Archive for January, 2012

If you are a follower of My Beautiful Adventures, then you know that one of my most favorite people in the world as a person and as a photographer is Kyle Hepp.  She has shot a boudoir session of me in Santiago, Chile and my wedding in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  Well, when I discovered that she would synchronistically be shooting a wedding in Chicago the exact same time my husband and I would be there as well, I asked her if she would kindly do a photo shoot with us and she agreed.  Lucas and I had both purchased something special to wear at the NYE Ballroom Blitz that we would be attending at the Hyatt Regency Chicago and we thought our outfits would photograph nicely and that these photos would be a beautiful reminder of our first New Year’s Eve together.  In case you missed it, Kyle also did a blog post about the photo shoot in our Deluxe Suite at the Elysian Chicago.

The following photo is my favorite from the photo shoot.

Which is your favorite photo?  More photos to come soon. . .

A couple of months ago I was invited to join TWIN: Toyota Women’s Influencer Network.  It is such an honor and privilege to have joined a community supporting a brand that I so passionately believe in.  Over the upcoming months you will see more posts regarding my relationship with TWIN, however, in my first post of the series I thought I would do a self-interview.

Are you a Toyota owner?

Yes, I have been one for almost four years now and I cannot imagine ever not being one.  Before I left for Graduate School in NYC I sold my car.  Once I returned to Charlotte, a city that has very little public transportation, I needed to buy a car again.  Right around the same time, the Toyota Prius was beginning to get rave reviews, thus I took one for a test drive.  It was love at first sight and the rest is history.

Why did you pick the color red?

Red in Chinese culture is good luck.  We all could use a little extra luck when we are on the road, right?  Plus, it is such a sexy color for a car!

Why do you like Toyota?

Honestly, I originally chose the Toyota Prius, simply because the car was fuel efficient — making it kinder on the environment and my wallet.  It was not until after I became an owner did I become a Toyota fan.  I have had nothing but the most pleasant of experiences throughout the years with both my car and with the employees when I need to have it serviced.  My Mom was so impressed herself that a year after I bought my car she bought one too (though in green).

Why the Toyota Prius?

I normally avoid hot topics on My Beautiful Adventures, but I have decided to touch upon one: the environment.  Our world is being destroyed with each passing day.  Whether you want to believe in “global warming” or not, it is impossible to refute that climate change is real.  I know that I contribute to it, just by being alive, so driving a hybrid is one positive way that I can help.  I personally feel as though it is a crime, yes I used the word crime, to create and buy non-hybrid cars.  There is no reason why the United States government cannot make a legal mandate that from this point forward only hybrid cars will be produced.

Disclosure: I was selected for participation in the TWIN community through a program with Clever Girls Collective. I did not receive any compensation for writing this post, or payment in exchange for participating. The opinions expressed herein are mine, and do not reflect the views of the Toyota.

It is no secret that I have an obsession with New Year’s Eve.  I usually start planning at least six months in advance where and how I will be celebrating the beloved holiday, however this past year was unique since now I would be planning for two instead of one and I was not sure if my new husband would have his Green Card in time to leave the country or not.  Thus, when the Hyatt Regency Chicago invited us to their glamorous NYE Ballroom Blitz we accepted immediately.

We decided to arrive in Chicago a few days earlier than the party, just in case there was bad weather and we would have flight issues — a definite possibility for that part of the United States in December.  Our first hotel stay was at the Elysian Chicago, which was introduced to me via Kiwi Collection.

From the facade of the hotel alone I knew it was going to be special.  I love hotels that give you the feeling that you have walked into another world once you have passed through their front doors.

After we unpacked and spent some time luxuriating in our Deluxe Suite, we dined at the hotel’s casual restaurant Balsan.  The meal was destined to be delicious, since they serve baguettes as their bread option.

Instead of water, my husband and I chose to celebrate our trip to Chicago with fruit-infused caipirinhas.  We could not be more excited to finally, after six and a half years, be in the same place together for New Year’s Eve!

Lunch consisted of a creamed cauliflower soup and a goat cheese salad.  We decided to eat light, as later in the evening we had reservations at the Argentinean restaurant Folklore and we knew that we would be eating as though it was our last meal ever, because we both have a strong affinity for Argentinean food (especially since my husband is Argentinean).  Also, we had two dear friends joining us, one of them being the amazing Traveling Ted.

Our first day in Chicago could not have been more perfect (or so we thought).  Thanks to the Hyatt Regency Chicago, I was about to cross something huge off of my Bucket List!

