Announcing Shirleyfest 2024!!!

LISBON

Laura and I visited Lisbon 9 years ago. It was the summer before she started grad school. We had rooftop drinks every night, ate delicious seafood and walked and walked. We had a blast and one week was just not enough. Yet I haven’t been back….until now.

My memory of Lisbon is that it is charming all at once — an endearing mix of now and then. Vintage trolleys shiver up and down its hills, bird-stained statues mark grand squares, taxis rattle and screech through cobbled lanes, and Art Nouveau cafés are filled equally with well-worn and well-dressed locals — nursing their coffees side-by-side. It’s a city of proud ironwork balconies, multicolored tiles, and mosaic sidewalks; of bougainvillea and red-tiled roofs with antique TV antennas; and of foodie haunts and designer boutiques.

I actually thought I’d try Sydney this year, but I kept hitting a brick wall in my search for the perfect apartment. Since this is my 14th Shirleyfest, I know now the universe is trying to tell me something when that happens. It was whispering. “Lisbon”.

Why not Lisbon? Absolutely no reason. It is one of the oldest cities in the world and the second-oldest European capital city (after Athens) predating other modern European capitals by centuries. It is mainland Europe’s westernmost capital city (second overall after Reykjavik) the only one along the Atlantic coast, the others (Reykjavik and Dublin) being on islands. So history and geography conspired to create Lisbon for my next Shirleyfest.

Once I got it in my head that this is where Shirleyfest must be, I had a simultaneous thought…stay longer. So my friends Nick and Ivan put me in touch with a relocation company they had used and lo and behold they had the perfect apartment. It’s in the area of Lisbon called CAMPO DE OURIQUE. I’m staying longer this year so look for lots more posts!

Here’s a few snaps of my new place:

So as always please pass along to me ideas, tips and any people that would make my stay interesting. I look forward to sharing my adventure with you.

The REAL Madrid……………….My interview with Borja Martin Guridi, Chief Concierge of the Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid

Imagine you arrive at the Madrid airport after a long overnight flight. An immaculately dressed driver from the Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid is waiting for you and settles you into the pristine black car.

An icy cold Coke Zero with lemon (your preferred drink after flying) is poured for you to sip as you make your short way to the hotel.

How did they know? One word…. “Borja.”

You are taken through the gorgeous, soothing lobby to your beautiful suite.

Excited about your days ahead, but wishing your daughter could be here to enjoy it with you, you spy on your coffee table a copy of on being mistaken, a book of poetry she published last year. Ahhh she is with you in spirit!

How did they know?…… “Borja.”

This imaginary story sounds so dreamy, but it could be your reality if you stay at the Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid and meet the Chief Concierge, Borja Martin Guridi.

My series of interviews with General Managers and Chief Concierges around the world have been enjoyed by many of my readers. I think that is because we all love knowing the behind the scenes activities of these beautiful places and knowing about the people that make everything work so smoothly. I know exactly who in Madrid I want to interview for this series…Borja Martin Guridi. In addition to his long tenure at the Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid, he is President of Spain’s chapter of Les Clefs d’Or. An extremely busy man, he nonetheless finds time to spend a morning with me in the hotel’s stunning Palm Court. Arranging our schedules to make this interview happen was in no small part due to the gracious and persistent efforts of Inma Casado, the Director of Communications. I am delighted that she was able to join us for a portion of the interview.

The Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid has 113 years of history and the opening ceremony in October 1910 was performed by King Alfonso XIII and his Queen Victoria Eugenia, granddaughter of the English Monarch Queen Victoria. The hotel is a luxury Belle Époque Palace located in the famous Golden Triangle of Art of Madrid. In the days prior to our interview, I would often find myself altering my route just to pass by this beautiful palace.

Borja has spent his entire career doing the miraculous, the ordinary, the heart-warming and the impossible work of ensuring each guest has no doubt that they made the right choice to stay at this luxurious special property. His youthful energy and enthusiasm in conveying his thoughts makes for such a fun morning. Let me share with you what I learned.

You’ve spent your whole career in one place. What makes you loyal to this property and to this city?

Madrid is my city, It is the best city and I am at the best hotel. I didn’t expect my first opportunity to be so compelling and perfect for me, but it was and it is. There is nowhere else I would rather be. My family loves being here and I love my work. That’s not to say that I don’t travel to other Mandarin Oriental properties to help train new staff or institute new programs or just to help. I do, and I enjoy that, but this is my home.

Tell me about your team.

We are a team of 35 at present. I have the concierge staff, both out front and doing research behind the scenes, the bellmen/porters and a group of 12 excellent drivers. Our drivers set us apart as they not only do airport chauffeuring, but can be at a guest’s disposal for excursions all over Madrid and further a field.

Tell me about changes in your years here. Tell me what you have noticed?

Guests are more savvy, because they have access to a wealth of information before they arrive. Many come with ideas of what they want to do. We meet them where they are and we try to guide them to the better choice of the possibilities. Of course some come with a blank slate and we paint a picture of activities that will be pleasing to them during their time in Madrid. We are also more savvy for the same reason. We become educated about our guests , their interests and background before they arrive, so we can be of the upmost service to them from the moment they arrive. In addition to our European guest, we now see a large contingent of Americans, Asians and South Americans who want to enjoy the luxury of our property. The nature of travel is such that many of our clients have travelled to luxury hotels all over the world. It keeps us constantly striving to meet their lofty expectations. And we do!

Also, guests have changed in that they increasingly want more connection with the staff. Years ago there was more of a distant relationship between guest and staff Now, the guests like to be close and personal in their requests and in their communications, which you rarely saw years ago. Also, the style of dress has become less formal and more smart casual over the years.

As you know, each year I live in a different city in the world for one month…Shirleyfest. Most guests are not in Madrid for a month like I am. If you could advise a guest how to allocate their limited time, what you recommend?

Five days would be ideal, but many guests only have three days or so to spend in Madrid. In that case, I find out where their interest lies. Is it culture, restaurants, wine, clothing designers, history? It is often a mix. Once I know the guest’s interests, we can suggest the best alternatives for them. For example if a guest is fashion minded, we get more specific…do they want to see only Spanish designers, do they want private showings? Maybe they have heard of our Vermouth culture and want to experience that. We will guide them to the places where the experience will be authentic and enjoyable… like for example Bodega La Ardosa where the Vermouth is “de grifo”, which means on tap. We go the extra mile to make their stay memorable.

And if you were staying in Madrid for one month, how would you spend your time?

Like you, I would stay right in the midst of Madrid. You are on Calle de Recoletos which is a very nice area. There are many neighborhoods within the confines of the city that I like and would maybe choose. Each gives you such a different vibe…..Salamanca to Chuecha to La Latina. I’d wander this city, eat at all our great restaurants, go to the major and minor museums, but also galleries and private collections. I’d visit Palacio de Liria which is wonderful, but few people know about it. The Duke still lives there. I’d simply walk the Gran Via and people watch. I’d stop for coffee…Madrid has excellent coffee. Go to some of our interesting bars. We have wonderful music in the city. If Real Madrid was playing I would try to go to a match and check out that neighborhood. Basically I would do what you are doing in my own city.

Any day trips you would take?

Toledo

Chinchon

Aranjuez

And if you were to do a Borjafest?

So many places! Maybe Kuala Lumper.

You are President of Spain’s Les Clefs d’Or. What exactly is Les Clef d’Or?

Les Clefs d’Or (translated as The Golden Keys) is a professional association of hotel concierges, with approximately 4000 members working in over 80 countries and 530 destinations, in literally every corner of the world.

These members are a globally connected, committed to professional development, and driven to setting new standards for guest service perfection. I often work with member concierges in far flung destinations where my guests are going next to pave the way for their next great experience.

With roots dating back to 1929, Les Clefs d’Or was officially founded in France in 1952 as a not-for-profit organization based on two pillars: Service and Friendship. Before earning the right to wear the golden keys, those who aspire to become a member must have years of experience as a hotel concierge, pass comprehensive testing and prove, beyond doubt, their ability to deliver highest quality of service.

In your position with the organization, you must know many excellent concierges doing high levels of service. What do those high level service concierges have in common?

Of course attention to detail and guest focus, and very hard working, passionate and always connected. Also most concierges now specialize. For example, here we have one individual who is an expert on wine, another knows all about theatre and opera, another museums. Specialization is very common among talented concierges. Excellent hotel concierges are the most reliable local experts and ambassadors of their chosen destinations.

What is a recent unusual request that you made happen?

All concierges have their historical interesting stories, but I like to talk about recent things. This past week, we had a group of guest that very much wanted to stay with us, but only if we could get them together in a box at a Real Madrid game. That is of course a very difficult task as those boxes are sold out a very long time in advance. I went to work. I made phone call after phone call and worked hours and hours and in the end I made it happen. The guests were very happy and of course we were very happy to have them here.

I recently arranged for a father a series of helicopter rides over the city with his daughter to celebrate her birthday. At various places that the helicopter hovered over, there were birthday greeting visible on the ground. That was quite well received!

What do you do when you encounter someone who is not happy? Perhaps for good reason or perhaps just their general mood.

The number one thing I do is Listen. I pause. I let them talk. I invite them for a coffee and just sit with them. After I feel I understand what is bothering them, I make a plan to surprise them. I ask myself “How can I turn this situation around?” That’s when I use MO WOW. The Mandarin Oriental wowing technique. Maybe they had a problem with their dinner reservation last night. I will find out where they are going tonight and call my contact there to have a unique and fun surprise from us after they sit down. Not just a glass of champagne… something very personal and surprising…MO WOW is a powerful tool and always brings a smile back to the guest’s face.

You do many interviews, is there anything you wish you would get asked but don’t?

I am very happy that you covered so much about what I do and this amazing property. We have a Spanish term”desconocimiento” which means “lack of knowledge. People don’t know what they don’t know. Our job can be a mystery or seem one dimensional to some people. I’m glad I got to enlighten you today. I look forward to welcoming your readers to the beautiful Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid.

I so enjoyed my morning interview! I am inspired by Borja’s suggestions. I take myself to Mune, a Lebanese restaurant that my new friend Biby recommend. Delicious.

Now I’ll plot out the rest of the day. While at Mune, I just decide to make it a Borja Day. Anything I haven’t done that he mentioned, I am going to do today!

Let’s begin.

First stop Liria Palace. I take the Metro and find the palace just off the Metro stop. I quickly buy a ticket and it seems I will be with a group of 5 others for this tour. It is a nice arrangement in that we all have headsets in our language and a guide walks with us and only points at the important objects at the right spot in the audio guide. The palace is a neoclassical palace and the resident of the Dukes of Alba. It was built in 1770 and destroyed during the Spanish Civil War. It was rebuilt and currently Carole Fitz-James Stuart , the 19th Duke of Alba lives here. We were not allowed to take pictures inside, but trust me the rooms and furnishings are magnificent. The art collection is remarkable also. My favorite, though, was the exhibition room where there is a first edition of Don Quixote, letters from Christopher Columbus throughout his journey to and from America and the 1430 Alba Bible.

From here I see on my CityMaps2Go (that I populated before I left home) the 1862 Dry Bar is about a mile walk. Off I go! No wine, no beer…just cocktails. Lucky for me it is Negroni week and I get Un Americano en Berlin version (because I WAS that during Shirleyfest 2013).

Delicious…. and I met the owner Alberto and lovely bartender Gabriella.

It’s a strong drink so one is plenty. I’m off to find a little coffee to keep going.

Acid Coffee in the Barrio de las Letha’s neighborhood has an unusual name but great coffee. It’s the only coffeehouse in Spain that works exclusively with Danish roaster La Cabra. The interior is a cross between a country house and a Danish apartment.

Everyone here is dressed beautifully. I sat looking out the window drinking a flat white (and yes one of those Danish style Hygge buns) and I saw a lady on a motorcycle….also dressed impeccably.

Refreshed, I’m heading out to see if I can tour the Real Madrid stadium since there is no game today. I walk through a beautiful neighborhood reminiscent of California.

I come to the striking stadium. Turns out the only tour available is a tour of the museum because there is construction. I pass, as I think the museum artifacts might be lost on me, but I did enjoy seeing the stadium.

Once again I consult my CityMaps2Go homework and see that El Doble is nearby.

Time for a beer and a snack. El Doble is considered one of the best breweries in Madrid. It is packed. It has a long bar with decorated tiles on the facade inside and out. People were downing the chips and seafood and enjoying a fun afternoon.

I Metro home to change as I am going to the symphony next. One person can almost always get a ticket, so I change quickly and get back in the elevator.

I take the Metro out to the National Music Auditorium. I am in luck. An orchestra seat at such a reasonable price I’m not going to say it. The program was great! Badalo, Modest Músorgski and Tchaikovsky.

I feel I have taken all of Borja suggestions seriously and I’ve had such a good time. I head back to my lovely neighborhood and finish the evening off with a late dinner at Mudra, my go-to place on my block.

I see why Borja is so good at what he does. If I can have such a wonderful day by just listening to a few of his suggestions, imagine the guest experience who has him for many days in a row to guide a wonderful Madrid experience.

That’s a wrap from Madrid. Thanks for following along!

Madrid: A Beatles’ Musical in 3 Acts: The last two acts

Act 2: Happy Birthday

“You say it’s your birthday”

Yup, once again.

Real fast tell me where you were on your last 13 birthdays and who you were with. Hard isn’t it? Used to be for me too. But……..since Shirleyfest I’ve spent my last 13 birthdays in 13 cities that I can easily rattle off. That alone makes the day special. What really makes it special is that in each city, visitors have arrived to celebrate with me (often along with local friends). This year Nick and Ivan will be my birthday visitors. I met them 10 years ago when they were living in Berlin, my Shirleyfest city that year.

It’s Friday and before Nick arrives from London today, I try the new place Osom for coffee. They ask if I’d share a table because it’s crowded. Of course I will. A man sits down and we both silently receive our orders, each assuming the other doesn’t speak our language. Finally I couldn’t hold out any more and I use my standard phrase, “May I speak English to you?” ( I find it much more polite than saying “ Do you speak English?). He smiles and say “Sure, I’m Brandon from San Jose, California, and where are you from?” Turns out he’s in charge of AI development at a Silicon Valley company, so I learn his take on why we need not worry about AI. ( I’m still worried).

I leave and stock up on provisions and flowers and soon Nick arrives.

After apertivo at my place, we walk to the garden of the Mandarin Oriental hotel for a delicious 7 course pre-birthday tasting menu.

It’s really a lively spot with the tables spaced nicely, greenery all around and really attentive waiters. We walk home admiring the moonlit buildings and at midnight it’s my birthday.

We head out to Natif Saturday morning, as I have to show Nick this gorgeous place. Fortunately, we get to talk to Juan Campbell, from Argentina, who owns the place with his Italian partner, Roberta.

He says their unique coffeehouse is where they “create a space inspired by nature, where the kitchen, pastry and specialty coffee coexist in a symbiotic way, respecting the land and its transcendence.” Juan sees Natif as a meeting place where “fires, alchemy and pleasure protect the time from vain materialism.” I mean you gotta love this poetic guy. And the food and coffee are wonderful.

Afterwards we go to the Botanical Gardens which I’ve been saving to go to until Nick arrived. Such fun just wandering about.

Ivan arrives from Lisbon. He’s a real kidder this one.

Now we head to El Paraguas. Ivan and Nick know how to celebrate. First comes the champagne with the Iberico ham and then lots of delicious food appears.

This is obviously a place to be seen and to see, so I spy on quite a lot of tables from my vantage point. A delicious cheesecake with a candle arrives at the end and I feel quite celebrated. ( little did I know what was to come).

Later we walk through the center of town to deliver Ivan to his meeting at the Teatro Real (Ivan is the new head of the Lisbon Opera house.) Jacinto of Delivinos has asked us to stop in at some point today, so we head there. We find they have a birthday celebration in mind.

A lemon ice cream cake prepared by a Marcello is brought out (another candle to blow out) and more wine. We meet Biby and Michele who have moved here a few years ago. A lively conversation/party evolves.

Later Nick and I go to my special restaurant Vinoteca Moratin.

After another delicious meal, Marcos brings another dessert with a candle.

I hope I didn’t age 3 years instead of one by blowing out 3 candles. Ivan finished his meeting and joins us for coffee. My birthday ends as we are walking home at midnight. We prophetically see the fallen stop sign. Time to stop before we fall down!

The next day we explore both the Prado and the Royal Collection museum and take a peak at a wedding going on at San Jerónimo.

A mid morning stop for cakes and coffee at the Mandarin Oriental is fun because Borja who I had interviewed earlier ( and who I am writing a separate post about) was there and greeted us warmly.

Then it’s a late lunch at Quintin. I have gotten to know Belin, the hostess, and she gives us a great table upstairs. More delicious food! The guys head out tonight and I’m left to bask in the memories of an amazing birthday weekend!

Act 3: “I get by with a little help from my friends”

When I think about spending a month in a new city, of course I think about all there will be to do: music, art, restaurants, neighborhoods…..

All of these things are exciting to experience and learn from, but honestly, Shirleyfest is mostly about people. The joy of these new experiences in a new city is greatly enhanced by the human connections I make. Every city this happens and every city I find myself overwhelmed by the kindness of people that have encouraged me and made my month vivid and uplifted.

Madrid has warmed my heart with all the people I’ve been fortunate enough to meet.

Sometimes it’s the people I meet working their jobs. Sometimes it’s people also enjoying a meal or an experience and they engage in conversation with me. There’s those people I’ve been put in touch with by friends back home who include me in their Madrid lives. There are the people that make such an effort to visit me. I also feel supported by all the people that reach out to me through reading my blog, sending emails and texts, excited by my adventures.

Thank you to all of you. I truly do get by with the help of my friends. I obviously don’t have pictures of all my personal interactions, but here’s a little photo gallery of a few of the people that have made Madrid Shirleyfest a special September.

Speaking of people, in some ways every Shirleyfest is just an anthropological view of the people. My primary observation is that the people in Madrid live their lives outside, all the time. No matter the time or day, people gather, eat, play, and converse outside. I find this fascinating since San Francisco and Madrid are almost the same latitude, yet I don’t see this outdoor all the time living in SF. I wish I did. My friend Biby told me that even on the rare occasion that it snows, people just push the snow aside, brush off the chairs and sit outside. It’s a way of life here. I really like it.

The other observation I make is what do people talk about. In Madrid people talked to me about learning new skills, wine, romantic relationships, cooking, kids, enjoying their friends, music, travel, school, starting a business, expanding a business, and food, food, food. The most interesting thing is what they didn’t talk about. Not one person talked to me about diets, losing weight, foods they were avoiding, needing to go to the gym more, what things cost, sports or what they were watching on Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime. Telling, don’t you think?

I’ll do my interview post with Borja Martin soon. Other than that, this is a wrap from Shirleyfest Madrid. I’m going to go downstairs to Delivinos and see my friends. I’ll have one more glass of Verdejo and a Spanish cheese plate that Marcello will make for me. Thanks for following along this trip.

See you on the other side of the pond.

Adiós

Madrid: A Beatles’ Musical in 3 Acts…..Day Tripper, Happy Birthday, You Get By With A Little Help From Your Friends

Act 1: “Day Tripper”

Day trips are an important part of each Shirleyfest. Usually my day trips are scattered throughout the month, but this time my visitors’ schedule meant they have all come in the last week. It is nice in a way to be able to compare and contrast them in a short time span. I have developed a really good system for day trips that I then tweak for each city. My methodology is so good that yesterday I was contemplating writing an article called “The art of perfect holiday day trips.” Then, just to keep me humble, I had an amateur goof that I’ll tell you about at the end of Act 1.

Segovia, Spain

The aqueduct in Segovia is one of the most spectacular legacies of the Roman Empire in Spain. It is made up of 166 arches spanning more than 10 miles. It transports water from La Acebeda to the Alcázar, defying the laws of gravity, since the only thing that keeps the structure standing is its balance of forces; no kind of mortar was used in its construction.

Wednesday night, I am out to dinner with my new friend Chris. Afterwards, we join an InterNations meet up in Retiro Park. So many people from so many countries drinking and listening to music at a bar in the middle of the park. I meet such interesting men and women! I tell you this because it was so much fun that I don’t walk back thru the park and reach my flat until after midnight. But…. I really want to see those Segovian aqueducts! I’m up early and catch the local train to the major train station at Chamartin. Quickly changing tracks, I take the 27 minute fast train to Segovia. I hop the waiting bus and 10 minutes later I’m standing in front of the aqueducts.

First, I sit at an outdoor cafe just to admire this magnificent structure before walking through the old city to the wonderful Gothic Cathedral built in 1532.

Then it’s on to the Alcazar. There is a deep moat with a drawbridge which provides access to this fortress, which became the royal residence in the 13th century,

The views along the way are magnificent.

My local Madrid friends Lola and Gonzalo have told me that in Segovia I must eat at Casa Duque and I must order suckling pig and the local gigantic beans.

In Segovia, suckling pigs whose quality and authenticity are guaranteed by the label “Cochinilla de Segovia” are raised on specific farms dedicated entirely to this animal alone. What makes dishes of suckling pig different are the diet fed to the pig’s mother, the suckling’s weight (around 10 pounds ) and its age, which cannot exceed three weeks. Another one of the jewels of Segovia gastronomy apparently is the Judión Granja bean, named after the town of La Granja in San Ildefonso. Called judión for its large size, this bean is surprisingly very tender. I make a reservation from the train and I’m happy I did. Casa Duque is the oldest restaurant in Segovia and very well regarded. The beans come with chorizo sausage and a small something I had to ask about ( pig’s ear!). I left that last bit, but the beans and sausage are delicious. Then comes the suckling pig. My my. Excellent.

Too full for dessert, I finish my wine and check out Plaza Mayor where a lively market is taking place.

I wander around the old Jewish city.

I reverse my steps and head back to Madrid.

Toledo, Spain

The night before my Toledo excursion, I go to my favorite neighborhood place, Delivinos and while intending to stay just a short while, I run into Lola and we started talking and then Gonzalo joins us and a few others…it’s late again, but I’ve already bought my 8:40 am ticket to Toledo for the next day. Oh well..lots of coffee in the morning and I’m off.

