STYLE-FOR-STYLE: Search results for puerto rico

Showing posts sorted by relevance for query puerto rico. Sort by date Show all posts

Friday, September 6, 2013

Hey I'm Going to Puerto Rico

What to Do-first and foremost get a car, rent one at the airport, taxis are expensive and sure you may see buses around San Juan but you'll also spend a few hrs waiting for one...in the heat... Driving in PR is just like driving in the states. So grab your car, pick up some cerveza, find your place, drop your bags, and if you're me jump into the ocean. Plan on spending 1 day in Old San Juan, walk to Plaza de Armas, visit all the little shops, don't miss El Castillo the 16th century citadel, and stop for a respado on the way (Caribbean slushy). Caficultura is the hip stop to grab a coffee, and Cafe Puerto Rico has the best mofongo (plaintain mound stuffed with veggies or seafood), and Ceviche House in Isla Verde is a new stop for the best Peruvian ceviche. The Design Sponge guide might help with more restaurants and shopping. When it's too hot to hit the pavement check out the Puerto Rican Art Museum it's big, air conditioned, has lovely art, and beautiful gardens! If you're staying in Ocean Park or passing through to get to Luquillo stop at Kasalta, the famous Spanish (Galician) cafe.

Heading to La Parguera- this could also be a day trip as it's only 2 hrs away and you'll drive through Ponce and the mountains. we planed on it just being a day, but loved it so we stayed the night. La Paguera is where you can get a boat out to isla mata la gata I could see why it was called "kill the cat" because I for sure didn't see any cats. It really means nurse shark, but I didn't see any sharks either so don't freak out, just mangroves, fish, star fish, urchins, turquoise seas, coral etc.
If you spend 1 day in Old San Juan you should plan on another day for the rain forest, El Yunque is BEAUTIFUL there are hikes to waterfalls (or you can drive right up) and once your at the tippy top of the mountain, you can see all the way to the coast over the tree canopy. You could also head to the caves in Rio Camuy, they are crazy impressive (here's a video tour).While we're on the topic of nature there's some weird stuff happening in the water in PR it's called bio-luminescence like glowing plankton. and when the water is agitated after dark, it will glow, if you put your hands in and out of the water they will sparkle. Go to Fajardo to do one of the many bio-bay tours, where you'll kayak at sunset through mangroves to reach the bio bay, for real...it's crazy, disclaimer: you will have to kayak back through the mangroves in pitch black...just so you know. I've never been to "the islands" Vieques or Culebra I've heard they're pretty sweet, and it's on my list for next time...

Eat Drink Be Merry- PR is all about Rum, Pina Coladas, mofongo, alcapurrias, the best sea food, PORK...seriously so much pork (my bother in law made us go to Lechonera Los Pinos all the way in Cayey since it was featured on Anthony Bourdain...as a vegetarian all I can say is that the drive was beautiful through the mountains) If you are staying in Luquillo well then you're in luck, the kioskos are where it's at (kiosko=puerto rican strip of vendor stalls) there are bars and restaurants of all kinds fancy, dive-y, posh, lesbiana, fried, vegetarian ect. Here is a whole blog post devoted to all things KIOSKO

Disclaimer...PR is an unincorporated territory of the US the official language is SPANISH so please memorize the following:
Hola and say it every time you walk into a place, Gracias when you leave or you know...just to say thanks, and lo siento and no one will ever be rude to you
busco-I'm looking for
yo quería-I would like
cuánto cuesta- how much does it cost

and because it's the ocean just to be safe: medusas-jelly fish, tiburón-shark, piratas-pirates
*these are bonus.

feliz viaje, have an awesome time!!

