2013 Highlights

I can't believe that 2013 is already over. The year started off on a particularly rough note, but the challenges at the beginning of the year prompted a lot of hard work and self growth - all of which paid off in the latter half of this year. While the first three months of 2013 were arguably some of the most difficult of my life, the past six months have undoubtedly been some of the most fun. I turned 23, adjusted to life as a college graduate, welcomed new additions to my family, moved to a new country (and a new continent for that matter), started my first "real" job, and met some pretty amazing people along the way. 

2013 was a monumental year, but I feel confident that this year will be just as epic. On the horizon for 2014: Amsterdam, Budapest, Lille, Prague, Vienna, Munich, Greece and much more! Not to mention countless adventures in Spain, of course.

Overall, I have a really good feeling about 2014. Happy New Year!

Christmastime in Madrid

Madrid is particularly stunning during the Christmas season, and I can't seem to get enough of how festive the city looks right now. Various Christmas markets have taken over plazas, colorful lights adorn the city streets, and sparkling Christmas trees are scattered throughout the city. 

In the past two weeks I've gone on countless adventures to seek out the most festive spots in the city. Some of my favorite places right now include the charming carousel next to the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, and the "Dulce Navidad" market in Plaza de Isabel II that exclusively sells candy and other sweet treats. 

While I'm soaking up Christmas in Madrid and loving every minute of it, I'm also getting incredibly excited to come back home to the States for Christmas. Christmas markets are great and all, but nothing quite beats spending the holidays with family and friends. See you in one week, Seattle!

Alcázar de Sevilla

I arrived to Sevilla half a day before my friends did, so I spent my afternoon wandering around and redisovering some of my favorite spots in the city. My first stop was the Real Alcázar, Sevilla's stunning royal palace that was originally a Moorish fort. While this may have been my fourth time visiting the Real Alcázar, it felt just as magical as the first time. The palace itself boasts some of the most spectacular mudéjar architecture in southern Spain, while the lush gardens create a picturesque, exotic paradise.

While its history is fascinating, I preferred to spend this time around getting lost in the colors, architecture and intricate details of the palace. Going to the Alcázar simply to enjoy its beauty rather than to check a box off my sight-seeing checklist gave it a whole new meaning to me. Instead of rushing through a hurried bucket list of sights to see, I actually took the time to appreciate and experience its breathtaking complexity.

Everything about Sevilla is entirely captivating, and I'm already daydreaming about going back. So, who's coming with me?