So, we live.

Beaches might not be the first thing you think of when you hear Spain, but I can assure you they will be the last. Spain is famous for it's exquisite 'naturaleza' where some of the most beautiful views can be found outside of the eminent cosmopolitan cities.

Below is a list of my favorite, and as I have yet to explore every corner of this country, please feel free to contribute yours!

7. Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria

Worth the nauseating bus ride through narrow windy roads from Roque Nublo, the very last turn exposes white houses that blanket the surrounding mountains, a scene making you think you're in Greece.

What to do? Grab a "hamaca" and take in the beautiful sun any time of the year, or sip on a beverage at one of the restaurants lining the coast.

6. Llanes, Asturias

Enchanting and captivating can't begin to describe this quaint fisherman's pueblo in the north of Spain. Bathing in this charming beach is said to be "curing and cleansing."

What to do? Meander the miniature alley ways, and try some of the most incredible unique fish you can imagine! Check out the colorfully decorated wave breakers and take in the sound of waves crashing along the shore. You can stroll on foot, or take a tour on horseback by visiting the information center nestled in the stone walls of castle like building.

5. San Sebastian, Basque Country

Known for its cuisine and its surfers, these cobblestone streets burst with an energy unlike anywhere else. Quaint and enchanting, yet full of life and laughter!

What to do? The better question to ask about San Sebastian is what NOT to do!? Come hungry, and try food from some of the best chefs around the world, while enjoying some street music along the way. Walk to the top of the natural park overlooking the rocky coast or go out yourself on kayak!

4. Nerja, Andalusia

Located on Costa del Sol in the most stunning region of Malaga, Andalusia, it's just an hour bus ride from the city of Málaga, with incredible views of the bluff and bright blue water. The enchanting white buildings that line the coast make you think you're on a Greek Island.

What to do? The caves, about an hour walk from the city or short bus ride, are a major tourist attraction bringing people from all around the world to marvel at the stalagmite and stalactite. If you're looking for a tranquil place to bask in the Spanish sun or take in the vistas while still enjoying some shops and local cuisine this is the place to be.

3. Cádiz, Andalusia

The capital city of the province of Cádiz, this gem is just a few hours by train from Madrid located on the "costa de la luz" and cascades right into the white sand beaches meeting a coast of turquoise and deep blue.

What to do? Revel in the Roman ruins that surround the city and date back to the 1st century or tour the ancient watch towers. The compact city is full of history and exceptional cuisine.

2. L'amtella de Mar, Cataluña

This corner of Spain is definitely worth the hassle to get to! Right in-between Barcelona in the north and Valencia in the South are these (mostly) undeveloped unique coasts. You need a car to navigate this area, but it's worth the trek.

What to do? Go snorkeling in the warm bath-like water, take a sailing lesson, or walk along the rocky cliff side for some of the most vivacious vistas. Another fisherman's village, you can buy fresh fish right off the boat at the port everyday at 5pm!

1. S'Arenal, Mallorca

Just across from Cataluña, are the beautiful Balearic islands. A few minutes out of the touristy city of S'Arenal in the south, you'll find this rocky undeveloped coastline facing Palma, the capital city.

What to do? In a short weekend, we couldn't peel ourselves away from this view. Dive into the depths of the bath-like water and find some natural caves, where you can use the brown mud as a natural spa like exfoliant!

I’ve been asked many times why I chose to study abroad in Spain. The truth is initially for the language, and secondly for the fact that it’s a first world country not so different from mine. I wanted to experience another culture abroad for the first time without the stress of being in a place void of the resources and luxuries I’m so accustomed to. I was half right. Spain is certainly a developed country with many resources I’m used to at home. Until I moved here, though, I didn’t realize just how different the way of life is.

The Language

The first few minutes after arriving in Madrid, I asked for directions to the exit. The staff looked at me like I had just landed from a spaceship. They had no idea what I was trying to say, and I couldn’t understand a word they were saying. After 10 years of vigorously studying Spanish in school, I was clueless!

Discouraged but determined, I tried to work through the fear of speaking a second language. Telling a server I had a lot of men (Tengo mucho hambre not hombre) and telling a server I want to feel the table (puedo sentar aqui not puedo sentir aqui) were all laughable mistakes and learning experiences.

A year after being here, I still make grammatical errors but have realized that it’s natural. It’s similar hearing a foreigner talk in my language. The way they construct sentences and words used are totally different than I would, but it’s a precious glimpse into how they think and talk in their language.

The Schedule

Yes, yes, the famous siesta is still big in Spain. Amazing right!? Not if you’re not used to it. Everything literally shuts down in the afternoon opening again later in the evening. Most people are home eating and relaxing.

Coming from New York, rest and relaxation are luxuries not usually afforded to the working woman during the week. I was used to running around for 14 hours day, but taking a short nap during the day really rejuvenates the body. I feel so fresh and alert for the second half of my day.

The Streets

The first time I went out with my Spanish room mates, they thought I was running a race. “Estamos paseando....” they told me “we’re strolling.” As relaxing is valued much more, people don’t rush through the streets. If they’re out, they’re walking slowly enjoying the experience of being out. At first I was a bit frustrated that I couldn’t get anywhere at my own pace, but I’ve definitely learned to slow down and smell the roses.

The Restaurants

As a former waitress, I involuntarily judge service at a restaurant. I’m used to satisfying requests before they’re needed, with my tables in and out within an hour and a half and I usually expect the same. Just like in the streets, there’s not usually a rush in a typical cafetería. It’s normal to sit and enjoy the experience for hours. You might not encounter the waiter for long periods of time, and get served a while after others in your party. Weird at first, I adore this aspect.

Dining out is savored and enjoyed, not rushed and quick, and it’s typically before 3pm and after 8pm. Trying to find food in the city between these hours is near impossible. Most kitchens close and only serve drinks, so eating twice in the morning is a necessity before eating again at 9.

Coffee Breaks

As a teacher by day and waitress by night in New York, I usually had a hot to go beverage on me at all times. The first time I walked into class carrying a coffee, my students couldn’t stop laughing. My co-teacher told me to finish it outside! Snacks and drinks aren’t allowed in the class, strictly to be consumed in the ‘canteen’. Though I felt like a child that did something wrong, they’re just not used to bringing beverages in the classroom.

With each embarrassing encounter, I learn unforgettable lessons about this new culture and see my own in another light. Though I’ve felt incredibly alone and lost at times in a new land with another language, it’s something that continues to allow me to grow as a traveler and individual and I’m sure there’s only more to come as I wander as an extranjero.

A friend mentioned to me that a certain nationality of people are the worst to talk to. “They only talk about themselves, they don’t ask questions.” I credit this horrible communication skill to the overworked employee and social media, not just one nationality.

In a society run by Capitalism, relationships between people can be tainted- sugar coated in customer service, or non existent in cubicles. So, when some people have the chance to interact, they vomit their thoughts onto others- kind of like we do in status updates- and call it a conversation.

A conversation is the exchange of ideas. This is not to be confused with making conversation, which can be done to avoid awkward encounters, or just to interact for the sake of it. There are several things that must happen to conclude that an exchange of ideas has taken place, other wise it is just an exchange of words- if you can even call it that.

Mutually agreed on topic of interest.

Talking about our day is a nice ice breaker, but not what we all want to hear about for an hour after the long, exhausting 8 we spend laboring. If you know the person, it’s an ideal gesture to mention something relevant to their perspective, or if not you find some common ground. The last thing anyone wants to do after a long day or week working, is work to listen to your idea of work.

Understand, don’t just listen.

To understand something, especially coming from another person, is to appreciate it in their terms. Much different than “hearing” something, which requires no further thought analysis. You determine what, how, and why something was said, and build on it.

Ask questions, and give analytical feedback.

A conversation is like ping pong, you get the ‘ball’ and hit it back from another point of view. When people talk, it’s to share something. And if not, you’ll find that out by asking questions. Don’t change the subject immediately back to you or to something unrelated unless it’s relevant to the topic.

Maintain the right amount of eye contact.

There is such thing as too much eye contact, and the same holds true for the opposite. Keeping focus towards another person shows your engaged, but forcing eye contact to the point of staring is just creepy and distracting.

The conversation is the focal point.

According to molecular biologist and author of Brain Rules, we really can’t multitask two important things at once. There is no such thing as responding to an e-mail while fully understanding what someone else is saying to you.

One person talks at a time.

When genuinely interested in what another person has to say, you listen rather than talk over them. Listening allows opportunity to gain something, where talking will allow just to regurgitate what you already think you know. Even the most heated debate should only have one person voicing an opinion at a time. If not, there is no exchange of ideas happening.

Silence, sans awkward.

A moment of silence, when wrapping your mind around new intellectual thoughts, is necessary to put ideas into perspective. Every moment of the conversation doesn’t need to be filled, and it’s a good sign if it’s not.

Give and take are in balance.

After a real conversation has taken place, both parties leave feeling inspired or enlightened on a topic. Ideas shared are in proportion to ideas received, depending on who the conversation is with.

In a world where sharing is so prevalent, when is sharing too much? This is a fine line that many of us still haven’t figured out. Outside of our cubicles and status updates exist other functioning intelligent human thought, and it’s important to keep our own to ourselves sometimes and let someone else take the spotlight for a while. Who knows, you might just learn something.

When Americans venture out of the states, we have a hovering red, white, and blue flag indicating “foreigner.” Whether it’s wanderlust from first time travelers or naively ignoring cultural norms, it takes no genius to spot an American abroad. We need to take extra caution to avoid being scammed and squandered. I don’t know all the tricks or treats out there, but a little research will help avoid trials and tribulations.

Know the dress code.

To avoid standing out or offending any cultural par, try to blend in. In Morocco it’s still unacceptable for many women to expose their body. Sporting short sleeves or pants will peg you as a rich westerner, soon to be overwhelmed with locals offering their knowledge of the city for an expected generous compensation. I’m not saying to buy a Djellaba or a head piece, but respect the culture and you might gain some in return.

People watch.

Take time to observe how people interact. Pay attention to details- what areas or interactions do they avoid or gravitate towards? A venturer in Paris for the first time was intrigued by a gambling game on the street near the Eiffel Tower. A woman playing was up by a good amount of money, so he took his chances only to lose $200 a half hour into his voyage. A vender later told him they’re scam artists. A humbling experience to say the least.

Know the public transportation.

Arriving into a new city, is intimidating. Instead of hopelessly hopping in the nearest cab and spending several times what you’d save using a bus or metro, plan ahead and seek out the most common and efficient way to commute. Some might overcharge tourists thinking they’re rich and ignorant, so download a metro or bus app on your phone, or screen shot google map routes to be less of a target.

Know common phrases in the native language.

While English is spoken sufficiently in many cities, approaching everyone in English is perceived as rude and arrogant. We expect foreigners to speak English when they come to the states, so don’t be a hypocrite. Some people might even answer back in English, but either way will be pleased with your efforts to respect their culture.

Live like a local!

If everyone who came to New York only saw Times Square, they’d have no idea what real life is like in New York City. They’d be overcharged to drink, eat, buy souvenirs, and miss out on the best views. Don’t make the same mistakes! Find out the best local places by talking to locals. You can meet people by attending a couch-surfing get together. You don’t need to invade their couch to indulge in their city.

Talk to other travelers.

Travelers are the hunters and gatherers of our world. Strike up a conversation and ask about their experience in the destination. “A smart man learns from his mistakes, a wise man learns from others.”

It’s easy to get wrapped up in wonder when in a new city, but don’t fall so in love that you become blind. Yes, it’s a new and exciting place, but don’t judge a book by it’s cover. The way to know a culture is to know the people who carry it. Sight-seeing a destination does not mean you’ve experienced it! You can sit on your own couch for that. Whether or not you end up enjoying a destination depends largely on your experience. While I can’t guarantee things going perfect, I can guarantee your reaction will be much more rational the more prepared you are.

