Quirky museums in Barcelona are found off the beaten track, along the charming side streets of the city. Many of the Barcelona luxury apartments are close to these special, lesser-known art-filled destinations. If you choose to pamper yourself and stay in these luxurious accommodations, why not take advantage of the opportunity to visit these hidden treasures that so few tourists are familiar with?

The best excursions are always those that are based on insider tips about the best local entertainment, activities and curiosities. Every gem listed below will be well worth your time. It is easy to add them to your itinerary no matter how tight your schedule may be.

Be sure to take tons of photos and videos. You will definitely want to document every single amazing sight that you experience during your visit to what’s considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. You can share the pics and vids all over your social media. Your friends will get a contact high and be sure to thank you for turning them on to the following cultural treats.

El Rei de La Magia is Barcelona’s museum devoted to magic

Museu El Rei de La Magia

Do you love magic? Have you ever considered becoming a magician? If so, you’ll want to explore the fascinating history of magic. El Rei de La Magia is Barcelona’s gallery of enchanting tricks and posters of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The museum also offers sleight of hand crowd-pleasers. Be sure to book reservations for magic shows well in advance as tickets disappear fast. Some shows are not in the English language but no worries. Words aren’t necessary to watch and be wowed.

Museu del Perfum

Museu del Perfum is a fascinating Barcelona attraction that even many locals don’t know about. In the Regia perfumery back room you can find 5,000 cosmetic flasks, scent bottles, and objects related to fragrance. You’ll receive access to a collection that is divided into two sections. The first collection displays unguent vases and essence jars, all meticulously displayed in chronological order, starting with black eye make-up tubes from Egypt, to Marie Antoinette’s double-flask pouch.

The second museum exhibition features perfumes from brands like Dior and Guerlain. Many are presented in rare bottles, including a Dali creation meant for Schiaparelli and a Vigny Paris flask. Recently, Museu del Perfum added a collection of perfumed boxes and powder bottles from the nineteenth century.

Hash, Marihuana & Hemp Museum

This cannabis museum houses an impressive collection of over 6,000 pieces. They are all related to cannabis plants and a multitude of derivatives. You will experience exhibits related to awe-inspiring ancient rituals and learn about the use of hash, marijuana and help used currently in modern medicine. You’ll be mesmerized by everything you about culture and cannabis. It’ll be a highlight of your trip!

Museu de L’Erotica

Museu de L’Erotica is close to the famed red-light district.  You are going to be excited by the airbrushed paintings and Kama Sutra illustrations and unique exhibits of sculpted Victorian walking sticks, studded chastity belts, and other titillating treats. Rarities that you  can feast your eyes on include detailed Japanese drawings, the “pleasure chair” of the past and brothel photos from the 1930s in Barrio Chino.

Museu de Carrosses Funebres

The most obscure museum that Barcelona has to offer is the Museu de Carrosses Funebres. It is open Wednesday to Sunday and only in the mornings. Those who have a macabre side will  not want to miss seeing the largest worldwide collection of hearses and funeral carriages that date back to the eighteenth century and all the way up to the 1950s.

Your visit will include Baroque ornate carriages, functional landaus and berlins, and a silver Buick that was used as a hearse. White carriages designed for virgins and children are close to mourning carriages for mistresses—to guarantee discretion through anonymity. Every carriage and hearse is manned by ghoulish-looking dummies clothed in period gear. Their creepy gaze adds to the thrilling chills of the spooky visit.

Museu de Cera

This museum is not quite at the level of Madame Tussauds but it is still worth the time. It’s a great addition to any rainy days that require a quick change in schedule. You’ll enjoy the time, while also keeping any young tot engaged and entertained at the “Underwater” section.

The Museu de Cera exhibits offer a mix of historical and modern characters. It’s an odd juxtaposition of composers from the nineteenth century near Star Wars characters. You’ll see ET, Lady Di, and more.

Museu de la Moto de Barcelona

This former convent, Sen Felipe Neri, is where you can see displays of motorbikes, including venerated relics. The design of the museum is also attention grabbing and displays will appeal to anyone—motorbike fanatics or not. Part of the exhibition belongs to Mario Soler, a reputable restaurateur and you can find many interesting classics, like Derbi, OSSA, Bultaco and Montesa. There is even a prized Villalbi.