Monday, January 4, 2016

Hey I'm Going to Riviera Maya Mexico

*Every once and a while I’ll get an e-mail from a friend, like hey I'm going to (Paris, Puerto Rico, NYC ect.) what do you recommend, so I think I'm going to try to turn these e-mails into some sort of organized list of suggestions/ideas for their trip...and yours too, so here is another installment.
"HEY I'M GOING TO_____ SERIES"
________________________________________________________________________________
HEY I'M GOING TO RIVIERA MAYA MEXICO
Some things to know...
Riviera Maya is awesome...your vacay can be as laid back as beers at the beach, or as thrill seeking as "lets bike through the jungle, climb this pyramid then swim through these caves" . It's also going to be cheap to get there if you live in the mid west, east coast, or south east, AND the exchange rate is pretty rad.

Where to Stay-Cancun is not an option: Anywhere between Puerto Morelos and Tulum is however. You can go the all inclusive resort route, and there are a bunch to pick from, or you can just hop on Air B&B or even craigslist. I always stay in Puerto Morelos as it's slightly quieter than Playa del Carmen, and closer to the airport than Tulum.

What to Do-first and foremost get a car, renting a car in Mexico is a bitch, the price never matches the website, there are all these extra insurance add on's, blah blah blah, but you don't really have a choice. Taxis are expensive and sure you may see the Playa Express but you'll also have to stand on the side of the highway waiting for one...in the heat...

Driving here is just like driving in the states. So grab your car (make sure it's an automatic), pick up some cerveza+groceries, find your place, get your kini on and jump into the ocean. From here on out you've got alot of options. Puerto Morelos is the best place to snorkel on the reef (Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, second largest barrier reef system in the world)

Tulum (ruins and beach) The ruins are impressive, and so is the electric turquoise beach in the background. Plan to get there early, at least before lunch time, hit the bathrooms before you enter. Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen there is hardly any shade near the ruins or on the beach for that matter. Pack a lunch drinks everything because once you see that view and take the stairs down to the beach with the best waves ever you wont want to leave, but when you do take time to wander around the town. EL Camello Jr. In the pueblo has the most delicious ceviche, best fish tacos is Mateos along the beach road (plus 2x1 drinks-and they have a roof top bar) down the street from Mateos is Hotel Zamas you have to have a drink there at sunset it's amazing and right on the beach, lots of lanterns hanging from the trees

Coba it's about 2 hours from Puerto Morelos so get an early start, this is one of the few pyramids you can still climb, but a word of caution it's way steeper than it looks...hello panic attack. I highly suggest renting a bike at the gate, it was super fun and I don't think I would have made it on foot to all of the sites. After you've conquered Coba I'd make a bee line to Playa del Carmen (or playacar as it's affectionately known) spend the rest of the day resting those tired calves (so many stairs on those pyramids) at the beach, then when the sun starts setting grab some dindin, and if it's your thing hit the clubs, or get some drinks at a swanky bar.

No matter where you go or what you do it's likely that you will pass signs for cenotes, or giant caves filled with fresh water. Some are giant and cavernous, some are tiny and maze like but they are all creepy as hell and totally amazing at the same time. The best ones are going to be on the way to Valladolid (a cutie little colonial town about an hour and 45 from Puerto Morelos) We checked out X'keken (careful those stairs are slippery) Samula (Casey actually swam out to the tree roots, yikes) and speaking of Valladolid it's a good place to stop and explore if you are making the trek to Chichen Itza. There will also be cenotes near playacar and Tulum with signs just off the highway, I think Dos Ojos is one of the best in this area and there is a guided snorkel tour. If you're sticking closer to the coast then Gran Cenote is your best bet.

Chichén Itzá is probably one of the most famous sites in Mexico and on the weekend it can be PACKED, it's certainly something to see but I prefer the ruins at Coba, Tulum, or Ek Balam more, especially since in Coba and Ek balam you can still climb the pyramids for the most amazing views.

