I remember the first day of my art history class, my opera loving professor had us sing those words over and over again. For my English friends, it translates to "Granada, land I've been dreaming of," and is the opening to the song "Granada." Ever since that day, I had that song in my head as I did everything in Granada. There is something so special about Granada. I am not a city girl at all, but I loved my time living there so much. It's crazy and bittersweet that I'm sitting in my own bed in America right now.



It's amazing to reflect on myself and how I've changed during my time there. Looking back on the scared girl getting off of the plane in Madrid to the woman I am now, not afraid of wandering around just to get a little lost in new places, I see so much more independence and fire in myself. And although there were times when I did get a little lost, literally and figuratively, I truly feel like I did what God brought me there to do. I immersed myself in the culture, broadened my view of the world, and although I have become more independent, I see that I am nothing when I am alone.  

Thank you so much to my family and friends in Spain who made this experience all that it was for me. Thank you for pushing me to do things outside of my comfort zone and for being completely crazy with me. I could go on forever about how much I love all of you and all of the insane things we did together, but words just can't do our bond and amazing semester together justice. You all mean so much to me, and I wouldn't want to have shared this experience with anyone else. 







It's so sappy, but I can't thank you all enough for making this experience one that I will never forget. And to my family and friends at home, especially my loving and supportive fiancé, I could not have made it through without you! And of course, the big man upstairs. He has blessed me beyond belief with something that makes saying goodbye so hard both in Spain and at home. My semester abroad was truly the experience of a lifetime, and I will forever treasure the friendships and memories I've made in Granada.

No es adios, es hasta luego.

-Breezy

As my study abroad experience comes to a close, I can definitely say that one of the best parts of it has been living with a host family. There is something so special about a family who wants to share their home and way of life with students from around the world. No matter what your host family is like, a bond is formed when you live with some one for a semester.

I was extremely lucky with the family I was assigned to, as were many of my friends studying here. I love to hear them talk about little things they do with their families or reasons why they love them so much. The dynamic of each family is different, but all are so happy with their families.

Some of my friends are staying in apartments, and they love it! They're independent people, and it works for them. If you're an absolutely independent person, this is probably a better option. It is a bit of an adjustment going from the complete freedom of apartment or dorm life to following a family's schedule, but if you can sacrifice a bit of freedom to have the courtesy to tell your family where you're going and to come home for their meal times, living with a host family is an amazing experience.

Here are just a few of the reasons why I love living with a host family:

• Complete cultural immersion. For me, this is the best perk of them all. Living with a family, I've seen firsthand how a normal family lives day to day. How they interact, how the daily schedule works, when and what they eat, how they decorate their home, and so many more little things that I never even thought about before I realized they were different, like how they answer the phone. But the best of them all is the language. Being completely surrounded by it at school and in the house has made me improve so quickly! Except for one of my sisters who is learning English, none of my family really speaks English… I love this! When I wouldn't understand a word, they'd explain it to me in Spanish to teach me rather than just giving me the English translation - a practice that helps so much more! After my experience, I totally believe that if you're going to a country to learn the language, staying with a family is the way to go.

• FOOD. We're talkin' homemade empanadas, Spanish tortillas, croquetas, arroz con leche, tomato creations galore, and the best soups you will ever have. I've learned so much about the Spanish diet living with a family, eaten healthier than I would have living in an apartment, and even gotten some great recipes to bring home for the future hubs!

• A guide. What better way to learn about a new place than with people who have been living there forever? Having two host sisters has been awesome for this. Not only is it good getting to talk in Spanish with someone so easy to relate to, but it's wonderful having someone who is always more than happy to tell me the best places to go (ones that Spaniards go to!), to show me around the city, and occasionally to tapear and fiesta with :) 

Ever since I studied classic literature from Spain's Golden Age (my favorite period of Spanish literature and art) and learned of the authors' love for the city of Sevilla, I have dreamed of going there. And what girl hasn't had Barcelona on her bucket list since The Cheetah Girls 2? This past month I was lucky enough to get to go to both of these gorgeous cities.

