Category: Spain

South of Spain

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By Aleksandra Budd, Madrid, Spain

Valencia

If you’re dreaming of sun, sand, food, and architecture, then Valencia is your place. From beach bars playing Reggaeton to pools and a vibrant party scene, they’re full of summer fun and relaxation. The popular Malvarrosa Beach and El Saler Beach offers a beautiful and serene backdrops. Known for its iconic dish, paella, Valencia boasts the authentic flavours of this rice-based delicacy, made with fresh seafood or tender meats, and infused with aromatic saffron. Head over to the The city of Arts and Sciences and get a feel for one of Spains 12 treasures.

Almería

Almería is a city that embraces its close proximity to Morocco, infusing its streets with a delightful blend of Islamic and Moroccan influences. Wandering through the vibrant alleyways, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a whole new world. The architecture reflects the rich Islamic heritage that has shaped the city’s identity.

During my stay in Almeria, I stumbled upon a Moroccan cafe just a stone’s throw away from our accommodation, and it DELICIOUS. From tagines to fluffy couscous and delectable pastries, every bite transported me to the streets of Marrakech. But it wasn’t just the food that made the experience unforgettable. The ladies at the restaurant were the epitome of warmth and hospitality. They greeted us with genuine smiles and treated us like family.

Granada

Granada is a city that truly knows how to party. From sun sets to sun rise, the streets are full of energy and people. Granada’s nightlife scene offers something for everyone. Get ready to dance the night away, mingle with locals and fellow travelers, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

As you navigate the hilly terrain, prepare to be rewarded with awe-inspiring vistas at every turn. From the iconic Alhambra, a stunning fortress that seems to have sprung from a fairy tale, to the picturesque viewpoints of Mirador de San Nicolás and Mirador de San Cristóbal, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas that will take your breath away. And let’s not forget about the enchanting botanical gardens. Nestled in the heart of the city, these lush green havens provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle. Lose yourself in the maze of exotic plants, fragrant blossoms, and tranquil ponds. It’s a peaceful oasis where you can relax, unwind, and connect with nature.

Seville

Take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank and you’ll stumble upon lively bars and cafes lining the river, where locals and visitors alike gather to sip refreshing drinks, dance flamenco, and revel in the infectious energy of the city. Sevilla combines the two seamlessly. The Maria Luisa Park, an oasis in the heart of the city, is a must-visit. Take a leisurely stroll amidst the lush gardens, marvel at the stunning fountains, and find a cozy spot to relax.

And let’s not forget the Royal Gardens, nestled within the breathtaking Alcazar. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a true masterpiece, with its intricately designed gardens, elegant courtyards, and stunning architecture. Game of Thrones fans, the Royal Gardens of the Alcazar in Sevilla is the filming location for the world of Dorne.

Córdoba

The river that gently flows through Cordoba. Take a leisurely stroll along its banks, and you’ll find yourself enveloped in a sense of tranquility. The river provides a serene escape from the bustle of the city, offering a peaceful spot to relax, enjoy a picnic, or simply soak up the natural beauty that surrounds you.

Cordoba is a place where history and culture mix. One of its most iconic landmarks is the Mezquita-Catedral, a breathtaking fusion of a Christian cathedral and an Islamic mosque. It’s a testament to the city’s rich past and the cultural exchange that flourished here.

The city comes alive in June with the Cordoba Flamenco Festival. Several stages are erected across the city with dozens of artists and dancers performing throughout the festivities.

The Festival of San Isidro

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by Aleksandra Budd, Madrid, Spain

The Festival of San Isidro is a week-long celebration in Madrid honouring the city’s patron saint, San Isidro Labrador. The festival occurs between the 6th -15th (the 15th being the official feast day) and includes numerous and varied events and activities such as: concerts, music, procession and parades.

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Bilbao & San Sebastián

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By Aleksandra Budd, Madrid, Spain

The north of Spain tends to be overlooked. Most people think of the South as the holiday destination, but the North has an abundance of gems. If you’re in Madrid it’ll take around 4-6 hours by bus to get to the North of Spain, specifically the Basque region, but its well worth the journey. The region is full of history and boasts a unique culture and language that is distinct from the rest of Spain. Bilbao and San Sebastian are my favourite northern cities in Spain’s Basque region.

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Madrid’s Mountains

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by Aleksandra Budd, Madrid, Spain

Despite my research, I didn’t know that Madrid is surrounded by mountains. Known as Sierra de Guadarrama, the mountains lie just outside of madrid, an hour by bus. If you have a student travel card, the journey is free. There are a few buses that stop near the mountain; the 682, 684, 685, and the 688.

Summer or winter the mountains are filled with beauty and adventure.

