Sunday, January 13, 2013

Oh, the Places You´ll Go . . .

In order to get a visa for my upcoming trip to Brazil, I had to renew my passport a few months earlier than planned. As I glanced back through my passport, I was reminded of how much traveling we have done together in the past 10 years!

It all started with a return trip to New Zealand with Lauren and Liz ten years ago. Without a doubt, it was studying abroad there that made me want to see more of the world. And what amazing memories the three of us made in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, and Australia that summer!


It was the trip Emily and I took to Chile and Argentina that led me to move to Spain. I fell in love with the Latin/Spanish lifestyle on that trip and knew I had to live it, not just enjoy it on vacation.


And since moving to Spain, it´s been one amazing travel experience after another! I can hardly believe all the places I´ve been able to go . . .













I´ll be keeping this passport in a safe place, flipping through it from time to time I´m sure. And I can´t wait to see the places my new one will take me!


Saturday, January 5, 2013

Food!

As I look back at photos from my family´s visit, I love seeing how many of them include food! One of my most favorite things about living in Spain has been the food - from tapas to pinchos to fresh produce, it´s amazing! Although many dishes include similar ingredients, they are still so different. Here are some of my favorites from the past few weeks . . .

Calçots - so much fun to eat and so delicious! The prime season for them is December-February. I recommend Llar de Foc in Gracia for these.
Patrick was a fan of the calçots!
Prawns - can´t eat them, but wish I could!


Mom, Mark, Heather, Mike, and I took a class with Papa Serra. He took us to some great vendors in the Boqueria, then helped us prepare a great Spanish lunch.
These were some of favorite dishes of that meal:
Cheese, jamon, tomatoes, and bread - a perfect breakfast or snack!

Olives - so many different varieties and flavors!

Romesco Sauce - so delicious, whether it´s with calçots or chicken and potatoes!

And last, but not least, pinchos. Such a nice change from tapas at times, especially because you can pick your own and try lots of different types. Love them!
Pinchos

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Best.Family.Ever



New Year´s Eve
After months of planning, ten days of many laughs, great meals, and lots of memories, it´s hard to believe that the Killion Family Vacation to Barcelona is coming to an end! Everyone except Mike and Sarah are on their way back home and I have to admit, I´m feeling pretty sad about it.

As it often happens, after anticipating something for sooooo long, it can be a little depressing once it´s over! I feel so lucky that Mike and Sarah are still here - it will be great to spend more time with them and I think if I were alone after spending almost every day of the the past ten days with eight people, I´d be really sad!

As expected, this vacation could not have been better. We all had SO much fun together - whether eating, drinking, sightseeing, walking, or just hanging out together. For many, this was the first trip to a place outside of North America. I was so impressed with everyone´s positive attitude and willingness to do and try anything. I had wondered if my nephews (being ages 14 and 16) would get bored without some of the luxuries they´re used to, but they amazed me! I didn´t hear a single complaint; instead, it was just a lot of "wow, that´s awesome!" And I think if Andrew could have stayed longer, he would have :)

Andrew trying pulpo - it´s clear what Patrick thought about it!

I´ve always realized what an amazing family I have, but this trip really reinforced it. I feel so lucky to be surrounded by people who love me so much and made the choice to give up traditions, spend a significant amount of money, and do something out the ordinary for the holidays this year. Without a doubt, I really do have the best family ever. Love you guys!

Team Killion :)