Hosted in Spain

Posted on by Michelle Heiser

We just spent two amazing weeks in Spain! They were amazing for many reasons but mostly because of the beautiful people we spent them with.

Background: Last year we hosted two Spanish teachers and we got to know some of their friends over the year ❤️

Orcas Island with Lucia and Carla
Carving pumpkins
Visiting Whidbey Island

When we started planning our year abroad we knew we wanted to see them again and visit their communities. So we started in Barcelona…

We saw Miquel and met his family in Sant Andreu, Barcelona
Even in the rain Sant Andreu was charming

We walked, road bikes and ate our way through Barcelona for 2 1/2 packed days

Casa Battlo-Antoni Gaudi architecture
Casa Vicens -Gaudi‘s early work
Walking tour through Gothic quarter
Arc de Triomf
I could fill a blog with all the balconies around the city
Oh the Jamon in Spain! 😋

We then took a train to Valencia to meet Lucia and Javi.

The ancient gate to the city
Where the executioner would sharpen their blade

We got lucky, there was a Paella celebration and we got to try many kinds of Paella…

And see cultural dances in Valencia

Another favorite place for me to visit was the Mercado (Market place). Full of life and history and food!

More Jamon and cheese
So many types of olives
Valencia lit up at night
On our way to Alicante to see Lucia’s community and family

We explored the beauty, culture and history of Alicante and swam in the Mediterranean (only tourists do that in October)

A two story market place

And we ate some memorable delicious meals together

Jim choosing the meat
Gazpacho Manchego
Tapas
Churros!

We got to see another friend, Victoria, and visit a sweet coastal village called Altea together.

Calamari and Sangria 😋
It was so great spending time with Lucia’s family and even celebrating her dad’s birthday!

With full hearts and bellies we left Alicante with hopes for our return…and caught the train to Valladolid to see Carla and her family

Cooler temperatures and beautiful sites in the old capital of Spain (Plaza Zorrilla)
Plaza Mayor with Carla and Count Pedro Ansurez
Beautiful fountains…
And parks
Spending time with Carla’s parents was wonderful and they introduced us to more great Spanish food!
We got to meet Carla’s extended family!
We were surprised to see two more of our Spanish teacher friends: Yaiza and Patri! It was so great to see them and catch up.
Jim made friends with Bruc!

We all headed up to the north coast for a couple days including Rodri, which was so much fun!

Cueva el Soplao
We stepped on the Camino that we had walked 7 years ago
San Vincente de la Barquera
Potes, Spain
Pumpkin patch
Amazing lunch at Hotel Del Oso in Arenos
Views from Picos de Europas
Picos de Europas are grand!
We can come back to climb that later 😉

We had a few more sites near Valladolid then the train to Madrid

We loved our time here and hope to return soon😘

We finished our time in Spain in Madrid. We had 3 full days to explore this cultural capital.

Plaza Mayor in Madrid
Templo de Debod
More Spanish balconies!
City Hall
Represents coat of arms of Madrid
Catedral de Santa Maria
Puerta del Sol

We enjoyed some great traditional food and drinks

Calamari sandwich
Licorice de Madrono in edible cups

We spent a whole day walking through Parque de El Retiro. Such an incredible, beautiful park with gardens and statues and fountains throughout.

Madrid at night is all lit up and beautiful.

We finished our time in Spain and we are so grateful for all the wonderful memories and experiences we had.

Thank you for all the hospitality you extended to us! We will return again!

Buen Camino

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Published by Michelle Heiser

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