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. Ho...

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 - ...

Queridos amigos, Well hi there, it's been a while.  But seeing as I'M BACK IN MADRID(!!!) I thought it was time to re-enter the blog-o-sphere (is that a thing?) - basically my life is no longer a boring blur of lectures and the library so I might have something interesting to share with you lovely people every now and then! Back in February it started to hit me that I was about to finish my degree and I had absolutely zero plans for after graduation.  With the whole world as my oyster it wasn't difficult to come up with ideas: PGCE, ski season in Canada, job hunting in London, travelling in South America...  But anyone who knows me knows making decisions is not my forte and so the simplest thing I could do was ask myself, what do I really want? And my immediate reply? I want to go back to Madrid.  And honestly I can't quite believe how quickly it all happened, and that I'm actually here again, sitting on my balcony on a sunny September Friday in the hea...

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...