To me, the magic of traveling begins the moment I walk into my intended hotel.  I am not like a lot of travelers who believe that one’s hotel experience is not of significance, since the majority of one’s journey will be spent exploring outside the hotel’s front doors.  While I do lose myself in the world of travel when I am abroad, I also care deeply about my accommodations and spend quite a bit of time researching the best choice/s for my trips.  Over the years, I have developed a strong passion for boutique hotels, especially ones that offer an incredible personal attention to detail and service.  In this post I explore three unique boutique hotels in England:

Hope Street Hotel

When looking for hotels in Liverpool, look no further than Hope Street Hotel.  What is unique about this hotel is that it is located within a gorgeous historical building that was built in 1860 in the style of a Venetian palazzo.  The rooms are spacious with a contemporary design —  along with these rooms that are so luxurious that you will never want to leave them is a restaurant, The London Carriage Works, with world-class dining.  Another perk of the hotel is that it is only steps away from the best shopping and sightseeing in the city.

The Berkeley

A favorite of celebrities when visiting London is The Berkeley.  What is unique about this hotel is that retro movies are played on a big movie screen for guests on its perfectly manicured rooftop garden no matter what season of the year it is.  The hotel is located in the fashionable district of Knightsbridge.  The rooms are designed to impress and any need, want, or desire can be met by the staff.  The hotel also houses two of the city’s finest restaurants: Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley and Koffmann’s.

Malmaison Oxford

Elysian Chicago: Chicago, Illinois

First Impression

I was smitten from the moment I walked through the Elysian’s front doors, as I was now in the land of ultimate luxury.  I could not wait to explore the entire hotel, however I was most eager to see my Deluxe Suite.  I was completely taken aback as I entered the room.  For a hotel in a major city, when space is extremely limited, it was almost impossible to believe just how large the room was!

Location

Having never been to Chicago before, I had no idea what part of the city to stay in.  Thus, I took a chance with the Gold Coast neighborhood, which is where the hotel is located.  This historical area is filled with designer boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and high-rise penthouses all within walking distance.  The Elysian fits in perfectly with its glamorous surroundings.

The Room

The bedroom in the Deluxe Suite is designed with a strong aura of simple elegance.  The bed was so comfortable that I never wanted to leave it — in fact I hardly left my room for the three days I was there.  My excuse as to why I hardly saw any of Chicago: the Elysian.

The flat-screen TV and iPod docking station were the perfect amenities in the already perfect room.

The Bathroom

You know that you are in a luxury hotel when there is a TV in the bathroom mirror.  It might be ridiculously indulgent, however I loved being entertained while relaxing in the bathtub or getting ready to go out.  I also very much enjoyed the designer bath products and terry-cloth robes.

The Extras

The Deluxe Suite had another room attached to the bedroom that functioned as a kitchen/living room/office.  In an appointed nook there was a sink, an ice maker, a refrigerator, and a microwave.

My absolute favorite part was the fireplace, which immediately turned on and filled the room with warmth with a press of a button, and that was a necessity since I was visiting in December.

Why It Is Andi’s Pick

Every luxury hotel should care about the details like the Elysian does.  No matter where you looked, there was a special touch that added sophistication and class to make certain that you would want to return over and over again for years to come.

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This post is dedicated to all those people who just cannot give up their crazy night fever.  Those people who do not remember the last time they had breakfast on a weekend.  Those people whose hangover pushes them to the fridge on Sunday midday and obliges them to eat a sad margarine sandwich.  Yes, you people with sparkling eyes at 4AM, here is your solution: it is called “save-the-last-drink’s-money-to-buy-yourself-brunch-in-the-morning”.  In all seriousness, it will supply you with loads of vitamins, carbohydrates, sugar, and probably optimism so that you can recover easily and look like a decent person again.

Today, I propose the awesome city of Berlin, where I realized this past summer while staying in one of the Berlin apartments, that the city offers more than just curriwursts (I cannot understand how they can like a sausage with ketchup and curry?)!  Thus, here you have some of the trendiest places for brunch in Berlin:

Café 100Wasser: Simon-Dach-Strasse 39

This is a place where for the price of a drink at a fancy bar (7.90€ Sat – 9.50€ Sun) you can have an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet with an international menu.

Café Einstein Stammhaus: Kurfürstenstrasse 58

Undoubtedly, one of the best places in Berlin for brunch; many consider it a classic.  Moreover, they have a cute leafy garden where you can eat.

Café Anita Wronski: Knaackstrasse 26-28

Excellent brunch served here, although space is taken advantage of as much as physic laws allow.  There are a great variety of coffees available.

If you prefer, you can also prepare your personalized brunch in your apartments in Berlin.  You only need to go to the supermarket the day before and even though you might be tempted to buy a dozen packs of donuts, remember to include fruits, natural juices, something salty and something lactic too.

Maria Climent is a 27-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.

Despite having a five hour bus ride to Rome ahead of me, I had butterflies in my stomach — if my unforgettable Trafalgar Tours trip needed to come to an end anywhere — I could not think of a better place.  During the long drive an enormous full moon, which turned the sky a gorgeous shade of pink, kept me company.

