Archive for October, 2011

Several years ago, I had the great fortune to dive with the whale sharks in the Georgia Aquarium and it was one of those experiences that stays with you forever.  I have been looking for a reason to return and was elated when the opportunity presented itself thanks to my husband and I’s CityPASSes.  We decided to dedicate our entire final day in Atlanta to the aquarium, since I already knew how special of a place it is, plus it features more animals than any other aquarium!

Special note: All of the following photos were taken by my husband and all of the following instagrams were taken by me.

While the world’s largest aquarium was originally designed to entertain and educate, it is also an incredibly inspiring place.  Of course, the main attraction are the whale sharks, which is exactly where we started our aquatic adventure.  The gentle giants are mesmerizing to watch as they gracefully swim through their tank.

It took us a while to pry ourselves away from them, but we knew that we had other exhibits awaiting us.  Next we visited the jellyfish section.  Despite being one of the most feared soft-bodied animals, they are indescribably beautiful.  As we marveled at them, I could not stop myself from daydreaming about one day diving with them in Jellyfish Lake in Palau.  As previously warned, the Georgia Aquarium oozes inspiration from every corner!

My favorite exhibit on my previous trip and again on this trip were the sea dragons.  They are so magical looking that they truly do not look real.  I think in my next life I would love to come back as one of them.

The lion fish are always a sight to behold as well.

One of the newest exhibits are the beluga whales.  The aquarium now offers the opportunity to get up close and personal with them.  My husband and I made a promise that we would return and do this together in the future.

A special thank you is in order to the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau for sponsoring my trip to Atlanta, Georgia.

When we think of street art in a city, most likely the first cities that we think of are: Berlin or New York.  However, I have always felt attracted by the French bohemian elegance and was curious about Parisian street art.  Thus, during the days I spent at one of the Paris apartments, I was amazed to discover that the numerous Parisian artists are extraordinarily talented; not only are they drawing caricatures of tourists around the Basilique du Sacré Coeur, but all around the city as well.

One of the most frustrating things, when you are taking part in “street art tourism,” is not finding the graffiti you are looking for.  You might think, “I want to see that wall painting in Paris!”  But where is it in Paris?  This is why I have listed some of the most interesting street art works in the French capital, along with their corresponding address so that you do not have to waste your precious time searching for them:

However, there are many more street art works around the city.  So, if you found this post interesting you can check out this website: www.paris-streetart.com, where you will find a map with all the spots where there is graffiti.  This will help you fully enjoy your street art tour when stay at one of the apartments in Paris.

Maria Climent is a 26-year-old Catalan lady.  After studying translation, she decided her life was odd enough to became a humor scriptwriter and by default, a blogger.  This is how she is now a mother of no one and a better person.  She also cooks her meals.

Vacations come in all shapes and sizes.  Some people enjoy sightseeing, some people enjoy lazing on the beach.  But some people love nothing more than to get their heart pumping and their legs a-workin’ when they are away.  Active vacations in the mountains are perhaps not as popular as package vacations on the beach, however they can be much more exhilarating.

Many companies offer travel vouchers for all kinds of places and all kinds of activities, so you can treat a friend or a loved one to a spot of rock climbing or a swim with a couple of sharks.  Sometimes you do not even have to leave the comfort of your own country either, such is the diversity of this world.  Take Utah’s famous Fork Canyon, for example. That place is renowned for the quality of its climbs and mountain biking trails, thus it will definitely get the adrenaline coursing through your veins.

Utah is the place to get active on vacation.  It not only has some of the most breath-taking scenery in the US of A, but it also boasts a few of the world’s best canyoneering locations.  For starters, the climate is something else and secondly, the challenge is like nothing you will have ever experienced.  Canyoneering in Utah, even in the same canyon, is never the same twice, so make sure you expect the unexpected.