Be daring and inquisitive in Barcelona. Check out these unusual artistic delights in one of the most beautiful and cultural cities in the world.

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1. Hygiene:

• Stick deodorant is not available. Spray deodorant exists, but it’s not commonly used.
• Companies hire people to hand out small packages of tissues to pedestrians. But, get this, using tissues in public is considered rude.
• People carry around a small towel to wipe sweat from their forehead.
• Before one takes a bath they must shower first. Members of a household use the same bath water.
• Most toilets in Japan have a built-in bidet system, called Washlets, for spraying water on your tush. These are the norm in homes and nicer restrooms. In some public bathrooms you may still find the traditional Japanese “floor toilet” where you will need to squat. Oy.

2. Shoes

Most people know that the Japanese remove their shoes indoors, but you may not know these interesting specifics:

• Genkan is a Japanese entranceway. At the entrance to a home in Japan, the floor will usually be raised about 6 inches, indicating you should take off your shoes and put on house shoes, which are like slippers. If the house has a tatami mat room, its floor may be raised 1–2 inches to indicate that it is time to take off your slippers.
• Whenever shoes or slippers are taken off they are placed neatly, pointing towards the door.
• Most homes have extra house shoes for guests.
• Now get this, when you use the restroom in a residential home, you will put on designated bathroom slippers so as not to “contaminate” the rest of the home.

3. Table Manners

• When eating noodles, especially soba (buckwheat), you must slurp loudly. That indicates the food is delicious. It is considered rude not to slurp.
• Sniffling, clearing one’s throat, or swallowing phlegm is not considered rude, but eating or drinking while you’re walking is.
• When you have a bowl of food — rice, for example — you must pick it up and bring it up to your mouth to eat. If you don’t pick up the bowl, people think you are eating like a dog.
• Never stick your chopsticks upright in your rice. That is only done when food is offered to the dead. When it is not an offering it’s considered a bad omen.

4. Transportation

• Bus drivers turn off the bus during red lights to help reduce pollution.
• Public buses have no priority over other cars, and no separate lanes.
• Bike riders wear gloves to protect themselves from the sun, but no helmets.
• In Tokyo, a bicycle trip is usually faster than a car.
• Gas stations are usually full-service; attendants will bow as the car pulls out of the station.
• Trains are so crowded that railway staff workers are employed to shove passengers inside before the doors close.

5. Masks

• People wear masks in Japan, and they’re sold everywhere in various sizes. You can find masks in any color, with Hello Kitty, flowers, hearts on a leopard print, or with a lemon or orange smell.
• If you’re sick, you wear a mask so you don’t spread your sickness.
• If you work in a hospital or in a store, you wear a preventative mask in case you’re exposed to sick people.
• Masks are used by hay fever or allergy sufferers — most likely so they won’t sneeze on you.

6. Mochi

• For New Year’s Day and during the beginning of January, the Japanese eat mochi. It’s made with boiled sticky rice.
• To make it, one person places it into a shallow wooden bucket and pats it with water. Another person then hits the mushy mess with a large wooden mallet to mash the rice. This forms a sticky white dumpling.
• Mochi is an extremely sticky texture, so there are many January choking deaths.
• Each year the death toll is reported in the newspapers.

7. Hikikomori

• The word means “pulling inward, being confined.” This is an extreme social withdrawal, similar to what we call agoraphobia.
• A person stays in their room.
• Oddly, the sufferer doesn’t seem to have any other psychological problem that would explain this peculiar behavior.
• Some people remain in isolation for years or even decades.
• The Ministry of Health estimates that about 3,600,000 hikikomori live in Japan.
• One third are 30 and older.
• Among these are the hikikomori that are now in their 40s and have spent 20 years in isolation; this group is generally referred to as the “first-generation hikikomori.”
• This age group is known as “the 2030 problem,” because when they are in their 60s, their parents — who have been taking care of them — will start to die, so there is concern about whether to try to reintegrate them into society. If not, there may be no one able to take care of them.

