Viva Madrid

After leaving Lisbon, we headed to Madrid.  In Madrid, age really ain't nothing but a number. Everyone was out. Young and old. Eating in the plazas. Frequenting live music venues, whether jazz or flamenco. Simply walking the beautiful streets.

A few favorites:

Plaza Santa Ana. 

Oldest restaurant in the world. Restaurante Sobrino de Botin.

The beautiful architecture.

The hustle and bustle of the city.

Parque del Buen Retiro.

Tapas and more tapas. Paella, jamon iberica, potatas bravas, octopus and croquettes, to name a few. Recommendation: Taberna Alhambra.  

And finally, although not photographed, amazing museums such as Museo del Prada and Reina Sofia. Bosch's El Jardin de las Delicias may have changed my life.

Portuguese Delights

Admittedly knowing very little about Portugal, I had no idea that Portuguese specialties included cod and pastries (and more pastries).  A few specialties I was able to capture before devouring.

Pao de Deus  (God's Bread).

Cod Carpaccio (not exactly traditional but as a waiter told me, the Portuguese can prepare cod over 100 ways).

Pastel de Nata (world famous egg custard tart sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar).  BEWARE: this can be done very well or not so well...

Mercado da Ribeira food market with stands of various restaurants throughout Lisbon so you can try them all.

Lisbon

First time in Portugal!  While en route to my hotel in Lisbon, my driver told me that many people compare Lisbon to San Francisco.  Though I had never heard that comparison before, I started seeing why.

Hills. Views. Trolleys.  Repeat.  Oh, and of course, the 25 de Abril Suspension Bridge.

Zara scarf. Top shop sleeveless coat. Theory wide-legged gaucho pant.

Art. Garden. Life.

It's official.  It's jacket weather and the end of summer.  I know everyone loves fall and I do appreciate a good jacket/sweater, but I always get a bit of that end of summertime sadness.  

To assuage the feeling, I trekked (and it was a trek) to the NY Botanical Gardens to see the Frida Kahlo exhibit - Art Garden Life.    

Subway shots:

Garden shots:

Gallery shots:

Phone shots:

LA Don't Love You

Dear LA: I do not believe in unrequited love, but you have your moments.  Last week - under the beauty of NY's rainy and warm skies - was not one of those moments.

Mid-Week Fete

Birthday celebrations change over the years, and in my particular situation, they seem to start and end earlier in the day (which by a certain age, are both preferred).

This year, birthday on a Wednesday means: Friends visit from out of town. Wake up early. Go on run. Coffee, champagne and avocado toast.  THE US OPEN (see prior post). More champagne. Pre-dinner snack of cheeses and cured meats. Dinner with friends and good wine.  Fresh flowers, festivities, and the most beautiful homemade cake.

U.S. Open 2015

Who knew the U.S. Open was so accessible?  Not me.  Suffice it to say that my first experience has got me hooked.  Arthur Ashe, I'll be back!

Pumped

My favorite shoe is a pump.  Now throw every color you can find on those pumps and I generally must purchase.  At all times in life, I have some staple colorful pumps.  Right now, these do the trick and add some life to any outfit.

Aldo pumps.  Seven jeans.  Top from Next in London.  Vintage Dior shades.