Ipswich River

Just when I said we had officially bid farewell to summer, what a surprise ! A gorgeous, sunny, warm day!

So off we were to an exciting day of kayaking on the Ipswich River!

After a few hours of kayaking, we made our way to Clam Box in Ipswich. It seems everyone else in town had the same idea, so we waited for what felt like an eternity for that greasy deliciousness. 

Thanks Kev Oullette for the pic!

Because five hours together isn't enough, we headed to Downriver Ice Cream in Rowley, where I had the best almond joy ice cream ever!

thanks Kev!

thanks again Kev !

jee you're so great Kev!

I must say, what a day!

"You could not step twice into the same rivers, for other waters are ever flowing on to you." - Heraclitus

Walden Pond

Today we bid adieu to summer and all its carefree enjoyment. While there is still much fun to be had, cold winter months aren't quite the best for socializing alfresco.

The Catholic Outdoor Adventure club organized an afternoon of swimming, eating and gabbing at Walden Pond in Concord Mass.

Walden Pond was made famous by Henry David Thoreau, who lived in the lake's northern shore from 1845-1847.

Although the clouds kept us company for much of the afternoon and the water was only a step above the ocean, we had a great time!

 

"It is not what you look at that matters, it's what you see." Henry David Thoreau 

Madrid, Madrid, Madrid... (part II)

And we're back for part numero dos of Natalia's guide to visiting Madrid. If touristy attractions aren't for you and you'd like to find the city's hidden jewels, here's your guide:

Authors Streets: If you are a Spanish literature freak like me, you should travel to the Calles of Lope de Vega and Cervantes. There you will find the houses of the famous writes (although Cervantes’ burned down centuries ago, you can see where it once stood).  The streets have carvings of their works, plus the works of Gongora and Quevedo.

 

 

 

Chocolate and churros: ENOUGH SAID

 

 

 

 

 

While there is plenty to do in Madrid, I would also recommend visiting Avila, Granada, Asturias and Toledo. There are also  many places I did not make it to but I imagine are simply magical, such as Ibiza and Barcelona.  :-)

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope you have enjoyed the post! See you in Madrid!

Madrid, Madrid, Madrid... (part I)

This past week we said goodbye to our dear friend Jessica as she embarks on a year-long stay in Madrid!

While our time with Jessica has been short, it sure has been great!

                          This is not Madrid, it's the Nubble Lighthouse in Maine ;-)  Sweet Jessica is to the left

We wish you all the best Jess!


Since many of you (and Jess) may soon find yourselves perusing the streets of Madrid, I have asked our world traveler Natalia Soares to fill us in on what not to miss when in Madrid...

My dear friend Gabby ( inspired by the journey of our dear friend Jessica to Madrid, Spain) suggested that I write a guest post about places to visit in Madrid, just in case you find your way there some day!  

I am a little biased as I believe every single place in Madrid is absolutely amazing, and there are so many places to go, and things to see, so you if you are there for a short period of time you should at least cover the basics which are: 

El Palacio Real :   It was pretty cool being in a real palace! They preserved one of the wings of the palace just the way it was back in the day. Down side: You can’t take pictures inside the palace.

Jardin Real :  To the right of the palace you will find a hidden garden! It’s very pretty, and there are free concerts there during the summer!

La Catedral:  Simply beautiful! ( but so is every church in Spain). 

Plaza Mayor: Located in downtown Madrid, Plaza Mayor is a charming spot with some tasty restaurants and bars with great sangria. 

El Prado  : Fine art pieces dated from the 12th century up to the 19th century.  It was amazing to see Velzaquez’s art in person, and so surprising to see that most of his paintings were life size! P.s. you need a whole day there to see all the beauty.

 Museo Reina Sofia :  Modern art museum, where I was finally able to see in person Picasso’s Guernica! Larger than any painting I have ever seen! Fun fact- you can take pictures in this museum (but not of Guernica)

Plaza de Cibeles : (In case you didn’t know, you can go in the white building where there is a free “Mirante” of the city from the top floor!) 

Gran Via: You will love it if you enjoy the clash of old and modern buildings.

Plaza de España: Here you will find the statue of Frederico Garcia Lorca, and the theatre! 

Plaza del Sol : Great for shopping, and it’s so beautiful! Down side: too many tourists, and be careful with Mickey Mouse, he WILL ask you for money. 

Retiro y Palacio de Cristal: A Spanish version of NYC's Central Park but even better! Great for reading and studying. 

And these were Natalia's top tourist attractions. Stay tuned for her post on Madrid's hidden treasures!