8. Consumerism

• In Japan, Hello Kitty is everywhere.
• Japan is the number one importer of reggae.
• Japan imports approximately 85% of Jamaica’s annual coffee production.
• Japan is the world’s largest consumer of Amazon rainforest timber.
• Japan is the largest automobile producer in the world.
• After you’ve shopped in a store, the cashier or clerk will follow you outside; they will bow and offer you cookies and tea.

9. Food

• Kit Kat bars have the following flavor choices: Sweet Potato, Passion Fruit, Sakura Flower, Pumpkin Cheese Cake, Red Bean Paste, Apple Vinegar, and Green Tea covered with chocolate.
• Japanese pizza toppings include corn, mayonnaise, and sesame seeds.
• The most popular pizza topping is squid. Ew.
• It takes 1–2 hours for a pizza to be delivered.
• Raw horse meat is a popular food in Japan.
• Although whaling is banned by the IWC (International Whaling Commission), Japan still hunts whales under the premise of research. The harvested whale meat ends up in restaurants and supermarkets.
• Tsukiji market in Tokyo is the world’s largest fish market.
• Octopus, squid, jellyfish, and other unusual seafoods are very popular.
• Ramen noodles are a popular food in Japan, and it is widely believed extensive training is required to make a delicious soup broth. This is the subject of the movies Tampopo (1985) and The Ramen Girl (2008).
• Some farmers grow square watermelons in Japan.
• There are touch-screen menus at bars and restaurants.
• Beer cans have braille next to the flip top.

10. Vending Machines

• Japan has around 5.5 million vending machines. You can find them on almost every block.
• Japanese vending machines contain batteries, beer, wine, condoms, cigarettes, comic books, hot dogs, lightbulbs, crepes, soft drinks, coffee, juice, noodles, eggs, sandwiches, and toys.
• It is difficult to find a vending machine in Japan that dispenses chips or candy bars.

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Find fundraisers in your area to help make a difference in the world of dog rescues!

Written for Petside

The post Summer 2012 Fundraisers for Dog Rescues appeared first on Award-Winning Writer and Graphic Designer.

Yes, there really is a man named Henry Lizardlover. Born Henry Schifberg, this 56-year-old lover of lizards has shared his California home with as many as 60 for over 25 years. “They have different faces, bodies and behaviors,” said Henry, who has named each one.

Henry has 21 lizards now—Schneider skinks, tree skinks and Chinese water dragons. He no longer has iguanas. Some died after 20 years and others he found loving homes for. He’s brought lizards to lectures in schools, libraries and museums and has appeared on TV in Japan, France, Germany, Spain, Thailand and the U.S. “The foreign shows paid nicely,” said Henry.

So what does he do with the lizards? In addition to raising them with love and care, Henry poses them in lizard-size lounge chairs. They remain statue-still and he photographs them, sells greeting cards and writes lizard care manuals.

“There are some that are better behaved than others,” said Henry. “It’s the calm ones that are the easiest to work with.” He brings his lizards to Urth Café in West Hollywood every afternoon and shares the posed reptiles with intrigued passersby.

Why? Because he likes to.

“I’ve learned a lot from the lizards and met people from all over the world. Total strangers became lifetime friends. I met a lot of really nice girls too. One I should’ve married but I blew it—I was too caught up with my books and TV shows and pursuing what interested me most.”

Lizards are vegetarians who should be fed small leaves and pieces of fruit. They don’t chew their food. They’ll swallow whatever you give them. Never give human foods if you want your lil guy to live a long healthy life. See Henry’s website for loads of lizard care instruction.

Iguanas can grow to 6 feet. “Most of that is tail, though,” Henry said. “There are a few types of lizards that can make good pets but I warn people that iguanas are a total gamble.” Other types of lizards get frightened easily and won’t make good pets.

Pet shop workers will tell you what to feed a lizard but most don’t know they need direct sunlight for vitamin D and that without it their bones can break. “People buy a reptile basking light thinking that’s all they need,” said Henry. “These lights sell for $15 but don’t do anything more than a regular 50-cent light bulb.”

Some pet stores carry fluorescent UVB lights that simulate sunlight but most are weak and only effective if the lizard is 10 inches away and these lights must be replaced every six months.

“It’s important to remember they’re wild animals,” Henry said. “Lizards are quite capable of doing you harm. Especially iguanas.” Female iguanas tend to be safer but there’s no way to determine the sex until at least one year.

