Fluorescent Palace

My new obsession! Check out the website here: www.fluorescentpalace.com and order a print today for your room!  You will not be disappointed!

Goodbye...for now

Barcelona finally came to an end on Saturday.  I am back in New York and cannot believe that Barcelona is over.  Ever since I was little, abroad was something that I have always wanted to do.  You think and plan for abroad for so long and then in the blink of an eye, it is over.  After four months, I am finally back in New York.  I visited London, Interlaken, Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Rome, Paris, Dublin, Copenhagen, Israel, Madrid, and Lisbon -- 12 cities in four months and it is over.  It was an amazing experience and something that I will probably never get back.  I wanted to thank everyone and this is not the end of me...interning at PMK*BNC this summer and living in the city -- I will definitely keep you all updated with new spots!

xox

FC Barcelona

The one thing that I regret not doing while in Barcelona was go to an FC Barcelona match.  For those of you who know me, know that I am a huge sports fan -- anything from the Yankees, to college basketball, to tennis, and the Giants.  I know my stuff, and I am surprised at myself that I did not make it to a game. Sport, a Spanish daily newspaper in Barcelona, gives daily stories about FC Barcelona and its' matches so make sure to pick up a copy.  So, suggestion: make sure to get tickets ahead of time and plan it in the beginning, there is no need to wait until the last minute like I did! You can purchase tickets on fcbarcelona.es and who knows maybe you will get to see Messi or Valdes up close.

What is going on in Barcelona this summer?

For those of you who will be here this summer, Xavi, our teacher, told us about a music festival.  To me, it kind of sounded like a mix between Coachella and Sensation.  On June 14, 15, and 16th, performers from around the world will be going to the Raval neighborhood of Barcelona and be performing in the streets.  Sonar holds festivals in Tokyo, Cape Town, and Sao Paulo. You can get tickets on the website (www.sonar.es) and even if you are somewhere else in Europe, hop on a plane and come see it. Some of the people that will be performing are James Blake, Die Antwoord, New Order, Lana del Ray, The Roots, and more.  I wish I was here for this because it would definitely be something that I would enjoy!

Sights to See: Casa Mila

Casa Mila (La Pedrera).  Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera, is located on Passeig de Gracia.  Towards the top of the avenue, Casa Mila stands tall and definitely sticks out.  Its structure is much different than most buildings on the avenue.  When my mom and grandma came to visit, we went to Casa Mila and went to the roof and then took a tour of the floor that is opened to the public.  Of the two Gaudi buildings on Passeig de Gracia, Casa Batlo and Casa Mila, I enjoyed Casa Mila more before of the roof.  It is amazing that something built 100 years ago is so Modern and abstract.  I cannot even imagine what the public thought about both buildings when they both opened.  Here are some of the pictures that I took when I went up there. Enjoy!

Sights to See: Montjuic

Montjuic. In 1992, Barcelona hosted the Summer Olympics.  Montjuic is a hill located in Barcelona near Plaça Espanya.  It is located right near my apartment and sometimes I go for a run to Montjuic down Gran Via.  Montjuic is the home to many different buildings and events.  Palau Nacional is at the top, and today it is the Catalan Museum of Art (MNAC).  In 1929, Montjuic hosted the International Exposition (World´s Fair).  Then in 1992, the Olympics were held at Montjuic.  Today, you can visit the stadium and if you want a great view of the city then take a trip up to Montjuic.  Personally, I think it is a better view than Parc Guell.  Definitely see Parc Guell, but Montjuic is also beautiful on a nice day to sit out by the fountains.  At night, the fountains are lit up for a light show.  Something definitely worth seeing!

Shopping in Barcelona!

Shopping in Barcelona. When I think about Barcelona, I do not think about shopping, yet there are a few good places to go to.  While Barcelona is not a Paris, New York City, or Milan, there are a few good shopping streets.  Passeig de Gracia is like the 5th Avenue of Barcelona and is the home to all of the top designers.  There is also Bulevard Rosa, a Spanish version of a mini mall.  You can walk through and once inside there are different stores.  The street is beautiful, but what most tourists do not know about is Rambla Cataluyna.  While doing a project on my neighborhood, I discovered Rambla Cataluyna.  Rambla Cataluyna has many shops and stores from Spanish designers.  Rambla Cataluyna also has great architecture on the street. Located in the Eixample district, there are many famous buildings on this street. Some of the buildings to note are Casa Fargas (#47) by Enric Sagnier.  This building is an example of Catalan Modernisma architecture.  Another building on this street is Casa Serra (#126) by Josep Puig i Cadafalch and it is an example of neo-Romanesque style.  

