2020 is finally coming to an end in six hours and I couldn’t be more excited. It’s been a year I’ll never forget. If I look back on New Years Eve of 2019, I would have been saying 2020 was going to be my year. I definately was wrong on that one. My last post explained most of my year at a glance but not the unemployment life.

Unemployment life started the beginning of October. Too be honest, the first two months was one of the roughest times I’ve had in my life in a very long time, maybe as long back as high school. I went into a pretty dark place that I don’t wish anyone should have to experience it. Eating was barely a thing and sleeping well that wasn’t even a thought to me. Not sleeping is actually a story for a different time though, it just got a lot worse. Deep down, I know I was not alone in the situation I was put in. Millions of people around the world were in the same situation but doesn’t change the fact of how it effects a persons wellbeing. I felt worthless, unsuccessful, a failure and all because of not being able to keep my job in a pandemic. In a large company, I wasn’t one of the key people they were able to keep. I’ve never experienced this before as I’ve never worked for a large company before. Basically my whole life, I’ve worked for “mom and pa” places that have a whole different meaning of loyalty and building relationships.

Everyday I wanted to get up and be motivated and not waste my life. I couldn’t bring myself to do that, instead I knew how to hide under blankets and hide behind my tears. Some days, I was great at hiding it though. I felt depressed and angry at the world over everything. The odd day, I’d have a slight bit of energy and motivation to either do something I haven’t done in a really long time or try something new. The first time I played my keyboard and guitar again, I felt something different like a weight lifted off my shoulder. I forced myself into the cold garage every once in awhile and jumped right in to using the power tools to attempt something new. Days went by and I ordered Macrame material and made my sister my first project ever with it. Weeks went by and soon Christmas came. I was excited my fiance and I got to put up our first tree together ever. Christmas was different though this year and wasn’t the same joy like I usually have for it. First time in 34 years, I did not spend it with my immediate family. I’ve traveled to 30 countries and have lived in multiple places and have never missed a Christmas with my family. Yes, I got to spend it with my fiance in our new home but both of us not being a 100% healthy and virtual videos ddin’t quite do the trick. We also lost a family friend as well that I truly will miss seeing every summer.

Something happened after Christmas and to be honest I don’t exactly know what it was to cause the change. Maybe like everyone and every year, it’s the New Years Resolutions coming up which would normally start tomorrow. I still have my bad days but I’ve finally found motivation to do great things with the time I have being unemployed. Personal development is going to be huge for the new year and not just a resolution that in a week will be forgotton. This is here to stay and for the long term. I’ve applied for so many full time jobs not in my career but just anything to get me back out there but I know deep down now, I’m one of hundreds looking for the same thing. I woke up one day and decided that I will continue to look and apply every day but the new year is going to be spent on me either way. Bring on the healthy and creative “ME” that I forgot there was. It’s time to fully use the “left handed” side of me again. If you don’t know what I mean by that, look it up but lefties tend to be very creative indivduals. So here we go, going forward in 2021 I’ll be dedicating my time to playing music again, learning new skills such as wood working and marcame. Woodworking is a challenge but I’ve completed some smaller projects already and I’ll continue to struggle through the new ones I’m working on. I’m also working on something big that hopefully will change my life. Of course on the side, I’m still using my Banquet Manager and Event Planning skills to plan my “local” wedding now that our second wedding was canceled due to COVID.

If It wasn’t for my family and my fiance putting up with me the last couple months, I’m not sure where I’d be. I apologize for the many unpleasant days they dealt with but I’m very lucky to have them in my life. I want to know a few things from everyone: 1) What is everyone’s best and worst moments of 2020? 2) What is your New Year’s Resolution? Your not getting off that easy. In a months time, I want to hear that you are still doing your resolution. 3) What is your biggest dream for 2021?

Yes it might take 2021 along time to come around but I believe it’s going to happen. I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year. I’m sitting here by myself on New Years Eve as my fiance is working and restrictions are the way they are. I’m still going to enjoy a glass of wine to celebrate a new me and new year coming. I know I’ll be getting married in 2021 no matter what COVID brings though. That’s something to look forward too. Stay safe tonight everyone and enjoy the company that you do have for the night even if it is your one household companion.

2020 has definitely been a year that not one single person in this world will forget. Very few people would never have dreamed to see a pandemic in their lifetime. When the word COVID-19 was released at the beginning of the year, I didn’t really believe, know what to expect or that it would change lives forever. A month into all of this after Canada started to see the effects is when I started to realize this isn’t going to be gone right away. It wasn’t like every other viruses that the world has experienced in the last couple of decades.

