We’re just 8 weeks out from The Collective Europe in Barcelona! This all-inclusive, retreat-style conference October 5-8 promises to help you disconnect from technology (and social media!) while truly connecting you with like-minded people through meaningful conversation and creative workshops. Doesn’t that sound amazing? Nothing is more nurturing to the soul than beautiful scenery, incredible food, and quality time spent doing the things that make you happy. You can read more about what to except from my Pinterest presentation over at The Collective’s blog!
I am so looking forward to this retreat—both as an attendee and a speaker—and would love for you to join me if you’re able! Beauty Bets readers receive 20% off tickets with promo code BEAUTYBETS20! Get yours right here.
The second I finalized my plans to speak at The Collective Europe Conference in Barcelona, Spain I started crowd-sourcing tips from friends who have been. The food and bevies are always a focal point of my travel, which has helped me realize that they are something that bring me joy—especially when accompanied by good company! I’ve dabbled in Spanish cuisine, but there’s nothing like the real thing. After some brief research (and a bit of drool) I have a short list of local treats I’m anxious to try:
Paella – This dish is usually cooked over an open fire and usually has a bubbling, tomato-based broth with anything from meat, fish or seafood cooked in to simmer low and slow. It is served over rice and usually varies greatly from chef to chef. Guess that just means I’ll have to try it everywhere I go!
Sangria – A traditional Spanish sangria has a red wine base, but typically includes brandy and triple sec as well. The star of the show, however, is the soaked fruit. I’m all about a good glass of wine, so was pleased to hear that sangria isn’t the only wine-based bevvie in Spain — others include tinto de verano and kalimotxo.
Patatas Bravas – Like poutine or a good cheese curd, this potato dish can typically be found in casual restaurants or bars across Spain. It consists of potatoes that are both baked and fried, then topped with a spicy sauce and usually finished with a drizzle of fresh cream. I can’t stop googling photos of these and am going to try to control myself.
Café – Apparently a strong cup of Spanish coffee is as good as it gets. Good news for this caffeine fiend! They serve it up all sorts of ways so here’s my cheat sheet (because one can never have too much coffee):
Café cortado – espresso with a drop of milk
Café solo – espresso
Café con leche – espresso with milk
Café descafeinado – decaf coffee
Café con hielo – espresso over ice
The Collective Europe takes place in the mountains. Which is perfect, because I feel so at home in that terrain and already know how happy my heart will be. However, I am also at home with a good book, beachy hair, salty skin, and the sound of the ocean, so I hope to find time to park myself on one of Spain’s many beaches during my time there. I feel blessed to know so many adventurous friends who have already been, and have passed on their favorite spots to me.
Cala de Algaiarens – Menorca is a Spanish island located in the Mediterranean Sea, and along it’s shoreline you’ll find many coves (calas). Since many of them are only accessible by boat, you can often find ones that are pretty private, and if you’re lucky, you might get one all to yourself!
Playa de Llagosteira – In the far northwest corner of Spain you’ll find a beach that is almost 2 miles long, and unlike Cala de Algaiarens, this one has amenities, restaurants, and lots of people watching. Rumor has it that there is an old cruise liner that sunk near the north end of the beach, drawing both snorkelers and divers.
Cabo de Ajo – If you prefer your beach with a side of insanely huge, rocky cliffs, then Cabo de Ajo might be the beach for you. When I first googled it, the photos really fooled me! Located on the Cantabrian coastline (north central spain), this beach almost looks like it could be in Ireland, but with far better weather. Beautiful stretches of beach are butted up against towering cliffs and blue ocean. This one might be at the top of my list.
Does Spain sound like a dream come true to you? Feeling like you could use a few days of unplugged, tech-free bliss? Consider planning a trip of your own and meeting me at The Collective Europe this October! There’s still time to take advantage of the 20% discount for BB readers—used promo code BEAUTYBETS20 when you purchase your tickets here. Adios for now!
THESE HAPPENED, TOO
from beautybets.com
No comments:
Post a Comment