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Fine Art photography, fine art photo prints, canvas, wall art, macro photography

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relocate to Spain

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Costa del Sol, Spain
Spain Travel

Moving to Spain from the United States. Our NLV Visa Journey to Costa del Sol.

January 8, 2026

After almost a year of planning and preparation, my husband and I finally moved to Souther[...]

hi, I'm Elena
Get To Know Me

Get To Know Me

Hi, I’m Elena, a photographer, creative adventurer, and the voice behind this lifestyle blog. Here you’ll find a mix of colorful style, travel notes, recipes, art, and little joys that make everyday life feel brighter. I love sharing ideas and info that feel both useful and inspiring, always elegant, approachable, and real.

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Marbella Old Town is full of little surprises for those who wander slowly. Narrow streets, colorful tiles decorating doorways and buildings, flowers spilling from windows, and small bars tucked away as if waiting to be discovered. Every corner whispers stories from the past. The walls, the doorways, even the cobblestones hold layers of history — centuries of people, culture, and life layered throughout the city. Castillo Alcazaba, built in the 10th century during the Moorish period, stands as a reminder of Marbella’s rich heritage, overlooking the old town with quiet strength. And after all that wandering, it’s impossible not to pause for a taste of the city. This time I stopped at a tapas and wine bar Barril del Gusto, savoring Chorizo de Ronda in almíbar de vino Cartojal with a glass of Spanish white wine. Simple, delicious, and perfect after a slow exploration. #spain #movetospain #malaga #marbella #travel
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Marbella Old Town is full of little surprises for those who wander slowly. Narrow streets, colorful tiles decorating doorways and buildings, flowers spilling from windows, and small bars tucked away as if waiting to be discovered. Every corner whispers stories from the past. The walls, the doorways, even the cobblestones hold layers of history — centuries of people, culture, and life layered throughout the city. Castillo Alcazaba, built in the 10th century during the Moorish period, stands as a reminder of Marbella’s rich heritage, overlooking the old town with quiet strength. And after all that wandering, it’s impossible not to pause for a taste of the city. This time I stopped at a tapas and wine bar Barril del Gusto, savoring Chorizo de Ronda in almíbar de vino Cartojal with a glass of Spanish white wine. Simple, delicious, and perfect after a slow exploration. #spain #movetospain #malaga #marbella #travel
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/4
I’ve heard this from so many expats who moved from the US to Spain or other European countries — Italy, France, and beyond. They all say the same thing: slowing down is harder than it sounds. Letting go of the constant rush, the need to be productive, to achieve more and more, to always be busy. That mindset runs deep. Being busy feels important. Almost necessary. Sometimes more important than joy. More important than simply being. And now, living it, I understand exactly what they meant. It’s like having an internal timer that never stops ticking, always pushing me to multitask, to do more, faster. So maybe the first step is awareness. Catching myself. Gently reminding myself to slow down. To focus on one thing at a time. Inhale. Exhale. Creating instead of constantly doing. And maybe, just sitting still and watching the soft rhythm of the waves. #spain #movetospain #malaga #marbella #travel
•
Follow
I’ve heard this from so many expats who moved from the US to Spain or other European countries — Italy, France, and beyond. They all say the same thing: slowing down is harder than it sounds. Letting go of the constant rush, the need to be productive, to achieve more and more, to always be busy. That mindset runs deep. Being busy feels important. Almost necessary. Sometimes more important than joy. More important than simply being. And now, living it, I understand exactly what they meant. It’s like having an internal timer that never stops ticking, always pushing me to multitask, to do more, faster. So maybe the first step is awareness. Catching myself. Gently reminding myself to slow down. To focus on one thing at a time. Inhale. Exhale. Creating instead of constantly doing. And maybe, just sitting still and watching the soft rhythm of the waves. #spain #movetospain #malaga #marbella #travel
7 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/4
