London:
London is another New York (in a great way). If you’re young, hot, and successful—you’ll thrive here. Would definitely move here for a few months to better access europe and that side of the world—and to really dig into pub culture as I only got a taste.
Pros:
Social clubs were very fun and included ages across the spectrum which feels better than new york’s social scene atm (5HS, Annabel's, SoHo House(s)), but of course, you or someone you know needs to be a member.
the social houses feel intimate during the day and fun at night
Incredibly international and includes nationalities I’m less often exposed to currently in ny
A lot more nature than I expected with numerous green spaces filled with cool birds (cranes and crows) and many purple trees
I crush it with Englishmen - never have I ever had so many men throwing themselves at me and sliding in my DMs…it was honestly next level…I’m sure being a texan from the US helps, but I’ll take it nonetheless. *Everyone on raya in ny is a fully-sleeved creative director at a brand I’ve never heard of, but here, men skew more finance-type
Friends and family. I know a few people who live here and I don’t think making friends would be difficult.
I felt great and energized walking around London. Smoking and stomping around felt natural, I liked what and who I ran into, and the whole experience just felt right. I also felt like I was more living, less visiting there.
The grind. It’s well understood throughout the UK and Europe that those who live in London care about financial success more so than others. That’s the sort of energy I’d like to continue to be around right now.
Pub scene. My favorite thing to do is drink beer on a sidewalk after work talking to a bunch of dudes… wish I had known about this earlier…but still excited by the prospect because it’s my scene at any age.
Access to Europe…. when I close my eyes and imagine my “perfect future” it’s always been a boat in the sun somewhere in Europe…
Cons:
the lack of sun. I’ve really learned how much sunlight, or rather the lack thereof, affects me, the sensitive little orchid that I am, so transplanting myself to a place that is always overcast knowing that my mental health will suffer may not be in my best interest
sidewalk chaos. people walk on both sides of the street (presumably because it is so international), but this leaves fast walkers such as myself at a disadvantage… (I know, I’m obnoxious).
everything is “35 minutes away”
Pub scene. Trying to drink less alcohol and my love of the pub scene don’t exactly go hand-in-hand.
Friends and family. The biggest consideration on this con-list to be honest is having to reset my friendships. I really love the group of women my age that I’ve built in new york… giving that up and having to make new friendships would be tough. I also would be even farther away from my aging parents and that hurts :(
Madrid:
Madrid is a wonderful town that I got to know pretty quickly by walking around a ton every day. I found it way more manageable than London, but exploring in London felt better. Madrid’s a laid-back city with a lot of cute spots, great food, etc. etc. etc. but it’s not for me - at least right now.
Pros:
Spanish culture. Late nights, tapas, the music, the people, the general easiness.
Walkable.
Affordable.
Beautiful.
Best smelling trees.
Cons:
Pretty farkin hot - like 100 degrees hot - but we were here during a heatwave, and I honestly kind of like it because hot summers feel like home (houston, tx).
It ultimately feels a tad too small for me, granted I’ve only lived in Houston, Chicago, and New York, so a lot of prospective cities will feel small in comparison.
The later-day way of life. The squares and parks and restaurants are still full of friends and families finishing meals, which is both comforting and strange at once. I’m sure I’d ultimately grow used to it with more time spent, but I currently can’t get used to going to sleep at 2am and waking up at 10am as is custom here.
Barcelona
Laurel, David, and I left Madrid for Barcelona all on different trains on Friday (lol). Many friends said that I would prefer Madrid to Barcelona and oh man were they wrong. I don’t know what it was but I knew immediately that I felt better here in Barcelona, where I currently sit writing this. Madrid’s overall energy was great, but I just vibe so much more with Barcelona already. Here are some things I’ve enjoyed:
Pros:
the ocean - it’s becoming more and more obvious to me that I have to live by the ocean
the food is amazing, especially if you’re a meat/seafood eater
super walkable
crazy views of a beautiful city
got my period naturally for the first time in 15 years (??)
international, full of ex-pats, so meeting people feels easy. a lot of friends and friends of friends.
social clubs - the soho house, and the little soho house are exceptional. *need global membership or a friend who is a member
*stay around soho house in the Gothic Quarter or next door in El Poble-sec for a cheaper alternative
it’s hot but in a good way and the ocean is nearby the city
the people are welcoming, open, and most speak english... ***but I always think you should try to learn the basics of the place’s native language to better engage with locals (or at least show you care enough to try!)
Cons:
lack of grind - not too many people working hard on things, it’s more a laid back professional environment
late nights, late mornings (same as the con with madrid)