Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock since April or not a regular reader of my site {shame on you if the latter is the case}, you know that I’ll be going to Barcelona, Spain in November on my Go with Oh tour. I’ve been busily planning my Spanish adventures in hopes of making my first trip to Spain as special as possible.
Imagine my excitement when I found out that I’ll get a small taste of Spain in September. I get to Go with Oh early! TBEX {Travel Blog Exchange} is hosting their first-ever European conference, and the TBEX crew is taking the show on the road to Costa Brava, Spain. Go with Oh just happens to be one of the sponsors of the conference. So, a couple of months ago the folks at Go with Oh asked me if I’d be interested in traveling to Spain for TBEX to help promote their spring blogger competition. After about 1.45987 seconds of deliberation, I accepted their offer. I’d be a fool or utterly insane not to, right?
I did have one tiny reservation about hopping a plane bound for Barcelona. There’s this little thing I have called a job, and this job frowns upon my taking unlimited vacation days. I know, the nerve, right? Thank goodness I was able to work something out where I could go to Spain and still have a job to come back to. Sadly, it’s only going to be a quick trip. In on Thursday morning and out on Sunday afternoon, I’m not going to have much time to explore. However, something is better than nothing, is my belief when it comes to travel.
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Thus, I’m off for three nights in Girona, Spain where I’ll have the chance to listen to an amazing lineup of TBEX speakers, meet more bloggers, and promote the Go with Oh spring competition. Fortunately, I’ll be there for the opening night party in the Castle of Saint Gregory {Castell de Sant Gregori} where I’ll get to taste local wines and some speciality tapas from the Costa Brava region.
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My limited time doesn’t allow me time to experience any of the pre or post-blogger trips offered by the Costa Brava Tourism Board. Believe me, it’s tempting to say to hell with my job and spend a month exploring Spain, especially their beautiful Balearic Islands. I find myself mentally plotting my drive around one of Spain’s lesser-known and tranquil islands. Hiking the rugged coastline of Mallorca would offer some much-needed exercise and the opportunity for spectacular views of the Mediterranean. Perhaps a quick flight to the lively Ibiza would be in order. Unfortunately, island time is but a fantasy only to be realized after I’ve won the lottery.
I am grateful for this unexpected trip to Spain and the fact that I’ll get to experience an area that I won’t have the opportunity to in November. I suppose three days is better than none. Meeting European-based bloggers is also something that I am very much looking forward to. Although my time in Spain is short, I plan on cramming as much as possible in and dusting off my average-at-best Spanish skills.
Will you be at TBEX in Spain? Grab me by the arm, slap me on the back, or simply stick your hand out and introduce yourself. I’d love to meet you!
@mrsoaroundworld
August 20, 2012oh yes I am 🙂 will be fantastic to see you again!! Mine will be also short – Thursday to Sunday!
Leah Travels
August 21, 2012Yes ma’am! You better bring the Port you promised. If you forget we’re going to have words. 😉
Laura
August 20, 2012Have a great trip! I was expecting a pink slip this month and TBEX Europe was going to be my pink slip trip. Good news/bad news situation right?
Leah Travels
August 21, 2012Yeah, that’s certainly good news/bad news, isn’t it? I’m certainly glad you still have a job, but it would have been great to have a fellow Texan in Spain. 🙂
Kristin Shaw
August 20, 2012I’m sure you will make the most of those 3 days! Enjoy, Leah!
Leah Travels
August 21, 2012Oh, yeah, Kristin. I’m looking forward to hopping on that overnight plane and waking up in Barcelona. 🙂
Robin Fritz
August 20, 2012Congrats Leah! Have a great time! Glad you were able to work something out with your employer. Sometimes it’s a pain in the neck to be a responsible adult, isn’t it, lol. 🙂
Leah Travels
August 21, 2012I’ve tried my hardest not to become an adult, much less a responsible one. Alas, it just is unavoidable. 🙁
Micamyx|Senyorita
August 20, 2012Glad to know you’ll be in Spain by then! For me, I still need to work on my Schengen visa. I’ll be applying for one by next week. Being a Philippine passport holder can be stressful at times. Hoping to visit Spain real soon too! 😀
Leah Travels
August 21, 2012Good luck with your visa. I’ve never had any problem getting one. The process needed to get them usually is the biggest pain in the behind. Ultimately, they just want their money. Safe travels (hopefully to Spain!).
