EASTER WEEKEND IN MADRID

I get it now. I get why so many people are in love with Madrid. Three weeks ago, Chris and I had a long weekend and we decided it was about time to head to the capital, for the first time. I didn’t expect to love it so much – I mean, what could beat Barcelona? – but I can’t help but say this city has its own charm as well.  

A DAY IN GRANOLLERS

Wondering if we should go away for the weekend, Chris and I were checking out hotels online when we found an amazing deal on a four star hotel, including spa.  We didn’t have to think long; let’s go! Two days later we packed our bags and hopped on the train to Granollers, only a 30 minute ride away, for a fun weekend of relaxing, strolling around and seeing what this little city is all about.

TENERIFE PART 2: PUERTO DE LA CRUZ & ROAD TRIP TO TEIDE!

Finally it’s time for part two! After 2 nights in Santa Cruz and a café con leche at our favorite bakery, we took the guagua (bus) to the next destination: Puerto de la Cruz. We spent four nights in this city, chilling on the beach and sipping cocktails, but we also rented a car and explored the beautiful landscapes of this island. Read on!

TENERIFE PART 1: SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE

I’m so happy! I just got my first week off this year (and believe me, I needed it - badly). A few weeks ago, Chris and I decided we deserved a little summer trip. We booked a flight to the Islas Canarias, Tenerife! We were there six nights in total: two nights in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and four nights in Puerto de la Cruz. Continue to read about the first part of our island adventures in Santa Cruz de Tenerife!

BOOTLEG

Welcome to Bootleg,  a cozy bar in the middle of Gótico. From the minute we set foot in this place, it strangely felt like “home”. Warm lighting, affordable beer, friendly staff and a comfortable atmosphere… not to mention their incredibly cute (and slightly sad looking) dog which welcomed us at the entrance. A perfect place to meet friends, have a drink and a tapa on the side.

QUICK TIP: 1 EURO PINTXOS

La Tasqueta de Blai is always packed, no matter what time you arrive. Even at four in the afternoon, which is after lunch and far before dinner time (even for the Dutch), you have to fight for one of the few tables or a seat at the bar. The main reason for its popularity: 1 euro pintxos. And they are good!

CALÇOTADA – LET’S EAT A BUNCH OF ONIONS

I never even heard of this Catalan tradition until I was invited to join a calçotada. Then I started seeing big heaps of calçots, basically long and thick spring onions, in every supermarket in the city. What on earth was this onion craze? And how was my first calçotada experience?

HOLLY SUSHI

Finally a food post! Maybe not very Catalan or Spanish, but still very good: Japanese restaurant Holly Sushi, close to the Diagonal Mar shopping center. Even though there are like a million restaurants here in Barcelona, I have been to this particular restaurant already four or five times in the past few months. It’s amazing what great food you can get for a little over 10 euros – I just can’t get enough!