This is another part of our monthlong stay in Spain Sep-Oct 2015. Our other FREE stays were in Seville, Malaga and Chinchilla. See my other posts for more info on those stays.
Train to Barcelona
We were very excited to get to Barcelona and see our old friends Miguel, Imma and Claudia who visited us in February 2015 through home exchange as well.
There’s a nice article in Travel & Leisure about the appeal of staying in a quaint little European village. Yes cities can have much to offer but I believe they lack the personal charm that you get in staying in a small village or town. Some of my best experiences traveling have been in such places.
I did just very recently visit Chinchilla (de Monte Aragon), Spain. The place reminded me of a dreamy village in the movies. Everyone knew each other, the views were breathtaking every day and we walked the village exploring the amazing cave houses. We met the owner of the little grocery, our kids played together in the town square and we watched the most beautiful sunsets with the flickering lights of Albacete in the distance.
Our home away from home in Chinchilla
View from atop Chinchilla
I definitely agree that there are so many great little hidden gems to visit, not just in Europe, but around the world. Do you have a favorite?
As a busy mom of a 4-year old I am constantly trying to find good help to watch my daughter. One of the reasons I write this blog is to show how I am making contacts around the world and living a frugal but VERY REWARDING life!
I spent a month in Spain this fall and asked the people I was staying with if they had any close friends of relatives who might want to come to the US for 3 months. We came up with a deal that we would pay airfare, give free room and board and a stipend. In return our guest would help take care of Ellie for that time.
We are very excited that Alba, a very good friend of our Spanish (host and guest) is arriving Feb 1st!
There is so much more than just financial reward that we get from our travels! Ellie will get a good caregiver, she will greatly improve her Spanish and we will too!
If you are ever doing any flight searches you must try Google Flights .
Beach in Malaga
I just booked a flight for our new nanny coming from Spain using Google Flights. You CANNOT book through the site, it is just a search tool. I was able to quickly find the best deal on Air France and then went to their site to book it directly. I found a round trip from Malaga, Spain to National Airport (DC) for about $400. CRAZY! Best of all I used my American Express Gold Rewards Card and will get triple points for booking directly with the airline.
MERRY CHRISTMAS! 😀
And Feliz Navidad!
We had a very nice ride to Albacete, in first class on AVE (super fast train in Spain). The train is GREAT, really clean, outlets at every seat, and the best part is the service. They walk through with newspapers, then beverage service, then a 4-course meal, then more beverages and our favorite part – chocolate! The food was rather delicious and the staff very friendly. The ride was definitely worth it!
We arrived in Albacete train station and were greeted by our “old” friend Mamen and our new friends Monica and Adrian. Mamen was a guest in our home through home exchange (www.homeexchange.com) in November. The lady she works for as an au pair proposed a home exchange with me, while she was at a medical conference in Washington. I couldn’t go to Spain at that time so I proposed a hospitality exchange instead. So now we are going to stay in the house she lives in with Monica, the owner, and her 4-year old son Adrian.
Laurie, Mamen & Monica in front of a cave house
Adrian was so excited to have someone to play with, as was Ellie. This is the greatest part of doing the hospitality exchange instead of home exchange – you really get to interact with the locals. Everyone I have stayed with has one child and I have one child – great for playing, no matter what age.
Ellie & friends playing in center of Chinchilla
They drove through Albacete and I thought – just another city – but as we approached this view of an old village was a big surprise. The house she points to sits atop a big hill with a castle. I was very happy. We were in fact staying in Chinchilla de Monte-Aragon, a village dating back thousands of years. We pulled up to a typical Spanish house with a fantastic view of the countryside. They have a nice courtyard where the kids can play on tree swings or one can enjoy a cup of coffee. The living room was large and cozy at the same time, with a wood stove to enjoy cool nights. The kitchen was modernly renovated and had a very nice brand new eat-in kitchen for a large family.
Our hosts gave us Adrian’s room, which was perfectly adequate with a pull-out trundle bed that turned into a queen. We also had a great view from our bedroom window. Ellie and I slept there and we shared two bathrooms in the house. One thing that I really love about all the Spanish houses I have stayed in, was amazing water pressure in the showers.
“Our” beautiful home in Chinchilla
View from our room
Our hosts prepared a delicious dinner at home and the kids just played like the were old friends. We were really, really happy in “our new home” with “our new family”.