I take the fast train and I am in Toledo in 30 minutes. I hop on the bus to the city center and after a little more coffee, I head for the alcazar fortress.

Once used as a Roman palace in the 3rd century, it was restored under Alfonso VI and Alfonso X and renovated in 1535. During the Spanish Civil War, nationalist Colonel Jose Moscardo Ituarte held the building against overwhelming Spanish Republican forces in the Siege of the Alcazar.

Oddly, no one is here. I roam about taking pictures, pretending I am in the Spanish military and enjoying having it all to myself.

Afterwards I go to the magnificent Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo.

This Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church built in a Gothic style. The site where now the cathedral stands has a long history. There was originally a 6th-century Visigothic basilica, but during the Muslim invasion, it was turned into a mosque for over 300 years. I used an audio guide as there was so much to see. It took my breath away.

Before taking a walking tour of the old city I take myself to lunch at the Michelin La Cabalas. Expecting a nice lunch, I have one of my best meals in Spain. See for yourself.

My walking tour with Carlos is interesting. I am glad I went to the Alcazar and the Cathedral before lunch, as his tour is of the back streets and neighborhoods of Toledo.

Very interesting and enjoyable. The train home is quick and easy.

Alacalá De Henares, Spain

I have to admit I had never heard of Alaclá De Henares before Monday night. I was at Alimentacion Quiroga at the invitation of Martin and Concha. They live part time in Madrid and part time in Dover, England. I met them the prior week at the same place we are now sitting. We started talking then and I knew I wanted to see them again. This time I ask about their favorite day trips from Madrid. They both agree: Alaclá De Henares. Hmmmm…what? Yikes how did I not know the birthplace of Cervantes and the home of one of the oldest universities in the world. The University of Alcalá was founded in 1293 as a medieval university and rebounded as a modern university in 1975. It attracts many Spanish and international students – many of whom come on Erasmus or study abroad programs. The university is also famous for its annual Cervantes Prize, awarded for lifetime achievement of a writer in the Spanish language. I tour the birthplace of Cervantes which is now a lovely museum, climb the tower and visit other historical building.

I’m really intent on finding these caramelized nuts that this city is famous for. They are called garrapiñadas and you can buy them at the stores but apparently there’s nothing like buying them from the Convent of the Poor Clares of San Diego (Convento de las Clarisas de San Diego), the candied almonds’ birthplace. The Poor Clares have been making garrapiñadas since their Order was established in Alcalá de Henares around 1670 . You buy almonds there by ringing a bell. A nun is hidden behind a turning booth and after you put money in the booth, she returns roasted almonds. You never see the nun, communication is verbal only.

Having secured my garrapiñadas, I’m ready for lunch. Martin said the best place is El Casino so there I head. I score a balcony table at this busy place. The daily menu is 15 euros and consists of three courses plus a beer or wine. This is one of the nicest restaurants in town. How do they do it?! I’m happy to partake.

Afterwards another fast train ride home.

El Escaroil

When my new friend Monica left for England, she texted me to be sure to go to El Escaroil.

El Escorial is a vast building complex located in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, near Madrid. The building is the most important architectural monument of the Spanish Renaissance. Construction of El Escorial began in 1563 and ended in 1584. The project was conceived by King Philip II, who wanted a building to serve the multiple purposes of a burial place for his father, Holy Roman emperor Charles V; a Hieronymite monastery; and a palace. Several other people mentioned that I must see this place. Interestingly Martin and Concha thought it was not to be visited. I may have misunderstood, but I think they believed it was built on the backs of the less fortunate and therefore should be shunned. I decided I would have to decide for myself.

While every guide book says to take the bus to El Escaroil, I am not a fan of buses over trains ( see my post on Quebec City). It was really hard to get google to show me the way by train. And guidebooks warned that if you took the train you would have a long walk to the monastery. Hogwash! I easily took the local train a few blocks from my flat. When I arrive, it is a less than one mile walk through the Prince’s Palace park.

I arrive early and there is no line ( later I saw in the afternoon that the line was enormous). I buy a ticket and then ask if there is an English tour, as the only sign posted says tours in French and Spanish. The attendant looks at me and said “si” and hand writes a sign and tapes it to the window saying English tour in 15 minutes. I pay another 4 euros and wait. In 15 minutes, a big crowd gathers and the tour guide and the attendees start talking rapidly in Spanish. “Pardon” I say. “?Gita en Ingles”

The guide smiles and says, “oh you are the one”. She points to her colleague— “this is your English person”. Wait..it’s just me? Did they make up a tour for just me? Yes, I have a private guide for two hours all over this amazing monastery, church, school, gardens and library.

Her name is María. She says 90% of Spanish girls are given the name María as a first or middle name to honor the Virgin Mary. She is an excellent guide and tells me a lot of the nuances of why things were done the way they were. Honestly, it was fascinating. We see the king’s and queen’s apartments which have doors that open on either side of the huge basilica altar. They could go to mass without getting out of their beds. In the library, every book spine was covered with gold to indicate the wealth of the king.

After the tour, I walk into the little town and pick an outdoor cafe for a salad. Then it’s a lovely walk back thru the Prince’s Palace garden to the train station home.

We have come to the end of act 1 of the Shirleyfest Beatles Musical post. Act 2, coming right up. First though let me tell you about my Day Tripper goof. In Segovia yesterday, I was ready to catch my 6:30 pm train. I had an hour but I always leave a little buffer. I scoured the aqueduct area for a taxi, but none were to be found. The bus had let me off at the aqueduct that morning, so I thought I’ll just hop on the bus back. I put “Estación de tren de Segovia” into google maps and it said take the #8 bus and get off and walk 5 minutes. Totally doable. A little something in my head said, hmm it was the #11 bus when I came and there was no walking. So I look again and check the translation of “train station”……. same answer on google maps. Ok here comes the #8 bus. I hop on. Nice driver. I sit up front. We go a little while and I look up and the bus is going into the mountains. Woah! “Señor, ?Estación de tren Segovia?” He laughs. “ No no Wrong bus! You should have taken the #11.” He says all in Spanish. Yikes. He says “No te preocupes, te ayudaré. siéntate.” (I will help you. Sit down….I surmise) He starts looking carefully out the window. Another 10 minutes and I’m getting nervous. All of a sudden he pulls the bus over and says, “ look taxi— go”. I hop off the bus and run towards the taxi on the side of the road. “Hola” He opens the door and we speed off. I tell him the train station. I follow him on google maps and he is going nowhere near where google maps has the train station. Train station I say again in broken Spanish. “Si si.”10 more minutes. Suddenly we pull up outside the train station. I make my train. I really can’t let this go and I research when this train station opened. 2007. The one the google maps identified as the station was replaced in 2007! Thanks google maps.

Act 2 next post, “Happy Birthday”

Thanks for following along!

Friends, family and food…Madrid week 2

I sit in my coffee house, Las Columnas, across the street. Jose brings me a steaming Americano and Alfredo tells me he had a lazy weekend.

I look out the window and see business men having their coffee standing up outside so they can smoke and sip.

I am determined to write, when I get a call from Nick who is in Lisbon. We are making plans for my birthday weekend in Madrid. But I am getting ahead of myself. Let me fill you in since I posted last.

Tuesday I check out Los 33 for lunch, a neighborhood restaurant getting a lot of press. I sit by the open window and enjoy a beautiful salad.

Two different people, Monica and Felipe, have sat at the table next to me and each tells me their favorite spots in Madrid. We scan our contact data in with WhatsApp QR code and suddenly I have two new people from whom to learn about Madrid. It’s a gorgeous day and after lunch I walk to Plaza Mayor to meet Tony, a local who attends law school here.

I met Tony at Cambridge this summer when we were both enthralled with Professor Phelan’s Philosophy of the Mind class. On the last day of class I learned Tony lives in Madrid! A great contact. We sit in the square for several hours. I learn alot from Tony about Spanish politics, customs and, of course, food. I head out later passing street musicians on my way to Pez, a very inexpensive popular tortilla restaurant which I learned about from Monica.

After polishing off the tortilla from Carlos, I order croquettes as my savory dessert.

On the way home, I see this outdoor sculpture which makes me laugh. The first week I was here I passed this same site and there was just dry rocks. One day I saw men “watering” the rocks with hoses and picking out the bad looking rocks. Ok, sorta odd. Now I see that was just a step in creating this beautiful path.

On Tony’s advice, on Wednesday I head out to Parque Oeste. It’s a much bigger park than Retiro and has beautiful overlooks. After lunch at Parlacete de Rosales in the middle of the park I go to see the Temple of Debod, a 2nd century BC temple, a gift to Madrid from Egypt for help in saving the temple from flooding when the Aswan dam was built.

Then I make a long detour to a flower market to gather flowers for Laura’s arrival tomorrow. Tonight I continue with my fun of meeting people that have been refers to me. Patricia who introduced me to Chris, has also made an introduction to Marta. It’s a very warm evening and I walk into the Castellana neighborhood to meet her. Marta is a high energy, articulate corporate recruiter-turned stay at home mom to her 3 year old son and his soon to be born brother. The place is empty when we arrive, but by the time we talk for almost two hours we look around and the place is full. Marta texted me later that I now have a new friend in Spain and I truly feel that. I can’t stress enough how much this “putting lines in the water” has enhanced my Shirleyfests all over the world.

It’s hard to sleep tonight because I am excited that Laura’s plane gets in at 7:45 tomorrow morning.

I see her cab coming and run downstairs. Even though my coffee shop is not open yet, Jose makes me two Americanos to go and we take them up to my apartment. Laura has visited me on about half my Shirleyfests and Mallory has made it to two. I’m hoping to get them both as visitors for many more Shirleyfests. We head off to Golda for a healthy breakfast and then wander through Retiro park.

We have lunch at Los 33 thanks to Mallory’s instagram sleuthing. It’s a LONG lunch with so many courses ( we order everything because we can’t decide).

Later we walk through Malapansa and check out the vintage shops. On the way back we feel called to by a local beer hang out. Empty at the start and 2 beers later…….full of people. We end that night at my favorite neighborhood restaurant Mudra.

On Friday I know Laura will love the photography exhibit as she is quite an accomplished photographer herself. A rooftop view and then we are off to explore La Latina neighborhood.

As you know from earlier posts I’m in love with the tapas at Juana la Loca and luckily we get in. I see my new friend Isabella the owner there and she is excited to meet Laura.

Tonight we do the vermouth tasting at Taberna Elisa.

We walk home through the beautifully lit Madrid at night.

Still hungry after our small plates at the vermouth bar, we finish the night at Delivinos, my local wine shop, where Marcello makes us a delicious cheese plate.

Saturday we try Natif for breakfast. Felipe has told us about this place and it does not disappoint.

Laura knows about Fundación Juan March in my neighborhood so we head there to look at sculptures.

The shopping in my neighborhood of Salamanca is exceptional and after a few hours of that we must stop for refreshment.

Later that night we go to Baraccuda for delicious tacos. Laura must leave Sunday morning and I am sad to see her go. She is a great visitor to Shirleyfest.

As her Uber pulls away, it starts to rain. I decide to hit La Rasto, the big big big outdoor market that is open only on Sunday mornings. I thought with the rain I would be the only one there, but it is full of people.

After scoring a few choice purchases, I come back to San Manuel y San Benito for mass. I always go to one movie during my month to see how similar or different the experience is in a new city. I decide this rainy day would be a perfect day to see the movie Oppenheimer. I go to Yelmo Cines Ideal where movies are shown in their original language.

I ask for a small popcorn and a small drink and immediately see that one similarity is that “small” in any movie house is enormous.

Oh well, it’s a three hour movie. As far as I can tell, I am the only English speaker in the theatre. The movie is subtitled in Spanish. I really like the movie and from what I can understand from the comments around me, it is a hit with this crowd.

Coming home I get to watch the finish of La Vuelta, a 21 day premier road cycling race. It’s quite festive with flags and banners and loud! I love it. An American wins ( Sepp Kuss)!

Later, I go to ultra hip restaurant HER ( because it is on Calle Hermosilla). The food is great, but because it is new, the service has some kinks.

Monday I go near the river, the Manzanares neighborhood, where there is an art complex called Matadero Madrid. It’s a former slaughterhouse that now houses contemporary art.

I spend the day there and also enjoy shopping in a new neighborhood. Later that night I try a new wine bar called Gota. I really like it as it has turntables embedded in the bar. Music, tapas and wine…what’s not to like. I spend time talking to Maddie from Boston and Julian from Buenos Aires. I love the vibe of this place.

Tomorrow I am interviewing the Chief Concierge of the Mandarin Oriental Madrid. Stay tuned for that post and further updates on my visit to Toledo and my birthday weekend with visitors from Lisbon! Thanks for following along on my Madrid adventure.

Madrid…..It’s the little things

At this point in Shirleyfest, I usually find myself asking, “Why is this city so appealing?” It’s been a different answer every year. About 10:30 last night, I am sitting at Alimentacion Quiroga when it really hit me. It’s the little things that happen in Madrid. This is a cheese and wine shop from the 50s that is also a local hangout for a glass of wine and small plates, especially cheese tastings.

It is about a 25 minute walk from my apartment and it is a beautiful night.

I arrive and the place is alive with people. The manager, Leonardo, makes room for me at a community table up front. I know I want a glass of Trus, a Tempranillo wine from the Ribera region, but what shall I eat? Beside me a man sitting with two women gently moves his cheese tasting plate toward me and offers for me to try what they have chosen. He tells me his name is Robert and he owns a tequila bar in this neighborhood. It is such a small gesture, but given with a broad encouraging smile. It’s the little things. I realize that this type of joyful encouragement has happened day after day to me in Madrid. People here seem very happy and more than willing to share that happiness generously in small quiet ways.

So what have I been up to since I last posted? First of all, you need to know that I found my “first thing in the morning” and “last thing at night” places. As I have explained in prior year’s posts, these two touchstones are really important. My morning place in Madrid is happily directly across the street from my apartment. It’s called Las Columnas de Recoletos. I go there for my coffee and to say hello to Alfredo, Jose and Manuel, get the latest neighborhood news and any ideas for the day.

My goodnight place is Delivinos, on my corner and owned by Jacinto and his wife Magi who happen to also live in my building. I can stop in at the end of my day, have a drink and a snack and I feel like someone knows I’m home.

Thursday I was at the Prado Museum. The Prado is widely considered the world’s finest collection of European Art and one of the greatest art museums in the world. Having spent my career in mathematics, science and law, my left brain got a constant workout. My right brain not so much. One of the driving forces of Shirleyfest is to pump up my right brain. Madrid with its amazing art museums is the perfect prescription. Because I am here a month, I buy a membership to the major museums so I can visit in many small spurts.

I get a lot more out of the art if I spend 45 minutes there many times than all afternoon at once. Today I hung out with the Goya, Hieronymus Bosch and Ruben for a little while.

I stop for a snack of iberico ham on toast at Verso y Veta to sustain me until dinner. As I’m leaving, I study the various types of hams hanging for people to purchase and the man in charge stops me and offers to let me try all of them so I will know the difference. Yes, please!

I stop into the beautiful Parroquia de la Concepción de Nuestra Senora.

Later it’s dinner at Mudra with my favorite server Mayte.

Friday, I am over by the Royal Palace which is crowded with people in the square. In the corner though, there is an entrance to something new. It turns out it is the brand new Royal Collections Museum. I have heard this was to open in 2023 and here I am, one of the few people who knows it actually is open. No line, many smiling helpers to guide you in. It is a historical narrative running through fifteen centuries of the evolution of Spain as a nation. It’s all underground, beautiful curated and except for my general rule to not spend too long inside a museum , this is one where I could stay all day.

I see a lot and then the rumblings of my stomach make me leave. I know that there is a well regarded tapas restaurant called Juana la Loca nearby. I go there and it is very busy and smells amazing. Fortunately a table opens up quickly and I am soon diving in to my best tapas yet.

I notice a beautiful woman who is talking to everyone and I’m guessing she is a local.

Later I leave the restaurant and I see her on the street. We smile at each other in recognition. “ Are you associated with the restaurant?” , I ask, in what I think is a clever way of finding out her role. “ I’m the owner”, she says. We then talk on the street for quite a while about Madrid, Uruguay ( where she was born), Shirleyfest and politics. It was another warm interaction.

Speaking of warm, I really couldn’t pass up the warm chocolate and churros at San Giles.

Later I need to buy a toaster and my new friend Chris tells me I can buy one at Corte Inglés nearby. I put it into Google Maps and it’s a 40 minute walk. It reveals my personality to say that I said, “oh that is nearby.” But then I see the metro only takes 6 minutes. I have a metro card and I’ve already walked 22,000 steps today so I head to that metro station. When my card doesn’t work, the stationmaster says, “this is not a metro station, this is a Train Station”. oops. Ok I buy a train ticket and 6 minutes later, I emerge from underground and I am at the largest department store I ever been in. Where am I? It’s like I went to California’s East Bay suburbs. In the basement it’s like Harrod’s food hall and then floor after floor of everything you could imagine from Chanel to Creuset. Amazing! By the way, I later learn that there was in fact another location of this department store a 10 minute walk from my apartment. Oops again.

Saturday I go a little west to have brunch at Golda, in the Justica neighborhood. I meet Caterina and Vivian who go out of their way to make me feel at home.

Shopping later in the neighborhood, I am struck by how many eco-friendly stores are located there.

I pass by the Cathedral of Santa Barbara and stop in. On my way out I see this beautiful lady coming to mass.

Walking home I see an auto show and go in to take a few pictures for my car loving brother, John.

I spy Quintin for lunch and am able to get in thanks to the lovely Belin who can tell I’m starving. It’s a happening place. I am surprised when a man with a large dog ( named Google) asks for a table for two.

That night I want to see the photograph exhibit at Círculo de Bellas Artes. I approach and there is a really long line. I go up to ask how long the wait is for the exhibit. The man says there is no wait at all. Come right in . He tells me my 5 euro ticket to the exhibit is also good for me to go to the rooftop lounge when I am finished at the exhibit. Wow! “So what are the people in line for?”I ask. Oh they just want to go to the rooftop lounge. I have to stop myself from going back to the line and telling the people, “ the skip the line move here is to see the photography exhibit”……but I don’t. I would have created an insurrection.

The rooftop is so much fun. People were super friendly and I joined them and good conversation ensues.

I stop in at Divalino’s for my nightcap and Saturday is a wrap.

Sunday, I attend mass at Iglesia de San Manuel y San Benito a few blocks away.

Afterwards I walk to Retiro to attend a classical concert in the park.

I head across the park to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. I’m going to commit heresy and say I prefer this museum to the famous Prado. It has a wide variety of artists and a special exhibit that was breathtaking.

Time to try what I’ve heard a lot about since I came to Madrid…Vermut! I don’t think of Vermut ( Vermouth to us Yanks) as a cocktail by itself. Well it is here! I go to the 1907 Vermut bar Elisa for my first taste. I learn from bartender Laura that there’s a special vermut on tap. She and I have a great conversation and I learn so much about vermut ( and her!). Such an enjoyable experience.

Monday, I stroll through the vintage shops as my Laura is coming to visit this week and I know she’ll be interested.

I stop at the historic Bodega de la Ardosa established in 1892 for tapas. Then later at Misión Cafe for coffee and dessert.

I have a ticket for a guided tour of the Royal Palace. Thankfully I bought my ticket online which allows immediate entrance. Theresa gives us a terrific 2 hour tour of the main rooms of the Palace….we see about 30 rooms and there are 2,300 rooms in the palace. The current king of Spain, Felipe VI, and his family do not use this Palace except for State dinners and certain National events. They live in the Prince’s Pavillion on the grounds of the Zarzuela Palace on the outskirts of Madrid.

Which brings up back to the beginning…my enjoyable evening at Alimentation Quirgoa. These last 5 days have been such a treat of food, art and most of all meeting people and learning about life in Madrid. I’ll continue my explorations and update you again. Thanks for reading. It’s the little things.

Madrid es magnifica

There are a few sprinkles on Saturday as the taxi whisks me from the airport to my new home in the Salamanca area of Madrid. What a pleasant surprise when we pull up to an elegant building on a tree- lined street. I meet the first of 4 doormen I will soon come to know..…Alejandro. Through the lobby, I enter a charming courtyard and then quickly I am in my apartment being shown around by Rebecca. Very modern with two big bedrooms, 3 elegant bathrooms, a super kitchen ( including a washer/dryer and dishwasher) and a gorgeous living room with a balcony to the tree-lined street. Ahhh- it’s perfect!

A shower and change of clothes and then I’m off to a dinner reservation nearby at Baraccuda MX. I always make a nice dinner reservation ahead of time for my first night. That way I stay up and get on local time, plus there is nothing worse than getting to a strange city and trying to figure out where to go for dinner.

It’s only a 6 minute walk, but the rain has really started coming down so I’m a bit soaked when I arrive. No problem, though. I meet bartenders Alhan and Danny and hostess Daniella makes sure I get a nice seat at the bar. To make up for my sogginess, they send over little treats, including chips and very spicy jalapeño chili sauce. After a glass of Verdejo and a conversation with Alhan ( mostly about his girlfriend who has returned to Minnesota, but also his suggestions for some great bars in Madrid), I choose the Carracci Ibérico pastor tacos with tomatillo and chipotle sauce.

It’s a great start to Shirleyfest even though I did get drenched on that run back to the apartment.

The next day is Sunday and I want to check out Mercado San Miguel, a covered market originally built in 1916. Vendors are selling olives, tapas, gorgeous pastries and lots of different drinks.

I’m getting civic alerts every 15 minutes on my phone that Madrid is having a serious rainstorm, but to me it just seems like the storms we used to have in Indiana. Ignoring the alert that people should stay home, I’m in search of Casa Lucio in the La Latina district to see if I can get in for lunch. The restaurant has a storied past and a glamorous present. It was once home to a hundred year old restaurant where Lucio Blázquez began to work at age 12. Many years later the original owner sold the restaurant to Lucio. The King of Spain, movie stars, US presidents and just regular folks all love it. I love that despite no reservation I was able to score a seat at the bar. A plate of olives and one plump anchovy are brought to me as I study the menu. I already know I have to have the Spanish omelette with its three perfect ingredients: eggs, onions and new potatoes.