Kayaking and canoeing is another great activity you could try on this continent.  Perhaps the best place to try it is in Canada, specifically on the Saguenay Fjord, 200km north of Quebec.  The waters converge from one of the longest fjords in the country and the largest estuary in the world to create a wholly unique experience with some truly inspiring landscapes along the way.

You might also fancy something a little less active than jumping into canyons, except a little more active than lying on the beach for hours on end.  If this is the case, then golf could be the answer.  When it comes to golf Orlando is one of the best places in the States to enjoy the (potentially) relaxing sport.  It can, of course, be relaxing if all is going well on the links, but if it is not, you might wish that you were at the bottom of that canyon in Utah.  It is difficult not to be relaxed, though, in the beautiful surroundings in Orlando.  There are many great golf courses in that part of the country for you to get at least a little bit active the next time you go away.

Armed with CityPASSes, my husband and I decided on our first full day in Atlanta to visit Zoo Atlanta and the World of Coca Cola.  We are both passionate animal lovers, thus we could not have been more excited to begin our adventures at the celebrated zoo.  Of course if you know me, you know that my favorite animal is the elephant.  Thus, I took it as a sign that the first animal we encountered was my beloved pachyderm!

From there on out there was nothing but oohing and ahhing coming from our direction.

The stars of the Atlanta Zoo, at least for us, were the baby tigers and panda.  Please keep it a secret from the elephants, however we were completely mesmerized by them — especially with the interactions between the mothers and their cubs.

Do you have a favorite animal at the zoo?I have a confession to make: I hate soft drinks.  The only way you could get me to drink a Coke would be if I was stranded on a deserted island and there was no other option to stay hydrated.  My husband, on the other hand, could not be a bigger fan.  A day does not go by without him enjoying the popular beverage.  Thus, his excitement was palpable as we entered the World of Coca Cola.  I handed him the camera and told him to have fun, which means the following photos are all taken by him — a first for My Beautiful Adventures and the reason why you see a reoccurring “Argentina” theme.

As we walked from room to room, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I was enjoying myself.  Even though I am not a Coke consumer, I was still astonished at the company’s impact on history and how it truly has brought the planet together.

I was also surprised at how much Argentine memorabilia was there!  And we just so happened to run into some Argentinians as well.  Is Coke and Argentina combining forces to take over the world?

At the end of the self-guided tour, we watched commercials from all over the world.  I am not going to lie, I had tears in my eyes from some of them.  While Coke means nothing to me, I was touched by how much it means to others.  We also participated in a 4-D show that left my husband with the biggest smile on his face for the rest of the day.  Before exiting the building, we both participated in the “tasting room.”  There were over two hundred Coke products from almost every country.  I think we were only able to taste about fifteen before our taste buds became numb from the overload of sweetness, however it was still interesting to taste the flavors that appeal to people in places such as Zimbabwe or Peru.

We still had one more day in Atlanta, where would we go next with our CityPASSes?

A special thank you is in order to the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau for sponsoring my trip to Atlanta, Georgia.

In the heart of the French Alps, lies Chamonix’s premium ski resort, apparently the perfect location for me to make my skiing debut.  Practically dragged from the comfort of my bed by a “supposed friend,” I arrived in the beautiful, but incredibly chilly Chamonix.  Being a first timer, there was bound to be some nerves, however a couple of hot chocolates and some snaps of the magnificent view later, I was ready to conquer the slopes.  Or so I thought!

I began, naturally, on the beginner’s slope with the other ski virgins and a very patient teacher.  After becoming accustomed to the feeling of falling and getting to know my six year old classmates, I started to find my feet, or skis as was the case.  I was feeling quietly confident, thus decided it was time to face a proper slope.

Unfortunately, the proper slope, was to be my downfall.  A lack of balance, coupled with the pressure from my eagerly watching friends, was enough to send me flying (not in a good way) and resulted in some rather unpleasant bruises and an even sorer ego.  So, my skiing career was hardly off to a great start, but in Chamonix I found that it really did not matter.  Being at the foot of Mont Blanc, a Chamonix ski holiday is a well sought after break and skiing is far from the only activity available.

