Guiri 101: A Guide to the -erías
Lisa's skype call was full of nervous questions about what to pack and how to arrive alive to Sevilla. I'd be about to take the DELE when her train arrived,…
What’s in a Name? A Primer on Spanish Names
"When we have kids, promise you'll let me name all of the boys." I don't remember where or in what context the Novio asked me this favor, but I shrugged…
What to Do in Alcalá de Henares: the City of Cervantes
updated November 2025 The Spain of my pre-Sevilla had one leading protagonist: Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. Spain's most famous author is best known for his chronicle of Spanish knighthood, Don…
Chasing Don Quixote: a Detour through Castilla-La Mancha
"Bueno, Castilla-La Mancha isn't exactly known for its long, winding highways," Inmaculada said, dragging her fingertip across the screen of her mobile phone six consecutive times as the car pointed…
Keeping in Touch with the Spanish Speaking World (or, my ode to my second language)
I popped Pereza's 2005 breakout disc, "Animales" into Pequeño Monty's antiquated CR player as soon as I'd rolled down the windows. As a study abroad student, I'd listed to "Princesas"…
Why do Spaniards call us ‘Guiris’?
Hay alguién aquí de fuera? called the drag queen from the stage. A hoarse shout came from right behind me: "Mi guiri, mi guiri!" My friend S had sold me out…