If you've seen and done it all in this area there's always the exciting option to skip town and go to Cuba for the weekend, most travel agencies have pretty cheap package deals to Cuba, and most of them will have you picking between Old Havana or the Resort towns on the ocean, CHOOSE HAVANA

Eat Drink Be Merry- is it time to eat? In Puerto Morelos there is a quesadilla place that I never seem to have enough time to get to, this palce is #1 on my list for next time. Above I mentioned the grocery store between the airport and Puerto M called Chedraui, this is the best place to stock up and it's attached to the mall with stores like Zara, Mango etc... In Puerto M all the restaurants around the square are delicious, and there are some more stretching down Ave Javier Rojo Gomez, try the hurrachi, a giant flip flop shaped thick tortilla topped with lettuce beans veggies and cheese, or some amazing sea food at El Pelicano right on the Ocean and remember there is no such thing as bad Mexican in mexico. There is also a small market on the square but it's better to hit one of the mega groceries for better selection and cheaper prices.

Disclaimer...in Mexico the official language is SPANISH so please memorize the following:
Hola and say it every time you walk into a place, Gracias when you leave or you know...just to say thanks, and
lo siento and no one will ever be rude to you
busco-I'm looking for
yo quería-I would like
cuánto cuesta- how much does it cost

feliz viaje, have an awesome time!!

Monday, March 2, 2015

Hey I'm Going to The Dominican Republic

"HEY I'M GOING TO_____ SERIES"

________________________________________________________________________________

HEY I'M GOING TO DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Some things to know...

I should probably check out Santo Domingo, Samana, or Puerto Plata (I’ve only heard that Punta Cana is the Cancun of DR so I’m good on that) before writing this as I’ve only ever been to Cabarete a tiny little town on the north side of the island just east of Puerto Plata. BUT I spent a whole week there so clearly I’m an expert on all things Dominican Republic, so let’s get started.

Where to Stay

Santo Dominigo, and in particular the Zona Colonial is next on my list, and the amount of time I’ve wasted trolling Air B&B looking at adorable apartment rentals with an ocean view is embarrassing. I’m sure you could pick any of those places and have the best vacay ever, but for our very first trip we chose Cabarete for the surfing…and since neither my husband nor I had ever even seen a surfboard in person we settled on Swell Surf Camp. You can read all the glowing reviews on their site, and on Facebook but I just have to add that staying here really made our trip a unique experience. Amazing communal, traditional, Dominican meals, surf instructors who felt like buddies, the best pool ever, and meeting guests from all over the world was so so fun.

What to Do

With a morning surf lesson, then breakfast, then an afternoon surf lesson, then dinner around 8 at the main table; it may sound like there isn’t enough time in the day to do much else…but we still felt like the days were never ending (in a good way) full of lounging around the pool with drinks, walking into town, shopping, and the most important…enjoying a never ending luxurious lunch on the beach.

Kite Beach is the main beach in Cabarete, and like the name suggests it’s one of the top beaches in the world for kite boarding. It’s incredibly entertaining to kill a few hours watching the pros get serious air, and the newbies lose their boards and control of their kites. It’s also great for swimming too but just head to the east end OR watch out. Cabarete is a small completely walkable town (although if you like’ there are TONS of scooter taxis offering rides for just a few pesos) Everything seems to center around the beach, including the night life which gets started around 10 when tables are cleared to make room for DJs and dancing and of course the drinks just keep flowing…with sunrise surf sessions I can’t say I’m an expert in the nightlife.

Eat Drink and Be Merry

there are tons of options for eating lunch or dinner right on the beach, you can pretty much just start at one end and walk down looking at the menus and seeing the specials. Mojito Bar at happy hour (which seems to run from 10am-10pm) will get you 2 mojotos for about $4 usd, and the food is cheap and excellent, all fresh ingredients super vegetarian friendly and huge portions plus you can't beat the view. You may also pass by Gorditos Fresh Mex and Yamazato Sosua which are both in the same strip mall off the main road and write them off as weird strip mall fast food, but that would be a huge mistake. Gorditos has the most MOST delicious baja style mahi mahi fish tacos that I've ever eaten, and the sushi at Yamazato is pretty fantastic. Did I already say cheap? Seriously food and drinks in DR are cheap cheap cheap.