Day 2 – Chinchilla
We were really tired from our travels and adjusting to a new home but Ellie wanted to go with Adrian to preschool. His mom offered to see if Ellie could in fact spend the day with him at school but the school would not allow it. Too bad, I think Ellie would have enjoyed a fantastic experience (nothing more local than going to school).
Our co-host Mamen took us to Albacete to do some sightseeing and shopping. Our first stop was at a churreria. I didn’t like the churros, they were not hot and they were the small, skinny ones. I prefer the fatter ones and didn’t know there were different kinds. Now I know. We stopped by the very large and lovely park to play on the many different playgrounds. Gotta keep the little one happy. She had lots of fun and the weather was very nice – warm, but not hot.
Ellie enjoying ducks in Albacete
Ellie the monkey at nice park in Albacete
Ellie playing in Albacete
We found a few little shops and then took the bus to Chinchilla – very cheap at only 1,30 euro. We walked a bit around the town and met up with some of the locals. The kids played in the town square, climbing on cannons and getting treats from the little local grocer. About 9 we had dinner at the house – delicious fish and salad.
Laurie & the local grocer
Ellie with her new friends in Chinchilla
Day 3 – Chinchilla, Spain
We went into town with Monica on her way to work (she is a doctor and teaches at the university) and walked around Albacete some more. We found another playground for Ellie then did a little shopping. I found a couple of pairs of shoes for Ellie for a good price. She was really tired so we went home for a siesta in a taxi. It was a little expensive at 22euro but it was worth getting my child home quickly for a nap!
Later on we went down the street to a little playground. They really have everything here you need. There are several people who just live here on the weekends. Great idea. Monica took us on walk around the town – it’s amazing to explore the cave houses built into the side of the cliffs. There was even a sign to buy one to renovate for 25,000 euro. Wow, so cool.
CAVE HOUSES of Chinchilla Monte-Aragon
Renovated Cave House
Beautifully renovated cave houses of Chinchilla
There was also a castle right next to Monica’s house. You can’t go in anymore but it’s really neat to walk up and around to see the drawbridge and moat. And the view from the top is PRICELESS!
View from Chinchilla
Chinchilla
A view of Chinchilla
Monica & Adrian our wonderful hosts in Chinchilla
Adrian & Ellie at Chinchilla castle
Laurie & Ellie in Chinchilla
So as someone asked us,”why are you going to Albacete?” – I say, to see my friends in town and in Chinchilla. Oh yes – my friends in town. Our last evening I took Monica to the Albacete Rotary Club meeting at Restaurante El Callejon. Not only is it the best restaurant in town, it is one of the most interesting. It is an historic building with little rooms tucked in every corner and every wall is filled with bullfighting memorabilia, including amazing costumes. We had an unforgettable 5-course dinner, every course fantastic. So nice to have a meal with adult conversation. The meeting went from 9:30pm til 12:30am, CRAZY!. Afterward we walked around the town for a bit just to let some of the food digest. I know they eat late in Spain but that was just crazy (good).
Dinner with Rotary of Albacete
Oh yeah, my daughter had an unforgettable evening – her first sleepover ever (in Spain for that matter). They had a play date with friends and just clicked with a girl her age. She spent almost 24 hours at her house and didn’t want to leave. It was the first night my daughter slept away from me. Gracias Spain!
New friends
Day 4 – Chinchilla, Spain
I tried to sleep in after my late night and upset stomach, without success. I heard the sleepover went quite late so they were sleeping in and I had time for myself. Hooray again! I did some yoga then walked down to the bottom of the village where the sleepover took place. Ellie didn’t want to leave. We had to go back up the hill – great place to live if you like to be fit. We got a taxi to the train station and were off to Barcelona. It wasn’t the AVE, very disappointing. It was an old local train, 5:20 to Barcelona. Beautiful views though – wish I knew all the towns we were passing through.
Riding the rails in Spain
Remembering all the great times we had in Chinchilla thanks to our wonderful hosts!
I recently returned from a 5-week trip to Spain and Morocco. I quite often have the thought that the hardest part is getting somewhere. After traveling to 6 cities in five weeks I might have to reconsider my thoughts. There is definitely something to be said for staying in one place.
