hollyberries

Living abroad has brought many an unexpected challenge along with it. However, one I did not see coming (nor did I even know existed) was reverse culture shock. What is reverse culture shock, I hear you say? Why, I'm glad you asked.  " Reverse culture shock  is the emotional and psychological distress suffered by some people when they return home after a number of years overseas." Well, alrighty then. Sounds like a barrel of laughs.  Disclaimer, these types of things are, of course, suffered in degrees and by no means do I think I've experienced the worst of it. Two weeks ago I returned to evergreen (*read: always raining*) England from sun-drenched Spain. I was feeling mixed emotions when I first arrived...conflicted by already missing Madrid...but being happy to be home...but also knowing it would be tough to leave when I go back...and at the same time panicking about who I am here now. Yes, some may call me melodramatic. I HAVE A LOT OF FEELINGS. Home (Le

Hello friends! All the hardcore  superfans  of this blog (#himom) may remember a while back I started a "Where to Eat in Madrid" series (see posts 1 and 2 ), and with another year in this beautiful city, comes another year of discovering new favourite food and drink and spots !  So whether you're a fellow madrileño or you're planning your next city break , here are a few more recommendations in the much anticipated part 3... If you want... CAKE Name : Celicioso Where? : Calle Hortaleza, Calle Barquillo, Callao My favourite : banana bread/banoffee cake This café/bakery is full to the brim with delicious (and gluten free !) treats. Not only do they offer a large variety of cakes, cookies, and other baked goodies , they also have an extensive brunch and lunch menu. A great spot to meet friends for a catch up over a coffee and a cupcake! If you want... COCKTAILS Name : Macera Taller Bar Where? : Calle San Mateo My favourite : Ginger Fi

So in Spain they have this genius thing called a 'puente' (literally, 'bridge'). This means at the beginning of December, when there is a bank holiday on a Wednesday, and another one on the Friday, they take the Thursday off too - because  ¿por  qué no? In other words it gives you a great chance to have a little mid-term holiday. So I packed my bag and headed to Santander (in the region of Cantabria, northern Spain), with some friends.  I'd heard great things and was excited to explore another corner of the country. So, Santander.. a beautiful city with a stunning coastline. Sandy beaches set against a backdrop of rolling green hills and snow-topped mountains.  However, one thing they also have in abundance? Rain.  I mean, hey, I'm British, I am no stranger to rain. But living in an almost completely rain-less city like Madrid, it came as a bit of a shock to the system. But it definitely reminded me of home, so there's that -

Unbelievably, friends, it's almost November. And although some of you have been embracing sweater weather for a while now, Summer has only just ended over here... And somewhat controversially I'm so happy Autumn has finally started to arrive in Madrid. A girl can only take so much 30 degree heat (#sorrynotsorry). The mornings are getting chillier, the days are getting shorter, and the lattes are getting pumpkin spicier.  Here are my top reasons for fall ing* in love with this time of year:  (*I mean the pun was right there you guys) 1. Cosy jumpers Gone are the worries of whether or not you shaved your legs, and trying to suck in your food baby from lunch - hello chunky, over-sized sweaters, wooly tights and cute ankle boots. Plus an excuse for a whole new wardrobe, obv.  Keeping it cosy in Retiro Park Cute dog: essential Autumnal accessory Chunky scarves that double as blankets are where it's at 2. The colours Brb just jumping through piles of cru