While most in the service industry speak English, the official language is SPANISH so please memorize the following:
Hola and say it every time you walk into a place, Gracias when you leave or you know...just to say thanks, and lo siento and no one will ever be rude to you
busco-I'm looking for
yo quería-I would like
cuánto cuesta- how much does it cost

and it might not be a bad idea to read up on Sanky Pankys
feliz viaje, have an awesome time!!

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Summer Trips

Usually every summer Mr. W and I plan some big excursion, last summer was our road trip through France/Spain, the summer before that was our very first trip to Puerto Rico, and before that was Costa Rica, and before that, was Portugal, and folks I can keep going all the way back to my very first summer vacation to Venezuela the summer after I graduated highschool.

So it seems strange for this to be the first summer with out a big big trip to look forward to, BUT

this summer we're going to try to get some projects done around the house. Spend some time in the city (summer really is the best in Chicago), and head to the mitten to visit with my bestie who is making the trip from France.

We're also planning some short little trips here and there.

I'm very much looking forward to the first summer weekend at my parents new chalet.

Also hoping to explore parts of Michigan that I never knew existed before, it amazes me that this photo was taken 3 hours away from my parents house and from where I grew up! Only 1 hour away from my aunts house where I spend tons of time in the summer.

...and if we play our cards right, hopefully, we'll still get our trip abroad (technically) although us Michiganders don't think of Canada as a far exotic land, I've always wanted to visit Montreal.

Sunday, February 23, 2014

All Black Everything

HBD to meeeee. Last Wednesday was my 32nd b-day, which I have to admit was feeling a little un-special since for the past 2 years a vacation always seemed to coincide (Puerto Rico then Mexico) Also 32 isn't exactly a milestone b-day.
(well 31 isn't either but...)
Then little gifts started showing up in the mail, flowers at work, then a fancy b-day dinner, delicious cocktails, more prezzies, and a PARTY. Exactly what I needed.
Mr. W gifted me this super rad all black everything Diesel watch,
I LOVE IT, and so far I love 32, lets see what this year brings.

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Hey I'm Going to Detroit

"HEY I'M GOING TO_____ SERIES"

________________________________________________________________________________

HEY I'M GOING TO DETROIT

Some things to know...

Detroit is awesome...it has way more to offer than the doom and gloom that's on the news and while there are plenty of abandon houses, and swaths of dark creepy city, there are other areas that are experiencing a revival.

Where to Stay

There is an abundance of gorgeous brick lofts on Air B&B clustered around Midtown/Cass Corridor, and South West/Mexican Town that are pretty inexpensive (this is my favorite). There are also really posh hotels like Book Cadillac, or Motor City if you’re feeling fancy.

What to Do

If you want to shop check out: John King Books which is one of the most impressive rare and used book stores in the country. If you’re an avid record collector then Detroit is your city and Hello Records is your spot. I personally like shops like City Bird, and Nest for etsy esq handmade in Detroit items and while you’re there you can walk around the corner and get a pizza and beer at Motor City Brewing Works. If thrifting is more your style, I will say Michigan thrifts never disappoint. An absolute must must MUST see is the Diego Rivera Court at the Detroit Institute of Art, The Motown Museum, The Heidelberg Project, the amazingly art deco Guardian Building, The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the historic mansions in the Boston Edison neighborhood, and lastly, The Dequinder Cut, which like the Highline in NYC, and the Bloomingdale Trail in Chicago is a former railroad line which has been converted into a walking/biking path.

Eat Drink and Be Merry

So I already mentioned Motor City Brewing up there, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. I'm pleasantly surprised each time I visit Detroit to find more and more places opening.