I started out with a plan to go to Madrid, Malaga and Barcelona. Then I had the thought to buy a train pass and make a loop around Spain, making a few more stops. Oh, and then I had the idea that “since Seville is so close to Morocco, I’ve always wanted to go”. Then someone told me that Marrakech is better than Tangiers (just a big port city). So I found a flight from Seville to Marrakech.
Ellie’s travel companion
You know the movie Planes, Trains and Automobiles – that was us for 5 weeks. It wasn’t easy – it was downright tiring at times. It wasn’t a relaxing vacation but it was AMAZING, WONDERFUL, FUN, REWARDING and FANTASATIC.
So my final thought is that if you want a relaxing vacation – stay put in one spot. Next time…
I love to travel. As someone who has traveled to many different countries, I have found great differences in standards like restrooms. I found holes in the floor in Saudi Arabia, porta-pots that lock and self-clean in France and quite often a rock to hide behind. According to Travel & Leisure, the world’s best public restrooms are in Daimaru Department Store in Tokyo. I might have to check it out.
Having recently returned from a trip to Spain and Morocco with a 4-year old, I am very familiar with public restrooms there. I have to say that in Spain we went to bars in every city. My local friends said that they are very receptive to letting non-patrons use the facilities (didn’t hurt that I have a small child either). I found most of them to be very clean and fully stocked – by stocked I mean toilet paper and paper towels. There’s nothing more frustrating than realizing that there is no toilet paper.
So next time you are traveling anywhere I recommend packing plenty of tissues and hand sanitizer just in case – oh and find the nearest bar :-).
Flamenco Ellie
Malaga – Day 1
We had an unforgettable stay in Malaga, Spain. We arrived in the beautiful city at the really nice Malaga Train Station. It has a mini mall inside with lots of places to shop and dine. We were greeted by our former (just in August) guests Matheo, Mathilde and Olivia (9), as they stood with an American flag we gave them.
It was 9:30 pm – we were hungry and tired after a long day of travel from Africa. It was dinner time in Spain so we all headed to dinner at the beachfront. We dined at one of the restaurants that grill fish in grills made out of boats (very typical of Malaga). We had some typical dishes – fried eggplant with honey, sardines (grilled and fried), calamari and they were drinking San Miguel beer. The kids were having a typical dish of fried eggs, meat and french fries. It was all delicious. Not good for the diet but nevertheless, delicious.
Deck of our Malaga Apt
Our hosts flat is in the Capuchino district near the football stadium. In front is a nice park for the children to play. The historic area is about a 15-20 min walk, and a taxi ride to the beach only 4-5 Euro. It was a great spot to be away from all the tourists and really feel like a local. My friends don’t drive much – they bike or bus most places around town. If they need a car, they have parking below for their Mercedes SUV.
The flat (apartment in Europe), is a lovely modern 3-bedroom, 2-bath which they basically gave us while they stayed in their mother’s flat two doors down. Upstairs they had a fantastic terrace on which to dine or just enjoy a drink. It is the best part of the house!
Malaga – Day 2
Ride through Ronda
We all went in their car for a lovely day trip to Ronda. It’s a little more than an hour and a must see. It’s an historic city and famous for having the oldest bullring in the world. They have a beautiful bridge with remarkable cliffs and views. We took a relaxing carriage ride through the narrow old streets for 25 Euro. It’s one of my favorite ways to see a small city and you can stop anytime to take photos. Our friends had never done it and really enjoyed it as well.
Laurie in Ronda
Ellie enjoying street performer in Ronda
The amazing cliff houses in Ronda
We came back to Malaga a different direction – through the WINDY mountain roads (and I mean windy) – seeing the beautiful mountain homes of Marbella and ending up in Porto Banus. It reminds me a lot of Annapolis. There are nice shops (nicer than Annapolis) with big name brands, cool tapas restaurants and BIG, fancy boats like back home.
Laurie & hosts in Porto Banus
Ellie and Olivia in Puerto Banus
We drove along the coast back to Malaga, seeing the pretty towns of the Costa del Sol. The king of Saudi Arabia has had a palace here for many years and they say it is one of his favorite places. I see why.