Hot Spot: Opium Mar

Opium Mar.  Opium is located on Passeig Maritim de la Barceloneta and one of my favorite places to go out at night.  One of the downsides is that Opium is ´promoted´on Thursdays and I am usually traveling Thursdays, however, when I do get to go to Opium, I always have the best time. In fact, I was able to celebrate my 21st birthday at Opium with all of my friends and even my mom came for a little bit too! Opium has a great dance floor and are always having DJ´s performing.  The music is great and one can easily stay at Opium until 7am.  What is nice about Opium, is if you need a little break from dancing, there is a lounge outside that allows you to sit and regain your strength for the next round of dancing.  During the day, you can enjoy lunch outside and while I have not eaten lunch there, I have had friends who did and enjoyed their meals. 

Fun Spot: Chupitos!

Chupitos.  Chupitos has two locations in Barcelona, one by the port and the other on Calle Aribau.  Chupitos is very small inside, but a fun place to take people who are visiting or just a fun place to go before the clubs.  Chupitos means shots, and there are over 100 shots in the bar.  Word of advice, do not order the Monica Lewinsky shot! But, do order the Boy Scout shot.  You roast a marshmellow over the flames on the bar and then take the shot.  A lot of the shots are very sweet, so choose your shots wisely.  The Bob Marley shot is good too and it looks cool!  Look at the pictures!

Hot Spot: Bankers Bar

Drinks at Bankers Bar at the Mandarin Oriental.  My mom and grandma stayed at the Mandarin Oriental when they visited and before dinner we would get drinks at the Bankers Bar in the Mandarin Oriental hotel.  The Bankers Bar is stylish and trendy with its walls and ceilings being covered by old bankers vault drawers.  The space was a bank in the 20th century, which is why the room is decorated with security boxes in a steel construction. The decor of the bar is fabulous and the selection of drinks is great for a pre-drink before dinner.  The menu also allows you to pick a variety a little bite size portions before dinner.  If you are looking for a stylish, seen and be seen spot, try the Bankers Bar.


*image taken from Google Images

Hot Spot: Agua

Agua.  If you are here in the summer time and are looking for a restaurant by the water, then I would suggest Agua.  Agua is located right near CDLC, Opium, Shoko on Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta.  What is nice about Agua is you can sit outside by the beach or inside.  It is owned by Grupo Tragaluz who owns Bar Lobo, Mordisco, CDLC, and many more restaurants.  Agua has similar tapa size portions to Bar Lobo & Mordisco as starters, but great main courses.  I particular like their vegetables with wild rice and their rocket salad with paramesean and balsamic is great too.  It is good for lunch outside or dinner even if it is a bit cooler.  I think that if you are here when it is warm out, then it would be nice to sit outside and enjoy the view.  
*image taken from google images

Hot Spots: Nuba

Nuba. Nuba is a new restaurant located on Calle Doctor Fleming in the Sant Gervasi neighborhood.  I got this recomendation from the Mandarin Oriental when my mom was here.  We asked for a new, trendy restaurant, and that is what we got.  Besides the food being good, the atmosphere in the restaurant is beautiful.  A little bit dark, with beautiful lights and designs, Nuba is great.  The walk up to the restaurant, in the hidden area, leaves you thinking what am I walking into...but once you walk in, you feel like you could be walking into a restaurant in Paris or New York City.  The restaurant also poses as a nightclub.  The food is great and my suggestions are the avocado and artichoke salad and then the chicken paillard.  If you like seafood, then the lobster risotto is great or the manchego risotto is a fancy version of mac&cheese.  Do not forget about ordering a drink at the restaurant, as their bar is beautifully located in the front as you walk into the restaurant. Definitely a pricey restaurant, so take your parents when they visit!


*Nuba image taken from google.com

Bo de B

Bo de B.  If you have any guide to Barcelona from an American, Bo de B will 100% be on that guide, so I thought, why not add it to mine too.  Bo de B is located on Calle Fusteria, 14 and literally a hole in the wall.  It is a little lunch spot, but definitely come with a big appetite.  This hole-in-the-wall offers fresh sandwiches with a selection of sauces.  The secret to its success is in its sauce, so make sure to get all of the sauces, and then ask for balsamic glaze on top.  They know you are American when you ask for the balsamic glaze on top.  My favorite is the salad plate with feta cheese and then all of the dressings.  If you are with people, definitely order the patatas bravas as they are hot potatoes with all of the dressings.  What is nice about Bo de B is they allow you to take out or eat at one of the three tables in the whole restaurant.  One thing to note, the restaurant opens at 1 and closes late afternoon.  No matter what time of the day you go, there will always be a line around the corner.  So be patient, and please wait because it is definitely worth it.  

