Sarah la Viajera
Sarah la Viajera

Independence vs. Pride

November 22, 2012SarahAdd comment
Written by Sarah
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As I was walking just outside of my neighborhood the other day, a car with a New York license plate passed by me. This thought happened to cross my mind: I think I know why I’m so attracted to New York City. It’s not the energy or the sheer magnitude of the city or the amount of skyscrapers that line its harbor. It all boils down to this one word: survivor. NYC and I are both survivors. Superstorm Sandy tore through its streets bringing with it lots of destruction and causing a lot of damage. But did Lower Manhattan concede or raise a white flag? No. And when life after graduation delivered one blow after the other, did I surrender? You can bet your bottom dollar I didn’t.

I’ve often considered myself an independent person long before the world accepted me as one. That’s not to say that coming to that realization has made my life easier. In fact, it has done just the opposite. I constantly have to deny my worldly desires and focus on the people around me. The funny thing is, I have a hard time asking for help. I try so hard to do everything myself that I miss the opportunities I have to ask God to carry my burdens. He promises daily to do that for me yet I constantly reject His help. I’ve gotten better at ‘asking for help’ recently. There have been several instances in the past couple months where all I could do was look up and ask for His help. Yes, my faith has been tested more times than I’d like it to be but in a way, it’s tested week in, week out.

For several years, I have always gotten a ride to church. When I’m home in Ohio, I try to drive to church and other places as much as I can. It’s a privilege to drive a car. Here in Jacksonville, I don’t have that option. At least, not right now. Well, a little over a year ago I found a solution to my ride dilemma. Public transportation! Using it helps me get around to the places I need to go daily and learn how to navigate the city at the same time. Plus, it’s cheap and I don’t have to worry about maintenance or insurance costs. It’s a win-win, right? Not always.

Most weeks I’m very glad that I can go to and leave church on my own without help. Lately, however, it’s been tiring me out. Burning me out. The systematic way I have to follow just to arrive at the door of the church, that is. I have to get up very early just to make everything work and arrive on time for the 10:30am service. Maybe later on I’ll reveal the specific times and details but let’s just go with, it’s VERY early. It is the earliest time I get up at all week which is ironic because Sunday is a day of rest. Sometimes it is for me, but mostly it’s not particularly restful. On the other hand, it’s the most refreshing thing in the world for me to know that I can wake up, get ready and go to church, a church that I love dearly I might add, and leave by myself when the service is over. I have not had this freedom well, for as long as I have been alive.

Am I being selfish, though, for wanting to do that all on my own every week? Wouldn’t it be better both relationally and financially for me and someone else to carpool instead?

I’m not sure I have the answer to that. At times I feel like I’m being incredibly prideful for rejecting any such help to carpool to church in order to get more sleep on Saturdays. Other times, I feel like going by myself makes me feel more independent and that in turn makes me a stronger person.

I’m also human, though. I need rest from time to time. And for now, I’m thankful to have a church family who cares about me just as much as I care about them. The challenges I face each week all prove to be worth it as soon as I walk through those doors. I’m also thankful for rest and relaxation….which is something I get to catch up on in the next few days. Thank God. 🙂