Malaga – Day 3
Touring old city Malaga
Ellie & Laurie in front of a shrine in Malaga
Ellie and I slept in then Mathi took us around to see some of the town. It’s a nice, safe walk into the historic area. There was a grocery store about a block from the house so Ellie and I went to buy a few things. If you’ve never been in a European grocery, you will be surprised to find that you must put one euro (almost a dollar) into the cart in order to use it. Then when you finish with your cart – you put it back and get your money back. The grocery is very similar to ours, not as big with so many choices, but knowing Spanish helps me to navigate the unchartered territory. Oh and don’t forget to weigh all your produce and label before you get to produce. I always forget that on my first trip back. I left with a full cart of some old favorites and a few new things for Ellie to try. My mouth was salivating and my stomach grumbling. 🙂
Ellie enjoying fresh food from market
Lunch – usually about 3pm then a siesta. Many of the stores close during this time as well.
Ellie and Romeo
That evening Ellie and Olivia go to the playground and Ellie gets to walk her new friend, the dog Romeo. He is a little tiny terrier (I forget which kind) and it’s the cutest sight to see my 4-year old walk him.
Malaga – Day 4
Ellie and I took it easy, trying to catch up on sleep. Hard on a 4-year old and she is a trooper. This is her 17th country and counting. We did some homework on her learning apps like Reading Eggs and Always Ice Cream. My intent is to homeschool her and travel. I want to show people that you can travel with children and that you can make it affordable. She will have a world education – literally. She will never be biased, racist or narrow minded. She will be open to all things possible. I think that is one of the greatest gifts I can give her.
Ellie at swim club
Ellie & Olivia at Real Club
Mathi & Ellie having fun
In the afternoon we go by car to get Olivia from the private French School she attends. We then go to the private swim club where they belong, Real Club Mediterraneo. I love it! It’s right on the port and beachfront with swimming pools (indoor and an outdoor saltwater), a gym, restaurant, sauna, jacuzzi, etc. When I get an apartment here I’m definitely joining! ;-). We ended our day with a lovely dinner on the terrace under the stars – perfect ending to a perfect day!
Malaga – Day 5
So nice not living like a tourist in a hotel here. It’s like slow eating. I get to really see what it’s like to be Spanish. I took Ellie to play on the playground – all the kids are in school so we have the place to ourselves, except one small boy. Ellie’s favorite is the zip line. I don’t know why it’s so popular here and we don’t have them on playgrounds in the U.S.
My friends watched Ellie so I could attend a Rotary meeting. I have been a Rotarian on and off for many years but had to quit because of traveling so much. I finally found a club – the Rotary Club of Lake Elsinore, CA – that has an Internet (E-Club) extension. If you’ve never heard of Rotary, check it out, www.Rotary.org. It’s the largest service organization in the world – they do things in the local community and all over the world. I love the camaraderie and the friendship the most – all good people, no matter what country. I had a great meeting, in Spanish of course. They had a really nice lunch. I thought it was sandwich and salad, but found out that was the first course ;-). Lunch (almuerzo) is the biggest meal of the day here. Several people exchanged cards with me and said to call if I needed anything. It’s so nice to have friends all over the world!
Roman ruins in Malaga
We had a nice evening walk through the town. Picasso was born here and there is now a foundation in his birthplace. They have old roman ruins that were found under the city and a glass walkway from which to view them. Climb to the castle for spectacular views of the city.
Ellie & Laurie on Port Malaga Ferris Wheel
Our hosts, a friend and Ellie atop the ferris wheel in Port Malaga
We took our friends for a ride on the Ferris wheel at the port. It offered great views from all sides and was only 7 Euro per person. They have a great garden with plants from all over the world next to the port where Ellie and Olivia played on the playground. The kids also played at the playgrounds in the sand along the port. Kids are kids, no matter what age. Despite the 5 year age difference, Ellie and Olivia bonded.
Ellie and friends on the playground at port of Malaga
Malaga – Day 6
Ellie & Laurie in Malagueta
We went to Malagueta – a nice little beach right next to the port. It was only a 4 Euro taxi ride and was perfect for Ellie. They have all kinds of playground equipment, and of course, a zip line! Ellie loves the zip lines, she would zip all day if she could! The beach is not the best, but it’s nice. There are tons of cigarette butts that wash up on the shore – ashame really. The water is cool now but refreshing with the still warm (sometimes very warm – was 100 other day) weather. The other negative is the presence of jellyfish (medusas in Spanish) and from what I heard a terrible sting. I’m hesitant about taking Ellie further than the surf where she seems content anyway.