Next to me are a delightful couple, Elena and Andres from Zaragoza. Between google translate and broken Spanish and English we have a fun conversation.

After lunch, I explore the La Latina area thru lightening and thunder. Later that night, I have dinner in my neighborhood and as I’m walking home I see this:

A donut shop! Donuts were a food group when I was growing up and I can’t pass up this opportunity. I meet 23 year old Max (in his last year of university) who has started this shop and it’s taking off!

So that’s how the first 24 hours looks on this year’s Shirleyfest.

In the subsequent 3 days I manage to walk miles and miles, eat so much good food and laugh a great deal. Here are some of the highlights.

Monday

A walking tour with Enrique. Standard procedure for me is to book a walking tour early on. Enrique is quite informative and very funny. Some of the things I see on our tour:

Botin-the oldest continuous restaurant in the world

The tour is over and I’m starving. Suddenly I recall seeing that there is a Michelin restaurant next door to my apartment. Mudra. Again I get lucky and waltz right in. Here’s my ricotta stuffed pasta.

Later that evening I go for a short walk in the sunshine to the museum Reine Sofia

Guernica-doesn’t get any more famous then this

I leave the museum and head to a pool and rooftop bar called Oscars for a little dinner and drinks.

Tuesday

I stroll through Retiro park which is minutes from my apartment. Reminds me of Central Park.

After the park, I visit the Church of San Jerónimo de Real which is the remaining structure of the Hieronymite monastery that once stood beside the royal palace of Buen Retiro

Time for lunch! Is it pressing my luck to try the nearby Vinoteca Moratin! Nope. The owner Marcos Gil warmly greets me as if I’m an old friend. He gives me the window table and then proceeds to go over the menu in great detail. I leave it up to him and I’m glad I do.

An amuse-bouche of roasted new potatoes with smoked paprika

I am really impressed with this restaurant and Marcos and his small staff. Every table is taken but there is a calmness that makes dining here such a joy. After coffee Marcos and I take a picture together.

Now I do some shopping in this area known as Barrio de las Letras. I need to get home pretty soon as tonight I get to do one of my favorite things I do on Shirleyfest—-meet someone new that lives here. In all my Shirleyfests this has proven the most rewarding and enduring element. Not only do I get to understand what it is like to live in my host city, many of these new acquaintances become friends that I see after I leave.

My friend Patricia in California has kindly connected me with her friend Christopher, a Brit who has lived and worked in Madrid since 2012. We meet first for drinks at a local tapas place where it is readily apparent that while Christopher may be British, his Spanish is nothing short of perfection. I mean when you can tell a waiter that a fly has landed in my glass of wine and have a new glass of wine quickly procured, you are fluent! That’s not the sort of sentence you learn in Duolingo. Christopher learned that I love middle eastern food so he kindly has gotten us into Barganzo, a popular and quite lively Israeli restaurant. You would think I couldn’t eat again after that lunch, but I had more than my share of the many delicious dishes we ordered. Christopher is so much fun and we have lots of laughs! We part knowing we will see each other again during my stay.

Wednesday

My friends Sharon and Dan mentioned they enjoyed Museo Sorolla so I decide to walk up there. I wasn’t disappointed! It was the garden, home and studio of the famous Spanish painter Joaquin Sorolla y Bastia and houses the largest collection of his works. Many of his paintings are people and landscapes under the bright sunlight of Spain and Spanish beaches.

Since I’ve already walked up to the Chamberi neighborhood I decide to explore Mercado Vallehermosa. It’s smaller than Mercado San Miguel but in many ways I like it better. It has some excellent restaurants but it also sells fish, vegetables and produce.

Time to start the long walk back to my neighborhood. Fortunately halfway home is a tapas restaurant that I want to try. It’s called La Musa. I had a selection of small plates and I can highly recommend it for a tasty lunch.

The shopping on the second half of my walk back was exceptional in the Salamanca neighborhood. So was the gelato I get later this night.

So that my friends is the first 4 days of Shirleyfest Madrid. I’m glad I have many more days to enjoy this fantastic city! Please follow along with me as I explore this delightful city.

London Calling: My interview with Raffaele Ruocco, General Manager of the new Westin London City

I arrive at London Heathrow on an overnight flight from San Francisco. I am ultimately heading to Cambridge to immerse myself in philosophy courses (more on that later), but first stop is four days at the sparkling new Westin London City.

I am intrigued to interview Raffaele Ruocco, the General Manager, to find out why an American brand hotel is getting rave reviews in London, a city known for its iconic hotels. I spend the morning with Raffaele and now I understand exactly why. Raffaele is passionate about the guest experience and also about the hotel’s role in revitalizing this unique area of London.

We meet at the beautiful Mosaic lounge which has floor to ceiling glass overlooking the River Thames.

Over espresso, I learn that whether it is nature or nurture, Raffaele is destined to lead this exciting new property. Born into a family that has been in the hospitality business for years, Raffaele is continuing in his family’s footsteps. After graduation from Università degli Studi di Palermo, he begins his career in Rome and Milan, rising through a variety of positions in the hotel business. He arrives in London in 2018 when he is recruited to the Conrad London St. James Hotel as the Food and Beverage Director. In 2021, there was an exciting buzz in the hotel business. Westin was going to open its very first property in the UK. And the property was not in the typical tourist area of Knightsbridge or Mayfair. Strategically located over old Roman baths, Westin was opening in the City of London. The start-up general manager knew just who he wanted for his #2. Raffaele Ruocco. Raffaele took on the challenge and during that first year devotes himself to every detail of the strategy of making this new property a success. One year later, he is recognized for his efforts and made General Manager.

I enjoy our conversation because Raffaele is so passionate about this unique property and its staff, guests, vendors and partners. Like many cities, the financial district of London became less busy and less vibrant when Covid resulted in many office workers working remotely. That is why, if it was going to succeed, Westin London City needed to attract both tourists and business clientele based on offering something unique to its guests. One of the areas Raffaele focused on was design. I had taken the new Elizabeth Line from Heathrow to nearby Liverpool Station and then jumped into a taxi. I arrive at the lobby and am not sure if I am in a garden, a museum or a hotel. A sweeping atrium greets me with sculptures and plants everywhere. As I make my way to reception, I am constantly surrounded by nature. Planters and walls of moss and fresh foliage make the space inviting and welcoming.

Simone checks me in after offering me a glass of Prosecco. I am wowed by his professionalism, but I learn during my 4 days here that Raffaele has instilled that quality in all of his hires. Simone walks me to my room, but first shows me the beautiful spa. There are five treatment rooms, a pool, a thermal suite, a well appointed gym, and a relaxation room. After eleven hours on the plane I am already starting to relax.

Once in my room, I note that the bed is made up to my specifications (no duvets for me…I prefer blankets). Oh but what is that noise? As you will recall from my last hotel review in Siracusa, I am quite sensitive to noise. It appears to be some sort of fan noise. I try to disable it but cannot . I call down to reception and within 10 minutes an engineer is in my room disabling the noise. This is only the second time in all my hotel stays that I have been taken seriously and had the noise eliminated (the last was in fact the Grand Hotel des Étrangers in Siracusa). I am very pleased!

The hotel is a bit of a maze. It is part of the redevelopment of the Queenhithe Dock, which is the oldest in London. The hotel runs north to south, going across Upper Thames Street and therefore it has a gorgeous position over one of the main routes through the City of London. The design team did a magnificent job in making the bridge between the two sides a lovely reception area and home to the aforementioned Mosaic Restaurant. From the South Bank, the hotel has panoramic views over the River Thames. The riverbank walkway outside goes between the Tower of London and Millennium Bridge.

Having gotten settled in my room, I decide to walk over the bridge to the South Bank for lunch. Immediately on the other side of the bridge is the Tate Modern, one of my favorite museums in London. But I am hungry, so I head for Capricci, an Italian restaurant recommended by my friend Nick. I am not disappointed as I meet the owner Lorenzo and start to get over jet lag with a lovely pasta and wine.

Refreshed, I walk through the Borough’s Market and along the South Bank and admire the cityscape.

To get on London time as quickly as possible, I later join a London Walks’ pub crawl. I discovered London Walks when I spent Shirleyfest in London in 2012. Led by expert guides there are usually 5 to 6 walks at all hours of the day and evening. For a reasonable 15 GBP you can join the group and be entertained while getting some steps in. And in my case…some pints in.

I have a full day the next day. I meet my friend Kevin for lunch at the Walkie-Talkie building ( real name is The Fenchurch Building). Fantastic views and delicious food at the Sky Garden Restaurant.

Kevin works at the Financial Times and he graciously takes me over there after lunch and we enjoy the FT rooftop garden.

I scoot to meet my friends Huw and Deirdre at the museum at the Barbican Centre. There is a three decade photography exhibition of Carrie Mae Weems. It is provocative and educational and well, beautiful.

We walk all over the area.

Afterwards we have a pint near Brick Lane at The English Restaurant before having a delicious laughter-filled dinner together at Babel.

The next day is a free day and I am delighted to roam. I head over to stroll around SoHo and return to one of my favorite spots, Barrafina. For some reason, I have the magic touch with this popular place. As has happened several times before, I queue up and prepare for the wait when I am picked out of the line and told to come inside. Right smack dab in the middle of the counter I am given a menu and before long enjoying the tapas that makes me return time and time again.

Afterwards I head over to Chelsea and visit my old Shirleyfest apartment, local pub and engage in some nostalgia.

That night I ramble the other way along the South Bank and see the Bee Hive (City Hall).

I find myself at a restaurant recommended by Raffaele….Brigadiers. I am offered a table but prefer to eat at the bar. The food is Indian and spicy and divine. Wimbledon is on in the bar area and I end up watching it a bit with my new acquaintance Nalesh.

Walking home, I notice Enoteca da Luca and decide to stop in. There I meet the lovely Alessandro. I see they have Sicilian wines and I’m intrigued having gotten back recently from Sicily. The entire night turns out to be a party as the owner, Roberto, is also at the bar and also a chef from one of his other restaurants. Waiters Normi and Paula join in the fun. I walk the few blocks back to the hotel with the light of St Paul’s Cathedral guiding me.

My friends Nick and Ivan arrive tomorrow. I take the Elizabeth Line far out to the west and Nick meets me at the Woolwich train station. It’s an intriguing area built as a separate community on the South Bank. After a bite at the cute cafe, we pick up Ivan and grab an Uber boat to get back to the city for dinner at the 125 year old seafood restaurant J. Sheekey.

How have I not eaten here before now? It’s a classic restaurant and Nick and Ivan are regulars. Champagne is immediately poured and we have a delicious meal. We have to hurry now as we are going to see Carbaret. The production has turned the Playhouse Theatre into the Kit Kat Club and it’s a wonderful musical.

I take the tube back to my hotel and as I cross the bridge I see Mosaic’s maitre d’ , Mathew, and bartender Naim.

They are so welcoming and friendly. I feel like I am home. At the front desk Giulia welcomes me home. There is nothing more relaxing than feeling like you are “home” when you are a guest at a hotel.

The next day, I call a cab to the train station to head to Cambridge. Turns out there is a marathon in the city and many of the roads are blocked. The young man helping me, Gabor, goes well beyond the call of duty and doesn’t abandon me. We go back upstairs and across the bridge to yet another exit where he hails another cab from an area not affected by the race. This brings me full circle back to what makes this hotel so special. Raffael has instilled a genuine desire to go out of the way for guests and make the experience stress free. The space, the amenities but most of all the people make for a stress-free relaxing experience. I will return to London and this is where I will stay.

Now I’m off to Cambridge to immerse myself in the study of philosophy. I think therefore I am.

#Westin London City

#Capricci Restaurant

#London Walks

#Barrafina

#Brigadiers Restaurant

#J. Sheekey Restaurant

#Enoteca da Luca

SIRACUSA, ITALY: NO STRANGERS AT GRAND HOTEL DES ÉTRANGERS

The best thing about Grand Hotel des Étrangers in Siracusa is that the General Manager Rosario Rubino is committed to the goal that every guest has a warm and elegant Sicilian experience.

I recently returned from nearly three weeks in Sicily. In a subsequent post, I will elaborate on the amazing 100 mile hike I completed with my friends. It is called the Magna Via Francigena.

After the strenuous hike, I want to go somewhere in Sicily and relax in beautiful surroundings. I choose Ortigia, a small Baroque island and the historic center of Siracusa. After much research I select the Grand Hotel des Étrangers for my stay and I am so very glad that I do. I check into my beautiful room with a balcony overlooking the sea.

I have an appointment to interview the General Manager. His name is Rosario Rubino. Within minutes of arriving at the hotel, he meets me on the beautiful rooftop of the hotel.

Mr. Rubino is not just the General Manager of this hotel, but Group General Manager of all the properties in the Luxury Private Properties Group. This includes the Ashbee in Tauromino and the Excelsior Palace in Palermo. He has spent his entire career in the hospitality industry and it shows. He warmly greets me and welcomes me to Ortigia. From the first moment, he conveys to me that he genuinely wants me to understand not only the hotel’s unique message, but what makes this part of Sicily so special. Being Italian, of course there is no conversation that doesn’t include food and wine. A few minutes after settling in and admiring the view, the hotel’s chef, Paolo, comes out to say hello.

Paolo indicates that he is preparing a “little something”. Well the “little something” turns out to be an array of delicious plates. The Sicilian traditional arancini was paired with piping hot cod fritters. A plate of chickpea flatbread arrives. Four gorgeous appetizers plates include samples of the local fishes, olives and homemade focaccia and crackers. And of course a local refreshing wine from Mt Etna is poured.

As with all my Shirleyfest property interviews, I am curious to know what makes this place unique. Rosario without hesitation tells me that his group is not selling rooms, they are offering experiences. He has a commitment to instill in all of the staff here a single vision: “We want to share a vision of surprise and elation with our guests.” He hopes that every guest will feel special during their stay. I ask how he does this. Quality. Quality. Quality. Quality in hiring, quality in food, quality in furniture selection, quality in assistance with very guests unique needs. To do this he wants to understand the individual needs of his guests. The focus must be on the guests and everything else will naturally flow. This goes beyond the four walls of the hotel. For example, as with many luxury hotels, guests often ask for restaurant recommendations. His view is that any restaurant they recommend is a partner in the guest experience with them. Since the restaurant will be an extension of the stay, he wants to know the restauranteurs personally and to obtain their commitment to a quality experience for his guests. I ask him for the name of one of his favorite restaurants on the island. Don Camillo he answers easily. A few nights later my friends and I dine there and we all agree it is an amazing experience.

Other highlights of my time in Siracusa include a stroll through the market where I yearn to have a Siracusa apartment and kitchen to take all these beautiful ingriendents home to cook.

Also a walking tour of the island where all the ancient mythology was explained by Gloria our tour guide and many of the lovely churches explored.

One morning I walked 30 minutes off the island to the Neapolis Archaeological Park and saw ancient greek theatre and quarries.

They did a Dolce &Gabbana shoot right here ( a girl can dream can’t she?)

Greek Theatre built in the 5th Century BC

Another day, I slowly worked way around the island and through almost every one of the narrow streets to people watch and stop for delicious bites.

Moon Restaurant means Move Out Of Normalcy

On my last day, I was buying some lovely Italian dresses in a boutique. The owner, Paola had a helper, Betty, who turned out to be the girlfriend of her son, Pietro. Pietro owns a restaurant nearby, so I reserved for dinner that night. It was an ancient building with a lovely courtyard and delicious food. It is called Cantina Rampa. Betty came and had a glass of wine with me and we talked of many things. When it got slower, Pietro came and told me the story of the restaurant. He told me how quiet the island got during Covid and how he could hear the sea from his apartment everyday because so few people were living in the town. I got his recipe for swordfish and after many hugs ( and finding they had treated me to the copious amounts wine I had enjoyed) we said our goodbyes.

Back at the hotel I started to pack. I realize that the message I got from Rosario is that there is a single-mindedness about the guests here getting the full experience of their stay…all elements are part of that experience. Rosario also uses a word I like alot. Dignity. He believes that if the staff is treated with dignity, then the guests will be treated with dignity. I really felt that during my stay. In the breakfast room, Eva and Christina greeted me each day as if I were family coming down to breakfast. And oh what a breakfast. And one day when I had selected one too many pastries, Eva whisked it away and came back with it stored in a beautifully wrapped package, “for later”.

Giovanni in the front office could not have been more accommodating. A great example—lately many fine hotels that I have stayed in have a continuous fan in the bathrooms. I detest this noise. I have inquired repeatedly about how to make this noise cease and 100% of the time I have been told, “Sorry, that is not possible.” Never giving up, I noticed this low fan noise in my beautiful room at Des Étrangers and mentioned it hopefully to Giovanni. “The engineers will fix it to your satisfaction” were the words that came immediately out of his mouth. And they did! Within the hour! I was shocked and oh so happy. Wemerson, Maitre of the bar and dining room, could not have been more accommodating. One night the three of us ate in the gorgeous rooftop dining room. Having drinks first on the outside deck, my drink order was remembered without a word and then he professionally and warmly served us one of the best meals of our trip.

From Luigi, the assistant manager, to Marco to Monica to Chiara to Giuseppe to Anna and Davide and many more, the staff could not have been more gracious and helpful.

One final note, I asked Rosario for his perfect day in Siracusa. He told me he would wake up and have a run around the beautiful island and then have the hotel’s luscious breakfast. He would then take a boat to the lighthouse and to a little beach club/restaurant called Punta Magdalena. After a few hours he would return by boat and do some shopping in the historic city center ( I’m partial to Max Mara and also the Paola’s boutique) He would return and have apertivo on the hotel’s rooftop deck and finish with dinner either at their restaurant, Clou, or at Don Camillo. Sounds perfect to me too.

I felt so taken care of at Grand Hotel des Étrangers that I was despondent when I finally had to leave to catch my plane. I take one more trip up to the rooftop and one more look off my balcony to the sea.

There is no doubt that I will be back to Siracusa and there is no doubt where I will stay.

Ciao my dear readers.

Madrid aqui vengo!

This year’s choice for Shirleyfest ends up being easy and starts out hard. I always have a running list in my head of next Shirleyfest cities. In consideration for 2023 are Tel Aviv, Auckland, Singapore, Vancouver, Hanoi and a few others. I am running down the pros and cons of each of them when a friend tosses out Toulouse. Highly intrigued, I investigate neighborhoods and apartments and surprisingly I couldn’t get any thoughtful responses. It’s a sign I say. I turned to Tel Aviv where lines in the water reveal a number of people willing to help me. Apartments seem plentiful and owners are responsive. Then several local people mention the number of holidays occurring during my month there and how that could be an impediment to a free wheeling Shirleyfest. Hmmmm.

As fate would have it, I have dinner with a friend visiting San Francisco and he tells me of the wonderful time he recently had in Madrid. Madrid! I haven’t been to Madrid for years and then it was only for a week. I start to investigate. World renowned art museums, a vibrant food scene, a transportation rail hub, enviable nightlife, ancient history……and then I come across Heminway’s love of Madrid.

Hemingway was a huge Madrid fan. The American writer spent a lot of time in Madrid. He was known to love Paris and he lived in Cuba, but Madrid was the center of his world. He adored bullfights, the nightlife in Madrid and loved spending time in Madrid’s countless cafés. He was a regular in Madrid’s oldest restaurant Sobrino de Botín(which also happens to be the oldest restaurant in the world) and in Madrid’s famous sherry bar La Venencia. He is quoted as saying, “I have never been to a city where there are fewer reasons to go to bed and if I did go to bed, to sleep.”

Ok that does it..Madrid it is. I’ll start building my own Shirleyfest book about Madrid and finding the perfect apartment, but please feel free to pass along any ideas you have for me. And of course I’ll be putting lines in the water to meet people so don’t hesitate to connect me with people you know in Madrid.

Sent from my iPhone

Bye Bye Bologna

It is too soon to say I miss Bologna, because so much of Bologna is still in the front of my consciousness. I still feel the energy from the street below my window ( I’m the fifth story apartment with the lights on in two windows).

I still smell the strong coffee and bombolone at Terzi.

My mind walks through Piazza Maggiore to Simoni for a drink and I recall Kajo, the manager, calling out to me as he has a cigarette before starting work.

I’m still getting WhatsApp messages from Ela and Giorgio and Christain and Frederico. It is too soon to be sad about not having pasta for every lunch and dinner.

My last week has been very local Bologna. Nick was here one last day and he went to mass with me at the Cathedral.

He isn’t Catholic but he speaks Italian so he was able to tell me afterwards that the homily was about all people having an important place in the world. Something so evident in my daily life here in Bologna.

Afterwards we know exactly where our place should be. We head for Trattoria Giampu e Ciccio.

As we approach, the owner calls out , “Ciao San Francisco!”. He had met me at Nonna Rosa a few days before and remembers me. His grandfather started the restaurant and there is a picture on the wall which translates to his grandfather having won a baby beauty contest.

They fit us into a crowded dining room and his wife Paula suggest we start with the Crostini com friggione ( toasted bread with onions and tomatoes soup).

It is fresh tomatoes cooked down for 5 hours with onions to make a delicious topping for the warm bread. Along with caprese we have Passatelli ( pancetta, arugula, and lemon) and the most delicious lasagna.

Once again Nick is very bad and orders chocolate cake dessert with marscapone.

In the afternoon Nick and I stroll around Bologna and check out the Prendiparte Tower, a medieval tower turned into a bed and breakfast.

Later we visit a hard to describe modern art exhibit. We enjoy it even tho the guard as we entered made a sign to us like it was “crazy”. After one more coffee Nick must leave. After meeting Nick for the first time in Berlin 9 years ago, I have seen him in Copenhagen, Umbria, Palo Alto, San Francisco, Amsterdam, and we even hiked Yosemite together two days before the pandemic started in 2020.

I know we will connect again before too long.