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When I read my very first blog post about the infamous pintxo de champiñón (champi for short) and gamba, I just knew that one day I had to try it. Fast forward 11 years and I did! And now I’m posting about it 2 months later, oops. 😅 Visiting Logroño, located just underneath País Vasco, back in March was a very pleasant surprise. The walkability, large concentration of bars in the city center and the fact that eating was the main focus of our weekend were wonderful. When I was dreaming about trying these absolutely delicious #pintxos all those years ago, I never imagined I would go to Logroño with the person I absolutely love trying new dishes and cuisines with. I never knew how fun going away to such a gastronomic gem of a region like La Rioja 🍷 would be and how eating my way around the town (plus, a little bit of culture and football ⚽️ for him) would be such an adventure. We didn’t make it everywhere we wanted to go so we’ve got yet another list of pintxos to try the next time we visit. 👫💕 Pintxos featured: 1️⃣ Champiñón 🍄 a la plancha con gamba 🍤 - Bar Soriano 2️⃣ Unas patatas bravas increíbles! 🤩 - Bar Jubera 3️⃣ El cojonudo (huevo de cordoniz con chorizo sobre pan) - Bar El Muro Restaurante 4️⃣ Un excelente pintxo de tortilla 🍳🥔“melosa” -La Concordia (Tortillera) 5️⃣ Croquetas de puerro y gamba (yo) y de cachopo (A) -Divina Croqueta 6️⃣ Otro pintxo de gamba y champi - Bar Ángel (mi favorito 😍) 7️⃣ Bocatita de jamón con queso de tetilla 🧀 (a nod to our beloved Galicia) 🤤 - Pata Negra 8️⃣ Tío Agus (un mini bocadillo de carne de cedro adobado con salsa secreta) - Tío Agus Bar Lorenzo 9️⃣ Tarta de queso vasca 😋 - Café Calenda (Calle Portales) 🔟 Brocheta de langostinos a la plancha con aceite de oliva y pimentón de la Vera - La Casita Mesón Bar Side note: it’s really hard to film one handed and try to eat at the same time (see slide #4). Have you been to Logroño before? What were some of your favorite foods/pintxos? 😋🥘🐷🥖⬇️ #callaurel #callelaurellogroño #logroño #pinchos #tapeando #lariojapetece #foodies #larioja
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Two weeks ago today, @andrewrgillan and I woke up around 5:30 am, packed the last couple of things into our small bags and headed to the airport for an early morning flight to a place neither of us had ever been to before: 📍Palma de Mallorca! At about 18€ round trip per person (yes, for flights!), going away to a new comunidad in Spain and to the #IslasBaleares for the first time ever was just a hop, skip and a jump away. The perfect short yet adventurous city break that we needed! In fact, we had had the idea to go to Mallorca for a quick weekend getaway on our list since 2020 and so I was thrilled when we could finally go do it. And what’s more, there’s nothing like receiving the gift of a trip and a memorable experience for Valentine’s Day, is there? ❤️ Though it was a whirlwind of a trip (just under 36 hours), I loved everything we saw and ate. And madre mía, did we eat well there! I’ve thanked you many times since but thank you so much for taking me away from everyday life and giving me the chance to explore somewhere new with you, Andrew, just like we’ve dreamed of doing ever since we got married. 🤗💕 From the pictures: landing in Palma de Mallorca, exploring near the marina, taking a siesta in our abnormally large “double bed” (aka two twin beds pushed together 😂), La Rambla, eating tumbet con solomillo, wandering the Catalán and Italian style streets and climbing lots of stairs, seeing the picturesque Sèu de Palma and all the yachts parked in the harbor, eating some of the best tortilla out that I’ve had in a very long time, finally having an #ensaimada from Spain and not a Starbucks in Florida 🙈 and lastly, that view of Palma from the window seat in the back of the plane! 😍 We will be back to explore more of the island as soon as we can plan another trip 😅 but for now, I’ll be reminiscing about everything I saw from my photos. Here’s to more adventures in 2022! 😘
A couple of weeks ago, I turned 3️⃣3️⃣ on December 16th. It’s long since been my favorite day but this year I made a couple of big realizations. As much as I’ve tried to have some sort of birthday dinner or a party when I was younger, I realize that since they haven’t usually worked out save for a handful of times (thanks, Christmas parties, trips and dinners 😅), I don’t really even expect to do something big. A nice, relaxed lunch (which is what we did this year) or dinner with @andrewrgillan, some self-care pampering and cake are all I could really ask for. Or a trip to Sevilla like I did a couple of times a few years ago. 😍🍊💗 Lastly, and this the big one, I think the reason why checking off a big item on my to-do list and marking the occasion are so important to me and why this time of year is more intense for me compared to everyone else, is that the year ends twice for me. First, once I add an extra candle to my cake and second, when the clock strikes 12 on December 31st. Much like it will here soon in the UK. 🇬🇧 It’s really crucial that as we get older, we keep learning more about ourselves and this year I dove deep. Parts of 32 sucked to be honest but other times I felt such joy and accomplishment for the things I’ve done and how I made it through this past year. This year, I’m grateful to be alive and 33 years old. Not everyone makes it this far and that’s a sobering thought. And in the same vein, not everyone who was with me when I was 32 can come with me on my glow up into this next year. Also, let’s not forget, this time last year I had no idea that I’d become a published author halfway through 2021. I can only dream up what I’ll do this year... 🤔😅 (Photos include birthday pics and some of my favorite things: cats, cute things and the gorgeous coastal views of Northern Ireland from this year 😍🌊🐈 ) Happy 2022 everyone! 🥳🥂
