Archive for October, 2011

I remember when it dawned on me: I was turning the corner onto rue Lacepede in Paris’ Latin Quarter when the thought crossed my mind.  I had just left my new apartment across from the Jardin des Plantes where I had spent the morning watching the sunrise out my 8th story window.  I was walking to class at the Paris American Academy — the one I had dreamed of attending for so long — to learn creative writing from authors I deeply admired.  Now it was a reality.  I felt a smile spread across my face and I thought to myself, “Is this really my life?”

The view from my apartment.

The truth is Paris had never struck me as a place I had particularly wanted to go.  Unlike my grade-school friends who wore berets to French class and swooned over macaroons, I was never a Francophile.  I had a vague interest in that Paris housed the Louvre, but that was about it.  This dismissive attitude is inconceivable to me now.  A creative writer, who had no interest in visiting one of the biggest literary and artistic hubs of the world?  Besides that, have you tried their food?

Croissants and pain au chocolat.

I had not understood why the silhouette of the Eiffel Tower captivated so many?  What was it about the City of Lights that was worthy of such worship?  Well, I found out when I climbed to the roof of the basilica Sacre Coeur and beheld the most stunning view I have ever seen; every rooftop of Paris stretched on and on, winding around the maze of streets that buzzed with magic, people, art, and light.  It took my breath away.

The view from Sacre Coeur.

I had underestimated Paris’ beauty, its intense fixation on the perfection of the creative arts, from fine dining to table waiting, from painting to street cleaning.  What I learned from Paris I would advise anyone who wants to travel: do not dismiss a place because you think you know what it is all about.  You cannot let the stereotypes of a place keep you from visiting it.

Sacre Coeur

A rude waiter, a tender baguette, and the Eiffel Tower are not the essence of Paris by themselves.  They are small pieces of a larger, more magnificent whole.  When imagining Paris, perhaps you would not think of the tiny bakery across from Val de Grace, the knobs on the metro you have twist to open the doors, or the piano concerts in Luxembourg Gardens, however they are just as much a part of Paris as all the rest.

Arc de Triomphe

If you travel with an open mind, not only does your destination touch a deeper part of you, but it stays in your heart long after you have left.  I did not think Paris had affected me so deeply until I returned home.  I longed for pain au chocolat and drinking red wine along the Seine in the company of my new friends.  I realized that, even though I had not intended to fall in love with Paris, it had captured my heart anyway.  Now I can truly say, je t’aime Paris!

One last tip, consider experiencing the Paris hop on hop off bus, as it is a fun and efficient way to see the City of Light!  I promise you will not regret trying it out.

Patricia GW is a traveling writer out to discover mythology in the modern world.  Upon graduation she will be moving to Japan to teach English, and from there backpack across southeast Asia.  You can also find her on Google+ and Twitter.

Highland holidays in Scottish cottages are becoming some of the most sought after breaks amongst inquisitive travelers around the world these days.  There is nothing like getting into the countryside and enjoying a good old rejuvenation and there is nowhere like the Scottish Highlands in which to do that.

The country lays claim to one of the most beautiful cities in the world in Edinburgh and has some of the most striking scenery you are ever likely to see.  Scotland is also home to one of the most famous mysteries in the world and it goes by the name of the Loch Ness Monster.

For centuries, visitors to Scotland have speculated as to the existence of the monster and many have even claimed to have captured the beast on camera with a multitude of pictures circulating on the internet.  Most, if not all, of the pictures are grainy at best, but that has not stopped people from believing in Nessie.

The first recorded knowledge of the supposed plesiosaur dates back to as early as the 6^th Century, but it was brought to the world’s attention in 1933 when it was reported to have been spotted on land (not for the first time) crossing the road in front a man called George Spicer’s car.  The mystery behind the beast has led to many hoaxes from visitors over the years, however its existence has still not been proved.

The myth is unbelievably well known and visitors come from all around the world in the hope of catching a glimpse.  Some people come for that purpose alone, though even if you are not captivated by the theory, hunting for Nessie is a great activity to include in your family holiday.  The surrounding areas are so beautiful that you might even forget for about the monster.  Whether you believe in Nessie or not, you will almost certainly feel a slight eeriness at the possibility of such a presence.

Loch Ness lies in close proximity to Inverness and the Cairngorm Mountain region, thus considering how expansive the Highlands are, you will have plenty to do in such a relatively small and accessible area.  The Cairngorms offer some of the best walks and indeed, views, not only in Scotland, but in the world.  People complain about the weather, but in a way it seems to add to the charm.