I can't explain why I love Sevilla so much, but it's become one of my favorite cities in the entire world. Perhaps because it reminds me a bit of a spread out Granada. But also, I believe that your experiences affect how you perceive a place, as I learned from my rough start in Madrid, so I can definitely see how my weekend spent there with some of my favorite people who I've met here in Granada made Sevilla such a special place for me. 


We were only there for a short amount of time - Saturday and part of Sunday - so we were limited as to what we could do. We went and saw the Sevilla cathedral, a definite must see for anyone who goes to Sevilla. It was actually originally a mosque, but was converted into a cathedral when Spain regained control of Sevilla (I've learned all about this in my art history class, let me have my nerd moment). It's also the third biggest church in the world! Unfortunately, we didn't go inside, but the vastness of the outside alone make it worth at least stopping by. We also spent some time walking along the river that runs through the city, the Guadalquivir River, which is just gorgeous! Sevilla is a spread out city, so not many people walk place to place here, but a walk down the river is definitely something everyone should do.






Since our time was limited, here's what I want to do next time I'm in Sevilla:

• Metropol Parasol - One of the largest wooden buildings in the world with a funky design and a gorgeous view of the city from the top. 
• Go inside the cathedral - The outside is amazing, but I can only imagine what the inside must be like.
• See a flamenco show - Although I've already seen a good one in Granada, Sevilla has some of the best flamenco that Spain has to offer.

• Las ramblas - A worker at our hostel told us that this has some of the best nightlife in Barcelona, and cool shops for the day time. This area is right in the city center, where I'd also like to be able to spend more time next time I'm in Barcelona.
• Parque Güell - I did get to see the park and some of the cool architecture there, but I didn't get to actually go into the park. You have to buy tickets in advance to enter, so next time I will definitely do this to see the iconic mosaic bench and to get to go into the museums!
• See the coast - Not a lot of people kow that Barcelona's actually on the coast of Spain! We biked close to the Mediterranean Sea, but never made it there. There's a huge park near the coast where the old Olympic Stadium is located that I would love to explore more one day - but I better get in shape first, because the hill up to the park is a doozy!

These were two wonderful trips with some wonderful people. The more of Spain that I see, the more I fall in love with it and appreciate its culture like never before. Next up is my trip to Madrid! Let's see if I can get caught up on here before my next trip :) Hasta luego!

If you're looking for good time by the light of the Alhambra, look no further. Granada's hottest club is El Camborio. Opened by Moorish kings as a spot to show their Alhambra guests a good time, this place has everything: Ariana Grande's "Problem" playing every other hour while white girls do the hair flip and pouty face, an almost middle aged man who looks like a Spanish Christopher Walken trying to pick up "guiris," and even tinted gringas… you know, it's that thing when an American girl is dancing while she's on her fifth tinto de verano of the night and then spills it all over her white crop top.

But seriously… I love putting on some lipstick and dancing the night away at Camborio and the other discos as much as the next gringa, and I do have to admit to occasionally being part of the tinted gringa demographic. But, contrary to popular belief,  that's not all there is to do here!

Here are some of my favorite things about life in Granada so far:

• The Albaicín. This is hands down my favorite place in Granada. This little neighborhood situated on a giant incline is right by the Alhambra. It's filled with charming white houses, markets with Arab influenced goods, taparías and teterías galore, and the best bakery in Granada (see my first Granada post). It's my favorite place to take a walk, because the tiny winding roads make it so hard to know exactly where you are. My host sister tells me the best directions are, "If you want to go into the Albaicín, go uphill, and if you want to go back to the city center, go downhill." It's the perfect place to get lost in, because you never know what you'll stumble upon, and the views of the city, the mountains, and the Alhambra never get old. You might even catch a street flamenco show!

• Tapas. This one is a given for almost every Spanish city you go to, but tapas in Granada are special because they're free when you order a drink! Whether it's a glass of wine or a pitcher of sangria, you get a small plate of Spanish deliciousness included! You can get anything from chicken curry to a tostada with jamón serrano to sushi to paella - the possibilities are endless and all delicious! Some places even let you choose which tapas you get, while others simply bring you what they have prepared. After traveling throughout Spain and going to Paris, I've realized that I am definitely spoiled here with the free tapas.

• Walking. Not only is Granada cheaper than other Spanish cities, but it's also very walkable. It's small enough that you can walk basically everywhere you need to go and almost always see a familiar face or two on the streets, but big enough that you're always finding new parts of the city to explore and new places to try. This is awesome because you're not constantly spending money on buses or cabs, making living here even cheaper. Living here has definitely changed my concept of a "long walk." After my daily 25 minute walk to school and those late night 40 minute walks home from Camborio, I rest assured that I will be much more willing to walk places at home. 

• The cafés. As a huge coffee drinker and a barista, I like to think that I know good coffee, and Spain's got it! When you think of Spain, you don't normally think of good coffee, but cafe con leche has become my favorite coffee drink! It's basically the Spanish version of a latte, but often times stronger. Normally in a latte, you throw a shot of espresso in with the steamed milk, but with cafe con leche, it's more of a half and half mix. Have it with a tostada with olive oil and tomatoes, some friends, and your travel journals, and you've got a perfect afternoon in Granada. 
  
  
  
  Cafe con leche and a Pionono - 
  the perfect snack

• Living with a host family. I could go on and on about how great I think living with a host family while studying abroad is (which I probably will in a later post), but seriously. I firmly believe that if you want to be truly immersed in a culture, staying with a host family is the way to go! Each family is different, but most likely you're going to get a family who truly wants you there with them and who offers support like true family does. Whether I'm watching The Property Brothers (dubbed in Spanish, of course) with my host mom or talking to my host sister and her boyfriend about the best places to for tapas in the city, I always love coming home to my family here.

There you have it: my favorite things to do with the beautiful people I've met here and come to love so much. It's so hard to believe that it's already November - time flies by in this city! The first month and a half has already been so wonderful, I'm so thankful for this experience and loving every minute of it! Check back later for updates on my recent travels to Sevilla and Barcelona and maybe even a second Granada Update… Chow!

Well… it's been awhile since my last post… but I've come to the conclusion that it's ok, because it means that I've been too busy living this crazy beautiful Granada life! The time is just flying by since classes started. My days are a whirlwind of exploring the city, coffee, dancing, tapas, wine, and making beautiful friendships here. Some where in all of that, I fit in a bit of studying. Each day I fall more in love with this place; life here is so laid back and so fun, I don't see how any one couldn't! But while I do love spending time here, one of the best parts of living in Granada is the doors it opens for travel throughout Europe. 

It's no secret that traveling to Europe is quite pricey from the States, but with the beauty of Skyscanner and cheap hostels, traveling is so easy and affordable here! My first excursion was thee weekends ago (told you I was a bit behind) to Paris, one of the most beautiful cities I've ever seen (second only to Granada, but I'm a little biased).

Although I am definitely not a city girl, this city has quickly stolen my heart. With the gorgeous Sierra Nevadas in the distance, the unique Spanish and Arab architecture, the cute little cafeterías and taperías, and the all of the parks and plazas, this is like no other city I've seen before. And equally as beautiful as the city are the people in it. After just two weeks here in Spain, it's plain to see that Spanish people are all about enjoying life. They work, but work is not everything. The pace of life here is slower and so much more relaxed; it's different, but good different! It's such a great change to not be constantly on the go for once in my life.

