A Family Reunion in Spain
This Christmas, I was incredibly lucky to visit my older brother in Spain, with my parents joining us. I’m so grateful for the chance to see my family and create unforgettable memories.
Exploring Madrid
The first stop of my trip was Madrid, where I reunited with my brother. A highlight was watching him graduate from culinary school—by the end of the ceremony, I was in tears! After celebrating, we squeezed in an express sightseeing tour, making the most of every minute. Another special moment was catching up with my cousin, who studies media in Madrid. I hadn’t seen her since the summer, so I was beyond excited to reconnect.
Falling in Love with Porto
After landing in Lisbon, we headed north to Porto—one of my new favourite cities. Porto is vibrant, full of life, and bursting with music. Our first night included an unforgettable meal at a fantastic restaurant. The next day, I tried ‘pastéis de nata’ for the first time, and they instantly became a new favourite of mine—just like most things in Porto! The people were lovely, the views were stunning, and even though we only stayed for two days, I’m eager to return.
Lisbon’s Dreamlike Charm
Lisbon felt like a fever dream—busy, exciting, and exhausting in the best way. Despite the packed days, I always made time for calls with my favourite person. I also spent more time with my brother, and I could feel our bond growing stronger. Two standout experiences were visiting the National Azulejos Museum and taking a day trip to Sintra, where we explored the breathtaking Palácio da Pena.
A Cosy Christmas in the Pyrenees
We spent Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day in a small town in the French Pyrenees with our extended family. After days in Portugal, it was refreshing to be in a place where I understood the language again! The old Roman-style churches were stunning, and, as always, the food was exceptional.
Discovering the Beauty of Andalusia
From France, we flew back to Spain, making our way to Seville to visit my mother’s best friend. Along the way, we stopped in Granada to admire La Alhambra and in Córdoba to visit the iconic Mezquita-Cathedral. Finally, we arrived in Seville, where we celebrated New Year’s Eve. Andalusia’s rich history and culture made it one of my favourite parts of Spain.
Madrid, Part Two – A Local’s Perspective
I spent my final days of Christmas break back in Madrid with my brother. This time, he showed me his favourite non-touristy spots, including the best thrift shops. One of the highlights was visiting an exhibition of Joaquín Sorolla, my favourite artist. Saying goodbye to my family again was bittersweet, but I was excited to return to school.
Back to School in Ireland and Exam Prep
As much as I loved my travels, seeing my friends again was amazing—I had missed them so much! That’s when it hit me: we don’t have much time left in school in Ireland.
With mock exams next week, I’ve had to prioritise studying over socialising. The stress is real, especially since I have to cover so many topics, even though most won’t appear on the exam. Still, I’ve put in the effort, so I think I’ll do fine. Subjects like History and English have been easier to revise, but Maths and Business definitely require more motivation!
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