A Night out - Mexican theme ;-) !!

Los MARIACHIS!!!!! - olé -

The Ethiopian Restaurant - the only one in Spain!

New York City - March 2008!

A few things would be accomplished on this short, one-week trip: the finding of my apartment in Brooklyn, the further development of an awesome relationship with Adolfo, and acquisition of knowledge about the city in which I will be living - here I come New York City!

Our week would be packed with all kinds of adventures...


Saturday: My arrival. I would arrive fairly late, and we could catch a late bite to eat at a Greek diner. Did you know that egg cream is a drink made up of club soda and ice cream? Interesting, I know.


Sunday: We were off to Mass at the St. Patrick's Cathedral. It would take us about an hour and a half (the route with a view, taking the ferry over the water) from Staten Island to Manhattan. After Mass, we would head over to a restaurant called Picasso. It is one of the three restaurants that Adolfo's family owns. The food was authentic and absolutely delicious (callos, orejas, jamón, cocido, pulpo, etc). The company at the restaurant was also amusing, and we had a lovely lunch indeed. After that, we took a long walk up and down the streets, into Central Park, all around Central Park, and out the other side. We walked for hours just chit-chatting, very romantic. Later, on the way home, we would stop by his mother's house. I met her, her husband, Adolfo's aunt, niece, and brother. We had some pleasant conversation before we headed home to make ourselves some yummy dinner.


Monday: We had an apartment to go see. It said that the apartment was in Crown Heights and it turned out to be in East New York - yikes! Not a good thing. We took advantage of being in Brooklyn, however, and hopped over to DUMBO for some lunch. The authentic American-style food hit the spot, and we were inspired to just go for a walk. We walked across the Brooklyn bridge and saw some beautiful views of the city. We then walked around the sea port, had a little massage in one of those chairs in the mall, and wandered into the financial district. We even found this little enclosed square that perfectly described New York to me. You entered and it was fairly quiet with tables scattered everywhere, even a bird or two flying around the palm trees. Then, over to one side you could see chess boards and other such games open for anyone to play. At one table, we saw a Jew playing against a Chinese man while two African Americans watched with another Southern-looking gentleman. Diversity and friendliness are definitely two traits that describe this city! Later that night, we met up with Ariel and Judy at a salsa club for some entertainment.


Tuesday: There was more apartment hunting in the morning. We went and saw an apartment that I said I would take. (the landlord would later back out of it and say he preferred to sell instead of rent) After arriving back home from Brooklyn, we would head into New Jersey to go to Adolfo's dad's house. At the house, I met Adolfo (senior), Cecilia (his wife), Tatiana (sister), and Susanna (sister). They were all very nice, and we headed off to a restaurant nearby to celebrate Adolfo's (senior) birthday. There at the restaurant, I would meet a few family friends as well, and we would have some good laughs devouring great Spanish cuisine.


Wednesday: Since I was back to not having an apartment, it was time to look some more. We would find a place that I liked and we would get all the paperwork ready for it. That would take pretty much all day, and we would meet my friend Laura Jo in Hell's Kitchen for supper. We would go to a Morrocan Tappas place, which was definitely delicious. I had lived with Laura Jo here in Madrid many semesters ago, so it was nice to play catch up with her.


Thursday: We would sleep in a little bit, and then go later to see Chinatown and Little Italy. It is like traveling to those countries! We had lunch in Chinatown, where we gobbled up the crab dumplings like there was no tomorrow. And of course, dessert would be some gelato in Italy! Later that night, we had tickets to see the play The Ghosts of 14th Street. It was amateur theatre, but it was okay. Anything, though, seems to be enjoyable with this man of mine, I must say. And the Italian pizza place around the corner was not bad either!


Friday: I had an appointment and interview with the landlord to see if he would rent me the apartment that I liked in Dyker Heights. In the end he did, and we signed papers right then and there! Yipee! (you can see pictures of such apartment below) After we got done with all of that, we drove into Elizabeth, New Jersey for some dinner and a movie. We saw Vantage Point, but I fell asleep before it was over. I guess not that good, lol. In its defense, however, I was already exhausted.


Saturday: We headed over to my new apartment to unpack my stuff, take pictures, take measurements, etc. After that, we went shopping for cleaning supplies and other things for the apartment. And when we finished, it was time to head to the airport to say goodbye. I left for Spain once again saying hasta pronto - until May 22nd when I shall return!

Me in NYC! (March 2008)

Us in NYC!

We were showing New York how it's done!

In the first photo, Adolfo and I are at the seaport. In the second, you see Ariel (a coworker), Judy, Me, Adolfo. Then, you can also see the photos of tasty crab dumplings devoured ever so quickly in Chinatown one afternoon!

My Apartment in Dyker Heights (Brooklyn)!

My apartment has two bedrooms. You see a picture of the one to the left, which will be used as a living room/guest bedroom. The kitchen is self-explanatory, and you can see part of the huge window. The apartment has a lot of light. The bathroom is also nice. And, you can also sort of see the entrance way which will fit a corner couch and kitchen table. It is really quite a nice apartment in a great and safe neighborhood, so I am so excited to live there!

Shrove Tuesday - better known as Pancake Day!

The first picture is me trying to think what I am going to give up for Lent. Pancake Tuesday is the day RIGHT before Ash Wednesday, so you must get in all the drinking and pancakes you can before midnight...and be prepared to say what you're giving up (and eat that too if you can :) ! The second picture is (from left to right) Marc, Gonzalo, David, and Neil. Third: Neil, David, Elena. Fourth: Diego, Julian, Kate and Elena (the four roomies!). We all had a fun night to say the least!

More smiles on Pancake Day 2008!

The pancakes...yum!

David, Marc, Neil, and Sonia...perhaps they were among the best flippers????!!!! As you know, everyone MUST flip their own pancake/crepe....I am among the worst, so I must practice for next year, then!

My sister, Kerrie, came to visit me in Madrid! (2008)

We have done many things during my sister's week stay in Madrid. Between coffees, teas, and dinners we were certainly kept busy. Kerrie's Spanish also improved with her famous sayings ¿quieres más agua? Encantada! ¿dónde está el baño? I am glad that she got the chance to experience part of what my life has been like for these almost four years in Madrid! It is truly a magical place I would say :) In the pictures (left to right)....First one: Kerrie and I...Second one: Marc, Me, David...Third one: Marc, Kerrie, David....Fourth one: just ME!...Fourth one: David, Kerrie, Marc...