Kalimera

Meaning “Good Day” or “Good” morning in Greek. Good food is aplenty in Greece. From seafood, to feta and saganaki, and a number of delectable wines. In the village of Fira in the island of Santorini, the hotel concierge sent me to Idol. A remarkable recommendation for local food with a view of the caldera. In the village of Oia, Skala serves solid and delicious traditional Greek food. Add to that, is the amazing view. Red Bicycle is located in a 19th century mansion on the cliff edge and also affords an excellent view. The food is modern and…

Santorini

September 29, 2016September 29, 2016 Categories: Greece · Santorini · TravelTags: Greece · Santorini · Travel

The Cyclades are among the most stunning Greek islands and no island in this group of islands epitomizes the Greek vacation experience than Santorini. Crescent in shape, Santorini owes its formation to a massive volcano eruption in 1450 BC. The resulting under water crater has been associated with the legend of the lost city of Atlantis. Santorini remains at the centre of the South Aegean Volcanic Arc. Named by the Venetians in the 13th century, this stunning island of dazzling white villages, black sand beaches, thermal springs and luxuriant vineyards is a quintessential Greek island.

Archaeological Museum

September 28, 2016September 28, 2016 Categories: Art · Athens · Greece · TravelTags: Archeological Museum · Art · Athens · Greece · Travel

The National Archaeological Museum in Athens is the country’s largest archeological museum with a massive collection of Greek artifacts, ranging from the Prehistoric Neolithic era to the late Roman period. The museum also has an overwhelming collection of more than 2,500 Greek vases.

Athens

September 27, 2016September 27, 2016 Categories: Athens · Greece · TravelTags: Acropolis · Athens · Greece · Travel

The cradle of Western civilization, Athens is both ancient and modern. Homeland to gods, goddesses and some of history’s greatest philosophers and athletes, Athens boast glorious ancient temples. It is my first time in Greece and this bustling city is a mix of history and edginess. Even in the face of current financial issues, this city is open-air museum and at the same time, conspicuously cosmopolitan. The magnificent Acropolis rises above the sprawling metropolis – merging past and present.

Feed Me

July 10, 2016July 9, 2016 Categories: Accommodations · Food · New York · USATags: Food · New York · Restaurants · The Renwick

Needless to say, I always look forward to the good food in New York. I half-jokingly said “How do I gain weight? Let me count the ways.” I went back to a few familiar favourite places and tried out some new ones as well. So let’s start the (calorie) counting… Just opened a few weeks ago is the Nordic-accented Great Northern Food Hall in the majestic Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal. Opened by Claus Meyer, a partner in Noma, the food hall offers pastries, smorrebord open rye sandwiches, salads, smoothies, and more. As I mentioned previously, it seems inevitable…

The Met & MoMA

July 8, 2016July 8, 2016 Categories: Art · New York · Travel · USATags: Art · Met · MoMA · Museum · New York · Travel

It’s probably been more than twelve years since I last visited The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Regarded as one of the world’s largest and finest art museums with more than two million works of art, somehow I keep procrastinating a re-visit. I made it back last week and was glad to see again their wonderful collection. On the other hand, my last visit to the Museum of Modern Art was last year. I always enjoy dropping by when I am in town.

City so Nice

July 4, 2016July 4, 2016 Categories: New York · Travel · USATags: New York · Travel3 Comments

“City so nice, they named in twice” goes the saying. I was back in New York for a four day long weekend. There was some trepidation, as I remember during my school days here that the city gets extremely hot and humid this time of the month – worsen by the concrete jungle. Alas, it was bearable this time around.

Tapas, Paella y mas

May 29, 2016May 28, 2016 Categories: Accommodations · Barcelona · Food · Girona · Spain · TravelTags: Barcelona · Food · Girona · Spain

Eating is an extremely important social activity in Spain. Barcelona is known for both its traditional and inventive cuisine — with lunch “rush hour” at 2:00 pm and a chic dining hour at 10 pm. El Fornet is good spot for desayuno (breakfast) as it serves fresh baked goods and bocadillos. There are a number of El Fornet‘s in the city. Known for its traditional Catalan cuisine is Freixa Tradicio located in the Gracia district. Awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand, this restaurant has established itself as one of the city’s culinary institutions. When I lived in Barcelona years ago, my…

Catalan Modernisme

May 27, 2016May 28, 2016 Categories: Architecture · Barcelona · Spain · TravelTags: architecture · Art Nouveau · Barcelona · Catalan Modernisme · Modernism

Catalan Modernisme was part of the general trend that emerged in Europe at the turn of the 20th century. It is the equivalent of other art movements in Europe in the names of Art Nouveau, Sezession, Arts and Crafts or Gothic Revival. The Modernisme movement was centered in Barcelona and was practiced by Antoni Gaudi and Lluis Domenech i Montaner, among others. The former Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau was built between 1902 and 1930 is a masterpiece in Catalan Modernisme by Domenech i Montaner. It was a fully functioning hospital until 2009 and converted into a cultural site and research centre in 2014 after four…

Girona

May 25, 2016April 6, 2019 Categories: Barcelona · Girona · Spain · TravelTags: Barcelona · Girona · Spain · Travel2 Comments

Founded by the Romans, Girona is an important historical site in Spain. Located 97 kms northeast of Barcelona, it is an easy 35 minute high speed train ride to this city. It became a Moorish stronghold for two centuries and reputedly withstood three invasions by Napoleon’s troops. Today, its historic centre is a packed labyrinth of medieval buildings and monuments on narrow cobblestone streets with connecting stairways. For GoT (Game of Thrones) devotees – this is the location for King’s Landing and Braavos. It is also the locale for one of the most memorable scenes in the series wherein the Faith Militant…