It doesn’t hurt to dream that the next year is going to be better than the last. That’s what I always hope for. Last year I got promoted in my job to a management level, got engaged and started planning my wedding. The year of 2020 couldn’t have started any better. My fiancé and I booked our destination wedding to Jamaica for November. We also had friends and my parents join us on an unforgettable trip to Sri Lanka which is where my fiancé is originally from. We were one of the lucky ones who got one last adventure in across the world before COVID-19 hit. I feel like it was the day we flew back that people were already wearing masks in the airport which was different from the time we flew to Sri Lanka. It took a month in a half for it to fully hit Canada and March 15th is another day Canadians or any one living here won’t forget.

Right before March 15th, we looked at our very first house to own. It seemed crazy at the time to buy but we had hope because we both kept our jobs when others were not as lucky. My job was not my actual title at work but I did continue to work elsewhere in the same company. I struggled every day for a couple of months not knowing when or if I would be back in my job title but I was so appreciative that I was not laid off. It happened and the new phase was released and I was back in the job I have a huge passion for. It wasn’t the same as there were new protocols, wasn’t as busy and the atmosphere was different but I was happy to be back at it. The hope was there again that life was turning around.

September came along and has hit full force not for the good unfortunately. First off we have house issues to deal with that will cost us money instead of spending it on the exciting items in the house. We finally had to make the decision to move our wedding date to January with the hopes this is going away. As it looks now, I don’t think COVID is going to get better by than either. Last but not least, the words I feared back in March. I’ve now been laid off from my job indefinitely. Bad or good things are supposed to come in 3’s but a couple days after that I had a flat tire which is not the end of the world but when the first 3 happens it feels like a lot. Oh on top of it, my wedding dress is supposed to show up in a week and I don’t think I’ll be wearing it anytime soon.

It took over 10 years for me to decide what I wanted to do and I got the chance to do it only for a short few years. My career choice won’t be available anytime soon anywhere else due to COVID. Fear of not knowing once again has kicked in and I feel like it’s starting all over again. I don’t know what is next. I put everything I had into my last job/career and was able to be promoted twice in a couple years. I felt like I succeeded once in my life. To do that though, I lost out on having a life at home, any sort of social life, didn’t have time to do the things I loved and definitely missed out on family events I never should have. 3 1/2 years later of living in the Okanagan and I barely even know what there is to offer here.

The saying of “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” well I don’t feel like I know how to “make lemonade” right now. I never really had a plan B because I worked so hard on getting plan A. I know there is people out there in this world that have had a way worse year then all of this and I hope they find the courage to fight through. What I do know is that everyone deals with situations differently and not everybody can control their emotions the right way either. This is my story of living through a pandemic and it’s going to take time for me to fight back. I hope others that are struggling can fight back faster than me. Through hospitality, I’ve seen COVID bring out the worst but also the best in people. Thank you to the people that are making the world a better place.

My happy place is to travel to the ocean/beach somewhere new in the world. Now I just try and dream of being there with my feet in the water to figure out what’s next.

Inspired. All it takes is one little thing that happens in a day or moment to have the thoughts just flowing. It’s been awhile since I’ve been on a big adventure in another country but that doesn’t mean the journey in my life hasn’t continued. It felt like nothing exciting was happening but in reality, it’s been full of incredible moments over the last couple years.To name a couple big ones: completed my first half marathon and in NYC to top it off, hiked a couple more mountains, explored Hawaii,  Cuba, Puerto Vallarta for my friends wedding and last but not least and most important, walked the 100 km march for the Kidney Foundation for one of the most important people in my life, my Father.

My life in a little tourist village(Fairmont Hot Springs), turned out to be a longer experience than anticipated. It became home but I knew there was still something more for me. Every person that I met there, touched my heart in some way or another and I had a hard time leaving (you know who you are). In reality though, that little village and my amazing jobs and the people I met helped me realize that I can be successful. I know I can. That led me to finally getting over a major fear that I had: attending college.

Now here I am 3 months in and only a couple weeks to go, I’ve never been so interested in learning and striving to be the best I can be. I have the drive to be a super successful person and I know it will take time with lots of hard work but I’ll get there soon.