Christmas and New Year in Marbella feels so special. One highlight is the Secret Christmas Street in central Marbella at Calle Córdoba — a small street decorated entirely by local residents. This has been a neighborhood tradition since 2020 and feels very personal, creative, and local. Walking through Marbella city center, everything feels festive and relaxed with lights everywhere. Another must-see is the Christmas fair at Alameda Park. You’ll find holiday stalls, handmade gifts, music, and seasonal food. Hot spiced wine is especially popular on cooler evenings, and there’s one very popular spot making freshly fried churros: warm, simple, and absolutely worth stopping for. #Spain #christmastime #malaga #marbella #travel
•
Follow
Christmas and New Year in Marbella feels so special. One highlight is the Secret Christmas Street in central Marbella at Calle Córdoba — a small street decorated entirely by local residents. This has been a neighborhood tradition since 2020 and feels very personal, creative, and local. Walking through Marbella city center, everything feels festive and relaxed with lights everywhere. Another must-see is the Christmas fair at Alameda Park. You’ll find holiday stalls, handmade gifts, music, and seasonal food. Hot spiced wine is especially popular on cooler evenings, and there’s one very popular spot making freshly fried churros: warm, simple, and absolutely worth stopping for. #Spain #christmastime #malaga #marbella #travel
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
3/4
Last weekend we spent a day in Marbella, wandering through the historic old town and finishing with a little time by the beach. We walked through the main square, passed the Dalí sculptures along the promenade, and just took it all in. A little fun fact I loved learning: the name Marbella comes from the Arabic ‘Marbal-la,’ given by the Moors, possibly meaning ‘beautiful sea’ or ‘well-inhabited place’. And of course, no day in Spain is complete without food. We stopped at a local Spanish restaurant for tapas and a bowl of sopa castellana — a traditional garlic soup. Warm, simple, and exactly what we needed. Marbella feels like an easy mix of history, art, sea air, and really good food, perfect even for a one-day visit. #spain #movetospain #travel #malaga #traveling
•
Follow
Last weekend we spent a day in Marbella, wandering through the historic old town and finishing with a little time by the beach. We walked through the main square, passed the Dalí sculptures along the promenade, and just took it all in. A little fun fact I loved learning: the name Marbella comes from the Arabic ‘Marbal-la,’ given by the Moors, possibly meaning ‘beautiful sea’ or ‘well-inhabited place’. And of course, no day in Spain is complete without food. We stopped at a local Spanish restaurant for tapas and a bowl of sopa castellana — a traditional garlic soup. Warm, simple, and exactly what we needed. Marbella feels like an easy mix of history, art, sea air, and really good food, perfect even for a one-day visit. #spain #movetospain #travel #malaga #traveling
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/4
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Marbella Old Town is full of little surprises for those who wander slowly. Narrow streets, colorful tiles decorating doorways and buildings, flowers spilling from windows, and small bars tucked away as if waiting to be discovered. Every corner whispers stories from the past. The walls, the doorways, even the cobblestones hold layers of history — centuries of people, culture, and life layered throughout the city. Castillo Alcazaba, built in the 10th century during the Moorish period, stands as a reminder of Marbella’s rich heritage, overlooking the old town with quiet strength. And after all that wandering, it’s impossible not to pause for a taste of the city. This time I stopped at a tapas and wine bar Barril del Gusto, savoring Chorizo de Ronda in almíbar de vino Cartojal with a glass of Spanish white wine. Simple, delicious, and perfect after a slow exploration. #spain #movetospain #malaga #marbella #travel
•
Follow
Marbella Old Town is full of little surprises for those who wander slowly. Narrow streets, colorful tiles decorating doorways and buildings, flowers spilling from windows, and small bars tucked away as if waiting to be discovered. Every corner whispers stories from the past. The walls, the doorways, even the cobblestones hold layers of history — centuries of people, culture, and life layered throughout the city. Castillo Alcazaba, built in the 10th century during the Moorish period, stands as a reminder of Marbella’s rich heritage, overlooking the old town with quiet strength. And after all that wandering, it’s impossible not to pause for a taste of the city. This time I stopped at a tapas and wine bar Barril del Gusto, savoring Chorizo de Ronda in almíbar de vino Cartojal with a glass of Spanish white wine. Simple, delicious, and perfect after a slow exploration. #spain #movetospain #malaga #marbella #travel
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/4