Male iguanas can be tame but they have a hormonal shift during breeding seasons and can become enraged when they see another male iguana. Hyped up with hormones they can easily confuse humans with other male iguanas.

“Then you have a very powerful animal,” Henry said, “They can leap—fly off furniture—right into your face and want to tear your face off.” They would kill their own son during a hormonal rage.

Despite the risks, many pet owners love their lizards. Abby Venzor, NYC animal activist and social worker raved about her pet iguana. “She was completely domesticated and roamed the house climbing onto people and eating out of strangers hands. I got the craziest looks from guests when they walked into my home and saw a 5-foot reptile on the couch. She’d lie on my cats back, they were best friends.”

Most of us know Geico’s Gecko from commercials. Leopard Geckos make good pets for beginners. They’re docile and friendly, have minimal care requirements, only grow to 11 inches and they’re inexpensive.

To rescue one of the many abandoned lizards visit: AdoptAPet.com.

To learn more about Henry Lizardlover and how to care for pet lizards visit his website.

Video of Henry’s lizards.

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When I told people I was headed to Mexico City I was met with friends’ furrowed brows and warnings to be careful. The idea that it’s a dangerous place full of drug lords is a totally false image. As a native Manhattanite I wasn’t worried, besides, I’d done my research. Mexico City has a sophisticated system of video surveillance cameras to deter crime. It is a cultural metropolis that welcomes more than 12 million visitors a year. It houses 160 museums, 100 art galleries and 500 movie theaters. Foreign Policy magazine ranked Mexico City as one of the world’s top 10 cultural destinations. I was gung ho to go.

My trip was in early November, in time for the multi-day Mexican celebration similar to our Halloween, Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). It’s a time of festive, colorful costumes and artworks of dancing skeletons. Candles lit up the night for the traditional holiday that honors the departed. Mexicans partied hearty in the streets, danced, and played music with abandon.

The weather was warm and breezy. Due to its high elevation of 7800 feet, Mexico City is mild all year. Winters are cooler but they’re nothing like our New York City frigid temperatures. Their “cold” months average 70 degrees. No matter when you go, though, bring a light sweater for the breezy evening and early morning air.

I took a taxi from the airport to the boutique hotel, Condesa DF, located in a quaint neighborhood with sidewalk cafes and the large park Parque España. It’s a great place to jog because the path is in a loop so you can’t get lost. We were advised to stay out of the park after dark but that’s just common sense.

The hotel was built in 1928. The rooms have charm and there was a fully stocked mini-bar and a basket full of snacks. Condesa DF boasts a treadmill, bike, terrace, bike rentals and a five-minute walk to a fully equipped gym. The staff was warm and gorgeous.

Be sure to get to the fun local attraction, the Museo Nacional de Antropologia. It has 23 rooms of artifacts including Aztec Calendar Stones and Mayan treasures. Guided tours are available.

Xochimilco, a borough outside Mexico City, is known for its canals which reminded me of Venice. The preserved waterways and chinampas—squares of land for growing crops—a vestige of pre-Columbian times. Colorfully painted gondola-like wooden boats called Trajineras are available for rent at 300 pesos (about $22 dollars) per hour. It’s the same price for one person or 20 and a guide is included.

The Mexican government is doing much to preserve this area. The water in the lagoons is clear and the wildlife protected. It is illegal to shoot birds there. At this time of year there’s a big influx of Pelicans from South Canada because there are so many fish for them to eat.

Lunch was served on the boat—a sweet bread snack along with Horchata, a warm rice and milk drink similar to hot breakfast cereal. I loved the tasty little lumps. Other people on the boat indulged in ancient delicacies—fried grasshoppers, baked worms, ant eggs and bright red mini shrimp that looked like bugs. I did not partake. Thank goodness there was “normal” food available. I enjoyed guacamole, tortilla chips, black beans and rice.