Hot Spots: 7 Portes

Restaurante 7 Portes.  If your parents are in town and you want paella, then I do not know what else I would suggest.  7 Portes is located on Passeig d'Isabel II, 14 and right near the port.  7 Portes got its start in 1836, when Josep Xifre i Cases built the restaurant.  It had seven doors that was opened to the public and a special eigth door for staff.  For more than 170 years, 7 Portes has been a staple in Catalan culture. In the 1920´s, the spot was famous for journalists, politicians, and artists and you could spot anyone there.  The appetizers are great, especially if you enjoy seafood.  For dinner, I suggest any of the paella´s.  Be careful, the paellas are huge and two people can definitely split one order.  
*image taken from Google Images

Hot Spots: Bar Lobo & Mordisco

Bar Lobo & Mordisco.  Grupo Tragaluz is a hospitatlity empire in Barcelona and the group behind two of my favorite spots --- Bar Lobo and Mordisco.  Bar Lobo is located off of Las Ramblas on Pintor Fortuny.  If you are traveling with a big group before a night out and do not want to spend too much, then I suggest Bar Lobo.  It is definitely more touristy than Cornelia and Co. but the food is good so why not try it?  Bar Lobo offers tapa size portions for the whole table to share.  If you are looking for a similar menu, but for lunch, then I would try Mordisco.  Mordisco is located on Passatge Concepcio which is in between Rambla Cataluyna and Passeig de Gracia, two of the trendiest streets in Barcelona.  Mordisco is definitely a better spot for lunch, but definitely requires a reservation.  The patatas bravas are my favorite and the fried artichokes are fabulous too! The ambiance in Mordisco is great too -- it is light and refreshing.

Barcelona Hot Spots: Cornelia and Co.

The next series of blogs are dedicated to my favorite spots and things to do in Barcelona. Enjoy!

Cornelia and Co. If you are looking for a great, local, fresh spot, than Cornelia & Co. is the perfect spot.  Located in the Eixample neighborhood on Carrer de Valencia (225), Cornelia and Co. offers great lunch and dinner selections.  If you are going for dinner, definitely make a reservation, as the restaurant fills up pretty quickly.  The restaurant offers salads, appetizers, burgers, fish, and more.  It has a large menu and can serve every taste bud.  It is perfect before a night out or just a nice dinner with friends.  It is a Dean & Deluca inspired restaurant, which gives me a taste of home in New York.  The tables in the back of the restaurant are wooden picnic tables to give a picnic style feel to the restaurant.  What is nice about Cornelia and Co. is that it is not just a restaurant because during the day it also poses as a gourmet shop.  You can pick up goods for cooking at home as well.  I definitely recommend this spot.

portuGALS

I cannot believe that I have just completed my final trip of abroad.  The next time that I will be in El Prat is in two weeks, when I depart back to NEW YORK!  For my final trip, Riana, Mattie, Lauren, and I went to Lisboa.  After traveling to eleven cities, I feel like Lisbon was definitely my favorite, if not top three.  I have traveled a lot and a lot of the places that I went to abroad were my second or third time around, so I was anxious to travel to new places.  We all settled on Lisbon for our last trip and we could not have had a better weekend.

We stayed at the Sheraton Lisboa, and while the location was not in the city center, the hotel was nice.  I think that with a walking city like Lisbon, it is better to stay in the city center, rather on the outskirts like we did.  The weather was on and off the whole weekend, yet that did not stop us from walking around and exploring.  We met up with Jacob and his friend and explored Chiado the first day.  Chiado is an artsy neighborhood filled with beautiful stores and trendy boutiques.  After finding a small little place for lunch, we went go carting throughout the city.  I highly suggest Go Car! as a way to tour the city.  You can take different tours and each go cart is equipped with a GPS system and an audio tour.  We had a few mishaps with the go carts, getting caught on tram tracks and having to push them up the hill, getting caught in the rain, but after an hour we were caught in pouring rain and returned back to the beginning. Don't you like our yellow ponchos?  FASHION STATEMENT!

For dinner, we went to Solar Nos Presuntos.  It was an authentic Portuguese restaurant filled with locals and very few tourists.  Jacob and I split the seafood paella, as I was craving mussels.  Carlos, our fabulous waiter, showed us that in Portugal, it is totally fine to be drunk at work.  I thought he was great, and he saved himself at the end of the night by giving all of us a flower!

The next day, Riana, Mattie, Lauren, and I went to the Oceanarium in Lisbon and to be honest, if you have kids its a great thing to see, but personally, I would not put this on my "must see list".

After the aquarium, we took a TeleCab across the water and then it was off to Belem Tower.  When reading past guides, I was under the impression that Belem was an area with cute shops, either I was totally clueless and missed this area, or we were given the wrong information.  We were all hungry so I turned to spottedbylocals.com for a lunch spot, and was guided to Vertigo, a great place for salads and sandwiches.  After lunch, we went to Santini, the best ice cream place in Portugal.  We walked around the Chiado area and stopped by the best view in Lisbon.  (look at the picture, isnt it pretty?)