Sierra de Guadarrama
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Sunset Spots

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by Aleksandra Budd, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain

All of my sunset lovers get yourself to Madrid!

Madrid has the most incredible sunsets, and sunrises – if you wake up early enough (or party late enough). Here are my favourite viewpoints to watch the sun set over Madrid…

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Top Tacos in Madrid

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By Aleksandra Budd, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain

For the first 3 months of being in Madrid, my house mates and I started ‘Taco Tuesday’. The idea was to find the best taco spots in Madrid.

Several ‘Taco Tuesday’s’ later and we decided these are our favourite taco spots in Madrid.

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How ticking the ‘Please send me anywhere’ landed me in Madrid.

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By Georgia Hawkes, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

A year later than originally planned, after multiple reallocations to different countries and continents, I arrived in Madrid. It may not have been one of my original choices but I am a firm believer in ‘everything happens for a reason’. In hindsight, I truly could not be happier with my placement and I am actually thankful my top choices fell through…

Initially, I was accepted an offer at the University of Western Australia in Perth. My main study abroad preference being to move to the other side of the world. Whilst I do not doubt I would have had an amazing time, I think first moving to Europe has taught me a lot. I am thankful that I remain on a similar time zone to my friends and family at home and take comfort in knowing it would take me the same time to get home to Bristol as if I were in Manchester.

Things I love about Madrid

  • The sun and the sunsets

It is currently mid December, and I am writing this blog with my balcony doors wide open, the sun is shining on my face and I am sat in a t-shirt. The effect that the sun and blue sky has had on my day to day mood is undeniable. Then, almost every evening I am left in awe by a beautiful sunset. Sometimes its the simple things…

  • The lifestyle

Like to stick to a stick schedule? Madrid might not be the place for you. The Spanish lifestyle is incredibly laid back, it actually took me some adjusting to as someone who usually prides themselves on being punctual. The shops close for a siesta in the middle of the day and people go out for dinner at 11pm, rushing around and early evenings are not so much a part of Spanish life.

  • The food

Delicious and sometimes free, living in Spain means coming accustomed to Tapas. Of course, some places are more expensive than others and if you aren’t careful you can end up paying a lot. However, in Madrid it is common to receive free tapas such as crisps, olives, or traditional dishes, for free alongisde your drinks. In ‘El Tigre de Norte’ I paid $3 for a Coca Cola (which is often more expensive than the house beer/wine) but recieved 5 sides of tapas for free (including: tortilla, patatas bravas, bocadillos, chicken wings…)

The lifestyle in Madrid is cheap and chilled. By travelling just a few hours from home you can experience blue skies throughout the winter.

What have I learned from this experience? That, if you are given the opportunity to study abroad, GRAB IT WITH BOTH HANDS. You may not get your first choice, in my case I did not even end up with one of my options. However, it is approaching Christmas and I can truly say this has been the best few months of my life.

First Impressions

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By Hannah Langan (Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain).

The University – Universitat Autonòma de Barcelona

This uni accepted me as an erasmus student on the 10th of May this year and I hadn’t heard a word since. So after a couple of weeks I was beginning to worry something had gone wrong. Based on what I could find on the internet, term started on the 2nd Sept but when I eventually got some information (by going to the international welcome point at uni) I discovered my course didn’t start until the 16th. Don’t get me wrong, those extra days of freedom were bliss but I would say this university is much more casual than UoM.

I think Barcelona has more universities than Manchester! My friends are from various universities within the city. I am lucky enough to be at UAB, a recognised institution in spain that is located a scenic 35 minute train ride outside of the city in the mountains. Most of the local Catalan students live close by in Sabadell but most of the Erasmus students choose to live in the centre of Barcelona as it is perfectly accessible to the university, so you can still enjoy the life and buzz of the city.

My first day at UAB was the scariest I’ve had since arriving. Everyone around me was brunette, tanned and speaking Catalan. I’m white, blonde and obviously foreign. I looked around me and for the first time in my life felt like I didn’t belong, I felt different and completely alone. My friends don’t go to my uni, the lucky rascals are all at universities in the city or doing internships so it was like starting all over again in terms of settling in. It wasn’t until an italian student began speaking to me in English that my overwhelming anxiety diminished and I was at last able to speak. A little Spanish gets you by in Barcelona, a city thriving with people from all over the world but here, a little outside of the city, the students are all very much Catalan and it was my first true exposure to the Catalan culture. The people are lovely and do of course speak Spanish too, but all the signs are in Catalan so initial orientation was a little difficult. I feel like my erasmus life in the city and my academic life are two entirely separate parts of my life and I’m trying to find a balance between them.

