Thursday, April 26, 2012

Sangria Sisters

My sister and I have never been good in the kitchen. I know how to make exactly two things: salmon and stir fry. When invited to a party we bring the drinks because the thought of making mushroom caps or bruschetta is terrifying. I've perfected my mojitos but there is perhaps no drink that I love more than a fresh glass of sangria. In Alicante we were quickly reminded of the authentic way to concoct the wine punch and it became our daily duty to make the sangria. 

Sugar - about a 1/3 cup 
2 cans of lemon Fanta (or soda water/Sprite/Ginger Ale)
1/2 fresh squeezed lemon 

add chopped/sliced fruit 

Stir in lots of ice to bring out the flavors from the fruits
Test taste, it should be very sweet. 
Stir in red wine - ALWAYS LAST just before serving! 
VOILA!

Such an easy recipe with a big payoff... this will be my summer drink!
We made a huge punch bowl every afternoon for lunch and it was so refreshing! I feel like I should mention the infamous Spanish eating schedule because, well, it is a little different than what we are used to in the US. We would eat breakfast around 10 and this included lunch meats and cheeses with toast, or toast with strawberry jam or marmalade. Of course it is my favorite meal because you can eat basically anything - including cookies! Then the huge meal came around 3. This is when we would have sangria with paella, sausages, ham salad, etc... and it would go on for 2 hours. Dinner wasn't until 10 or 1030 and was something light, like 2 or 3 tapas but it was always followed with a tasty dessert! Sidenote: I was also introduced to Canela y Limon on this trip. I can't even explain the deliciousness of this drink. It is milk infused with cinnamon and lemon and just hits your taste buds in all the perfect ways, smooth and thick but light and refreshing. MMMM!

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Visiting our Spanish family

Alicante, Spain 
Mariel and I spent our first 3 days in Alicante, Spain visiting our "Spanish family". We ate a lot and drank even more. Lots of relaxing! I didn't take many pictures but here are a few.


 Backyard view of the mountains... ocean on the other side!


Citrus trees EVERYWHERE


Downtown Alicante promenade


Great colors in downtown Alicante


Santa Barbara Castle in the distance from the harbor


Deliciousness!!!
Homemade torta boba with a cup of warm thick and creamy Spanish hot chocolate

Homemade mona con huevo - a traditional Spanish Easter pastry 

Wine cellar

Campo de comida - traditional Easter dish made with potatoes 

Homemade paella made in the outdoor barbeque oven. YUM!!!

With Ivan & David

Sunday, April 22, 2012

I'M BACK!!!



After 5 crazy weeks I am finally back in London! Yes, LSE gives a 5 week spring break for revision - which most of my colleagues thoroughly utilize - but I am anything but conventional and took the break to spend time with my family and travel with my sister. The 8 flights over the past 2 1/2 weeks certainly tested my flying anxieties (I had plenty of xanax on hand). 
Here's a look at how it all went down: 
Monday, March 19 - London to Chicago
Wednesday, April 4 - Chicago to London
Friday, April 6 - London to Alicante, Spain
Monday, April 9 - Alicante, Spain to Madrid 
Wednesday, April 11 - Madrid to Marrakech, Morocco
Sunday, April 15 - Marrakech, Morocco to London
Monday, April 16 - London to Edinburgh, Scotland
Tuesday, April 17 - Edinburgh, Scotland to Isle of Barra
Thursday, April 19 - Isle of Barra to Turnberry, Scotland
Sunday, April 22 - Edinburgh to London   

Yep, I've been living dat gypsy lifestyle. My clothes are a little ripe (if you know what I mean) and my body is doing funky things but I enjoyed every second of my vacation. Although, to say I am POOPED is an understatement. And now I've got 7 weeks, 4 exams, and endless hours of studying before my time in London is ova. A year really does go by fast! While I want to make the most of my last moments in this amazing city, 90% of my free time will be spent in my little cubby on the 3rd floor of the library next to the Russian collection squashed between a kid genius from China and an overly competitive chap hammering away at economics (trying to land a position at Goldman, natch)...

I've got tons of pictures to go through but over the next few weeks I'll be posting about my fabulous adventures, I am sorry I was not able to update at all over my travels! 

xxx

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Spring Breaking It


And I'm off! I'll be gone for a few weeks traveling for the remainder of my spring break. Now I'll give you three little hints as to where I'm going:


I'll have limited internet access but I'll try to post a few times! xxx


Friday, April 6, 2012

A Little Bit of London

Even though I have been living here since September, I still feel like a tourist! Here are a few snapshots from January & February. 

Tube

Street performer along the Southbank

Oh the EYE!

Trafalgar Square 

Waterloo Bridge 

The Eye again! Love this photo. 

Lots of rules in London...

Tower Bridge - my running spot! 

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Craving me some Harrods

I miss Harrods. I kind of want to buy a puppy from the worlds most famous department store. Good thing I'm headed back to London Tuesday!