What Ana Does

Want some hints on what to do while in Barcelona? Here are some details from our trip. You can read more about the trip here. We stayed at the Eric Vokel Gran Via SuitesGran Via . I like the apartment-style hotels if we're staying somewhere for more than a few days. There's extra room, in this case the girls got their own bedroom, and we can buy breakfast groceries so we're not starving (read: hangry) every morning. Thursday It was a quick trip from Paris (less than two hours). We checked into the hotel and they recommended some local restaurants and were to see a family-friendly Flamenco show.  We ate lunch at The Juice House , just a quick walk from the hotel.  Then walked over to the Place d'Espanya to pickup the Hop On Hop Off tour bus , so we could get fully-acquainted with the city. Well worth the money to drive around and see the big sights with the audioguide.  We did the full 'red line' circuit and ended back at the Place d' Espanya a...

I've told you about my favorite spots in Tenerife and shared the two-day itinerary of Madrid, so let's now get to the important stuff ... THE FOOD! Our first meal in Madrid: Tortilla Espanola on fresh bread with Cafe con Leche.  This Got Us Out There!   We ate lunch in Plaza Mayor ... which I KNOW is a faux pas, but we just wanted the views. And the ham. We got both. We were happy. Jamon Iberico -- Worth the Price of the Flight.  After sleeping through our hotel-provided breakfast the second day in Madrid, we hit the streets and found this little cafe near Plaza de Espana. Faborit Breakfast - a Mini Banana Muffin, Yogurt with Fruit and ... yes! Cafe Con Leche! In Tenerife, we had been walking around for a few hours and needed a bite. Glorious ham, manchego cheese and bread are almost always on the menu -- even at a tiny plaza cafe. Manchego Cheese and Jamon!  Seaside in Puerto, we dined on veggie pizza (surprisingly good), croquettas, a f...

Before I begin let's all just agree that Madrid is like your laid-back best friend that likes to stay up late and drink way too much wine. Ok? Madrid is a diamond in the middle of an arid plain in the middle on Spain. Though it's been an important Spanish city of centuries, it wasn't the Spanish capital until the early 1600s. The grand palace was built in the 1700s, which isn't that long ago given the ancient castles in Toledo or Seville. I arrived in Madrid on Monday morning with my Mom and two sisters. We got an apartment suite just north of the the Gran Via -- the main boulevard that cuts through Madrid east to west. We got lucky because the room was ready, so we were able to dump our luggage, freshen up and head out onto the street. Here's the most important thing you need to know about Madrid -- this is a very walkable city. And a walkable city makes like all the more easier. From our hotel, it was an easy 30 minute walk to the Prado, which was basicall...

Feeling super lucky right now, as I'm researching hotels for a trip to Madrid and Tenerife in the fall!! I guess I go to Europe once a year now. La di da!  Madrid has all these affordable boutique hotel apartments. With lots more space for a very similar price to a standard European shoebox hotel room. It can't be this good, right? And lots in Tenerife to be found, too. Though, we're opting to stay in Santa Cruz, so less in the mix. A Photo From Our Madrid Hostel The last time I was in Madrid was 2002 with my big sister. Like this trip, it was a quick stop over (just a few days) before getting to Tenerife where we have family. We were in our early 20s and stayed in a hostel near the Prado. I dug out the journal I kept on that trip and wrote a lot about the old-world charm of Madrid, the cobblestoned streets, old buildings, large plazas. And the food, of course. Though, I was less adventurous in those days. I was also impressed by how walkable the city was, so ...

Ten has always been a lucky number for me, so I was looking forward to the magical date 10/10/2010. Four years ago today I was in Milan and Lake Como with the girls as part of our European adventure. It was a very good day. There was a train ride, a boat ride, ham sandwiches, George Clooney's house, and a cheese burger for dinner. Relive the day with me on the Berlin blog . They Were There! Oh my gosh, look how little these girls are! And that bird is not actually on Alice's head. Related links Traveling with kids is the BEST!

I give you ... The Grand Jessica !! I Made the Ultimate Sandwich From the top: Dab of mayo, ham, lettuce (from my garden), egg, sliced cheddar, avocado smashed into the bread -- all on a slice of fresh, crunchy French bread. Yum!! And, yes, it was as delicious as it sounds.  Related links: More FOOD posts