 

The City

I can’t believe I live here, I really can’t. I have found a great international flat in the Gothic Quarter – the very centre of Barcelona. The streets are thin, winding and romantic, I have completely fallen in love. The sun shines every day and there is always a buzzing atmosphere that feeds the vibrancy and life of the city. From the live music in the metro to the people dancing in the streets, Barcelona is alive, the people here love life and embrace every day. It doesn’t matter what you do, so long as you leave your flat and walk into the streets you are almost certain to stumble across something entertaining that will brighten your day. I constantly find myself saying ‘I love Barcelona!’ (to the point where it’s annoying), somehow there is always something going on and I’m yet to experience a dull moment. I’ve made sure to be a top tourist before uni begins as I have so much free time.

Highlights include Piknik Electronic, a free open-air festival every sunday where you can chill on Montjuic with some sangria and dance to the live DJs, who are often well known. There are beach volley-ball tournaments you can get involved in, sometimes a stage with live music will unexpectedly appear in a square, or a DJ will pop up in the bar you’re sitting in and before you know it you’re salsa dancing. Barcelona is bursting with life and I love it.

¡Hola España!

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By Hannah Langan (Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain).

2 days to go! 

So, I’m going on my year abroad. I speak un pocito Español and I certainly don’t speak Catalan. I don’t know anyone there and I’ve never been to Barcelona before, actually I haven’t spent much time in Spain at all as it goes. This is all completely unchartered waters for me and I couldn’t be more excited.

My flight is in two days. I have been waiting to go for so long but, strangely, it doesn’t feel any closer now than it did a couple of months ago, I don’t think it’s really going to sink in until I’m there! Having said that, this week has been emotionally draining at times because I’ve had lots of goodbyes. Last night I met up with all of my friends for farewell drinks, they are all very sad to see me go but so happy for me. I’m absolutely dreading saying goodbye to my family. It’s really difficult knowing that the next time I will see them all together again is Christmas. Leaving everyone behind is genuinely the toughest thing about going, but I’m leaving for Barcelona so it’s not too hard to look on the bright side (extremely clever pun: intended).

Now, I took a very helpful Manchester student’s advice to come out a week or so early to find accommodation before uni begins. Except I extended that ‘week or so’ to I think around 3 weeks, accidentally of course. This has resulted in a mindset of packing for a holiday. My suitcase is composed almost entirely of summer clothes and hawaiian tropic. I’m not really considering winter just yet as an inevitability. I’m saving space by not packing towels or bed sheets because I can buy those when I arrive! I have scoured the internet for packing advice and the message repeated everywhere is ‘pack light!’ so I am! I’m stocking up on toiletries though and I figure that I can buy whatever else I need over there. As well as sending my friends extensive lists of things to bring me from home, in return for free accommodation when they come and visit me of course.

Ok so my biggest stress is where I’m going to live. I’m pretty terrified in all honesty. Apparently the norm for Erasmus students is to just come out a week or so before uni starts, look around at some flats, explore the neighbourhoods and decide where you want to settle. It sounds pretty easy and I’m possibly the most last-minute, least-stressed, chaotic person you will ever have the pleasure to meet but booking a one way flight with only 4 nights booked in a hostel is freaking. me. out. I’ll let you know how that goes.

Arriving…

A beautiful 3am start, my parents drive me to Heathrow and we have a departing coffee before I have to go through security. I was expecting uncontrollable tears but all I could feel was pure excitement that I was at long last jetting off on my year abroad! After a well-wished goodbye I headed to my plane, making a little stop to pick up some much needed Barcelona ray-bans. Also (on an unrelated note) I find putting ‘Barcelona’ in front of any item justifies the purchase, for example: Barcelona ray-bans. The journey was extremely quick and I’ve finally landed in the city I’ve been dreaming over for the last year. It’s 31 degrees and lets just say my sunglasses are getting put to good use.

The reality of being alone in a city I don’t know with no one I know has finally hit me. Ay dios mio. I won’t take you through my journey from the airport to my hostel but if I told you I have a history of getting on the wrong train and ending up really quite far away from where I’m supposed to be (including a different city), then you can imagine the ordeal I’ve been through today. In the end though, I made it to my hostel. I did it.

Upon arriving, I spent a considerable amount of time standing on the street outside my hostel trying to get inside, speaking through the intercom with my exceptionally limited Spanish and the receptionists’ non-existent English. When I was eventually buzzed in, with no thanks owed to anyones language skills, I made it to my room, completely exhausted. I indulged in a lengthy siesta (this part bears no cultural shock for me) and I shall be spending the rest of my evening sorting out apartments to visit over the next few days! Possible homelessness pending so I’ve got to get going.

To be continued amigos.