I feel very fortunate this year already as I just got back from a week in Berlin where I was attending Bread and Butter for work. It was my first time at the fair and a very cool experience. I work with some really great people and to be in their presence is always a pleasure. I love the blending of the different cultures and seeing how everyone interacts and gets along, I am very observant when it comes to these situations. Although I didn’t get to really experience the city due to being so busy at the fair any time I get to travel it brings me joy.
I have another trip planned that I am really looking forward to in mid-February. I will be heading to Madrid for the weekend to celebrate my 30th birthday with friends.
When I was home over Christmas I really thought a lot about how I wanted to spend this special milestone in my life. I decided the best way to spend my birthday would be to be surrounded by my loved ones aka friends from AMS but I also knew I wanted to experience a new city for the first time for my 30th. I have been wanting to go to Madrid ever since I watched an episode of Anthony Bourdain No Reservations in Madrid and saw how the city has such an amazing food culture. Also I have 2 good friends in Amsterdam from Madrid and whenever they talk about their home city I just know I have to go.
My idea of the perfect birthday weekend is for hours on end to eat amazing tapas, drink delicious wine, be surrounded by Spanish guitar music and dance the night away…that is all I want. No worries, no troubles, no stress, just laughing, dancing and friends. Also I must admit that Vicki, Cristina Barcelona is one of my FAVORITE movies and although we are not going to BCN it is the Spanish theme that is central in my mind.
Today I was thinking back to other special birthdays that we experience in our lives and I think really the only one that counts before your 30th is your 21st birthday. I was thinking about where I was on my 21st birthday and my mind quickly brought me back to Australia. We arrived in Sydney for our semester abroad a week before my 21st birthday. I went there with 2 of my closest friends and we succeeded in having the time of our lives during those 6 months. I think every night was a party for us and we did it up so right…to date those were the best months of my life.
It is amazing for me to think where I was 9 years ago at this time and where my life has brought me. I knew I never wanted to live an average run of the mill life and I can happily admit I live a life that is anything but that.
I am right where I want to be at this moment and I must admit that after a difficult year that being able to say that with a clear mind and conscience is quite a peaceful and yet empowering feeling.
Oh, you’re going to have so much fun in Madrid! I rang in my 24th birthday with tapas, sangria and friends, it was a blast. Definitely eat your way through the Marcado San Miguel it’s filled with so many delicious treats.
Madrid is awesome, I was there in december, you should go to Mercado San Miguel and eat delicious tapas , try the wine mojitos you wont regret it :)
Plaza real at night is very lively and there is a lot going there , for fun and some flamenco
and for breakfast you cant miss some churros with hot chocolate
have a great time guapa!
@Maite- Thanks so much for the tips! Oh this is getting me soooooo excited!!! x
Hey Lo,
If Sydney and AMS are the two milestone hubs which bring you joy and characterise your different and exciting life then welcome to the club :) We’re are lucky to have taken steps which will ensure a different life path from most. Keeping questioning life, and reap the rewards of your hard work and dedication. x
@Sue- That is a great comment Sue, thank you. Yes, some great milestones for sure! x