We went to Nood for dinner, also found on spottedbylocals.com.  It was an Asian Fusion bar and it was good, but I definitely think it is worth exploring the seafood restaurants, as everything is so fresh.  That night, Lauren, Jacob, and I went out to Barrio Alto, where the neighborhood is filled with bars.  In Lisbon, it is okay to walk around the streets with your drinks and everyone socializes in the streets.  We bar hopped and met a group of locals who took us to their favorite spot.

I was there for three days and did not see the entire city and could spend days walking the streets.  It is definitely a place that I would love to go back to, hint, hint, Mom & Dad -- next trip with the Price family?

A Look At The Raval Neighborhood

While I did not actually go on the field trip with the class because I was in Tel Aviv, I decided to explore the Raval neighborhood on my own!

El Raval is a neighborhood located right near the port in the neighborhood of Ciutat Vella.  El Raval was previously known as Barri Xino, meaning "Chinatown".  There are two neighborhoods that border La Rambla, El Raval and the Gothic Quarter, two neighborhoods that I enjoy!  The top of El Raval is marked by Plaza Cataluyna and Universitat.  Carrer de Pelai connects the neighborhood and it ends with La Rambla on the east, and to the south there is Avinguda del Paral-lel.  Historically, El Raval is known for its nightlife and cabarets.  These are two positive aspects, however, as we have learned there are also a few negative associations with the neighborhood and that is crime and prostitution -- two things that I did not familiarize myself with in the neighborhood!

Today, the area of El Raval has a diverse immigrant population, with communities from Pakistan and Indonesia.  There is also a recent immigration of Eastern Europeans, specifically Romanians.  There are many bars and restaurants in this area.There are a lot of major sights in El Raval, some include the Monastery of Sant Pau del Camp, la Rambla del Raval, MACBA, CCCB, FAD, La Boqueria and more.  The neighborhood is broken up into two neighborhoods -- the public and the private.  In the public part of the neighborhood, there is the MACBA.  The MACBA is the Modern Art Museum of Barcelona. The museum opened to the public in 1995 and during the time of 1986 and 1996, El Raval seemed to flourish as a new neighborhood that was changing.  The MACBA hosts many modern and contemporary art.  The CCCB, Centre de Cultura Contemporania de Barcelona, is one of the most visited art centers in Barcelona. The area is also known for having a lot of skaters hang out. La Boqueria is located at St. Mercat Josep and is the market inside located on Las Ramblas.  It is one of the most touristy markets in Barelona.  Here are a few pictures from the market!

In the private part of the neighborhood includes Rambla Raval.  A few years ago, Hotel Barcelo was built on Rambla Raval which drew some tourists to this area.  Ideally, the area is good because it is right near the MACBA and CCCB, five minutes from Las Ramblas, ten minute walk to the port, and only five minutes from Plaza Cataluyna and Passeig de Gracia.

It is definitely a different kind of neighborhood and more modern than most in Barcelona.

Spring Break: Israeli Edition

It is only halfway through spring break, and I just got back from my first half.  This past week I was in Israel and tomorrow I jet off to Madrid...it is certainly not a bad life that I live.

Last Wednesday I left for Tel Aviv (and I am glad that I left when I did because of the strike in Barcelona).  I landed in the Holy Land Wednesday afternoon and it was only the beginning of one of the best weeks.  Wednesday night Rian, Karen, Jade and I went to dinner and then went to Dizengoff.  The last time that I was in Tel Aviv was almost seven years ago, so I really do not remember much of Tel Aviv.  It was fun to see a different side of Tel Aviv and actually be able to explore the city.

The weather was beautiful on Thursday, so Rian and I went to La La Land for some Hummus and salads.  La La Land is located right on the beach, so it was perfect for getting some sun in.  I wanted a little bit of a base tan before going to Eilat -- and I got it!

On Friday morning, Rian and I woke up very early and met the other girls in Eilat for IDC Herzliya's version of spring break.  We stayed at the Isrotel Princess and met up with Jillian, Karen, Elan, and two other girls studying abroad in Tel Aviv.  The minute we got to Eilat, we changed into bathing suits quickly and were off to the pool.  For those of you who have had the chance to experience PUNTA CANA or PV Spring break...well, IDC Herzliya spring break does not compare...the Dominican Republic and Mexico have nothing on Eilat, Israel.  The weather is better, the hotel is better, the food is better, and the boys are so much cuter! It is amazing that we were situated in one of the most controversial places in the world, and still were able to have the time of our lives!  I could see Egypt from the pool (and no, I am not trying to sound like Sarah Palin, I actually could) and Jordan was right across the sea! The next three days were filled with pool parties and tanning.  At night, we partied at a Camel Farm, literally, right in the middle of the desert.  Words and pictures cannot describe the weekend we had -- in fact, the girls going to Europe for their spring break did not want to leave (but you did not hear it from me)!