I return to my place and I am happy to hear my neighbor the opera singer practicing away upstairs. He had introduced himself to me as Greg from Rochester, NY. Turns out he is a famous tenor and one of the most accomplished singers on the international opera stage today. He is appearing in two operas in Bologna this summer. Luisa Miller and Otello. Everyday I hear beautiful music from him when I’m in my apartment.

Later I try Ela’s suggestion of pizza at Altero. It is delicious but I ordered way too much.

The next day I am up early and I’m determined to walk to Le serre in Giardini Margherita. It is hard to describe this amazing space. It was born of an abandoned greenhouse. A non profit Kilowatt put it back to life. There is a co-working space, a vegetable garden, a bistro called Vetro, an outdoor movie screen, and a very cool bar. People are working and playing all around me.

I grab a salad and just sit and absorb this fantastic space. I lament why we don’t have this type of set up in all our parks.

I head back, as friends of mine from Sonoma have a daughter studying in Florence and she is coming for a visit. Stella arrives and I take the opportunity to introduce her to Bologna. After a while we stop at Simoni where of course a table is always available for me and after ordering drinks, little appetizers are sent over as a welcome gift for Stella.

I tell her about Le serre and she is interested, so for the second time that day I am in the park.

After aperol spritzes at my place we head to Trattoria Giampu e Ciccio again and sit outside.

Time flies and before long Stella must literally run for the last train back to Florence. It is great fun to be the “local” introducing Stella to Bologna.

The next day I am to meet Giorgia and her friend Alessandro. When I arrive at the appointed spot I am surprised to see Giorgia is in a car.

She has borrowed her mother’s car to drive outside the city to a famous breakfast spot called Gino Fabbri. Just when I thought pastries could not get any better she introduces me to these amazing Calzones and sweets. We have long conversations about careers, life and love and the time flies.

Giorgia ask if we would be ok going to a local butcher shop with her. Of course. Little did we know we would spend hours in the shop without buying any meat, but drinking lots of champagne and eating until we thought we would bust. Let me explain. Giorgia met Teddy the owner when he came to her wine bar in Bologna. He had a shirt on saying Teddy the Butcher. When she admired it, he simply took it off in the wine bar and gave it to her. A friendship was born.

Teddy is there with his sister Maria and their shop Macelleria Teddy is known for the highest quality of products.

I look around and since I love to cook I can attest that what is in the case are beautiful cuts of meat. At first we mill about while customers come in for their steaks and sausages. Teddy dutifully fulfills the orders.

All of a sudden, Teddy has a bottle of champagne on a barrel and pours us all a glass.

That is followed by bringing out more champagne and the mortadella which is followed by aged parmesean cheese. Pretty soon Teddy’ s nephew Alessandro has arrived to work/drink champagne and Teddy makes us sandwiches as other family members arrive to join in the fun.

No matter how much I eat and drink, everyone says “You must have more”. Teddy also insist on giving us all tshirts saying Macelleria Da Teddy ( the butcher Teddy). I really feel like I must be in a movie. I can’t imagine having this must fun at any butcher shop in America.

Back in the city I’m trying to decide how to spend my last night. It is tempting to go hang out with the Simoni crowd, or with Christain at the Gallery, or even to see if Greg the opera singer needs a wine break. In the end I decide I just want to quietly walk through the city. I head down Via Santa Stefano and just people watch. At one point I come to a beautiful chapel in a courtyard that I’ve never seen.

It’s called Cappella del S. S. Sacramento. I tiptoe in and see a few people in this tiny chapel singing.

It is so touching. Walking on, I see a door that says Ancelle del S. cuore di Gesu. I push on the door and see this beautiful little church in the dark.

These are so pretty and I never noticed them before today. I’ve been here a month and I haven’t even scratched the surface. I end with a glass of wine in the park and contemplate how soon I can return to beautiful welcoming Bologna.

I really appreciate my readers and their many comments. It makes it like a conversation. If you want to comment, all you have to do is go back up and click the title of the post and a comment box will appear at the end of the article. You don’t have to sign in to leave a comment. Hope you do!

La Dolce Vita

It always happens around week 3. I now know my way around logistically and can slip down back alleys to avoid the crowds. I know shopkeepers and restauranteurs and baristas. They call out to me when I pass by. Here is Lorenzo at my everyday 8 am coffeehouse Terzi.

I can easily grocery shop, buy stamps, get my hair cut, nails done, go to mass, and arrange for take out if I want it. All this inevitably leads to a growing thought in my mind……maybe I should move here! It happened in Melbourne. It happened in Montréal. It happened in Vienna. It happened in Amsterdam. You get the picture. But nowhere has this been more on my mind than Bologna. It truly is la dolce vita…the sweet life!

My new report starts with last Sunday morning when I get up early to take pictures of the city waking up. Turns out some people are up way before me as there is a marathon race in the city.

The route is right by city hall and the other early risers are couples getting married at city hall. Lots of couples. But unlike in the US where getting married at city hall means the couple and maybe two witnesses, each of the weddings I saw queued up had hordes of celebrants in the queue with them.

I cross over and see that mass is about to start at the Cathedral of Bologna. It’s a beautiful Baroque church constructed on a site where a cathedral has stood since 1028. I take my place and I’m astonished to see the large number of celebrants of the mass.

I have in mind the Michelin restaurant Osteria Bartolini for after mass and I am not disappointed. It is well known for its seafood so I go for the Taglioli al Ragu blanco di pesce….pasta with a mixture of white seafood in the sauce. The restaurant is gorgeous inside and also outside with a large garden to sit in.

Having had a large lunch, dinner is a perfect time to investigate one of Bologna’s four speciality sandwich shops that I’ve yet to try. There is Tigellino,Piadeina, Murtadella and Mortadella Lab. This one, Murtadella, sells a classic mortadella sandwich with burrata and arugula.

Monday I’m invited to tour the Università di Bologna campus by the delightful Vittoria. A gorgeous campus and beautiful views of the city. I mean it’s no Purdue …but it is beautiful.

I want to go to the Teatro Manzoni tonight to hear the Filarmonic. There are two featured performers, one playing the violino and the other the violoncello and it is rare to have this combination in this type of performance. Getting the ticket is hilarious. I go when the box office opens. They have a good seat, but they won’t sell it until one hour before the performance and I need a certain type of mask which I don’t have and they tell me I must go to the pharmacy and buy it. I do and I have dinner at one of my nice local places waiting for the hour before.

I come back 65 minutes before the performance and the ticket is no longer available( how did it sell if they only sell one hour before?) Ok I choose another seat which is fine. And now they are just handing out the required masks to anywho doesn’t have one. Ok. Why did I have to go buy one? I take my seat and there is a man next to me who tells me he has decided to come to Bologna for a month from Liechtenstein where he is a lawyer. Woah that is quite the coincidence I tell him. He says he has never done such a trip before and his only problem is he can’t figure out where to eat. Well maybe I can help I say…I have this thing called a blog with lots of restaurant ideas for Bologna. “How nice”, he says, “but I don’t read blogs.” Ok. I turn slowly away. At intermission there is no drinks, no food, nothing. Just people going outside to smoke. And guess how many stalls there are for the ladies bathroom…one! While everything so far about this night has been odd, the performance is quite good.

Tuesday I decide to get my nails done and I have discovered quite a posh salon near me. I find out they do it quite differently here. Instead of sitting in a chair and putting your feet in a water bath, you are on a recliner and they bring the bath up to you. Happy with my nails, I see if I can schedule a haircut. Yes they can do it shortly. I do my best to describe what I want to AB, that’s the name of my stylist, and I am super happy with how it turns out.

I head out to MAST, a modern art museum on the edge of town. It is a fascinating photography exhibit that explores the interface between photography and technology. It is funded by a nearby tech company and it is sleek and elegant in every way When I got tired of the exhibits, I was offered coffee on the patio. Everything is free here!

Back in the center I remember that Mortadella Lab is back from vacation and I head over to stand in line with the masses. No line! People must have forgotten they reopened. A picture perfect piled high mortadella sandwich.

Since I’m feeling lucky, I see if there is the usual line at Cremeria Santo Stefano. I’m lucky there too! I go for the fragola and limone.

It is a good thing I had these warm up food laps, because my friend Nick has now arrived by train from Verona and good eating is his speciality.

First stop is an aperol spritz and charcuterie at Simoni, where I know everyone who works there.

A tour about town allows Nick to get reacquainted with Bologna, although balloons in the Basilica are quite new.

We have a little rain shower in the afternoon. Come evening we head to Enoteca Al Risanamento in the university section of town. Octopus, sardines, and tuna salad are accompanied by several different local wines. Our waitress Giorgia is coincidentally friends with Giorgia from Enoteca Italiana which I discussed in my last post. Same name,wine bar..how funny.

Thursday we have an outing planned out of town, but first we visit the Pinacoteca, the National Gallery of Bologna. It is located in the former Jesuitical Novitate Convent and the building and the art are stunning.

Now we are on the train to a tiny town called San Giovanni in Persiceto just 20 minutes away. We walk from the train station thru the deserted town and come to our destination Osteria del Mirasole. We sit in the garden and Gary and Ricky help us choose delicious starters of a rare Culatello di Nero Parmigiana and an onion baked with pate inside.

Then comes tortellini alla panna and tagliatelle all ragu. As far as I can understand the cream in this dish is a closely guarded secret of the restaurant and not found anywhere else in the region. They have their own cows apparently.

We finish with a chocolate torte with marscapone cream. Seriously, it was Nick not me who insisted on dessert. Maybe.

All the while we are getting great wine suggestions to go with the food. It is a really lovely afternoon!

Back in Bologna we stop by the seven churches (Basilico Santo Stefano) and stay until we are shooed out at closing time by a sweet elderly gentleman. We get shooed right over to Ruggine bar for cocktails with our favorite bartender Alessandro before ending up at my home away from home pizza place, The Gallery. Once again Christian sends over drinks and we are very good and order a salad and one pizza to split! So to reward us, Christain sends over dessert.

Friday we do lots of walking and visit Villa Spada. The villa is closed but we hike thru the park. It is quite an oasis in the city.

We keep going and soon are at Nonna Rosa, a family run restaurant that has been recommended to me by Ela. We love the tables filled with families and we love the pasta and the veal cutlets. I meet Dino the owner and he brings over wine for the three of us to share. This just seems to happen to me all the time in Bologna. Such a friendly place.

Long walk back before we go out tonight for a multi course ( 11 courses) dinner at Sotto l’Arco. Funny thing— we took the bus there. It was a direct shot from my apartment and cabs are not that easy to find in Bologna. So we arrive via public transportation at this quite upscale restaurant. I’ll show you the pictures of some of the courses and if you have questions you can leave it in the comments. You know you are in trouble when the amuse bouche consists of 7 dishes that represent breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner.

Saturday arrives and we are set to pay homage to Pavarotti. His favorite restaurant (next door to his now museum) is outside of Modena. We train out and when we arrive—- no cabs— oh well- we are getting good at taking city buses to fine restaurants.

A lovely meal ensues and afterwards we meet the owner Cesare. He is actually out working in the gardens without a shirt and the staff brings him out a shirt so he can come in and talk to us.

Saturday night we get by with charcuterie from Enoteca Italian and see the terrific Giorgia again. We still haven’t had Cremeria Cavour gelato so off we go for that ( again no line…this is getting so strange). As we eat our gelato outside, a line forms that goes around the block.

We finish this week off with drinks and snacks at the Roxy Bar, across the street from my apartment.

Do you see why the title of this post is La Dolce Vita?

Friends, Ferrara and Family

The beginning of week 2 in Bologna brings dear friends to visit. My friends from Shirleyfest Vienna, Arno and Petra, bring their two daughters to Bologna and we have a wonderful weekend. They arrive Friday night and after Apertivo at my place we walk to Proscutteria nearby.

Having stopped by there previously on a calm Wednesday night to reserve, I had miscalculated the frenzy of the place on a Friday night. Although they have reserved a beautiful table for us, the decibel level would make catching up with these dear friends impossible. What to do when all reservations are taken on a Friday night by now? Ah ha. Remember Christian from my first night here? A quick phone call and he makes room for us. Great dinner and great catching up after not seeing my friends for over 3 years.

The next day we attempt the San Luca Church climb all together.

The heat and length are too intense for the children so we spin off and get sodas and talk about their lives in Vienna while Petra and Arno soldier on. Afterwards Arno finds us the most local of all places, Trattoria della Santa and we all have a delicious lunch together. Later we go to the beautiful Palazzo Albergati and see the photography exhibit of Oliviero Toscani . Believe me you know his work as he had many famous ad campaigns such as the United Colors of Benetton and photography that made people aware of significant issues such as the death penalty, anorexia, AIDS, and much more.

The permanent collection includes many iconic photographs as well. Photos by Man Ray, Robert Capa and Alfred Stieglitz among others.

Dinner that night is at Da Cesari, an old school local restaurant that was empty at 7:45 and overflowing at 8:15. The full moon beckons us to finish with drinks at the famous Roxy Bar.

A walking city tour the next day ends with the whispering corners of the Enzo Palace where not only could close families communicate during the historic plagues of old, I’ve been told it is of practical use today to communicate during Covid.

A little more eating, shopping and gelato and then my dear friends jet back to Vienna until next year when they will visit me in California.

After they leave, I go to a concert at the Basilica di San Petronio that is made even more beautiful by the acoustics of the church .

Monday I am off to Ferrara on the train to see this city dominated by the Este Castle and stories of ruling dukes, Papal interference and the formerly large Jewish population, originally invited by the dukes for their crafts and then sequestered in the Jewish Ghetto by the Pope. I have booked a walking tour like always and I meet Massimo and two lovely ladies from Kolkata,India.

Massimo ( Max) our guide is a retired doctor and is so entertaining and knowledgeable.

Of course when the tour is finished I head directly to the Michelin restaurant in town, Trattoria Da Noemi for a delicious lunch of local asparagus and the Ferrara specialty of pumpkin filled ravioli.

Tuesday I meet Ela and her mother-in-law Laura for Apertivo at their favorite place. I love mid- day aperol spritzes over lively conversation. Laura is of my generation, but unlike me, she drives a motorcycle.

Lunch today, I try the little place Ragu that has the meat pasta sauce in focaccia. Think slow food sloppy joes!

Later walking thru the main square I see police all around and everyone is pointing at a box that they have made a perimeter around. I think..bomb? I discover that it is a box filled with bees and they had to call the beekeepers to deal with it.

Later I have dinner at the well known Da Nello. I had a reservation, but that didn’t seem to matter. I ended up at an ok table with delicious food, but I was less than thrilled with the brusque wait staff. I would not recommend it even tho you will see it mentioned often. For me, great food is the minimum requirement…but especially as an often solo diner, I want to feel engaged with the restaurant and the people, not just fed. Considering I’ve eaten 35 meals out in Bologna, a dud of one in 35 I can live with. Plus there was this great pasta I had there.

Early Wednesday morning I check out the big park near me, Giardini Margherita. It is really lovely. Surrounded by pretty homes.

Plus I like it because an Italian yoga instructor trying to meet her class in the park, ran up to me, assumed I was Italian, and asked me in Italian how to get somewhere in the park and I was able to tell her in Italian. WooHoo!

Afterwards I go for caffé and a Panino alla Cannella ( morning bun) at Forno Brisa where I met dashing Lorenzo. He has a bandage on his nose and I discovered that he had broken it in a biking accident last month just like I had. What are the chances?

Later I pick up mortadella, cheese and bread for Apertivo as sister MJ arrives this evening. Simoni deli was closed, but now that I know everyone at their restaurant, I was able to convince them to let me buy provisions there for my welcome party for MJ. MJ arrives and we go to my favorite Bolognese pizza place where Christain welcomes MJ to Bologna with his delicious pizzas.

The next day, Ela does a walking tour for MJ and I so that MJ can get the lay of the land.

Before she leaves us, she calls Trattoria de Me for us and snags us a very hard to get lunch reservation. Hot crescentina fritta and MJ’s first dish of Tagliatella Al Ragu and my ravioli in a pea sauce are delicious.

We go next to see the anatomical theatre of the Archiginnasio. In 1637 it was where anatomy lessons were held in the first ever theatre style classroom for such. It is because of it that we use the term theatre in describing operating rooms today.

Drinks at Simoni with Parmesan cheese tasting is followed by dinner at Trattoria Sette Tavoli ( 7 table restaurant— which is what it had).

Not quite done, we stop at the bar Ruggine for some interesting cocktails from bartender Alessandro. On the bar stools next to us, two young students can’t believe we found this place which is a popular student bar.

Next day we climb to the clock tower of city hall for some views and then see the art collection.

The art collection is huge and we had seen enough, but when we turned to leave we were instructed by the docent to continue on and not cut out any of the rooms. Hilarious. We did as she asked. A stop for coffee at the lovely Cafe Zanarini fueled us for some shopping.

Shopping in Italy is great! We both did some damage at Max Mara and other stores. Actually that is true figuratively and literally. We did buy some nice things. Then, at a very fancy store I managed to not see a clear glass 12 inches off the floor side table and I crashed forward into their display. While the display looked like a car had plowed through the wall with metal and broken glass strewn everywhere, I escaped with only one cut and one bruise. The shopkeepers were amazing with bandages, ice packs and bottled water. I was going to see if they would also give me this wonderful pair of shoes I spied, but I thought better of it.

Tonight we stop for drinks at Enoteca Italiana and meet the delightful Giorgia who brings us mortadella( of course) to have with our wine.

Later we eat at Trattoria Valerio.

Next to us is a Berlin travel writer named Soenke who engages us and makes the evening quite fun. Three Italian men are at the next table celebrating a birthday and so we also have fun talking with them before we leave.

On MJ’s last day here, we go to Modena on the train. While sipping coffee in the square we see a wedding is about to take place in the cathedral. Of course we crash it. The mustache man was the highlife of our attendance and of course the bride!

We wedding crashers now go for the famous Modena basaltic vinegar tasting. There is no finer balsamic vinegar than Giuseppe Giusti. At its lovely showroom, Matteo expertly guides us through all the variations and laws pertaining to preserving the integrity of Modena basalmic vinegar.

We move onward to Francescetta 58 which you may recall from my previous post I went to last week. I really want MJ to experience this wonderful place and we are very lucky that the famous Massimo Bottura is here today. He talks to us…. If you count him saying “sera” and us saying it back as talking.

We love our food and also the show taking place a the next table where 4 Italian men are tasting a dozen bottles of wine.

Onward to the Maserati museum where MJ and I pick our our favorite cars before training home to Bologna.

Having had such a big lunch we opt for Simoni for dinner. Once again upon seeing my friendly waiters there, a table magically appears for us ahead of mobs of people waiting. The platter of meats and cheeses plus a bottle of local wine makes for the perfect dinner. Fredrico chats with us about his upcoming exams and we lend encouragement.

No encouragement needed to decide to end the ending at the Roxy Bar. I opt for a Montenegroni where they substitute Amaro Montenegro for Campari. MJ gets the Roxy, a bourbon and lime concoction. The night ends but the memories linger on.

A few days alone and then my friend Nick who I first met on Shirleyfest Berlin will arrive.

Until then!

Bologna Week 1 Comes to a Tasty End

In Ravenna this week I see the beautiful mosaic tile ceiling that inspired Cole Porter to write the song Night and Day.

I can’t write music, but it does inspire me to go have lunch at a Michelin restaurant in Ravenna. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s go back to where we left off.

Monday, I meet my new friend Ela for coffee at a Turkish cafe called Naama. Afterwards we wander the streets of beautiful Bologna. She shows me some of the hidden towers.

All of a sudden I run smack dab into friends from home, Mike and Lisa, who had come from Florence to Bologna to see me. We all were independently looking for a lunch place and Mondays many things are closed, but we ended up at Bottega Portici-Due Torri. It is near the ancient Two Towers and houses the Portici Academy where you can learn pasta making.

In the restaurant, modern touch screens deliver old world Tagliatelle al Ragu. Ela leaves us after lunch and the three of us wander around the city. I take them up the secret spiral staircase for a great view of the towers.

As we are passing the charcuterie shop Simoni, my friend Klevis calls out to us. “Stop for a drink”, So we do. Later Marco’s son Michaela fills in for his Dad and does a balsamic vinegar tasting for us. We also buy Prosecco at his store called Gilberto because it is aperol spritz time now.

But we need ice. Let me tell you ice is the bane of my existence on these Shirleyfest. I love aperol spritzes and they need ice. But this apartment has no freezer. There is however a famous bar called the Roxy directly across the street from my apartment and without hesitation the lovely waitress there sensing my great need offers me a huge bag of ice for our drinks. Works out fine and held us over until our dinner at Trattoria dal Biassanot near the canal.

It was great to have Mike and Lisa join Shirleyfest!The next day is the flower market day at Piazza San Francesco.

Off I go early morning and I am rewarded with some great flower finds.

After depositing those in my apartment, I want to see the three tiny Michelangelo statues in the Basilica of Saint Dominic’s. The place is empty so I could get quite up close and personal with the little guys.

The other art that was calling my name is the 7 terracotta figures known as the lamentations behind the altar at Santa Maria Della Vita. Done in the 1400s by the artist Niccolò Dell’Arca, they are magnificent and really not to missed if you visit Bologna.

I then had in mind to sample what is suppose to be the best gelato in Bologna at Cremeria Santo Stefano. But the line is long and not moving.

Interesting that the last time I saw a line like this is was at Shirleyfest Boston and people were in line to buy the latest released sneakers.

Pretty much sums it up—Italy: Food. US: Shoes

Dinner tonight is in the courtyard of Bologna’s version of Romeo and Juliet ( basically same story….kids in love, parent are against it, tower scene, they both die). I’m here for the beautiful setting of the restaurant Corte Galluzzi.

I start with prosciutto and melon.

I follow that with Vittelo Tonnato. It has been a favorite of mine since a friend in Florence made it for me many years ago. It’s roasted veal that is chilled and sliced and the topped with a tuna/anchovies sauce. Not for everyone for sure.

I meet a Swiss couple at dinner and we talked for quite a while about American politics and especially our Supreme Court…grrr. We agree to meet for Apertivo the next evening.