Vancouver has been an unccontrollable amont of ups and downs. Not exactly how I pictured my move to Vancouver to be. In the end though,  taking risks do pay off. Many times I have wanted to give up on trying to make a life here even if it was short term, but I kept seeing what was at the end.

It’s almost time to start another new chapter but first end this one. I will have completed a Tourism program, Event Planning Certificate and work experience that has given me an amazing opportunity. I’ve also learned way more Spanish and finally starting to feel confident to speak a little. My creative side is spinning non stop and can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Moral of this post is simple. Don’t stop believing. Only you can be the one who can make you successful, just  believe what you can become. Don’t just sit back and wait, take action by taking risks. You never know what might come out of it. Explore different options. Never give up. If you fail, pick back up and achieve the second time around.

I still don’t know exactly what my next chapter in my life is or supposed to be, but that’s the fun of not knowing and just living. I do know one thing. Being in Australia in March.

Stay tuned to see what happens next. I was just a small town Alberta girl(always will be at heart) but what will I become is the question…

After a bus ride from Amsterdam I arrived in Bremen, Germany. It’s where I was able to meet my relatives that I have only seen once 10 years before when they were in Canada. They now have a son which I never met yet. German is a very challenging language to read or understand as I soon found out. Taxi wouldn’t take me to the place I was meeting them and then I hopped on the wrong tram. I might have skipped out on paying on the tram not because I didn’t want to but I couldn’t figure the machine nor the language out. Finally arriving to a beautiful restaurant by the river as I waited. That was the start of my week journey with my family from Germany. They live in a tiny village but I loved every minute being there with them.Even the most stormiest, rainy and windy weather didn’t stop us from touring. It’s amazing how much I was able to learn about my Grandpa, Great grandpa and Grandma. My 29th birthday I stepped foot in the house my grandpa was raised. Can’t forget about the lovely time spent at the cafe for birthday cake with some more family members as well as the traditional German restaurant by a lake for dinner. That’s what you call a pretty unbelievable birthday. Family history is a pretty fascinating thing to learn about. It’s worth every penny getting in touch with people you never thought you would get the chance to meet. There is one museum in Bremerhaven that I suggest everyone to go visit if your in the area and it’s called “Deutsches Auswandererhaus”. There’s also so many points of interest to see in Hamburg which my two favorite was the port tour by boat and the walk along Außenalster Lake. I was able to experience their tradition for Easter as well. Biggest bon fire I’ve ever been at with bratwurst, beer, kids little fires and everyone else enjoying the night from the village. Between all of the incredible hospitality from there, all the time they took to tour me around all the little villages which are so cute and meeting other family members as well. I don’t even know how to say enough Thank you’s for how appreciate I was of everything they did for me. Way too much good things to write about my week with them.

 

 

Who knew there is actually a really cool beach in Germany too. I was lucky enough to spend the day with a couple fun girls that I was in Spanish class with. I went to Cuxhaven, Germany to see their home town. Above is the “Eiffel Tower of Cuxhaven.” Well that might not be it’s real name but that’s how I’ll remember this day and can’t forget to mention the word gum boots (rubber boots). It was a full day of strolling along the beach even hiding out while it hailed, delicious apple strudel, pretty awesome forest walk without getting lost and ending with a good cruise and tour around Cuxhaven. Thanks Girls and keep in touch.

Next up was taking a couple trains from my families house so I could get to Hamburg to catch my train. Most frustrating day with the train system. I had booked a ticket with a specific time and date a few days before that to Copenhagen, Denmark. Well to my surprise you still need to book a seat too else you have a ticket but no seat. Most interesting train ride I’ve had yet. Very frustrated to have paid 84 euros (over $100 CA) and to have been put on a train with the floor and a shared seat. Families of four were sharing 2 seats and people were standing and sitting on the floor. You could not move on this train but this is what one lady said to me. “This happens all the time in Germany but look on the positive side this might be your best travel memory you will have.” And to my surprise she was absolutely right. It was like our corner of about 10 of us knew each other. I will never forget everyone sharing our food, singing little kid songs in English/Dutch and playing peek a boo with the kid beside me or switching up my mini seat in the luggage storage area with a couple guys. I might have sat on the floor for a bit but playing Phase 10 with a couple strangers on the train floor and the ferry was really one of my best travel days. Meeting up with my friend that I met once again last year was a quick but unforgettable 2 days spent in Copenhagen. One day I will get a chance to see more of the Scandinavian countries. It might be super expensive but the place is incredible.