Chamonix is more than ski resort.  The town, by day, is bustling with locals and holiday makers exploring the spectacular offering of shops and restaurants, and it was here I found my favorite aspect of Chamonix.  Some of the most prestigious brands and unique boutiques have found a home in this picturesque town and shopping is the ideal escape if you have not taken to the slopes as well as you might have hoped.

The nightlife in Chamonix provides the perfect place to relive all your triumphs on the slopes or attempts to laugh off failures.  With a good selection of bars and clubs there is no way this ski town could be described as sleepy.  If skiing, or watching other people ski, has left you tired there are also great tea rooms to relax and warm up with a multitude of hot drinks; all aided by the comfort of a real fire.

With so many great places to stay in Chamonix you might find it difficult to get outside at all.  From campsites to chalets, hotels to apartments, Chamonix has accommodation to suit all tastes.  I opted for a cozy bed and breakfast with a stunning view of Mont Blanc and an ample supply of tea and coffee, which is vastly important in a snowy climate.

Chamonix is a great place for first timer skiers, as there is plenty to do, and regardless of skiing abilities you cannot fail to appreciate the striking scenery on offer.

Maeve O’Donnell is from London and a recent University graduate whose interests include traveling and buying too many clothes.  She is now hoping to take over the world of journalism.

Over a decade ago when I was in high school, several times a year, my family and I would make the 3-hour drive from Charlotte, North Carolina to Atlanta, Georgia for a big shopping trip.  Charlotte had little to offer in the way of fashion and its Southern neighbor was always a few steps ahead.  However, Charlotte is now definitely a fashionable city and could possibly rival Atlanta in that department.  In regards to restaurants though, Atlanta is a clear frontrunner, as not only does it have some of the most recognized ones in the country, it is also considered a “culinary destination.”  The following are two examples of some of the extraordinary food experiences that you can have in Georgia’s capitol.

While I was there, I stayed at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta and naturally dined at their restaurant Sway.  Before I had even tasted their food, I already loved the fact that they are locally sourced, which is a win-win for everyone; they support the local suppliers, which in turn ensures that the food is incredibly fresh.

They complimented my cocktail, The Southern Way, perfectly.

As well as the macaroni and cheese and grilled catch of the day and greens.

Usually hotel restaurants fail to leave a lasting impression, but Sway definitely accomplished its moniker by swaying me into changing my stance on them.  The combination of the finest food in an unpretentious but elegant environment is not to be missed!

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I also had the great pleasure of dining in the award winning Empire State South, a restaurant with an even more modern take on Southern fused cuisine.  Chefs Ryan Smith and Hugh Acheson have received one accolade after another ever since the doors opened.  Acheson recently celebrated his success by writing a book: “A New Turn in the South: Southern Flavors Reinvented for your Kitchen.”

I indulged and ordered two dishes, which allowed me a little taste of all of the restaurant’s specialties.  The first dish contained: skillet corn and ocra, squash gratin with grafton chedder, field peas with carolina rice, collard greens, and padron peppers with sea salt.

The second dish contained: local greens, dressed field peas with oranges, fennel and goat cheese, potato salad with roasted peppers, and farro, radishes, and apples.

Even though I truly did not have room for one more bite — when a plate of the most beautiful looking dessert is placed in front of you — you find the room.  Trust me, their was not a crumb left on the plate.

My favorite thing in this world (other than my husband) is coffee.  Thus, one of the highlight’s of my meal was the cortado that was especially made for me in their coffee bar; truly the perfect ending.

Empire State South has one motive and that is to turn moments into memories through their unique approach to eating and drinking.  Expect the memories to be plentiful after dining there!

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A special thank you is in order to the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau for sponsoring my trip to Atlanta, Georgia.

