time what that little cafe was going to end up meaning to me. It was where a coworker turned into a friend. Where goodbye parties were held and new friends were made. Where hangovers were created, and then cured. Where trips were planned and politics were discussed. Where we talked about overcoming homesickness and our falling in love with our new home away from home. When I sat down later to really think about all of these memories, one thing kept coming back to me. It wasn't that this little coffee shop was any better than others in my neighborhood. It was the people I experienced the coffee shop with that made it what it is to me. Beautiful, wonderful people who made my life in Madrid more than just an empty shell of my life at home. Friends who filled my heart and brought me joy. Friends who turned into family. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Madrid.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-po8bPIeOiEo/U8RXQnlKlDI/AAAAAAAAElI/JbxP-c0JRn4/s1600/IMG_0400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-po8bPIeOiEo/U8RXQnlKlDI/AAAAAAAAElI/JbxP-c0JRn4/s1600/IMG_0400.JPG" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's a realization that Spain is so much more than we could ever imagine it to be in the USA. It isn't just sunshine, siestas, bullfighting, flamenco, and sangria. It's the old man bars and napkins on the floor. It's begrudgingly adjusting your schedule to match the siesta schedule, but secretly loving the lull in the middle of the day. It's becoming a jamon, croquetta, tortilla de patatas, and huevos rotos nut job. It's secretly pretending to love Real Madrid soccer. It's the maddening yet comforting sound of the trashmen banging down your street at three in the morning. It's the four floor walkups never getting easier - but hey, at least no gym membership was necessary this year! It's struggling with Spanish, but missing it fiercely the second it is gone. It's coming to Spain with no language ability to go to a bank, fruit shop, or restaurant without freaking out, and leaving with those topics mastered. It's referring to American currency as euros, and realizing how awesome one euro coins are. It's days spent picnicking in the park and drinking on the streets. It's visiting the same museums over and over again, just to see your favorite paintings in person again. It's getting out of the city and hiking on Saturdays, and then going for tapas all day on Sundays. It's a deep love for the Spanish people, but a disdain for the Spanish government. It's getting to know the people at the stalls at your favorite market. It's terrazas and plazas. It's exchanging Swedish, Spanish, and American recipes with the cutest roommates on earth. It's olives and Manchego, churros and chocolate, and toast and tomato. It's mojitos and gin and tonics, Rioja o Ribera, and cana o doble. It's cafe con leches, cortados, and espressos. It's a late breakfast and a slow lunch. It's socializing over a tiny beer with no time limit in sight. It's meeting people from all over the world and learning about their cultures through food, debates, and more. It's taking enough pictures a year and a half after moving here that could convince anyone around you that you are a complete tourist. It's finding your passion for your future career. It's the people you meet and the memories you share. It's going as far out of your comfort zone as you could ever imagine, and coming back home a more complete and mature person. It's falling head over heels in love with a city like you could never imagine possible.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">It's knowing that Madrid will always occupy a huge place in my heart; no matter the distance, no matter the time.</span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FHj31kiAHMI/U8RdoSME84I/AAAAAAAAElY/DYYf40p7Tas/s1600/IMG_1765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FHj31kiAHMI/U8RdoSME84I/AAAAAAAAElY/DYYf40p7Tas/s1600/IMG_1765.JPG" height="1013" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c919aLMb8Uo/U8Spnu02cxI/AAAAAAAAElo/zTyiFvwSD1s/s1600/10462513_10201903401362505_6880113704148567156_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c919aLMb8Uo/U8Spnu02cxI/AAAAAAAAElo/zTyiFvwSD1s/s1600/10462513_10201903401362505_6880113704148567156_n.jpg" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Because Madrid in reality is nothing special. It doesn't have a great river. Nor does it have many skyscrapers. Nor canals or lakes. Nor glorious ruins. Nor the sea. Madrid lacks lots of things. But it has people in the streets. The unexpected street corners. The variety. The contrast. Constant busyness. And it has customs. It is worth getting up early, just once, to live the Madrid life.</span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">Hasta pronto, Madrid. Te amo.</span></div>
<br />
xx, Jen</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529987704266953283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929554699162789123.post-40683841548474375672014-07-14T03:49:00.004-04:002014-07-14T03:53:59.598-04:00{life} loving lately<div style="text-align: justify;">
Oh, hi! Remember me? I can't believe it's already been a month since I last blogged. My life has been a little crazy lately. I finished up with work for the year (hola verano - adios mis estudiantes), moved out of my apartment, said goodbye to a whole lot of friends, and went on an 11 day trip to Greece. Now I'm back in Madrid for a super measly two days before it is time for me to head back to Barajas airport to hop on yet another plane, but this time I will be going back to the USA, for good. Eeeek.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--cFn8Bgzikg/U8JhVhUhV4I/AAAAAAAAEhc/Z3Uy0LFGh90/s1600/image+(17).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--cFn8Bgzikg/U8JhVhUhV4I/AAAAAAAAEhc/Z3Uy0LFGh90/s1600/image+(17).jpeg" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<br />
While I am slightly freaking out about leaving this gorgeous city I have called home for the last year and a half, that is not going to be the focus of today's post. Here's to focusing on the positive and all of the things I'm looking forward to at home.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hanging with my sweet boyfriend.</span><br />
<br />
We'll finally be living in the same country again! Even better? In the same time zone. Goodbye six hour time difference and 31839182 mile distance. Even though we'll be in different cities attending our respective graduate schools, what's a three hour drive when you've survived almost an entire year of living on different continents? Best thing? I'm flying home on his birthday, so I get to be with him on the day he turns 25. Old man status! ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-inlGiF7tHPk/U8K6ksuGJoI/AAAAAAAAEhw/ueMFbRYEYrA/s1600/Brian's+Wedding13bigger.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-inlGiF7tHPk/U8K6ksuGJoI/AAAAAAAAEhw/ueMFbRYEYrA/s1600/Brian's+Wedding13bigger.png" height="508" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o8LoU3czOTM/U8K6j3ph5RI/AAAAAAAAEhs/m3RcTKLaE3I/s1600/Brian's+Wedding14E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o8LoU3czOTM/U8K6j3ph5RI/AAAAAAAAEhs/m3RcTKLaE3I/s1600/Brian's+Wedding14E.jpg" height="613" width="760" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Good ol' American BBQ.</span><br />
<br />
This is ALWAYS the first meal I request when I come home. While Spain has certainly picked up on the American burger concept, nothing compares to my dad's pulled pork or my mom's baked beans. Some of the best food I've ever tasted has come out of my parent's kitchen. I mean... check out the spread below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mv4llW_WP0Y/U8K9mj7nOsI/AAAAAAAAEiA/lPnWMmIW644/s1600/feast.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mv4llW_WP0Y/U8K9mj7nOsI/AAAAAAAAEiA/lPnWMmIW644/s1600/feast.jpeg" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">FSU football.</span><br />
<br />
I might look like your typical girly girl, but I am paaasssionnattee about my college's football team. I bleed garnet and gold and am therefore ridiculously excited to attend football games again. My graduate school choice was 90<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">% about the program and 10</span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: left;">% about the football. sorrymomanddad. I'd just like to throw everything else American cultured into this section too. Tailgates! Happy hour! Fashion! Service! Language! Etc. This American girl is ready to get back down with her roots.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vYO2rbG_mDw/U8K-TYUD6EI/AAAAAAAAEiI/UTqmgNEYwZI/s1600/DSC09990E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vYO2rbG_mDw/U8K-TYUD6EI/AAAAAAAAEiI/UTqmgNEYwZI/s1600/DSC09990E.jpg" height="615" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Florida.</span><br />
<br />
You don't really realize how unique of a culture your particular state has until you move abroad and start chatting with people who grew up in other places. So wait... you didn't learn the stingray shuffle or the best route on how to run away from alligators? (Always zigzag, never straight). You didn't grow up going boating on the weekends or on a diet of freshly caught fish? You didn't have friends who caught lizards to wear as earrings? (Yes, totally a thing in Florida. lolzz). You didn't have hurricane parties or have your afternoon storm ritual in the summertime? You didn't grow up eating Cuban food or hearing Spanish all the time? It has been so interesting learning about other states' cultures and realizing how awesome the place I come from is.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3gKUwR2Hzpk/U8OGsUCaGzI/AAAAAAAAEiY/j0fTK93A_2k/s1600/DSC09790E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3gKUwR2Hzpk/U8OGsUCaGzI/AAAAAAAAEiY/j0fTK93A_2k/s1600/DSC09790E.jpg" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Friends and family.</span><br />
<br />
I'm so thankful for my time living abroad, and all of the incredible people I've met along the way, but I'm getting so excited to be home with my family and hometown & college friends. Nothing feels worse than missing weddings, babies' births, engagements, birthdays, and holidays. I can't wait to catch up with everyone and celebrate a few things I've missed!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i3c4api10-U/U8OJbpx4XhI/AAAAAAAAEik/UZR_atupPMA/s1600/IMG_6252E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i3c4api10-U/U8OJbpx4XhI/AAAAAAAAEik/UZR_atupPMA/s1600/IMG_6252E.jpg" height="591" width="760" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Blogging catch up.</span><br />
<br />
Even though I will be starting graduate school soon after moving home, I have high hopes for my blogging productivity. I want to start setting aside solid hours each week to write. After all, I still have to write about my trips to Ireland, Asturias, and Greece, as well as my last few months in Madrid! Eeep. #comingsoon<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yRYAijaTf3k/U8OLQ4Yr1sI/AAAAAAAAEiw/rKGIolqBgLA/s1600/IMG_1258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yRYAijaTf3k/U8OLQ4Yr1sI/AAAAAAAAEiw/rKGIolqBgLA/s1600/IMG_1258.JPG" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<br />
Next time I blog I will officially be living in the USA again. Here's to new memories and a new beginning. I hope you'll still follow along as I start to adjust to life on American soil again.<br />
<br />
xx, Jen</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529987704266953283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929554699162789123.post-48729544199612246972014-06-18T05:43:00.002-04:002014-06-18T05:43:41.400-04:00{travel} four italian hill towns worthy of your wanderlust list<div style="text-align: justify;">
There's something so magical about small towns in the rolling hills of Italy. These are towns filled with friendly locals who never hesitate to a shout an amiable <i>buongiorno</i> your way. Towns with stunning views from every direction and incredible cathedrals. These are towns with histories filled with tales of mighty rule and incredible decline. Hope beyond all hope that you'll get lucky enough to be in these towns during one of their weekly markets or annual festivals. Take a deep breath of fresh air and wander around the narrow, winding streets without any sort of direction. Taste some local cheese and wine. Explore <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/umbria">Umbria</a>.</div>
<br />
<b style="font-size: xx-large;">Civita di Bagnoregio:</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Civita di Bagnoregio is one of the most unique places I've ever been. For one thing, you have to walk across a long bridge to get to it because it is literally placed directly on top of a quickly eroding hill. The other interesting thing is that there are only 6 permanent residents in the entire town. I suppose this has to do with the whole <i>quickly eroding</i> thing. This little town was founded over 2500 years ago by the Etruscans, the empire that Tuscany is named after. The most striking feature of Civita di Bagnoregio for me is the view from the modern (and much safer) suburb, Bagnoregio. It's just absolutely stunning. One word of advice: You probably shouldn't go visit Civita di Bagnoregio when it is raining. Trust us. We learned this the hard way. lolz</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FlRbo35CGxQ/U6E_Bk1VfoI/AAAAAAAAEfk/Rkn0gXhsVpI/s1600/IMG_8293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FlRbo35CGxQ/U6E_Bk1VfoI/AAAAAAAAEfk/Rkn0gXhsVpI/s1600/IMG_8293.JPG" height="1013" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zS_YHe5Ia-I/U6E_IgTyhbI/AAAAAAAAEfw/pMvueUOCQD4/s1600/IMG_8267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zS_YHe5Ia-I/U6E_IgTyhbI/AAAAAAAAEfw/pMvueUOCQD4/s1600/IMG_8267.JPG" height="570" width="760" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K1hH0eqjSRw/U6E_KKKUX4I/AAAAAAAAEf8/yeIMLKHhQO0/s1600/IMG_8292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K1hH0eqjSRw/U6E_KKKUX4I/AAAAAAAAEf8/yeIMLKHhQO0/s1600/IMG_8292.JPG" height="1013" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lw4-01aXEIs/U6E_IdfIukI/AAAAAAAAEfs/XQxOOAR8NPg/s1600/IMG_8287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lw4-01aXEIs/U6E_IdfIukI/AAAAAAAAEfs/XQxOOAR8NPg/s1600/IMG_8287.JPG" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b>Things you should do in Civita di Bagnoregio</b>: Take in the view of the town before you walk across the bridge. Enjoy the subtle beauty of the ancient buildings as you wander around the town. Peek into the cathedral. Eat some bruschetta. Check out one of the 1000+ year old olive presses in the town's restaurants.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<b style="font-size: xx-large;">Orvieto:</b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Welcome to to the city that is home to the most colorful and interesting cathedral in all of Italy (I'm convinced). The front of the cathedral is bursting with colorful mosaics and intricate carvings and sculptures while the sides of the cathedral are more subtly done with an awesome striped pattern of different colored stones. While you might be tempted to spend all day staring at the cathedral, you should also leave some time to explore Orvieto's underground city. These underground passageways, tunnels, and rooms were originally created by Orvieto's elite residents as way to escape the city when it was under siege back in the day. So cool!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GDs3PXtDxb0/U6E6-js1nlI/AAAAAAAAEeg/oBJwPtnvIvk/s1600/IMG_8119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GDs3PXtDxb0/U6E6-js1nlI/AAAAAAAAEeg/oBJwPtnvIvk/s1600/IMG_8119.JPG" height="1013" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BYMwAQVcpZE/U6E695804uI/AAAAAAAAEeY/BwhfQSe_05g/s1600/IMG_8101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BYMwAQVcpZE/U6E695804uI/AAAAAAAAEeY/BwhfQSe_05g/s1600/IMG_8101.JPG" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LepWcqwo-Wo/U6E6-VQac7I/AAAAAAAAEeo/F3nubznKXPU/s1600/IMG_8108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LepWcqwo-Wo/U6E6-VQac7I/AAAAAAAAEeo/F3nubznKXPU/s1600/IMG_8108.JPG" height="1013" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0XayXFIL5uE/U6E7A6jTKZI/AAAAAAAAEew/7PidnLrwzPY/s1600/IMG_8155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0XayXFIL5uE/U6E7A6jTKZI/AAAAAAAAEew/7PidnLrwzPY/s1600/IMG_8155.JPG" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--6ovQyn534I/U6E7B1feAMI/AAAAAAAAEe0/y4ieQY9YnGQ/s1600/IMG_8156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--6ovQyn534I/U6E7B1feAMI/AAAAAAAAEe0/y4ieQY9YnGQ/s1600/IMG_8156.JPG" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b>Things you should do in Orvieto</b>: Ride the funicular up the side of the hill to reach the old town. Enjoy studying the facade of the most unique cathedral in Europe (behind the Sagrada Familia of course!) Climb the clock tower in the center of town for a stunning view of the cathedral and the rest of Orvieto. Take an underground tour of the city. If you don't have time for that, then at least check out the Pozzo di San Patrizio, a huge well that was commissioned by Pope Clement VII in the 16th century.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b style="font-size: xx-large;">Monteleone d'Orvieto:</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Monteleone d'Orvieto is one of the most charming towns I've ever seen. The balconies and stairs of the gorgeous houses were dripping in flower pots and plants. Every person we passed smiled and nodded at us even though I'm sure they were all confused as to why there were strange foreigners taking a million photos of their homes. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AyOyzboWP7A/U6E-s0Q7UZI/AAAAAAAAEfU/-G7f268nYg4/s1600/IMG_8365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AyOyzboWP7A/U6E-s0Q7UZI/AAAAAAAAEfU/-G7f268nYg4/s1600/IMG_8365.JPG" height="568" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D0KhYnr-Z3U/U6E-r_90kmI/AAAAAAAAEfM/tMo2MGGUCHs/s1600/IMG_8367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D0KhYnr-Z3U/U6E-r_90kmI/AAAAAAAAEfM/tMo2MGGUCHs/s1600/IMG_8367.JPG" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-whXy78THRjA/U6E-qGypb_I/AAAAAAAAEfE/XU4VDJbtddo/s1600/IMG_8361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-whXy78THRjA/U6E-qGypb_I/AAAAAAAAEfE/XU4VDJbtddo/s1600/IMG_8361.JPG" height="558" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fuL1MYwXINg/U6E-t1h0EfI/AAAAAAAAEfc/hts6C8C3qog/s1600/IMG_8390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fuL1MYwXINg/U6E-t1h0EfI/AAAAAAAAEfc/hts6C8C3qog/s1600/IMG_8390.JPG" height="1013" width="760" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br />Things you should do in Monteleone d'Orvieto</b>: Wander around. Drink a coffee in one of the few cafes in the old town area of Monteleone d'Orvieto. Peek into the church. Check out the remains of the medieval walls. Enjoy the serenity of small town life.<br /></div>
<br />
<b style="font-size: xx-large;">Citta della Pieve:</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We didn't expect to fall in love with Citta della Pieve as much as we did. We stopped in it because it was on our way home from the rest of the little towns we explored that day. We were expecting it to be much smaller, so we didn't expect to spend much time there. But this was the most lively town we visited that day! We stumbled upon a biannual market filled with stall after stall of traditional Italian delicacies, artisan crafts, and even some Italian craft beer! We sampled a ton of cheese, olives, and olive oil and purchased (extremely stale) biscotti - oops. I loved the vibrant colors of the buildings, the terracotta details, and the unexpected alleys. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qc3QXLUe-70/U6FARyXmb0I/AAAAAAAAEgk/HaYy-u0KZug/s1600/IMG_8417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qc3QXLUe-70/U6FARyXmb0I/AAAAAAAAEgk/HaYy-u0KZug/s1600/IMG_8417.JPG" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7RdMgQpmOdQ/U6FAO8Ta90I/AAAAAAAAEgU/krCe0vy5bhE/s1600/IMG_8396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7RdMgQpmOdQ/U6FAO8Ta90I/AAAAAAAAEgU/krCe0vy5bhE/s1600/IMG_8396.JPG" height="1013" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_L1D6nsQ6Cg/U6FAOGAUPbI/AAAAAAAAEgM/OauunvVtzlo/s1600/IMG_8404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_L1D6nsQ6Cg/U6FAOGAUPbI/AAAAAAAAEgM/OauunvVtzlo/s1600/IMG_8404.JPG" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SIxRtbMfANk/U6FARlplMjI/AAAAAAAAEgg/x4CAegsS4GI/s1600/IMG_8415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SIxRtbMfANk/U6FARlplMjI/AAAAAAAAEgg/x4CAegsS4GI/s1600/IMG_8415.JPG" height="1013" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b>Things you should do in Citta della Pieve</b>: Find a map of the historic center all around the old town and follow the tourist path. You'll see beautiful piazzas, an extremely narrow "kissing lane," art galleries, cathedrals and churches, and the remains of an old city wall. Sample some local cheese and olive oil and buy a scoop or two of gelato. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Have you ever visited the Italian region of Umbria?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
