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
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| Living Room of the Madrid Luxury Suite |
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| 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
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| Plaza de Cibeles at night |
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| Plaza de Cibeles during the day |
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| Royal Palace of Madrid |
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| 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?!
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| Paella night at La Barraca |
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| soft shell crab bao |
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| truffled duck dumpling - dinner at fusion restaurant, Oribu Gastrobar |
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| Cava time at a nearby Tapas Bar |
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| Daily Breakfast at the cafe next door to our suite |
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| Veuve Clicquot Champagne for lunch |
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| Patio Lunch at the Reina Sofia Bistro |
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| 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. |
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| One of Madrid's well known market, San Anton. We had a lovely lunch at La Cocina de San Anton |
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| 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. |
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
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