For drinks you have some options. If you're looking for something laid back try: UFO factory, The Lagar House, Bronx Bar...really there are no shortage of laid back dive-y bars. BUT If you need to toast something special or craft cocktails are more your thing then head to: Two James, or Sugar House. The restaurants that are on my list are: Detroit Institute of Bagels the best (but maybe only?) bagel place in town (I can also count on running into friends Saturday or Sunday morning before my long haul back to Chicago, which is always a plus) Ottava Via a new Italian place with an excellent wine list, Speaking of wine there's City Winery, Slows of course if you're craving BBQ, Gold Cash Gold, if you don't mind a wait... as it's brand new, Johnny Noodle King, Katoi at two James has excellent Thai (some of these I still need to test it out, but friends who live in Detroit have nothing but good things to say). If you're craving Polish or Bangladeshi cuisine, take a little excursion to Hamtramck...and...finally, the Middle Eastern food is NOT to be missed seriously if you are just driving through this is the #1 thing I would suggest, so take that detour to Dearborn and get yourself a fatoosh salad, a mujadara sandwich, and probably a side of hummus/babaganoush/tabbouleh... maybe a beet/carrot/apple juice too.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

The Real January Cure

Last weekend the Mr. and I escaped the snow and single digit temps of Chicago, and took a quick mini vacay to San Juan Puerto Rico. We flew in on a Friday and the second we stepped out of the airport we felt like it was already worth every penny. We stayed in a lil guest house in Ocean Park, 2 blocks from the beach, super cheap, super simple. Saturday we woke up early got breakfast at the famous Kasalta Bakery, grabbed snacks and magazines and hit the beach. I love the beach in Ocean Park, the waves are SOOOO big, the water is a perfect 80 degrees, and if you are patient enough someone will come buy and sell you beer, alcapurias, empanadas, etc.

That first day at the beach we soaked up the sun like we'd never see it again...and got burnt. We found out when we got there that las fiestas de la calle were in full swing. This weekend was San Sebastian (sanse for short), where from what we gather everyone just hangs out down town and drinks and there is music in every square, and some disorganized (or maybe drunk) marching bands leading impromptu parades through the streets, WE LOVED IT. it was so loud, crazy with so much energy flowing through the streets, so fun.

We grabbed drinks when our feet needed a break and then set off to find the most delicious mofongo in San Juan (which is at El Jibarito). After that it was more rum drinks (I need to start drinking more rum punch) more delicious sea food, like Ceviche House in Isla Verde which was totally worth the walk through the not exactly safest area between Ocean Park and Isla Verde, and tons of beach time, since lets face it...the beach never gets old such great people watching between Condado and Isla Verde. We ran out of time and never made it snorkeling, but there are some rock formations towards San Juan that looked promising. NEXT TIME

Friday, August 30, 2013

Hey-I'm going to Paris

*Every once in a while I'll get an e-mail from a friend, like hey I'm going to (Paris, Puerto Rico, NYC ect.) what do you recommend, so I think I'm going to try to turn these e-mails into some sort of organized list of suggestions/ideas for their trip...and yours too, so here is my first
"HEY I'M GOING TO_____ SERIES"
________________________________________________________________________________
HEY I'M GOING TO PARIS
Some things to know...
Coming from the airport you can get the train in and it's only like 6 euro (way better than some other cities like London where it's crazy expensive), most likely it will dump you at Chatalet Les Halles, which is the busiest most ghetto stop ever, watch your purse luggage wallet, everything...seriously
This is also where people experience Paris Syndrome, you wont faint, but even Mr. W was like,
"for real...this is Paris?"...it's nar nar, but guys it only goes up from here.