Holiday cottages in Scotland give you the perfect base for such exploration.  Even if you do not find Nessie, you will not be disappointed with your time here!

Everyone knows that the best part of a wedding (well, in most cases) is the cake.  And ours definitely did not disappoint!  Faena Hotel + Universe baked us the most spectacular cake ever: a double layered dulce de leche and milk chocolate torta with white chocolate icing on the sides.

I begged Lucas to eschew the tradition of shoving the first bite of cake into each others faces and thankfully he obliged.  While we were feeding each other, my friend, Apphia, whom had flown all the way from China, sang “Unforgettable”  to us on a whim.  It was absolutely breathtaking!

Once she was finished, the band began to play again.  They played a mix of popular jazz and bossa nova songs.

Of course, everyone loved the slow music, but the party did not officially begin until the dance music started.  The star of the show was definitely Lucas’ Dad.  I guess I know where my husband got his smooth moves from?

I must have been inspired by his Dad in the following photo?

I refused to have any cheesy songs played during the reception, such as “YMCA,” however I did not protest when the conga line was started to a Black Eyed Peas song.

I then paused for a quick champagne break, as I knew I would need some liquid courage for what was coming up next, while Lucas took my Mom for a spin on the dance floor.

What is your favorite photo?

A paradox of paradise and partying; Phuket is inundated with tourists every year and it is easy to see why.  Thailand lures a substantial number of visitors with stunning beaches, all night parties, and “lady boys” galore, but another, perhaps less mentioned, draw is the fabulous food.

Phuket is a food lover’s dream and from first rate restaurants to street stalls, food can be found pretty much 24/7.  Try IndoChine’s Waterfront Restaurant for a modern take on Asian cuisine and one of the best views in Thailand or Baan Rim Pa for award winning Thai food using the best in local seafood and ingredients.

Being an island, Phuket is certainly not lacking in seafood and the quality is second to none.  There are countless seafood restaurants and you will find it in all sorts of dishes, including: starters, soups, alongside rice, and in curries.  Restaurants are located right on the beaches and some even float on the water itself and have fish farms where guests can choose their own dinner from.

Phuket food and drink does not end with restaurants.  Truly there is no chance of going hungry on this island, with such a huge number of street vendors selling everything from fresh fruit to squid.  Once you are suitably satiated be sure to check out some of the island’s other attractions.  The beautiful beaches provide the perfect spot to relax or sleep off any unwanted hangovers from the night before.

Phuket also provides ample opportunity to shop and perfect your bartering skills, with tons of market stalls you are bound to find a suitable souvenir or gift to take home.  The Old Town has a good selection of shops and with a mixture of traditional and colonial architecture makes for a great sightseeing stroll.

When it comes to finding places to stay in Phuket you will have plenty of choices.  There is a wide range of accommodation from friendly hostels to luxury resorts.  You can have excellent service and great views of the beach, yet still have enough money to catch a cabaret or treat yourself to a lobster dinner.

The perfect mix of nightlife and sunbathing, Phuket really does offer a lot more than the “Go Go bars” it has become infamous for.  It is the ultimate destination for anyone in search of an island getaway and a great dining experience!

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.

Then it was time for the Father-Daughter dance.  Thankfully, I was not nervous about dancing with my Dad, like I was dancing with Lucas, as my Dad and I have been dancing together since I had learned how to walk.  He introduced me to all of the jazz greats, our favorite being Frank Sinatra, thus there was no other artist I would even consider dancing to other than Ol’ Blue Eyes.  Together, we chose the song, “The Way You Look Tonight.”

Oh, how I never wanted the song to end!  I think my Dad felt the same way?

When you have three brothers and you are the only girl in the family, you are destined to be “Daddy’s little girl.”  And even though I am now married — that does not change a thing — I will forever be his princess.

About halfway through the song, I felt a tap on my shoulder.  Alex, my brother/Man of Honor, had cut in and asked my Dad’s permission to finish dancing the song with me.

No one in this world makes me laugh harder or fills my heart with more joy than my baby brother.

After the song finished, it was time for one of the highlight’s of the evening: my dear friend, Nathan Leigh Jones, performed his song, “Beautiful You.”  If you do not know the endearing story behind our friendship, you can read it here.

I am certain that you can tell from the expression on my face in the following picture just how deeply I was moved by his performance.  It is not only my favorite song of his, but the fact that he flew all the way from Australia to Argentina to sing it on my wedding day is something I will never forget!

