SPOTAHOME

My name is Zalaikha Williams, I’m originally from Toronto but do full-time studies at the university of Ottawa and this July I’ll be 22 years old (wow). I’m studying to achieve my honors BA in Second Language Teaching with a minor in Spanish. In 2015, I decided to move to Granada for a year, using Spotahome. This is my story.

Photo Credit: Zalaikha Williams.

Being from Canada and never having travelled abroad on my own made it really important for me to have a place to go prior to my arrival. My Spanish was horrible, my landlord didn’t speak a word of English, but that didn’t stop us from having pleasant chats. After arriving to Granada, I became absolutely head over heels in love with this city and everything it has brought into my life. Life long friendships, a new language, love, new experiences and not to mention the delicious tapas. I adore Spain for its slow-paced culture – taking the time to eat and enjoy meals with families is completely different from the fast paced ‘go go go’ North America.

What I love about Granada

Granada is full of hidden gems and must see places you won’t find with any tourist guide. You have to explore it on your own. El Nido del Buho and Bar Poë are two of my favorites as well as Antiguallas on Calle Elvira. I highly recommend going out salsa dancing and absolutely don’t forget to order mosto – wine without any alcohol. Photo Credit: Zalaikha Williams

Granada is a magical and inspiring city. It made me an artistic person and I became more active and outgoing, thanks to the friendly Spanish culture. My biggest advice is to not hang out with the rest of the Americans – talk to the locals, even if it means you will have to do a charade or two. Check out my blog for more information on the beautiful Granada!

I met my love in Granada

Booking with Spotahome ultimately led me to the love of my life. One evening, one of my flatmates introduced me to a friend at a salsa dance class. He brought along his roommate. His roommate loved dancing, I loved dancing and he asked me to go out with his friend who was visiting. And then I met his friend – Jose. Soon we became head over heels in love with each other and after I left Granada, he came to Canada to live with me for four months and I just visited him in Spain for Christmas holidays.

Falling in love abroad? Not sure I can recommend it, but if you do, it’ll be an amazing experience. ?Photo Credit: Zalaikha Williams