North by Northwest

For all of our trips over the past several years, Ricardo always makes a c.d. for us to travel with. Usually it´s the hits that we´re tuned into during that era, or a creative game that helps me remember who sings what. I must say, I am the world´s worst at attaching songs to the right band, but i´ve gotten better over the years thanks to my traveling gameshow campanion! A small little note.... but that´s where I get the title of this posting from. Our trip last weekend to Galicia and Porto, Portugal (Northwest corner of Spain).

We spent Friday and Saturday visiting every inch of Galicia. From the beaches to the town of Santiago de la Compostela. This was the pilgrimage of St. James and where he is burried today. You often hear stories of the Camino de Santiago. Such a beautiful little town in the far corner of Spain. The cathedral is amazing and made for great pictures.

Sunday and Monday we were in Porto, Portugal (home of Porto wine). Not your typical tourist spot, but one of the most "interesting" places I´ve visited in Europe. Not sure how to explain this one.... You´ll see the pictures below are just amazing views, but the side streets and behind the scenes have been left to crumble. It was a beautiful place, but a bit sad- because with just a little effort I think it could be one of the greatest European cities. You´ll see what I mean.

Pictures of the Cathedral in Santiago

Pictures from the coast in Galicia (w/ Antonio and Patricia)

And on to Porto

a nice spring time evening

Our version of a backyard bbq- enjoying some spanish tapas and sangria with friends on the terraza. Nico is a friend of mine from Charlotte who lives here in Madrid now and Lucia, his girlfriend, was visiting from Guatemala. Sarah and Khalil (our photographer) are also from Charlotte. The weather was great, the food was yummy, and the company was even better. Sarah and I took our shot at making steamed mussels and they turned out fantastic! They are so easy to make if you enjoy shellfish: a bit garlic, parsley, sherry, olive oil, and lemon and voila!

Mexico in random order

a trip across the border.... what a wonderful time in Mexico City and Acapulco! The weather was wonderful, and despite everything you see on the news- the people were so incredibly wonderful! We had such a wonderful and relaxing trip!

dinner with some friends from Maersk

a trip to Fairfiled Resort for some yummy Micheladas

Boat ride on the bay

Sunset at Pied de la Cuesta

day trip to Taxco

Cliff divers in Acapulco

my dream house

We were so lucky to stay at a friends place on the beach- the views were out of this world!

check out these cuties- friends of the de Abiega´s

I love this picture- Ricardo and his Aunt Lola and Maria Pilar

Let´s start with NY

We had a speedy tour in NY during our first weekend of vacation. As you can see below- Johnny Rockets was our 1st stop in Hoboken! The Smokehouse burger is absolutely my fav. Friday night Ricardo did an acoustic show at the Alphabet Lounge in the village. Laura, a close friend of Ricardo´s met us at the show, and we´re happy to announce she just gave birth to such a precious baby girl 2 short weeks later! It was so great to see old friends again. And then last but not least, we did a rapid shopping trip to every place imaginable. Even brought back a bike! Yes that´s right- a full blown bicycle! I couldn´t believe it- but we made it thru with no extra charges and in tip-top shape. I must say, we really miss NY and Hoboken! Next time- we need more than just a long weekend.

Happy Birthday Suz!

and a belated Birthday wish to Suzanne! Sorry I missed you on Saturday, but we´ll party all summer long! =) Hope you had a wonderful weekend with your family. (and i´m missing a good picture of the 2 of us! it´s either you holding Addie or me!=)

The Riches Return

After some needed time off.... we´re back! Ricardo was in New Jersey for a meeting at the end of February, so we spent a bit of time catching up with friends and visiting NYC. After, we were off to Mexico to spend time with his family and enjoy a bit of relaxation at La Playa! More updates and pictures when I dig myself out of the sand a bit! =)