Madrid: 2 years later

Two years ago, I was arriving at Barajas Airport in Madrid utterly scared and also excited to start a new life. Jimmy and I didn’t know what to expect since this was our first time in Madrid. We left behind so many things and felt heart-broken for many reasons.

I remember being scared to come here just for the reason that eventually I would have to leave again. But here we are two years later blending in this lovely city. I didn’t look back: I just said good-by to my family and left. No farewell parties, no calls, no social media «I-am-leaving» posts. We just took our things, our hopes and dreams and left for a better life.

So how can I manage to resume our two years here without making this a tremendous long post? With a list, obviously. 🙂

1. Two years, two different apartments. Our first one sans elevator and the second one with a lovely terrace. 
2. I have two of my old friends from school here in Madrid, but in these past two years I have made incredible new ones. I am so grateful for that.
3. We have built a solid video reel with all the things we have filmed since we got here.
4. In two years we have changed from one music producer to another (It didn’t actually work out for us, but still keep in touch because they are good friends). Now Jimmy and I haven’t stopped making music because we found our music flow together and we are loving it. I hope to share some new music soon.
5. Talking about music, I wrote a song for the SRF Eurovision Switzerland Song Contest and we made it to the final 6 from 400 people! It was an amazing experience!
6. I traveled to Paris, Pisa, Zürich (two times) and Thessalonica (3 times). I also made a fast trip to Miami with my parents. These two years have been busaaay!
7. Nina moved in with us last year and I was the happiest person on earth to have my little monster here. 
8. I finished the first draft of my book. It is still a work in progress but I am trying to squeeze the time to actually polish it.
9. I work every single day to get what I want, I feel I have made such a big progress but there is still so much to do.
10. Finally, I am still learning new things every day. Madrid, you still haven’t seen the best of me. 😉

5 things right now: Summer through my Iphone

I have to admit that even though I thought my arm would be useless forever, I am starting to feel a little better. When I say a little better I mean I can move my fingers now and grab a cup of coffee with my right hand again. Still, there is a lot of healing left and I am trying to be as patient as possible.

Some nights I stare at the ceiling (since sleeping on my back is the only position I can manage right now) and think about all the things I didn’t get to do this Summer and all the things that are «paused» until I get better. I have to stop this silly behavior and start focusing on the positive because either way time will pass and it is up to me to be miserable or focus on the good through it all.

Good news is I am writing a bit more since my hand is starting to work a little better now. Still planning ahead future projects and polishing some old ones. I did get to meet Toledo in a small day-trip, I am enjoying my terrace more and with Jimmy’s help I did get to upgrade and organize in a fun make-over my office/beauty room (post coming soon).

1. Sunday trip to Toledo.

2. Coffee with my favorite mug (thank you Ivan 🙂 )

3. Nina’s company

4. Behind the scenes of Hispanic Kitchen’s videos (big thank you to Belen ❤ )

5. I am going to miss sunsets like these.

Are you guys having fun this Summer? 🙂

Paleo Summer: Gazpacho recipe

If I had to choose my favorite Spanish dish it would be hands down: Gazpacho. I drink it all year-long even though it is a Spring/Summer recipe. There are tons of different ways to prepare this; some add bread, some use other colorful ingredients.

I have to say that with one arm (and one hand) it was quite challenging to pull the pictures off but I made my best effort. 🙂

Ingredients (serves 1): 

• 3 cups chopped tomatoes (scoop all the seeds out)
• 1 cup chopped cucumber (peel and scoop the seeds out)
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 3/4 cup bell peppers (yup, once again all seeds out)
• 1 garlic head
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions: 

Blend all the ingredients until smooth. Depending on the consistency you desire you can either add water or keep it creamy. I personally prefer it half and half. Since I have a big problem with textures in creams, I strain it in a big hole strain to keep it extra smooth.

Normally you can garnish it with some diced peppers, tomatoes, onions and cucumbers but since I am not at the top of my chopping game right now, I kept it simple.

Let cool in the fridge for at least one hour before serving.

Enjoy! 🙂