joelle

Madrid Recommendations

As always, compiling a list of recommendations to share when someone asks me about planning a trip to Madrid. Hotel Things to Do Food and Drink Misc.

We thoroughly enjoyed eating our way through Madrid. I was proud of us for trying pretty much all the traditional food and tapas that they had to offer. However, by the end of our time there we had had enough patatas bravas and just wanted to eat a pizza. Huevos Estrellados + Huevos Rotos: AContinue reading “Spanish Food”

Spanish Flamenco

In Madrid we went to a Spanish Flamenco show at Tablao Flamenco La Quimera, a cozy little basement restaurant and stage. Flamenco is a traditional Spanish dance, originating in the Andalusian region of Spain. Flamenco has Moorish (Muslim) influences and is said to celebrate the diverse history of Spain. Flamenco blends music, dance, and singingContinue reading “Spanish Flamenco”

Christmas Vacation

In December my parents came to visit for a couple weeks! Since Brev and I have spent most holidays alone for the past couple years, we were so excited to have family visiting for Christmas and New Year. Especially since Brev had a holiday break from basketball and was able to travel with us. WhileContinue reading “Christmas Vacation”

Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia is a Roman Catholic Church that has been under construction for over 140 years and is still in the works. We did a whole unit about this church in high school Spanish class, so it was surreal to be able to see it in person. I’ve been to a lot of churchesContinue reading “Sagrada Familia”

Park Guell

Park Guell (1923), designed by Antoni Gaudi, is a massive park in Barcelona that features beautiful greenery and interesting architecture. It’s one of the largest green spaces in Barcelona. Originally a rich entrepreneur, Eusebi Guel, commissioned Gaudi to build a luxury residential complex, but the project was abandoned, and Gaudi created this park instead. InContinue reading “Park Guell”

Gaudi

Antoni Gaudí (1852 – 1926) is a Spanish architect and designer that’s a universal figure in modern architecture – particularly Catalan Modernism. You can see many of his designs around Spain, and specifically Barcelona. His unique style sets him apart, and he broke all the established rules with his curved lines, mosaics, and bright colors.Continue reading “Gaudi”

Barcelona

In November I met up with a couple friends in Barcelona. We spent the weekend exploring the city and soaking up the sun and seventy-degree weather. It was my first time in Spain, and I absolutely loved it! While it’s still fresh in my mind, I want to compile any thoughts and recommendations I have:Continue reading “Barcelona”

We’re Back

It has been a whirlwind! In October Brev’s German team signed a seventh foreigner, meaning someone was going to have to sit out each game. After sitting out for a couple games this season already, we ultimately decided it would be best for us to go somewhere where Brevin would have more of an opportunityContinue reading “We’re Back”

Stuttgart

We visited Stuttgart on our final day trip in Germany. Stuttgart is the sixth largest German city and the capital of the German state Baden-Württemberg. Stuttgart is a multicultural city, with 40% of the residents being foreigners. Stuttgart is known as the cradle of the automobile, as Porsche is founded there, and both Mercedes-Benz andContinue reading “Stuttgart”