There are plenty of beachside bars to offer full menu service, just a cocktail or ice cream. There are also men walking around selling fresh mojitos. I accept the offer of a non-alcoholic one when I see how he makes them in a tent just beside me – with fresh mint and lots of ice. I am a little miffed when he asks for 5 euro. I should have said no but I like entrepreneurs. It was delicious.
The other thing I like here is the group of ladies walking up and down the beach offering massage. I managed to squeeze a quick one while watching Ellie play in the sand. Not the best but a nice reprieve from the stresses of travel.
Malaga – Day 7
My daughter and I relish in some more beach time while our friends are at work. They are both professors so they manage some early days and surprised us with lunch at a favorite spot. It’s called El Tintero Malaga and its right on the beach in Malaga. What makes it so special? Well, the waiters all walk around yelling out something – like fried squid or grilled anchovies (one of my new favorites) – and if you want what they have you wave and they give it to you. At the end of lunch they count up how many plates you have and that’s what you pay (per plate). You have to go just once to experience it. YUM! They say that customers used to hide plates in the sand to reduce their tab – there’s now cement all around.
Later on the husband watches the girls so Mathilde can take me out for a girls night. We don’t head out until 8:30 and by the time we get down to the historic area things are starting to get busy. We have an aperativo (drink and olives/nuts) at a popular Irish bar on the main square. I love the main square concept – great for people watching.For dinner she took us to a really good spot for local specialties – croquettes, more anchovies (good) and everything was delicious.
Malaga – Day 8
Our friends are off and spend the day with us. We have an easy breakfast at home, I prefer yogurt with some organic oats and my daughter found a favorite cereal of chocolate squares. We decide to go to beach close to home as Ellie might need a nap. We go to Malgueta to play in the sand, swim and soak up the sun. There is a restaurant – El Farro, where we have a delicious meal and enjoy views of the old lighthouse and the beach. It is not the best beach weather so we head home for a siesta.
Later on the girls all head downtown for girls night out. We wanted a carriage ride but found that they shut down at dusk. Boo hoo. Instead we head to the port where the kids ride the carousel and a few other rides for 10euro/5 rides. They like it. They even have a WIPE OUT moon bounce attraction for Olivia. We decide to eat there at a favorite of theirs – Hollywood. It’s kind of funny to me, lots of “American foods” but the kids love it with coloring, balloons and a kids menu. They had a pretty good flank steak and a California Salad. Kids rode a few more rides, then we headed back in a taxi. Long day!
Ellie and laurie at Malaga Port
Ellie at Malaga Port
Ellie & Olivia at Malaga Port
Malaga – Day 9
We were all bushed and slept in. They have these metal shutter doors outside their windows so that you get total blackout – I love it!
The beautiful city of Granada
Laurie in Granada
Laurie & Ellie enjoying gelato in Granada
Enjoying local specialties
Touring Granada with Romeo
Beautiful Granada
We were going to take the train to Grenada, just the two of us, but our friends offered to drive us. It was a lovely ride through the mountains of Malaga. Olive trees were EVERYWHERE! I just wanted to go home and buy property and plant olive trees. Spain is the number one producer of olives and I love them! You can get them fresh at local markets and they are so delicious.
We arrived in Granada in about 80 minutes I think, in the comfort of a Mercedes SUV. There was no cafe car but the company was the best ;). I didn’t know that you can’t just go see the Alhambra – the most famous site in all of Grenada. There is a long wait for tickets, some told me months others said weeks. Either way we weren’t getting in so we settled for a cozy restaurant at the bottom with a nice view of the Alhambra. It was very nice weather, probably in the mid- high 70’s. In Grenada as in some other Spanish cities, if you buy a drink, you get free tapas. They bring enough free food for as many people are drinking, including the delicious grape juice I had. It was delicious, a little heavy, but delicious!
We walked the streets of Grenada and soaked up the Spanish sun. We found the little streets with the Jewish section of shops (very quaint little alleyways) and savored some local gelato (my fave is bosque de fruta). It was a very nice but next time I definitely want to visit the Alhambra.
Laurie & Alhambra
We were all very tired by the end of the day. That’s one of the only downsides to travel. I’m going to need to rest after this vacation!
Malaga – Day 10
Our friends all had work and school so we headed to our favorite place Malagueta beach. They have nice chairs you can rent for only 4 euros a day. We had a nice lunch at a cafe on the beach then played in the surf for hours. We met a really nice family from Amsterdam and our kids played together for hours on the beach. We walked out to find a taxi to get back to the house but it proved difficult for a bit. They say it’s better to call one.