When the girls left for Europe, Rian and I stayed an extra night in Eilat.  I honestly think I could come back as a travel agent in my next life, I found a great restaurant on the water called Pago Pago. 

Monday morning, Rian and I went to Neve Tzedek to shop and walk around the narrow streets.  We went to Sigal, which had cute, handmade jewelry.  After, we walked along the beach and found a spot to lay out for the afternoon.  We got way too much color and went to bed early for a change! Much needed sleep.

9am wake up call and we were off to Jerusalem.  Even though I was in Jerusalem in June, a lot has changed since then.  The Mamilla Mall was finally completed!  Rian and I dropped our stuff off at the hotel, and explored.  This was my fourth time to Israel, and I still get excited every time I go to the Old City and to the Kotel.  Rian and I walked the streets of Jerusalem, walking through the Jewish Quarter, leading us to the Kotel.  We were blessed by two Rabbi's who gave us the Kabbalah string before entering the Kotel.  After the Kotel, we just kept walking until we reached Ben Yehuda street to stop for lunch at Moshiko (best falafel's in Israel!) and then we walked through the Shuk.

Everywhere we went in Israel, we played Jewish geography, and somehow we were connected to each person.  I honestly love Israel and even told my parents that I wanted to make Aliyah! Who would have thought, me, the nervous girl in ninth grade who had no interest in going to Israel, now texting her parents in Eilat, telling them she never wants to leave!  If you have not experienced Israel, I highly suggest it.  It was truly an amazing week! Thanks Rian! xoxo

Copenhagen

This past weekend I visited my cousin in Copenhagen, Denmark.  I knew nothing about the city, except that it is an up and coming city, that within the next few years will probably be the 'new' Prague.  The men were gorgeous and well dressed, and the women managed to make bike riding look trendy and graceful!

The first day that we were there I walked around with Jacob and he took me to the Farmer's Market located right by Norreport.  The Farmer's Market is a great spot for lunch and has a wide selection of foods for every taste bud -- everything from duck sandwiches, to a hummus bar, to pizza, cupcakes and frozen yogurt.  After the Farmer's Market, we walked around to Nyhavn and then off to Christiana.  The weather was beautiful and surprisingly warmer than I had expected.

For dinner, we went to a restaurant called Tight and then we went out to a club.

Jacob suggested that we go to Kalaset for breakfast and order the blueberry pancakes.  Not only did we order the blueberry pancakes to share, but also the plain ones too! They might have been the best pancakes ever, and for those who know me as SammyCakes, they definitely beat my pancakes!  After brunch, we walked back down to Nyhavn for a canal tour, where we saw the Little Mermaid.  I was not expecting a little statue on a rock in a hidden area, but hey, I saw it! After the canal tour, we went back to Christiana, and then walked around Stroget.  Jacob made sure that we stopped in all of the best bakery's and the world's most adorable restaurant -- The Royal Cafe for an afternoon hot chocolate.

For dinner, we went to Pate Pate, which was very good and located in a cute area, filled with little restaurants.  After dinner, we watched the depressing Syracuse-Ohio State game at a bar, only to go home in disappointment.

Copenhagen is rated the city was the happiest people, and I agree.  I definitely see myself coming back to Copenhagen one day...I loved it!

Hotel Recommendation: The Ascot Hotel...great location and can accommodate up to five girls in one apartment style room!

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Top of the morning to ya!

After a long week in Barcelona, and very little sleep, it was time for St. Patty's Day.  We hopped on a plane Thursday morning, and we were once again off on another trip.  When I arrived in Dublin, we immediately went to the hotel (we stayed at the Hilton Kilmainham).  One suggestion, if you know you are going to St. Patty's Day next year book your hotels now! Suggestions: Temple Bar Hotel or the Westin, both have great locations because cab rides can get pretty costly, especially on St. Patty's day!  Mattie, Abbe, and I ate lunch at the hotel, and by eat lunch, we feasted!  Finally our room was ready, and I got upstairs, put my stuff down and passed out.  It was a much needed nap.  By the time I woke up, Hilary and Katlowitz were on their way to the hotel.  Because Dublin is not like Barcelona, we struggled to find a place to eat.  We got into a cab, and made our way to the Temple Bar area.  Our cab driver, who might have been the nicest man ever, suggested we go to Thunder Road cafe, which was kind of like the Hard Rock cafe, but better.  Hilary, Kat, and I tried Ireland's famous Bulmer's.  Immediately, we were actually enjoying this half cider, half beer taste.