Hyatt Regency Atlanta: Atlanta, Georgia

First Impression

I was excited to experience the award-winning Hyatt Regency Atlanta, as I had been informed that it had recently undergone close to a $70 million dollar transformation.  That can only mean good things, right?  Absolutely!  As soon as you step into the 22-story hotel, you immediately see that every effort to modernize it has successfully been taken.  Somehow its designers figured out a way to blend the efficiencies of a business hotel with the details of a luxury hotel.

Location

Location, location, location.  This hotel is truly in the center of the city’s main attractions, making it possible to never need a car once during your entire stay.  Within walking distance are some of Atlanta’s most beloved treasures, such as: Georgia Aquarium, Coke Museum, CNN Center, Peachtree Center Mall, and Georgia Dome.  I highly recommend purchasing an Atlanta CityPASS, which will allow you to explore some of these places for one affordable price.

The Room

The Hyatt chain is dedicated to making sure that all of their rooms are hypo-allergenic, which allows even the most sensitive of guests an incredibly comfortable sleeping environment.  The Hyatt Regency Atlanta takes it one step further with their “Respire by Hyatt” purification process.  All of the rooms must undergo this strict six-step process, ensuring that you are staying in the cleanest room in Atlanta.  They make green sexy, with their sleek decor and inviting bedding — perfect for a romantic Southern getaway, which is exactly what I was on.

The Bathroom

Because the hotel was originally designed as a business hotel, the bathrooms are on the smaller side.  To make up for that, they are stocked with luxurious Portico bath products.

The Extras

Depending on which room you are in, you might just get a sweeping downtown view.

Why It Is Andi’s Pick

Besides being impressed by both the hotel room and location, and the fact that the lobby cafe sells Starbucks coffee, I am also quite enchanted with the Hyatt Regency Atlanta’s two restaurants: Twenty-Two Storys and Sway.  Both offer the best in Southern fusion cuisine.  While, Sway is the upscale dining option, Twenty-Two Storys has a relaxed, bar-like atmosphere.  Brunch at Sway is a must have experience while visiting Atlanta, regardless if you are staying in the hotel or not.

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A special thank you is in order to the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau for sponsoring my trip to Atlanta, Georgia.

If you are looking for a getaway-from it-all kind of break, then you certainly will not be short of choice in the UK.  It boasts some of the most beautiful vacation spots in the world, but where exactly is worth a visit on your next travel adventure?  Well, here are a few ideas to get your globetrotting juices flowing:

The Lake District in the North West county of Cumbria, England is one of the most visually stunning locations in the world.  The true beauty of the Lake District is definitely one of those things that have to be seen to be believed, so make sure you take your camera with you.  The accommodation Windermere includes some of the most delightful little cottages in the Lake District and there is no better way to enjoy the very best of England.  After a long day of walking in the hills, you will be grateful for the chance to put your feet up in front of a log fire for the evening.

Of equal beauty, minus the multitude of lakes, is the Peak District, which can be found between Manchester and Sheffield in the center of the country.  This place gives the Lake District a run for its money in the scenery stakes and attracts visitors from all over the world on a regular basis.  Its close proximity to some of the UK’s best cities to visit only serves to make it even more attractive.  You can get active climbing rocks, abseiling back down them, and even going inside them by caving, but if you would rather relax; pack a picnic and lay down the blanket amongst the hills and trees.

Moving south, we come to the Cotswolds in the Somerset and Gloucestershire areas.  The Cotswolds, an area which is often affectionately labelled as the “Heart of England,” actually spreads throughout a total of six counties.  It not only has the countryside to match the Lake and Peak Districts, however it also has some of the quaintest towns in the country.  For over fifty years now, this part of England has been recognized as an “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,” which is certainly not an easy title to come by.

