Lisbon 2006

In the fall of 2006, my sister and I visited Lisbon. Portugal might not be the #1 tourist destination in Europe but it is one not to be missed. Much like Spain, Portugal is a bargain compared to the northern countries in Europe. Lisbon has an old world feel which is nicely preserved.

Santa Justa Elevator

Castelo de Sao Jorge

Love the old streetcar

Praca Dom Pedro or Rossio

Marques do Pombal

World map tile

Monument to the Discoveries

Cannon from Castelo de Sao Jorge

Santa Justa Elevator from Castelo

Narrow cobblestone street

Se Cathedral

Church on the site of St. Anthony’s birthplace

Mosteiro dos Jeronimos

Vaulted ceiling

Pasteis or Custard

Seville 2010

In September 2010, I went to Seville, Spain. The trip was mainly to go see U2 in concert. I always like to combine my two passions which are travel and U2. The city took me by surprise, I have been to Madrid and Barcelona a few times but Seville might be my favorite. The sights were magnificent and full of interesting history.

My first stop was The Seville Cathedral. It was the only church I have been to that charged an 8 Euro entrance fee. Not even St. Peter’s or Notre Dame charges an entrance fee. I thought to myself, it better be worth it.

Side view of the cathedral

Christopher Columbus was buried in the cathedral. His tomb is the best memorial I have ever seen.

The Cathedral has a museum in the premises, it boasts that it is the largest church in the world when it was finished in the 16th century. The church is massive with the main altar in gold. The cathedral was used to showcase Spain’s
riches mostly taken from the conquests. Look at that ceiling and vaulting, beautiful!

The Gold Altar

Gold Crown with gems

The ceiling of the Cathedral.

Next door to the cathedral is the Real Alcazar. An old Moorish Palace with intricate Islamic design of columns, arches and wall carvings.

Serene garden

Love the arches and designs

Just outside the Alcazar is the Cathedral and La Giralda

Another big attraction in Seville is the massive Plaza Espana. Unfortunately, the plaza was under construction when we visited. All provinces and cities are represented in tile. It was a very hot day when I visited so not many tourists in the plaza.

Check out the city tram advertising the U2 concert

Another view of The Cathedral

Other views of Seville

Tarp Between buildings to shield shoppers from the extreme heat.

No trip to Seville is complete without a visit to the Macarena Church to see the Virgin of Macarena.

Get Real

Real Madrid’s pre-season training for the second year in a row is at UCLA. Last year, I decided not to go to UCLA but go to the game instead at The Rose Bowl. Boy, did I regret that decision. This year I want it all, training camp, game, hotel, press conference, student store, everything.

Although I do like all the Real Madrid players, I do have favorites, namely Xabi Alonso, Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Alvaro Albeloa, Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo.

So here are my up close and personal photos of the boys.

Kaka!

Xabi Alonso

Alvaro Arbeloa

Iker Casillas

Sergio Ramos

Where is Fidji?

My favorite travel bag is the Goyard Fidji (sadly the bag has been discontinued). I bought my Fidji in Paris in 2007 for $620. I love it because it is lightweight, water resistant, carries a ton, yes a ton of stuff, and easy to pack and carry. Since 2007 the Fidji has been my travel bag. Here are some places Fidji traveled to:

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Fidji with Terra-cotta soldiers, Xian, China

Fidji at Great Wall of China

Forbidden City, Beijing, China

The Bund, Shanghai, China

Fidji in Lourdes, France

Plaza Espana, Seville, Spain

Roman Forum, Rome, Italy

Fidji by Eiffel Tower

Macarons

I love Macarons especially Parisian ones. Although many prefer LaDuree or Pierre Herme, I actually like Dalloyau best because it’s not as sweet as the others. Dalloyau Macarons are sold at Galleries Lafayette Gourmet and at their own shops in Paris.

Dalloyau Macarons at Galleries Gourmet

But what to do when you live in the West Coast and craving for Macarons? Well go to lette and indulge in your cravings. The macarons at lette are as close as you get to the Paris kind. My favorite flavors are chocolate and pistacio. I am not a fan of exotic flavors as they are always too sweet for me. So until my next trip to Paris, lette macarons will just have to do.

Kissable Lips

I am a lip balm addict. I’m not much of a make-up person, I only really wear it on special occasions like weddings, parties, etc. So unlike some other women who spend loads of money on make-up, I spend money on lip balms.

Here are my current faves:

La Mer sits atop the lip balm ladder.

Chanel Hydramax Lip Treatment

Chanel Soin Tendre Levres

Julie Hewett Organic Camellia Lip Balm

Clark's Botanicals Ultra Rich Lip Balm

From these lip balms, which comes out on top? I would say La Mer and Chanel Hydramax are best with Julie Hewett right behind. La Mer and Chanel Hydramax almost instantly makes lips softer. Julie Hewett Organic balm goes on smooth and is not sticky just like the Chanel Soin Tendre Levres. Clark’s Botanicals Lip Balm is as advertised, it’s ultra heavy on the lips. When I apply it on, it looks like I just applied cooking grease on my lips. It is good to use when your lips are really dry like when you are traveling by plane.

La Mer and Hydramax lasts longer and are best used at night or in the morning. Not a fan of having to use my fingers to apply balm, so I bought a lip brush from Sephora and also use qtips or small make-up spatula to apply.

I know the lip Balms I listed above are pricey ($19-$45)but if these are way above your budget, I suggest EOS or Smith’s Rosebud Salve.