Where to Stay-Anywhere you stay is cool as long as its in the city (this blog) will explain the differences in the arrondissements, (again last time Dianne and I stayed in Le Marais $$$, before that Casey and I stayed in the 17eme $$$$$$ crazy posh off the Champs Elysees and a few min from the Arc de Troimphe, but when I was a student I stayed in Montparnasse $...more affordable)

What to Do- Get yourself a Carte Musee, it's cheaper, and with it you get to cut the line and walk right in the museums, I usually get the 2 day and knock all the Museums out, it's insane but doable
Day 1 Musee D'orsay for all the impressionist stuff don't forget to go up the clock for a view of the seine, Then the Louvre, make a list of what you want to see it's massive (but you can see all the major pieces in 1-2 hrs) then do the Arc de triomphe near sunset, once you're on top wait for all the lights to come on and for the Eiffel Tower to start sparkling.
Day 2 Notre Dame & la Sainte Chapelle are right by each other, they are also total opposites so it's fun to do them back to back, then head to Pompidou after for modern art
If you can squeeze Musee Rodin in somewhere, cool, if not it's pretty cheap and usually no lines if you can't tackle it with your carte musee.
If you wanted to do Versailles it's a day trip, so keep that in mind, (the hamlet is the best part)

I'm not sure how long you're in Paris, but maybe you don't want to do any museums (last time Dianne and I just went to le Hôtel de Ville because there was a free exhibit on Haute Couture, but that's it)

We just wanted to chill, so we walked around ate ice cream & macaroons (pierre herme is better than laduree) got ice cream (luxembourg gardens east entrance by the RER stop has the best ice cream tons of crazy flavors like violet-the best, and jasmin or lavender) or a picnic at the tip of Ile de la cite. We got all googlie eyed at the designer stuff at Galeries Layfayette, +the amazing glass dome, right by the Opera house-Phantom of the Opera that is, and super secret, if you go to the top floor of galeries layfayette there is an observation deck and AWESOME views of Paris.

If you want to do a Bateaux Mouches (the touristy seine boats) there aint no shame, I could tell that Mr. W kinda wanted to, so we went, and I was NOT disappointed, it's only like $12 and if the tour dude is annoying you can always step outside, Paris from the river is beautiful, you can really see the architecture better, and people watching on the seine is awesome. you pick them up down on the river by the Eiffel Tower. we took a sun setty one and by the time we got back it was dark, and by the time we walked up to Trocadero and got a crepe the Eiffel Tower started sparkling.

...so I've mentioned this glittering tower like 5 times already...it's so cheesy and touristy, but still every time I see, I'm all "squeeeeeeeee"

Eat Drink Be Merry- dang this is getting long and it's prolly WAY more than you ever wanted, but lets talk cafes how much it costs depends on where you sit, terrace $$$, inside $$, at the bar $ also lots of places have 1/2 off happy hr (seriously Europeans are more obsessed with happy hr than Americans) so if you want to sit at a cafe and do some people watching maybe just get a coffee, if ya want to eat, go inside.
Falafal- is super good, everyone says King falafal in le marais is the best, and there will be a long line, but all the surrounding places will be just as good (there are like 4) I think every time I go to Paris, I live mainly on street food crepes, falafal, sandwiches, pastries, etc. because well? it's expensive as hell and usually there's so much you want to do you don't really want to kill 2 hrs in a restaurant, it's better to grab something and eat on the way or find a parc between point A and B. also...I should say if you order a martini it's not going to be a martini, they'll ask you red or white and it's going to be this, just FYI
When you go to Sacre Coeur in Montmartre, stop and get a drink at la fourmi, next to la cigalle, super cheap, super cool.

and above all, learn Bonjour and say it every time you walk into a place, Merci when you leave or you know...just to say thanks, and Pardon and no one will ever be rude to you (unless they're jerks, in which case they're jerks to everyone not just tourists)

je cherche-I'm looking for
je voudrais-I would like

je suis completement perdu- I'm totally lost

*these are bonus.

