Bagel’s and Bonding: An Alumni’s Story

The Taste for Home

While living abroad, everyone can relate to craving food from home. Whether that is a homemade dish cooked by a loved one, or a fast-food treat that fills you up in the best and most unhealthy way possible. One day, I was craving a bagel. However, not only a bagel; a bagel with personality – with options and varieties to choose from. A friend told me about Mazal’s bagels; popularly frequented by expats and locals for its high quality and American dinner vibe. 

The first time I went, I was ecstatic to see that there were free coffee refill's - something that is so utterly American that it made me giggle aloud. They also had a delicious variety of bagels to choose from and plenty of ways to personalize it. The options were endless, and the vibes were great. 

To my lovely surprise, I was told by a friend that the owner was American. But not only was she American, she was from my hometown, Cheltenham! While my family was visiting one day, I took them to Mazal’s and had a chance to speak with the owner, Tamara. Tamara came to Spain nine years ago via CIEE and has been here ever since. Since Tamara and I are both double alumni (because we graduated from the same high school, and we were participants in CIEE). Since Tamara and I shared some much in common, I figured it would be silly of me to not to do a mini-interview with her, which she graciously accepted. 

When did you first come to Spain, and why? 

I came to Spain to teach English in September of 2015 after graduating college. Curiously enough, I came to Madrid with CIEE after finding the program online via a quick Google search. My plan was just to stay one year so that I could learn some Spanish, travel a lot, and have a great time. Nine years later and I’m still here! 

Why did you choose CIEE to be a teacher assistant with? 

CIEE seemed to have it all - easy applications to navigate, lots of before-hand and in-country support, and people said great things about the program. They weren't wrong! I felt supported from the very beginning. CIEE helped me find my footing in a foreign country and made me feel at home during those first few weeks after landing. I still remember being picked up at the airport with all the other participants and feeling like I already knew so many people and the adventure had just begun. 

What made you want to stay in Spain? 

How can you not want to stay here? The easy-going lifestyle, cold drinks on sunny terraces, late-night dinners, easy traveling, the people, etc. I stayed because I felt like I hadn't "gotten my fill" after a year, and by the time the third year rolled around, the culture shock of going back to the States became stronger than the other way around.  At this point, I don't know what I would do if I returned to the States. I've never been an "adult" there 😀. 

How did you come up with Mazál Bagels? 

I saw a need and filled it! There were no good bagels here when I came in 2015, just what I called "emergency bagels". It was just bread with a hole in it that can pass for a bagel when you really needed one. I made my own real bagels and started selling them online to other expats who NEEDED a real bagel like I did. 

Was it scary to start all over in a new country, so far from home and family? 

At the time, no. If you ask me if I think I could do it today, it seems a lot scarier now. I was 24 when I moved here and very excited about the adventure. At that point it wasn't "starting over", it was just for a year! 

If there is one piece of advice you could give to those who want to move abroad, what would it be? 

Take the leap, you won't regret it. It doesn't have to be forever, or maybe it will be, but you won't regret the experiences that come along with it. That drive won't disappear if you don't do it, it will only get more complicated. Find the easiest way to do it and go - join a program, volunteer, live with a host family, etc. 

Do you ever see yourself moving back to the states? 

The grass is always greener on the other side. Sometimes I fantasize about it, especially if work is stressful. I love Spain, but sometimes I find it hard to imagine myself as an old lady here. Who knows - never say never. 

What is your favorite bagel? 

Depends on my mood - I love our za'atar bagel with scallion cream cheese, cucumber, tomato, onions, pickles, and jalapeños. I also love a cinnamon raisin bagel with butter and maldon salt. 

Do you believe you are living the American dream, while here in Spain? 

I LOVE what I do and all these years later, it still blows my mind that I do what I do and that I have achieved "the impossible". Sometimes I have an out-of-body experience when I really stop and think about it. As for the American dream, I don't think so 😄 .

If you could summarize Spain in one sentence what would it be? 

Life doesn't have to be so serious. Stop for the caña, sit on the terrace, do the sobremesa, enjoy life. 

In Conclusion

I would like to end this post with first saying thank you to Tamara for being willing to take time out of her busy schedule to do this interview. I also would like to add that its experiences like this that proves how small this world really is and that we are all connected in one way or another. It just happens that this time the connection was two fold! Either way, Tamara and I's experience with CIEE have both been memorable and life altering. Thanks Ciee!