El Retiro is my playground

Jardines del Buen Retiro or Parque del Buen Retiro, literally “Gardens” or “Park of the Pleasant Retreat”

Wandering around the park and seeing sculptures, monuments (Monument to Alfonxo XII), Crystal Palace, a peaceful lake and a number of art galleries. El Retiro is perfect for a simple stroll and a picnic, while in the heart of Madrid, Spain.

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WHAT I’M WEARING: 

H&M  plain white tank
H&M gray striped flats
MANGO pleated skirt
MANGO bag
Ray ban Wayfarer Sunglasses

The Taste of Luxury

DSC_0881A French macaron are two airy almond meringue cookies pressed around a creamy filling (ganache). By looking at these colourful treats, my eyes are also filled with desire. The aesthetic beauty of these macarons make me want them even more. They, literally, look like pieces of art to my eyes. Viewing them and eating them are such pleasurable experiences. Both lovely to look at and enjoyable to consume, these macarons become addictive. As I bite into the eggshell-like crust, there is an exhalation, a sweet surrender, as the cookie crumbles, giving way to the chewy, almost half-baked interior—and alas, I feel pure bliss. The main flavor is in the filling: buoyant and intense pistachio ganache complete the gratifying taste of the French macaron. My taste buds feel like they are in heaven! There is such a distinct pleasure of eating such a well-made treat and there is such a sweet, succulent, taste. These tiny, but delicious treats delight my senses and I indulge in more than one. One is never enough, for these French macarons fill my mouth with joy due to its sugary sweetness. Furthermore, I must confess an irrational fondness for the macarons. I am always seeking these sweet treats for they give me such happiness and delight. French macarons: wonderful to touch; beautiful to see; enchanting to eat. They taste of perfection…

Especially if they’re from Ladurée, the inventor of the macarons. They are also a maker of luxurious cakes and pastries. The store itself looks like a museum of baked goods. The store is vibrant in colour with gilted gold. They offer miniature cakes that look too beautiful to eat.

(I went to  the  Ladurée in Harrods and another in Covent Gardens.) 

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Majorca/ Mallorca: the island boasts history and tons of sunshine

The largest island in Spain’s Balearic Islands archipelago, Majorca, is a beautiful place filled with happy inhabitants, good, familiar Spanish cuisine, an abundance of historic architecture and of course, scenic views of mountains and pristine beaches. I stayed in Palma … Continue reading

London, thou art the flower of cities all!

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Toledo: Time Travel to Medieval Spain

In the 16th century, Toledo was the capital of the Spanish empire. Eventually the Spanish court moved to Madrid. Although the city is not the capital of Spain anymore, its history and culture are preserved through the medieval architecture. Toledo … Continue reading

“Nobody goes to bed in Madrid till they have killed the night!” – Ernest Hemingway

Move over New York City! Madrid is ACTUALLY the city that never sleeps. Early morning stop for some churros with café con leche to late night tapas/bar hopping to non-stop partying late into the night; there is so much to see … Continue reading

Barcelona: a place for tapas, parties and Gaudi’s art nouveau

An excellent nightlife (PARTY UNTIL 6 AM) , tasty Spanish food (HELLO, PAELLA AND TAPAS!) and the warm, sunny climate (BEACH BUMS!) make Barcelona THE place to be. I was fortunate enough to visit Barcelona more than once this year. … Continue reading