After the song I could not resist running over to Nathan and giving him a gigantic hug of gratitude.

Once I returned to my seat, Lucas came over to me to let me know that it was time for everyone’s favorite part of the night. . .

 Even though I love Buenos Aires, New York City will forever be my favorite city in the world.  Even though it is quite expensive, affordable New York accommodation can be found.

Contrary to what many may think, there are lots of free things to do in Barcelona.  I will share with you a list of things to do on any given weekend, though let us just say the next one, in case you have rented one of the apartments in Barcelona.

On Friday evenings (19h) and on Saturday evenings (18h) there are usually free movie projections at the different FNAC shops.  Also, on both Friday and Saturday, there are always free concerts at a popular bar in Gracia called “Cara B.”  Normally it is pop-rock style.  However, if you do not like this kind of bar and/or music, there is another place in the same neighborhood with a younger audience called Switch Bar, where free concerts are performed every Friday night (23h).

On Sundays, there are usually free concerts at midday around different spots of the city.  In Gracia, at the Virreina Square, it is not difficult to find a jazz concert, a collective swing dancing session, or a little fair.  This next Sunday, October 23, there will be a music parade organized by the cultural association called RIBERMÚSICA.

There will also be a free exhibition; curiously interesting, but quite recommendable, that is called, “Japan: Pet’s Paradise.” It is organized by the Casa Asia and the Japan Foundation, which have united to exhibit the main characters of the different anime shows with aspects of Japan’s culture.  It goes until the 2nd of November.

Yet another fun activity you can do when spending some days at one of the Barcelona apartments is a free skating route organized every two Saturday evenings by the Inline Skating School and is open to anyone.  Of course, you are welcome to bring your own skates.

Finally, if you are traveling with kids, the Abacus Cooperative, a bookstore, organizes activities in their stores every Saturday starting at midday.

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.

When Lucas and I walked into the ballroom where our reception was being held both of our hearts skipped a beat.  The room had been transformed, with the help of Julie and Faena Hotel + Universe, into an absolute masterpiece before our eyes!

We immediately went to the dance floor for our first dance, which was to the song Besame Mucho.  I was incredibly nervous, as we had not had the opportunity to practice even once.  However, I should have known there was no reason to be nervous, because Lucas is Latin and we all know that Latins are born with the innate ability to shake their hips.

Once our dance was over, we returned to our seats for dinner. . .and for some more kisses!  Besame mucho, remember?

A while later, my Dad (with my brother as his Spanish translator) gave the father of the bride speech.  It is quite long, but I have decided to share it regardless, as it is deeply touching — both endearing and funny at the same time — just take a look at the expressions captured on everyone’s faces as he delivered it:

My name is Rafael Francisco Josephe Perullo, the father of Andrea Maria.  I would like to start by thanking all of the guests for sharing this day with Andrea and Lucas, especially those that have traveled great distances to attend.

One of my concerns before coming to Argentina was trying to remember names.  I quickly realized that with the women, Italians and Argentinians have a very common trait: most women have a Maria in their name.  Andi, my wife, my mother in law, my niece, my sister, Lucas’ mother, and I am confident that a number of other family members have it included in their name as well.  So, if I forget a woman’s name, I will just use Maria and there is a good chance I will be right!

The more I thought about today, the more of Andi’s life came flashing into my head, and the reality that she has grown up and is now taking the biggest step of her life hits me.  These two, Andi and Alex, are my daughter and son, but where in the world did the little children vanish to?

To say that Andi has led an interesting and amazing life at such an early age, and led it to the fullest, is an understatement.  My wife, Margit, and I should have seen it coming when she was a child.  Margit probably saw it, while I was a father and totally missed it.

I could spend hours telling “Andi stories”.  Although, I will not, since Andi compares my talking to that of Fidel Castro, since I can just go on forever.  However, I encourage each of you to ask her questions throughout the celebration.  I can promise there are great stories behind each of them.