Wednesday I hike up to San Michele in Bosco. It’s an old church, but the real reason to spend the energy is the beautiful views of Bologna from the top.

I’ve got to get back tho because I’m invited to cocktail reception at the 5 star Grand Hotel Majestic for an artist who is in town for art week. It’s a beautiful party and the sparking wine is flowing. I get to meet the artist and we talk about her work, which is stunning.

Thursday, I take the 8:06 train to Ravenna an hour away. It is a spur of the moment decision so I don’t have time to hire a guide or sign up for a tour so I download the important information and set up a Google map annotated with the things I want to see. Ravenna is the city of mosaics and is a UNESCO World heritage site. It is literally a glittering jewel box of 5th and 6th century mosaic art. I walk the 15 minutes from the train station and start with a coffee in the town square and then go directly to the Basilica di San Vitale. I have found that an early start in these day trips is the best recipe and then go directly to the most important site and work backwards depending on the time you have. I am not disappointed as there are very few people at my first stop. Later I pass by there and it is mobbed with people. The ceilings, floors and walls of all the sites I visit are so stunning. Take a look.

Now it’s time for lunch. I check and there is one Michelin restaurant in Ravenna called Antica al Gallo 1909. I decide to take my chance and walk the 15 minutes there to see if I can get in. As I study my map, a local gentleman approaches and asks if he can help me. I tell him my destination and he admires my taste in restaurants and says he will walk me there. His name is Herman and we have the most lovely chat along the way.

Now I approach this gorgeous restaurant and am welcomed by the owner Umberto who is happy to seat me in a table right near the garden.

I am so lucky as soon afterwards the restaurant is completely full. Umberto’s great great grandfather started the restaurant and it has survived two world wars and Covid and is still going strong. Upstairs there are sitting rooms for cocktails and smoking!

I with squash blossoms filled with Gorgonzola and surrounded by a red pepper sauce.

Then I go for the Cavaletti al Ragu. Umberto pours a lovely local wine and I am having the best time.

I’m too full for dessert so they bring me a plate of cookies— meringues with toasted almond glaze.

Afterwards Umberto gives me a gift of a little book about his family. It is first in Italian and then English and he says, “this way you will learn Italian words.” So cute!

Now I visit Modena which is only a 20 minute train ride away. I tour around the town with its beautiful cathedral and lively market.

Modena is famous for balsamic vinegar, luxury sports cars and Massimo Bottura, the chef of the Michelin restaurant Osteria Francescan ( frequently thought of as the #1 restaurant in the world). Before I left California I scored a reservation at Massimo Bottura’s second place ( also a Michelin restaurant) for 2 pm on this day.Arriving early I am taken to a garden table by Marco and an amuse bouche of squash stuffed with ricotta and lemon zest as well as a raw zucchini topped with mousse of zucchini arrives.

I have to have the burger starter which Massimo invented. I took Massimo’s MasterClass and this was featured so I’ve been looking forward to trying it. In his home region of Emilia-Romagna, he makes the patty out of Italian beef mixed with gelatin from cotechino (a local pork sausage) and Parmigiano-Reggiano. For condiments, he puts an Italian spin on American standard making a mayo out of Balsamic vinegar from Modena and an herb sauce based on Italian salsa verde.

Next course is an artichoke ravioli with a black garlic sauce which Giacamo, the young intern from Milan recommends.

Still denying dessert, I am presented with not one but two little Italian bites.

Really a fantastic meal!

I wander back and even figure out the self service ticket machine at the station to change my ticket to a slightly earlier train because my friend Arno and his family arrive from Vienna tonight.

My readers will remember that I met Arno in the Naschmarkt in Vienna in Shirleyfest 2017. Here we are that day nearly 5 years ago.

We really hit it off and the next year when he learned I was going to Amsterdam for Shirleyfest 2018 he invited me to join his family in the Dolomites for a week before Shirleyfest. I did and had the best time! Now they are here! I will report on our activities during their weekend visit in the next post. Now, it is time for me to go have apertivo. Cin Cin!

72 Hours in Bologna

I’m trying to think when I’ve felt compelled to post about a Shirleyfest city after just a few nights in my new home. Oh I know……Never! Until now. Dear readers, Bologna might just be the best kept travel secret. So why do I say this? Let me tell you.

Let’s start at the beginning. It is an easy trip to Bologna connecting thru Amsterdam on KLM. The airport is small and having cleared customs in Amsterdam, I simply walk straight out to a waiting taxi. Less than 20 minutes later, I’m in my new apartment which is literally steps from the famous two towers of Bologna.

The street below my fifth floor flat is Via Rizzoli, a pedestrian zone on the weekend.

Of course that means since Bologna is a university town that the students gather below my building on the weekends, but it makes for a lively atmosphere. I unpack, shower and head off for my first dinner.

I have reserved in the posh Gallerie nearby. I’m well taken care of by Christain who is surprised and delighted that I am here for a month. After a delicious salad and designer pizza, he surprises me with a lemon sorbet to welcome me.

I’m feeling right at home. And that is the first night!

The next day I have reserved a walking tour. As my readers know, that is my standard practice to have that set up for the first morning in any city. I am so lucky to have Ela as my guide. Smart, warm and energetic, she takes me and two others around her beautiful city. Pasta being the religion of Bologna, we stop to watch it being made.

We then head on thru the beautiful porticos of which there are so many. Bologna has more porticos than any other city in the world …..they date back to 1041. Ela takes us to see one of the portico still standing from medieval times.

From there, we wander thru the Quadrilatero, the old Bologna market, and now home to many many outdoor cafes, restaurants and food shops.

We duck into Gilberto’s and do a basamic vinegar tasting with Marco. We progress from the 8 year old to the 40 year old and it astonishing how rich and refined the oldest Modena vinegars taste.

We stop in the building that housed the university originally and now contains the library. The ceiling is filled with famous family crests.

We plan to end at Neptune fountain, but Ela is so generous with her time, she takes us to the “hidden canals of Bologna”. I was able to peak through the recently restored window that gave way to a view of the Reno Canal in Via Piella.

We take a group shot and Marcel and Alexandra leave.

Once the tour ends, Ela and I are not done talking so we go off the two of us to a nearby coffee bar and continue our discussion.

Soon I say goodbye to my new friend, but we make plans to meet again soon.I feel so lucky to have met such a wonderful person.

I decide to walk to the modern art museum at the edge of town. MAMbo. It is small but nicely done. I’m fascinated by what this artist was trying to tell us.

And I love that this artist found a way to cram more hours in the day.

Later I head to Trattoria dal Biassanot and enjoy a beautiful meal served by the attentive Luca.

The pasta is tortellini with pistachios. Absolutely devine…. as was the pane cotta with fresh berries. Oh gosh I’m glad I walk a lot here! I looked at my step counter at the end of the day and had walked 25,000 steps. I’ll need to keep that up if I am going to eat all this delicious food.

On Sunday it is Mother’s Day so I decide to take the pilgrims path ( hike!) up to Chinese Della Madonna di San Luca founded in 1194. You go through 666 porticos ( the longest Portico path in the world) to have an uninterrupted 3.8 km hike to get to the top.

Once up, a beautiful church awaits you.

Inside many parishioners are chanting the rosary in honor of the Virgin Mary. I love how fitting this seems on the special day. Great views await you at the top.

After a small rest and a bottle of water, I start back down. I have to admit I saw a coffee bar just before the end and I plunk down at a table for a refreshing cup of tea before carrying on.

Tonight I decide to try to get a table at Simoni, the unchallenged best charcuterie restaurant in Bologna. I see lots of people and I wait to put my name on the list. For some reason, I am whisked off right away to a perfect table in the center of the restaurant with great views of the hard working staff.

It is a show to watch the charcuterie trays being churned out for all the hungry guests. Klevis, my waiter, shows me the best wine to order and soon my plate arrives.

By then I am heartily engaged with the tables on either side of me. One with an American student living in Bologna now for 3 years and her visiting cousin and the other two Italian students getting their masters at the university. Naturally I garner some great tips and recommendations from my fellow diners!

I walk the few short blocks home very happy with my first three days in Bologna. I do believe I have picked the perfect city for Shirleyfest 2022. I hope you will continue to enjoy Bologna with me.

Shirleyfest 2022: Bologna, Italy

While I loved my Santa Barbara and Boston Shirleyfests, I’ve been looking longingly at international destinations for 2022. For a variety of reasons, Ive decided to change things up this year and go in the spring instead of the fall……although it is entirely possible that come fall I’ll want to do a second Shirleyfest.

I’ve had Bologna on my travel radar for quite a while. It is known for its amazing food ( it is considered Italy’s gastronomical capital), miles of beautiful Spanish terra cotta tiled rooftops and porticos in the city center (25 miles) and home of the oldest university in the western world ( University of Bologna founded in 1088). For these reasons it has three nicknames, Fat, Red and Learned. Add in fabulous museums, a train hub that begs you to do day trips, impressive markets and lots of live music, who could resist being part of that! Not me.

So I’ll be off to Italy in a couple of months. Please let me know if you know people to introduce me to or have any good information to pass along. I hope you will follow along with me as I immerse myself in Shirleyfest #12.

Ciao!

Shirley

Last week Boston

Time to wrap up my Boston blog. This last week has been exciting. I went to the opening night of the famous Boston Symphony where John Williams conducted a piece he wrote for for the renowned violinist Anna Sophia Mutter. You may know Williams from his Oscar winning scores for movies like Jaws and Star Wars…with 52 Academy Award nominations, he is the second most-nominated individual, after Walt Disney. This 89 year old succeeded Arthur Fiedler as the conductor of the Boston Pops in the 80s and occasionally he still conducts the Boston Symphony. I was so lucky to see him! Anna Sophia Mutter is a German violinist of great acclaim ( often performing with Yo-Yo Ma), so it was a double treat.

I took the T over to the Prudential building before the performance and had a lovely salad and glass of wine pre-show at Terra. Very very noisy but tasty and very convenient.

Walking to the symphony I encountered many people excited to return to live performances. The show ended late and hearing my daughter’s voice in my head, I chose not to walk through the dark Boston Commons park at midnight. Speaking of my daughter, big news! Laura and Mallory are engaged. I was excited to see them in Boston the day after their engagement and to toast their happy news. Look at these two happy faces! Guess what? Mine was equally happy.

On my way to meet my friend Brad for lunch, I spy the Greenway Carousel. This is a unique carousel with hand carved air, sea and land animals native to Massachusetts. Ten years ago at my first Shirleyfest in New York City, I rode the carousel in Central Park to celebrate my birthday. I thought it fitting to jump on the grasshopper at the carousel in Boston to celebrate this one as well.

After the ride I meet Brad at J. Hook for one last bowl of Boston Clam Chowder. I wanted to bring him some apple cider donuts for his kids so I was forced to first sample one at the Boston Public Market. These are addictive.

Brad mentioned that he also liked Row 34’s seafood. That was all I needed to head over there the next day for a local beer and fish tacos.

One other foodie place I need to mention is Coppa. I went there for brunch and had scrambled eggs cacio e pepe which was fantastic. My favorite Italian dish without the added carbs from pasta. Of course there was that burnt tomato toast.

I liked Coppa so much I went back there with my friends Belinda and Kent at the end of the week. This time I did have pasta and also a delicious sea bass.

Enough about food. You must think all I do is eat. You would not be too far wrong. But I also did a harbor walk that last week. Impressive sights all along the harbor.

Near the Seaport is the Contemporary Art Museum. I took one last look around as the exhibits had changed. It is a small museum but really nicely curated.

I head home and up to my wonderful rooftop to say goodbye to Boston.

The sun was just starting to set so I made one last aperol spritz.

And then with a glorious finish the sun set on my lovely Boston Shirleyfest. Goodbye for now and thank you for coming on my journey with me.

Boston Birthday and more

Shirleyfest has three human components…enjoying visits from family and friends, engaging with new people I meet in my host city, and my solo time. I have lots of fun stories and photos from those first two categories, but first let me comment on the last.

A solo walk at daybreak across the Longfellow bridge allows me time for contemplation and reflection. Shirleyfest allows me the luxury of getting away from my home, to do list, and familiar surroundings to think about what is important to me. It allows me to have intimate moments with my own mind. I am challenged to figure out many new things, overcome obstacles and let my curiosity take me down many paths. All of this leads to personal transformation and growth. I am never the same person when I leave a city that I am when I open that door to my apartment. I learn lessons and I learn new things about myself.

A solo walk around MIT. Adding another chapter to my Tao of Shirleyfest

After Vermont, I was blessed with many friends and family coming to Boston to help me celebrate my birthday. Fortunately there is a very nice hotel, Liberty Hotel, a few minutes walk away and my visitors all chose that destination to stay ( it is a former prison so I don’t know what that says about my friends and family?) My friend Andy arrives and we take to the Charles River for some kayaking

We venture into a part of the river I had missed before— the Charles River Locks.

Now that we have the hang of being on the water, the next day we take the fast ferry to Provincetown.

A 90 minute ferry from Boston straight to the heart of P-town.

After a very nice lunch at Fanzini’s we stroll around the town which is charming. We ferry back and tonight have dinner at Mamma Maria in North Beach. Andy has to work the next day so I enjoy meeting a new neighbor, Mike, for lunch at Harvest in Cambridge.

That night my brother John, sister in law Virginia and sister MJ come into town and we all go to Wood Hill Pier 4 for a meal sourced from their large farm. It is a full moon out and life seems just right sitting outside with people I love.

Andy leaves but the rest of us walk all over Boston the next day. We see a group of ladies dressed in white at Boston Commons. Turns out to be a demonstration against Massachusetts law that has no age requirement for marriage.

We walk through so many neighborhoods today. Louisburg Square, North End, Charlestown. Laughter bounds.

Tonight my friends Dan and Sharon join us and we head to Petit Robert Bistro. It starts with a toast of pink champagne.

The evening was hilarious and the restaurant got into the fun…. sending us complimentary champagne and desserts. I think everyone could tell how happy we were.

Laura and Mallory arrive the next day fresh from Cape Cod.

Oh yes today is my birthday! We open gifts and have lunch at Tatte nearby before exploring the shops on Charles Street. That evening my friends Kent and Belinda join us all at 75 Chestnut where I have the best birthday dinner dinner a girl could want. Brother John got the entire restaurant to sing me happy birthday!

file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/52/02/DB6973BB-62D3-4F68-A36E-8916E2EF6E57/IMG_3351.mov

So it is a done deal, I’m officially a year older.

More exploring the next day and of course more eating. Tonight the gang walks to Legal Seafood on Long Wharf. The walk there is highlighted by a beautiful sunset.

That night we hang out under the moonlight and have after-dinner drinks at their hotel. Everyone but Sharon and Dan is leaving in the morning and it has been such fun having my gang here to celebrate with me.

Dan, Sharon and I first go out to the Kennedy Presidential Library. I have only been to one other of the 14 Presidential Libraries—LBJ’s in Austin. This one is beautiful and well done.

I am surprised by this map. are you?

Later we head to Cambridge to have dinner at little Donkey, a Spanish tapa style restaurant. We all love it. Then off to the Loeb Theatre to see Chasing Magic. It felt so odd to be back in the theatre. We had to show proof of vaccination and wear masks but it was worth it to finally see live theatre again.

Dan and Sharon leave for Charleston, SC and I have a solo day where first I go to Third Cliff Bakery owned by Meg, the wife of a friend of ours. Delicious!

Then I go to mass at the Cathedral.

A beautiful place and a great homily. The priest tells the story of a boy who is sitting in a low stool looking up at his mother embroidering and sees the underside of what she is working on. He is puzzled because it looks like lots of loose threads and knots, with no rhyme or reason. She then lifts him up to look at the work from the top down and he sees a beautiful orderly design and pattern. That story speaks to me in many ways.

The next day I take the train to Kingston, RI to visit my friend George. I am wowed by Rhode Island’s beauty. We have a fabulous lunch at George’s friend Nancy’s home.

Nancy shows me around her lovingly decorated 1776 home and gardens. George and I hang out at Witch Hill beach with his new dog, Gracie.

George takes me back to the train station for an easy hour ride back to Boston

So much has transpired this week! I’m back in my cozy place with these colorful dahlias from Nancy’s Rhode Island garden to remind me of all the beauty in the world.

Thanks for reading along!

Oh Lord won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz

Wait…not THAT Woodstock! I’m heading to Woodstock,Vermont where the theme song is the Ballad of the Green Mountain Boys ( really good song actually, link here https://youtu.be/Y4KcJTP8nW8).

I have always wanted to go to Vermont as it is one of the 5 remaining states I have not spent a night in. Mid-Shirleyfest I always take a little side trip, so this is a perfect time to head north. My friends Belinda and Kent pick me up and off we go on a beautiful sunny day. After an organic healthy lunch at Mon Vert in town we arrive at the Woodstock Inn.

It really is so lovely and well maintained. After checking in we walk around town. Bookstores, antique shops, bakeries and gorgeous large homes on the river. I have to say it is the quintessential Northeast village encapsulated by covered bridges and the the Ottauquechee River. I feel like I am in Stars Hollow from the Gilmore Girls.

When confirming my reservation a few days ago, the concierge told me that at the nearby farm they had thousands of sunflowers in bloom and it was quite a site. We head off to see those flowers. Imagine our surprise when we we see a field of dead sunflowers. Well there is one that looks like a sunflower shower so I got a picture with that.

And while the sunflowers were a bust, this butterfly feasting on one is fun to see.

All is not a bust at the farm tho because we do see a calf that has just been born. That night we have dinner at the Red Rooster at the hotel and it was delicious. We start the next day with a hike up the nearby mountain for magnificent views of the valley.

Afterwards we head to Simon Pearce, an amazing shop with beautiful hand blown glass. The many glass blowers are working in the basement and we are mesmerized by their craft.

Outside the shops, the river and a waterfall are beautiful today but we learn that a devastating hurricane in 2011, destroyed much of the shop and the surrounding town. It looks great now!

We realize that we are very close to Dartmouth so we decide to go. The students have just arrived on campus so all is abuzz. We have lunch at Lou’s before heading to the Quechee Gorge. The gorge is 165 feet deep and is the deepest gorge in Vermont. It is known as Vermont’s Grand Canyon. We find a spot on the bridge perfect for viewing.

Back in Woodstock, Belinda discovers a hidden game room complete with pool table, pinball machines and a bar. We have it all to ourselves and enjoy some pre dinner libations before heading upstairs to the Tavern for a delicious dinner.

The next day we head back. I’m sad to leave Woodstock but I spy out the car window a field of leaves turning colors. It’s a sign to come back and see all of Vermont’s changing foliage again someday. Viva Vermont!

Boston ABCs….Art, Baseball and Charles River.

I’m sitting in my beautiful living room sipping coffee at 8:08 am and I see online that there is a 9:00 am tour of Fenway Ball Park. I throw on my clothes, rush out the door and hop on the T. I buy the ticket on my phone while I’m on the train, power walk 15 minutes from the stop and I’m there with minutes to spare. It’s game day and Boston, who is in the wild card race, is playing the #1 Tampa Bay Rays in a few hours. Fenway is getting ready!

Our energetic tour guide tells us all the lore of this storied baseball park. We see the one red seat in a sea of green where a fan got beaned when Ted Williams hit the longest home run in the park’s history. We see the Green Monster and the seats on it. We sit in the press box.

Fenway now even has a farm on the roof which provides produce for the concessions in the park as well as donations to local food banks.

The hour flies by and I couldn’t be happier. Later the Red Sox could be happier as they were beat 11-10 in extra innings.

But I gotta scoot because I’m going kayaking on the Charles River. I walk across the Longfellow Bridge to the other side of the river and find the kayak rental place. With very little info I’m sent off in my kayak and told to bring it back when I feel like it!

Off I go towards the Harvard Bridge. It is so beautiful on the river today. I get out a ways and have the whole Boston skyline behind me.

I could have gone on forever. The day was beautiful and the river calm. It is only because I’m getting hungry that I finally go back. And you know what I want after being on the water? A lobster roll!

I heard of James Hook lobster shack from a local. It is back over on my side of the river and down towards Long Wharf. I order the large lobster roll. Period. That’s all I want. And for $42 with tip that is what I get. Worth every penny

The other local tip I got was that Boston has killer donuts from a place called Kane’s. Fortunately ( or not) Kane’s donuts is just around the corner, so…..

The next day is equally great weather and I hire a local photographer to do a photo walk with me around my Beacon Hill neighborhood. I take a lot of pictures and she points out cool possibilities to me for shots.

This house is charming and begs to have its picture taken with its Red Sox door and Red Sox baseballs gracing all the flower pots. We also go to Acorn Lane, the most photographed street in Boston and where marriage proposals are regularly staged. I thought I got a great shot of this pretty street.

She takes me to Louisburg Square which is right behind my place and where John Kerry lives at #19 and the author Robin Cook lives at #16 (Coma, Contagion, Pandemic, and more). Louisa May Alcott lived here at one time as well. It is apparently the most expensive address in Boston. I love the door knockers.

We also photograph the public gardens and parts of Back Bay. One of my favorite photos is the dog stuck in the Back Bay fence. All in all it’s a fun morning.

But what about the A of the ABCs? Not to worry, that afternoon I went to the special Monet exhibit at the Boston Museum of Fine Art and then topped it off with a visit to the Isabella Gardner Museum. This Isabella Gardner museum was the site of the $500 million, 1990 theft of 13 works of art including Rembrandts and Vermeer. Look at the empty frames still on the walls where the paintings had been.

The best part of the Isabella Gardner Museum is the courtyard garden. it is gorgeous and ever changing. The Museum also has a great restaurant where I had lunch prior to my visit.

So there you have the ABCs of a couple of my Shirleyfest Boston days. Coming up next…the USS Constitution and sunset walking with my Boston Meet Up group. Stay tuned and follow along!

Beautiful Boston Shirleyfest 2021

I arrive during a rainstorm to my new home for the next month. There is always that moment before I open the door where I wonder what it will look like on the other side. Here’s what I see.