Another Xochimilco adventure, and a highlight of the trip, was an afternoon spent at the Dolores Olmedo Museum which boasts the largest collection of Diego Rivera and Frieda Kahlo art anywhere in the world. “Lola” Olmedo was a Mexican businesswoman, an entrepreneur who made all of her own money—mostly in real estate—and became extremely wealthy. She was friend and patron to Rivera and Kahlo. In 1962, Olmedo bought the estate, including a dilapidated mansion—a large colonial home from the 1600s that was in ruins. She restored everything with meticulous attention to detail. Stunning peacocks wandered the enormous grounds amidst bright yellow flowers and neatly mowed lawns. Olmedo was a fan of the Mexican hairless dogs, Xoloitzcuintle (try saying that three times fast), and Olmedo left money to maintain a pack of them on the grounds with their own caretaker. When asked, the caretaker brought out a few dogs for visitors to see up close. They looked threatening, like pit bulls, but gently nuzzled their heads against my leg. It was weird when I petted one, the hairless skin felt like warm rubber.

I learned that Mexican food is not the same as the American translation. Portions are smaller yet tastier, hence more satisfying. Dishes contained less cheese, grease and fat.

The following day I went for lunch at Arroyo Restaurant and learned of their seventy years of tradition. The first dish was tlacoyo; oval shaped toasted cakes made from corn dough stuffed with refried beans and cheese. Delicioso! The music and festive atmosphere was the main attraction. Exquisite looking Mexican men and women danced, sang and played an assortment of instruments. The costumes were bright white for the men and for the women, vivid colors and dresses with layers of ruffles.

The tastiest meal I had was dinner at Rosetta. Chef Elena Reygadas is famous for her Italian fare served in a restored Belle Epoque mansion in the historic Roma neighborhood. The appetizer was beetroot with goat cheese and red wine reduction, followed by butternut squash ravioli, with amaretti and sage. I ordered the house specialty

main course of Robalo fish in sea salt with crusted herbs and creamy polenta. Dessert was a sinful chocolate mousse with fresh whipped cream.

On the last day, I experienced what felt like a magical mystery tour in Zócalo, the huge town square in the historic center of Mexico City. In honor of Dia de los Muertos, the Museo de Arte Popular annually sponsors a competition of alebrijes—brightly colored, over-sized paper maché monsters, dragons and fantastical animals.

It was a short yet thrilling trip and I will definitely go back.

For more information visit mexicocityexperience.com

The post La Ciudad de Mexico appeared first on Award-Winning Writer and Graphic Designer.

On the boat, a sweet bread snack was served along with Horchata, a warm rice and milk drink similar to hot breakfast cereal with little tasty lumps. Other people on the boat indulged in ancient delicacies: fried grasshoppers, baked worms, ant eggs and bright red mini shrimps that looked like bugs. I did not partake. Thank goodness there was also normal food available. I had guacamole, tortilla chips, black beans and rice.

When I was a kid I loved to run around in the woods behind my parent’s house in Long Island. My best friend and I played hide and seek behind the trees. We’d jump over the fence and run down to a nearby stream to catch frogs, lizards and snakes and jumped from rock to rock across the water. We always wore sneakers because we fell in a lot.

Click to read the rest of this article on the blog Tree Hugging Around the World.

The post Yup, That’s Me—the City Girl—Hugging a Tree in Mexico appeared first on Award-Winning Writer and Graphic Designer.

Printed in New York Resident Magazine • September 2011
To view this article as a PDF click here

The JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa is located on a mesmerizing stretch of the Mexican Carribbean coast. This luxury beachfront property is rated Category 6 in the Marriott Rewards program and a level 5 in the AAA Diamonds rating scale.

Outside on our terrace, during our first morning there, we sipped hot room-delivered coffee and gazed at the aquamarine breaking waves. Directly below us we could see the upscale Marriott grounds complete with magnificent free-form pools.

Bedding was 100 percent cotton and felt smooth to the touch. Our pillows were soft down and the mattress finely tuned firm. The sheets and plush towels were bright sterile white. Everywhere we looked in the large bathroom there were tissues folded into flowers, toilet tissue creased into seashell-like fans and towels sculpted into pockets that held aromatic oval soaps.

There was a comfortable loveseat couch next to a table and a large desk. Wi-Fi access in the room was reliable, fast and easy. Each room had a flat 32-inch LCD television plus the usual amenities—mini bar, digital safe, climate control air-conditioning, etc. The room attendants were lovely. In fact, the entire staff at the hotel must have been well trained, well managed and treated with dignity because they were all cheerful, friendly and eager to please.