Bon Vacances, have an awesome time!!
If you would like a guide that consists of more than a giant run on sentence please check out A Beautiful Journey

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Hey I'm Going To Guadalajara

"HEY I'M GOING TO_____ SERIES"
________________________________________________________________________________
HEY I'M GOING TO GUADALAJARA
Some things to know...
Guadalajara is Mexico's second largest city. If you're thinking quaint and colonial there are areas that will exceed your expectations, but it's also a big, beautiful, modern, chic city. Their slogan is "Guadalajara es México", Guadalajara IS Mexico, since it’s the birthplace of mariachis and tequila. It’s also known as the city of eternal spring, with temps ranging from high 50s to high 80s so bring layers for those warm mornings, hot afternoons, and cold evenings.

Where to Stay-I highly recommend staying at Hotel Demetria, or Casa Fayette as these are the nicest hotels in Guadalajara and in a really hip swanky neighborhood. Walking around this area, even at night, is super safe and I loved the mix of modern houses and traditional Mexican villas.

What to Do- First you should know that Uber and Taxis are the easiest and cheapest (ranging from $3-$8) way to get around. Driving in GDL is not for the faint of heart, so if you want to rent a car just know that parking is scarce and you better be an aggressive driver. The traffic is no joke.

While there are a few things you should visit, mostly I had an awesome time strolling around, popping into a café for a drink, people watching, checking out a boutique etc…

Plaza de Armas, and it’s cathedral (Catedral de Guadalajara) is the main plaza in Guadalajara. Most avenidas leading to this square have some great options for shopping and eating. El Palacio del Gobierno is also right on the plaza and houses some of the most famous Orozco murals. A few steps from here (12 min walk) will put you in front of the Hospicio Cabañas, which is a cultural center full of super interesting expositions and more Orozco murals, plus beautiful architecture, peaceful gardens and charming courtyards. Templo Expiatorio, is another impressive cathedral and totally different than Catedral de Guadalajara. And lastly you can't go to Guadalajara with out visiting the Mercado Libertad, (aka Mercado San Juan de Dios) thee largest market in all of Mexico. If you can't find what you're looking for here? it probably doesn't exist. I brought back leather sandals, a tortilla press, some jewelry, and an embroidered blouse.

Where to Eat- With all the sightseeing you'll probably want to make time for some luxuriously long lunches and dinners. Just know if you're the only people at the cafe at 1pm it's because Mexico sticks to a Spanish time frame. Lunch is 3-4pm and dinner is 8-9pm, so eat a hearty breakfast and pack snacks. Taco Fish La Paz was one of the best taco places we found, we also popped in to Café Benito as it's close to Plaza de las Armas. For dinner I highly recommend: Alcalde, La Tequilla, Lachata, and while I didn't get a chance to check it out everyone is going crazy for Hueso. If you're a foodie this is your chance to eat at some of the nicest restaurants for CHEAP actually everything is much cheaper than say in Tulum, or anywhere in Riviera Maya and with the falling exchange rate (this trip was 16.60 pesos to $1usd the best it's ever been) So if you're looking for a 4 course meal in a fancy spot for under $40 us?!?! Guadalajara will feel like you've died and gone to heaven.

Above I mentioned "cute and colonial" for that you need to head to Tlaquepaque –technically a suburb of GDL, until the city grew so large it surrounded it. This is an adorable area famous for Mexican artesanias like pottery, jewelry, baskets, Otomi embroidery, and other little handmade things. There's also a plethora of furniture and antique stores, if only I had a way to bring some some of those larger pieces! Starting at the Museo Regional de la Ceramica isn’t a bad idea. For lunch order Cazuelas (a local cocktail of tequila, and citrus juices served in a ceramic bowl) maybe some tacos, or quesadillas, and check out a mariachi show at any of the restaurants at el Parián . For dinner head down the street to Casa Luna and ask for a seat in the beautiful courtyard. Don’t forget to pick up a bottle or 2 of some delicious tequila or mezcal from Nuestros Dulces.

...and there you have it. Remember that not as many folks speak English as in Cancun or D.F. so it's best to learn the following.