Upon arrival into the Eternal City, we immediately checked into the Kolbe Hotel, a stunning 15^th Century luxury hotel, with the the Roman Forum in its backyard.  Unfortunately, I would not be able to truly enjoy my two-level suite, as I had to be at the airport at 4AM for my flight back to the States, however when I return to Rome in the future I will definitely be staying there again.  Before our farewell dinner, we stopped at one of the most famous landmarks in the world: the Colosseum.

Dinner could not have been at a better restaurant, The Cabiria, located in the Rome Marriott Grand Hotel Flora, and Chef Luigi Sorrentino could not have created a more memorable last meal in Europe; even the table setting had creative touches!

The culinary journey began with fresh cherry tomato focaccia.

Our next course was rigatoni pasta “Amatriciana style.”

Our final course was a white fish with natural green beans and fried potatoes.

And to complete the meal, we had a delicious fruit tart with vanilla ice cream.

Our Travel Director Marco thought it was essential that we see Rome illuminated at night, thus we made two important last stops.  The first was to St. Peters Basilica, where the Pope just so happened to be that evening.

The second was to the Roman Forum, which as previously mentioned was conveniently next to our hotel.

As I was finishing packing, I was overwhelmed with the thought that I always have when traveling: life should be about exploring the unknown and embracing the joy of new experiences and relationships in other places.  We must begin the expedition and follow wherever the path leads.  And I highly recommend allowing Trafalgar Tours to lead the way from time to time.

Our final Trafalgar Tours Be My Guest lunch at Fattoria di Maiano was truly an experience that I will never forget and without a doubt my favorite of the trip.  If you have been following my European adventures, then you know that is a bold claim, as the previous Be My Guest lunches were extraordinary!  Prior to our meal, we had a quick tour of the olive oil factory on the property.

There are nearly 20,000 olive trees throughout the completely organic agricultural estate.  The Frantoio and Moraiolo olives are picked by hand during the months of November and December and then pressed in the mill.  The finished product is Laudemio, a premium extra virgin oil with a high nutritional value and a taste that leaves you wanting more.

Lunch was served at Lo Spaccio, the estate’s restaurant, which also has an attached gift shop, where you can purchase the Laudemio along with other olive oil products such as soap and lotion, as well as a delicatessen that offers typical Italian products such as cheese, meat, and wine.

Besides the fact that the restaurant contained cosy rooms filled with charming furniture and crackling fireplaces, the panoramic views from the windows would make any meal taste sensational.

I could not wait to drown my pasta and bread in the Laudemio while looking out onto the Tuscan countryside.

I do apologize deeply for not taking any pictures of one of the many outstanding courses that we enjoyed, however I was too consumed by the greatness of the moment to capture it on film.  Before leaving though, I took one last, longing look out the window and made sure to count my blessings, which were abundant.

Now it was time to travel south to the ‘Eternal City’. . .

Australia is an absolute prime location with thousands of attractions for literally everyone seeking adventure.  Be sure to visit and participate in a few of these daring excursions.  You are only limited by your imagination and sense of excitement.

Tip: Australia is a huge country to travel around and if you want to travel at your own pace then consider saving a bunch of money and renting a car through Drive My Car Rentals.  They offer car hire in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, and Darwin through a peer to peer car rental community, which will save you at least 80% of the cost of a traditional car rental company.

Whale Shark Diving in Ningaloo Reef Western Australia

Ningaloo Reef is located in the small town of Coral Bay in Western Australia.  The reef draws people offers a wide variety of fish life, coral, and manta rays.  However, it is the whale shark experience that delights and thrills visitors to no end year after year.  Visitors describe the experience of swimming with the whale shark as a once in a lifetime occurrence they will never forget.  The attraction is managed by expert teams available to guide, assist, and teach visitors about these magnificent creatures.  There is no pre-set agenda, so the experience flows starting out of the water to into the water at each individuals’ pace; making this one of the most well rounded adventures anywhere in the world.

Scuba Diving at Yongala QLD

A scuba diving excursion at Yongala is not just your run of the mill dive.  In fact, it is one the top wreck dives on the planet.  The S.S. Yongala remained undiscovered for close to fifty years after a cyclone sank the ship in 1911.  total of 100 passengers perished in the 14 to 28 meter water depth.  Today it is the largest intact shipwreck in the waters of Australia.  This diving jewel literally swarms with incredible marine life too numerous to name.  Among the wondrous sights that divers are treated to include sea snakes, schools of trevally and cobia, clown fish, and eagle rays.  Beneath the stern of the ship live fascinating giant Queensland gropers.

