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Kelsey Social

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Happy Spring everyone! It seemed that spring had arrived about three weeks early in Madrid: people out on the terraces with tapas and wine, picnics strewn across the parks, even shorts and sandals seemed acceptable! Then I went to Morocco for the weekend and when I came back, it was gone.

The sun is still shining here in Madrid, but the temperature has dropped and the wind has picked up again. The Spanish have a saying that warns about this unpredictable temperature:

"Hasta el cuarenta de mayo no te quites el sayo"

Don't take off your coat until the 40th of May. Well, obviously there is no 40th of May, buy sayo doesn't sound as well with Junio (June), so the 40th of May = June 10th. But I hope this saying is as true as the Spainish's exaggerated description of Madrid's "arctic" winter. I've got some exciting travel plans coming up with a few important visitors arriving soon. I know we're all hoping for some sun!

Along with exciting upcoming travels, I also have some exciting news! I was featured on The Local for one of the six best expat blogs in Spain! I am thrilled to have been featured on Spain's section of the largest English-language news network in Europe. Also, check out the other five blogs for great information about different Spanish regions.


And now for my inaugural giveaway on Route Words…

As much as I love receiving postcards, I am terrible at sending them. I hate finding the correct stamp, writing cheesy words about the historical picture, locating a post office and also collecting addresses. It's just not my thing. 

So I was obviously intrigued when Lettr recently contacted me to sample and review their virtual postcard service. 

Lettr allows travelers to send a personalized postcard from any place in the world without a pen, stamp or even postcard - it is all done through a smartphone, tablet or laptop.

You take a picture of an awesome travel moment (or select a previous one), upload it onto the site, write a short message, sign your name through the touchscreen or trackpad, and send!

Lettr then prints and sends your card for a flat rate of $2.49. After delivery, your friend can also see exactly where the postcard was sent through a small map. Pretty cool and simple, right?

I decided to really test their services by sending a card to a far away place. So I sent a picture of Templo de Debod in Madrid to my Kiwi friend Frances in Auckland.

I met met Frances during my time in New Zealand. She is a fellow travel addict and also a very talented writer preparing for a move to The States! Check out her website and creative photos on instagram.


What I love about using Lettr:
  • I could use my own photo (or a photo of me) which is so much more personal than a store-bought card.
  • The whole process takes no more than five minutes - no buying stamps or running to a post office
  • The map printed on the card shows the specific location of the sender
  • The overall price ($2.49) is cheaper than the price of buying a postcard and international stamp
  • Even though you're typing your letter, the signature still makes the card unique and personalized
  • If you sign in with Facebook, you can send a postcard to any friend whether you know their address or not. Lettr will give them up to 14 days to enter an address and you can surprise your friends with some mail. If they don't enter an address in those two weeks, you will not be charged.
What I didn't love about using Lettr:
  • You can only write a message of 250 characters - not much at all!
  • My postcard to Frances in Auckland, New Zealand took 13 days to arrive. I know New Zealand is far, but the site boasts that delivery time usually takes 2-3 days
  • Frances noted that there is a big scuff mark down the front of the card and the corners are a little scuffed - but I'm assuming that is all just the wear and tear from traveling across the world
Overall, do I recommend using Lettr? Absolutely! The price, personalization and convenience make it a great service for travelers.

And luckily, I am giving YOU the opportunity to test it out as well!

The first 25 readers who click the button below
get to send their postcard FOR FREE!

If you are one the lucky 25... who are you sending your postcard to and what's the picture? 
In general, what is your take on sending postcards? Love it or hate it?
Please share with a comment below! 
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Tucked away on a narrow street, south of La Latina and west of Lavapies, there is a place. It barely fits the category of "restaurant." Monday through Friday its metal doors are closed and strewn with graffiti. But on the weekends, it comes alive.

El Capricho Extremeño is THE place to go for cheap tostas on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. While there are no menus, no waiters, and no place to sit, it serves up some of the best open-faced sandwiches in Madrid.
On some Saturdays, you'll be able to enter calmly and examine the sandwiches before telling the old, smiling man behind the counter what you want. If you're lucky, you'll even be able to order a beer to drink at the bar with your food. The tostas are not always the same each day, but at most times you can choose from an assortment - each one with a generous serving of toppings over ciabatta bread.

The usual options are pulpo de Gallega (Galician Octopus), tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelette), bacalao con pimientos (cod with peppers, olives and pickles) ensaladilla russa (potato salad with veggies and chicken/ham), smoked salmon, toasted brie with raspberry marmalade, and of course Jamón Serrano (the very famous Spanish ham!).

If you go on a Sunday, you'll find El Capricho Extremeño situated right in the center of El Rastro Market, Madrid's famous (and busy) open-air flea market. Get in the long line that trails out the door, but don't hesitate. You'll be placing shouting your order in less than five minutes.

When you enter the door, elbow your way to the counter and take a quick glance at the offerings. Then, when the man shouts in a friendly voice over the crowd while looking at you, shout back and tell him what you want. The sandwiches are cheap, so don't be scared to ask for more than one. He'll put them on a styrofoam plate and add a long drizzle of olive oil before handing it over. Give him your money and grab a few napkins before the line pushes you out the door.

Then, go take a seat on a bench, curb or stoop nearby while soaking in the sun, people-watching at the market, and enjoying your tostas. It is the perfect Madrileño Sunday afternoon.

El Capricho Extremeño can be found on Calle de Carlos Arniches, 30.
The tostas are either €2.50 or €3 each.


Have you ever been to El Capricho Extremeño? Will you try it? What are your favorite places for cheap, easy and delicious food? Let me know in the comments below!
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About Kelsey

About Me
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Hey there! I'm Kelsey. I'm attempting to create a life full of adventure and excitement. After living and traveling abroad for years, I now live a more settled life in Washington, DC while working in social media and traveling every chance I get. I'm a strong advocate for #WeekendWanderlust. Let’s adventure!

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