Back from the sunshine

I'm back from a very relaxing week. I enjoyed everything in Cartagena - the people, food, weather, jewellery, etc. I cannot even believe that I'm back in Toronto and freezing. It almost felt like I just had a very amazing dream. But oh well, it was fun while it lasted and I definitely loved every minute of it. More photos and stories to come.

Travel Guide: Spain

MADRID

ACCOMMODATION:  

Hotel Persal - Plaza del Angel, 12, 28012 Madrid

The room was pretty small but it was good enough for two nights. It was cheap as well. I read reviews on Tripadvisor and I found a good tip to request for the newly renovated 4th floor rooms. The concierge at the hotel was actually curious to know why I knew about the 4th floor rooms. It is centrally located and lots of restaurants near the hotel.

RESTAURANTS:

Taberna la Dolores - Plaza Jesús, 4, 28014 Madrid
Amazing paella made to order. It took about 20 minutes but really worth the wait!

Dehesa Santa Maria - various locations. Amazing tapas! 

SHOPPING:

Casa Hernanz - Toledo 18-20, near Plaza Mayor

Really good espadrilles for very cheap price. The shoes are so comfortable. I was wearing flats and getting blisters but once I started wearing them, I could walk for hours and look stylish!

Great souvenirs to take home to family and friends. Depending on the style of the shoes, the price can range from 4.25 Euros and up. Watch out for the line ups though.

SIGHTSEEING:

Retiro Park - a great way to burn off your meal. Take a stroll around the park or rent boats to row.

Royal Palace - stunning architecture and great history. A must visit.
Almudena Cathedral - opposite to the Royal Palace.
Campo del Moro - a great park behind the Royal Palace.

VALENCIA

ACCOMMODATION: 

Ayre Hotel Astoria Palace - Plaza de Rodrigo Botet, 5, 46002, Valencia

Great hotel and very spacious! I was surprised when I walked into my room, it was huge! Lots of closet space, king bed, his/hers sink, jacuzzi, big tv, and complimentary bottled water every day! I got a really good deal since I spent 5 days in Valencia. Centrally located again and close to all the high end shops.

RESTAURANTS: 

Restaurante la Vita e Bella - awesome Italian restaurant.Loved their pizza!

SIGHTSEEING: 

The City of Arts and Sciences - fantastic futuristic buildings!

Playa Malvarossa - great beach and lots of restaurants/bars nearby!

Turia Gardens - great for strolling around to hide from the blazing sun
La Lonja de la Seda - is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Amazing architecture. Free entry!

SHOPPING: 

Paloma Verdeguer -C/ de la Paz, 10, 46003 Valencia. Found great shoes at this store and on sale!

BARCELONA

ACCOMMODATION

iStopover - provides short term apartment rentals. I wrote about my experience here.

RESTAURANTS:

Taller de Tapas - various locations but I went to the St. Josep Oriol location. It was a 2 minute walk from the apartment I rented. It was my last night in Spain and I wanted a great meal. I walked in the restaurant with no expectations and left blown away by the food.

Mercat de la Boqueria - amazing market! Full of fresh vegetables, fish, meats, ham, etc. Great for grocery shopping and taking photos. It's always packed with tourists.

SIGHTSEEING:

 Sagrada Familia - catholic church designed by Gaudi.

 Park Guell - a massive park full of amazing architecture and art. A must visit in Barcelona!!

Museo Nacional d'Art de Catalunia - breathtaking view of Barcelona plus you can find the Magic Fountain there.

Casa Battlo - another building designed by Gaudi. It's on the Ramblas so it's hard to miss.

Magic Fountain - it comes alive at night!

SHOPPING: 

Zara - various locations. Great clothes and shoes.

packed

I finally finished packing! I feel like I'm bringing my entire closet with me but I have to be prepared. Dresses, shoes, bikinis, and all the clothes I can think of! I might have to change 3 times a day to use them all up. As you can tell, I am sooo excited to be going on this trip. I badly need sunshine and warm temperature. It's way too cold here in Toronto lately. 

I will try to post photos while I'm gone via my instagr.am, my username is canadianpie.

Have a fantastic week everyone!

Giveaway - Closed

 photo credit: Google

It's time for my first giveaway! I have booked my vacation for a week somewhere in Colombia in January. Guess the city I am going to for a chance to win travel items!

Hint:
1.) The port, the fortresses, and the group of monuments of this city is a UNESCO heritage site.
2.) The movie "Romancing the Stone" was based on this city.
3.) This city is the Venice of Colombia and the country's most romantic city.


Here are the rules:
1.) Follow me on Bloglovin' or Google Connect. Once you are, you can enter the giveaway.
2.) Comment below with your answer, your name, and e-mail address.
3.) Correct answers are automatically entered for the draw and I will pick one lucky winner (random draw).
4.) Contest ends on January 13th at 5pm (EST).
5.) Open to anyone in the world.

The winner will receive a jumbo luggage tag and Danier leather passport holder.

Good luck!

The winner is Mitha!!! I will be sending you an e-mail soon.

2011 Review

Last year was a quiet year for me when it came to travel. I didn't venture too far from home and opted to regain my health back. I was getting sick a lot and I didn't want to risk traveling too far from home. 

Here are my travel adventures on 2011:
-a trip to New York City with my friends for a weekend. We visited friends and ate to our heart's content

-San Francisco in May to enjoy the weather. I hiked my way into the Golden Gate Bridge. Ate chocolates at Ghirardelli Square.

-Went apple picking during Thanksgiving

- Took a girl's road trip to Pittsburgh to shop and see relatives

I am hoping to get my strength back this year and visit more exotic places. I already have a trip booked for this month. I can't wait to let you know where I'm going so stay tuned for my first ever giveway soon! I just have to get the prizes ready before I post the details.