I haven't lived in Spain but I spent 2 years in southern Europe. I thought I was prepared for the slower pace of things but I really wasn't. The DMV has a bad reputation, but you will be thinking fondly of it if you have to interact with any bureaucratic institution. Also be prepared to be hot as hell in the summer. Most countries aren't big on AC. And learn Spanish (or Catalan depending on where you move) if you don't already know it. I didn't speak the language and got by, but life will be MUCH easier if you do (even a little).
Don't let this scare you off, moving to Europe was the best decision of my life. Make sure you travel around a lot. I personally think all Americans should be forced to spend 1 year abroad, so if you've got the option take advantage of it. Some of Spain is anti-tourist now (ex Barcelona) but I've been to a couple of places and really enjoyed the food and architecture.
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Traveling as a disabled person is really quite daunting for a lot of reasons, mostly because of accessibility versus inaccessibility in countries outside of the US (most of the US itself outside of NYC is painfully inaccessible). Last year during fashion month in September was my first time traveling to Europe โ I went to Milan with my dad and my agent and I had like, the absolute best time ever. Much to my surprise. I love Europe! I know every country has its nuances and its things going on thatโs really important to actually understanding that country, but just to have a pleasant experience in terms of being a physically disabled trans woman who is Black in a new country like that, was really relieving and exhilarating. I even made a dear friend who is a fellow trans woman while being in Milan for that time. The Duomo was extremely lively, and I found out that I really like aperol spritzes and gelato. Their pasta is also simply elite. I hope this isnโt controversial to say in any way but I love England just as much as well! I have been able to be there the past two months for some very special experiences - included being able to speak and debate at the Oxford Union, at Oxford University! Everyone has been incredibly sweet and I love my modeling agency and my agents out there. I really love chips. Completely obsessed with chipsโฆ and I really enjoyed going to the Tate for the first time with my best friend and his boyfriend!
Apr 10, 2023
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Cheapest is the East! So like Prague, Budapest, Krakow are all fun big cities that arent too expensive. Italy is super cool imo, and you'll get around everywhere with English and some basis knowledge of a Roman language.
I loooovved Berlin, though I would only go for a few days. Anyway, see if you can get an interrail ticket and travel around a bit.
Sep 17, 2024
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Paris. You need to know a person or two there and it's a high learning curve but it's really lovely and fairly cheap for how big a city it is
Prague. So underrated. I don't remember much because I was quite drunk when I was there but it was really beautiful and the people were really nice
Kauai. Not supposed to go there I hear but I went in 2014 and I think about it all the time it's incredible. So beautiful and so remote at same time
London. Also need to know people here. But it's such a nice place in the summer. Really beautiful parks and a lot of peace in such a big city
Los Angeles. Also need to know people. And need car. But great food great weather quite peaceful for a big city
Bay Area. Need a car. But some of the most beautiful beaches and outdoor spaces in the world around the bay for real
Yosemite. I'm not a big outdoors guy I only go for maybe 2 days when I do but it's so beautiful out there
Berlin. Super free place, everyone kinda just doing their thing and not giving much of a fuck about what anyone else thinks which I loved. Cheap for a big city. If you wanna drink great beer and be on bullshit with some friends going out and stuff it doesn't get any better
Jun 25, 2024
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Something about getting into those fresh sheets that smell like laundry detergent just feels better
Aug 25, 2024
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It's the absolute cutest thing in the world, warms my dead heart
May 15, 2024
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If the voice in your head is being too mean ask it if it would talk to someone you love this way. My internal monologue can be a ๐ฉ and this sometimes can help it be more constructive
Nov 13, 2024