Some might say I walked a 5k yesterday. And I did, maybe it was even more than 5K, but I purposely didn’t wear my Garmin because it was not about the exercise. What really happened was that I joined over 500,000 Puerto Ricans (roughly 15% of the entire population of the island) in a massive … More The Funeral March
Over a decade ago there was a long period during which I was relentlessly angry at my mother over the management of the rental house she had inherited from her aunt. This was a constant source of stress between not only between her and me, but also between my husband and myself. From the time … More The Great Idea and Lessons in Humility
A friend recently asked me about how I felt about dining in restaurants when I travel solo. I jokingly replied ‘it sucks’. After a dramatic pause I added ‘but only because I don’t get to taste more things from the menu’. She laughed. I laughed. But then she asked again. This time she added something … More Dining Solo And The Red Paisley Bandana
Last day in Madrid. Last chance to fit in that elusive daytrip to Alcalá de Henares. I tried to muster the enthusiasm. I tried real hard. And then I re-nestled into my cozy (Read: Small. But I like to stay positive.) but comfy twin-sized bed and slept for another hour. Nope. No motivation. Nothing. Not … More The Not So Lazy Last Day in Madrid
I’m not big on sweets (thank God!!!!) but there are a few things I really like. The short list includes ice cream. I also like coffee, so it is only natural that an affogato is something I might veer out of my way to get to quench a sugar craving. I have no idea why … More A Long Walk, A Gintonic and Flamenco
After a few days of eating way too much rich food (and maybe drinking copious amounts of wine) I was not up to having much for breakfast, though my caffeine addiction still demanded at least a cup of coffee. And I had a very full day ahead; even by my admittedly – ahem– aggressive sightseeing … More Coffee, My Mater Dolorosa, and A Spanish Hamburger
I love museums. Anyone that has ever read my ramblings probably knows that. The hubs has a deep appreciation for beauty (of course he does!) but was never an art-loving person until we started traveling together. He will choose every time the view from Inspiration Point in Bryce Canyon over Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, Bernini’s … More 2-Museum Days and Travel Shoes
Mondays often wreak havoc to compulsive museum-going trip planners. Everything I had identified as Top Priority in The Spreadsheet to visit in Madrid was closed on Mondays. Perfect for a daytrip, right? Not quite, because most of the things you want to see at the daytrip location are also closed. Part of the growing up … More Daytrips, Confusions, General Travel Ramblings and a Pizza
Waking up on the first day of vacation, when all the adventures are still ahead of you, is a wonderful thing…. given two things: how kindly jetlag is treating you and whether you need to set up an alarm for waking up. My staying up late the night before paid off. I woke up before … More Dipping Churros and Artistic Disappointment
The plane landed at Madrid airport at 10:30am on a direct and blessedly quiet flight from San Juan on Iberia. Entirely forgettable flight. The good kind of flight. The challenge -as it always is- was to strike the perfect balance between staying hydrated and minimizing trips to the restroom. And that was the only one … More ¡Hola Madrid! Let’s Do This
Stella's Spoon 