Here are some of my favorite moments:

• At 12, Andi believed she was a very good swimmer.  She went to a swim club that a neighbor and friend of Andi’s, Kristen, who is here today, belonged to in order to be evaluated.  She was placed at the lowest possible entry level and stormed out of the swim club furious and in tears.  She was determined to show them.  A year later, at 13 and not yet in high school, she won the State 50 meter freestyle championship defeating 17 year olds.  She did not lose a race the next 2 years.
• Andi walked miles from the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island into Nassau, the Bahamas when she was 14 to get a tattoo of a daisy on her ankle.  She hid it the entire vacation and told her mother and I while on the plane returning home.
• Andi called me from Bolivia to inform me that she had broken her ankle the day before in Peru.
• Andi called me from Mexico asking me to help her leave the country, as she had sneaked into Cuba, and her flight back to Mexico had been delayed, thus she missed her connecting flight back to the States.  I told her that she had been in Cuba illegally, and that I was not a diplomat nor in the State Department, so there was nothing I could do.  She figured out a way to get home.  She always did.  With all of her travels around the world, every time I see a movie about the CIA, I am convinced that my daughter is a member of the organization
• When she entered college, I told her to enjoy the experience and take her time.  She double majored and finished in 3 years
• Andi called me from Spain to let me know that she had everything stolen and could not leave the country.  Notice how she always called me and not her mother?

Andi knows how much her mother and I love and care about her and how very proud of her we are.  I am lost for words in any attempt to describe my daughter’s beauty and how gorgeous she looks in her wedding gown.  I want to thank everyone who made the wedding ceremony a success, especially Julie Watson Gomez.  It would have been impossible without her help and patience.

I met Lucas five years earlier.  I did not speak Spanish.  At the time Lucas spoke very little English.  We smiled and nodded a lot.  Now he speaks English better than most Americans.  Me, well, I still do not speak Spanish.  My first impression of Lucas was that he was a handsome, respectful, and fine young man.  I wished that he did not live so far away.  What has happened over the last six years proves that love has no boundaries.  Their commitment reminds me of a quote from a novel I read, “You know you are really in love when you cannot fall asleep because reality is better than your dreams.”

To Maria and Jose, my promise is that our home is Lucas’ home.  Margit and I will love and respect him as if he was our own child.  Today is a day of great joy of celebration and happiness.  Today the Ledesma and Perullo families are joined together forever.

I believe there are two lasting bequests we can give our children, one is roots and the other is wings.  Ladies and Gentlemen, raise your glasses, and join me in welcoming the bride and groom: Mrs. and Mr. Lucas Perullo de Ledesma!

This year you should add Hawaii holidays to your Bucket List.  It is only a quick plane ride away to tropical Paradise!

In a country with a huge variety of places and attractions, how can you possibly fit everything into one week?  Take Spain for example.  Why travel from Madrid to Barcelona to Valencia and waste so much time on the journeys to and from cities?  Galicia was the answer to all my prayers.  This spectacular province to the north of the country provides the entire check list of essentials for the ultimate Spanish experience and without the hefty plane trips.

I began my Spanish taster session in Pontevedra.  Major cities of any scale can often become brash in their attempts to stand out from their contemporaries, but this is not Galicia’s style.  With a tiny population and traditional buildings stretching from sea to mountain, Pontevedra is the ideal medieval idyll.  With such pride in the local cuisine, there is no shortage of places to eat out in Galicia.  The Restaurante Eirado Da Lena holds all of the worn Spanish charm overlooking a tiny square in the city and with a rich and diverse menu — there is no better place to spend an evening.  And perhaps lunch the next day as well!

Before leaving this turquoise paradise, I stopped by the Rías Baixas, one of Spain’s most famous wine regions.  If I were more of a wine connoisseur I could describe the delicate notes of berry and orange and contrast between the wineries.  Instead, I spent my two days comparing the breathtaking valleys and rivers of the area on walks, always with the sea in sight. Whether it is the fresh air or fresh glass of wine that you are after, Rías Baixas can provide it all.

With such an extensive list of things to do in Galicia, it is impossible to stay in one place for long.  One two hour journey from Pontevedra and a hotel check in later, I found myself in A Coruña, the province’s sparkling gem.  Being a history nut, my first stop was to the Catedral de Santiago de Composte in the center of town.  Like A Coruña itself, every angle of this fantastic building is designed to inspire awe.  After exhausting yourself gaping at the architecture, what better way to recuperate than with a lovely coffee in a cafe in the shadow of the cathedral?

Whilst Pontevedra spills the secrets of the past in its hushed streets, A Coruña is the minstrel of Spain, with a busy and active city center, fabulous nightlife, and endless beaches.  In both of these cities and the surrounding countryside, I experienced as many sides to Spanish culture as though I had traveled the length of the country.  With many more cities dotted around the region, from Lugo to Ourense, Ferro to Vigo, a tourist with more time on their hands could experience an entire world with just a short drive.