I’ve heard this from so many expats who moved from the US to Spain or other European countries — Italy, France, and beyond. They all say the same thing: slowing down is harder than it sounds. Letting go of the constant rush, the need to be productive, to achieve more and more, to always be busy. That mindset runs deep. Being busy feels important. Almost necessary. Sometimes more important than joy. More important than simply being. And now, living it, I understand exactly what they meant. It’s like having an internal timer that never stops ticking, always pushing me to multitask, to do more, faster. So maybe the first step is awareness. Catching myself. Gently reminding myself to slow down. To focus on one thing at a time. Inhale. Exhale. Creating instead of constantly doing. And maybe, just sitting still and watching the soft rhythm of the waves. #spain #movetospain #malaga #marbella #travel
•
Follow
I’ve heard this from so many expats who moved from the US to Spain or other European countries — Italy, France, and beyond. They all say the same thing: slowing down is harder than it sounds. Letting go of the constant rush, the need to be productive, to achieve more and more, to always be busy. That mindset runs deep. Being busy feels important. Almost necessary. Sometimes more important than joy. More important than simply being. And now, living it, I understand exactly what they meant. It’s like having an internal timer that never stops ticking, always pushing me to multitask, to do more, faster. So maybe the first step is awareness. Catching myself. Gently reminding myself to slow down. To focus on one thing at a time. Inhale. Exhale. Creating instead of constantly doing. And maybe, just sitting still and watching the soft rhythm of the waves. #spain #movetospain #malaga #marbella #travel
7 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/4
Christmas and New Year in Marbella feels so special. One highlight is the Secret Christmas Street in central Marbella at Calle Córdoba — a small street decorated entirely by local residents. This has been a neighborhood tradition since 2020 and feels very personal, creative, and local. Walking through Marbella city center, everything feels festive and relaxed with lights everywhere. Another must-see is the Christmas fair at Alameda Park. You’ll find holiday stalls, handmade gifts, music, and seasonal food. Hot spiced wine is especially popular on cooler evenings, and there’s one very popular spot making freshly fried churros: warm, simple, and absolutely worth stopping for. #Spain #christmastime #malaga #marbella #travel
•
Follow
Christmas and New Year in Marbella feels so special. One highlight is the Secret Christmas Street in central Marbella at Calle Córdoba — a small street decorated entirely by local residents. This has been a neighborhood tradition since 2020 and feels very personal, creative, and local. Walking through Marbella city center, everything feels festive and relaxed with lights everywhere. Another must-see is the Christmas fair at Alameda Park. You’ll find holiday stalls, handmade gifts, music, and seasonal food. Hot spiced wine is especially popular on cooler evenings, and there’s one very popular spot making freshly fried churros: warm, simple, and absolutely worth stopping for. #Spain #christmastime #malaga #marbella #travel
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
3/4
Last weekend we spent a day in Marbella, wandering through the historic old town and finishing with a little time by the beach. We walked through the main square, passed the Dalí sculptures along the promenade, and just took it all in. A little fun fact I loved learning: the name Marbella comes from the Arabic ‘Marbal-la,’ given by the Moors, possibly meaning ‘beautiful sea’ or ‘well-inhabited place’. And of course, no day in Spain is complete without food. We stopped at a local Spanish restaurant for tapas and a bowl of sopa castellana — a traditional garlic soup. Warm, simple, and exactly what we needed. Marbella feels like an easy mix of history, art, sea air, and really good food, perfect even for a one-day visit. #spain #movetospain #travel #malaga #traveling
•
Follow
Last weekend we spent a day in Marbella, wandering through the historic old town and finishing with a little time by the beach. We walked through the main square, passed the Dalí sculptures along the promenade, and just took it all in. A little fun fact I loved learning: the name Marbella comes from the Arabic ‘Marbal-la,’ given by the Moors, possibly meaning ‘beautiful sea’ or ‘well-inhabited place’. And of course, no day in Spain is complete without food. We stopped at a local Spanish restaurant for tapas and a bowl of sopa castellana — a traditional garlic soup. Warm, simple, and exactly what we needed. Marbella feels like an easy mix of history, art, sea air, and really good food, perfect even for a one-day visit. #spain #movetospain #travel #malaga #traveling
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/4
@elenasullivanphotographer
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