It is quite possibly my favorite region I've visited in Italy so far. <i>Molto bellissimo.</i><br /><br />xx, Jen</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529987704266953283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929554699162789123.post-39564850602474237612014-06-09T13:43:00.000-04:002014-06-09T13:50:28.663-04:00{food} madrid tapas, taverns, and history<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LyWfoE10rNo/U5W1VUiwmvI/AAAAAAAAEcA/NWohLS7Lua8/s1600/IMG_9495E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LyWfoE10rNo/U5W1VUiwmvI/AAAAAAAAEcA/NWohLS7Lua8/s1600/IMG_9495E.jpg" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
If there's one thing you should know about me it is that I adore food. Obvious right? I also am extremely curious. I love to try new things and new restaurants, and love learning the history behind, well, everything! This is why I have so much fun going on food tours! Although I have lived in Madrid for over a year and half, I haven't even begun to scratch the surface of the culinary delights that await at every corner. Did you know that Madrid has the <a href="http://www.donquijote.org/culture/spain/society/customs/fun-facts-spain.asp">second highest</a> number of bars per inhabitant in Europe (just behind Cyprus)? Did you also know that each bar serves food as well as drinks? So how do you know which restaurants and bars are the good, local joints and which ones are run solely for tourists? This is where <a href="http://madridfoodtour.com/">Madrid Food Tour</a> comes in. Run by an American expat turned Spanish entrepreneur, <a href="http://spanishsabores.com/">Lauren</a>, Madrid Food Tour offers guests with an unrivaled local experience. Not only do I read their <a href="http://madridfoodtour.com/blog">blog</a> regularly for restaurant suggestions and tips on Spanish cuisine, but I also have been working as a <a href="http://instagram.com/madridfoodtour">social</a> <a href="http://facebook.com/madridfoodtour">media</a> <a href="http://twitter.com/madridfoodtour">intern</a> for them! I have been so lucky this year to be able get a behind the scenes look at a company filled with people passionate about exposing the best of what Madrid's culinary scene has to offer. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Today I'm going to chat about a tour I recently went on with James, a Kiwi expat turned "<a href="https://twitter.com/theSpainGuy">The Spain Guy</a>," who seems to know just about all there is to know about Madrid's history and the restaurants and bars that make it the incredible city it is today. Get ready to go all in with some <a href="http://madridfoodtour.com/tapas-history-tour-madrid/">tapas, taverns, AND history</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;"><b>Stop One</b>: </span><span style="text-align: justify;">After meeting the rest of my tour group in the beautiful Plaza Isabel II, James walked us over to our first stop. We sampled nutty jamon iberico, tostada con tomate, freshly made potato chips, and extremely green olives while James told us about the early days of Madrid. We washed it all down with a deliciously cold vermut del grifo and listened intently. It was the perfect way to start our tour.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hmxs2H-od2g/U5Wzbx0m3rI/AAAAAAAAEbA/uLGFUu5C8b0/s1600/IMG_9458E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hmxs2H-od2g/U5Wzbx0m3rI/AAAAAAAAEbA/uLGFUu5C8b0/s1600/IMG_9458E.jpg" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWvw7oyyCCE/U5Wzctzc6cI/AAAAAAAAEbM/Kxr6TuOznFk/s1600/IMG_9459e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWvw7oyyCCE/U5Wzctzc6cI/AAAAAAAAEbM/Kxr6TuOznFk/s1600/IMG_9459e.jpg" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Stop Two</b>: </span>After walking from the Opera house to the Royal Palace, we stopped again to hear some fun facts about the Spanish kings of days past, as well as an interesting tidbit on how Galileo helped to stabilize a Madrid statue. With our stomachs rumbling we continued on to La Latina, the tapas mecca of Madrid. One of the coolest parts about this tour was how James made sure to showcase tapas crawling as it should be done. First, pick a few bars that are ideally close together. Then, figure out what the house specialty of each bar is. Is it wine and manchego cheese? Order one plate and move onto the next place. The specialty dish at our second stop on the tour was an incredibly tasty and melt-in-your-mouth bacalao (cod) fritter. The best thing to wash down this salty, fried tapa was definitely a cerveza! As we took a look around the room it was clear that all of the locals were ordering exactly what we were eating and then leaving to move on to their next locale. Pretttty awesome.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wG2QyCBr_Po/U5W0FTvD0tI/AAAAAAAAEb0/cJnQzHYwqdM/s1600/IMG_9569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wG2QyCBr_Po/U5W0FTvD0tI/AAAAAAAAEb0/cJnQzHYwqdM/s1600/IMG_9569.JPG" height="1013" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cBRUo0dw-4Q/U5W3k5wILcI/AAAAAAAAEc4/lBzdKRe-0MU/s1600/IMG_9492E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cBRUo0dw-4Q/U5W3k5wILcI/AAAAAAAAEc4/lBzdKRe-0MU/s1600/IMG_9492E.jpg" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Stop Three</b>: </span>Just around the corner from our second stop was our third. Instead of specializing in bacalao, this lively place specializes in a different Spanish favorite - mushrooms. These mushrooms were seriously OUT OF THIS WORLD. Before placing them on the hot griddle that awesome chef below (thumbs up for food!) prepares them with lemon juice, garlic granules, parsley, salt, and chorizo. I have no other words for this masterpiece except that I could happily eat these every day for the rest of my life. YUM.</div>
<br br="" />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nQIM1n44Cgk/U5W1WG2lSnI/AAAAAAAAEcM/ni2u-93THKY/s1600/IMG_9573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nQIM1n44Cgk/U5W1WG2lSnI/AAAAAAAAEcM/ni2u-93THKY/s1600/IMG_9573.JPG" height="1013" width="760" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: xx-large; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WVHg-B6ki1c/U5W1WeUg-0I/AAAAAAAAEcQ/TIRXKwfT54U/s1600/IMG_9511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WVHg-B6ki1c/U5W1WeUg-0I/AAAAAAAAEcQ/TIRXKwfT54U/s1600/IMG_9511.JPG" height="1013" width="760" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Stop Four</b>: </span>With our hungers satiated and our thirsts quenched, James guided us towards Huertas, one of my favorite neighborhoods in Madrid. Huertas nickname is Barrio de las Letras, meaning the neighborhood of letters. Many a famous Spanish poet and writer lived in this barrio, including Cervantes: the most loved Spaniard of all time. No, really. There was a survey taken that showed that he edged out popularity votes over the (recently abdicated) King Juan Carlos. Long live Don Quixote! I thought it was going to be impossible to name something else the best dish of the night after chowing down on far too many mushrooms, but these shrimp might have seriously edged them out. The shrimp were flash cooked in delectable Spanish olive oil with chopped up garlic and parsely, and then served with chewy bread to sop up all of the excess oil. Goodness. Gracious. Have you ever seen a more beautiful plate of shrimp? We washed down the garlicky goodness with a specialty house wine that is a bit sweeter than your average red. It balanced the dish perfectly.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BrgSrQIGLkA/U5W4Ps6apqI/AAAAAAAAEdQ/jrz-tWhk8lc/s1600/IMG_9533E.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BrgSrQIGLkA/U5W4Ps6apqI/AAAAAAAAEdQ/jrz-tWhk8lc/s1600/IMG_9533E.JPG" height="1013" width="760" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TZpK8ErMKas/U5W4PMWHFPI/AAAAAAAAEdA/eVTZxuY4a9Q/s1600/IMG_9523E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TZpK8ErMKas/U5W4PMWHFPI/AAAAAAAAEdA/eVTZxuY4a9Q/s1600/IMG_9523E.jpg" height="1013" width="760" /></a><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;"><b>Stop Five</b>: </span><span style="text-align: justify;">No photos have been allowed inside of our fifth stop since the Spanish Civil War days. The story behind this almost (current day) unheard of rule is so incredibly interesting! I'll leave the reason why as a surprise for the tour! This bar is extremely famous for its sherry options, so we saddled up next to the bar and ordered two different types. I had never before been a big sherry drinker, but the ones we sampled that night seriously changed my mind! They paired wonderfully with the assortment of dried meats James ordered for us. I can't wait to go back to this bar. It just oozes historical significance.</span></span><br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: xx-large; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://flyingcigar.de/wp-content/images/stories/travel/madrid%200609%20rafael/madrid%200609%20rafael%2025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://flyingcigar.de/wp-content/images/stories/travel/madrid%200609%20rafael/madrid%200609%20rafael%2025.JPG" height="427" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
photo <a href="http://flyingcigar.de/travel-cigars/200906-madrid-smoking-a-cigar-with-rafael-bernardo/">via</a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;"><b>Stop Six</b>: </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Our final stop of the night was at another tavern in the Huertas neighborhood. Although I was completely stuffed at this point, I knew that I couldn't pass up some piping hot pimientos de padron! We were able to sample a few other typical Spanish dishes after the pimientos, and then ended the night with a Spanish version of a crepe. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: xx-large; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qti465RNQvk/U5W4RGtaBwI/AAAAAAAAEdc/wq2qrGbLnhI/s1600/IMG_9560E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qti465RNQvk/U5W4RGtaBwI/AAAAAAAAEdc/wq2qrGbLnhI/s1600/IMG_9560E.jpg" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: xx-large; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ioOlAiGSUOU/U5W4R2QhtnI/AAAAAAAAEdk/Q9bFqh7Dxqc/s1600/IMG_9568E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ioOlAiGSUOU/U5W4R2QhtnI/AAAAAAAAEdk/Q9bFqh7Dxqc/s1600/IMG_9568E.jpg" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: xx-large; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jTRDAjN0OYg/U5W4PVtEIVI/AAAAAAAAEdU/bpi46UNtw5k/s1600/IMG_9551E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jTRDAjN0OYg/U5W4PVtEIVI/AAAAAAAAEdU/bpi46UNtw5k/s1600/IMG_9551E.jpg" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Enchanting Madrid</b>: </span>My second favorite thing to <i>eating all the things</i> in Madrid is enjoying a beautiful day by wandering around the city at random. Whether it is a parade to honor the patron saint of Madrid, a perfectly preserved building, a Tio Pepe success story, or a couple chatting in front of the royal palace, I can always find something to admire; something that makes me yearn to capture it on film. Visit Madrid. You will fall in love, I promise.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: xx-large; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: xx-large; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fotw0gHbFss/U5WzfKZdnFI/AAAAAAAAEbY/sg70p41LdN4/s1600/IMG_9576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fotw0gHbFss/U5WzfKZdnFI/AAAAAAAAEbY/sg70p41LdN4/s1600/IMG_9576.JPG" height="470" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: xx-large; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kb0JDjsUhHA/U5W0EAFP6NI/AAAAAAAAEbg/kFiW2wkHGZw/s1600/IMG_9471E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kb0JDjsUhHA/U5W0EAFP6NI/AAAAAAAAEbg/kFiW2wkHGZw/s1600/IMG_9471E.jpg" height="1013" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: xx-large; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BpXDa0fMncI/U5W0Ep7vFCI/AAAAAAAAEbk/Is_yFOhVaJg/s1600/IMG_9483e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BpXDa0fMncI/U5W0Ep7vFCI/AAAAAAAAEbk/Is_yFOhVaJg/s1600/IMG_9483e.jpg" height="1014" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: xx-large; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xt9Pw3Ipdu0/U5W3K7RiGbI/AAAAAAAAEcc/F_YNV3dcQuE/s1600/IMG_9514E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xt9Pw3Ipdu0/U5W3K7RiGbI/AAAAAAAAEcc/F_YNV3dcQuE/s1600/IMG_9514E.jpg" height="1013" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: xx-large; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2XZ2vdbbP-8/U5W3Kv7cVMI/AAAAAAAAEcY/0ycn-7BxGck/s1600/IMG_9518E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2XZ2vdbbP-8/U5W3Kv7cVMI/AAAAAAAAEcY/0ycn-7BxGck/s1600/IMG_9518E.jpg" height="1013" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: xx-large; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E2NiX3oiM8c/U5W3K2TWbDI/AAAAAAAAEco/-rwA5M0Hh5k/s1600/IMG_9540E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E2NiX3oiM8c/U5W3K2TWbDI/AAAAAAAAEco/-rwA5M0Hh5k/s1600/IMG_9540E.jpg" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: xx-large; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YaeLWZ_00IY/U5W3MrZk8sI/AAAAAAAAEcs/NcL_9QonNfE/s1600/IMG_9544E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YaeLWZ_00IY/U5W3MrZk8sI/AAAAAAAAEcs/NcL_9QonNfE/s1600/IMG_9544E.jpg" height="1013" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I urge you to go on a food tour with <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187514-d3388332-Reviews-Madrid_Food_Tour-Madrid.html">Madrid Food Tour</a> if you ever find yourself in this wonderful city in Spain. I promise that you will leave full and happy, and possibly with a few new favorite dishes and friends. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<i>This food tour was a gift from MFT as a result of my work for them as a social media intern. However, all opinions, as always, are completely my own. I 100% suggest their tours for Madrid locals and tourists alike!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
xx, Jen</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529987704266953283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929554699162789123.post-40639739439506763082014-06-04T13:13:00.000-04:002014-06-04T13:42:21.263-04:00{travel} two great day trips in sicily<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Sicily is filled to the brim with bustling cities, old school markets, and unimaginably beautiful panoramic views. Even though we used Catania as our overnight base in Sicily, we made sure to explore more of what the football at the end of Italy's "boot" had to offer. Today I'll tell you about two day trips we went on from Catania, although both cities are also easily accessible from other parts of the island as well! This is going to be an extremely photo-heavy post because... well, you'll see why!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Taormina</b>: </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;">The views from this little slice of Sicilian paradise are absolutely unreal. Although this small commune is an extremely popular tourist destination, as it is a common stop for many cruises, it is still 100% worth it to go! The historic center of the town might be crazy touristy and filled to the gills with people, but w</span>ith Mount Etna in the distance, an impressive (and still-functioning) Greek amphitheater to explore, and an elevated view of the Ionian Sea, I can not more highly recommend adding Taormina to your must-see list in Sicily. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nBlohVIXJks/U49WG7HnnyI/AAAAAAAAEYo/zmOJPRrTpFg/s1600/IMG_7862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nBlohVIXJks/U49WG7HnnyI/AAAAAAAAEYo/zmOJPRrTpFg/s1600/IMG_7862.JPG" height="394" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-isZ2iwQ5XXM/U49V8ocWXbI/AAAAAAAAEX4/iSX9tQte_oU/s1600/IMG_7798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-isZ2iwQ5XXM/U49V8ocWXbI/AAAAAAAAEX4/iSX9tQte_oU/s1600/IMG_7798.JPG" height="1013" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p_BHocn3ofk/U49V80RxLbI/AAAAAAAAEYA/6hgqRtq776w/s1600/IMG_7808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p_BHocn3ofk/U49V80RxLbI/AAAAAAAAEYA/6hgqRtq776w/s1600/IMG_7808.JPG" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jdInYQI4Uh4/U49WBSZOvbI/AAAAAAAAEYU/XahPifNcpBI/s1600/IMG_7838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jdInYQI4Uh4/U49WBSZOvbI/AAAAAAAAEYU/XahPifNcpBI/s1600/IMG_7838.JPG" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a33Zff_NToo/U49V-0lpPwI/AAAAAAAAEYM/tzYl1mQ8yfY/s1600/IMG_7825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a33Zff_NToo/U49V-0lpPwI/AAAAAAAAEYM/tzYl1mQ8yfY/s1600/IMG_7825.JPG" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hhd1vmAs5bI/U49WqwEOaHI/AAAAAAAAEZA/cqmysFw8-Yk/s1600/IMG_7937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hhd1vmAs5bI/U49WqwEOaHI/AAAAAAAAEZA/cqmysFw8-Yk/s1600/IMG_7937.JPG" height="1013" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KRiq7rlFSsQ/U49W5uJBZlI/AAAAAAAAEZg/KqO-WH7GRvc/s1600/IMG_7935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KRiq7rlFSsQ/U49W5uJBZlI/AAAAAAAAEZg/KqO-WH7GRvc/s1600/IMG_7935.JPG" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ctypo8yHDL8/U49W2mRxwNI/AAAAAAAAEZI/Gd6r94FLZ50/s1600/IMG_7907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ctypo8yHDL8/U49W2mRxwNI/AAAAAAAAEZI/Gd6r94FLZ50/s1600/IMG_7907.JPG" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8i8pv8UU0tQ/U49W3JrJLhI/AAAAAAAAEZQ/Q9245bkac9k/s1600/IMG_7910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8i8pv8UU0tQ/U49W3JrJLhI/AAAAAAAAEZQ/Q9245bkac9k/s1600/IMG_7910.JPG" height="373" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JQexAMOEB3Y/U49W3MlFFjI/AAAAAAAAEZM/Wq7wAVfqqv4/s1600/IMG_7802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JQexAMOEB3Y/U49W3MlFFjI/AAAAAAAAEZM/Wq7wAVfqqv4/s1600/IMG_7802.JPG" height="423" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>Must-do Taormina</b>:
<br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Visit the <a href="http://www.teatrogrecotaormina.com/concerts/events.html">Teatro Greco</a>. By day, you can explore the 7th CE amphitheater, the second largest in Sicily after Siracusa. By night, you might just be able to catch an opera performance or play under the stars if you're lucky! </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Climb up to the Castello di Taormina, which is now sadly abandoned and locked up tight. But no fear, that million step climb uphill is totally worth it for the view you'll have of the city of Taormina, the Ionian Sea, and the Teatro Greco! Follow signs in the town to get to the bottom of the stairs-only path that takes you to the top. It also might be called Castello Saraceno.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Wander into any of the numerous cathedrals and churches scattered around the city. They are all extremely old!</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Take in the view of Mount Etna from the main piazza, Piazza IX Aprile.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Getting there:</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Frequent <a href="http://www.interbus.it/Home.aspx">Interbus</a> buses run from Palermo, Catania, and Messina. Taormina is also easily accessible by <a href="http://www.taormina.it/introduction/www.trenitalia.com">Tren Italia</a>, although you will have to take a cab or a bus up the tiny switchback road from the train station.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Siracusa</b>: </span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
We went to Siracusa with grand plans to spend all day exploring really awesome Greek ruins, but we accidentally only saw one ruin. We realized as we were on the bus ride back home that we should have spent more time in the "modern" section of town instead of heading straight to Ortigia, the "historical" heart of the town. Oops. Nevertheless, we had a lovely walk around town, and enjoyed a stunning coastal view of the Ionian Sea once again. Fun fact about Siracusa: Its people defeated Athens in 413, which then made it the most important city of Magna Grecia. It is also the birthplace of the famous ancient mathematician, Archimedes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lsxI08aozQ0/U49ZLlxh33I/AAAAAAAAEaM/Pj2S-gtXeHg/s1600/IMG_7711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lsxI08aozQ0/U49ZLlxh33I/AAAAAAAAEaM/Pj2S-gtXeHg/s1600/IMG_7711.JPG" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lu6z4Zs-I98/U49ZK5CB26I/AAAAAAAAEZ8/nwn70RLN5iA/s1600/IMG_7751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lu6z4Zs-I98/U49ZK5CB26I/AAAAAAAAEZ8/nwn70RLN5iA/s1600/IMG_7751.JPG" height="1043" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Mmwfj3-2bs/U49ZHt0goMI/AAAAAAAAEZs/i1SAodYKgfE/s1600/IMG_7729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Mmwfj3-2bs/U49ZHt0goMI/AAAAAAAAEZs/i1SAodYKgfE/s1600/IMG_7729.JPG" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iU3KjPp4n2A/U49ZH75SC3I/AAAAAAAAEZw/3McarvIryew/s1600/IMG_7730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iU3KjPp4n2A/U49ZH75SC3I/AAAAAAAAEZw/3McarvIryew/s1600/IMG_7730.JPG" height="1013" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dA7RoB5g7O8/U49ZN8Av7UI/AAAAAAAAEaU/K37NTGCFhhk/s1600/IMG_7768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dA7RoB5g7O8/U49ZN8Av7UI/AAAAAAAAEaU/K37NTGCFhhk/s1600/IMG_7768.JPG" height="1013" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NwLkQOa4Vvg/U49ZKwleG7I/AAAAAAAAEaA/h-2fElCoZLc/s1600/IMG_7745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NwLkQOa4Vvg/U49ZKwleG7I/AAAAAAAAEaA/h-2fElCoZLc/s1600/IMG_7745.JPG" height="570" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b>Must-do Siracusa</b>:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.italyguides.it/us/sicily_italy/syracuse/duomo_square/duomo_square.htm">Il Duomo di Siracusa </a> is really, really cool. From the outside, it looks like a normal cathedral in the middle of a gorgeous marble-floor plaza. But once you enter the front doors you soon learn its biggest secret. The cathedral surrounds an ancient Greek temple! All of the original ancient columns of the Greek temple are in great condition still, and blend seamlessly into the cathedral's architecture.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187891-d2716221-Reviews-Fountain_of_Diana-Syracuse_Province_of_Syracuse_Sicily.html">Fontana di Diana </a>is a gorgeous fountain in a quiet square on Ortigia island. I loved the detail of the sculptures on the fountain. All of the faces were so expressive. I felt like I was reading a story as I was looking it.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Explore the modern part of the city. I can't really talk much about what is there because we just walked straight through it from the bus station to Ortigia island, but there is an ancient Greek amphitheater there, among other important Greek ruins.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Getting there:</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.aziendasicilianatrasporti.it/">AST </a>and <a href="http://www.interbus.it/Home.aspx">Interbus </a>buses connect Siracusa to the rest of Sicily.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So.... who's going halvsies on a house in Sicily with me?!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
xx, Jen</div>
</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529987704266953283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929554699162789123.post-24947536050270512762014-05-28T17:43:00.002-04:002014-05-28T17:53:11.334-04:00{recipe} vegetable and quinoa stuffed zucchini<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f8kYlblm74k/U4ZL0B0dIkI/AAAAAAAAETw/j714bpO5xic/s1600/IMG_9225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f8kYlblm74k/U4ZL0B0dIkI/AAAAAAAAETw/j714bpO5xic/s1600/IMG_9225.JPG" height="507" width="760" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today has been quite the day. I tried to wake up a few hours before it was actually necessary for me to get up in order to get some stuff done, only to be lured back to sleep by extremely rare morning rain. Instead of having enough time to write a blog post and reply to emails before work, I had just enough time to shower and eat some leftover banana pancakes before scampering out the door. I went to work and enjoyed a game of Scattergories with my oldest students, until the moment I had to give a stern lecture as to why using a specific word that starts with <i>N</i> is not an acceptable answer for the category <i>Things that are black</i>. Iyiyi. I came home with grand plans to workout, but those fell through because... um. I'm lazy. I spent the rest of the day replying to emails, planning my trips to Switzerland and Greece (<b>any advice friends?!</b>), listening to some great Spotify playlists, and watching the crazy weather go from sunny one minute to raining the next. Needless to say, it wasn't terribly exciting, but I did have lots of time to think about the next few months and everything that is going to change when I move back home.<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Take these vegetable and quinoa stuffed zucchinis for example. As much as I keep talking about how excited I am for Publix, Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods, I know that as soon as I go home <b>I am going to miss produce shopping in Madrid so much</b>. In Madrid I can go to the same stall in the market every week and build a relationship with the vendor. I can see his eyes shine with acknowledgement, and hear a gruff <i>buenos dias </i>when I walk up. I can watch him carefully select the best zucchini, cherries, peaches, and peppers from the baskets. I can tell him, "<i>quiero hacer salmorejo</i>," and he will tell me which tomatoes are the best to buy to make it. I can buy an entire week's worth of produce for less than 10 euros. I can tell him "<i>hasta la proxima semana</i>" and know that we will go through the entire ritual all over again the next week. I can walk around the corner of the market and go through the same ritual with the olive vendor, jamon vendor, and cheese vendor. I can leave the market knowing that I not only got high quality food, but also a quality human experience. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fCQG50b1oN0/U4ZSzLhLRtI/AAAAAAAAEUA/xqKO2450rT8/s1600/IMG_9207E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fCQG50b1oN0/U4ZSzLhLRtI/AAAAAAAAEUA/xqKO2450rT8/s1600/IMG_9207E.jpg" height="507" width="760" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
But change is inevitable and change is good. I am so excited to start working in my field as a full-time educator with children more suited to my personality (love ya teenagers, but I love little babies much more). I am so excited to live close to my parents again. I can't wait to see my boyfriend every few weeks instead of every 3-6 months. I am beyond excited for football games, reunions with friends, and to be a student again. I am ecstatic that I will be in the country to attend one wedding as a guest and take part as a bridesmaid in another. No more Skype dates, 5 AM football obsessions, birthdays abroad, or missed family events. I know that going home is going to be incredible, but man, oh, man Madrid, you'll make it hard to leave ya.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Vegetable & Quinoa Stuffed Zucchini</b></span><br />
<i>Adapted from <a href="http://www.tasteloveandnourish.com/2014/01/22/vegetable-and-quinoa-stuffed-zucchini/">Taste, Love, & Nourish</a></i><br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>2 tablespoons olive oil</li>
<li>1 medium onion, finely diced</li>
<li>1 medium red pepper, finely diced</li>
<li>2 tomatoes, finely diced</li>
<li>6 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise</li>
<li>salt & pepper, to taste</li>
<li>1 cup spinach leaves, chopped</li>
<li>1 cup cooked quinoa - <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-cook-quinoa-63344">my favorite tutorial on how to make perfect quinoa</a>!</li>
<li>3-4 large basil leaves, torn</li>
<li>Parmesan cheese, grated</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Directions</b>:<br />
<ol>
<li>In a 12" skillet over medium high heat, add the olive oil, onion and red pepper. Reduce the heat to medium and saute just until the onions soften a bit.</li>
<li>While you wait for the onions to soften, scoop a bit of each zucchini out with a spoon. Dice the scooped bits up well and put aside.</li>
<li>Add tomatoes, zucchini bits, and some salt and pepper to the pan. Continue to saute for another couple of minutes. Add the spinach and stir until the spinach wilts down.</li>
<li>Remove the pan from the heat and add cooked quinoa. Sprinkle with some fresh basil leaves. Add Parmesan. Stir to combine and set aside.</li>
<li>Preheat oven to 375 degrees.</li>
<li>Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy clean up. Arrange the zucchini on the sheet. Using a small spoon divide the mixture between all of the zucchini halves. cover baking sheet with foil. You can refrigerate now for a couple of days if you'd like to serve it later. Otherwise, place sheet in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, covered.</li>
<li>After 30 minutes, uncover and top each zucchini with some more Parmesan cheese. Place the sheet back in the oven and bake for another ten minutes.</li>
<li>Remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy!</li>
</ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MuF91Zy5RKE/U4ZYBIBYnFI/AAAAAAAAEUQ/GDmDG3rh-xA/s1600/IMG_9931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MuF91Zy5RKE/U4ZYBIBYnFI/AAAAAAAAEUQ/GDmDG3rh-xA/s1600/IMG_9931.JPG" height="507" width="760" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
You can never go wrong with a beautiful photo of Madrid.<br />
<br />
xx, Jen</div>
</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529987704266953283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929554699162789123.post-6441013010151203862014-05-27T04:19:00.000-04:002014-05-27T13:07:24.734-04:00{travel} summer road trip dreaming + exciting news<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q9i4Mzqula0/U4RHu_yK4hI/AAAAAAAAETA/UBc4S_Rvffk/s1600/Must-Haves+smaller.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q9i4Mzqula0/U4RHu_yK4hI/AAAAAAAAETA/UBc4S_Rvffk/s1600/Must-Haves+smaller.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The coolest thing about living abroad definitely has to be the moment you realize how ridiculously awesome the country you come from is. It's so easy to spend your entire life dreaming of going to new countries, and experiencing new cultures and languages, that we sometimes forget to appreciate the beautiful land we call home. I always knew that America was made up of fabulous cities and beautifully scenic lands, but it wasn't until I moved to Spain that I really appreciated her for all that she is. Hearing about the United States from a European's point of view is just so cool! My students are constantly in awe that I'm from Florida. <i>"But Profe, you're from Florida! Why are you living in Spain?!"</i> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
While there are undoubtedly <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/10/20/europe-scenic-drives_n_770356.html#s161654title=Amalfi_Coast_Italy">tons of stunning scenic drives</a> to take in Europe, there's something about the wide open space of America that continues to appeal to me this year. If you remember my posts from December, <a href="http://foodloveandlifeblog.blogspot.com.es/search/label/Road%20Trip">my boyfriend and I took a road trip</a> from Tampa up to Savannah, and then up some more to Charleston, then back down to St. Augustine, and then Orlando, and back to Tampa. We had such a great time exploring Florida, Georgia, & South Carolina, but now we're dreaming of a road trip out west. We've been incessantly talking about one road trip in particular, a "little" loop that will hit Zion National Park, Arches National Park, and the Grand Canyon. You better believe there's already a <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/jenms4390/natural-beauty/">Pinterest board</a> for that trip. ;) The love of my life + hiking + stunning views + free reign to stop at all crazy roadside attractions? Sign me up! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>My Road Trip Must-Haves</b>:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
{1} <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/110699162/seeker-of-happiness-canvas-tote-bag-you?ref=sr_gallery_9&ga_search_query=canvas+tote&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery">Seeker of Happiness Canvas Tote</a>: I adore canvas totes! Especially canvas totes that come with quotes as perfect as this one. This is my pick for a durable bag to store all of your road trip snacks and goodies in!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
{2} <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/120456326/iphone-5-case-chevron-iphone-4-case?ref=sr_gallery_6&ga_search_query=iphone+5+case&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery">iPhone</a>: Okay, so you don't actually neeeed a brand new iPhone cover, but how cute is this "wood" one? But really, an iPhone is a must for me on a road trip. From the maps and travel apps, to the camera and iTunes playlists, well... it just makes road trips that much better.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
{3} <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/152921108/monogrammed-24-oz-tervis-tumbler-not?ref=market">Tervis Tumbler</a>: I constantly must have a huuuuge cup of ice water in the car with me at all times. Tervis tumblers are great at keeping your drinks cold (and hot - helllo gas station coffee breaks), and they are pretty too. Bonus.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
{4} <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Scenic-Drives-America-Revised-Updated/dp/1606523589/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1401174069&sr=8-9&keywords=road+trip">Most Scenic Drives in America Book</a>: I have to admit, I'm not the <i>most</i> patient road trip partner you could ever have. I love the scenery and the random stops along the way, but I am a super antsy person. So, it's always good to have a little entertainment. On our last road trip, I read historical facts to Alex about all the places we were going - <b>nerd alert</b> - and we also played a silly Christmas trivia game. But this book would be the perfect inspiration for future road trips while we're on the road.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
{5} Healthy Snacks: As fun as it is to buy allll the candy and chips and cookies you can fit into a bag at gas stations, I much prefer to bring some homemade snacks on the road. These <a href="http://foodloveandlifeblog.blogspot.com.es/2012/05/trail-mix-bites-blog-button-exchange.html">trail mix bites</a>, for example, are easy to make and perfectly portable. Or you could whip up some <a href="http://foodloveandlifeblog.blogspot.com.es/2012/08/recipes-homemade-granola.html">homemade granola</a>, <a href="http://foodloveandlifeblog.blogspot.com.es/2012/09/recipe-vegan-peach-nectarine-muffins.html">vegan peach nectarine muffins</a>, <a href="http://foodloveandlifeblog.blogspot.com.es/2012/05/roasted-almonds-two-ways-cinnamon.html">roasted almonds</a>, or <a href="http://foodloveandlifeblog.blogspot.com.es/2010/06/strawberry-banana-muffins.html">strawberry banana muffins</a> for the road. If you really want to impress your carmates, bring along some cookies too - these <a href="http://foodloveandlifeblog.blogspot.com.es/2011/10/giant-m-cookies.html">giant M&M cookies</a> and <a href="http://foodloveandlifeblog.blogspot.com.es/2013/12/recipe-red-velvet-chocolate-chip-cookies.html">red velvet chocolate chip cookies </a>are my favorites.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
{6} <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/154698473/kraft-travel-journal-travel-notebook?ref=sr_gallery_10&ga_search_query=travel+notebook&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery">Travel Journal</a>: This is an essential item to have in the car in order to jot down all of those fun stops you've made on the way to your destination. Alex and I were constantly pulling off on random exits to check out THE BEST PEACH FRITTER IN GEORGIA, OLD ENGLISH FORTS, and more. I love the print on this journal. Simple and classic.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>And now for some exciting & bittersweet news.</b> If you follow me on <a href="http://twitter.com/xxjensmith">Twitter </a>or <a href="http://instagram.com/jenmichelle_travels">Instagram</a>, or checked out my sidebar section <i>Next Up</i>, you might already have realized that I'm moving back home in July. Alas, my time in Europe is quickly coming to an end (bitter), but I'm moving back to my old college town, Tallahassee, in order to earn my Master's in Elementary Education (sweet)! While I will miss Madrid and all of my beautiful friends here, I am so excited to start this new chapter in my life come August. This won't be the end of my traveling posts or days. No, this is merely the beginning. I hope you'll stick around as I catch up on my final European adventures and transition to life as a graduate student at the most amazing university in the land, Florida State. Go Noles!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">What are your road trip must-haves?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
xx, Jen</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Disclaimer: I am teaming up with RelayRides' Road Trip Essentials campaign with this post, but I am not being compensated. If you'd like to check out a ride share program in the US, I encourage you to read up on their company <a href="https://relayrides.com/">here</a>. </i></div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529987704266953283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929554699162789123.post-28006311051428969812014-05-24T12:53:00.002-04:002014-05-27T09:19:58.519-04:00{travel} getting to know my sicilian roots in catania<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jxvts82dwhY/U3H-RE1kFYI/AAAAAAAAEO0/GBxPUHD1UUs/s1600/IMG_7671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jxvts82dwhY/U3H-RE1kFYI/AAAAAAAAEO0/GBxPUHD1UUs/s1600/IMG_7671.jpg" height="507" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
One of the things that makes me so proud to be an American is how diverse we are as nation. I love that we are one huge country filled with immigrants from all over the world, which now means that our citizens are more and more often made up from a big ol' melting pot of genes. I am the perfect example of a new age American. My mom's parents emigrated from China to California in the late 1940s, after they were arranged into a marriage, in search for a better future for their growing family. My dad's dad claims a Scotch-Irish ancestry, but his family had been settled in the USA for as long as we can trace back. My dad's mom's parents, however, emigrated from Sicily to an Italian settlement in New Jersey in the 1920s in order to get away from the ever imposing Mafia. <b>It's safe to say that my family's history is <i>prettttty</i> darn cool. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Needless to say, when we were trying to decide where else to go besides Rome during our Italy trip, we knew that we were going to have to include Sicily in our itinerary. The whole time that we were in Rome I was getting really excited to finally hop on a plane to visit the fiercely independent island where the Midili family originated from. My parents decided to make Catania our home base in Sicily. I had no idea what to expect before we arrived, and quickly learned that Catania was going to be unlike any other Italian city I had visited before. But more on that later.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-size: xx-large;">Sights & Activities:</b> We sadly didn't spend quite as much time exploring Catania as we would have liked because we tried to make the most of our 4 days and 4 nights in Sicily by seeing a few other cities around the island. But we did still make time to sightsee a little bit!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.comune.catania.it/la_citt%C3%A0/turismo/monumenti-and-musei-itinerari-turistici/cultural-sighthseeing-walks/greek-roman-and-bizantine/the-roman-theatre.aspx">Roman Amphitheatre</a></b>: This amphitheatre might not seem like much from the street, but that's only because you can't see much of it until you walk through the lobby area due to the fact that it is surrounded by apartment buildings. This Roman amphitheatre was built in the 2nd century. During its glory years it held about 16,000 spectators, and was second only to the Colosseum in Rome. But this theater wasn't unearthed until 1904, when construction workers discovered it while building new housing. People in existing buildings in the area were actually forced to move from their homes after it was discovered so that they could unearth more of the theater. There was a little exhibit in the amphitheatre showing an example of how connected the "modern" 18th century buildings were to the amphitheatre. <i>Yes, I'm sorry sir. You're going to have to move your entire family out of this apartment because you are living on top of one of the most important archaeological finds in Catania. Thanks!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGL2xHLYUpA/U398u7CsvCI/AAAAAAAAEP4/9yup18WvmrA/s1600/IMG_7600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGL2xHLYUpA/U398u7CsvCI/AAAAAAAAEP4/9yup18WvmrA/s1600/IMG_7600.jpg" height="507" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vKta0iB61VI/U398SbFqvMI/AAAAAAAAEPw/3-ogvbRvx78/s1600/IMG_7610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vKta0iB61VI/U398SbFqvMI/AAAAAAAAEPw/3-ogvbRvx78/s1600/IMG_7610.JPG" height="507" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b><a href="http://www.italyguides.it/us/sicily_italy/catania/duomo_square.htm">Piazza Duomo</a></b>: This plaza is right in the heart of the historic district of Catania. The most unique fixture in the Baroque piazza is the curious elephant statue and fountain. The elephant is known as the symbol of Catania and was sculpted from volcanic rock from Mount Etna, the active volcanic mountain on Sicily. You can enjoy the view of the cool <i>elefanti</i>, some gorgeous baroque buildings, and the <a href="http://www.cattedralecatania.it/">Catania Cathedral</a> from one of the cafes around the square.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j74orm5duk8/U3-A1870rnI/AAAAAAAAEQE/uOPPUiCDt7M/s1600/Apr+14+2014_Catania_0763_Elefanti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j74orm5duk8/U3-A1870rnI/AAAAAAAAEQE/uOPPUiCDt7M/s1600/Apr+14+2014_Catania_0763_Elefanti.jpg" height="507" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7544.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7544.jpg" width="380" /></a>
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7534.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7534.jpg" width="380" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><a href="http://www.saveur.com/article/Travels/Sicily-Catania-Fish-Market">The Catania Fish Market</a></b>: <span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Walking through the Catania fish market
is by far one of the most awesome things I've done in Europe thus far. It is so
much more than a market. It's the epicenter for all things culinary in Catania.
The social heart of the city, and more importantly a way of life. Everywhere
you turn you will see Italian grandmothers elbowing huge, macho men out of the
way to get the best fish from their favorite fishmonger. Look down and you will
be able to watch the writhing octopuses and squid attempt to make a great
escape from their buckets. You will see groups of old men with their Paddy caps
lined up watching the action from above, and fishmongers measure out portions
of shrimp, clams, and other sea creatures a mile a minute, all while holding a
still lit cigarette firmly between their lips. Of course, there is more to the
market than just fish, although that is the most exciting section. But the
addition of the gorgeous produce stands and the wide variety of cheese, olives,
and meat available pretty much cements down this market’s label as a food lover’s
paradise. If I could just buy all of my groceries from this market for the rest
of my life, I would be the happiest girl in the entire world.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QCO6wx-cLiQ/U4CuTfr5JjI/AAAAAAAAEQk/hhDv5KEYiZM/s1600/IMG_7690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QCO6wx-cLiQ/U4CuTfr5JjI/AAAAAAAAEQk/hhDv5KEYiZM/s1600/IMG_7690.JPG" height="361" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WSSADGPk-h4/U4CuPsPrzfI/AAAAAAAAEQU/9Ug1g9KQB2A/s1600/IMG_7668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WSSADGPk-h4/U4CuPsPrzfI/AAAAAAAAEQU/9Ug1g9KQB2A/s1600/IMG_7668.jpg" height="507" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RteJHkE_cbg/U4CuUznXMII/AAAAAAAAEQs/LP-Jhed1rrA/s1600/IMG_7691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RteJHkE_cbg/U4CuUznXMII/AAAAAAAAEQs/LP-Jhed1rrA/s1600/IMG_7691.JPG" height="507" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_OYAwLOPcfE/U4CuPe3QVGI/AAAAAAAAEQY/lQ-JDaRuYmQ/s1600/IMG_7681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_OYAwLOPcfE/U4CuPe3QVGI/AAAAAAAAEQY/lQ-JDaRuYmQ/s1600/IMG_7681.jpg" height="507" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's a little video I took of the fish market! Obsessed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/gHx5slZvK4g?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-size: xx-large;">Eats & Drinks:</b> Catania's cuisine is inspired by the plethora of seafood available in the waters surrounding the island, and also by the different groups of people who have invaded Sicily throughout the years. Some typical dishes you will see on most menus in Catania include <i>pasta alla norma: </i>pasta with eggplant, basil, & parmesan cheese, <i>pesce spada</i>: swordfish, <i>arancinis</i>: fried risotto rice balls that are stuffed with a variety of things, <i>cannoli di ricotta</i>: ricotta cannoli, <i>caponata</i>: eggplant ratatouille, and <i>cassatas</i>: sponge cake with ricotta and other fillings. Are you hungry yet?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187888-d3680985-Reviews-Prestipino_Cafe-Catania_Province_of_Catania_Sicily.html">Prestipino</a>: Prestipino is one of the most famous bakeries in Catania, but they also serve up some pretty delicious <i>pasta alla norma</i> and <i>caponata</i>. We ate lunch at the location in Piazza del Duomo. Bonus points for this place: they gave us three cannoli for free at the end of our lunch. I could get used to that.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7540.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7540.jpg" width="380" /></a>
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7520.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7520.jpg" width="380" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187888-d2295004-Reviews-Pescheria_Fratelli_Vittorio-Catania_Province_of_Catania_Sicily.html">Pescheria Fratelli Vittorio</a>: After we checked into our apartment our lovely landlady, Rosaria, walked us around and showed us her favorite restaurants and cafes nearby. She said to go to Fratelli Vittorio for the freshest fish due to its proximity to the fish market. Yeah... it's located right in the middle of the market. Can't get any fresher than that! We ordered a sampler appetizer plate which included a variety of salads like <i>caponata</i>, as well as some delishhh little snails. Then we chowed down on some mussels and a platter of grilled fish. (RIP fishies.) We washed it all down with a crisp white Sicilian wine called <a href="http://www.vivino.com/wineries/casa-vinicola-firriato/wines/feudi-branciforti-dei-bordonaro-catarratto-2013">Branciforti dei Bordonaro</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-87fuhe7gxmY/U4DHirw5hMI/AAAAAAAAERA/QHU49cvNR_Q/s1600/IMG_7958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-87fuhe7gxmY/U4DHirw5hMI/AAAAAAAAERA/QHU49cvNR_Q/s1600/IMG_7958.JPG" height="507" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HQx5bXBLj_4/U4DHiulwuiI/AAAAAAAAEQ8/lgzm8w_EwMg/s1600/IMG_7960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HQx5bXBLj_4/U4DHiulwuiI/AAAAAAAAEQ8/lgzm8w_EwMg/s1600/IMG_7960.JPG" height="507" width="760" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Propagandabio/271948649637381">Propaganda</a>: We stumbled upon this store when searching for some cheese to snack on at home while we cooked dinner. The two owners, Alessandro and Tamara, were absolutely lovely. They told us that they had only been open for a few weeks. Their goal was to become a craft beer bar that also offered quality cheese platters and other such snacks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3yvagFUGF0A/U4DIf2wltjI/AAAAAAAAERM/cz-QjfBXwDk/s1600/IMG_7621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3yvagFUGF0A/U4DIf2wltjI/AAAAAAAAERM/cz-QjfBXwDk/s1600/IMG_7621.jpg" height="1140" width="760" /></a></div>
<br />
<b style="font-size: xx-large;">Ambiance:</b> With a view of Mount Etna looming in the distance from almost every location in the city, it's easy to see how Catania has been covered in lava almost 17 times throughout its history as a city. Due to the volcanic eruptions, Catania has had to rebuild from scratch multiple times. This is why so much Baroque architecture can be found all over such an ancient city. Just like <a href="http://foodloveandlifeblog.blogspot.com.es/2014/04/travel-tasting-port-in-porto-portugal.html">Porto</a>, the thing I loved most about Catania was the lived-in feel of the city. A little bit gritty and completely full of character, Catania is the perfect match for its fiercely independent (Sicilan first, Italian second) residents.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7SlDipPv3E/U4DLcG4ATwI/AAAAAAAAERo/-BejtkcKbmA/s1600/IMG_7703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7SlDipPv3E/U4DLcG4ATwI/AAAAAAAAERo/-BejtkcKbmA/s1600/IMG_7703.JPG" height="1140" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7579.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7579.jpg" width="380" /></a>
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7590-1.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7590-1.jpg" width="380" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DHOZTFZiheo/U4DLUHI6SMI/AAAAAAAAERY/X7nbqUieVdk/s1600/IMG_7611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DHOZTFZiheo/U4DLUHI6SMI/AAAAAAAAERY/X7nbqUieVdk/s1600/IMG_7611.JPG" height="760" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7543.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7543.jpg" width="380" /></a>
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7683.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7683.jpg" width="380" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-azN8fRNhHvc/U4DLVvVnYfI/AAAAAAAAERg/HI8mxva-bj4/s1600/IMG_7704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-azN8fRNhHvc/U4DLVvVnYfI/AAAAAAAAERg/HI8mxva-bj4/s1600/IMG_7704.JPG" height="507" width="760" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Keep being you, Catania. Linking up with <a href="http://bonnieroseblog.co.uk/2014/05/lost-translation.html">Travel Tuesday</a> today!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
xx, Jen</div>
</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529987704266953283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929554699162789123.post-88013855676248316502014-05-12T11:22:00.000-04:002014-05-23T13:57:37.163-04:00{life} loving lately<center>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4BbQ-BzSL0c/U3DdMt-BC1I/AAAAAAAAEN4/2KvgMAJB1HE/s1600/IMG_9304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4BbQ-BzSL0c/U3DdMt-BC1I/AAAAAAAAEN4/2KvgMAJB1HE/s1600/IMG_9304.jpg" height="507" width="760" /></a><br />
</center>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm taking a break from my #<a href="http://foodloveandlifeblog.blogspot.com.es/search/label/Italy">italyspam</a> travel posts to share a few things that I have been loving lately. New recipes I've tried, things I've done, and random internet things I've enjoyed lately. It can sometimes seem like my travels take over my entire blog, when it really is a fairly small percentage of my everyday life. My life is pretty normal, although you really wouldn't think so if you have read my blog lately. If I'm feeling fancy during the week I might hit up a market for some fresh fruits and veggies, or meet friends for a coffee or wine date, but a general day goes like this: wake up, go to work, cook lunch, blog a little, lesson plan a little, make dinner, chat with friends / family / my boyfriend, and then go to sleep. But I also do lots of fun stuff on the weekends that I stay in Madrid! I would love to start sharing more about that side of my life, instead of just sharing the "super glitzy" travel side! So here goes!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KsPbRgbbKA8/U3DdQdorReI/AAAAAAAAEOQ/ip4-_RVYbZY/s1600/IMG_9336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KsPbRgbbKA8/U3DdQdorReI/AAAAAAAAEOQ/ip4-_RVYbZY/s1600/IMG_9336.JPG" height="507" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AaYo-_qbQO0/U3DdMup-NxI/AAAAAAAAEN8/PJFodX7rKX4/s1600/IMG_9301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AaYo-_qbQO0/U3DdMup-NxI/AAAAAAAAEN8/PJFodX7rKX4/s1600/IMG_9301.jpg" height="507" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>L-R - Lauren (<a href="http://thewanderlustress.com/">Wanderlustress</a>), Courtney (<a href="http://www.adelanteblog.com/">Adelante</a>), & Jess (<a href="http://curiositytravels.org/">Curiosity Travels</a>)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>not pictured - Julia (<a href="http://nowherebuteverywhere.me/">Nowhere But Everywhere</a>)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I met up with the gawgeous girls (fellow bloggers!) in the photo above on Friday for a little dinner and cocktail party, Madrid terrace style. It was a fun night filled with homemade strawberry mojitos, guacamole + chips, and of course the Spanish classics - jamon, olives, & queso! I brought over the main course: <a href="http://www.halfbakedharvest.com/cuban-black-bean-rice-mojo-burgers-slaw-garlic-tostones/">Cuban black bean & rice mojo burgers with a mango slaw</a>. I'm still dreaming of the mango slaw & would like to make it again ASAP, but this time in salsa form. Yummmmm.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Speaking of recipes, I tried out an <a href="http://www.annies-eats.com/2014/04/21/banana-cream-pie-overnight-oatmeal/">overnight oats</a> recipe last night that was a great success! I have been trying to find a recipe for overnight oats that doesn't include chia seeds or flaxseed, as I am way too cheap to buy any here! This recipe only called for a teaspoon of chia seeds, so I figured omitting them wouldn't affect the texture of the oatmeal too much. I was right, thankfully! If you happen to have a large amount (three tablespoons) of chia seeds sitting around, you try out one of my favorite breakfast recipes - <a href="http://foodloveandlifeblog.blogspot.com.es/2012/08/recipe-blueberry-banana-pie-overnight.html">blueberry banana pie overnight oatmeal.</a> Yum!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I laughed out loud when I read a fellow English teacher's take on <a href="http://ymuchomas.com/2014/04/26/10-differences-between-spanish-and-american-high-schools/">the differences between Spanish and American high schools</a>. If you take what you know about school at home and think of the complete opposite situation, you get high school in Spain. It's always an adventure, I'll tell ya that much. ;)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kQ34_GNa_iU/U3DdMxrfXaI/AAAAAAAAEOA/crl0QismcVI/s1600/IMG_9193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kQ34_GNa_iU/U3DdMxrfXaI/AAAAAAAAEOA/crl0QismcVI/s1600/IMG_9193.JPG" height="507" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I celebrated my second Cinco de Mayo in Spain last week. Unfortunately, it's not a <i>thing</i> to drink lots of tequila and eat lots of Mexican food on this glorious day of margaritas in Madrid, but my American friends and I made it a thing anyways. Cheers!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Have you seen the viral video of Emma Stone and Jimmy Fallon having an <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/emma-stone-jimmy-fallon-face-lip-sync-battle-article-1.1772551">epic lip-synch battle</a> on <i>The Tonight Show</i> yet? No? Drop everything and watch it now. Emma Stone = amaze.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Are you looking for new things to do or restaurants to go to in Madrid? If so, check out this awesome "<a href="http://madridfoodtour.com/insiders-guide-to-madrid/">Insider's Guide</a>" on Madrid Food Tour's blog. I contributed some of my tips along with the rest of the Madrid Food Tour staff.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I'm super in love with this <a href="http://www.vestique.com/watercolored-dress.html">colorful dress</a>. Can someone give me a shopping allowance please? I'll take a pair of these <a href="http://www.vestique.com/showstopper-stiletto.html">stilettos</a> as well please&thankyou.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GoBm28IfQsY/U3DdRhVW8xI/AAAAAAAAEOg/mGQcsDnMyeo/s1600/IMG_9374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GoBm28IfQsY/U3DdRhVW8xI/AAAAAAAAEOg/mGQcsDnMyeo/s1600/IMG_9374.JPG" height="507" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I went out for tapas with these adorable peeps this weekend. We found a few new & completely awesome bars in La Latina. This bar was streaming <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/austrian-drag-queen-conchita-wurst-wins-eurovision-20140511-zr9a9.html">Eurovision</a> live while we were there. So good. Also. We tried a salmon tosta with a very unique topping - wasabi ice cream. Nom nom nom.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
As usual, I continue to fall deeper + deeper in love with Madrid every single day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<center>
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Random%20Madrid%20photos/IMG_9180.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Random%20Madrid%20photos/IMG_9180.jpg" width="380" /></a>
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Random%20Madrid%20photos/IMG_9275.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Random%20Madrid%20photos/IMG_9275.jpg" width="380" /></a>
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z_e_uDWcng4/U3DdITMJFhI/AAAAAAAAENw/tOf-v1Ux-j4/s1600/IMG_9331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z_e_uDWcng4/U3DdITMJFhI/AAAAAAAAENw/tOf-v1Ux-j4/s1600/IMG_9331.JPG" height="507" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
How could I not?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>What's been going on in your life lately? Link to your blog posts or fun, random articles you've enjoyed lately below in the comments section!</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
xx, Jen</div>
<center>
</center>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529987704266953283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929554699162789123.post-41335851940156333882014-05-10T08:35:00.002-04:002014-05-26T11:34:21.574-04:00{travel} a culinary trip to sardegna in rome<center style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">We never should have eaten at <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187791-d4025317-Reviews-Pigna_Enoteca_di_Sardegna-Rome_Lazio.html">Enoteca di Sardegna Pigna</a>, but thank goodness we did. </span></center>
<center style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/B03.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/B03.jpg" width="380" /></a>
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/B02.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/B02.jpg" width="380" /></a>
</center>
<br />
<center style="text-align: justify;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: justify;">
You never really realize how overwhelming the sheer number of restaurant options in Rome can be until you let yourself get to the point where you are wandering the streets absolutely starved, with no direction and a very stubborn determination not to end up in an overpriced, mediocre tourist trap. But lemme tell you... once you are there and you inevitably start to feel <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Hangry">hangry</a>, well... that pizzeria with a million photos of PIZZA! PASTA! and GELATO! in the window starts to look like the most delicious place in the entire world. After walking around the block a few times in a fruitless search for a specific restaurant that was "nearby" according to our TripAdvisor app, we almost gave up our hope for a good lunch and were about to resign ourselves to eating at a restaurant with pictures on the front whennnn.....</center>
<center style="text-align: justify;">
<a name='more'></a></center>
<br />
<center style="text-align: justify;">
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3FPwx0yLqBA/U2zJdAFIPGI/AAAAAAAAEMU/5gfMrdrNuS8/s1600/B+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3FPwx0yLqBA/U2zJdAFIPGI/AAAAAAAAEMU/5gfMrdrNuS8/s1600/B+05.jpg" height="507" width="760" /></a></div>
<center style="text-align: justify;">
<br />....we saw this beautiful storefront. Was it a wine and cheese store? Was it a restaurant? We didn't care! All we knew was that there were heavenly smells drifting through the air and an open table outside. As soon as we sat down, the owner, Stefano, came bustling outside to greet us and ask what we wanted to drink. Mom and I went with vino bianco, while my dad decided that he wanted beer. Stefano promptly brought out the two biggest glasses of wine I've ever seen and a huge bottle of Tuvi Tuvi, a craft beer from his home island, Sardegna. My dad was grinning from ear to ear when he saw that beer.</center>
<br />
<center style="text-align: justify;">
</center>
<center>
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/B01.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/B01.jpg" width="380" /></a>
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7356.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7356.jpg" width="380" /></a>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center style="text-align: justify;">
</center>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After making sure that our thirsts were quenched, Stefano came back out to tell us what he had on his menu for the day. He suggested that we started with his buffalo mozzarella dish, and then continue on with two main dishes - <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/culurjones-de-patate-sardinian-ravioli-with-a-meat-ragu-recipe.html">culurjones de patate</a>, the typical Sardinian ravioli that is stuffed with potato, cheese, & mint, and <a href="http://www.gourmetsardinia.com/png_fregula.html">fregola</a>, a pasta similar to Israeli couscous that I had never tried before. The buffalo mozzarella and potato and cheese raviolis were both exceptionally tasty, but the main star of our lunch was definitely the fregola and chickpea plate. Fregola is a small, toasted pasta that came to Sardegna from North Africa, so the flavors in the dish were truly unique, and not at all what you think of when you typically think of Italian food.
</div>
<br />
<center style="text-align: justify;">
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iARBE26pfsU/U24T9D-vKmI/AAAAAAAAEMk/RDtN6FKIjmU/s1600/B+07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iARBE26pfsU/U24T9D-vKmI/AAAAAAAAEMk/RDtN6FKIjmU/s1600/B+07.jpg" height="507" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Although we were so full at this point that we thought we were going to burst, we just couldn't say no when Stefano offered us a "digestive" liquor from Sardegna. We tried <a href="http://www.ganzomag.com/mirto-sardegna-vintage.html">mirto</a> for the first time at "<a href="http://foodloveandlifeblog.blogspot.com.es/2014/04/travel-roman-holiday-classics.html">The Midget</a>" two days prior and loved it! We learned that making mirto is somewhat of a tradition in Sardegna. Families get together to pick the berries, extract the juice, and then ferment the berries with alcohol and sugar for their mirto supply for the year. <i>Photos below: mirto and a pastry dessert & the lovely Stefano.</i></div>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/B08.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/B08.jpg" width="380" /></a>
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/B04.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/B04.jpg" width="380" /></a>
</center>
<br />
<center style="text-align: justify;">
We never should have eaten here, but I'm so so so glad that we did. </center>
<br />
<center style="text-align: justify;">
And now for some photos of the rest of our day:</center>
<center style="text-align: justify;">
</center>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PmCidKGd5cU/U24WrCmBnhI/AAAAAAAAEM0/rFXCGfuHxQo/s1600/IMG_7508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PmCidKGd5cU/U24WrCmBnhI/AAAAAAAAEM0/rFXCGfuHxQo/s1600/IMG_7508.JPG" height="507" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DPiEWdslJlA/U24nkdhd5BI/AAAAAAAAENg/pH_l8nDdg_Q/s1600/IMG_7341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DPiEWdslJlA/U24nkdhd5BI/AAAAAAAAENg/pH_l8nDdg_Q/s1600/IMG_7341.JPG" height="507" width="760" /></a></div>
<center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
</center>
<center>
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7443.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7443.jpg" width="380" /></a>
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/A01-1.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/A01-1.jpg" width="380" /></a>
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<center>
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7407.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7407.jpg" width="380" /></a>
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7406.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7406.jpg" width="380" /></a></center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xyWGC4pctog/U24WzzkqIuI/AAAAAAAAENE/hqMt0QzztE4/s1600/IMG_7505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xyWGC4pctog/U24WzzkqIuI/AAAAAAAAENE/hqMt0QzztE4/s1600/IMG_7505.JPG" height="507" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1dUEXnTJp-M/U24nXJyyVOI/AAAAAAAAENY/jSKLn3SIjyo/s1600/C+05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1dUEXnTJp-M/U24nXJyyVOI/AAAAAAAAENY/jSKLn3SIjyo/s1600/C+05.JPG" height="507" width="760" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next up in our Italian adventure: Catania, Taormina, Syracusa, & Messina, Sicily + the Umbria region.</div>
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Have you ever tried Sardinian cuisine? What was your favorite dish?</span></i><br />
<br />
xx, Jen<br />
<br />
Linking up with <a href="http://bonnieroseblog.co.uk/2014/05/travel-tuesday-link.html">Travel Tuesday</a> today!Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529987704266953283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929554699162789123.post-34289689634508951912014-05-07T14:02:00.000-04:002014-05-07T16:10:53.985-04:00{travel} wine and food of rome adventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IP1U6R9xMLs/U2ibpxs5DEI/AAAAAAAAELE/47surS6i6Os/s1600/IMG_7241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IP1U6R9xMLs/U2ibpxs5DEI/AAAAAAAAELE/47surS6i6Os/s1600/IMG_7241.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of the things I've really learned about myself after living in Europe for the last year and a half is that my number one priority while traveling is to try as much of the local food & drink as possible. In my opinion, you can't truly get to know a country until you really dive into the local cuisine. From tasting port in Porto, paella in Valencia, Guinness in Dublin, fish & chips in London, jambalaya in New Orleans, key lime pie in Key West, and shrimp & grits in Charleston, I thoroughly enjoy collecting memories through my culinary experiences. This is the very reason why I absolutely love to go on food tours while traveling. You not only get to sample a ton of local dishes and drinks, you also get to learn about the history of how each thing became such a staple in the culture of the country you are visiting. Food, wine, <i>&</i> history? Sign me up!<br />
<br />
With that said, I was obviously very excited when my parents suggested that we go on a wine and food tour while in Rome. I inherited my love of all things to do with food and wine from these two very wonderful people, so I knew it would be an absolutely fantastic night out on the town! After a <a href="http://foodloveandlifeblog.blogspot.com.es/2014/04/travel-roman-holiday-classics.html">long day of sightseeing</a> at the Forum, and only eating gelato, cheese, and a few slices of salami for lunch, by the time we met with our guide, Kristian, we were famished and very thirsty. The perfect way to start a wine and food tour, no? ;)<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b style="font-size: xx-large;">The Tour</b><span style="font-size: x-large;">:</span><br />
<br />
We met Kristian from <a href="http://www.winefoodrome.com/">Wine & Food of Rome</a> in the Campo dei Fiori piazza in the late afternoon before heading to our first stop on our Wine & Food Adventure tour. We arrived at the piazza right as the oldest market in Rome was wrapping up for the day. It was a fantastic sight to see - customers trying to buy their last few items for dinner and merchants wrapping up business and packing up, all while the sun was low enough in the sky to cast a warm glow across the piazza. After taking a moment to look around at the fading market life, we set off to our first stop. Since other customers canceled last minute, my parents and I had our wonderful guide all to ourselves! The four of us crammed into a tiny booth at the back of a very traditional looking restaurant just a few blocks away from Campo dei Fiori. We started off the night with a sparkling Spumante wine which is slightly similar to champagne, but has its own unique filtering process. Kristian paired our wine with a delicious mild, velvety, melt in your mouth proscuitto. It was a lovely and light combination to start the night with.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<center>
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7242.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7242.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7243.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7243.jpg" width="320" /></a>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: justify;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: justify;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: justify;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: justify;">
After finishing our glasses of Spumante we set off for our next stop, an <i>enoteca</i> (wine bar) on the other side of the piazza. We had a white wine tasting paired with a delicious cheese platter. The man working the bar tested our formaggio knowledge by asking us to correctly identify all of the cheeses with a promise of an additional glass of wine if we were successful. We spent the rest of our time in the <i>enoteca</i> learning about the different types of Italian white wines, something I know very little about. I was pleasantly surprised by both of the wines we tried, considering I typically just think of red wine when I think of Italy. They were both light, slightly fruity, and refreshing. </center>
<center style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: justify;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: justify;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: justify;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9MLaE_jjXo/U2isCSkbadI/AAAAAAAAELo/yiadt4AgSqQ/s1600/IMG_7248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9MLaE_jjXo/U2isCSkbadI/AAAAAAAAELo/yiadt4AgSqQ/s1600/IMG_7248.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<center>
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7253.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7253.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7254.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7254.jpg" width="320" /></a>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: justify;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: justify;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: justify;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: justify;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: justify;">
After tasting our white wines and cheese at the <i>enoteca</i>, Kristian walked us across the Tiber River into the charming medieval Trastevere neighborhood. Its narrow, winding streets made me think of my favorite small towns in Spain, and the smells of pizza and pasta wafting through the air were absolutely heavenly. </center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wr5RtyWCem0/U2isCd3waTI/AAAAAAAAELg/A822DE126K8/s1600/IMG_7258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wr5RtyWCem0/U2isCd3waTI/AAAAAAAAELg/A822DE126K8/s1600/IMG_7258.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--F4fj_BoxAA/U2isCa5A31I/AAAAAAAAELk/HAVGb4Uwd3Y/s1600/IMG_7257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--F4fj_BoxAA/U2isCa5A31I/AAAAAAAAELk/HAVGb4Uwd3Y/s1600/IMG_7257.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<center>
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7268.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7268.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7246.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7246.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Before heading to our next destination, Kristian asked if we would be interested in trying Italian street food. Considering I love anything fried and portable, we all quickly agreed. He stopped at a little to-go pizzeria shop right at the entrance of Trastevere and ordered a few <i>arancinis</i>. <i>Arancinis</i> are fried risotto rice balls stuffed with various Italian favorites like tomatoes, sardines, and cheese that originated in Sicily. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MMbpCyOB_zM/U2isDttWCmI/AAAAAAAAEL0/xJ5OSX5UCfw/s1600/IMG_7269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MMbpCyOB_zM/U2isDttWCmI/AAAAAAAAEL0/xJ5OSX5UCfw/s1600/IMG_7269.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AYSWrKXM7oc/U2isEExo_AI/AAAAAAAAEMA/BgvDVQSRt5U/s1600/IMG_7270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AYSWrKXM7oc/U2isEExo_AI/AAAAAAAAEMA/BgvDVQSRt5U/s1600/IMG_7270.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Our last stop of the night was at a trendy <i>enoteca</i> and restaurant right in the heart of Trastevere, where we sampled red wines and tried a bunch of Italian classics from the potluck style spread at the bar. My favorite snack was the "pizza bread" on the back plate of the photo below. My Sicilian great aunts and uncles used to always make it when we would go to their houses for Easter when I was growing up. So many memories! The wines we tried were once again fantastic, and the conversation even better! I mean... we had already sampled three wines prior to this stop. ;) Although this particular tour is advertised as more of a wine tour with snacks instead of meals, you certainly do not leave hungry! We had more than enough food to help sop up some of that delicious wine, and leave us completely satisfied and without the need to eat dinner.</div>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-385MuvvnSTw/U2isERfbwPI/AAAAAAAAEL8/KyTVsdvhaKw/s1600/IMG_7279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-385MuvvnSTw/U2isERfbwPI/AAAAAAAAEL8/KyTVsdvhaKw/s1600/IMG_7279.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-size: xx-large; text-align: justify;">The Guide</b><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;">: </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">What is a wine and food tour without a great guide? Kristian was extremely warm and friendly, and his love for and knowledge about Italy made itself absolutely clear all night. He went to wine school to become a certified Sommelier, so he definitely knows what he is talking about when it comes to all things vino. He was absolutely lovely company. Although there are quite a few food tour companies to choose between in Rome, I highly recommend going on a tour with </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JypxMsuEpF8" style="text-align: justify;">his company</a><span style="text-align: justify;">!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JmYZUZ8jx0c/U2isFMkUpqI/AAAAAAAAEMI/K5fmetPwqLo/s1600/IMG_7288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JmYZUZ8jx0c/U2isFMkUpqI/AAAAAAAAEMI/K5fmetPwqLo/s1600/IMG_7288.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
We were only able to scratch the surface of the culinary delights that Rome has to offer, but that just means that we will have to come back for more someday. Have you been to Rome? What was your favorite meal of your trip?</div>
<center>
</center>
</center>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Disclaimer: I was given a discount on the food tour in exchange for a blog post, but all opinions are 100% my own. I have not included the names of the restaurants Kristian took us to on purpose. </i><i>I absolutely recommend that you take a food tour with <a href="http://www.winefoodrome.com/">Wine & Food of Rome</a> to find out more!</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
xx, Jen</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529987704266953283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929554699162789123.post-78424952165633409892014-04-27T13:06:00.000-04:002014-04-27T15:18:36.401-04:00{travel} a roman holiday: the classics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xm0mFW4tqzQ/U1zrZGBCMiI/AAAAAAAAEHo/N62Gd-0Mm2Y/s1600/Colosseum_02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xm0mFW4tqzQ/U1zrZGBCMiI/AAAAAAAAEHo/N62Gd-0Mm2Y/s1600/Colosseum_02.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I flew to Rome on the evening of my last day of work before Semana Santa - aka Holy Week - aka Spring Break 2014. <i>Spring breaks for the rest of my life = definite teaching perk</i>. After an awkward encounter in the airport with a *way too full of himself* Italian man, I was finally able to settle into my tiny little Iberia airplane seat. I had to attempt to contain my excitement during the entire flight because I was finally just hours away from seeing my parents, the absolute best travel companions! My friends always make fun of me for my crazy travel planning tendencies, but once you see my mom in trip planning action, you realize that I get that trait veryyy honestly.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am beginning my <b>#italyspam</b> posts the same way that my vacation started - with a big touristy bang. We not only toured the Colosseum on day one, but also the Vatican & the Pantheon. It was a crazy hectic & completely awesome way to start our Roman holiday, but man oh mannnn were we tired at the end of it! On the second day, we spent just about half a day exploring the Roman Forum and then stopped for a few scoops of gelato before heading home to relax a while. We had to rest up for our wine & food tour after all. Are you ready for this party to begin? You might want to pour yourself a glass of Italian wine - it's going to be a long one.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-size: xx-large;">Sights & Activities: </b><i>Days 1 & 2</i> - I'm not going to spend too much time going into details about the Roman sights & activities because let's be real... we've all learned about the Colosseum, Forum, Vatican, & Pantheon before, right?! I will say that I totally recommend that you hire a guide to take you around the ancient sites. Our guide, Luca Di Trapano, was really great - both funny and informative. Oh, and he is also a sommelier, so we totally trusted his lunch recommendation. He works independently, so if you'd like to know more about his tours, send me an email!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b><a href="http://archeoroma.beniculturali.it/">The Colosseum</a>: </b>Go with a guide & skip the line!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TxU6v36vuEo/U10K21RVjxI/AAAAAAAAEIg/VifPvv1gf9k/s1600/Colosseum_03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TxU6v36vuEo/U10K21RVjxI/AAAAAAAAEIg/VifPvv1gf9k/s1600/Colosseum_03.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was still fresh & bright-eyed in this picture!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<i>Confession time: </i>I reeeealllly hate being around lots of people. No, I am not a complete recluse who shies away from all human interaction, but I have a really hard time enjoying myself when there are lots of people around. For example: parades, theme parks, standing area of concerts.... and well, Rome. The history nerd in me absolutely loved visiting the Colosseum & the Vatican, but the sheer amount of people eveeerywheerree kinda put a damper on that joy. I think I've become really spoiled living in an untouristy European city for the last year... womp womp womp.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/MV_Home.html"><b>The Vatican</b>:</a> The Vatican museums, St. Peter's Basilica, & The Sistine Chapel</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-geSLY9qGUQ0/U10etmkKqXI/AAAAAAAAEIw/_0bV1Vkuu7s/s1600/Vatican_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-geSLY9qGUQ0/U10etmkKqXI/AAAAAAAAEIw/_0bV1Vkuu7s/s1600/Vatican_02.jpg" height="460" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tVRSFaxZJhU/U10e2qg6dBI/AAAAAAAAEI4/QqrQ7-bzbvw/s1600/vatican_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tVRSFaxZJhU/U10e2qg6dBI/AAAAAAAAEI4/QqrQ7-bzbvw/s1600/vatican_03.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OLrxjbILkpA/U10fCSaJ0_I/AAAAAAAAEJA/sEtGPHjC3z4/s1600/Vatican_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OLrxjbILkpA/U10fCSaJ0_I/AAAAAAAAEJA/sEtGPHjC3z4/s1600/Vatican_01.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Did you notice how I strategically took these photos with the main goal being to cut out the masses of people everywhere and to just capture the beauty of the buildings and sculptures? Well. Get ready for the reality!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<center>
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7029.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7029.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7022.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7022.jpg" width="320" /></a>
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center style="text-align: justify;">
<b><a href="http://www.pantheonroma.com/en/opening-time.html">Pantheon:</a> </b>It is somehow still free to enter the Pantheon, <i>woooo</i>, so peek your head in and gaze up at that beautiful, ancient dome.</center>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-msFUkNawf48/U10iD6GQTiI/AAAAAAAAEJU/xO-7x-vE8hQ/s1600/Pantheon_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-msFUkNawf48/U10iD6GQTiI/AAAAAAAAEJU/xO-7x-vE8hQ/s1600/Pantheon_01.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
But try not to get trampled by a school group. Don't say I didn't warn you!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZY10ZCfSDVs/U10ieAtHSII/AAAAAAAAEJc/HetTLsTZIeA/s1600/IMG_7060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZY10ZCfSDVs/U10ieAtHSII/AAAAAAAAEJc/HetTLsTZIeA/s1600/IMG_7060.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b><a href="http://archeoroma.beniculturali.it/en/archaeological-site/roman-forum-and-palatine-hill">The Roman Forum</a>: </b>I actually really enjoyed our time exploring the Forum. There was a mix up with our tour guide reservation, so we didn't get to walk through the Forum with Luca, but we were perfectly fine with trusty old Rick Steves via my Kindle. <b>Tip:</b> Go as early as you can! The Forum opens at 8:30 but prime huge tour group time appeared to be about 10:30 - 11:00. Also, there is a great panoramic view of the Forum from Capitoline Hill!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vvtE_XVr4JE/U10lRpIbr_I/AAAAAAAAEJo/on1KRcWH-Rc/s1600/A+02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vvtE_XVr4JE/U10lRpIbr_I/AAAAAAAAEJo/on1KRcWH-Rc/s1600/A+02.JPG" height="342" width="640" /></a></div>
<center>
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7139.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7139.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/forum01.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/forum01.jpg" width="320" /></a>
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4xqwzrrKJbY/U10q8AOHYEI/AAAAAAAAEJ4/J2DduyQosds/s1600/forum03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4xqwzrrKJbY/U10q8AOHYEI/AAAAAAAAEJ4/J2DduyQosds/s1600/forum03.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<center>
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7162.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7162.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/forum02crop.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/forum02crop.jpg" width="320" /></a>
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center>
</center>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<b style="font-size: xx-large;">Eats & Drinks: </b>My next blog post will be all about the wonderful food & wine tour we went on during our second night in Rome, so this section will be allll about "The Midget" for now. Yes, you did read that correctly.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<center style="text-align: justify;">
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1kXKgaZOKrM/U10vWuAd0gI/AAAAAAAAEKE/A75Rs5Q5CbI/s1600/Lunch_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1kXKgaZOKrM/U10vWuAd0gI/AAAAAAAAEKE/A75Rs5Q5CbI/s1600/Lunch_01.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<center>
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/Lunch_04.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/Lunch_04.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/lunch_03.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/lunch_03.jpg" width="320" /></a>
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZO11jHEiPo/U10wK-GGVdI/AAAAAAAAEKQ/F6RcsGqPOVU/s1600/Lunch_02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZO11jHEiPo/U10wK-GGVdI/AAAAAAAAEKQ/F6RcsGqPOVU/s1600/Lunch_02.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Our tour guide, Luca, took us to a marvelous restaurant in between touring the Colosseum and touring the Vatican. He kept referring to the restaurant as "The Midget," and once we got there we saw why. No, there were not actually any midgets anywhere in sight, but there <i>was</i> a shorter than average man with a larger than life personality running the show. From the easy banter between the two old friends, to the delectable Sardinian dishes, it was truly a treat to eat lunch at this neighborhood eatery. The real name of the restaurant is <a href="http://www.camedda1970.it/main.htm">Camedda</a>, and it has been dishing out incredible charcuterie platters and other Italian delights since 1970. I really loved the buffalo mozzarella, young parmesan cheese, & the potato and cheese raviolis. Yum! The "Midget" even gave me a free t-shirt with the company's logo on it. Turns out that he wasn't such a bad guy after all. ;)</div>
<br />
<b style="font-size: xx-large;">Ambiance: </b>Oh Rome, how beautiful you'd be with just like... a million less people in your city at any given moment. Our schedules were pretty full on our first two days, so we didn't spend too much time wandering the streets, but we did snap a few pictures in between sights.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NcmzrxVeHAM/U10zAtOQy-I/AAAAAAAAEKc/mmVA098Lz4I/s1600/IMG_7199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NcmzrxVeHAM/U10zAtOQy-I/AAAAAAAAEKc/mmVA098Lz4I/s1600/IMG_7199.JPG" height="518" width="640" /></a></div>
<center>
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7164.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/IMG_7164.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<a href="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/ZLater_01.jpg"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Italy/ZLater_01.jpg" width="320" /></a>
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RltZ3x2PKAo/U10zDlr58bI/AAAAAAAAEKs/sI84L5RbnWk/s1600/IMG_7314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RltZ3x2PKAo/U10zDlr58bI/AAAAAAAAEKs/sI84L5RbnWk/s1600/IMG_7314.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_J4bDmI7_KU/U10zE1-b2-I/AAAAAAAAEKw/c603bZ02Ch0/s1600/IMG_7317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_J4bDmI7_KU/U10zE1-b2-I/AAAAAAAAEKw/c603bZ02Ch0/s1600/IMG_7317.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And with that wonderfully peaceful-looking nighttime photo of the Trevi Fountain, I leave you with one more Rome Reality:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mo22x2pysTA/U10zHGa7bpI/AAAAAAAAEK4/ERtVgIQdcOs/s1600/IMG_7318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mo22x2pysTA/U10zHGa7bpI/AAAAAAAAEK4/ERtVgIQdcOs/s1600/IMG_7318.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>#selfiecentral</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
xx, Jen</div>
<center>
</center>
</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529987704266953283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929554699162789123.post-77105559033432675682014-04-23T05:15:00.000-04:002014-04-24T04:39:33.943-04:00{recipe} mediterranean edamame salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">Dear friends, meet your next lunch. Hi, lunch!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mceWyhHUvCE/U1d-ozPon2I/AAAAAAAAEF0/Dhm1w_VFJpY/s1600/IMG_6960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mceWyhHUvCE/U1d-ozPon2I/AAAAAAAAEF0/Dhm1w_VFJpY/s1600/IMG_6960.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I made this salad just before I left for carb, gelato, and cannoli heaven in Italy for my big kid version of spring break -- I love teaching! (Lots of Italy spam to come on the blog. Get exciiiited!) I had a bunch of random ingredients I wanted to use up before I left, and a huge block of feta cheese sitting in my refrigerator that my roommate brought back from Greece. <i>She is so kind for sharing it, isn't she?!</i> I know that edamame typically only goes in Asian dishes, but trust me on this one. They add a sweet little crunch to the salad, but even better -- lots of protein. Did you know that just 1/2 a cup of shelled edamame has 11 grams of protein in it? Solid.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This salad is extremely quick and easy to whip together and travels really well. We don't have a refrigerator at my school for teacher use, so I have to bring snacks to work that won't go bad. In my opinion, the flavors actually get better if you let the salad warm up to room temperature a bit. I threw it over some arugula I needed to use up, but you could also top a grilled chicken breast with it as well! That actually sounds super delicious now that I think of it.... </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LQuoqLSsUHc/U1d-pLpmIwI/AAAAAAAAEF8/yQi3zXJ0DnY/s1600/IMG_6959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LQuoqLSsUHc/U1d-pLpmIwI/AAAAAAAAEF8/yQi3zXJ0DnY/s1600/IMG_6959.JPG" height="640" width="488" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Mediterranean Edamame Salad:</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Recipe adapted from <a href="http://relish.com/recipes/mediterranean-edamame-salad/">Relish</a></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Vinaigrette -</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>1/4 cup white wine vinegar</li>
<li>1 garlic clove, minced</li>
<li>1 tablespoons dried oregano</li>
<li>1/4 cup EVOO</li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon salt</li>
<li>Freshly ground black pepper</li>
</ul>
<div>
<i>Salad -</i></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>2 cups frozen shelled edamame</li>
<li>2/3 cup thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes</li>
<li>1/4 cup thinly sliced sweet onion</li>
<li>1/2 cup black olives, pitted and cut into halves</li>
<li>1/3 cup feta cheese</li>
<li>2 cups lettuce or greens</li>
</ul>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Directions</b>:</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li style="text-align: justify;">To prepare vinaigrette: Combine vinegar, garlic and oregano, and whisk with a fork. Slowly add olive oil, and whisk well. Add salt and pepper to taste.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">To prepare salad: Thaw out edamame in a bowl filled with hot water, and then drain. Combine edamame, sun-dried tomatoes, onion, olives, feta, and vinagrette. Let marinate for 30 minutes (or longer, if you can stand it!)</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">When ready to serve, serve salad over lettuce or greens. </li>
</ol>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Three steps and you're done. What can get easier than that? Enjoy!</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
xx, Jen</div>
</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529987704266953283noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929554699162789123.post-28639917464249457892014-04-22T09:18:00.001-04:002014-06-20T10:20:55.492-04:00{travel} tasting port in porto, portugal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2AIvtBofIGk/U0ZrMr5iASI/AAAAAAAAECA/4RB4tgF62JE/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2AIvtBofIGk/U0ZrMr5iASI/AAAAAAAAECA/4RB4tgF62JE/s1600/023.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Northern Portugal is often overlooked by tourists who favor the capital city of Lisbon in the south, or Portugal's neighboring country & my current homeland, Spain. To be honest, Portugal was never really on my radar of places I really wanted to visit during my time living abroad in Spain. But if there is one thing I've learned while living in Europe, it's that sometimes the most unexpected cities and countries are the most beautiful. We all know that Paris, <a href="http://foodloveandlifeblog.blogspot.com.es/2013/05/travel-london-united-kingdom.html">London</a>, and <a href="http://foodloveandlifeblog.blogspot.com.es/2013/06/travel-barcelona-catalonia-espana.html">Barcelona</a> are incredible, but some of my fondest traveling memories are from my trips to Prague, <a href="http://foodloveandlifeblog.blogspot.com.es/2013/11/travel-salamanca-spain.html">Salamanca</a>, and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CDsQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffoodloveandlifeblog.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F04%2Ftravel-romantic-getaway-to-granada-spain_7.html&ei=Zm5GU_PPJMPA7AarvIHABg&usg=AFQjCNGMqqGpNrPnrytDH44p7u4WnuNcyA&sig2=qW6xxuiKMoPfzIuy_BGiQQ">Granada</a>. It's always nice to get off of the beaten tourist track and get swept away by the beauty of a new language, cuisine, and culture. </div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nKee3BTKEyE/U0Zz45YmNFI/AAAAAAAAECg/cgskwL5j5-w/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nKee3BTKEyE/U0Zz45YmNFI/AAAAAAAAECg/cgskwL5j5-w/s1600/041.JPG" height="488" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{vino break at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wine.house.bolhao">Bolhao Wine House</a> in the Bolhao Market}</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I ended up in Porto with three of my girlfriends because we discovered a 60 euro round-trip RyanAir flight from Madrid - way too good of a deal to pass up for a quick and easy weekend trip! We only spent one hour in the air before we were deplaning on the Porto airport's tarmac. Before leaving for our trip, the four of us girls got together for coffee and to discuss our travel personalities, as we had never traveled together before. We quickly came to realize that we were going to be a group created by the travel gods, seeing as we all had three very important goals for the trip in common: we wanted to wander around aimlessly and take a million pictures, stop often for food & wine breaks, and not enter a single museum. Bingo! I think we were meant to be travel companions. </div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">Sights & Activities: </span>This section will be pretty scarce this time since a very large portion of our time in Porto was spent wandering around the city center, stopping only to try a new Portuguese treat, or drink another glass of port or vinho verde. However, we did see a few things that I definitely recommend for anyone venturing into Porto.</div>
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/worlds-most-beautiful-train-stations/11">Sao Bento Train Station:</a> </b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fmKSdwvIsLA/U1U1BBm85KI/AAAAAAAAEC0/yAOFwbRW7oY/s1600/008a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fmKSdwvIsLA/U1U1BBm85KI/AAAAAAAAEC0/yAOFwbRW7oY/s1600/008a.JPG" height="344" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The Sao Bento train station is listed as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world by <a href="http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/worlds-most-beautiful-train-stations/11">Travel & Leisure</a>, and for good reason. While this isn't the oldest train station in Europe (it was only opened in 1916), the beauty lies in all of the intricately painted tiles that depict the history of Portugal. It is still very much so a functioning train station, so entry to see the tiles in the front room is free! You know how much I love free. ;)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<b><a href="http://www.gooporto.com/porto-sights/dom-luis-bridge.html"><span id="goog_222813674"></span>Dom Luis Bridge<span id="goog_222813675"></span></a>: </b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aJwuewHIhXU/U1U38qKcHoI/AAAAAAAAEDA/oClQXNGPA1U/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aJwuewHIhXU/U1U38qKcHoI/AAAAAAAAEDA/oClQXNGPA1U/s1600/024.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Does the ironwork of this bridge look familiar to you? If you thought to yourself for a second that it looks similar to the Eiffel Tower...... props! This bridge was engineered by Theophile Seyrig who assisted Gustave Eiffel in designing and engineering one of the most famous landmarks in the world. It is a two-tier bridge, with car traffic and a pedestrian walkway on the bottom lane, and a metro line and pedestrian walkway on the top. It is a really cool experience to walk on both levels! Either way, you get a view of one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites -- the <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/755">Ribeira District</a>. It's stunning.</div>
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.taylor.pt/en/">Taylor's Port Wine Tasting</a>:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3kQeBS2kj1E/U1YdzL5kzMI/AAAAAAAAEDU/F8fGpZTawLE/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3kQeBS2kj1E/U1YdzL5kzMI/AAAAAAAAEDU/F8fGpZTawLE/s1600/017.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<center>
<img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Porto/018.jpg" width="320px" /> <img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Porto/016.jpg" width="320px" /><br />
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3dHkoKVQOMw/U1YdywINt-I/AAAAAAAAEDY/GTeJmgz_i-0/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3dHkoKVQOMw/U1YdywINt-I/AAAAAAAAEDY/GTeJmgz_i-0/s1600/021.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of the top things to do in Porto is to (duh) go to a port tasting at one of the port houses across the river from the Ribeira neighborhood. The oldest and most established port houses are located higher up the hill in the Gaia neighborhood due to fear of flooding from the river back in the day. We went to Tayor's, one of the oldest port companies. The same family has been making port there since 1692! Tasting port in Porto is extremely affordable and a really fun time - we only paid 5 euros for a tour of the grounds and 3 port samples. <i>Fun fact:</i> Port wine cannot be called port unless it comes from the Douro Valley in the northern provinces of Portugal. Don't be fooled by imposters! Although I wasn't convinced that I was going to like port before our tasting, I left Taylor's quite impressed with it. Also - there are beautiful views of the river and the Ribeira district from the port house, and there are a ton of peacocks walking around the grounds. So fun!</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g189180-d2232102-Reviews-Livraria_Lello-Porto_Porto_District_Northern_Portugal.html">Livraria Lello Bookstore</a>:</b><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aat5169s7kw/U1YrQXwnlVI/AAAAAAAAEEA/LeuXKBsuUGU/s1600/09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aat5169s7kw/U1YrQXwnlVI/AAAAAAAAEEA/LeuXKBsuUGU/s1600/09.jpg" height="464" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{no photos allowed inside - <a href="http://loveopium.ru/arxitektura/livraria-lello.html">credit</a>}</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I wish we would have woken up early in order to visit the bookstore right after opening. It is hard for me to enjoy myself in a crowded place, so I didn't really get to fully appreciate the beauty of the intricately designed bookstore. Rumor has it that J.K. Rowling took inspiration from the architecture of this bookstore when she was coming up with Hogwarts while writing the Harry Potter series! In other fun Harry Potter facts news -- she also supposedly formed the Hogwarts uniforms based off of the <a href="http://disruptedbyroutine.wordpress.com/2011/11/23/porto-and-harry-potter-the-magic-in-portugals-hard-working-city/">uniforms of the university students</a> in Porto.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-size: xx-large;">Eats & Drinks: </b>Remember how I said earlier that all we did was eat and drink on this trip? Yeah... you're about to see it for yourself. Before our trip I wrote down an entire list of typical Portuguese dishes with their translations. Needless to say, we made that list into a bucket list. How many dishes did we try from it? Almost all of them!</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189180-d4097977-Reviews-Taberna_do_Largo-Porto_Porto_District_Northern_Portugal.html">Taberna do Lago</a>: </b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zl3SYfRFhNI/U1Yvr7SC0aI/AAAAAAAAEEg/__eAR5UT2rE/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zl3SYfRFhNI/U1Yvr7SC0aI/AAAAAAAAEEg/__eAR5UT2rE/s1600/026.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We stopped here for a quick glass of rose and some cheese while wandering around the city. We got lucky and were there during happy hour, so our little tapas were free with a glass of wine! Unfortunately, Spain hasn't gotten down with the happy hour trend yet, so it was suuuuper exciting for us. #happyhourjunkie</div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189180-d3514336-Reviews-Leitaria_da_Quinta_do_Paco-Porto_Porto_District_Northern_Portugal.html"><b>Leitaria da Quinta do Paco:</b></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hczv2-hW1RY/U1YvsNIRKmI/AAAAAAAAEEY/GSoC76SnhR0/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hczv2-hW1RY/U1YvsNIRKmI/AAAAAAAAEEY/GSoC76SnhR0/s1600/032.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am still literally dreaming of these 'Bolas de Berlim.' The dough tasted like a light and fluffy doughnut. It was filled with just-sweet-enough whipped cream and topped with powdered sugar. We all ate these in silence with a few "omg"s & "mmmmm"s mixed in. Leitaria da Quinta do Paco is also famous for its eclairs!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<b><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189180-d2419164-Reviews-O_Buraco-Porto_Porto_District_Northern_Portugal.html">O Buraco Restaurante</a></b>:<br />
<br /></div>
<center>
<img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Porto/044.jpg" width="320px" /> <img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Porto/043.jpg" width="320px" /><br />
</center>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This was probably my favorite meal of the entire trip. We ended up at this restaurant after asking the owner of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wine.house.bolhao">Bolhao Wine House</a> for a lunch recommendation, stressing our desire to eat some traditional Portuguese food. He definitely did not lead us astray. When we walked into this restaurant it was absolutely packed with local Porto families enjoying their Saturday lunch together. We wedged ourselves into a corner at the back of the restaurant and perused the menu together. After discovering that most of the dishes on our Porto 'foodie bucket list' were sold out for the day, we decided to order what our waiter suggested. Everything was delicious, but I loved the <i>caldo verde</i> the most - "green soup" made with potatoes, onions, and kale. It paired perfectly with Porto's famous <i>vinho verde</i>, a semi-sparkling & very crisp and refreshing white wine. The picture on the left above was taken just after our lunch!</div>
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Snack-bar-Gazela-Cachorrinhos-da-Batalha/141164275959366">Cervejaria Gazela</a>:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<center>
<img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Porto/028.jpg" width="320px" /> <img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Porto/027.jpg" width="320px" /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This little "snack bar" provided us with the pick-me-up we so desperately needed after walking all over the city on Friday. If you didn't know to go to this place you would definitely just walk right on by. It is a no-frills restaurant with minimal seating, but what it lacks in charm and decoration is made up for by the friendly bartenders and delicious Portuguese 'hot dogs'. As Rick Steves would say (if he actually knew about this place), "Elbow your way up to the bar, saddle up next to the locals, and order what everyone else is eating around you." But really, that's my best advice. Don't forget to wash off the cheesy<i> cachorrinhos da Batalha</i> with an ice-cold Super Bock. S<span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">aúde!</span></div>
