Locations in Spain

[Maria2513]

I am planning to become an au pair in Spain, and I am trying to decide what regions, cities, or towns to list as preferences on my application for the au pair agency. I studied in Rome for five months in college, and I loved it—the layers of history all on top of each other, the ancient juxtaposed with the new, motorinas tearing down narrow cobblestone streets, less-than-efficient but nevertheless endearing public transportation, the bustle of a large city with an atmosphere that feels a little caught in the past—not quite up-to-speed with NYC, London, etc. I’m looking for something similar in Spain.

I’ve heard that northern Spain is very modernized, so I think southern Spain is what I want. I don’t need to be in a big city—I would be happy to be in a small town but preferably within easy striking distance of a city. The less touristy it is, the better, although I do love art and architecture, and those attract tourists. I like the sea, but I’m not a huge beach person, and I don’t want to be somewhere that has a touristy beach-resort town atmosphere. I’d like to be somewhere that feels as authentically Spanish as possible. And I love ruins.

Does you recommend any particular cities or towns?

I’m considering going as an au pair to Italy, too, but my Spanish is fairly good, while my Italian is very basic—Italian-I level. If I go to Italy, I would take language classes, which I would enjoy, but they would be expensive. In Spain, I wouldn’t need to take language classes. I’ve also always wanted to go to Spain, and although I miss Italy a lot, I kind of feel like I should go somewhere I haven’t been yet, and I might end up loving Spain just as much.

Thanks for your help!

Maria