I breath a sigh of relief and an outburst of joy. I’ve rented a beautiful place in the Beacon Hill area of Boston. I will be happy here. My dear friends who live in a nearby suburb kindly whisk me away for a welcoming typical New England dinner of lobster,clam chowder and Boston cream pie.

And so goes my first night in Boston. Early the next day I do a walking tour of the Freedom Trail with Brian, a comedic Bostonian. I see the State House, the Boston Commons, the First Public Schoolhouse, and the site of the Boston Massacre where British soldiers opened fire on a taunting mob in 1770 killing 5 and providing an igniter for Revolutionary activists. I also see the Old Granary Burial Grounds where the gallows humor is you can go to the bar across the street and have a cold Samuel Adams while overlooking a cold Samuel Adams.

After the tour, I head over to the North Church for a quick visit in the Italian area of Boston—North End. I spy Regina’s Pizza which is on my list and choose a yummy pizza.

That evening I stroll through the beautiful Beacon Hill streets and wind up at a local place called 75 Chestnut for dinner. So enjoyable to eat outside on these cobblestone streets. Afterwards I realize I am only a few blocks from Cheers bar so I have a nightcap of a cold one.

The next morning I meet a friend from Palo Alto for coffee and we stroll around Charles street looking at vintage stores and antique shops. In the afternoon I go downtown and get my monthly subway card ( Charlie Card) and head to the Boston Public Library. It is an beautiful building with murals from the painter John Singer Sargent, gorgeous reading rooms and a storied history. It is the first free public library and it is filled with people today taking advantage of all it has to offer.

Tonight I head first to the Contemporary Art Museum via the T and a walk across the river. It is happening! A cool exhibit featuring Virgil Abloh. He is the artistic Director behind the off-white launch in Milan which challenges elite fashion houses long-standing exclusion of Black talent. There is a band playing on the waterfront in front of the museum. So fun! Afterwards I go to Sportello, a Barbara Lynch restaurant nearby.I get suggestions from two regulars and I always listen to regulars. One is to order a whipped housemade ricotta with honey and a homemade warm focaccia and the other the roasted pasta Bolognese tagliatelle.

Now it’s the weekend! My friends and I go to Marblehead and Salem for the day. Marblehead is a coastal town, sometimes referred to as the birthplace of the American Navy. We cross the causeway and walk around this little island and see the lighthouse and all the beautiful homes. You can see Boston in the distance.

Now Salem! What a hoot! Everything is witchcraft this and spooky that. Some people are dressed in costume. We have a great lunch at Finz overlooking the harbor and then we check out the old cemetery.

After all that spooky business we need some drinks. No better place than my rooftop deck when we get home.

I think that is quite enough for my first few days here. Next up at Fenway Park and kayaking the Charles River. I hope you follow along as I explore Boston!

Copenhagen: a sensory experience

It isn’t a Shirleyfest, but why not do a summary of one of the coolest cities in the world? Copenhagen tickled all my senses more easily than any city I’ve visited. Sights, sounds, smells, touch and taste…..oh my goodness…taste! It is also the happiest….Except for Wednesday night when at midnight Denmark lost in overtime to England in the UEFA EURO semi- finals. More on that later.

Saturday July 3, 2021

I leave on Friday and arrive Saturday via a 10 hour nonstop flight from SFO on SAS. Because I made my reservation so late, I can only get premium economy, but SAS lets you “bid” for an upgrade and fortunately they take my bid. Lie flat beds make the trip go fast and easy! Arriving in the morning, I quickly hop on the train below the airport into the city center and walk the few blocks from the central station to my beautiful design hotel, Nobis Copenhagen.

At 7:30 am I know my room will not be ready, but DeJon at the front desk stores my luggage and I go off to explore Copenhagen. First stop- Sct. Peder’s Bageri where I get my first of what will be many delicious pastries. This one was a Kanel gnurrer.

There I meet a lovely family and we talked for an hour. The 5 year old, Oliver, teaches me the cheer I need for this soccer week-“ I am red,I am white, I am Denmark dynamite.” Over to the beautiful Nyhavn ( new harbor) where I decide to take one of the boat cruises around the Baltic Sea and the canals. So glad I do! I learn a lot and enjoy seeing Copenhagen from that perspective.

Now I get a text from the hotel that my room is ready. Again—it’s a design hotel so naturally my room is stylish! Later in the afternoon the front desk sends up a glass of wine.

I get ready for my first dinner in Copenhagen. Fishmarket. Lovely local fish with peas and vegetables and I get to hear the roar of the crowd as Denmark beats Czech in the quarterfinals.

Home for a good night’s rest.My Apple Watch informs me I have walked 8.5 miles today after getting off my overnight flight.

Sunday, July 4, 2021

I see online that there is a 10:00 am walking tour starting at the Radhuspladsen ( Town Hall Square) so off I go. Our guide, Stuart, is an older gentleman married to a Dane. Our little group of 5 enjoy a wonderful walk around many of the famous sites, including the old and new palaces, stock exchange, parliament and the court house. Two of the people with me on the walking tour are from Salzburg and afterward we decide to go see the famous little mermaid statue together and we have a lovely time walking a bit more around town.

Leaving them, I want to try Cafe Ateiler September for lunch. I pick the special salad. Does not disappoint. The crowd in here is as cool as it gets too.

Now I’m off to find the outdoor market, Torvehallerne. It is a bit like a small Naschmarket in Vienna. Beautifully curated produce and even more beautiful small restaurants on the fringe.

But I read about a brew pub in the New York Times and I want to find it . Success! Brus. So many beers on tap. I choose. I drink.

My friend is arriving tonight from Amsterdam, so I head back. Joining him at dinner at our hotel— great food and great design…and great wine. Then we set off around 11 pm to walk across the bridge and later around Tivoli— a very old amusement park that was the inspiration for Disneyland.

We realize it is the 4th of July and snap this picture to commemorate the occasion.Apple Watch says I walked 12.6 miles today.

Monday July 5, 2021

We plot out a super fun day starting with renting bikes to bike to the spiral Church of Our Savoir. We use the bike app Bycyklen which I had downloaded and added minutes to before I left home. Later we learn from a local that a preferable bike company is Donkey Republic. Smooth biking across the water. We climb and climb and one of us even squeezed up to that last bit. Great views of Copenhagen.

Time to get our groove on. We hang out in Christiania, a 70’s style hippie commune. Nick drank the coffee and I just breathed in the aroma from all the people passing by.

We check out the opera house on our way to lunch at La Banchina, a combo swimming hole, organic wine bar, gourmet seafood restaurant. On the way we pass the site of Noma, the famous restaurant I’m heading to on Saturday.

That night we head to Copenhagen’s meat packing district and dine at Pate Pate. 5 courses, lots of delicious wine and a stroll thru the beautiful Copenhagen night finishes off a glorious day. Walked 9.1 miles

Tuesday July 6, 2021

Sadly my friend has to leave early. I decide to go over to Malmö, Sweden. I head to the train station and work out a very reasonable $35 round trip ticket across the famous Odense bridge/tunnel. It only took 35/minutes and now I’m in Sweden. A lovely lady at the info booth gives me a map and I head off. It’s a charming town with a cute old town where I have some street food for lunch. Then I head to the castle and the surrounding park.

The Turning Torso beckons me so I take the long walk there. Amazing architecture! I stop for a drink at the beach and then walk along the harbor.

Back on the train I’m in Denmark again before dinner time. Actually time to go to the Glyptotek museum which is right next door to the Nobis. This is an old villa with an art collection built around the personal collection of Carl Jacobsen, the founder of Carlsberg Breweries. This may be one of my favorite museums ever.

A food blog I read insist the pizza at Pizzeria la Fiorita is the best neighborhood place in Copenhagen. I walk out only to return for an umbrella as it is pouring. It is actually a nice walk in the warm rain. The place is hopping with locals getting pizza after pizza. The owner comes to talk to me in Italian where I’m understanding about every other word. It is delicious!

A walk back thru the Kings garden, the new harbor and the winding streets. Walking 13.2 miles

Wednesday July 7, 2021

It is game day! You cannot find anyone not decked out in red and white. I want to try the metro today. The Metro here is pristine. NYC take note.

Also I heard of a bakery in the northern borough so I get a day ticket and head up really early. The famous bakery, Juno the Bakery, is closed for July break but since I am in Copenhagen there is always another bakery. I stop for the next “ I’ve lost count how many ” danishes at Bosses Bageri and a coffee at Cafe Efternolern.

I’m refreshed enough to go shopping on the longest shopping street in Europe, Strøget. I hit a couple of shops( and they hit my wallet) but it was so fun. Now I have a reservation for lunch at the Michelin guide restaurant Sankt Annæ. Oh my. They have been serving lunch only for over 180 years in the same location. I choose the most Danish lunch I can find on the menu: smoked salmon from FARO and creamed spinach. It comes with this Danish salted butter. Oh my again. I pair it with a crisp Sancerre wine and am enjoying a long lunch chatting with the friendly waiters and other patrons. I finish with a chocolate nut cake with raspberry and mango coulis. The waiter insist on bringing me one perfect Danish strawberry to try as well.

I’m so full, so I decide to get on my bike and bike the half hour to the cemetery where Hans Christian Anderson is buried. My one and only bike mishap happens on this ride. I signal the American way that I am turning right. I collide with a biker behind me also turning right. Many many curse words later— by him not me— I come to understand that a right turn is signaled not with the left elbow bent up but with the right arm outstretched. We are all fine and I continue my ride. Beautiful peaceful oasis and people strolling like it’s a park. I bike home and get ready to go out for the big celebration.

Basically I just walk and observe. Happy people everywhere!

Semi final game is tonight against England

Noise and partying. I have a reservation at Popl a hamburger place started by a NOMA alum. Quite a treat especially paired with a Riesling.

Popl burger made with cattle that graze freely in the Wadden Sea National Park

I wander and wander among the crowd enjoying the festivity and getting a beer here and there with the joyful celebrants.

With the game tied 1-1 at 11 pm and going into overtime I head back.The streets are deserted as everyone is celebrating together.

I am just in my room when at midnight I hear the eerie quiet. Denmark has lost! Walking 12.3 miles today

Thursday July 8, 2021

I switch hotels today from the Nobis to the Sanders, as my fabulous friends who have been the catalyst for making this trip are arriving today and that is where they are staying. I say goodbye to the wonderful staff at the Nobis: Dora, Ishara, DeJon, Alexander and Diane. Arriving at the Sanders I find Asteroula at the front desk has upgraded me to a beautiful room and that the staff here are equally attentive and lovely.

When my friends arrive we head to the Apollo Bar for a snack and to see the art exhibit showing there.

Tonight we are dining at Joudnær, a Michelin two star restaurant owned by Eric Vildgaard and his wife Tina. The story of how Chef Eric went from gang enforcer to acclaimed chef has the makings of a dramatic movie. I urge you to read about his inspirational story. The end of the story is the love of his wife and the love of cooking brought this amazing restaurant to life and to us.

It is an breathtaking 19 course dinner with the service as well choreographed as any ballet. The name of the restaurant translates to “down to earth” and it is a vegetable/seafood forward menu. I’ll let the dishes speak for themselves. After dinner we tour the kitchen which is as delightful as any dessert. Walking 11.7 miles today

Friday July 9, 2021

Great breakfast at the Sanders made even better by the delightful David in the cafe. Today we stroll down the shopping street stopping into the big Illum department store. An employee explains a process whereby they remove the moisture from fresh flowers and replace it with a preserving serum. She then arranges the flowers and the bouquets will last for years.

Onward we go to the meatpacking district where we see more art galleries before walking home to get ready for our dinner at Bæst in the inner Nørrebro area of Copenhagen. This is Christian Puglisi’s Italian restaurant where all the ingredients are grown or raised on his organic farm.

Two pizzas and many yummy other courses later we taxi back. Walking 10.7 miles

Saturday

Today we go to the Louisiana Museum. The name derives from the first owner of the property , Alexander Brun, who named the villa after his three wives, all called Louise. The museum is 22 miles north of Copenhagen and is the most visited art museum in Denmark. The exhibits which impress me are one called Mor! ( Mother), a video work by Arthur Jafa entitled Love is the Message, the Message is Death and one of paintings by a Swedish artist, Mamma Andersson. The Jafa video contrasts the fame and status of black athletes and musicians with the treatment of the African American population in general. The place itself is quite impressive and there is art installed all over the grounds outside.

We decide to try to take the train home. We had many problems getting the ticket machine to work and when the train arrives we just hop on hoping to buy thru the app on our phone before the conductor arrives. With seconds to spare, we achieve success with the app and therefore incur no fines or jail time for violating the train rules. Good thing we are not in jail because tonight is Noma.

Noma is of course one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the world. The chef Rene Redzepi has created a gastronomic mecca of Nordic cuisine. The new location is on a large plot of land with greenhouses and herb gardens. Every detail of the many buildings on the property and the open kitchen has been meticulously planned. We have 17 courses each one as beautiful as a painting. Again I will let the pictures speak for the experience. We tour the kitchen of Noma and learn about the concept and the inner workings of this awe inspiring place.

Cardamon Candles–walnut wicks and caramels to eat after flame goes out

We choose to walk home with the Copenhagen sky doing a private show for us. Walking 9.1 miles

Sunday

I am sad to leave Copenhagen this morning, but my flight is at noon so one last breakfast and I say goodbye until the next time. In my week here I’ve walked the equivalent of 3 marathons and enjoyed becoming a part of the biking public . In summary? Copenhagen…..gorgeous canals leading out to the sea, an extraordinary food scene, awe inspiring art, cobblestone streets filled with cafes and wine bars, and the nicest population of anywhere I’ve traveled.

Planning a Solo Adventure

Traveling alone has a lot of perks, from meeting new people to changing your mind on a whim.

I just completed a week long workshop at Rancho la Puerta called Transitions, Transformations and Travel. All the sessions were well attended and enjoyable. I promised the attendees I would post on my site a brief article I wrote for Via magazine on traveling solo. Enjoy!

By Shirley Buccieri

Would you like to go on a trip with someone you know intimately, do exactly what you want to do, whenever you want to do it, and never once have to share your dessert? Then get on board with one of the hottest trends in the travel industry–Traveling Solo. The changing demographics of American households, the frustration of trying to mesh friends and partners’ work schedules and interests, and even the popularity of the book and movie Eat, Pray Love mean more and more people are hitting the road alone. For many people, traveling solo is an intriguing concept, but for some, that fascination is mixed with fear. So what are the ways to tip that scale in your favor and acquire the skills of successful solo travelers?

Optimizing your solo travels means mastering three basic concepts: (1) the practical mechanics of what to do when “It’s all on you”, (2) dealing with the number one concern of solo travelers–loneliness, and (3) embracing the experience to get the most out of being on a trip with yourself.

Practical Mechanics

Do your homework. You won’t have a navigator to say get off at this exit or a friend to watch your luggage while you roam about checking out the bus vs. taxi option at the airport. Advanced planning before you leave home is paramount. Whether you are heading up to wine country or flying to Berlin, know your route, transportation options and the general lay of the land before you leave home. Print out maps of things you want to do or put those destinations into your mobile phone or GPS. Make at least your first night’s hotel reservation ahead of time and know how you are getting there when you arrive.

Be Safe. Trust your gut. Going solo means the fun of talking to new people alone and accepting impromptu invitations. But if something doesn’t seem right, trust your intuition and know that it is best to pass on that conversation or opportunity and exit. Also, dressing and behaving in the manner of the place you are visiting goes a long way towards not labeling you as an outsider and that is good for both safety and enjoying your visit. Open your eyes and take your cues from those around you.

Don’t be Lonely

Put lines in the water. One of the things most solo travelers worry about is being lonely, or if not lonely, not having someone to share the wonderful food, art, or performance they are experiencing. This is where having put lines in the water ahead of time will really pay off. Having connections at your destination is a matter of asking people at home to E-connect you with locals they know via email before you leave home. Ask your friends, your doctor, your colleagues–everyone. A certain percentage of these “lines” will pay off. You can follow up when you arrive and set in place at intervals that suit you, dinners, lunches, coffees or drinks. The nice thing is–one connection leads to another connection and you can pepper your aloneness with as much local companionship as you want to add to your vacation.

Meet people on your terms. A solo trip has room for as much or as little interaction as you want. While enjoying the freedom and flexibility of a solo outing, it is actually easier to meet people when you are a solo traveler. Become a regular at a local coffee house and not only get great local tips, the aura of a regular means you will meet other locals as well. Choose places that have communal tables. A person alone is much more approachable than a group, or even a couple, so don’t be surprised if people strike up a conversation with you. Enjoy it! Need a loneliness fix? Get the benefits of a group without being one by signing up for a local walking tour of something that interest you at your destination. Ask people to take your picture or offer to take theirs.

Embrace the Experience

Go for it. Now that you have bravely taken your trip, get the most out of it. Put aside your electronic devices and look around. Walk as much as possible or take public transportation. Keep a journal both as a silent companion, but also to note how this experience is changing you. Write down the lessons you are learning from this trip. Contemplation and personal growth come naturally on a solo trip. When traveling with someone, sometimes we temper our curiosity to fit another person’s expectations–solo travel allows uninhibited observation of others and unbridled curiosity.

Mistakes-who cares! One of the nicest things about solo travel is you learn to cope with your own mistakes and laugh. Got on the wrong train? No one to blame, so you shrug and get off at the next stop and make an adventure of a place you didn’t intend to see.

No one else to please, so please yourself. You want to linger in the cafe for an hour? Do it. This museum is boring? Leave. Don’t rush through your trip. Make conscious choices and please yourself. Get lost on purpose. Solo travel lets you be spontaneous and design your own adventure without compromise or negotiation.

Have themes. As you get the hang of solo travel, it is fun to have recurrent themes that you explore. Maybe you visit every place with an eye towards “What is the coffee culture?” Or maybe in each location you look at the dynamics of people and their pets? Or maybe you just want to sip an Old Fashion in every place you visit and compare and contrast that simple pleasure. Go ahead–it’s your trip!

“To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world”–Freya Stark

This article first appeared in Via Magazine.

Savouring Sanguis and the last few days of Shirleyfest 2020

Before leaving Santa Barbara, I visit Sanguis Winery. It is one of two wineries I really want to experience during my month (the other is MarBeSo which I wrote about last post). My desire to visit starts with this quote I read on Sanguis’ website, “There is BEAUTY IN ORDER — but to merely accept this as a fact of life is to surrender to the status quo. In this way things will be predictable, monotonous and boring.The ‘Secret’ to making beautiful wine is to work hard at not giving into the seduction of routine and instead to continue experimenting and pushing the limits by exploring new directions. ” This sounds like a wine version of my philosophy of life. So I bike over after my lunch at La Super-Rica and knock on the door of the winery, set in Santa Barbara’s industrial area. The owner and winemaker Matthias Pippig lets me in and I find him and his co- worker Elliot having lunch.

I explained my mission and Matthias interrupts his lunch to talk to me about Sanguis and how it came to be in 2004 with his wife Jamie. Bavarian born Matthias has had many past lives including jazz musician and a stint at La Brea Bakery. I learn of his passion for capturing nature’s beauty in crafting electric Rhône and Bordeaux style blends. Matthias is heading out to Oregon for a new wine project, but he sets me up to have a tasting in a couple of days with his colleague Robin.

Robin amazes me wIth her knowledge. She tells me all about the building and how it became this unique winery at the edge of town. She shows me the process the winery is using to make the perfect wines, and how Sanguis embraces what nature provides. She talks about how they are working with the farmers in all aspects of the planting, pruning, and picking. Then we get down to the business of tasting. From Stolen Moments, to Loner to the Optimist to Bossman I am loving the depth and nuance of these wines. It won’t surprise any of my readers that I have to own some of the Optimist.

While we taste. we exchange ideas about travel and life. I do not know when I have had a better full range conversation with someone I had only just met. A native of Santa Barbara, Robin is an athlete ( dancer) and as such she has focus, spirit and the ability to rise to new challenges. She also loves food and before I go she gives me two good tips. Revolver Pizza and a new wine bar called Venus in Furs.

I am actually fairly hungry after the tasting and even though Robin was dubious that I could get a pizza that day, as they limit what they make, I give Revolver a call. Luck is with me.

A chef driven New York style pizza place only opened one month, Revolver takes on the name of the Beatles iconic album which for the Beatles was a leap into the future. So it is with the trio of men collaborating on this new venture. As Robin suggests, I take my prize pizza to Mesa Lane Beach nearby and have my own psychedelic experience of all my senses being happy from the memories of the day at Sanguis Winery and now the delicious pizza and the incredible view of the sun on the beach.

I have been following the Santa Barbara zoo on instagram and thinking of dropping by. I learn from my new friends Paul and Lynn that if I bike there I can also bike to the Andrée Clark Bird Refuge so that is my plan. The zoo is nicely laid out and manageable. I do believe I am the only person at the zoo without a child in tow, but I don’t care, I’m doing research.

A short bike ride later I am at the Andrée Clark Bird Refuge, one of the largest wildlife refuges in Santa Barbara County. It is named for the older sister of the heiress Huguenots Clark, who owned Bellosguardo (which is near the refuge), one of the several empty mansions of the reclusive copper heiress who died in 2011 at the age of 104. Bellosguardo sat furnished but unvisited by Huguette Clark after 1951. The staff was under orders to keep the home as it was, and automobiles remained in the carriage house with 1949 license plates, as described in the Clark biography Empty Mansions. The heiress funded the refuge in honor of her sister who died a week before her 17th birthday. There are over 200 species of birds in the refuge. It is so peaceful just sitting here taking in the refuge, the palm tress and the view of the ocean nearby.

Remembering Robin’s other recommendation, that night my neighbor Lynn and I head to the brand new Venus in Furs wine bar/cafe. It is a collaboration of a well known restaurant group in town named after the song by the Velvet Underground who named the song after an 1870 novella by Austrian author Leopold von Sacher-Masoch. The front of house, Jamie, talks to us about the opening and gives us some background before we settle into a wine cocktail. All the cocktails are made with wine–not hard alcohol. Our choice is the Bee’s Lee’s, a delicious concoction of textured white winer, yellow peach blanc vermouth, honey and lemon.