Hola and say it every time you walk into a place, Gracias when you leave or you know...just to say thanks, plus:
lo siento (I'm sorry)
busco-I'm looking for
yo quería-I would like
cuánto cuesta- how much does it cost

donde esta- Where is

feliz viaje, have an awesome time!!

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Happy Anniversary

This past weekend Casey and I celebrated our third anniversary! Last year we were in Paris, and the year before Puerto Rico. This time around we decided on a staycation in Chicago. There are a million and one things we have never seen/done in this city, and I think it's about time we start checking things off the list.
So Saturday night we checked ourselves into Public Hotel.

The lobby was so grand and impressive, also a tiny bit intimidating as this is by far the fanciest place we have ever set foot in. After we checked in we decided to do the couples in room massages, so peaceful and relaxing.

We had cocktails and dinner at the historic Pump Room. It was so lovely and not nearly as expensive as it looks. Pretty much $20 entrees and $10 cocktails (also vegetarian friendly)

I was sad to check out, although totally inspired to make some design changes in our bed room to recreate the rooms there (cream walls, cozy white linens, dramatic white drapes, new headboard with lamps installed)

After the hotel, we headed down to the Magnificent Mile for some shopping, and found a cute little belt
since the 3rd anniversary is leather, it was perfect.

Monday, May 12, 2014

La Vida Mexicana

I love to look at real estate! Even though we are super happy in our current home, I love to look and see whats out there. My latest obsession is looking for dream beach houses. For awhile I was stuck on finding a house in Puerto Rico near the rain forest, complete with infinity pool and mango trees. Now I've moved on to Mexico where you can get a bit more for your money. I found the above modern 2 bedroom somewhere outside of Tulum on the Mayan Riviera and I fell in love. It has a cutie courtyard with a pool not far from the beach and in my fantasy land they've accepted our offer, and I'm ready to decorate. I want stenciled concrete floors, tons of bright rugs and hammocks, furniture in either natural wood, or bright citrusy colors.

Saturday, November 18, 2017

Hey I'm going to NOLA

Some things to know...
New Orleans is not your personal drunken playground. Please be respectful people live and work in this amazing city. Sure you can drink on the street and in general there is a “laissez faire” attitude that lets you get away with more than you would in another city, but don’t push it.

Ok that’s my disclaimer, now laissez les bons temps rouler!

Where to Stay- There are a million sweet neighborhoods in The Big Easy. I personally love the posh Garden District with its impressive mansions. For something more “hip” stay in The Bywater, or Faubourg Marigny. If you need a swank roof top pool check out the Central Business District. Otherwise Air B&B is full of amazing houses. No matter where you stay be aware of your surroundings at all times, New Orleans like many other cities is a “block by block” kinda place, meaning you could be strolling through the mansions of the Garden District and go one block north and find yourself in an area of town where you shouldn’t be.

What to Do- Mostly you’ll just be eating and drinking! But we’ll get to that in a second. MUSIC, plan to see as much live music as possible, either at Preservation Hall, or Le Bon Temps Roule where The Soul Rebels have a standing gig on Thursdays. The cemeteries should also be on your list, some you can wander at your leisure, others require you be on a guided tour. Last but not least, I highly recommend a Bayou tour. A few are within the city limits but Bayou Lafourche is about 25 min away by car and is amazing.

Eat Drink and be Merry- Finally it’s time for a list of where to eat and drink. You could walk into

any ole place and have a great meal in NOLA, but for the full experience don’t forget to eat your way through the city with these items: Po Boy at Domilise Sandwhich Shop and Bar, A muffuletta at any of these places, Beignets of course at Cafe du Monde, Gumbo at Commanders Palace, A Sazerac at Carousel Bar, a Daiquiri from New Orleans Original Daiquiris (a bunch of locations), Oysters at Acme Oyster House (either raw or charbroiled) most likely there will be a line out the door. and finally a Hurricane, if you can stomach that much fruity booze.

Pages