          

 

 

Last but not least was a flight over to Berlin. One of the best cities to explore. This city is full of activities and sightseeing for all different ages and personalities. I was around some pretty awesome atmosphere at the crazy nice Plus Berlin Hostel which was more like a hotel. If you haven’t quite figured out everything about who you really are, I think Berlin is a city to be especially if your artistic. Couldn’t believe every place you went there was some pretty great pieces of street art and graffiti. If you got tired of that you could sit by the river on a sunny day and listen to amateur singers just trying to make it a go for themselves. Not only listening to music but the dancing scene at night in the clubs is a new but good experience. If those aren’t enough trying to find the chocolate store the last day there, we ran into plenty of stunning buildings. If you get bored of the buildings you can also take in a little piece of war history in the bunkers. The best for last like always is go enjoy good beer and great food. Oh and then after you have a beer like I did, go drop on a cable from a 420 foot hotel looking down onto Alexandar Platz. I’ve met some pretty cool people in Berlin and hope to stay in contact with some of them. Even got to meet up with my friend I might in Strasbourg for dinner. I will be returning to Berlin some day.

That’s it in Germany or my trip for that matter. I do know how to make schintzel now so can’t wait to make that in Canada. Memories and people that I will never forget. 9 Countries visited in 85 days.  It took a total of 7 flights, 22 super long uncomfortable buses, 3 ferries, 8 trains, a ton of metros and city buses and lots of car rides to cover the distances I did. A couple unpleasant travel days and not so nice moments but all the incredible moments makes up for it. Couldn’t have done this trip with all the past friends I’ve met for letting me crash on couches or beds, family in Germany and all the new people I met along the way. All in all Europe in Winter can still be quite marvelous and super enjoyable and entertaining. Each and every memory I will cherish for the rest of my life. Thanks so much to everyone for having a little part of another part of my journey in life. Of course it’s not over yet…where to next? Wait and see!!!!

Many people’s first initial thought of Amsterdam is basically red light district, coffee shops and a lot of party time. This beautiful city has so much more to offer any tourist of any age with all different preferences of travel types. Usually a new city is quite easy after a couple hours of being there although it has plenty of canals, bridges and lots of tiny streets with really long dutch names. Getting lost from a walk is one of the best ways to see a city and figure out the map pretty quick. Everyone lives by water it seems and is a very unique place. Right in the middle of the city you can’t miss out on seeing the flower market as Holland is famous for it’s tulips. The Rijksmuseum is also worth a visit. I don’t usually go to that many but it was interesting but you need hours to walk through it. If you like food Netherlands is a good choice of cuisine anywhere from Stroopwafels, an amazing bakery with delicious cakes, Indonesian food, cheese and chocolate.

If you want a little more experience then just Amsterdam itself there’s always day trips available out to a few villages. Zaanse Schans is the famous windmill village with still a working mill. It is a very touristy village now but still a charming place to visit. Next stop was the village of Volendam with the famous cheese. You can still manage to legally bring back cheese to Canada and able to enjoy it when you miss that little piece of Amsterdam. Then you hop on the ferry and head over to Marken, a small fishing village. It is still home to an original wooden shoe making place. Very interesting how they are made but not sure how they actually became a traditional shoe as they are not very comfy. It’s a very interesting day trip for a little piece of history.

Another great place to visit is of course is the beach even if it is in a rain and wind storm. Never can miss walking on the beach. Only a short train and bus ride away will take you to a beautiful, long beach that you can surf at. With how many memories I have had on beaches from my trips it was time to give back. One of my friends works for Surfana and we did a beach clean up one of the days spent in Amsterdam and rewarding our self with some Belgium beer. Will need to for sure go back so I can experience this beach in the summer time.

Can’t forget a trip to the Heineken brewery as well. Go with a friend and you can spend hours there with all of the interactive games etc to do and ending with drinking a lot of beer. Wasn’t the greatest weather but still had a great time with another great friend I met last year. Thanks for the amazing hospitality and see you again one day.

A must know tip when traveling to Amsterdam is ALWAYS watch for cyclists because they will not stop for you and you will get run over. Bicycles definitely take over the streets there.

A couple more weeks have gone by already. It’s sad but I only have a little less then three weeks left. It’s almost time to come home though or else I’ll have to find a job real soon. Europe is breaking me or should I say our Canadian dollar is. Anyways money is just money. Memories and experiences are worth more. 