After consulting with our lovely server, Jo, we smartly pair the drinks with some garden fritters made of olives, fried greens and citrus.

We eventually move on to try some of the wines paired with the spiced lamb belly and the melon with duck prosciutto and persimmons. A fun evening and so great to be able to walk to the restaurant and then walk home under the Santa Barbara moon. We didn’t have dessert and that may be my fault. Earlier in the day, hot from my bike ride I made a little stop.

The last morning in Santa Barbara I do one last bike ride along the beach. I lock my bike up and go for one last stroll at the water’s edge. Thank you Santa Barbara and thank you all the wonderful people I met during my month here. I’ll be back.

Happy Birthday Drink Eat Laugh

Wednesday was my birthday. I was told those last 5 words that day and here it is 72 hours later and I still can repeat them. The tick of one year older has not caused any mental degradation in me! Can you remember these words? More about my birthday later.

Friday morning I head off for the Montecito Farmer’s Market. I love Farmer’s Markets, but also I was hoping Megan, Harry and Archie might be there picking up some local squashes or peaches. No such luck, but I did find some chayote which I had never seen before. It is a gourd originally from Columbia and is cooked like a summer squash.

After the Farmer’s Market I head straight up and 10 minutes later I am at Lotusland. Lotusland is an amazing botanical garden. Madame Ganna Walska, a well-known Polish opera singer and socialite, purchased the Montecito estate in 1941 and spent the next 43 years creating Lotusland, today recognized as one of the best gardens in the world. There is a spectacular collections of exotic plants on the 37-acre property. I start in the cycad area and a guide points to these large three cycads and tells me they are called the three bachelors. Madame Walska sold off a million dollars of her jewelry to get these and the other cycads. These three are sub tropical plants that lived over 250 million years ago, before the dinosaurs. They are no surviving female plants for the three bachelors on the planet today. As a single lady I find this amusing.

There are guides throughout the garden. I learn so much from each of them. Cory, the Gardner, talks to me about bees— native bees, bumblebees, honeybees. I learn there are over 4000 species of bees and that they morphed from wasps. They have an entire section devoted to flowers that the bees and butterfly’s love.

Honestly there is so much to tell about every section of the garden that I can’t do it justice. Let me just post a few more pictures I took and then encourage you to get a ticket if you are ever in Santa Barbara.

The one Farmer’s Market that I still want to get to is the Fishermans Market out on the wharf where the freshest catches are brought in from 6-11 on Saturday Morning. Today is the day.

It is so fun to see all the fishing boats and local fish, a lot of which is caught in the Channel Islands. I had a great talk with Paul who was selling vermillion ( like snapper) with his assistant Dylan. Paul tells me why the eyes of the fish bulge out ( has to do with a little balancing sac in the fish that expands when the fish come up from the deep sea).

Paul has been doing this for 40 years and seems to love both the fishing and the market. Paul tells me about an Italian man Salvatore Castagnola born in Italy in 1876. He came to the United States through New York in 1904. Salvatore started building fishing skiffs and acquired a fleet of 7 fishing boats. The family opened a fish market in 1929 in Santa Barbara and they shipped fish all over California. He and his wife had 11 children. One of the Castagnola fishing boats came up for sale and Paul bought it. It is named Sal C after Salvatore. He let me take a picture of him with his boat.

I have biked to the Fisherman’s Market so now I start biking to meet my new SB friends at La Super-Rica Taqueria. This beloved institution has been drawing crowds for decades from near and far with its simple, delicious food. Julia Child put it on the map when she moved to Santa Barbara after husband passed away. She announced in numerous interviews and magazines that it was her favorite spot. Lots of controversies exists as to its enduring claim to fame but I just want you to know that I loved it.

I beat my three friends there ( because I’m on my bike and don’t have to park) and get in the line. When they arrive they all have their favorites but I am torn.

I finally go for the Super Rica Especial (#16) and a special of the day fish tamale. If you look at these prices you see that over ordering isn’t a financial burden ( but it is a waistline burden). The people working here are so very nice.

This is Hector. I hung out talking to him while orders came and went. He has worked here for 20 years and takes such pride in his work. After a while he tells me, “ Shirley, you can call me Tito. That’s my nickname.” My order is up and it looks so delicious! Here is my tamale and my Super Rica Especial.

Here are my friends who suggested this outing. Lynn, Susan and Lynda.

But wait what about my birthday? Or birthday week actually. Do you remember those 5 words I told you at the beginning of this post. I was afraid of that. Happy Birthday Drink Eat Laugh

My brother John and sister in law Virginia arrive Monday night. We head out for a great tapas meal at Loquita in the Funk Zone to kick things off. The next day we hike the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve. It is a beautiful protected area where the Santa Ynez Mountains can be seen to the north and the Channel Islands to the south. There is a view down to the Carpinteria Harbor Seal Rockery. The seals are there year round.

Now it is Wednesday my actual birthday. We start at a local art gallery, Sullivan Goss, to see the paintings of a local artist named Hank Pitcher.

Virginia and I are quite taken by another local artist in the gallery, Erika Carter. Her paintings are rooted in her travels to central Mexico. We both want this lady to grace a room in our homes.

When we arrive back at home, there are beautiful birthday flowers from two of my favorite people.

Now we head up to Buellton. First for a visit to Pence Winery. I mentioned Pence in one of my earlier posts. This time we sit in the Canyon and have a wonderful afternoon sipping their delicious wines.

But honestly the highlight of the wine experience is still to come. A brand new undertaking by Colin McNany, his wife Hannah and the adorable Poppy. I know this family from Colin’s days as the winemaker at La Honda Winery in the Bay Area. The new winery is called MarBeSo. They have a passion for coastal influenced wines. Please put this winery on your radar and get in on their wine futures. You will not be sorry.

Dinner tonight we easily walk to my favorite Olio e Limone. Despite my resolution to forgo dessert it comes out with a candle so what can I do but have a bite or two… or three.

John and Virginia leave Thursday and I would be sad except my friend Joan has invited me for a delicious lunch of a salmon salad from NYT Cooking at her beautiful home. It is so nice to meet new people on Shirleyfest with which you have an instant connection.

That evening I head to Hendry’s beach and catch the sunset and feel so blessed by all the love and friendship I have experienced this birthday.

And do you believe it, there is one more birthday dinner? Last year in Kyoto Angela and Jim helped me celebrate my birthday and they have made a return visit to to do that again this year. We head to Ca’ Dario and have one more beautiful celebration.

Another birthday, another post. Next and maybe last post will be in the next few days. Until then thanks for visiting Shirleyfest.

Food glorious food!

I am sitting on State Street which has been turned into a pedestrian zone, eating a Yoga Pants Salad and drinking a Sunshine Spritz and talking to the delightful Paul of Satellite about natural wines. It is noon on a Friday in Santa Barbara. The salad is created from the Santa Barbara Farmer’s Market offerings and the owner, Emma West, packed it with vegan protein to lure the patrons of the yoga studio next door after their sessions. The Sunshine Spritz is like an aperol spritz but two local vermouths replace the aperol. Paul gave me the recipe and I’ll make you one next time you come to my house. Better yet, come to Satellite the next time you are in SB.

Since I just had a “little” salad for lunch, I am happy to dig into Via Maestro’ fresh clams and linguine for dinner tonight with my new friends Lynn and Susan.

Via Maestro actually started as an Italian import business and then 20 years ago Renalto decided to showcase the products he had been supplying to restaurants by opening a restaurant of his own. It is a not well kept secret of every local I talk to.

So how do I choose where to eat and drink on Shirleyfest? I start by reading food blogs. Food bloggers have the inside scoop much more so than travel guides, TripAdvisor or Yelp. I almost never use those sources as they run to the touristy side of eating. I consult the travel writings of the New York Times, the Washington Post and the Guardian as I have calibrated those sources to usually be spot on with what I like. Then I talk to locals and most importantly when I like a restaurant I ask the chef where the chef likes to eat. I always keep a notebook and pen with me and you would be surprised how many chefs and restaurant workers have scribbled out fabulous places that I would never have known about.

But before food there is the cocktail hour. I learned of Test Pilot from a food blog. When my sister MJ came to town last week we headed straight over. I had the Millennial Falcon Fizz and MJ had the Spicy Margarita. Excellent! See happy sister below.

We proceed to dinner at Bouchon, recommended by several friends. Take a look at that bottle of wine behind me.

Remember in post #1 where I found a Santa Barbara Gruner Veltliner I loved? This restaurant didn’t have it on their list but our server agreed it is really the best so he went and found a bottle for us to have. The wine is the Tatomer Gruner Veltliner.

The day after Bouchon, MJ and I rode bikes out o Butterfly Beach and then my friends Tom and John joined Shirleyfest. We walked all over town before ending up at the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company where I ate my first night in Santa Barbara This time I went for the fresh Dungeness Crab Louis.

All that walking led of course to needing sustenance so the guys had McConnell’s ice cream— which has been around for decades and is the finest ice cream in the world according to Time magazine. Organic eggs, grass grazed cows producing the milk and nothing added. I resisted that but broke down at Chocolate Maya. Maya is a Swiss woman, who 20 years ago, finding no fine chocolates in this area returned to Switzerland and studied under famous Swiss chocolatiers to return and open her fine chocolate shop. In talking with her we discovered we had both been in the same fine chocolate shop in Kyoto last year at the exact same time.

Hours pass before we all reunite at The Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch for the most beautiful, extravagant dining experience in Santa Barbara. We are ushered to a table under a canopy of twinkly lights and start with a flatbread and cocktails. This is followed by amazing local halibut and Steak Diane and…..please stop me before I explode!

The next day we are going wine tasting at three wineries just north of here. You know what that means— gotta eat before tasting. We head to Industrial Eats in Buellton. It is a restaurant tucked into a re-purposed warehouse in the town made famous by the movie Sideways. The ingredients are all grown on the surrounding farms,

We first taste at Alma Rosa next door and then drive 10 minutes to Pence Winery , a 220 acre working ranch owned by Blair Pence, a Burgundy lover. His wines are esteemed Pinot noirs and chardonnays. The tasting is so beautiful as we are led past a pond and into a canyon for a private tasting with Mia.

We also do a very nice tasting at Melville Winery, but it is soon time to head back to Santa Barbara for a dinner overlooking the city at El Canto. It is straight up from where I am staying so MJ and I walk up and meet Tom and John. We feasted on whole Branzino while seeing the city glitter below.

The next day MJ and I hike for miles on Hendry’s beach and Tom and John meet us there after a long bike ride. We eat at the Boathouse Restaurant overlooking the beach. The hostess sends over a mud pie because we had to wait for our table and I think MJ and I got a teaspoon each.

That night we eat at Lark, a favorite for a long time. The Lark is named after the overnight Pullman train of Southern Pacific Railroad that serviced Santa Barbara from 1910 to 1968. The octopus there is so tender!

Before MJ leaves we bike to a great brunch at Joe’s Cafe and make a stop at Oat Bakery, my very favorite in Santa Barbara. It is called a superfood bakery for its all natural ingredients but you would never know it. Lovely Anna is so helpful and suggests I get everything.

Now I am on my own and I know what I want to do. Go to Cold Spring Tavern. It was an old stagecoach stop in 1865 and is about 20 minutes drive away. In the 1800s drivers would change horses there and have a meal. It is a throwback in time. It is a beautiful drive there. I made a reservation and I am glad I did as even at 11:30 the place is getting crowded with interesting types. I get a great table out back and go for the special tri- tip sandwich with onion rings. Delicious!

I think it is time to call it quits on food glorious food. There are some great other places I have tried: like Tyger Tyger (Thai) and Los Agaves ( Mexican) but I think you are full now.

Tomorrow I am hiking to Inspiration Point and going to try to only eat lettuce all day!

Channeling Santa Barbara…..how I saw the biggest mammal in the world

I’ve always wanted to go to the Channel Islands. It seems so mysterious. I jump out of bed at 6 am and then head down to Ventura to catch the boat. I am not disappointed as the harbor is shrouded in fog.

My new friend Joan has agreed to go on the adventure with me and after about 90 minutes we reach the exotic Santa Cruz Island. According to legend, Santa Cruz Island was named for a priest’s staff accidentally left on the island during the Portola expedition of 1769. A Chumash Indian found the cross-tipped stave and returned it to the priest. The Spaniards were so impressed that they called this island of friendly people “La Isla de Santa Cruz,” the Island of the Sacred Cross. It is the largest island in California and has a rich history of over 10,000 years of habitation. Today we are a small group of adventurers who temporarily inhabit this beautiful place.

The fog has lifted to showcase the beautiful blue water and an unbelievable variety of flora and fauna. We are offered the opportunity to hike to Pelican Bay, a “strenuous” hike if we sign a waiver. Of course we do.

We have a well deserved picnic at the end of the climb overlooking the bay.

Back down to the shore we explore the beautiful coastline.

Now we embark for the journey back. The sun is shining and we are treated to dolphins jumping along side the boat.

But the best was yet to come. Cue Jaws music. What is that bright blue object just under the surface of the water?

It is a blue whale, the biggest mammal on earth. 100 feet long and weighing 100 tons. And guess what? They live to be between 70 and 100 years old ( the oldest one recorded was 103). This one was a joy to watch. They generally stay down about 8 minutes so we patiently waited and then this happened.

It was a fabulous day and I can’t believe how lucky we are to have the Channel Islands so accessible.

The Channel Islands haven’t been my only adventure since my last post. I am coming to realize that Santa Barbara has 4 main things going for it: Water, mountains, wineries and the town. Let me take you back to the end of my last post to show you what I mean. I’ll start with water and go in all four directions.

After a great brunch with new friends Paul and Lynn and their boys, I took myself on a little exploration road trip. I saw the resort Bacara in the west, sitting on a remote lovely beach.

Then I went west to Santa Claus Beach and Padaro Beach and walked a long ways just loving the beautiful homes on the beach.

I went due south to Hendry’s beach shown above and then north to Lake Casita.

Water everywhere! Then there are the mountains. Santa Barbara is blessed with the very usual transverse mountains ( East-West). Most of the Santa Ynez mountains are in the Los Padres National Forest. I tried to hike in the mountains my first few days here but with all the fires it was forbidden. They call it Red Flag Days. I have to say the locals all know when those days are, but it is very hard for a visitor to find out. Luckily I have made friends with my next door neighbor, Lynn, who clues me in. If you park your car and go hiking on a red flag day— it is towed!

The ban has been lifted and I have done a lot of hiking since. The views from the mountains are fantastic.

The day before the Channel Island trip I combined the mountains and the ocean to go from the highest point I could hike to kayaking at sea level at sunset. I started off on Cold Spring Trail but then veered towards the top of the ridge.

(more…)

Santa Stunningly Beautiful Barbara

I didn’t know what to expect this year. No long airplane ride, no changing currency and time zones. No cell phone plan, no long cab ride from the airport to my new home and then figuring out how to work the lock in the dark. No pondering how to get a metro card on the first day. Nope, I just lock my front door and hop in my car.

I finish the 5 hour drive by cutting over on Route 154 and passing the most beautiful lake, forest and wineries. And suddenly I am here in my new home for 30 days.

Everywhere you look in Santa Barbara you find beauty. The sky is so blue, the palm trees line most streets and , well, the weather…..After getting settled in I walk down State Street which has been turned into a pedestrian zone.

Restaurants spill out onto the sidewalk. I meander until I reach the end of Stearns Wharf. This long wharf was built by a lumberman so that his ships could off load their lumber rather than throwing the lumber into the ocean and having it float to shore. It was a bustling business until the railroads came to California and took over the hauling of lumber. Now it is protected from becoming a Pier 39 or Santa Monica amusement area by the SB city council, but it does have a couple great places to grab dinner. So I did. At Santa Barbara Shellfish Company.

The next day, I start by finding the best coffee place in town: Handlebar Coffee. Delicious coffee and a great crew working there. Shout out to Brianna.

Not far away is a historic neighborhood I want to see called Brinkerhoff Ave. I bike there and it is a well preserved architectural showcase. It is named after Mr Brinkerhoff, a medical doctor from the east coast who persuaded people that the fumes from the tar in the sand in Santa Barbara was good for their health. He bought the whole block for $20. That idea coupled with the advent of the railroads and Sunset magazine luring people to the easy living of SB caused a huge influx in SB in the late 19th century. Then I bike along the beach for a long ways, seeing the stunning coast line and biking along a flower filled path.

I return to the area called the Funk Zone. This was a run down industrial area until it was turned into a “funky” interesting artist/restaurant/urban tasting trail. I have scheduled a walking tour but before it starts, I get in line at Mony’s, a little walk up burrito/taco shack. Mony’s is said to have the best Mexican food outside of Mexico City. It was delicious!

The walking tour is given by John and happily my two new neighbors, Lynn and Lynda, join the tour. He does a great job of showing us the history behind the current buildings and is a wealth of knowledge. His favorite ( and mine) was a building called Plant 59 where in 1942 Lockheed secretly moved half their operations into in order to avoid an anticipated strike by the Japanese on Los Angeles ( which never happened). There are little artist studios everywhere.

This is one where after having her windows vandalized, the artist decided to put up big scale art work instead of new windows. This used to be the headquarters of Weber bread— the west coast equivalent of Wonder Bread. Those train tracks are where the flour was dumped off each week by the rail.

Speaking of flour, Helena Ave Bakery is really well know in SB. I stop by for a cup of coffee and a piece of their sourdough toast the next morning.

I am pretty sure that is an entire jar of blueberry lavender jam on that toast. Ok well I’m biking off to join a Harbor Tour with John.

Another great tour that helps me understand the history of this wonderful place. We end with the famous Moreton Bay fig tree, planted from a seed in 1876 given by an Australian seaman to a little local girl that now 10,000 people can stay in the shade of and the beautiful SB railway station.

After the tour, I explore the Ambassador neighborhood of SB. Small homes and apartments near the ocean.

As many my followers know, one of the best parts of Shirleyfest is meeting people at my local destination. This evening I meet Joan, introduced to me by my friend Lila ( who visited me on Berlin Shirleyfest). We had a bite and drinks at the venerable Joe’s Cafe and had a great time discussing our mutual love of travel.

Coincidentally the next morning I am meeting another of Lila’s introductions, Maggie, who lives in Ojai. We agree to meet at Field and Fort in Summerland. It is a beautiful day and I decide to bike the 7 miles there. Another terrific person! I learn so much from meeting locals— why they moved to my host city, their favorite spots, but most of all it fits into the Tao of Shirleyfest. The real point of my travel is not vacation but exploration and part of that is in connecting with others. As Teddy Roosevelt’s uncle Robert once said after Teddy Sr wrote home from Europe about the sites he’d seen, “ I’m afraid, Theodore, you have mistaken the object of travel. It is not to see scenery…it is to see men. To enlarge your mind you must converse with and see the bent of minds of other people.” And so it goes with my Shirleyfest.

Later that night I head to an art gallery exposition followed by wine tasting at the Santa Barbara Wine Collective. Santa Barbara is one of the most interesting wine regions and famously is the longest East to West valley from Alaska to South America. This means the climate is perfect for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes.

The lovely Brooklyn pours me a flight of Santa Barbara whites and was nice enough to switch out one for a SB gruner veltliner that I was excited to try. For years this Austrian denominated wine has been my favorite white. I certainly drank a lot of it on Vienna Shirleyfest. I was excited to find a local winery making that wine. (Tatomer Winery). During the tasting I had a great conversation with Grace and Garret, there with their lovely baby Remi.

The next day is warm. I walk to the Saturday farmer’s market which is large and diverse. I see lots of chefs loading up their carts for their restaurants. I stop by the tiny but lovely Alice Keck Garden on my way home.

My brother John and sister-in-law Virginia ( the owners of this lovely home I’m inhabiting for SB Shirleyfest- I can’t say thank you enough times for that 🙏) took me to the Douglas Family Preserve when we visited together in August. I remember them telling me you could see great sunsets from there, so tonight I drive back and I am not disappointed.

So that is my first five days of Santa Barbara Shirleyfest. As I look out at the sunset, I am so happy I pivoted to SB for my 10th Shirleyfest and didn’t let the coronavirus cancel my exploration. I’ m looking forward to what comes next on this year’s Shirleyfest.

Oh yes there will be a Shirleyfest 2020

So far 2020 has brought us all a lot of bad news….coronavirus, social unrest, so many untimely deaths, impeachment, Brexit, stock market melt downs, floods, fires and locust …..I think we all are looking for some positive relief, both globally and personally. My original Shirleyfest plans were scuttled when France said “merci, mais non” to any US visitors. This being my 10th Shirleyfest, I definitely wasn’t going to forgo my month tradition, so I needed to regroup quickly. I am so happy to announce that Shirleyfest 2020 will be in Santa Barbara, Ca. It’s a 5 hour car ( not plane) ride away with excellent September weather and loads of trails and beaches. It has a rich history that I’m looking forward to digging into as well. Did you know it has been inhabited for 13,000 years ( originally by hunter-gathers known as the Chumash people) and the oldest human remains in North America, a 10,000 year old skeleton called the Arlington Springs Man, were found there? It has been leveled twice by earthquakes (1812 and 1925) and the avocado craze started in Santa Barbara when a local judge brought in the tree from Mexico in 1871.

Please pass along any suggestions you have for this year’s adventure and let me know if you know people there that I could meet ( socially distance of course). I hope you will follow along on this blog during September!

When life gives you a typhoon make typhood

A train ride away there is some great mountain hiking. I headed up to Karama to do the trail through the forest to Kibune. At several stops, ladies who were friends got on to make a day of hiking of together. As we started the trail I took their picture and then showed them how to use air drop to get it from me.Take a look at that neat Audrey Hepburn shirt.