We were told that the coast was beautiful, so Friday morning we got up early and took a train to Howth.  However, when we got there it was pouring.  Luckily, we found the last four umbrellas, and walked around for all of 30 minutes, before realizing it was time to go back to Dublin.  We went back to the Temple Bar area for lunch, and ate at The Auld Dubliner.  After lunch, we tried to go to the Jameson factory, but failed, and then made it to Guinness.  Amanda Katlowitz wins the award for best cutting job ever.  The line was around the corner, and she literally cut the entire line.  We waited no time at all, but felt badly, so in the Guinness factory we threw coins into the fountain and wished our bad karma away. After the factory we went back to the Temple Bar area and we went to Foggy Dew, where everyone who was anyone went. It is amazing that out of all the bars in Dublin, every abroad student ended up at the same one...

Friday night we went to Elephant & Castle for dinner.  The food was great, and I highly suggest it.  After we bar hopped for a little, before returning back to our hotel.

Saturday morning we woke up at 8am, did not actually get out of bed until 9 am, and began our St. Patty's Day celebrations.  We once again made our way down to Temple Bar area (I swear this is the only part of Dublin I can navigate my way through now) and we tried to schmeggle our way through to front row seats at the parade with Bari and her friends. No, we could not pull a chat and cut for this one, and unfortunately, it began pouring so we ran to the one and only Foggy Dew.  Once again, everyone was there.  Instead of Bulmer's, I discovered Strawberry Beer! It was so yummy.  For someone who hates beer, this was a great alternative.  We sat in the bar for the day and drank, people watched (a lot), and had so much fun!

We got back to the hotel room and sat on our iPad's trying to watch the Cuse basketball game.  We then took much needed naps, and by the time we got up it was dinner time.  We found this restaurant called Fire.  Highly suggest this restaurant too!

I cannot believe it was already time to go... I took the 6am Aer Lingus flight thinking no one would be on it, only to find out, everyone was on it.

St. Patty's Day was amazing, who knew a Jewish girl from New York would be celebrating her first St. Patty's Day in Dublin, not even in New York City!

Family in Paris & Barcelona

I know that this is a little late, but you know what they say...better late than never.

Last weekend, I met my parents and grandma in Paris. Getting off the plane on Thursday night, changing my si to oui was a little bit tough.  I completely forgot to change me s sound to w sound.  I did not do the typical touristy things in Paris, because I had already been there, so I took this opportunity to roam the streets of Paris.  Friday morning, mom, grandma and I walked Sant Honore and looked in all of the stores.  We made sure not to leave a single store out, and picked up a few things on the way!  We made our way back to the hotel, where we met my dad who came in on a different flight.  We all had lunch at the Bristol Hotel, and then were able to check into our rooms.  If you are traveling with your family and need a beautiful, old Parisian style hotel, then I highly suggest the Bristol.  I stayed there with my grandma a few summers ago, and all I can do is rave about the hotel.  We were upgraded to the Penthouse Suite, which was beautiful.  Marc Jacobs' creative director was actually the guest in the room before us!

Friday night we went to dinner with the Bauman's at L'Ami Louis.  It is a hole in the wall, old, authentic Paris restaurant.  If you like chicken, steak, and french fries, then this is the restaurant for you.  The food was amazing, the waiters were ehh, and the atmosphere was great.

Saturday we had breakfast with cousins who are living in Paris for the year.  It was great to see the Mickenberg's and actually spend time with them.  After breakfast, I dragged my family to the Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs' exhibit.  Surprisingly, everyone, including my dad, found it very interesting.  (read blog post for a full account on the exhibit) After the exhibit, we walked to find the Jewish quarter, yet, because it was Saturday a lot of things were closed.  We did not see much, but I guess I will just have to go back and visit again.

Saturday night we went to the super trendy L'Societat restaurant.  I also highly suggest this restaurant.  The food was great, and the restaurant made me feel like I was in a hip, new restaurant in New York City.  You open the doors to a hidden restaurant, but honestly, one of the best meals.

The weekend was amazing, I am so happy that my dad, mom, and grandma spent the weekend with me in Paris.  It was way too short, and before I knew it, my dad was back in New York.

Mom and grandma came back to Barcelona with me for a few days.  They stayed at the Mandarin Oriental on Passeig de Gracia.  Everyone who works there remembered my mom from my birthday weekend, and everyone was so accommodating and nice.  I took the week off from school, and we walked for hours every day.  On Monday we went up to Montjuic to see where the olympics were held in 1992.  We also walked for hours on end through the Gothic quarter and Born district.  We went to Agua, CDLC, 7 Portes, Nuba, and Mordiscos (all great restaurants).

Shout out to all of the Syracuse guests we had this past week... Barcelona really got the best of each and everyone of you.

LOVE YOU ALL! Xo

Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs Exhibit

This past weekend I was in Paris with my parents and grandma (post coming soon) and we went to the Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs exhibit.  The exhibit opened on Friday and will be shown until September. If you are in Paris, or are going to Paris before September, I highly suggest stopping at Musée des Arts Décoratifs.  


