Get Up. Get Out. Get Lost.

Class Discussion: La Palma Volcanic Eruption

By now I´m sure you´ve heard about the tragic volcanic eruption in La Isla Bonita, more commonly known as La Palma, one of the stunning islands in the Canary Island archipelago. Here in the Canaries, we´ve been inundated with the tragic news from our neighbouring island. Observing my students live, albeit indirectly, through this historic…

Almond Blossom Festivals Canary Islands

Almond Blossom Festivals in the Canary Islands Fiestas del Almendro en Flor Islas Canarias When the first almond blossoms burst into bloom along the slopes and valleys of the Canary Islands, spring fever starts to set in. One of the most charming spectacles on the islands are the first almost blossoms in January and February,…

Christmas in Gran Canaria

Christmas in Gran Canaria While most of the northern hemisphere is dreaming of a white Christmas, you´re talking to a California-raised, Canary Island transplant (via Cambodia and the Caribbean). I don´t do cold. So while the rest of the world may be content to cuddle up in cable knit sweaters and sip hot chocolate as…

Ruta Playa Viva Live Music in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Ruta Playa Viva Live Music in Las Palmas To your right, the smell of the sea as the waves hit the sand. A cocktail in your hand, an ocean breeze and live music floating all around you. It’s the weekend in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria’s vibrant barrio Guanarteme and Las Canteras beach, and that means the…

Canary Islands Culture: La Noche de Finaos (not Halloween!)

La Noche de Finaos is a tradition in the Canary Islands, linked to All Saint´s Day and held on October 31 annually (the same day as Halloween). Like All Saint´s Day, Finaos in the Canaries celebrates, honors and remembers friends and family who have passed on. Families get together to share a meal, play music and remember stories of deceased loved ones.

Teach English in Spain as an Auxiliar de Conversación Language Assistant

Spain is ramping up efforts to improve the nations´ English skills by inviting native English speakers into the classroom, and thousands of young people move to Spain every year to teach English, learn Spanish, explore the beautifully diverse country and of course, drink lots of Spanish wine 🍷.

Ultimate Guide: Apartment Hunting in Tenerife

I´ve lived in the Canary Islands since 2014 and my first home was Tenerife. I´ve lived in both Santa Cruz de Tenerife and in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, and I´ve definitely learned a thing or two about apartment hunting in the islands.

Campanadas de Verano de Las Palmas: New Year´s Eve in August

It’s New Year’s in Las Palmas… in August?! For the last 7 years, Las Palmas has been celebrating the New Year in a unique way… or at least at a unique time. In August!

Las Fiestas de Agosto in Madrid: La Paloma in La Latina

It´s late afternoon in La Latina, one of the most characteristic and castizo neighborhoods of Spain´s capital city. Colourful flags and vibrant Manilla shawls decorate every street, and the local restaurants are busy blocking off their doorways and setting up makeshift bars outside. It´s stifling hot in the summer heat, but there´s an energy in the air that can only mean one thing: this is gonna be a great party.
And above all else, Madrid loves a good party.

Spreading Those Sunny Vibes: The Sunshine Blogger Award

Sunshine Blogger Award Celebrating Those Who Spread Positivity 🙌 Creativity 🎨 & Sunshine 🌞 Summer in Spain means a lot of good things – island hopping, my favorite local festivals, and sipping refreshing drinks at the seaside. It also means renewing my immigration paperwork. Photocopies in duplicate and triplicate and staples and paperclips and translations and signatures and…

7 Spanish Drinks You Must Sip on this Summer

Whether you’re desperately trying to beat the heat in Barcelona, soaking up the sun along the southern Spanish coast, or sitting at home wishing you were living the dream in Spain, chances are you’ll be feeling a bit parched this summer.

While there’s no shortage of cerveza and sangria to be sampled, do as the Spanish do and beat the heat with one of these 7 classic summer thirst-quenchers instead!

BEDA Language Assistant Enrollment Fee: Confirm Your Placement

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably been accepted to the BEDA Language Assistant Program in Spain.
Congrats!! Once you’ve received your acceptance letter, you have just 7 days to confirm your placement as a BEDA Language Assistant, so it’s time to act fast!

7 Unforgettable Experiences Volunteering at the Surin Elephant Project

Tossing and turning against the stifling heat, I rolled over on the thin mat, trying to make myself comfortable in the raised bamboo hut. Tired and hot as I was, I couldn’t help but smile as I listened to the muffled squeaks and rumbles below.

Elephants.
The beautiful, majestic creatures that had fascinated me since childhood, of whom I had seen countless documentaries of their incredible memories, near-human emotional intelligence and fascinating beauty…
And here I was, living amongst them.

Fuerteventura Off the Beaten Track: Camping in the Canary Islands

With only five days to explore Fuerteventura – the second largest of the Canary Islands – we would need to do a lot of moving around. We arrived without an itinerary, determined to follow the advice of locals on our search for the most beautiful beaches, and daily weather reports to avoid the wilder winds (Fuerteventura, after all, translates to “strong wind,” and for good reason.

6 Things to do in the Southwest of Gran Canaria: Puerto Rico & Playa Amadores

As much as I tend to bemoan the overly-touristic south, I’m always surprised at how much I enjoy my time here every now and then. There really is plenty to do – from basic beaching to luxury spas and all the water sports you can think of. Plus, sunshine.

The Vallarta–Cabo Compromise: Cruising the Mexican Riviera

Cruising the Mexican Riviera, we had to make a big decision: go with the flow on the organized excursions, or go off exploring on our own. We did both! Find out how it went…

Discover Moya in Gran Canaria

Perched above deep volcanic valleys and ravines sits the sleepy, whitewashed town of Moya, where time has seemingly stood still. Children play in the small plazas and old women guard the town from their intricately carved wooden balconies. Church bells ring and old men stop to chat about the weather or yesterday’s match. There’s something timeless about an afternoon in Moya, as if this is what’s always been and what always will be.

Free Museum Entry to 7 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Museums

From centuries-old houses transformed into museums showcasing local artists and poets, to ancient cave paintings by the indigenous Canarii, there’s something for everyone in and around Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Read on for the definitive list of 7 Gran Canaria museums that offer free entry on the first weekend of the month, and get to know a deeper side of this island paradise.

Carnaval in the Classroom: ESL Lesson Plans

One thing I’ve learnt Teaching English abroad is that there are many great opportunities to share your language, culture, traditions and celebrations, but if you want to keep your students completely engaged, try bringing their culture into the classroom! As an added bonus, you’ll learn a ton about local history, culture and traditions from your students! Read on for 10 Carnival activities and lesson plans for the ESL classroom!

Carnaval in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: Top 6 Must See Events

Vibrant colors, vivacious rhythms, dizzying talcum powder wars and the most diva-licious Drag Queen show I’ve ever seen – ya es Carnaval in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria!

Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife: The Biggest Bash in the Canary Islands

Usually January is considered a time to tighten up the budget and the post-holiday buns and to settle in for the less festive side of winter; but as most of Spain is packing up their poinsettias and nibbling on the last crumbs of turrón and Roscón de Reyes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife is just warming up for the real party… Carnaval.

Getting Lost in 2017: A Year in Photos

The end of the year always leaves me with notes of nostalgia, and this morning as I lazily sipped my coffee I got to thinking about all the places I’ve gotten lost in 2017 (and some plans for the coming year!)

Teach English in Spain: BEDA Language Assistants

These days, learning English is all the rage in sunny Spain, and between the many English teaching programs out there, almost anyone can find a way in.

I’ve spent 4 years working as an English Language Assistant with BEDA (Bilingual English Development & Assessment).

Six Years in Spain: Reflections of a Life Abroad

Sometimes it still feels like yesterday, sailing over the Atlantic en route to Barajas International Airport, mentally preparing to touch down for “a year” in Madrid.

The Shelter Games: 3 Commandments for Finding a Flat in Spain

Apartment hunting isn’t usually considered fun. Throw in a different language in a different country with different customs and it’s, well, different. Luckily, you’re not the first guiri to make the move to sunny Spain, so save yourself the stress of making all the mistakes yourself and learn from some of ours before you.

Quintessential Cuenca: ´Hanging´Out Amid the Hanging Houses

To describe Cuenca as dramatic would be an understatement. Originally founded by the Moors in the 8th century, the city was built on a peak protected by severe drops down to the gorges of the Huécar and Júcar rivers below. Everything surrounding the city is verdant green, and everything within the city is solid stone that has witnessed thousands of years of history.

La Ruta del Pincho: Thursday Tapas in Historical Vegueta

Every Thursday night in Vegueta, the scent of mojo and mariscos fills the air and hungry patrons – both locals and guiris alike – fill every bar, terrace and square inch of sidewalk. It’s the weekly Ruta del Pincho aka Tapas Thursday in the historic center, where friends gather together to share a bucket (or 10) of botellínes and sample the countless pinchos on offer.

Finding a Flat in Spain: The Basics

Finding a flat is essential.

Finding a flat you love (or at least like, hopefully a lot) will make a huge impact on your overall Spain experience.

Las Palmas Barrios: Finding the Neighbourhood that’s Right for You

Las Palmas Neighborhoods: Finding the Barrio That’s Right for You Finding your little piece of paradise in Las Palmas might just be the most important decision you’ll make when you arrive. There are the obvious factors like price and commute convenience, but for me it’s equally as important to find the barrio of your dreams….

Language Assistants in Spain: Getting Ready for the Big Move

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably received your regional placement as a Language Assistant in Spain… congrats! If you’re like most first-time auxiliares, this will be your first time living overseas for more than a just study abroad stint, and let’s just say… it’s different. Different in lots of good ways, and a few stressful ways, but absolutely different.
The truth is, there’s quite a bit that you won’t be able to do until you arrive – finding a piso (apartment) you love, setting up a bank account, securing a Spanish SIM card, etc. There are, however, a few things you can do now to make the transition a whole helluvalot easier when you arrive, and here are my top 3: consulates, cash & communication.