Left Paris on a flight to Dublin. Although not my favorite nor would I recommend Dublin as a nice place to go and visit but I did meet some great people. One of which I did run into randomly my Aussie friend once again a few days ago. The Guinness storehouse was of course awesome though. Can’t go wrong with a beer tour. Galway was a much nicer place and was a great place to do a day trip to Connemara to walk through my first  castle. Then of course can’t thank my Irish friend and his family enough for the amazing hospitality.  Last few days of Ireland was incredible with trips to the coast, Cliffs of Moher and Bunratty. Seeing the real St.Patricks day with a bunch of family’s spending time together, parades, Irish music and of course drinks in the local pubs. I’m pretty sure I was the only foreigner in the small town local pub and I’ll never forget that moment. Then I was off to England. 





The pound is worth just a little too much or I should say double ours. So unfortunately I had to make a quick trip through the UK. So I took a day trip to Bath,  Stonehenge and Windsor Castle.  Wish I could have had more time in Bath. The buildings are very fascinating. Stonehenge was great to be there in the winter as there was pretty much no one in your way of the pictures.  One good reason to travel to Europe in the winter. Less lines and pictures without random people although it’s not very sunny days. Windsor is a must for anyone to visit as it’s pretty crazy to be in a room the queen still sits in for tea. A tip for London is don’t get suckered into every tourist attraction because you can get so much out of just walking around for hours seeing all the sites. I can’t believe how long I walked but how much I saw in one day. Of course I’ll go back when I actually have more money to experience the more expensive activities. 



Next up was my long bus ride to Edinburgh, Scotland. The best castle I probably will go to on this trip.  It was time to take a break from history so I hit up the camera obscure place.  So funny and felt like a kid for awhile.  My time spent out of the city was amazing. Nothing can beat the Rocky Mountains in Canada but the highlands are a great place to escape to as well. Beautiful landscape, nature walks and of course plenty of sheep. Nessie the Loch Ness monster reminded me of being a kid and believing in Ogopogo in the Oakanagon. 

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My last bit if time spent in Scotland was back in Edinburgh (that’s where I ran into Aussie) was going for beers with her. And yes we even tried the traditional food,  haggis.  Before heading to the airport we got in a great hike up Arthur’s seat with an amazing view at the top overlooking water and land. All that right in the city too. If it wasn’t such cold weather I really think I would like to live in Edinburgh. 

France was definitely I place I didn’t think I would like all that much but was I ever wrong. Each part of France is so unique and there’s just too many places to stop and visit. 

First stop from Barcelona was to Montpellier. A little taste of southern France. Great place for some wine tasting at the vineyards not far out into the country. The best part is a short bus and tram ride away is a beautiful beach. Wasn’t the warmest day but still out my feet in the water and finished off the day with a yummy Nutella crepe! 

After a stressful time in Lyon ( which wasn’t my favorite place) I reached a place I fell in love with. Strasbourg is a beautiful mix of German and French culture and architecture. So many picnics all over the place well baguettes,cheese and meat. The backpacker diet. Between the first lovely host and a German girl that I met I really did want to leave. In over 10 years I finally rode a bike out along the river to he countryside and was probably one of the best days if my travels so far. 

Take locals word for places to go. I ended up in Dijon again with a lovely young traveling couple as my host. The famous place where the mustard is from. I don’t think too many people visit her but it was a good place to relax and walk through the parks. 

Next was of course Paris. I only got lost once well more if you count getting lost in the massive metro stations. A very amazing couple days with a friend I met a year ago on my travels. 700 steps then an elevator but we made it to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Can’t believe how many awesome places there was to see there but only had a short amount of time. Oh and I might be hooked on mochachinos now but still not plain coffee. Anyways France surpassed my expectations and I met a lot of lovely people. Till next time. Many more places to explore in Europe.



Wow time has been flying by. I have sadly left Spain over a week ago now. Let’s back track to my time spent in Cadiz. Spanish school was so much smaller so I only had one other classmate. It was a frustrating week of learning but still will be worth it in the end. It’s been a week filled with walking along the seaside which pretty much goes all around Cadiz. Another cultural moment was sitting drinking a Cruzcampo at a seaside restaurant with a Spanish family beside me. My Spanish is not so good yet but the children wanted so much to speak to me so we talked about the colours and our names. Knowing basic Spanish can still give you some interesting conversations. The rest of my week was filled with visiting the cathedral, tasting manzanilla wine and of course out on the ocean for a little paddle. Well the lake is so much easier for paddle boarding but I got used to the waves. Last two days were full of Carnival festivities. Streets full of many people, people selling whatever they can, fresh seafood stands and of course bands all over. At night the plazas turned into loud music, drinking and everyone in costume almost like it was Halloween. It was a short week but definitely a good one. Cadiz is pretty awesome but would be so much better in the summer. 