There isn’t anywhere else on the Internet where you can get a 125 page e-book that explains in easy-to-read detail on how to get around Madrid via public transportation (Metro, EMT Madrid bus, Cercanías, Metro Ligero, BiciMAD 🚲 and more), figure out what neighborhood you should stay or live in, where to eat, what to do, the off-the-beaten places and hidden gems to visit written from the perspective of a 5-year resident of Madrid herself. Hi 👋🏻, I’ve checked and this type of guide just hasn’t been done before. So if you’re looking to move here or are already here and want to get the most out of what Madrid can offer, I’ve got you covered. Take the stress out of buying tickets and passes, making bus and metro connections, reading maps and learn and enjoy the city like I have for 5 years and counting. I show you how to get a special discount on my book for a limited time only to show you how quick and easy it is. Save 25% until December 1st, 2021 at 11:59pm. Share this with anyone you might know who’d love to get their hands on it or gift it to a transportation lover on your list this Christmas! 🎁 Favorite places featured: 1. Parque de Berlín (neighborhood: Hispanoamérica) 🚇: Concha Espina (Line 9) 2. Puerta de Europa - Parque Cuarto Depósito (neighborhood: Nueva España) 🚇 Plaza de Castilla Line 1, 9, 10 (+bus lines) 3. Hotel Riu Plaza España Rooftop 🌇🏨 (neighborhood: Argüelles) 🚇: Plaza de España Line 3, 10 4. Edificio Metrópolis (neighborhood: Sol/Cortes) 🚇: Banco de España Line 2 What’s your preferred mode of transportation in Madrid or another part of the world? Let me know in the comments!
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Happy second anniversary, @andrewrgillan 🥳 I have to be honest these past two years have felt like double the amount of time has passed. Not that it’s difficult to be married to you, just that time has been thrown so out of wack. It speeds by in the blink of an eye and yet it still somehow manages to take its sweet time as the calendar pages painstakingly flip by. There aren’t enough words in the world to describe how I feel about you. 💕 But the second photo in this mini montage is the one I think describes where we’re at at this stage, two years in. We’re setting down roots. Not in a physical sense but where we are in terms of our love for one another. It runs deeper each day and not only have we hit our stride with sharing the same living space together, we complement each other better. I love waking up next to you each morning and laughing with you almost every night just before bed. You are the embodiment of what home feels like in a person. And I’m so glad that I got to experience more of what your home country feels like for you. 💝 From a chance meeting on a rainy night in Northern Spain to reconnecting through an awful situation five years ago next month to falling in love and building a relationship full of mutual trust and love together, day by day, I’m excited to see what this year will hold. #loveyouthemost #medianaranja 🍊 #internationallove
This time last week we were in Northern Ireland on our Gibraltar anniversary and traveling just a wee ways over to the location where we had had our wedding reception. While it was a special and fun day and our marriage legally began on Sept. 2nd, personally we had a few more weeks to go before our official married life. One of the most frustrating things of these last 19 months or so was having to stay put and when it was safe enough only travel locally (as in not leaving the Iberian Peninsula). I often thought of how couples who got married a few years ago or more have been able to go back to the places where they got married and have taken many more anniversary trips. And to think for us, simply having the ceremony and reception and bringing our two worlds together were miracles in and of themselves. It’s easy to fall into those ways of thinking and it is only human to do so. That nagging question of “well, when can we return to one of *our* special spots?” was answered last week when we were able to visit the lovely location where we had our wedding reception on 9/21/2019. The drive out to the forest, the gorgeous fields of dark purple heather (not to mention the sheep that held us up along the way 🐑🚗) and the forest itself were sights to behold. 😍 Stepping inside it and reveling in the greenery felt like I was taking a breath of the cleanest air I’ve breathed in in a very long time. 😌🍃 And don’t let my dress fool you, it was cold inside there too! As if someone had splashed a bucket of cold water on me. 🥶💦 It was a beautiful gift to both reflect on the memories of the past and make new ones at the same place, a couple years later. Swipe through for a few newer pictures from that day in Gibraltar. One of my favorites is the fourth photo because even then we were talking about the books I would write and smiling brightly thinking about the future. How wonderful to have gotten it forever frozen in time. ❤️ I could never have imagined what exactly we were embarking on back in September 2019 but there’s no doubt that I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else other than you, @andrewrgillan, by my side.💗 Happy belated “paperwork” day, mi amor. 💋👫💙💜
I am officially a published author! 🎉📖🥳 On the night of June 1st, I clicked publish on my first ever e-book, a massive 30,00 word, 121 page digital book that I have spent the last 7 months working hard to bring to completion. And it’s finally here! If you can believe it, I had to consolidate all the information I found but still came up with over 100 pages chock full of useful information, historical fun facts, descriptions, tips and links to all of the the transportation websites, articles, maps and much more. Not to mention pro-tips and recommendations you only learn from commuting around the city after almost 5 full years. There is something for everyone: first timers in Madrid, current residents, visitors and tourists, commuters, study abroad students, interns, languages assistants and travelers both young and young at heart. ❤️ But mostly it’s for the people who are or would be completely lost without a guide like this. To me personally, this book is for 21 year old study abroad Sarah who single handedly planned the longest metro trip from the Barajas Airport to the Atocha train station one wintry day in a suburb of Dayton, Ohio while reading her guide book. An actual paperback book with a map of the major metros of #Madrid and Barcelona. My goodness, how far she has come since January 2010. 😅 Madrid is a fantastic city with excellent modes of transportation, a city bike share system and buses that run on both electricity and zero emissions. There are still improvements to be made but I truly do love this city and how I wonderful and freeing it is knowing I don’t need a car to see it. Have you been to #Madrid before? What mode of transportation do you prefer? 🚇🚌🚊🚲 #madridmemata #ilovespain #newbook