Sixteen years ago, while I was living in Dublin, I vividly recall the electricity of the 2010 World Cup when Spain clinched their first title. Working for the Spanish Search Quality Team gave me a unique perspective; I felt an immediate and profound connection to that victory. The celebrations were truly unforgettable in Dublin. It was a moment of immense pride. It was wonderful to step out into the streets and celebrate with friends whose bonds remain even today.

Fast forward to 2026, and they have done it all again! This time around, Spain proved themselves once more, fielding an absolutely superb team that appeared even stronger than their 2010 counterparts. The final match, which I had the privilege to watch from Catalonian territory, was intensely competitive from the Spanish side: A nail-biting showdown against Argentina, a side already under widespread scrutiny for their behavior both on and off the field. In extra time, Spain secured a well deserved 1-0 victory.

And honestly, today those memories from 2010 are so vivid, and I’m happy again for my Spanish friends for such a well-deserved victory with such an amazing team. Campeones campeones, Oe oe oe, Campeones campeones, Oe oe oe…! 🇪🇸

A couple of days ago, I found myself back in Sitges! While strolling through the narrow streets of the charming city center, I took a picture of the iconic cathedral overlooking the sea, and it made me remember why I loved this town the first time I visited many years ago. There is such a unique vibe here—a perfect blend of Catalan tradition and Mediterranean warmth; it feels like a place that forces you to slow down and savor every moment.

We ended up having lunch at a yummy Italian restaurant on the seafront called La Terraza, then we got some nice ice cream from a local gelateria, and spent some time just sitting on the promenade watching people go by.

I was so curious about why this town is such a lovely place and has become such a beacon of tolerance for the LGBTQ+ community. I read up on it this morning and found out that Sitges has always been a haven for artists, writers, and free spirits—which explains its totally open-minded atmosphere!

They host so many cultural events and festivals throughout the year, like the famous Sitges Film Festival. Already counting down to my next visit!

Let’s be honest: European heatwaves are no joke right now. After spending all these weeks bracing against the blistering sunshine and trying to work while beating back the hot weather, it feels refreshing and invigorating to be back on the seaside of Catalunya.

Three years ago, I walked on this exact stretch of beach in Cubelles — same boardwalk, same view of the Mediterranean stretching flat and blue toward the horizon. I remember staring at the water and reflecting on where I was and where I was going.

Coming back now, the town hasn’t changed much. The same beach restaurants are still serving the same food at lunch. My favorite ice cream parlor has been successful, and now it’s even bigger.

And of course, when ordering some splendid “Arroz negro” and chatting with a friendly waiter, I remembered why I always feel closest to home when I visit this country.

Today, I’m grateful I have the opportunity to visit this spot once more.

An arepa is a traditional flatbread made from ground maize dough, enjoyed across northern South America since pre-Columbian times. Interestingly, the word arepa actually comes from Cumanagoto, an extinct Cariban language once spoken by indigenous peoples in what is now Venezuela; it's believed to derive specifically from the word erepa, meaning "corn."

One of my favorite versions is the Reina Pepiada. It’s a simple, but delicious, savory filling made with guacamole, shredded chicken breast, and fresh coriander.

I made them at home last week alongside air-fried yuca and *mazorca* (more corn! 😂), and they were a huge hit!

Last week I was strolling through the center of Basel in a torrid climate, and when I looked at the clock located at the intersection between Blühmerein and Spielgasse, I suddenly noticed that it read 37 degrees Celsius! It was then that I thought that never in all these years that I have lived or been in Basel had I seen such high temperatures, and analyzing historical values, that figure is certainly outside of normal.

This blistering reality in Basel is far from an isolated incident; it places Switzerland right at the epicenter of a historic, continent-wide climate anomaly. Across France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, temperatures have skyrocketed to levels between 5 and 12 degrees Celsius above seasonal averages.

This extreme event is being fueled by a powerful, static high-pressure system known as a "heat dome." Acting like a giant lid, it has trapped scorching air over Western Europe while simultaneously pulling an intense plume of hot air directly from the Sahara Desert. Under a relentless, cloudless sky, the ground has baked rapidly, supercharging local temperatures.

Climate scientists pointing to this record-breaking week have noted that while the wind patterns themselves are a natural summer occurrence, the sheer intensity of the heat has been massively amplified by the long-term baseline effects of global warming, turning a standard summer hot spell into an unprecedented, dangerous furnace.

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