The hike was really beautiful and I met many nice people with the same idea, including these two Austrian men. The photo at the top of this post is the start of the trail. I finished my hike with a nice lunch along the river and then made my way back to Kyoto. Tonight I will finally meet Gerhard who was introduced to me several years ago by my friend Amanda. As Gerhard grew up in Vienna, he helped me with that Shirleyfest in 2017. He lives in Tokyo so he was so much help on this current trip. He kindly stopped in Kyoto on a business trip to Osaka and we had a fantastic dinner and conversation at Maruhuku. The manager Yuki was a lot of fun and brought us lots of delicious sake to go with our sushi. My friend Momoko came by and introduced me to a new restaurant focused on locally sourced vegetables. It is called Izakaya Negiya. Negi means leek. We had a great lunch and then went gallery hopping. As an eye drop user, I was captivated by this one piece of art. Maybe I’ve been doing the eye drops all wrong.I took another cooking class recently. This time it was Bento Box cooking. It was great because once you learn the underlying basics you can apply them to lots of dishes. I even learned how to make sushi rolls. As the typhoon passed through Kyoto today I tried to use some of my newly acquired skills to make myself lunch at home in my little kitchen. I made my own dashi and that was the basis for home cooked miso soup, squash with plum topping and teriyaki chicken. Typhoon food!

I’m not sure I’m getting the high level of concern over this typhoon. It’s been raining today but I went out in it several times and it is no worse than a December California rain storm. They closed the Kyoto National Museum which seems odd as that is where people would want to go on a raining day. They even closed Starbucks early!This is what the sky looked like last night as I walked home from dinner. I always thought it was red sky at night sailor’s delight. Guess not. Tomorrow will be a beautiful sunny day here!

Catching you up on Kyoto

So much has happened in the last week ( broken up with my weekend trip to the Art Islands) that I thought I’d let the pictures tell the story.

First off I was fortunate that the Rugby World Cup was in Japan because it brought my friend Bob McNamara and his friends John and Mike to Kyoto. There was lots of laughter as we enjoyed Shabu-Shabu at the Restaurant Shabuzen in my neighborhood. That’s where the restaurant brings you 5 plates of wagyu beef and platters of vegetables and you cook them in the boiling pot of water at your table.

This is my new friend Jose from Arizona. We met at a coffee cart early in the morning that was blasting Ed Sheehan’s “What do I know?”All I know is Kyoto is amazing. We both realized that the iconic Kyoto pagoda was sitting picture perfect ready for us in the empty morning street.

This is the Heian Shrine near my apartment. The fortunes left on the tree look like snow. People make an offering and in turn get a fortune. If it is bad, it is the custom to fold up the strip of paper and attach it to a nearby tree. The idea is the bad luck will wait by the tree rather than attach to the bearer. The shrine was built on the 1100th anniversary of the capital’s foundation in Kyoto. This is the enormous kiln of the famous potter Kawai Kanjiro. His home is gorgeous and serene. So is his cat with his face turned to the sun. I visited here one afternoon and there was only one other couple there ( from Oakland!).I got up so early to go see Kiyomizu-dera Temple. I’m glad I did as it is stunning in the morning and I was nearly all alone wandering around the grounds.Now for some food pictures.

First is Hitami which the New York Times dubs the best yakitori restaurant in Kyoto. I went at 10:00 at night and tried every part of the chicken including chicken knees! They are crunchy. I didn’t love them. See the picture of the chicken for more info. The owner/grill master pictured here took a liking to me and pretty soon lots of chicken parts were coming my way. It would have been impolite not try them!

Next is a neighborhood restaurant Manzaratei with the nicest cooks and a bowl of what looks like French fries on the counter but is fish skin fried! I sat next to a young Chinese couple both dressed in kimonos. After a few courses they each left and came back wearing shorts and tshirts. Kimonos can be very restrictive– I know!

Then we have dango( sweet rice balls) from Ohagi no Tanbaya which is street food just up the block from my apartment. Very nice older women entice you as you walk by. I couldn’t resist.

Those are pork and leek gyoza. Whenever I can’t think what to eat, I just go get these and sit at an outside table with a Japanese beer and keep ordering these until I’m full. Yesterday I was there and a guy from Hawaii took a stool next to me and in the space of time that I finished two orders, he had had 4 orders and 3 glasses of sake. I need to get better at my gyozas.

The tea picture is from today. A friend told me to go to the flagship Ippudo tea store and have them instruct me on the whole tea ceremony. It was really fun and educational. I’m pretty wired from all that tea!

Finally I also went to the town of Uji today where matcha is from. Had matcha tea, matcha rice crackers, matcha buckwheat noodles and I finished with this matcha ice cream cone. Actually maybe that’s why I’m wired!

Everyone is talking about the typhoon headed our way. It suppose to be a doozy and hit in Saturday. But tomorrow is predicted to be sunny and warm so I am going hiking in the mountains.

Ki wo tsukete

Naoshima and Teshima: Art heaven from once abandoned fishing villages

Shirleyfest followers know that mid-month I leave my host city for one or two nights to find a special experience in the host country. Until now I would have said flying from Melbourne Shirleyfest to the island of Tasmania to visit the MONA ( Museum of Old and New Art) was my most extreme mid-month excursion. My last two days in Naoshima and Teshima have set the bar even higher.

I’m on the train at the moment heading back to Kyoto. By the time I’m back at my apartment, I will have taken 8 trains, 5 ferry boats, rented two different electric bikes and walked for miles. And it will all be worth it.

I arrive Saturday morning at Uno Port and walk three minutes to the stunning Airbnb I had rented. It is called Uno Nido and I highly recommend it. h ttps://abnb.me/h3SULxFpA0. Yumi, the owner meets me and shows me the place I will be staying, designed by her architect husband. If it wasn’t for the ferry beckoning me, I would have just stayed there the rest of the day. I hop on the ferry which is 5 minutes away and we sail along the Seto Island Sea.

I get the first of my electric bikes and start my pilgrimage to the amazing art sites. It is the Setouchi Triennial while I’m here so in addition to the permanent installations there are lots of special exhibits. It’s a gloriously sunny day and I would be content to just be riding my bike around the island, but art beckons. I stop first at the Bernesse Art Museum, designed by Tadao Ando, an unorthodox, iconic, self-taught Japanese architect whose presence is felt all over the islands (and globally).

My favorite piece at this museum was the Jennifer Bartlett triptych painting Yellow and Black Boats with two objects in front in the form of the boats. When you turn around from the painting and look out the window to the Seto Island Sea you see the actual black and yellow boats. Do you see the boats? I also loved these three chattering men.

Back on my bike, I pay homage to the famous Yayoi Kusama Pumpkin, which has become a symbol of Naoshima. I’m off to the Lee Ufan museum. It’s an underground house designed by Tadao Ando with the art work of Korean artist Lee Ufan. While all the rooms in this museum speak to me, I absolutely adore the art in the Silence Room called Relatum Silence. I am frozen in front of it.

No pictures were allowed in this museum so the snap above is from a postcard I bought. There is a projector and the pool in front of the stone goes from solid to a hole to water crashing on a beach. I know– hard to explain but trust me it was cool.

After viewing the house, I walk down to the beach below. Surprise! There I find the black and yellow boats from the painting! I’m so happy that I sit in the black boat and snap a selfie. Now I am off to see the Chichu Museum where I had to buy a special ticket online weeks ago. This is also a Tadao Ando museum. It is subterranean with only three rooms. One contains Monet’s water lilies , one has an experience art by James Turrell and my favorite is the third room: Walter de Maria’s exhibit Time/Timeless/No Time of a black ball surrounded by 27 sculptures of gold painted pillars. How did they get that ball in the room? ( I’m curious. I have to know, so I find someone and ask. The art went in first and then they built the roof. Wow!)

Now I just drift around the island admiring the beautiful waters. Finally I lock my bike up and take the ferry back to Uno as the sun is setting. Yumi has suggested a sashimi restaurant nearby for dinner. The fish couldn’t be any fresher with the sea right here. It’s a husband and wife operation and I enjoy watching the sashimi being prepared right before me. Also, sake goes very well with sashimi!

The next day I want to get the early boat to Teshima because I was unable to rent a bike ahead of time and also I was unable to buy a ticket online to the Teshima Art Museum which I’m dying to see. I grab a coffee and catch the boat to the small island. Luckily when I get off the boat a young Japanese girl tells me about a place to rent a bike about a half mile away. I sprint off and they have one for me! Off I go, heading straight for the Teshima Art Museum. More luck! I can get a ticket to the museum in one hour. With the hour available, I pedal to the “Les Archives du Coeur” by Christian Boltanski exhibit. There are three rooms. In one you can hear thousands of recorded heartbeats that Boltanski has collected since 2008, in the next you can go to a registry and pick out a specific person’s heartbeat to listen to and in the third you can elect to have your heartbeat recorded and added to the registry. I pass on the last one as I go off to claim my museum ticket. However, I couldn’t resist stopping at this multiple basketball hoop installation and watching people having fun.

There is a winding path thru the woods to get you to the tunnel opening of the Teshima Art Museum. It is a concrete shell resembling a water droplet with two oval openings. You take your shoes off and go in and sit and you see water droplets forming everywhere and moving along the concrete floor and forming puddles and you hear the wind and the birds and well…..it’s meditative and mesmerizing. No one talks and some people lay down and others walk among the droplets. I just watched and I couldn’t believe it when I looked at the time and 45 minutes had passed. I took the picture below when I left. No pictures allowed inside so the inside one is from the museum.

I do a few other art installations on Teshima. One that I’m sure American safety and accessibility folks would have a fit over was the Storm House. We all crowd into a dark house, with only one small exit up a flight of stairs and then the show begins with violent rain, thunder and lightening with the experimental work using light, movement of water and sound from speakers to recreate a storm approaching and then retreating. It was fun, but growing up with 5 siblings in a small house in Indiana where we experienced rainstorms pretty often…not such a unique experience for me.

After downing a bowl of ramen at the port in a cute cafe from the nicest old lady, I ferry back to Naoshima and get my bike there again. Now I head to the other side of the island to see the Art House Project. Artist have taken empty houses scattered around the residential area and turned the spaces into works of art. One is actually an old Eno Period shrine. You get a flashlight and tunnel underground to see this glass staircase that the artist Hiroshima Sugimoto designed to link the above ground temple to an underground stone chamber thereby uniting the worlds below and above. I couldn’t take pictures of the below ground part but here is the above ground part.

After that I get in line for the ferry with everyone else including this cute girl. Tonight I’m going to try the Japanese Onsen baths for the first time. I walk over to the Onsen under a beautiful night sky.The Onsen is separated by men and women, each side has 5 different types of baths and saunas. I try them all. It is pretty cool to be sitting in the Japanese bath looking at the Seto Island Sea and gazing at the moon. Some of the baths are filled with peonies, hydrangeas and irises. Afterwards dressed in the lounging kimono and pants provided to each guest, I have dinner in the restaurant. I order the local sea bream two ways– sashimi and then diced into a dashi broth and poured over rice, called Tai-Chazuke.

I’m really glad I made the effort to make this excursion. The ambiance of the islands was soothing and relaxing. I really want to return again to this special place in Japan.

Nara, Ohara, Sake and Sukiyaki

The featured image is from a ceremony I observed at Nanzen Temple. There was chanting, incense and a Buddhist leader praying for the many attendees by holding a card to his forehead and meditating for a short while. I was also lucky enough to see in my neighborhood two beautiful geishas on their way to an appointment.

Since I last posted I have been a busy gal. I went to the ridiculously picturesque town of Nara via a one hour train ride. It was easy enough with only one transfer. Nara was Japan’s first capital in the 8th century and has many significant temples and shrines. First though, I headed out of the station to see the beautiful Yoshiki-en gardens.

Interestingly entry is free for foreigners. The nice man asked to see my passport ( which of course I don’t carry with me) and when I said it’s ok, I’ll just pay, he said, no it’s ok you won’t pay. Next to the gardens is the famous Todaiji Temple which houses one of the largest bronze statues of Buddha.

But the real reason to go the Nara is the deer! The deer roam wild in Nara– over 1,000 deer. Everywhere you look there are deer.

But the cutest deer are those up by the Kasuga Grand Shine that roam the stone lanterns. I turned around while walking up the hill to the shrine and there was this trio just looking at me. Overloaded by all that deer cuteness, I head to a brewery called Harushika Sake Brewery. Oh yes please I’ll try the six sake tasting with these two gents from Osaka. I actually know very little about sake but I learned a ton and by the time I left ( actually they poured me seven tastings since I was enthusiastic) I knew enough to know I like it and want to drink more of it.Home in Kyoto that night I followed my Melbourne friend Eugene’s suggestion and headed for a local Izakara called Yururi for dinner. So glad I did. Tobe, the owner who loves Hawaii and has Hawaiian music playing and surfboards for decoration was so attentive and fun, plus the food was excellent! He and I really bonded. I loved this place so much that when new friends from California came to town, I suggested we go there for lunch. It was late afternoon and the 3 of walked in to find they had closed until dinner. I accepted that, but Tobe, said “no Shirley-San, I will make you and your friends lunch”. He reopened just for us. He called in two helpers and we had a beautiful private lunch.

The next day, I decide to go to the little mountain village of Ohara. It is a rural town straight out of a timeless bubble, nestled at the foot of Mt Hiei with great hiking and a beautiful temple. I hop on the bus and I’m there within an hour and set out on foot up the path. There are streams and waterfalls and little family run 3 seat cafes on the path. The Sanzen Temple there is beautiful. I sit at this tiny window in a small room with flowers, incense burning and candles lit, overlooking the forest and then when I’m ready I go thru a small door outside and look back through the same window– magical what I can see from that side.

Farther up the mountain, I meet Kimichi who makes her own matcha tea and sells it. She let me try a cup of it as well as a cup of tea made with dried seaweed, Kombucha. I purchase some of her tea. I got to get back because I signed up for a cooking class at 2 pm. Running back down the path, I come to a screeching halt and snap this shot!

I go straight to the class and find it is 6 guys and 2 other gals. The people are from Australia, England, South Africa and Ireland. Right away we fire up our individual stoves and the teacher guides us through making dashi from scratch and then 5 different recipes. I am amazed how well we all do.At this point, out comes the sake. We drink it “sake in a box style”. That means you fill the glass to the brim while it is sitting in a cedar box. You drink your glass and naturally some spills into the box. Then after you are done with your glass, you pour that back into the box and realize the cedar has given it a new twist.

Kanpai!

A Bamboo Grove and a Kimono of My Own

Wednesday was my first solo day in Kyoto, as the last of my visiting siblings and friends left that morning. We had such fun together ( more on that later) but now it was time for me to do what I’ve been itching to do– get up at the crack of dawn and go out to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. An hour bus ride and a quick walk in the woods led me here and it was magical. There is such a strange quality to the light. Later there would be hordes of people but for now it was all mine. I took quite a few pictures as I just could not believe my luck to be alone in such a gorgeous place.

After a meditative walk in the bamboo grove, I headed down to the river to see the boats slowly go by. Later I visited the Tenryu-ji-Jim Temple with its beautiful gardens ( and more bamboo).

Once again I was asked by a student to be interviewed about my stay in Kyoto. Returning to Kyoto, I met up with a new friend Gaji, who invited me for drinks at the Kawa Cafe overlooking the Kamogawa River. Gagi took this picture.After drinks, we headed for a secluded restaurant, called Yamabun, in Gion where Gagi is friends with the chef, Aoki. What a meal! Course after course. Three different kinds of sake and loads of fun as Aoki conversed with us while we ate and drank.

You would think the night would be over at that point, but no….we needed to go to one more place. A sushi bar in a back alley called Tomizusi, run by the talented sushi chef Nobuo. We sat there while he took a knife and made art work of a cucumber. Such a fun evening.

Despite all the sake and food, the next day I’m excited to meet another new friend Momoko. A post-grad student at Kyoto University, I met her like Gaji through my “lines in the water” before leaving home. She arrived at my apartment with the idea that we should rent beautiful kimonos and spend the day doing what we want but dressed in our finest. Why not! We head to a lovely kimono shop, Kinhare, where Mr and Mrs. Akiyama proceed to help us choose our finest. Mrs. Amiyama then carefully designs our hair style to go with the Kimono we have chosen.

This is the finished look but you probably can’t imagine all the layers and ties and hairspray that went into this! We take off in our kimonos and Momoko takes me to lunch at a place near my apartment called Wabiya Korekidou that only has one thing—Oyakodon. The dish translates to “mother and child” because the two proteins are chicken and eggs. Depending if you like raw egg or cooked egg, the server presents the dish and then stirs and stirs the egg into the hot broth until you are happy.

After lunch we go to a beautiful temple and have matcha and sweets.

Everywhere we go we get stopped and people ask to have their picture taken with us. It is such a fun experience. We really hated to return our lovely kimonos at the end of the day.

Before I end, I want to shout out to John, Virginia, MJ, Angela and Jim who were visiting here before my kimono days. We had so many great meals and fun times. This is one of our first meals together at Tenyu, a 10 seat Michelin one star tempura restaurant. So many small tempura dishes and all of them perfect. My birthday dinner before they left was celebrated at Mamechu in a private dining room on tatami mats. Many courses, some of which we knew and some we did not, but all delicious and loads of laughing

Kyoto Arrival: Friends, Family, Food

I arrived in Kyoto to a delightful apartment, called the Gion House in Kyoto’s old historic district. My Shirleyfest home is over 100 years old, filled with antiques and before it was converted to a residence was a “ochaya”, or tea house where geishas entertained.

A beautiful flower arrangement from the owner overlooking my private Japanese garden greeted me.

I quickly unpacked as my friends Sandy and Harvey were in town and were bringing by champagne to kick off the trip.

We head out to dinner and are fortunate to see a geisha heading to an appointment.

The next day a walking tour of the Gion area reveals lots of information about the history and training of the geishas. Surprising they start their apprenticeship at 15 and for 6 years earn no money.

Our tour ends after the iconic pagoda of Kyoto.

I head home, go to the wine shop to stock up for friends’ visits and get ready for a birthday dinner on the 11th floor of the Kyoto Station overlooking the Kyoto tower.

After playing around at the Kyoto station with my friends, I head home to await the arrival of family and friends tomorrow. In the morning we decide to take the train to Fushimi Inari-Taisha temple with its magnificent gates and hiking trails. It is beautiful and mysterious and I love it!

Meanwhile my sister has arrived so after the shrine, I head out to her hotel for a drink and we take a cab ride out to a restaurant I had learned of that specializes in ” burnt ramen”, Kyoto Gogyo. The ramen is not actually burnt. It’s called that because the miso or soy based broth is heated to 300 degrees C. It consistently is ranked as one of the best ramen experiences in not just Kyoto but in Japan.

Heading back to my cozy apartment that night I realized how much I will learn during this Shirleyfest. When I stepped off the plane I felt illiterate in that I could not read or write in Japanese. Then I felt mute and deaf as I couldn’t speak or understand Japanese. I’m starting to realize after this first 72 hours that instead of that being a hinderance, it is a blessing. I’m forced to use my intuitive senses and look for non verbal clues to understand my new home. One example of this– I noticed so often in these three days that young children were trudging off to school unaccompanied by an adult. I’m starting o understand that this culture does not embrace the “helicopter parenting” style you see elsewhere. I’m coining the term “slingshot parenting” to describe what I see as parents releasing their children into the world in a trusting manner. I’ll continue to observe and see if this is borne out during my stay.

Posted on September 18, 2021September 18, 2021 in boston

A Boston State of Mind

If I told you I am on the oldest ship in the world still afloat would you know where I am? Hint: its nickname is Old Ironsides.

That’s right, the USS Constitution. Naval crew still serve aboard her. She is one of the six ships constructed after the United States gained independence from the British. Her greatest glory came in the war of 1812 where time after time she defeated the British and earned the nickname Old Ironsides because cannon fire from enemy ships seemed not to be able to penetrate her strong oak hull.

It is an easy walk through the North End to get here. I am surprised how touched I am to see the crew quarters, guns and facilities on the top and also the decks below. My Dad was a gunner in the Navy in WWII and I feel his presence as I walk around the ship and talk to the uniformed crew.

There are great views of Boston from here as well.

After leaving I take a detour to the Mapperium. This is a three story tall inside out stained glass globe that is bisected in the middle by a glass walkway. Once on the walkway I am inside the globe and it is fascinating to see the earth from this perspective. The Mapperium has not changed since 1935 so you can see Siam and a large USSR.

I head back as I am taking the train out to Lynnfield to meet Francie and Bill, long time friends of my neighbor Gale in California. I take the T as far as I can and then buy a ticket on the railroad for the remainder of the trip. I am so excited to see my new friend’s 1720 home. I am greeted by a quartet of wild turkeys on their property.

They have lovingly restored every inch of this gorgeous home and graciously give me both a lovely glass of Sancerre and a house tour. Afterwards we have a beautiful dinner before they drive me back to Boston

Today my friends, Vince and Jim, are arriving from Connecticut for an early birthday celebration, but first I meet Eileen, a friend of my California friend Lila, for a coffee at Tatte. She is so nice and we end up walking over to Louisburg square so she can show me the “purple” window panes on the oldest houses.

Jim and Vince come over from the Liberty Hotel and we go to two rooftop bars before finally deciding on drinks at Wood Hill Pier 4 .

Now we walk along the new dry dock section of the seaport to the wildly popular restaurant Chickadee. We basically order everything on the menu because we can’t decide…and it is all wonderful!

Champagne all round ends a fabulous evening with great friends.

And in case any of you missed it, you can copy this link into your browser to see my inept opening of that champagne

https://share.icloud.com/photos/06NiV3GEPI3yskBuybkg_x9ng#Boston

The next day my friends leave and I decide to go out to the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard, a 281 acre preserve in the heart of Boston. I am truly amazed at the scope of this beautiful place and walk for miles through the paths.

I even come across the set up for a marriage proposal.

All this walking makes me very hungry so I walk into the Jamaica Plain neighborhood to find El Oriental de Cuba reported to have the best Cubano sandwich in the entire city. Oh yes!

I meander home in a food coma but interestingly I am able to go out later to my local Bin 26 Enoteca. I intend to eat outside, but a car accident on the street makes it too crazy to do that so I move inside. I meet a great bartender, Ross and we discuss art and travel and , well given the accident out front, just how bad the drivers are in this area.

I better go home now as tomorrow I leave for Woodstock, Vermont. I’ll be posting about that soon. Hope you can join me on that trip!

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: