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About

¡Hola!


I'm Courtney, a thirty-something Seattle native in Los Angeles.

In September 2013, I packed my bags and said hasta luego to rainy Washington to teach English in vibrant Madrid, Spain.

After three magical years in Madrid, I moved back to the USA to pursue the next adventure.

Now that I'm not tapas crawling or drinking tinto de verano in bustling plazas, you can find me soaking up the LA sunshine, working in the fashion industry, and planning for my next escape.

A little more about me:

I studied psychology and Spanish at the University of Washington
I studied abroad in Cádiz, Spain and Paris, France
I taught English in Madrid for three years with Auxiliares de Conversación and the BEDA program
I've traveled to 42 countries
 I have Celiac disease and I've been traveling gluten-free since 2010
 My favorite destinations (besides Spain!) are Greece, Croatia and Malta




Why this blog is called adelante:

Back when I was studying abroad in Cádiz in 2010, I stumbled upon the most eloquent Spanish word: adelante, which means "forward" or "ahead".

Not only is this particular word beautiful to hear and delightful to articulate, but its significance could not be more relevant as I adjust to a new life after Madrid.


New? Start here!

• Teaching English in Spain
• 8 ways living in Madrid has ruined me for life
Repatriation is like a bad breakup
• 48 hours in Madrid
• Where to eat in Madrid
• 5 best day trips from Madrid
• A day in the life of an Auxiliar de Conversación




Let's connect!

If you've got a question or are interested in collaborating, please feel free to email me at
courtneylikkel (at) gmail (dot) com. Media kit available upon request.

17 comments on "About"
  1. Hey chiquilla, just found your blog through Jessica's - looking forward to reading (and hearing about how Southern Spain wasn't it for you!).

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  2. LOVE your blog! I am moving to Madrid in May to teach English as well!!

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  3. Love the title and meaning behind it! When studying Italian I decided my favorite word was pipistrello, or bat in English. Awesome to say, though not so profound.

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  4. Love the name! We've definitely got the travel bug in common :) I'm a previous expat turning permanent expat in the UK!

    I've never been to Madrid (Spain at all!) but it's definitely on my life - happy to found your blog for visiting ideas!

    Caity @ Where The Heart Is

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  5. Hi Courtney! Just stumbled upon your blog, love your beautiful photos. :) I'm an expat teaching in Korea but it seems like so many people are heading to Spain to teach these days, it's definitely something I'm considering in the future. Looking forward to following along! :)

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    1. Thanks Kaleena! I can't wait to follow along with your adventures on the other side of the world as well! :)

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  6. Hey, I found your blog through the Fresh Face Friday blog hop! I'm also an expat living in Rome, but I'm so jealous you're living in Spain! I have some family there and try to go as often as I can! I'm so glad I found your blog so that I can live vicariously through you! Can't wait to read more!

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    1. Thanks Beatriz! I'm jealous that you're living in gorgeous Italy!! I can't wait to follow along with your adventures in Rome :)

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  7. I love the reason you named your blog!! That's beautiful!

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  8. Found you today through Curiosity Travels and just fell in love with the name of your blog. What a beautiful meaning. I am currently living in Okinawa and very seriously considering teaching, though my experience would be a bit different on an air base. I am really looking forward to following along with your adventures.

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    1. Thank you so much! Teaching abroad isn't very glamorous, but it's certainly a fun job :) Thanks for stopping by, and I can't wait to follow along with your adventures as well!!

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  9. Hello! New follower here. I live part time (and eventually full time) in Galicia. Nice to "meet" other Americans in Spain.

    Kelly
    www.alovelylifeindeed.com

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    1. Nice to "meet" you too Kelly! I look forward to reading more about your life in Galicia! I've been dying to go there for so long!!

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  10. Lovely blog, and love the reason behind the name. I don't blame you for wanting to stick around. We considered Madrid as we loved it a lot. We ultimately decided on Malaga, but Madrid is close enough. Disfruta

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  11. Hi Courtney! I'm so happy to come across your blog. One of my best friends from college is currently teaching English in Madrid. I am an English teacher myself, but I am living in Prague. Looking forward to following along! :)

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