If you cannot make it to the exhibit, or would like a preview...here you go!  You walk into the exhibit and are given a history of Louis Vuitton himself.  Little did I know, was how long ago Louis Vuitton lived.  Louis Vuitton introduced the 'trunk' in 1858.  His original pattern was in fact the Damier Canvas pattern, and it was not until Louis Vuitton died, that his son created the signature "LV" print.  All of his trunks and suitcases were fashioned in the Damier Canvas pattern, and it was not until 1893, that the "LV" print premiered.  The exhibit showcases the original trunks, which now belong to the Vuitton family.


When you walk upstairs, the exhibit continues with a more upbeat, music blasting, world of Marc Jacobs. In 1997, Marc Jacobs became the art director of Louis Vuitton.  He introduced the first ever ready-to-wear collection for Louis Vuitton.  You reach the top of the stairs and are introduced to a chaotic puzzle filled with monitors displaying funky artwork, and video clips of The Wizard of Oz, Psycho, Barbara Streisand in Funny Girl, and Elizabeth Taylor in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,  and more.  The music is great and it leads you until designs from the different collections over the years.  Then, you reach a wall of bags, followed by an area with little peepholes to watch old fashion shows.  The walls are these thick, wooden walls, designed to match the Damier Canvas pattern.  


Each floor is dedicated to each designer, but I have to say that the Marc Jacobs floor does not compare to Louis Vuitton's floor.  The exhibit does not focus on the history of how it went from Louis Vuitton to Marc Jacobs, but rather, the amazing moments during both men's careers.  It is definitely a must see!


p.s. please enjoy the pictures that I was not allowed to take! shhh!
*other pictures belong to googleimages 

The Fanciest New App Around!

You fancy huh? The latest app to hit the app store...

And I am not talking about Pinterest...but rather Fancy.  Fancy might be one of the trendiest new apps on the market, and one that I am still trying to figure out.

My brother introduced me to this app a few weeks ago and I am hooked.  Users post pictures of trendy clothing, gadgets, cars, travel destinations, art, media, etc. and followers can 'Fancy it'.  If you like style, or just having the latest thing, then Fancy is for you.  It is for the curators of style and all things wonderful.

The app is FREE for iPhones, iPads, and Androids (more reasons to kick my Blackberry and switch over to the iPhone) but my iPad works for now. So sign up now and follow me @SammyCakes aka Samantha Fetner to see what I fancy!

A little sneak peak at some of the things that I fancy...you will have to sign up and follow me to see what else I fancy...

ROMA!

Riana and I jetted off to Rome Thursday afternoon, for a rather quick trip.  We arrived in Roma Thursday night and stayed at the adorable Hotel Ripa.  The hotel was a perfect fit for Riana, the entire room was accented with hearts!

Thursday night we went to Taverna Truillisa with Katie, Melissa, Janey, and Ilyse! I do not know how these girls go abroad to Italy...I do not think I would make it.  The food was amazing, too good, that I purposely did not keep a 'food diary' because I did not want to remember what I ate.  After dinner, Melissa was very insistent that we take a chocolate shot at this little shop in Trastevere.  The pictures tell the whole story...We then went to a little bar filled with Americans.  We had heard about the Harry Potter shot and decided to try it.  I always knew I was not a fan of Harry Potter...and the shot did nothing for me either.  In fact, Riana and Katie lived to tell us about the shot...barely.  Lets just say it was awful. Gross. Never again. We then tried to go clubbing in Testachio, but ended up at a bar, where we sat and got the chance to catch up!

Friday morning Riana and I got up early and hit all of the touristy spots. We first went to the Colosseum, and guess what the snow did not prevent us from getting in.  Except, Riana and I did pull a Hal Fetner, and cut the line by paying for the audio guide.  We did not want to wait in the long line, so why not pull a Hal Fetner or an Alex Fetner?

After the Colosseum, we walked to the Pantheon, and then off to Trevi Fountain.  Katie gave us an amazing recommendation for lunch -- Il Chianti.  I definitely suggest this and especially since it was a nice day, we were able to sit outside and people watch (a personal favorite of mine!)  After that we went to the Spanish steps and walked around.  We did a little shopping...its Italy!

Friday night, Mattie joined us from Barcelona and we went to the famous Tony's for dinner.  Famous for Americans...not Italians.  I would definitely not call this a native Italian place, but rather short for Tony DiNapolis in NYC?  Just kidding... but it was probably the only place in Rome that you could get chicken parm.