Also published on Thought Catalog

It’s been two years since I’ve earned a bachelors degree in Sociology, and I still don’t have a “career.” During undergrad, I did everything right. I made it my business to check in with the campus career center, had a 3.7 GPA, and a good relationship with my professors. Where did I go wrong?

Five months of consistent résumé re-writing and confessing my greatest strength or weakness lead to no legitimate opportunities. Searching for a long term career was draining and discouraging, and I refused to be an educated waitress with no plan of upward movement. So I changed my approach and decided to focus on what I could do now.

As recent graduate I asked myself “what do I really have that makes me stand out in a pool of resumes?” Instead of spending 20 hours a week trying to impress some hypothetical employer, I decided to take an entrepreneurial approach at my newly learned skills, with no intention of income. Here’s what I found to be successful:

Freelance. If you’ve got the skills and passion, put it to use. Hone them & network. Pay might be horrible or non-existent, but start somewhere. You’re a rookie, if on the other side would you pay you top dollar to preform this recently learned skill? Probably not, so prove your worth and work up to it.

Start blogging. In SO many positions today, writing well is a necessity. Having a website to list is literally a digital portfolio of your professional insights, and how you relate to the world.

Intern. Three out of five of my friends who interned at a reputable company have awesome positions in the field of their choice. As one of the three who now hires interns told me, “your major and GPA are irrelevant. We want to see that you have experience.”

Teach abroad. A few searches on google will present you with endless agencies that don’t require any degrees to travel and teach English. Talk about adding experience to your resume- learning another language, adapting to foreign culture, and teaching experience. Not to mention it’s an ideal way to make great connections and meet amazing mentors.

Network, network, network! I started following professionals in fields I’m interested in, participating in twitter chats to gain inspiration and insight, and reaching out to authors and bloggers I admired. Genuine interest is more appealing to people than being asked for something.

As my successful three-out-of- five friend told me, employers barely even look at your college credentials. Before investing in another systemized education, get some experience. Not getting a career right away might just be a blessing in disguise. With that free time is an opportunity to see what you really like and dislike. There is a path out there, it’s just about finding the right one.

With warm weather lingering in Madrid, we went on a journey to discover the coolest terraces in the city. Here's a sneak preview of our journey, I promise you will want to experience them for yourselves!

El Jardín Secreto

2 Calle Conde Duque

Madrid, Spain

The Hat

video by Eva Dufey
18 Calle Baja de la Iglesia

Madrid, Spain

Gymage

2 Calle Corredera Baja de San Pablo

Madrid, Spain

(To be continued....)

Moving to the city has really worn on my poor feet. The flats and booties that I sported in the suburbs aren't durable enough to sustain the amount of walking city life entails. Enough bleeding and blisters forced me to succumb to the comfortable sneaker swag. I'm all about versatility, so I wanted a pair office and weekend appropriate. Because I firmly believe shoes can make or break an outfit, I took to the people of Madrid for some style inspiration. I found a ton of comfortably chic combinations!

Comfy Chic

Colorful creepers accent the most simple outfits. A neutral colored oversized sweater, and cuffed black jeans. Classic and versatile, this outfit is a fall favorite!

Timelessly Trendy

Shredded jeans and white keds, I love this timeless trend! A perfect pair for the weekend warrior.

Perfectly Put Together

Colorful sneakers with a simple button up, I love the versatility of this outfit. A great wear for the office & weekend activities.

Flawlessly Feminine

SO fond of the feminine outfit paired with comfy shoes. Another outfit appropriate and flattering all around.

Highly Irresistible

Love the funky flair she added by mixing high tops and patterned leggings. Comfy, casual, and creative!

High-jacked

Black leather jacket and an invisible heal. Relaxed and retro so right for the weekend!

Blacked Out

All black is always a good idea. Combined with ripped jeans, she rocked this rugged ensamble.

Blazing Beauty

Clashing done right! Love the comfortability combined with business casual blazer. A more than appropriate accent!