hollyberries

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 - ...

I somehow only have just over two months left in Madrid , it's really snuck up on me, I tell ya. And the thing I'm most worried about? Leaving before I've eaten at every place on my 'Where To Eat in Madrid' bucket list. Yes that is an actual thing I have made, #priorities. I mean, it's difficult, you want to go back to the good places AND try all the new places. This year abroad stuff is really tough.   So here is Part 2 of the highly acclaimed series, I know you've all been waiting with bated breath. If you want... PIZZA Name : Ôven Where? : Calle de Fuencarral, Calle Gran Vía,  My favourite : Pizza De La Huerta Pizza Pizza Pizza. The tagline of this place is 'Mozzarella Bar'. Need I say more? But for reals, this is definitely the best pizza I've had while being in Madrid, maybe even EVER - serious allegations being made here you guys.  They also have an amazing selection of Mozzarella and Burrata dishes, their speciality, whi...

I've decided I can't live in a big city when I'm older.  I need to be surrounded by nothing but fields of sheep .  How am I supposed to resist the 7 million different eateries right outside my front door?! Everything from pizza and burgers to ice cream and churros is less than a 5 minute walk from my piso in Madrid and it's pretty stressful, I tell ya. This sort of thing just can't be helped It's safe to say I've sampled a fair few restaurants/cafés/bars (did you know Madrid has more bars per square metre than anywhere else in Europe(!)) since arriving in Madrid 5 months ago - and there's so many more to discover! So I thought I'd start a little series of my favourite places (I couldn't possibly condense them all into one post, or we'd be here for hours.) Sorry in advance for making you really hungry. Trust . If you want... BRUNCH Name:   Federal Café Where?: Plaza de las Comendadores, Plaza del Conde de Barajas  My fav...

Hola amigos! So I haven't blogged for a while and I've got a bit of an update.  I've moved to Spain! Basically, I am now in the third year of my undergraduate degree at the University of Exeter (aka I'm supposedly almost a grown-up) and because I study languages I have the amazing opportunity to spend it abroad. So that's what I'm doing. A couple of weeks ago I attempted to pack my life into a couple of suitcases and flew to Madrid to start my 9-month adventure.  With accommodation, a Spanish bank account, and even a gym membership (who am I) all finally sorted, I'm beginning to feel a lot more settled.  And if you're wondering what I'm actually doing out here (other than eating tapas , paella , churros con chocolate ...(now you understand the gym membership)), I am working in a school as an English language assistant , helping teachers prepare lessons and helping the students with their English. I know I've only just started but...