theViatrix

I’ve been back in the US for a little over a month, and while I’ve enjoyed placing my cookie order with a neighborhood Girl Scout, slurping noodles in Chinatown after the New Year parade, and watching the Super Bowl with a bunch of new friends, I’m really missing some things from Spain. [...]

No, that’s not Madrid’s skyline. [...]

From Playmobil figurines to video installations to 17th-century works of art, Spaniards go nuts for belenes. [...]

This week I’ve done another guest post over at PocketVillage, this time for their series on Christmas traditions around the world. Since there are a few really quirky ones here in Spain, I offered to write something up for them. Be prepared for some weird, earthy stuff (which lent itself to some earthy language—sorry Mom!). I came up with four weird Spanish Christmas traditions, so head over to PocketVillage to check it out.

And, in case you’ve forgotten what it’s like here in Madrid, check out my posts on Christmas in the city and welcoming the Three Kings into town. There’s lots going on in Madrid again this year, so check back for more coming soon!

Disenchanted with the way things have gone in the last few years, Spaniards overwhelmingly voted in a new government last week: the conservative People’s Party (PP). While their victory came as no surprise, it will be interesting to watch how things change, for better or for worse, under the new leadership.

But I’m not here to talk about politics. For me, the most fascinating part of the day was the voting process itself. [...]

The good folks over at Guiri Guide asked me to write about how my attitudes and Spanish experience have changed in the more-than-six years I’ve lived in Madrid. Here’s what I came up with:

1. I eat a lot more
2. Buying things has become an adventure
3. Walking down the street stresses me out
4. I’ve learned how to loosen up
5. Spain has taught me to prioritize

Intrigued? Head over to Guiri Guide to read my post on these five ways Madrid has changed me.

This week I’ve written a post on Iberian hot chocolate over at my dear friend Erin’s site, La Tortuga Viajera. Make sure to head over there to learn how to tell your suís from your chocolat mousseux, as well as just how crazy Madrileños went for chocolate back in the day. And don’t forget to check out Erin’s fun entries on everything from traveling in Istanbul to obsessing over Spanish grandpas.

But getting back to the sweet stuff, here are my favorite places to sip hot chocolate around Iberia. [...]

Dear Readers,

This is one of those postcards that arrives after the sender has already returned home. Our trip was wonderful, and even after two and a half weeks, I could have stayed longer. I’ll reveal more soon, but consider these critters a little something to whet your appetite until then (fried spiders, anyone?).

Love,
The Viatrix [...]

Dear readers,

Having a fabulous time in Cambodia. The temples at Angkor are like something out of a movie, and the number of them, as well as the uniqueness of each one, is unbelievable. Wish you were here! In the meantime, here are a few photos.

Love,
The Viatrix [...]

Hello dearies,

Those of you who know me personally know that I’ve been crazy-busy this week getting ready for my honeymoon (!). The bad news is that the giant pumpkins and hobby houses of the Puyallup Fair will have to wait a little longer (Seattlites: yes, I’m behind). The good news is that soon I’ll be posting about Cambodia! I’m really excited for the temples, the food, and even a couple days relaxing on the beach. I’ll get something up asap!

TTFN,
The Viatrix