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Everything You Need to Know about Teaching English in Spain with BEDA

I began this blog right before I moved to Spain in 2010 to teach English for two years. Consequently, I receive many queries, tweets, emails and carrier pigeons asking me how I did it. Now I went through the auxiliares de conversación program through the Spanish Ministry of Education, thought there are several other routes [...]

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Recortadores: A Nonviolent Alternative to Bullfighting in Spain

The yellow sand was drenched in blood as the sun began to set over the red bull ring in southern Spain. The famous May feria in Córdoba had ushered in the traditional wave of bullfights every afternoon, and my friends and I decided to join in. Several years earlier I witnessed my first bullfight upon [...]

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If You Go Anywhere in May, Go to Córdoba, Spain

From 2010 to 2011, I was lucky enough to call Córdoba, Spain home. Nestled between Sevilla and Granada, two rockstar Spanish cities in the south, Córdoba often gets overlooked on traditional itineraries. Many times, tour buses just stop there for a day trip to visit the famous Mezquita mosque-cathedral if at all. But believe me, [...]

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Is Turkey Safe for Women Traveling Alone?

When I proudly announced that I was going to Turkey 2 months ago, I was met with a surprising amount of skepticism, worry and doubt, mostly from my family. Calmly reassuring everyone that Turkey is a very safe country and that I was going no matter what they said, I continued to plan and coordinate [...]

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A Glimpse into Bohemian Istanbul

When I reflect back on my time in Turkey this winter, so many colors and tastes assault my memories that it is hard to narrow in on what exactly drew me there. What was it about this East-meets-West country that tugged at my heart? Not Europe nor Asia nor Middle East – or was it [...]

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Spring in Paris

Winter has dug it’s ugly claws into Washington D.C. and it just will not let go. Just this week I woke up to a blanket of white snow outside my window. As much as I love the glow of freshly fallen snow outside my window, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! It’s almost April! NO MORE, PLEASE! Spring [...]

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The Flavors of Istanbul

Let me preface by saying that Istanbul is a food lover’s dream.  Who would of thought? France, Spain, and Italy are what immediately pop into my head when asked where I’ve experienced the best food while traveling. Well, Turkey tops them all. What a bold statement, I know. Before boarding a red-eye flight to Istanbul [...]

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Stop Overlooking La Rioja, Spain!

My oh my, it’s been a while since I’ve written about my favorite region in Spain: La Rioja! Never heard of it? It’s ok, most people haven’t. By chance you have, it’s most likely from the red wine the region is world famous for or the the Camino de Santiago, the pilgrimage that cuts across [...]

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Going Underground in Cappadocia, Turkey

I’ve always been a big fan of unique experiences and destinations while traveling. And Cappadocia, Turkey is nothing if not unique. I mean look at this! Where have you ever seen such an odd, compelling, jurassic-looking land? A million years ago (approximation) ancient volcanos erupted and covered this wild land in a layer of ash [...]

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The Colors of Istanbul, Turkey

I have an affinity for color, and by affinity, I mean I would dress up like a rainbow everyday if it were socially acceptable. But alas, I am not longer seventeen, and sadly society has forced my wardrobe to evolve and mature into more neutral shades with controlled splashes of color here and there. So [...]

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