This beautiful country is one I hold very dear to my heart. While there are an array of reasons for this, it comes down to one simple thing; Spanish people know how to enjoy life. Having studied the Spanish language throughout college and traveling to Central America multiple times while growing up, I've always been attracted to the culture and lifestyle of Latin countries. It was no wonder that the land where all of these wonderful customs had originated from would be no different. From Madrid to Valencia and many small villages in between, I fall more in love with Spain with every visit. Lucky for me, I have a special reason to always return to this beautiful place. While the larger cities are amazing and have so much to offer, I prefer the small villages that lie tucked between mountains. The province of Castellón is where I spend the most time. I never fail to have moments of awe when we reach the top of a peak to find a beautiful castle surrounded by city walls. The landscapes are those that us Americans have dreamt of since we were children. The cuisine is not to be ignored either. Some of the most delicious meals I've ever had have been in Spain. Since the crisis, you'll find that dining is relatively cheap and I don't mean poor quality cheap. For 16 euros, you can have a five-course meal that will leave you craving more for days to follow. My favorite part of all is tapas. It's perfect! As a woman who loves food, I enjoy tapas because I don't have to commit to a full plate of something I've never tried. I can just order a small dish, and if it makes my mouth happy, I can order more! In some places, like El Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid, customers can wander from counter to counter sampling an array of various Spanish cuisines. That's amazing compared to my country (America) where we only offer large portions. I do not hate on the large portions, especially on a lazy Saturday or Sunday accompanied with bottomless mimosas, but you have to admit that American portions are somewhat excessive. The point is that Spain is such a beautiful place to enjoy yourself. You'll be greeted with a "Buenas" and a smile everywhere you go. You'll find enjoyment in traditional Spanish style bars and restaurants, exploring castles, relaxing on beaches, or hiking to mountain villages. Spanish people are warm, kind and fun. Their celebrations aren't just geared toward the holiday; they are always a celebration of life.