Rick Calvert
August 20, 2012Great to hear you will be joining us Leah! You are going to fall in love with Girona. I did.
Leah Travels
August 21, 2012Thanks so much, Rick. I look forward to Spain as much as I did Keystone. I know y’all will put on another great conference. I hope to get a chance to speak to you in Girona.
crazy sexy fun traveler
August 20, 2012Like you said, 3 days are better than nothing 🙂 And we will finally meet up in person 🙂
Leah Travels
August 21, 2012Yes, Alex, meeting you will definitely be a highlight of Spain. We’ll have to squeeze in a ton of fun over those three days.
lola
August 20, 2012woot. there it is. HOLA Spain. it’s LOLA! we are coming and you have exactly one month to get ready for us. we’ll try to ease you into the Leah & Lola duo gently so you will be prepared for November. see you in Girona, Leah. travel partners in crime ride again!! 😉
Leah Travels
August 21, 2012Saddle up, my feisty friend.
Gina
August 20, 2012You’re going to have such an amazing time! I wish I could go to the conference. I also agree that a whirlwind trip somewhere is better than no trip at all. Just hope you don’t get jet lagged easily!
Leah Travels
August 21, 2012I don’t think I’ll have time to get jet lagged. Plus, I’ve got a good supply of Ambien that will do me right. I wish you were able to go, too. How about Toronto?
Kieu
August 20, 2012Wow.. that’s awesome! Super jelly you’re going to TBEX in Spain. Can’t wait to read about your experience with GWO and at TBEX.
Leah Travels
August 21, 2012Thanks, Kieu. I’m guessing you’re not going. 🙁 Will you be off to South America at that point?
Loz
August 20, 2012Congratulations Miss. The Spanish adventure and anticipation just keeps rising. You’re gonna have a blast
Loz in Transit
August 20, 2012Island time VS Employment. Aaaargh. Even Alice didn’t stay in Wonderland forever. I know you’ll make the most of your time there. You’ve taken all the right steps of marrying job and travel one day you’ll be there.
Leah Travels
August 21, 2012Nice analogy to Alice. She did have a hell-of-a-trip while she was there, didn’t she? Point taken.
Anonymous
August 20, 2012Thanks so much, Loz Intransit. I’m really looking forward to Spain and all the additional people I’ll get to meet.
mika
August 20, 2012I love it when all my favorite travel blogs are here commenting! Crazy !!
Leah Travels
August 21, 2012Great…thanks for stopping by.:-)
John
August 20, 2012So jealous you’re going to TBEX in Europe! Wish I could go but it’s a HUGE launch week for us at work…can’t miss that. Looking forward to your coverage.
Leah Travels
August 21, 2012Again, work gets in the way of life for someone else. Ugh…I’ll do my best for you, John. Although, my photos won’t be nearly as pretty as yours would be.
Craig Zabransky
August 21, 2012I had no idea you were heading to TBEX Europe… how very cool. Go with OH – spring promotion…. hmmm… sounds interesting too. Very interesting.
Well, wish I could toast you with a glass of cava in person….. have a blast… and with Lola there, I have no doubt you will..
vaya con dios, Craig
Leah Travels
August 21, 2012You should totally enter, Craig! I’d love to pass the baton to you (and others, but I’d be tickled if you at least entered). Oh, yes, you know Lola and I will give Spain something to remember. 🙂
the lazy travelers
August 21, 2012we’re so, so disappointed we can’t make it to tbex spain! just wasn’t in the cards for us!
Leah Travels
August 21, 2012I have a feeling that I should be looking over my shoulder though. I never know when the two of you will show up, like you’ve alluded to in Paris. 😉
Graham GlobalGrasshopper
August 21, 2012Great news! See you there!! We fly back from California just in time to fly out to TBEX, Thursday to Sunday, then get a couple of days in Barcelona 🙂
Leah Travels
August 21, 2012AWESOME! I get to bribe you in person with some more photos from Brazil. 🙂 Kidding, of course…please, let’s make sure we meet. I’ll be at the Go with Oh table a lot.