Every time I find a new spot in Granada, I alway say, "Oh my gosh this is my favorite place in Granada!" That's how crazy beautiful this city is! But seriously, one of my favorite spots is definitely el Mirador de San Nicolas in the Albaicín. The Albaicín is the adorable neighborhood where the Alhambra is located, and the Arab influences are very evident here. It's on a huge hill and is full of narrow winding roads and the cutest little white houses. The Mirador de San Nicolas offers the perfect view of the the Alhambra and of Granada. The pictures can't come close to capturing the beauty. If you make it to Granada, definitely go to the Alahambra, but go view it from the Mirador as well! You can even enjoy some tapas as you soak up the view on the patio at the Mirador. And not only is the Albaicín one of the cutest neighborhoods in Granada, but it also has the best bakery in Granada - my host sister and her boyfriend swear it is! It's called Casa Pasteles Albaicín, and it's where I tried the deliciousness that is a Pionono for the first time. A Pionono is a round little cake soaked in a special syrup, topped with cream and cinnamon that originated in Granada. They don't look like much, but they are fantastic!




-Breezy

Hello friends! Now that I am in Granada for the semester, I will be taking a break from crafting to update you all on my time in Spain! My first day in Spain was spent in Madrid. I flew into Madrid late at night, so it only made sense to stay there! When I was planning my trip, I didn't know where I would stay in Madrid, because I am traveling alone and have never been to Spain... or Europe… talk about anxiousness! Then a friend of mine who studied in Granada a couple years ago told me I should try Couchsurfing. 

If you don't know about Couchsurfing, it is basically an online system of travelers and hosts. You create an account, and say whether you want to host someone or be hosted somewhere. Oh, and it's free. Awesome, right?! Although the whole idea of sleeping on a complete stranger's couch initially made me nervous, I went for it. After reading about Couchsurfing's mission and seeing the people who wanted to host, I felt so much better. I ended up finding an awesome host in Madrid, and it was the smartest and most fun thing I have done so far! My very sweet host came to get me from the subway station about an hour later than I told him because of my delayed flight and wifi problems at the airport, and he and his roommate made me feel so welcome in their home! I highly recommend trying it out if you are traveling alone or in a pair, especially if you are going to a new place. Staying with someone who knows the area well is a great advantage. 




I had a great experience with Couchsurfing, and while I was researching it I found that most people had positive experiences, too. After my two nights in Madrid, here are a few tips I've learned to help those of you interested in trying out Couchsurfing!

• Research your host

         
         Message them on the Couchsurfing website to see if you will be compatible before 
         accepting or sending a couch request. This way you avoid being stuck in a place with 
         someone you will not get along with, and you can see if they really want to host you or          if they're just a creepy person (they exist). Read the reviews other surfers have left on 
         their profile. These help so much! Reading about other surfers experiences with a 
         particular host is the perfect way to see what a host is like.

• Make your intentions clear 

         If you are a new traveler, alone, or are nervous about going to the city (or all three like 
         myself), let your host know while you are still searching. While I did message my host 
         before making arrangements to meet, I did not tell him how nervous I was to travel 
         alone to Madrid or that I really wanted someone to show me around. Because of this, I 
         was on my own for most of the day in Madrid. It ended up being fine - I learned how to 
         get around, and he and his roommate were able to take me out to the city later and 
         show me a great time. But next time I go somewhere new and I know I will want some 
         help, I will make sure let them know before accepting their invitation.

• Look at where their address is located before you arrive

         I misunderstood what my host told me and thought that his place was in the city
         center… I was wrong! It was actually in the northern part of the city, very close to the  
         airport (which was actually very nice), but it limited what I got to do during my day there. 
         I still made it to the city center with my hosts, but only for one night.


Madrid was great, but now I am so excited to be in Granada, which is a much smaller city. I look forward to updating you all on my adventures here! Until next time :)

Hello again! About time, right? After an absolutely crazy and fun spring semester filled with studying, training for dance team nationals, getting a new job, getting engaged and beginning wedding planning, I finally have my next tutorial for you all! Now that summer's rolled around, let's hope that they're not spread apart by six months… whoops!

This project, a DIY wine cork wreath is very simple, but also time consuming. So if you have some patience and a love for wine, this is the project for you!

Here's what you'll need: