Out with a heatwave

cousins together.jpgThe dirty backpacker look and I have a love/hate relationship. Part of me loves being carefree in all aspects of my backpacking adventure, but there comes a time when a long hot shower, hair dryer and make-up sound pretty freaking fantastic.

The heat in Málaga didn’t stop us from taking out our prettiest skirts, lipsticks and mascaras. Oh, and I can’t forget the heels. We were walking back from the beach and saw a shoe store…the rest is history.

You might be wondering where we were heading all dressed up?! Well, we treated ourselves to an INCREDIBLE flamenco show. It was unbelievable. I felt so lucky to have seen such an authentic cultural dance in the region where it originated.

We had been warned about the inhumane temperatures of the South and luckily for us, got to witness them in full force. No air conditioning in the hostel you say? I guess I’ll just sleep here in my pool of sweat.

The last stop on our cousin adventure was in Seville. I’ve raved about Spanish architecture on here before, and I’m going to do it again. I love the colours, the fountains and the marble details. Gahhh!

Feeling very fortunate to have shared this experience with my sister and cousin.

Photos from our time in Málaga and Seville below!

Ariane posingnice buildingKyra and ice creampretty scenery.jpgmarielle alonenew heelskyra in front of fountainSevillaKyra in gardenSevilla 2pretty flowerThat’s a wrap for the Spanish part of my trip. Where did I go next?

-Marielle

24 hours in Córdoba

cousins walking from behind.jpgSOLD OUT.

Our go with the flow travelling style sometimes bit us in the derrière. Booking tickets and hostels at the last-minute would get the blood pumping and the nerves ticking.

Wanting to head South, we struggled to find a way to get there. Finally, we found 3 seats on a bus towards Córdoba. Unsure about what that city had to offer, we planned on making it a one night pit stop on our way to Malaga. Airbnb proved to be the winner for accommodations that night- nothing like a break from smelly and noisy hostels.

Small cobble stone streets, dim romantic lights and Moroccan influenced architecture left us happily surprised with Córdoba. We explored a castle, got lost through winding roads and ate gelato. Fabulous.

One gelato stop has stuck with me. It was us three cousins around a table. We chatted and laughed and got lost in the direction of conversations. In that moment it felt like we were more sisters than cousins. I just remember thinking how lucky I was to be sitting in SPAIN with these two girls.

Photos from Córdoba below!

colourful flower pots.jpgEating ice cream

friendship braceletspretty cordobarunning cousinsbuilding and angelchurch in cordobaKyra and Ariane

Thanks for stopping by!

-Marielle

 

Uno, Dos, Tres Chicas!

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Spain- you’re a dream.

You can visit that place a thousand times and still love it. Mix in your sister and cousin- you’ve got yourself a dream vacation.

Ariane and I tackled the busy streets of Barcelona with new friends, and strode through picturesque churches in Zaragoza before meeting our cousin.

Then… MADRID! The three chicas together.

Apartments, shops and businesses adorned in bright colours with balconies housing drooping plants. Madrid has the kind of big city vibe that I love and could definitely get used to. Many are surprised when I choose Madrid over Barcelona; I stand by my choice.

Our hostel room was in the atic portion of the building and boy did it have that thick smell you imagine an attic would. Or was it the sweaty Australian who adamantly worked out there everyday?

A few pictures below and more about our time in Madrid!

GraffitiKyra.jpgBarcelona cathedralMarielle et Kyra.jpg

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Daily gelato intake in Zaragoza
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Walking tour pit stop at the Palace! Only normal for three princesses to stop and take a picture.

IMG_9601I am happy to report that I remained a pescatarian throughout my entire trip. Two months and counting! Croissants, baguettes, cheese, wine, gelato and fries were at the forefront of our diet. Said an ‘hasta la vista’ to my healthy eating habits for a bit- treat yoself.

One last thing about food, I promise. Kyra and I wanted to grab some churros before leaving Madrid so we headed to the best bakery in town. Oh my goodness, we ate so many so fast. I don’t even know why, they weren’t even that great! So greasy. “Never” again.

The adventure continued in the South of Spain. More on that later.

ANNOUNCEMENT: I’ve created an Instagram account for this blog so go check it out and follow along! (@redwaxseals)

Taco you later peeps!

-Marielle