If England does not tickle your fancy, then the Scottish Highlands most definitely will.  Moving away from the country theme, Edinburgh cements its place on this list as one of the most delightfully picturesque cities in the world.  It is beautiful in a wholly different way to the English and Scottish countrysides, thus your camera is still an absolute necessity.  One thing is for certain: the architecture and culture that fills the streets of Edinburgh will stay with you for a very long time.

Here is a fact: Travelers eventually get older and many of them want to have children, however do not want to give up traveling.  What then?  Well, some may disagree with me, but there is the choice of traveling with your children and still having the time of your life!  This is why I have done some research on what to do in Paris (in the future I will write a similar post with another destination) with children; where both adults and kids have a good time.

Cinéaqua

This is an amazing place for children.  It has 43 aquariums, including: sharks, 2 cinemas, and several programmed shows every month.  A family could definitely spend half a day being totally amused and entertained around the Cinéaqua.

La Galerie des Enfants inside the Pompidou Centre

Did you know that the Pompidou Centre has devoted an entire ground-floor gallery to exhibitions by top artists and designers in order to introduce children to modern art, design, and architecture?  Here kids can interact with elements, touch them, and there are even 6-12 year old children and family workshops one Sunday afternoon every month.  Placed in a colorful square, it is cultural fun for everyone.

Circus

People either love or hate the Circus, and so do children (I know because when I was little I hated Zoos).  Then I saw Cirque du Soleil and my opinion changed.  Guess what?  They just so happen to often perform in Paris!  Make sure to look at their schedule before renting your apartments in Paris if you want to see the show (they are now performing “Corteo” on the French tour).   Though, I do recommend waiting until your children are older.  If your children are young still and you want the classic circus environment then head to the Cirque d’Hiver.  It is an old-fashioned circus with all the typical components: acrobatics, flying trapezes, and horseback riders.  Its charm lies precisely in the fact that one family has run it for more than 80 years.

Bois de Boulogne

This would undoubtedly be my favorite place.  Of course, I am talking conditionally since I have no children, but I have seen its pictures and I am considering having children just so that I can take them there.  It has waterfalls, grottoes, and abundance of roses, daffodils, and lilies.  Moreover, and this is what amazes me and has always amazed me, the miniature things it has.  There is an amusement park with a miniature train and farm, a mini roller coaster, and boat rides.

Now, do you not you feel like grabbing your child, taking them to one of the Paris apartments, and teaching them about the marvels of travel?

Maria Climent is a 26-year-old Catalan lady.  After studying translation, she decided her life was odd enough to became a humor scriptwriter and by default, a blogger.  This is how she is now a mother of no one and a better person.  She also cooks her meals.

Thankfully, I had had about 15 glasses of champagne at this point in the wedding, because as you can see from my expression in the following photo, I was more than a bit nervous when Julie announced that it was time for the garter toss.

Being the extraordinary wedding planner/Matron of Honor that she was, Julie quickly filled up my champagne glass before forcing me to sit in a chair in the middle of the dance floor and showing more skin than I was comfortable revealing (especially in front of my Dad).

Most of the men at our wedding were not single and the ones that were definitely had had their fair share of alcohol (ie: my brother).

Which is why he did not think twice before he jumped for the garter.

How priceless is his face when he realized what he had just caught?

Then it was time for the bouquet toss.  I love how competitive women get during this moment and my wedding was no exception.

In Argentina, most weddings do not end until sunrise, so even though it was pushing 2AM the music started up again.

It is nearly impossible to find the right words upon which to end this post.  Thus, I think I will simply say: fairytales do come true.

End note: My wedding posts have sadly come to an end.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your love-filled comments over the last 17 posts — they will remain in my thoughts forever.  I cannot even begin to describe how much joy I had reliving this special day in my life and I hope in the future to show these posts to my children.  I will be taking a short break over the coming weeks from this series to blog about “Romantic Southern Getaways,” and once I have finished I will return to this series to finish blogging about our 2 week honeymoon throughout Brasil.

Make sure to keep yours eyes open for cheap business cards online, because there are definitely deals to be found.