Hot Air Ballooning in the Hunter Valley NSW

Hunter Valley in New South Wales is located about 310 kilometers north of Sydney, Australia.  You would have to experience to believe the exhilarating hot air balloon ride that takes you above the wine recluse in this peaceful valley.  Fun and adventure, mixed with peaceful romance, begins on a balloon ride that takes about one hour to complete.  Adventurers can take flight as the day dawns to get the most breathtaking views imaginable.  A champagne and fruit juice drink is included with the price of the ride.  A fabulous gourmet breakfast after landing concludes this picturesque flight.

Sky Diving in Mission Beach QLD

In a little village along Queensland, Australia’s Coral Sea lays Mission Beach.  This idyllic setting is the ultimate location for adrenalin rushing skydiving.  The courageous souls that participate in these tandem skydives are rewarded with a sixty second free fall from 14,000 feet in the air.  Untold numbers take this fun and thrilling sky dive every year.  Yet, Mission Beach skydiving maintains a superlative safety record.  When you visit Mission Beach, show off your bravery to friends and family with a copy of your own DVD of your skydive.

Crocodile River Cruises in Northern Territory

Do not miss a heart pounding up close, personal visit with “jumping crocodiles” on one of many river cruises.  The tropical Adelaide River, 114 kilometers south of Darwin, is filled with fresh and salt water crocodiles and other amazing creatures.  The crocodiles are the main attraction, so much so that some cruises have names for these food seeking aquatic reptiles.  The adventure does not stop there.  It also offers visitors a chance to see unique bird species, ocean eagles, and Black flying fox for a well rounded tropical adventure.

 Hiking in Kakadu National Park in Northern Territory

Kakadu National Park is one of the four sites in Australia that are on the World Heritage list, and for good reason.  The park offers adventurers of all ages and levels everything nature has.  Kakadu National Park includes: 25 walks ranging from one half hour for beginners to an overnight, more difficult graded walks.  Be prepared to be awestruck at the landscapes, wetlands, and other amazing sights including rocks with etchings that date back 44,000 years.

Hiking around Cradle Mountain Tasmania

BestHike.com named Cradle Mountain one of the best hiking locations in the world.  The world famous World Heritage area wilderness in Tasmania encompasses 40% of protected wilderness and purely surreal vistas.  Your hike lets you breathe in miles of gorgeous lakes, waterfalls, and tarns.  The trek can be made year round to give explorers an all weather experience.  For the most challenging fun adventure make this hike between December and May.

Gold Panning in NSW

Try something different this holiday vacation.  Gold panning in New South Wales is an exciting, romantic, and potentially profitable vacation adventure.  Since gold was first discovered in the region, dozens of gold prospecting areas have sprung to life.  This activity is so much fun because you have such a wide choice of places to search for gold and other valuable metals including, copper, lead, and zinc.  Tours can be found in the middle of civilization or the dusty Outback areas.  The variety of gold mining tours allows visitors to mine with expert tour guild find treasures on their own.

Make sure to keep your eyes open for cheap domestic flights Australia, so that you can all of these magical wonders all within the same trip!

If I was asked, “Quickly, think of a city where you can travel solo,” the first place to come to mind would undoubtedly be Madrid.  Of course, I have not been to all of the cities in the world, so I am sure you can contribute very positively with your points of view in the comment section.

The following are my 5 reasons why you can go to Madrid alone and why you will not feel alone there.  You must know that I will be generalizing and that is usually frowned upon, but this is what I have concluded from my stay on my own in one of the Madrid apartments for some months:

1.  People are very sociable.  It is a cliche, but it is true.  There are few shy people; most of them strike up a conversation easily with others.  And, more importantly, they seem to be less worried.

2. There are a lot of people.  I know that there are more people in New Delhi, however compared to Barcelona, life in the street, bars, and shops is more vivid.

3.  People are regular bar goers.  It is normal to have a 2-hour pause for lunch and then return to work.  Thus, at midday bars are full.  It is typical to have an aperitivo before having lunch and also it is the first thing to do after work. This bar culture is probably the reason why there are so many bars in any district (approximately 1 for each 180 people).

4.  They shout a lot.  You may already suspect this, but I will confirm it for you: Spaniards shout.  Yes, we shout a lot no matter what region we are from, although I am sure Madrid is one of the noisiest cities in all Europe.  This can be annoying if you are not used to it, but on the other hand, people’s voices make you feel accompanied all the time.

5.  Bar tenders make you feel at home.  Maybe it is because of this carefree attitude I have told you about?  Perhaps it is that they give you free, cooked food along with your drink and this somehow causes you to reminiscence about your mother or it is just that being in a bar is so normal that bar tenders take you in immediately.  Remember, find the bar closest to your apartments in Madrid and go to the bar for 2 consecutive days and then it will become “your bar.”

Note: These points are extracted from my own experience.  Maybe yours is not as pleasant as mine?  But having good vibes, good karma, or just a good mood — call it as you wish — helps!

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.