Returning back to Seville was nice to be with my same host mom as before. She was so happy to see me again. First night back I was ready for some relaxation. The Arabic baths are a must do for anyone visiting Seville. Many different pools of hot, mild or freezing cold waters, massage pool and of course my favorite was the salt bath. Floating in water only with candlelight, never could be more relaxed plus a massage. That was a treat to myself. You need it every so often while traveling. Next day I shared a table with a lady from China at the cafe. Never expected to meet a friend that was teaching me how to write my name in Chinese. One evening dinner was quite interesting with an Italian guy, Japanese and a Chinese lady and myself. You can only imagine the language barrier but one of the best dinners I’ve gone out for. The rest of the week was a visit to the Giralda cathedral. Only took 34 floors to go up the tower but the view was worth it. Another great view of the city is from the Las Setas ( the big mushroom). I will miss my host mom so much. She prepared the biggest meal I’ve ever ate with all traditional food and wine. Spanish tortilla and croquettes are amazing! Last full day I was in Seville I finally got a package sent home, last day of school and of the most exciting part of the day was catching the bus to Morocco. 

It took a lot of travel time just for a day in a half in Morocco but at least I was able to experience some of their culture. After a bus, then the rockiest ferry I’ve been on and another bus we were at our hotel. Welcomed at the hotel with a traditional mint tea and then my first Moroccan meal. The experience the next two days was incredible since I’ve never been to a place like this before. Walking through a massive market ( medina) in Tetuan was let’s say an interesting experience. Wasn’t a pleasant smell but interesting to see the locals in their every day lifestyle. More bus rides got us to the point of the ocean where the Atlantic and Meditranean meet. To me that was a pretty great moment of my trip. This was close to Tanger. Then off to ride a camel. I know very touristic but had to be done. They really aren’t very cute animals either. Next day was full of a very windy road through the mountains to get to Chef–Chaouen or as I’ll always remember it ( smurf village). Every building, steps and doors are painted blue to keep the warmth down in the summer. It was a beautiful village to see and a must if anyone goes. Our tour guide definitely was a plus for this trip especially because he told us so much about the culture which includes polygamy. I’ve realized how lucky Canadian women are after visiting a place that is still active in this lifestyle. It’s completely normal there to have 4 wives. 

One thing I did learn that I found very interesting is Spain actually still has part of African land. As soon as you land at the port off the ferry you are not quite in African land yet. There is a Spanish city to go through before the border. 

This trip was well worth the traveling plus I got to hang out with some pretty awesome people from around the world. 

Next morning I said my final goodbye to seville and took the train to Barcelona. 

Barcelona is a gorgeous city but for me a little too many people. I loved my couple day stay with a friend of a friend. It was nice to have a local show me around at least so I wouldn’t get lost. The beach is a perfect way even in winter to enjoy the ocean. It’s a great city for the fact you can have a huge beach, look at amazing historical buildings, local pubs and great food. I even ventured into the Picasso muesuem which was very interesting to see the changes of art throughout his years. The famous Sagrada Familia church is a great place to visit except for the hour line up to just to get in. The stain glass artwork makes for a beautiful view on the inside when the lights shinning. 

That’s pretty much all I wanted to see in Barcelona but it was time to head over to France before I decided to find a way to stay in Spain forever. 