Graham GlobalGrasshopper
August 21, 2012Alright! We must meet up, for sure – we’re looking forward to it! 🙂
Leah Travels
August 22, 2012Absolutely. See you there. 🙂
Raul (ilivetotravel in Twitter)
August 21, 2012I really wish I could go but after my recent half month+ away, I do need income coming in. Now Paris… Have a BLAST!
Leah Travels
August 22, 2012Yes, you were hiking for orphans. I suppose that’s a good enough reason for you not to attend. I’m not sure who be Lauren and my handler. I guess we need to start taking applications.
Emily in Chile
August 21, 2012Such an amazing opportunity, even if it is just a quick trip!
Leah Travels
August 22, 2012I certainly agree, Emily. I shouldn’t complain about anything, even jet lag. 🙂
Pola (@jettingaround)
August 21, 2012Have a great time!! Spain is marvelous.
Leah Travels
August 22, 2012Oh, that’s great to hear, Pola. I’ve wanted to visit Spain for many years. How lucky am I to get to do it twice in three months?
Edna
August 22, 2012So exciting, congrats! I’m bummed I can’t meet all the bloggers at TBEX Spain — I was planning on going, then got a cool assignment from work to spend a month in an Eastern European country I’d never normally think of visiting. But one of these days I’ll get to TBEX!
Leah Travels
August 22, 2012Well, I certainly think a cool assignment in Eastern Europe sounds like a great alternative. Maybe you can go to TBEX in Toronto? I’ll be there too.
Aaron
August 22, 2012Have a great time in Spain! Just go the no sleep route haha. The conference by day, exploring in the early morning hours and into the night. 🙂
Leah Travels
August 22, 2012I think you’re right about the no-sleep route. I’ll have a great time in Spain and then I’ll just have to sleep under my desk on Monday when I get back. 🙂
Callie
August 22, 2012A few days is definitely better than nothing, it’s going to be great! I’ll be there too, maybe I’ll see you!
Leah Travels
August 22, 2012Excellent, Callie. Just in case I’m in my own little world, grab me and introduce yourself, please. There were so many people that I didn’t get to meet at TBEX in Keystone. I don’t want that to happen again.
Francesca
August 22, 2012Awesome! You will represent Go With Oh well. And the more I learn about Girona and Costa Brava, the more I wish I were able to attend TBEX.
Leah Travels
August 22, 2012You’re always so sweet to me, Francesca. Thank you. Costa Brava does look like such a wonderful place, doesn’t it? Wow! Pinch me now.
Christy @ Ordinary Traveler
August 22, 2012That’s awesome! Congrats on your partnership and you will love TBEX. I just went to my first one after 2 years of blogging and plan to head to Canada TBEX in June. Hope to see you there!
Leah Travels
August 22, 2012I’ll be at TBEX in Toronto, too! I went to the one in Keystone and had the best time. I learned so much and met some truly great people. It really is not only a networking opportunity, but the hosts put on a good time to boot. I’ll see you in Canada!
Ayngelina
August 31, 2012You’ll have so much fun at TBEX a lot of fantastic people are going. Sadly I’m missing out but I’ll be at the next one in Toronto.
Leah Travels
August 31, 2012Yes, Ayngelina, I’ve checked out the profiles, and I’m thrilled to get to meet so many of the attendees. I’ll be in Toronto as well. I’ve already bought my ticket. I’ll see you there…if not sooner. 🙂
Pointsandtravel
September 8, 2012See you there!
Leah Travels
September 8, 2012Fantastic! Please say hello. Safe travels. 🙂
Tourismwithme
September 8, 2012I can’t wait for TBEX and Costa Brava. See you there I hope! Great blog you have here! 😛
Cathy Sweeney
September 12, 2012I’ll be there! Looking forward to meeting you in person, Leah. Also eager to hear more about Go with Oh’s competition. Safe travels!
Leah Travels
September 14, 2012YES! Let’s meet, please. I’d love to talk to you about the competition. I know you’ll for sure be able to find me about the Go with Oh table since I’ll be promoting the spring competition. You should totally enter!