Saturday morning, Riana and I woke up and went to the Vatican.  Once again another long line.  Following in the footsteps of funny man Larry David, I successfully pulled off a chat and cut.  Right when I saw a break in the line, I cut through by talking to Riana who was placed in the break.  I made it seem like I was looking for her.  It was perfect.  Flawless. And it worked.  We were in the Vatican within 15 minutes rather than what could have been an hour +.  We went into St. Peter's Basilica and then to the Vatican Museum to see Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo...good job! Three times there, it is still pretty remarkable.

Saturday afternoon we returned back to Barcelona.  Short trip, but hey, we came, we saw, and conquered Rome...funny? No..not really.

PRAHAHA...or some just call it Prague

Prague got the best of us. Literally.

When I booked this weekend back in January, I had no idea what I was signing up for.  I thought, ok the last weekend in February is open, it is a good time to go to Prague, and after talking to Carly, Amy, and Katie we decided to book it.  Well, duh, how did I not know it was Michigan spring break at the time?? Anyone who is anyone would obviously be there!!! Woooo... OK, so that is not why I booked Prague this weekend, but it ended up being so much fun.

We arrived in PRAHAHAHA Friday morning and went straight to the hotel.  We stayed at the Best Western Hotel Pav. It was clean and located right over the Charles Bridge on the old side of town.  It was just a five minute walk to the Old Town Square, and since Prague is a walking city we had no problem getting around.  When we got to the hotel, I anxiously waited for Carly and Katie to meet me there (Amy had a later flight) so that we could walk around.  Lets just say, Prague got the best of Katie Thursday night.  We walked around Friday afternoon and made our way over the Charles Bridge just to walk around and catch up.  I was in Prague two years ago and was able to navigate everyone around with no hesitations.  Even with the narrow streets, and the fact that I stayed on the other side of the bridge last time, I was able to pick up right where I left off two summers ago.

That night, the four Tripp Lakers went to Como for dinner.  It was located in Wenceslas Square and right near the Beer Factory and Lucerna.  The four of us sat at dinner for three hours, talking, laughing, and asking the question, "why aren't we abroad together??"  Oh, did I mention that the music at dinner was purely 80's and 90's?  Carly had a few solo "woooooos" during dinner (she tends to do that when a song she likes comes on).  After dinner, we went to the Beer Factory to meet up with everyone who is abroad or from the tri-state area.  I have to say, Beer Factory was actually pretty cool, the music was great..but it was not until we got to Lucerna and then the night actually started.  The line was long, but somehow we went through a back door and managed to cut the entire line.

Lucerna. Great music. The club only played 80's and 90's music (a theme in Prague I guess?) and Whitney Houston even came on, people were shouting TOO SOON.  I think Zach Hiller (here is your shout out, guest blog post coming soon) WON LUCERNA 2012.  Killed it...well, kind of.  Carly, Amy, Katie, and I stayed until the wee hours of the morning, and I think we might have been the last American's there.  One more thing I have to point out about the atmosphere at Lucerna...the one thing that shocked me was how every Jewish boy knew the words to Abba's Dancing Queen...should I be worried?

Saturday morning, Amy, Carly, and I popped out of bed, and then an hour later Katie did (any Tripp Lakers surprised?)  We went to brunch at Cafe Savoy (highly recommend this place) and once again sat for about a three hour meal.  After brunch, we met up with the other AEPhi girls and Jared and Dan at the Lennon wall and took the typical abroad pictures.  First it was the IAMSTERDAM sign, and now it was the Lennon wall...I can't really think of anything else that screams abroad?  After the pictures, we walked up to the top and hit the cathedral and took even more pictures.  The views from the top were beautiful and it overlooked the entire city.  We then walked back over the Charles Bridge and made it to the Old Town Square where we saw the Astronomical clock.  We did not go to the top this time, but I suggest that it is something that you do if you want a pretty view of Prague.

We went to dinner that night at Lary Fary, I think it was Czech cuisine, and it was good. We then went to Rivers to pregame (for those of you who do not know, Rivers is a "dorm" "frat" whatever you want to call it).  Every apartment you walked into, someone knew someone.  It was a big game of Jewish geography.  After the pregame, we went to SaSaZu.  SaSaZu was fun, until we were dancing and I got whacked in the face.  After icing my face (to avoid a black eye) for two hours, we went back to the hotel.

Riana and I woke up early this morning and went to the Jewish Quarter. Oh, and if anyone asks, Jared was there too.  He came with us to the Synagogue.  We walked around the Synagogue and the cemetery.  The cemetery still gives me the chills when you walk through it.  Last time I was there it was sunny and beautiful out, but when you were walking through the cemetery, it was hard not to get the chills.  This time, it was raining, and just made the experience that more erie.

The flight back to Barcelona was quick and easy and the weather here is beautiful.  I cannot believe midterms are already this week.  Rome next weekend!

To sum up: Katie won Thursday night
Zach and Amy won Friday night
I won Saturday night (I've got the eye to prove it)

*Jared and Dan -- how did I do for this blog?