Vacation Recap ...Oahu and Madrid

Hello Readers,

I know its been awhile since I've updated my blog. One thing I've learned and realized is that blogging is tough! Takes a lot of time, and dedication to keep up and update regularly. I must admit, I haven't been doing a good job updating my blog. 2016 went by way too fast, and as far as 2017 goes .... It is already going quickly!

2016 was an exciting year for me. I did a whole lot of traveling, eating, working out, walking and tried many new things. Let  me take you through to a little recap of 2016.

Beginning of the year, January I went to Hawaii for the very first time. Explore the island of Oahu with my mom. It was a great mother daughter trip. What can I say about Hawaii?? The best word to describe this place is "PARADISE"! You can also refer to my earlier blog entry for more information on my trip to Oahu. Although the trip nearly broke my wallet, but certainly worth it. How often to you go to Hawaii, right?

The Island of Oahu, Hawaii
January 2016

After a very stressful Q1 of 2016 at work, I decided to take a (what I thought would've been a short getaway) trip to Spain. While planning, one thing led to another, we ended up in Madrid, Salamenca, Avilla, and Paris (my second home). 

Needless to say, Spain was amazing. I went to Spain for the very first time in 2015, where I spent nearly a week in Barcelona. Boy, did I have a fabulous time! Although Barcelona and Madrid are totally different, I was craving for some delicious Spanish Tapas, hence the inspiration to visit Spain again in 2016. Who knows, Spain could be on my vacation list for 2017.

MADRID, SPAIN
June 2016

When staying in Europe, I usually like to stay at a small local boutique hotel but this time I went for a luxury suite instead. I was so pleased with what I got. This luxury suite (the name of the place) was situated in the heart of central Madrid. Close to many tourist attractions, shopping, cafes, restaurants, museums, metro and tapas bars. The concierge services were amazing, all very friendly, helpful and spoke fluent English. 

 

High tech finger print scanner to open our hotel suite door

Living Room of the Madrid Luxury Suite

Kitchen of our 2 bedroom suite in Madrid

There were so many great tourist attractions in Madrid, here are a few highlights.
Museo del Prada
Museo Reina Sofia
Playa Mayor 
Buen Retiro Park
Gran Via
Temple of Debod
Royal Palace of Madrid
Plaza de Cibeles
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
Puerta del Sol
Plaza de Oriente
Parque del Oeste
Mercado de San Miguel
Mercado San Anton

Plaza de Cibeles at night

Plaza de Cibeles during the day

Royal Palace of Madrid

Salvador Dali

Eating in Madrid

Well, we tried everything from traditional Spanish, Tapas, to fusion, to Japanese Ramen to Paella.
There's something for everyone! When I travel, I like to look for places the locals like to eat. Look at the trendy and/or up and coming locations, and eateries. If you are into high end Michelin Star restaurants, Madrid has a large number of them. The Price range can vary and some can even break your wallet. But hey, you only live once, right?!

Paella night at La Barraca

soft shell crab bao

truffled duck dumpling - dinner at fusion restaurant, Oribu Gastrobar

Cava time at a nearby Tapas Bar

Daily Breakfast at the cafe next door to our suite

Veuve Clicquot Champagne for lunch

Patio Lunch at the Reina Sofia Bistro

Yes, we had Ramen in Madrid. This place is called Chuka Ramen Bar. I actually had a nice chat with the owner while dining at this cool joint. Owner, an American gal born and raised in the West coast, met her husband while working in the culinary industry in the US. After getting married, the two decided to move to Madrid and start their own culinary adventure.

One of Madrid's well known market, San Anton. We had a lovely lunch at La Cocina de San Anton

Last night in Madrid, after seeing the Real Madrid Game live at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, we decided to go back to our apartment to left overs from the night before. Smoked duck, salmon and paella. Perfect way to end our trip to Madrid.

Before I end this blog entry, I must share this video. An experience of a life time to have been able to watch a Real Madrid Game live. Although C. Ronaldo was not around because he was busy preparing for the Euro cup, I still had an awesome time!

