Mom & Malaga

​Back from our two-month hiatus. Who knew December and January were going to be so busy? Not I. But I do hope everyone enjoyed their time home for holidays as much as we did. Living so far from home and after an extremely busy month (December), being back home with family and friends was needed and appreciated.
 
A quick update to bring everyone up to speed from November to February:
I am about halfway through my second term with just as many projects, assignments and stress as the first term. Derek has started his Spanish classes and is continuing to work with his clients and continue on as Professor Derek.
 
In more exciting news, we had a guest with us this week! Our lovely mother graced us and Madrid with her presence this past week. She arrived on Saturday morning to Terminal 1 where we met and hurried over to Terminal 4 to catch a flight to Malaga – a beach city located in the south of Spain. We spent Saturday and Sunday soaking up the sun, walking along the windy port and hiking up to Alcazaba and Castillo de Gibralfaro. Not only did we get the vitamin D our bodies were desperately in need of, but we also enjoyed delicious food and being back at the beach. See some pictures below as well my new photo series “Mom in front of a wall”.

"Mom in front of a wall"

Mom, Marbella, Malaga and Madrid

The rest of the week included the usual tour of Madrid, hitting all the touristy spots and eating lots of yummy food out of our normal budget. (Thanks Mom and Dad) Derek and I are working on our tour guide skills before the rest of our guests travel through. 

My week in Madrid with Mandy and Derek took me to many of the famous "must see" tourist attractions which I thoroughly loved. The city is very beautiful and I can see why they both enjoy living there. Yet the best part of my trip was for me to experience Madrid the way they do on a daily basis. I loved everything from food shopping to hanging at the local cafe and best of all...the "tiny" living arrangements. Thank you for hosting me, it couldn't have been a better week!

Xo, Mom

As February ends and March begins, we have reached our halfway point of our time in Spain. (*silently crying*) The first five months have been all about getting to know the city and enjoying our new home, but the next five months will be much busier than the last five. Here’s why:
 
Upcoming trips:
March  – Amanda and Derek in Valencia for Las Fallas
March (Spring break) – Amanda and Dan in Portugal (Albufeira, Lison, Porto)
May – Morocco and a possible birthday (Mandy's) weekend trip
June – TBD
July – Northern Spain; Italy with Mom and Dad
August – TBD
 
Upcoming visitors and friends traveling through Madrid:
March: Dan 
April: Aunt Jewelry and Uncle Bob
May: Olivia
June: Stephen Howard (and his parents)
July: Mom and Dad

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​Derek visited London on his way back home in December and he has created a video from his 7 hour layover in the city. See below!