Two weeks in Seville , Spain has gone by so fast. In that time I only managed to see a little tiny part of Seville. There is just so many places to visit and within all of walking distance away. I love how much walking I have been doing the past couple of weeks but most places in Seville you don’t have much of a choice. Navigating through the windy, tiny cobblestone road is so much easier on foot. Getting lost is half the fun. I’ve never seen so many monuments, historical buildings, orange trees and a beautiful designed cathedral all within 30 min of each other. In between all of that, can’t forget there is tapa bar or cafe one after another.
My day was filled with breakfast with my host mom, then Spanish school and then back again for a delicious but massive home cooked dinner. Their lunch there is the biggest meal of the day and in the middle of the afternoon. All the stores close in the afternoon anyways and reopen at 5 so why not eat in that time. It took a few days to get used to but works perfect for enjoying the sights afterwards and being part of the very busy streets around 9 pm for tapas and drinks. Not just adults get to enjoy the night life, but the children do as well. There’s always children running around chasing the birds or playing Futbol in the middle of the plazas. I don’t think I have ever felt so safe in a city at night before as I did in Seville. It has definitely been a place I have fallen in love with. Too bad the economy is not good at all right now else it might have turned into a more permanent spot to be.
Being back in a classroom setting has actually been pretty great. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it even though some moments of class is a little difficult considering I was in class with 4 Germans. After speaking Spanish all day with a host family, school and just walking around being in the public , it’s time for a beer or glass of wine at the end of the day. Every minute of the struggles or fun of learning a new language will be worth it though.
Plaza de Espana has to be one of the most unique places to just be able to hang out. Beautiful tile work along the whole building. The Alcuzar is a must visit especially on Mondays because it’s free. Travel tip: if you have time to do a little research, it’s pretty crazy how many places you can go to on free days during the week. It’s worth it to save a few dollars here and there especially as a backpacker. To name a few cultural experiences I’ve had was attending a original Flamenco show. It’s incredible what music will come from a guitar, one vocal and a dancer with high heels on a platform will make. Of course Futbol is a must here as well. Haven’t been to a game yet but I have gone and attempted to play. One of the best moments here was playing Futbol with 5 other guys from Spain. If you ever get a chance to be just with locals take it. It will be one of the best cultural moments you will have.
The surrounding cities and villages also have so much to offer. So much to right about but if you are ever interested in Spain don’t miss out on seeing Cordoba. Also check out Aracena which also has a magnificent cave under the village.
Well that’s all for now. Cadiz will be for another time.

Where to begin and how to decide where to go in Europe? The some what easy answer is to follow your heart and go where it tells you to go along the way. In general picking out a few main countries you really want to see is a must and then whatever falls into place afterwards is the bonus and might possibly be the best part or worst, but will always be an adventure.
Before leaving on January 19, 2015 there was of course a few decisions made. Buying a flight to Europe was a difficult decision as prices and connections vary so much from Western Canada. Lucky a seat sale came up flying direct to Frankfurt round trip. Although it wasn’t my starting point and even with an extra flight to Portugal it at the time was the best option. Needless to say who would have known the Frankfurt Hahn airport is an hour and a half away from the international one. A long flight, shuttle bus to Hahn airport and shuttle to a traditional German hotel in the middle of no where was not all. Back again the next day and finally a flight to Lisbon, Portugal. Don’t regret going the cheaper way as it was nice to just sleep for a day from jet leg, but pay the extra money if you don’t want the hassle.
Wow is all I can say. Lisbon, Portugal was worth the wait. On top of the city being incredible, I stayed in the nicest hostel yet called Lisbon Destination Hostel. Took a chance that it was above a train station but can’t even describe how perfect the location and hostel was. The atmosphere made it super easy to meet fellow travellers. One night was filled with going to a jazz bar which was pretty great to be a part of. What do I mean by that? Well hardly anyone drinks but just falls deeply into a trance and listens quietly to every single word sung and note played. Another night was again beautiful music a type called Fado. Fado originated in the Alfarma neighbourhood. Of course can’t forget about the food in Portugal. Tapas and pastries and yes wine or Sangria to go with it. Best pastry in the world, you will find at Pasteis de Belem. Pastel de Nara is a must and you are going to want to buy more then one. Belem is a very historical neighbourhood as well so there is many monuments to see and take the old tram back to the centre.
Next day was off to the bus station to head to the coast to Lagos. Standing at the bus stop and not expecting to meet a Canadian couple close to my hometown. We traveled together and still managed to get off at the wrong bus stop as there wasn’t any signs and the bus driver gave us our luggage. He did know we were going to Lagos by the way. Anyways another bus ticket got us to our beautiful destination although quite a ghost town in winter as it’s usually a surf place. Wasn’t able to find anyone to take me paddle boarding through the grottos but it was worth being on portugal beaches and have them all to ourselves. The centre still was great for walking around and finding traditional restaurants serving delicious sangria and yummy food. Never thought I would put octopus and delicious in the same sentence either. Had to say goodbye to the Canadians but off I went on another bus ride to Spain.

Spain’s till next time. It’s bed time so I can get to Spanish school in the morning.