<span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br /><b><a href="http://leitesculinaria.com/7759/recipes-portuguese-custard-tarts-pasteis-de-nata.html">Pasteis de Nata</a>:</b> Portuguese custard tarts</span></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ojT9AjVkCCo/U1ZMi58sFfI/AAAAAAAAEE0/hIDR3Z0u5pQ/s1600/060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ojT9AjVkCCo/U1ZMi58sFfI/AAAAAAAAEE0/hIDR3Z0u5pQ/s1600/060.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Although these tarts <a href="http://www.pasteisdebelem.pt/en.html">originally</a> come from a little town near Lisbon, you will see these famous pastries all over Porto as well. Order one at a bar for 30 cents, or take a box to go! Recommended: Ordering a box just before leaving for the airport so that you can stuff your face with them at your gate. We did, with pride. ;)</div>
</div>
</center>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<b style="font-size: xx-large;">Accommodation: </b><br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t6Nmq2L82gg/U0Z1Upk3KqI/AAAAAAAAECs/l7d6lF_rW0E/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t6Nmq2L82gg/U0Z1Upk3KqI/AAAAAAAAECs/l7d6lF_rW0E/s1600/053.JPG" height="346" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
{the view from our room}</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
We booked a private 4-bed dorm room at the <a href="http://www.winehostel.pt/">Wine Hostel</a>. The hostel is really pretty and very central, but our room was freeeeezing cold and quite damp & the wifi connection didn't reach to the third floor. However, the staff was very friendly and helpful, and we met some new friends as well. And for only 11 euros a night, I would recommend staying here, but only during seasons with mild weather. It isn't much fun to feel like you don't want to get out of bed due to the temperature in your room! But thanks to our hostel the four of us girls met a new travel friend named Patrick. He is a Canadian who has been traveling the world for the last 6 months and keeping a blog about it. He was so much fun to wander around Porto with. You should definitely <a href="http://moodyptravels.wordpress.com/">check out his blog</a>!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Ambiance:</b> </span>The thing we loved the most about Porto was the rustic, real feel of the city. Although tourists certainly do visit this city often, it still feels as though it has kept its own identity away from tourism. Families still spend their weekends walking around the city together, flea markets pop-up randomly in one of the main squares, the city market is bustling and unapologetic for its wayward appearance, and the buildings look very much lived-in. You can tell that this is a city that has been through a lot, and I love it for that very reason.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fCESHqmzRxU/U1ZoHoOwIRI/AAAAAAAAEFg/_L0b15z6d90/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fCESHqmzRxU/U1ZoHoOwIRI/AAAAAAAAEFg/_L0b15z6d90/s1600/051.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<center>
<img src=" http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Porto/030.jpg" width="320px" /> <img src=" http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Porto/025.jpg" width="320px" /></center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IM5oTnWHhog/U1ZoTuUvY1I/AAAAAAAAEFk/h-Sqbvq95zg/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IM5oTnWHhog/U1ZoTuUvY1I/AAAAAAAAEFk/h-Sqbvq95zg/s1600/039.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<center>
<img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Porto/038-2.jpg" width="320px" /> <img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/jnsmth08/Porto/040.jpg" width="320px" /><br />
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wh4pK76FFtU/U1ZnNpWOwqI/AAAAAAAAEFY/E2z0zepdKls/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wh4pK76FFtU/U1ZnNpWOwqI/AAAAAAAAEFY/E2z0zepdKls/s1600/049.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am so glad that we found those really cheap RyanAir tickets. Portugal has it all - good food, friendly people, beautiful vistas, and a wonderful culture. I can't wait for my next trip there.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
xx, Jen<br />
<br />
This week I'm participating in --<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://bonnieroseblog.co.uk/category/traveltuesday" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank" title="Travel Tuesday"><img alt="Travel Tuesday" src="http://bonnieroseblog.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/traveltuesday.png" height="200" style="border: none;" width="200" /></a></div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529987704266953283noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929554699162789123.post-88457190918746334862014-04-07T14:23:00.001-04:002014-04-23T18:38:17.423-04:00{travel} a romantic getaway to granada, spain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-agbJActi6EQ/UzvjHv86MsI/AAAAAAAAD8w/-3R2dkYdCzA/s1600/IMG_5678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-agbJActi6EQ/UzvjHv86MsI/AAAAAAAAD8w/-3R2dkYdCzA/s1600/IMG_5678.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
{the view from our airbnb flat}</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Granada, you captured my heart so effortlessly and quickly <a href="http://foodloveandlifeblog.blogspot.com.es/2013/04/travel-granada-andalucia-espana.html" style="background-color: white; line-height: 24.64000129699707px; text-decoration: none;">last year</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24.64000129699707px;"> that I didn't even see it coming. You were rainy, cold, and filled with people and Easter <i>procesiones</i>, but it didn't matter. I fell completely in love from the very first moment I laid eyes on the majestic Alhambra. I wandered through the gardens of the Generalife Palace in complete wonder and drank in the intricate carvings inscribed in all of the walls of the Nasrid Palace for what seemed like hours. I took photo after photo, each time exclaiming how disappointing it was that my camera couldn't fully capture the beauty of what I was seeing with my own two eyes. Our two days in Granada in 2013 went by all too quickly, and I vowed to come back again before my time in Spain was up. So when Alex and I were planning his spring break trip to come see me I knew that we had to sacrifice a few days in Madrid to get to know Granada's more romantic side together.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BYP27SO1cHA/Uz7IjP0PLpI/AAAAAAAAD9A/njpKAd1YEKg/s1600/IMG_5780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BYP27SO1cHA/Uz7IjP0PLpI/AAAAAAAAD9A/njpKAd1YEKg/s1600/IMG_5780.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
{sitting on the wall at the Mirador de San Nicolas}</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24.64000129699707px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24.64000129699707px; text-align: justify;">I went to Granada in 2013 with three of my girlfriends during our spring break from work. We spent a lot of our time in the area directly around the cathedral and Plaza Nueva, only venturing up into the Albayzin for a view of the Alhambra from the Mirador de San Nicolas and a flamenco show. I knew that I wanted to get to know the barrio with a gypsy soul much better my second time around, so Alex & I booked an airbnb apartment in the area. Best. Decision. Ever. We absolutely loved our stay at the </span><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/821522" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24.64000129699707px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">EcoConscious Moorish House</a><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24.64000129699707px; text-align: justify;"> & totally recommend it for anyone planning on traveling to Granada. The top picture in this post shows the view we had from our building's terrace. Enough said.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24.64000129699707px;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24.64000129699707px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm going to try something new and break this post up into three sections - sights, eats, & ambiance. Let me know if you like the new format. Five years of blogging and still trying to get it right. ;)</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24.64000129699707px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24.64000129699707px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<b style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24.64000129699707px;"></b><br />
<a name='more'></a><b style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24.64000129699707px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sights & Activities:</span></b><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24.64000129699707px;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b>Although I love an action packed vacation schedule as much as the next Type A vacation planner, I also enjoy going to a place and having few obligations. I love the knowledge that I can wake up when I want, ask locals for restaurant recommendations instead of solely relying on TripAdvisor, and wander through the city on a whim. Granada is the perfect city to do these things in because the historical center is quite small and easily navigated. Although the windy streets might seem overwhelming and confusing to a newcomer, you really just always have to look for the Alhambra and you will know exactly which direction you need to head in. Perfect.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24.64000129699707px;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24.64000129699707px;"><br /><b><a href="http://granada.hammamalandalus.com/en">Hammam Banos Arabes</a></b>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24.64000129699707px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2YAP0CJ86LE/U0KwCNGq7CI/AAAAAAAAD9w/wjfaOamo_U8/s1600/Baths.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2YAP0CJ86LE/U0KwCNGq7CI/AAAAAAAAD9w/wjfaOamo_U8/s1600/Baths.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24.64000129699707px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">{no photos allowed inside the baths - <a href="http://granada.hammamalandalus.com/" style="text-decoration: none;">credit</a>} </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24.64000129699707px; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24.64000129699707px; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We started our first full day in Granada soaking in the tranquil Arab baths near Plaza Nueva. With only three other people choosing the same time slot as us, it felt like we had the entire place to ourselves. It was an absolutely wonderful way to wind down after a busy week of work and sightseeing in Madrid with Alex. I upgraded to the baths with massage option & it was an absolutely glorious decision. For only 45 euros the two of us were able to enjoy the baths for two hours, with a 15 minute massage with an essential oil of my choice for me.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24.64000129699707px; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24.64000129699707px; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://www.alhambra-patronato.es/">La Alhambra</a>:</b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6E-w6Xph1qE/U0K3XQW_PtI/AAAAAAAAD-Q/Iivxh3i5FeE/s1600/IMG_5638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6E-w6Xph1qE/U0K3XQW_PtI/AAAAAAAAD-Q/Iivxh3i5FeE/s1600/IMG_5638.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<center>
<style type="text/css">.nobrtable br { display: none }</style>
<div class="nobrtable">
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Thl_BRnAJpA/U0K02H4IH2I/AAAAAAAAD-A/pxyVR2f_P1c/s1600/IMG_5680.JPG" target="_blank" title="pic title 01"><img alt="pic name" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Thl_BRnAJpA/U0K02H4IH2I/AAAAAAAAD-A/pxyVR2f_P1c/s1600/IMG_5680.JPG" height="420" style="border: none;" width="315" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I6QuQvZ_Dk8/U0K01odu7EI/AAAAAAAAD98/KhnN7qAAeYA/s1600/IMG_5679.JPG" target="_blank" title="pic title 02">
<img alt="pic name" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I6QuQvZ_Dk8/U0K01odu7EI/AAAAAAAAD98/KhnN7qAAeYA/s1600/IMG_5679.JPG" height="420" style="border: none;" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7FBrLvASP4c/U0K3Xg15tpI/AAAAAAAAD-U/mI1wm2lEWcs/s1600/IMG_5669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7FBrLvASP4c/U0K3Xg15tpI/AAAAAAAAD-U/mI1wm2lEWcs/s1600/IMG_5669.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I wrote quite a bit about my love for La Alhambra in my post on Granada from <a href="http://foodloveandlifeblog.blogspot.com/2013/04/travel-granada-andalucia-espana.html">last year's trip</a>, but I can't help but to write about it again. La Alhambra is by far one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. Knowing how much incredible history this fortress/palace has seen? Well, if only walls could talk... I'd love to hear all of the stories. It is only about 17 euros a person to enter the Alhambra grounds and is totally worth it! Make sure you buy your tickets in advance as they sell out quickly during the peak tourist season. I recommend spending at least 3 hours in the Alhambra, but you could easily spend many more. Just look at that view above. :)<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="nobrtable">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Open-Air Markets - Tea, Spices, & More: </b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
</center>
<center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3KHVZ8t8_LA/U0K7oKgVExI/AAAAAAAAD-o/2F1spqhzZak/s1600/IMG_5723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3KHVZ8t8_LA/U0K7oKgVExI/AAAAAAAAD-o/2F1spqhzZak/s1600/IMG_5723.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8HWhrvKWCNk/U0K7n3yJqCI/AAAAAAAAD-k/yquHoWJH8IM/s1600/IMG_5725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8HWhrvKWCNk/U0K7n3yJqCI/AAAAAAAAD-k/yquHoWJH8IM/s1600/IMG_5725.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a>
<br />
</center>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Good tea is extremely expensive in Madrid, so I was really excited to go back down to Granada and stock up on some tea for my apartment. The area of Granada most populated with these open-air markets is the area directly around the Cathedral. I recommend that you wander around the different shops and stalls before purchasing. Some stores offer many more tea options than others. I paid 2 euros for "una bolsita de te chai" - a small bag of chai tea. I've probably already made 20 cups or so & I still have more than half the bag left. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Eats & Drinks:</span> </b>I actually was really terrible at taking photos of the food we ate during this trip -- absolutely shocking, I know! So here's a little list of some of the places we stopped at for a bite to eat or a cold caña. Granada is known for its big plates of free tapas served with each drink, so we definitely took advantage of those and ate quiiite cheaply.<br />
<center style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24.64000129699707px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></center>
<center>
<div class="nobrtable">
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://foodloveandlifeblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="pic title 01">
<img alt="pic name" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fj1gXSKrRdI/U0LAG5S0OvI/AAAAAAAAD_E/3vtytMasITQ/s1600/IMG_5570.JPG" height="420" style="border: none;" width="315" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://foodloveandlifeblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="pic title 02">
<img alt="pic name" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fI_PiuzBuuI/U0K9XhCklhI/AAAAAAAAD-4/2TiJr3cyPHg/s1600/IMG_5794.JPG" height="420" style="border: none;" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</center>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<ol>
<li><b>La Liria:</b> The photo above on the left is of La Liria. After attempting to Google it, I have come to realize that you cannot find it anywhere on the Internet. It's located in a little plaza just off of the main road that goes from Plaza Nueva to the Alhambra, Carrera del Darro. We stopped here for sandwiches and coffees para llevar (to go) after we left the baths on Friday morning. The little cafe is absolutely charming, but is more of a store for canned and jarred goods than a restaurant. However our chorizo and goat cheese sandwiches were made with love by the refined older woman who ran the store, and we were able to take them to go - a rarity in Spain - and eat them on our terrace at our apartment. Perfection! </li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.bodegaslabellaylabestia.com/">Bodega La Bella y La Bestia</a>:</b> This restaurant would certainly never land on any fine dining list, but it completely embodies the glory of the huge free tapas Granada is famous for. Order a 2 euro beer and receive a huge plate various tapas. Each time you order a new drink you get a new plate with *upgraded* tapas. It's the perfect place to stop post-Alhambra when you are exhausted and hungry and want to eat everything in sight ASAP! </li>
<li><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187441-d1501184-Reviews-Bodegas_Castaneda-Granada_Province_of_Granada_Andalucia.html"><b>Bodegas Castenada</b></a>: Alex & I accidentally ended up in this tapas bar one night. We were wandering around aimlessly, trying to find a good place to sit down for a beer, when we walked by this restaurant. It was crowded and looked fun, so we gave it a shot. I'm glad we did because it is an extremely authentic Spanish bar complete with gruff bartenders, vermuth poured directly from barrels, and delicious tapas of cheese and jamon. </li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187441-d3651638-Reviews-Cafe_4_Gatos-Granada_Province_of_Granada_Andalucia.html">Cafe 4 Gatos</a>: </b>Our airbnb host, Rob, casually mentioned this cafe in passing as the neighborhood cafe down the road from our flat. It certainly is that, but also so much more. It didn't matter if we walked by Cafe 4 Gatos at 10 AM or at 10 PM, it was always filled with people to the point that they were spilling out onto the street. We decided to go for a desayuno there on our last morning in Granada. I ordered a medio tostada with smoked salmon and cream cheese, while Alex opted for a tostada with tomatoes and cheese. Both were absolutely delicious.</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Ambiance</b>:</span> From the beautiful winding streets and cobblestone steps, music floating through the air from street musicians and casas, and the relaxed, hippy vibe of its residents, Granada is unlike any other place I have ever been before. There is a magical energy in the air that settles down inside of you and makes you want to come back for more again and again.<br />
<br /></div>
<style type="text/css">.nobrtable br { display: none }</style>
<br />
<center>
<div class="nobrtable">
<table border="0" style="text-align: center;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://i62.tinypic.com/1zeedy1.jpg" target="_blank" title="pic title 01"><img alt="pic name" src="http://i62.tinypic.com/1zeedy1.jpg" height="420" style="border: none;" width="315" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://i60.tinypic.com/264m0cz.jpg/" target="_blank" title="pic title 02">
<img alt="pic name" src="http://i60.tinypic.com/264m0cz.jpg" height="420" style="border: none;" width="315" /></a></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O-dTm5HRpRQ/U0LF6XnSizI/AAAAAAAAD_U/_YWThE3DMOU/s1600/IMG_5682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O-dTm5HRpRQ/U0LF6XnSizI/AAAAAAAAD_U/_YWThE3DMOU/s1600/IMG_5682.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<center>
<style type="text/css">.nobrtable br { display: none }</style>
<div class="nobrtable">
<table border="0" style="text-align: center;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://i60.tinypic.com/24gimoh.jpg" target="_blank" title="pic title 01"><img alt="pic name" src="http://i60.tinypic.com/24gimoh.jpg" height="420" style="border: none;" width="315" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://i61.tinypic.com/144445t.jpg" target="_blank" title="pic title 02">
<img alt="pic name" src="http://i61.tinypic.com/144445t.jpg" height="420" style="border: none;" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</center>
<center>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G__Ln_MMVe0/U0LHUhSyRuI/AAAAAAAAD_c/QffOhtRYgjI/s1600/IMG_5793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G__Ln_MMVe0/U0LHUhSyRuI/AAAAAAAAD_c/QffOhtRYgjI/s1600/IMG_5793.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
<center>
<style type="text/css">.nobrtable br { display: none }</style>