 Links and info on Madrid
http://www.chukaramenbar.com/
http://www.mercadodesanmiguel.es/
http://www.labarraca.es/
http://oribugastrobar.com/en/home/
http://www.luxurysuites.es/en/
http://www.booking.com
https://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowUserReviews-g187514-d2288538-r384454308-Luxury_Suites-Madrid.html

Until next time ..... 
Thank you for reading. Please follow me on instagram, Habeegirl
https://www.instagram.com/habeegirl/

“Every person needs to take one day away.  A day in which one consciously separates the past from the future.  Jobs, family, employers, and friends can exist one day without any one of us, and if our egos permit us to confess, they could exist eternally in our absence.  Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for.  Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.” -- Maya Angelou

Cheers,
HaBeeGirl

HaBeeGirl & Will's 2016 Christmas Spectacular

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

"All I want for Christmas is you .... you ...." - Mariah Carey
From HaBeeGirl

Food paradise in Oahu: Day 1 and 2

My first thought was ............. sushi + beach. Isn't that a perfect combo? And that's when I said, Hawaii!!!!!!

What can I say? I had to hit the gym big time before going on this trip, because I knew I was going to be eating like a mad woman! 

Let the eating journey begin.

As soon as we arrived and checked into our hotel, first stop ... ABC store and got us some sake! By the way, our flight landed at 9:30pm (Oahu time), which means .... not much time to eat, plus I was quite exhausted from the 10.5hour flight. What I really wanted to a glass of cold alcoholic beverage, nice shower and a good night sleep so that I could start the day bright and early at the Waikiki beach! 

ABC Store at Waikiki Beach

Back at the hotel after a visit to the ABC store

 Marukame Udon: Welcome known for their udon of course, and deep fried snacks. This is a fast food joint, and always a long line up!

Last January in Honolulu, it was about 30C in temperature, I really didn't feel like eating anything hot, so I went for the cold Udon instead and let me tell ya, it was delicious!

 Dinner at Jinroku 

 Hawaiian coffee: Kona Blend. It was expensive and not my cup of tea. I personally prefers stronger, richer blend of coffee. This one was way too light for me. But for those who are not into strong, bold coffee, this is perfect for you!

 Surf n' Turf Taco joint in Waikiki: $10 USD for two massive tacos. It was delicious!!!

Dinner at the famous Nobu in Waikiki. Simply delicious!

Complimentary Dessert from the restaurant.

Dinner at Nobu

 Food Trucks Galore!

Stay tuned for part 2 of Food Paradise in Oahu.
 Don't forget to follow me on Instagram: Habeegirl
All photos taken by Habeegirl

Cheers,
HaBeeGirl 

"When engaged in eating, the brain should be the servant of our stomach." --- Agatha Christie

Flying on AF

Flying with Air France ....

I am a loyal flying blue points collector, and have always enjoyed my flying experiences with Air France. I'll never forget the first time I took an AF flight to Paris, economy class and they served braised duck, which was delicious!! The following year, I went back to Europe and flew with AF again ... and the year after that, and the next, next, next and next ....

Lucky for me, I have been fortunate to have been able to fly on their Premium Economy class over the last few years. How? Found great deals! When it comes to traveling, I'm all about the research, planning and of course, try to get the best possible deal on my flights and accommodations. 

With Flying Blue Miles, aside from free ticket redemption, you can also upgrade to Business and/or First Class, depending on your original purchased ticket, class grade, timing and of course, mileage point amount and status. 

Here are some photos and info on AF Business Class: Toronto to Paris. June 2016

Air France / KLM Business Class Lounge Terminal 3, Toronto Pearson Airport

 A lot of Legroom

Cognac anyone?

Before take off, lets have a glass of French Champagne

Menu

Appetizers

 Flying back to Toronto from Paris on AF Premium Economy

Sky Priority Check in & privileges for all AF/KLM Premium Economy, Business and First Class Travelers.

Smaller sites, but still very comfortable. Only down fall, is that all PE travelers has to share lavatories with the Economy class.

New Wing of the CDG Airport. Sky Priority Travelers receives priority check in at a different terminal.

Saying Goodbye to Paris. Until next time ... 

 Until next time ..... 

Thanks for reading everyone. 
Don't forget to follow me on Instagram: Habeegirl
All photos taken by Habeegirl 
#travel #habeegirl #toronto #blogger #lovestotravel #canadian #canada #airfrance #skypriority #flyingblue

Cheers,
HaBeeGirl

"The World is a book, those who do not travel read only a page" --- Saint Augustine