Vegan in Harlem

Anyone wanting to try some delicious vegan cuisine I highly recommend a little hole in the wall in Harlem called "Strictly Roots". It's owned by Rastafarian's and the food is all made from scratch. Here you'll find tofu, squash, seitan, beans, rice, fried plantains, macaroni; you name it.

They rotate dishes so you have some variety every visit. In addition they have made-to-order fresh juice such as sorrel, lemonade, tamarind and ginger drinks that will blow you away. This place also has a really relaxed vibe and you never feel rushed. Oh, and it's inexpensive so you'll have plenty of mullah $$ to splurge on their scrumptious desserts.

Craving a little Sunshine???

In Midtown Manhattan it can be difficult to get a dose of sun. You look up at the clear blue sky, you know the sun is out, but you just can't see it. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out why this is. In case you're stumped? Skyscrapers! They are everywhere in the city. They serve a purpose, but keep the sun from reaching the city streets most of the time.

Here's a little secret though...if you crave a little vitamin D, you're guaranteed to get it at a little well known 843 acre park. It is a picturesque beauty of natural green landscapes and pastoral escapes which provides a beautiful sanctuary for the people who live and visit one of the busiest cities of the world. Yes people, that would be Central Park. It's this cities slice of heaven.

Back in the Big Apple!

Yup, back in New York City!!! My husband had to nearly twist my arm and beg on his knees for me to say, "Yes, I will join you!" Not! Actually the minute he had confirmation of his trip, I went online and booked a bus ticket. Whenever my husband utters the word New York City, my ear perks up and my blood pressure goes up with excitement. Of course I can't resist such an invitation. It's New York City people. If you haven't tried it, I recommend a dose.

Christmas in SoCal

In my opinion Christmas is more meaningful when you are with the people you love, and want to share quality with. Since we don't have children of our own we have always made an effort to be with our immediate family during the holidays. Unfortunately our families are all very spread out, so we have to pick and choose and spread the love out evenly every year.

Christmas this year was spent with my sister and her two kids in San Diego. Seeing them rip through the wrapping paper to get to their gifts; hearing them shout and yell with excitement on Christmas morning made me feel like a kid again. And having Billy, my sister, niece and nephew all at my side was the greatest gift ever this year.

My sister and I also spent a lot of time together. We were able to sit and visit; share new stories, and talk about life. We also love to cook, so it was special for us to cook together while I was there. On Christmas day we prepared scrumptious Brazilian food for the family dinner which turned out amazing.

Next year it may be difficult to come to the US for Christmas because we'll be so far away living in Saudi Arabia. I am grateful and cherish these moments with family and friends. I only wish we could get the entire family together for Christmas. Maybe one day.

Destination: Riyadh

After months of anticipation we now finally know where our next assignment will be. Much to my surprise we didn't get an African country. Instead in September 2012, Billy and I, (and Dante) will be heading to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The capitol, Riyadh is where we'll be living. My mind can't quite contain what is coming our way. I don't think I'll believe it until the wheels of the airplane hit the Saudi airport runway.

There are many questions circling around in my head right now. To say the least I am excited to have the opportunity to be able to live and experience a culture so few westerners know much about. I'm sure there will be ups and downs, and there will be an adjustment process, but I believe am ready for the challenge. As I learn more of what's to come, I will try to blog about it. Stay tuned...

"If you're going to San Francisco..."

San Francisco with it's steep streets, cable and trolley cars, quaint cafes, Embarcadero, the Golden Gate Bridge and the beautiful bay make this city truly unique and picturesque. When I lived in San Diego I drove through San Francisco a few times, but never spent more than a couple days in the city. This time I stayed for an entire week. As soon as I got on the the BART train from the airport I was reminded of how much I love and miss California. It's truly a beautiful state which encompasses a little of everything; mountains, beaches, desert, rivers, lakes, cities and small towns. The people are kick back, friendly and non judgmental (anything goes here). And in case you hadn't heard, the weather is FANTASTIC! Cali definitely leaves an imprint.

Merci, Paris!

Wheels down in Paris was bright and early, which meant as soon as I arrived at the hotel there would be no napping. The Rossy bus was fantastic; it's a bus that you take from the Airport for 10 Euros and drops you off in front of the Opera House in downtown Paris. Our hotel was literally across the street from the Opera House, so instead of taking a cab and paying close to 70 Euros it was a no brainer to hop on the bus.

The Charles De Gaulle airport is about 45 minutes on the outskirts of Paris. When we first started driving towards the center of Paris I was a little disappointed at what I saw because it resembled just an ordinary city; traffic, billboards, modern apartments and business buildings. Mind you, the metropolitan of Paris is huge, somewhere close to 12 million people, but soon enough we started to reach the administrative limits which is hardly unchanged. This is where you begin to see the true Paris. The Paris you see in movies and hear about. It's amazingly beautiful.

When I arrived at the hotel I couldn't believe I was in the heart of Paris, steps away from the Opera house, and within walking distance of the several icons of Paris; the Eiffel Tower, Arch de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, and The Louvre. Aside from these icons there is also plenty more to see! I tried to take a little nap, but there was no way I was going to get some shut eye at 10 am. I had to refresh and put on my walking shoes and start exploring. But first things first, when in Paris, you must start your day off with a pan ou chocolate and an espresso at a local cafe. That's exactly what I did.

I love to explore a city on foot. This way I don't miss anything and I feel more connected to the city and its people. I believe I must have walked close to 40 miles while in Paris, but I always made sure to stop, sit and refuel at a local cafe or restaurant by eating a crepe or macaroon and sip a small cup of coffee. Walking along the streets or on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées also confirmed to me that Paris is the fashion capitol of the world. Not only are the stores and boutiques to die for, but you'll never see a local walking around in sweat pants, t-shirt, and flip flops, or with jeans sagging to their mid thigh and exposing their underwear. No siree...the Parisian people enjoy looking good and they love their accessories, whether it be a hand bag, a scarf or jewelry, they know how to make a plain attire look fabulous. The French have style and that was refreshing to see.

The attractions of Paris are endless. Every where you turn there is a building, a church, park, or statue so magnificent and beautiful to admire. Within the 5 days I stayed there, I saw so much and read quite a lot on the history of buildings, statues, museums, palaces, etc... My all time favorite places during this visit was the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, which is located at the highest part of Paris. The views of Paris from the summit is spectacular. I sat and admired the church and the view for a couple hours. Plus, the basilica is located in a very cute neighborhood filled with cafes, quaint stores, and hole in the wall restaurants. Jardin du Luxembourg is also at the top of my list. It's the second largest park in Paris. Here you'll find a little of everything; cafes, the gorgeous Luxembourg Palace, and lush gardens where you can find a quite area to picnic away from the crowds.

And of course I can't forget my all time favorite, Mr. Eiffel. The pig iron tower is the highest building in the city, so you can't miss it. And despite all it's controversy when it was first built, the tower has become the most prominent symbol of Paris and France. To see this art piece up close is extraordinary, especially at night when it's all lit up and the lights flicker every hour on the hour. What made it even more memorable for me was seeing it with the love of my life.

Paris was everything and more I had hoped for. The architecture and history, the scrumptious food, wine, crepes and the friendly people made an everlasting impression on me. My night walks with my husband along the Siene River overlooking the Eiffel Tower were definitely priceless and memories I'll cherish for a lifetime. I sure hope Paris and I meet again.