Ellie at Malgueta
We got “home” just in time to go have one last meal with our friends. We ended up getting Telepizza, a pizza chain like Domino’s. I could have skipped the dinner but the kids had fun and we enjoyed our home exchange friends one last time.
Malaga – Day 11 Departure for Albacete/Chinchilla
We packed everything up and a very nice man from the Malaga Rotary Club came to take us to breakfast. We had churros – I don’t eat this “stuff at home” but I thought while in Spain… They were hot and delicious. If you don’t know churros, they are like long thick piped pastries fried and then sprinkled with sugar and you dip them in a thick dark chocolate drink. Our friend took us to the train and helped us into the station… so nice to have friends.
Barcelona, Spain
We spent the day with our host family again, a much better experience! We met some other friends of theirs – the wife is Italian and the husband Spanish. They have two kids who go to school with our host’s daughter.
The playground across from “our apartment”
Parc de la Ciutadella
Ellie enjoying gelato
The best gelaaati !!
The whole gang enjoying the best
We played at a little playground just across from their apartment and Ellie made a new friend. What a surprise :-0. We took the bus together – easier to move 9 people – to the Parc de la Ciutadella. There were various entertainers for the children – marionettes and bubbles galore. It was another beautiful day in Spain.
We walked through the Born, which is comprised of parts of the old city wall from the 1700’s. We had the best pizza in town (according to our Italian friend) at Murivecchi on Calle Princesa. It did remind me of my numerous trips to Italy.
Then we walked through Plaza San Jaume, a beautiful square with the town hall and historic government buildings. Our friends insisted that we have the best gelato anywhere (good to be with Italians, they know gelato). They took us to gelaaati di Marco, an artesinal Itlaian ice cream store at 7 Llibreteria. I was totally stuffed from lunch but I forced a small cioccococo – an amazing coconut ice cream with a thick dark chocolate sauce mixed in. I think it was the best ice cream/gelato I have ever had – and I have eaten ice cream all over the world!
We took the kids to the little park at Placa San Miguel to burn off some energy. I have to say that Spain does a really great job at having playgrounds all around the city. We walked back through to Ave de Gracia and there were lots of people celebrating the long holiday weekend.
Another great day in Spain with “friends”!
Ellie was VERY tired so I let her sleep in, it’s going to be really bad when we return and she wakes up 6 hours earlier 😁. We were finally able to spend time with our friends. They drove us a short distance to the Sarria neighborhood. It’s really lovely and used to be an old village with small streets and cute little shops. We stopped at Bar Thomas – very famous for patatas bravas – fresh fried potatoes with hot sauce and aioli. The was a line out the door waiting to enjoy the local specialty. It was worth the wait. I’m definitely going on a strict regimen when I return home.
Laurie and Ellie from atop Barcelona at Tibidabo
Homemade paella
Enjoying a local festival in Sarria
Ellie and Laurie overlooking Barcelona
This weekend people celebrate the festival of Pilar and there was a feria (festival) in Sarria, an area with rides and activities for kids. The two girls had a blast on a couple of rides but then it was closed down for siesta/lunch time. UGHHH!
We found a great local restaurant called Quinto Pino – it’s an expression that means far away. It’s a PERFECT little spot to dine under the trees while the kids play on a little adjacent playground. We had to wait as it is a very popular place for a beautiful Saturday. The food was delicious but they were a little frugal on the portions.
We drove to the top of Barcelona to Tibidabo for an amazing view of the city. We were very fortunate to be able to park right at the very top because our friend has a handicap permit.
At the very top is a beautiful church and an amusement park. It’s crazy as some of the rides go out over the cliffs – yikes!! You can buy an unlimited ride pass for about 28,50€ for adults and 10,30€ but we only wanted a few rides for the kids so we paid 2€ each ride – not bad. Ellie and her friend Claudia had a lot of fun.
Laurie and Ellie with our home exchange hosts at Tibidabo
The kids were getting very tired and ready to relax at home. We got back to the apartment and ordered Japanese from their favorite place for take-out Yu Ja on Carrer Corsega. The girls watched programs in Spanish, it’s so great for Ellie to practice her language skills!
The best part of the day was going to the local neighborhood and finding where the locals eat. I would never have that if I were staying in a hotel. This is the most important thing I love about home and hospitality exchange!