<div class="nobrtable">
<table border="0" style="text-align: center;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://i59.tinypic.com/15q9i6p.jpg" target="_blank" title="pic title 01"><img alt="pic name" src="http://i59.tinypic.com/15q9i6p.jpg" height="420" style="border: none;" width="315" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://i60.tinypic.com/11a9ve1.jpg" target="_blank" title="pic title 02">
<img alt="pic name" src="http://i60.tinypic.com/11a9ve1.jpg" height="420" style="border: none;" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<center>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G__Ln_MMVe0/U0LHUhSyRuI/AAAAAAAAD_c/QffOhtRYgjI/s1600/IMG_5793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i59.tinypic.com/16a2wly.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></center>
<center>
<style type="text/css">.nobrtable br { display: none }</style>
<div class="nobrtable">
<table border="0" style="text-align: center;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://i58.tinypic.com/20f6rtv.jpg" target="_blank" title="pic title 01"><img alt="pic name" src="http://i58.tinypic.com/20f6rtv.jpg" height="420" style="border: none;" width="315" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://i59.tinypic.com/731c1y.jpg" target="_blank" title="pic title 02">
<img alt="pic name" src="http://i59.tinypic.com/731c1y.jpg" height="420" style="border: none;" width="315" /></a></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br /><div style="text-align: left;">
Until next time, Granada.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
xx, Jen</div>
</center>
</div>
</center>
</center>
</center>
</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529987704266953283noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929554699162789123.post-81051757622699787622014-03-21T06:56:00.000-04:002014-04-07T16:20:40.575-04:00{recipe} 3 minute oatmeal<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are soooo many things I need to blog about. For example, my trip to Prague (in November of last year!!!), an awesome <a href="http://madridfoodtour.com/">food tour</a> I went on in Madrid, my first solo trip to Zaragoza, Spain, a beautiful hike in the Spanish countryside, my travel plans for the rest of the year (I'm so excited), and of course my wonderful boyfriend's law school spring break trip to visit little ol' me in Madrid. But currently my laptop is sadly broken. The cooling fan has gone kaput, so it is now time to put some of these English teaching euros aside for a computer repair. Womp womp womppppp. Anyways, you didn't click on this link to read about my troubles in blogging paradise. Amirightttt? Alas, it is finally time for the most perfect oatmeal recipe around. And it only takes three minutes to make. (No really, it took me longer to make my cafe con leche than it did to churn out this delicious recipe.)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i59.tinypic.com/2uskkf7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i59.tinypic.com/2uskkf7.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have had a really hard time finding the chewy rolled oats I am used to eating at home in Madrid. The box I bought from the grocery store looked promising, but had an incredibly goopy, soupy texture. Ick. What can I say? I'm a texture girl through and through. I found these oats at a natural food store near my flat, called <a href="http://www.lamagdalenadeproust.com/">La Magdalena de Proust</a>. I was like a middle aged man in a Ferrari showroom the first time I walked in there. It takes all of my willpower not to buy everything in sight. I have to keep reminding myself, "Do you want this bag of chia seeds or do you want to eat chocolate in Switzerland?" Priorities, obviously. When I saw a 500g bag of rolled oats for 2€ at this store though, all bets were off. I was so happy after leisurely waking up and rolling out of bed to be able to make a favorite breakfast item from home. So what makes this particular oatmeal so special? A very awesome addition of a mashed banana to the oats/milk mixture. It thickens the oatmeal and adds a natural sweetness. Usually I dump a bunch of brown sugar into my oatmeal, but I didn't need any additional sweetness with this recipe! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>3 Minute Oatmeal</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Recipe by <a href="http://www.fannetasticfood.com/recipes/perfect-microwave-banana-oatmeal/">Fannetastic Food</a></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ingredients:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One mashed banana</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1/2 cup of rolled oats</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1/2 cup of skim milk</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Toppings of your choice- I added peanut butter and another sliced banana on top.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Directions:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mash banana at the bottom of a microwaveable bowl. Pour oats and milk on top and then add cinnamon. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add toppings and dig in!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i57.tinypic.com/kejcy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i57.tinypic.com/kejcy1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Hey, guess what? You only have to clean one bowl now. Happy weekend!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
xx, Jen</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529987704266953283noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929554699162789123.post-89530209096268861632014-03-11T16:45:00.005-04:002014-04-23T17:18:55.185-04:00{life} my unfiltered life abroad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rPTKl1yAoNA/U0L6pjF1kGI/AAAAAAAAEA8/R17RC1Ilw-4/s1600/edit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rPTKl1yAoNA/U0L6pjF1kGI/AAAAAAAAEA8/R17RC1Ilw-4/s1600/edit.png" height="386" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
If you were to take a look at my Instagram or Facebook you would think that I lived an incredibly charmed life filled with every day adventure, endless fun, and European glamour. While I know I am incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to live and work abroad, there are some moments when I severely miss my easy American life. This post is not meant to be filled with complaints, but I feel like it is good to let the "real" side of living abroad out. You will rarely meet an ex-pat who is not momentarily filled with homesickness, or completely exasperated with the new country he/she calls home. It's not all sunshine and rainbows over here in Europe, folks. Let's get to it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Kitchen Space</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3qLL4SevvrU/Ux9f3VkXukI/AAAAAAAAD5k/93oVhJs5pZo/s1600/spain.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3qLL4SevvrU/Ux9f3VkXukI/AAAAAAAAD5k/93oVhJs5pZo/s1600/spain.png" height="625" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
My kitchen is cute. It's <i>Euro</i>. But it is freaking SMALL. Meet my kitchen table. AKA my cutting board station. AKA holder of random things. And everything in between. Did I mention that this table is smaller than a card table? If people are sitting at the table eating, you cannot open the fridge or the pantry. How I long for the days when I thought my college apartment's kitchen was small & not very well equipped. Puhleaasse. I dream of crock pots and blenders and food processors. But mainly I dream of space.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Public Transportation </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B7ybfXg0YpY/Ulacf5S529I/AAAAAAAADKc/Bh0pI4fDbx8/s640/image_12.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B7ybfXg0YpY/Ulacf5S529I/AAAAAAAADKc/Bh0pI4fDbx8/s640/image_12.jpeg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Ohhhh Metro. How can I love you and hate you so equally? The metro system in Madrid is said to be one of the best in all of Europe, and I definitely can agree. The city is very well connected, and the metro is very easy to navigate even for a first timer. But with public transportation comes crowds. And in the summer? Lots of smelly, sweaty crowds. Ick. There's nothing I hate more than being stuffed like a sardine in a metro car with 1209103 other people. Not only is it just plain uncomfortable to be all up on a stranger for 10 minutes, but you also have to be super aware of your things because... pickpockets. Ugh. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Auxiliares de Conversacion</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-exkW1SvkCbU/UlacfwsXG1I/AAAAAAAADKY/gHaG_N50pCQ/s640/image_11E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-exkW1SvkCbU/UlacfwsXG1I/AAAAAAAADKY/gHaG_N50pCQ/s640/image_11E.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I sincerely love the school I'm working at this year. The teachers are relaxed and the kids are (mainly) nice. I often feel like a celebrity while walking through the hallways, as "Hola Profe" and "Hello Teacher" are said a million times in a row. But sometimes I sit in class and observe a teacher just straight reading from a book for the entire hour while the kids have personal conversations, text openly, and fall asleep. Other times when I am teaching the full class, I am with a teacher who doesn't have much control of said class on their own. So I end up standing up there like an idiot, attempting to get through to kids who don't care to pay attention enough to understand me, and who know that my disciplinary threats mean nothing since I am just a measly assistant teacher. I also sit around.... a lot. #braindrain </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Bathrooms in Madrid</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-imtV73H7mJg/Ux9n6PA59sI/AAAAAAAAD6g/NFOhYMvPaXA/s1600/IMG_4122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-imtV73H7mJg/Ux9n6PA59sI/AAAAAAAAD6g/NFOhYMvPaXA/s1600/IMG_4122.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Sorry for the graphic photograph of a toilet. But this is a big deal. Restrooms in Madrid rarely have the three essentials all at once - toilet paper, toilet seats, and hand soap. ICK. I literally come prepared with tissues and hand sanitizer in even the tiniest of clutches everywhere I go. I thought that a bathroom lacking those three essential things were only found in grimy bars in college towns, but even restaurants in one of the most metropolitan cities in the world can't properly keep theirs stocked. Lesigh.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Street & Metro Musicians </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--eFgHW9zFek/Ux9n-3e3M9I/AAAAAAAAD64/tIxsZeOedDo/s1600/IMG_4311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--eFgHW9zFek/Ux9n-3e3M9I/AAAAAAAAD64/tIxsZeOedDo/s1600/IMG_4311.JPG" height="467" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Okay, to be fair - the mariachi band above was actually pretty awesome. That's the reason why I took a picture of them in the first place! I never take pictures of the bad 'musicians' because I don't want to get caught and be guilted into giving them money. Being stuck on the metro with a terrible musician is the worst. <i>I already have a terrible headache from my teenage students, but thank you for adding loud, screeching noises to my life on my commute home as well. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The Beer</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LvaWqAJ0X88/Ux9n9PvCv7I/AAAAAAAAD6o/A06ZcQuWRfk/s1600/IMG_4501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LvaWqAJ0X88/Ux9n9PvCv7I/AAAAAAAAD6o/A06ZcQuWRfk/s1600/IMG_4501.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Unless you are at a fancy bar or Irish Pub, you will always order beer not by type, but by size. Would you like a cana (small) or doble (large)? Don't bother asking which beers they have on draft. It will either be Mahou OR Cruzcampo (note, that is not an <i>and</i>) - although if a bar is feeling fancy you might get lucky and be able to drink Amstel. Thank goodness for bars like <a href="http://fabricamaravillas.com/">Fabrica Maravillas</a> in Malasana who are trying to bring the craft beer craze to Spain. I miss you, <a href="http://wobusa.com/">World of Beer</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Guilt Filled Lazy Days</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MlbxzvctAh8/Ux969_Th4hI/AAAAAAAAD7E/Xee9wEM9dz4/s1600/IMG_4614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MlbxzvctAh8/Ux969_Th4hI/AAAAAAAAD7E/Xee9wEM9dz4/s1600/IMG_4614.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I don't actually have any photos of me at my laziest - not exactly selfie material, but these days happen way more often than you might think. I live in one of the most exciting cities in the world but you might be surprised as to how often you will be able to find me in my room wearing PJs. And I always feel guilty. When I was in college it was totally normal to lounge around for hours at a time and to leave the house looking like a grease ball to go run errands. But in Madrid? Leaving the house in leggings and tennis shoes is definitely looked down upon. Sometimes I don't want to look cute to go outside! And then I stay in my pajamas. Fail.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The Goodbyes & serious <a href="http://www.internetslang.com/FOMO-meaning-definition.asp">FOMO</a> from Spain</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8hmxa_W8jQ0/Ux9n3_G2reI/AAAAAAAAD6Y/PK7de39JYlI/s1600/IMG_2630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8hmxa_W8jQ0/Ux9n3_G2reI/AAAAAAAAD6Y/PK7de39JYlI/s1600/IMG_2630.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I dread nothing more than the moment I have to say goodbye to my family, friends, and boyfriend. It never gets easier, and tears are always shed. I am incredibly lucky to have a wonderful group of friends and two awesome roommates in Madrid who have become my Spain family, but nothing hurts more than missing holidays, birthdays, dinners, baby showers, reunions, and engagement celebrations while living abroad. I know that saying goodbye to my adopted country when it is finally time to go home is going to be insanely difficult, and I will miss Spain forever when that time comes, but sometimes it is hard to get past the homesickness. Ya feel me?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
These are just a few of the things that show what <i>real</i> life as an expat is like. I love Madrid more than words can say, and still walk around like a starstruck tourist, but my life is a lot more boring and "normal" than you might expect.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Fellow expat bloggers - let's hear it in the comment section. What else would you add to my list?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
xx, Jen</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529987704266953283noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929554699162789123.post-80714426734180021112014-02-28T09:42:00.000-05:002014-04-07T16:54:31.520-04:00{fashion} chic pink & shea mcgrath photography<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F6uOqMOUnHw/UxCWH6FhPVI/AAAAAAAAD44/7M-_8t5oYbw/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F6uOqMOUnHw/UxCWH6FhPVI/AAAAAAAAD44/7M-_8t5oYbw/s1600/1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm so excited to blog about this fun photoshoot I did in Retiro Park last weekend with Shea from <a href="http://www.sheamcgrath.com/">Shea McGrath Photography</a>. I met Shea at a Madrid blogger meetup at the beginning of the month. While the rest of us talked about our (less than professional) blogging lives, Shea introduced herself not as a blogger, but as a photographer with a brand new company. She told us that she really wanted to expand her portraits portfolio, and we gladly agreed to help her out. After all, who doesn't like getting dolled up and spending a beautiful day outdoors taking pictures with friends? :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f77jz4j6xBQ/UxCX78G-HhI/AAAAAAAAD5A/0Fpkaat5Nq8/s1600/29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f77jz4j6xBQ/UxCX78G-HhI/AAAAAAAAD5A/0Fpkaat5Nq8/s1600/29.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I asked <a href="http://www.sheamcgrath.com/">Shea</a> to a few questions about herself and how she came to open up her very own photography business. Click through for more!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>J: When did you become interested in photography?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
S: My love and passion for photography first started when I was twelve and my Godmother gave me her old film SLR camera. Ever since, I've been taking pictures everywhere I go. But my passion really grew when I studied abroad in Spain in 2011. I received a lot of compliments on my travel blog about my photos and thought, maybe I really do have an eye for photography.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>J: You definitely do! So I'm guessing that you decided to pursue it more after coming home from studying abroad?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
S: Yes, when I came back I bought my first DSLR - a used Canon Rebel on Amazon. I learned the basics and mainly used my younger sister as the subject for when I wanted to practice.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>J: Have you received any formal training in photography or is it all trial and error?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
S: A few months after moving back home I began working for an incredible wedding photographer in Ames, Iowa. She taught me almost everything I needed to know from how to operate a camera and editing photos to running a business. I did a lot of second shooting for <a href="http://www.destriandorf.com/">D&orfs Photography</a>, as well as a few engagement sessions on my own.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>J: When did you decide to open your own photography business?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
S: When I was home for Christmas break, I photographed my first wedding on my own. That's when I knew I wanted to start my own business. So last month I created my <a href="http://www.sheamcgrath.com/">website</a> & it's just taken off from there!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.sheamcgrath.com/">Shea</a> is not only an incredibly talented photographer, she is also a lovely person. We had a lot of fun wandering around the park, dodging people and finding the best backdrops. I highly recommend that you contact her for a session if you are living in the Madrid area!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5FlGpd0nPGg/UxCVpeKhhVI/AAAAAAAAD4c/xtsrecEBlGg/s1600/19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5FlGpd0nPGg/UxCVpeKhhVI/AAAAAAAAD4c/xtsrecEBlGg/s1600/19.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Can I just talk for a moment about how much I love this top? I found it while window shopping at Sfera the night before my photoshoot with Shea. I am typically on a strict {NO SHOPPING ALLOWED} budget, but once I saw and tried on this top it was all over from there. It looks really great dressed down with jeans and flats, and also dressed up with a skirt and heels. 30 euros spent on this top meant eating in all week, but when it's worth it... it's worth it. ;)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZXdR0-hI1U/UxCVxkfSE4I/AAAAAAAAD4w/b19uXAueRl0/s1600/36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZXdR0-hI1U/UxCVxkfSE4I/AAAAAAAAD4w/b19uXAueRl0/s1600/36.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
PS. Blog friends, meet Courtney. She came along for my photoshoot so that she could learn some portrait photography tips from Shea. She is also an English teaching assistant in Madrid, but I actually met her through the wonderful world of blogging. You should 100% check out her blog, <a href="http://www.adelanteblog.com/">Adelante</a>, for beautiful photographs of Madrid and her travels. We met for the first time over a glass of wine at a local wine bar & instantly became friends. You'll be seeing a lot of her pretty face on this blog in July because we're going to Greece together for 11 days! Woooo!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dLvUZhRdLfQ/UxCVpyrESVI/AAAAAAAAD4g/ac5vLDVKCRs/s1600/39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dLvUZhRdLfQ/UxCVpyrESVI/AAAAAAAAD4g/ac5vLDVKCRs/s1600/39.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Thank you so much for taking my picture Shea! I can't wait to watch your photography business grow. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Follow along with Shea's business:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.sheamcgrath.com/">Website</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/sheamcgrathphotography">Facebook</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://sheamcgrath.wordpress.com/">Blog </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EiejemHtCiQ/UxCfpOh9eSI/AAAAAAAAD5Q/_qsI1QERj1A/s1600/27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EiejemHtCiQ/UxCfpOh9eSI/AAAAAAAAD5Q/_qsI1QERj1A/s1600/27.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
xx, Jen</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529987704266953283noreply@blogger.com3