A Burning Ring of Fire: Las Fallas in Valencia, Spain

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. You can read my full disclosure statement here. 🔥Las Fallas in Valencia, Spain🔥 Fall Into a Burning Ring of Fire at Valencia´s Annual Las Fallas Festival…

ESL Class Debate: Will Smith & The Slap Heard Round the World

If your students are anything like mine, all they want to talk about this week is the 2022 Academy Awards fiasco. This speaking activity is a mixture of debate and class discussion to look at the historical event through the context of multiple angles, featuring topics such as: Will Smith, Chris Rock & the Slap…

Spain in the Time of the Coronavirus: A Peak into Spain´s Covid-19 Quarantine

*This is an opinion piece. I am not a medical expert (nor in anything else, for that matter). The following post features my opinions as an expat living in Spain during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.* Love Spain in the Time of Coronavirus A Peak into Spain´s Covid-19 Quarantine As usual, it´s warm and sunny in…

Get Lost in Gran Canaria June Events Calendar

We´re taking a break from our monthly event calendars until life gets back to normal. Enjoy the sunshine and stay safe out there. Get Lost in Gran Canaria June 2019 Events 🎶☀️Summertime, and the livin´ is easy ☀️🎶 It´s summertime in Gran Canaria, and whether you´re here on holidays or patiently anxiously awaiting some summer…

Get Lost in Gran Canaria May Events Calendar

Get Lost in Gran Canaria May 2019 Events Click here if you´re looking for June 2019 events in Gran Canaria. Spring is in the air! Aside from some damp and gray days over the last month, spring should be in full force over the next couple of weeks and full of all the good stuff…

Get Lost in Gran Canaria April 2020 Events

Get Lost in Gran Canaria April 2020 Events Spring has officially sprung (which isn´t saying much considering the lack of winter this year)! But the days are getting longer, the nights are getting warmer and the Gran Canaria cumbre is fully in bloom with wild flowers and fresh, spring air. It´s a perfect time not…

Get Lost in Gran Canaria March Events Calendar

Get Lost in Gran Canaria March 2020 Events Spring is sprung, days are getting longer and the sun is getting warmer. March in the islands means that the almond blossoms are blooming in Gran Canaria´s peaks and the glitter and confetti are bursting at Carnival celebrations in Las Palmas, Maspalomas and dozens of other cities…

Get Lost in Gran Canaria February Events Calendar

Get Lost in Gran Canaria February 2020 Events February may be the ¨coldest¨ month of the year in the Canary Islands, but with Carnival fever spreading like wildfire there will be plenty to keep you warm! The month starts off quietly enough with the always lovely almond blossom festivals in Tejeda, Valsequillo and Tunte, along…

Get Lost in Gran Canaria January Events Calendar

Get Lost in Gran Canaria January 2020 Events And just like that, it´s 2020. The end of the holidays always leaves me a little melancholy, which is one reason why I love celebrating Christmas in Spain. While most of the world is packing up their tinsel and mistletoe, Spanish Christmas lasts a whole other week after…

ESL Games: Current Events Trivia

Current Events Trivia for the ESL Classroom When it comes to language learning, my main philosophy is that language is meant for communication above all else. Not to take an exam, not to demand perfect grammar at all times and definitely not to practice the present simple vs. the present continuous every single year forever…

Get Lost in Gran Canaria November Events Calendar

2020 Update in Progres… Please come back soon! Get Lost in Gran Canaria November 2018 Events While the sun is still shining, we´ve had our first glimpse of autumn with the breezes and a bit of a storm the last week of October just before the Noche de Finaos celebrations. But not to fear! It rarely…

Get Lost in Gran Canaria October Events Calendar

Get Lost in Gran Canaria October 2019 Events Autumn is in the air, there’s a chill in the breeze and the leaves are changing shades from green to gold… Just kidding! This is Gran Canaria and the weather forecast expects bikini season and high temperatures at least through November 😉. And since Canary Islands summer hasn´t…

Gran Canaria Calendar and September Events

While most of the world is getting ready to pull out their fluffy sweaters and get their pumpkin spice on, the sun is still shining and the weather is sweet here in Gran Canaria. Summer isn´t going anywhere any time soon, and this month is packed with events, live music and local festivals.

From the massive Pino party (La Fiesta del Pino in Teror) to the sounds of the SUM music festival and the many romerías and cultural events (especially the biggies on the north and west coasts!), there´s no time to get bored this September!

Celebrate La Fiesta del Pino in Teror, Gran Canaria

La Fiesta del Pino in Teror: Gran Canaria’s Patron Saint It was past midnight when we neared the top of the mountain. The late summer night was warm and humid and we were already sticky from walking 12km uphill. From here, we were near enough to hear the music and could practically taste a cold,…