Matilda Lambert is an English university student who is lucky enough to travel the world with many unusual adventures.  Though often seen on long-haul flights, her true love is for Scandinavia and hopes to move there after her studies.

In a prior post, I shared all of the details of my ceremony.  For as much thought as I put into it, I put just as much, if not more, into my reception.  I am not a big DIY kinda gal, however Julie, my wedding planner extraordinaire/Matron of Honor, is.  Thus, anything I could dream of, she could turn into a reality — we made for the perfect team!

The centerpieces did not turn out exactly as we had hoped (warning: NEVER use La Mejor Flor as florists in Buenos Aires, Argentina).  Thankfully though, moments before the wedding, Julie ran around from table to table working her magic.  We had floating red and pink roses in varying sized vases on each of the tables.  Along with the centerpieces, she sprinkled rose petals and butterfly and airplane vintage map confetti.

Lighting was essential to me.  We had floating candles in the centerpieces, candelabras on several of the tables, and we made use of the ballroom’s chandeliers; all working together to create the most romantic ambiance possible.

Perhaps, the detail that I am most proud of was our creative way of both displaying our seating chart and how we distinguished each table from the next.  Inside of a vintage suitcase that Julie found in a market, we placed the name cards.  On the back of the name cards were pictures of iconic Argentine symbols.

Each table had a long stem rose and attached to the stem was a postcard with the symbol.  There were seven postcards in total: Evita, a couple dancing the tango, Maradona, el Obelisco, la Boca, la Puente de la Mujer, and Che Guevara.

One of the main reasons why I chose Faena Hotel + Universe as our wedding venue, besides being one of the leading hotels in the world and drop dead gorgeous, was because they would provide a 9-course meal to my guests.  Yes, you read that correctly, 9 unbelievably delicious courses.  Plus, there was an open champagne and wine bar.  Each table had a menu with all of the courses listed.

And while the food was amongst some of the best I have ever had the pleasure of tasting, nothing compared to our dulce de leche and chocolate wedding cake.  I found the cake toppers on Etsy and had them made to match the exact color and font on our wedding invitations.

While our guests ate, drank, and danced the night away, there was a photo montage of Lucas and I from the last six years on display on a large screen in between the tables.

Of course my guests did not go home empty handed.  Inside their gift bag, which had a thank you gift tag with all seven of the iconic Argentine symbols that we had used on it, was a CD with all of the wedding music on it (handmade by Julie), gourmet chocolate in the shape of hearts, and a wine stopper.

If you should find yourself in Europe, make sure to experience one of the many amazing Europe tours.  You will see and do much more than if you were to explore on your own.

I have a theory that it is easier to get “stuck” in a city when you are traveling solo, than when you are traveling with others.  Florence is one of those cities, in which you find yourself in a square — the sun is shining on your face and you are watching people pass you by– and you truly feel as if you are home.  You do not feel as though you are a tourist at all.  At least this is what happened to me when I spent some days in one of the apartments in Florence.

Maybe it was because I did not go during high season; I visited in mid-October and it was not crowded in the least bit.  Most of the people out and about were locals and students, so it was an excellent opportunity to explore the city sans tourists.  Perhaps this is why I felt so at home in Florence?

My point is that if you go to Florence, of course you must see Michelangelo’s David and the Duomo, as well as many other beauties found within this amazing city, but also look carefully at where the locals go.  This is how you will discover your favorite spots in Florence, which, in my opinion, is the best way to start loving a city.

The following are my three favorite spots:

• Piazza della Repubblica: One can quickly get used to walking through this square, as within a week I already regarded it as my own.  I liked sitting at the foot of a column with my notebook and letting inspiration come to me.

• Continuing with the theme of feeling like you have been adopted by a city; if you are feeling lonely, head to Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio, where you will feel as though you are amongst family.  Every morning there are families who browse the bancarelle (stands) looking for the freshest fruits and vegetables.  It somehow reminded my of my childhood when I spent the summer with my grandma and grandpa.
• Caffe degli Artigiani: I quickly became enamored by this café, not only because it was so close to my place, but also because of its lovely atmosphere.  What amazed me the most was that on the second day I went in they asked my name and on the third day they treated me like a lifelong client.  It became my habitual spot for Italian espresso.

I hope that if you do ever spend some days at any of the Florence apartments you have as wonderful of a time as I have.  However, I hope even more than that, that no matter where you are in the world, you find your favorite spots, especially traveling solo.

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.