There were many restaurants to choose from right there within the hotel. This worked out great for us. Most days we felt like lounging on beachchairs down by ocean. Whenever we got hungry it was easy to go enjoy a meal and get back to vegging poolside with a book, or napping.

At Sasi Thai the food was delicious. We chowed down on appetizers that included steamed shrimp dumplings, lobster with shitake mushrooms, and chicken satay. For the main course we split a plate of stir-fried rice with Portobello mushrooms, bell peppers and fresh basil leaves.

La Capilla Argentina Steakhouse was another winner. One evening we feasted on tuna tartar and seafood empanada appetizer, followed by entrees of herb-crusted rack of lamb with caramelized onions and Chateaubriand with potatoes and grilled vegetables.

The bountiful breakfast buffet was available every day. It offered scrambled eggs with fresh cilantro, plump sausage, crispy bacon, fried plantains, guacamole, rolled tortilla with beef, wedges of fresh iceberg lettuce, sliced tomato, orange and red tortilla chips, refried beans, and cold cuts of ham, salami and mortadella. Believe me, you wouldn’t go hungry. I was pleased to get my cappuccino just the way I like it, with skim milk and two shots of espresso. And a handsome man with jet-black hair wearing a crisp uniform served it with a smile.

We had a fabulous time at many of the local attractions. One in particular was crazy fun. It’s a club called Coco Bongo. Imagine a combination of Cirque du Soleil, MTV and a discotheque. The crowd participation reminded me of the Blue Man Group—complete with confetti, balloons, streamers, steam machines and constant sensory overload. I loved it!

The music was so loud it vibrated thru the floor and into my chest. It flashed me back to all the years spent at Studio 54, Bonds and Danceteria. Big disco hits from Donna Summers and KC & the Sunshine Band played. When Lady Marmalade came on the crowd went wild. I was so surprised to see the 20-year olds mouthing all of the words to these now ancient songs.

Next was Phantom of the Opera projected onto the huge background screen. Dancers soared from the ceiling on cables and ropes, while gyrating and performing gymnastic moves. During a tribute to Elvis his name was displayed in huge solid caps made of red pulsing neon lights. On the background screen was movie footage of The King performing classics like Jailhouse Rock and Hound Dog, while dancers matched the projected dance moves in the old footage.

The wow factor was even bigger than the first time I saw the Rocky Horror Picture Show phenomenon. At Coco Bongo, songs and dancers flitted by so fast, it was as if they were fast-forwarded via remote control. We were dazzled by an impressive tribute to Jack Sparrow, complete with pirates flying and one talented actor doing an impressive Johnny Depp imitation while the real Johnny, doing his beloved Jack Sparrow shtick, was simultaneously projected onto the back wall.

Another must-see adventure is Museo Subacuatico, a subaquatic museum, an underwater universe of art. Sculptor Jason Decaires Taylor created 1600 life-size realistic sculptures that are strategically placed to fuse with the undersea life. The artworks create artificial coral reefs designed specifically to attract sea life. The art changes over time as the coral grows in and around the sculptures and marine life settles in. The brochure said, “It promotes a sustainable future through human intervention in the regeneration of ecosystems.” Due to its harmony with the surrounding environment, the Ministry of Environment of Mexico, and the Nautical Associations of Cancun and Isla Mujeres promote the project. But, hey, besides all that, it’s tremendous fun.

Another excursion was a daytrip from Cancun through Tulum to explore the Mayan ruins. We learned about the extraordinary architectural and cultural accomplishments from an ancient civilization alike no other. Tulum is majestically set high on top of limestone cliffs that spill down to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean below. Make sure you see the temple, El Castillo, and the Temple of the Descending God. Wear lots of sunblock and don’t forget your camera.

And now, the highlight of the trip—the luxurious JW Marriott spa. It’s a womb with a view. The background music sounded like an angel’s voice, hauntingly spiritual as if heaven was singing just for me. The lyrics were “Come into my arms. I’ll be there for you.”

I was scheduled for a 50-minute Swedish massage with a masseuse named Vanessa Diaz. Eduardo Hidalgo Montecino, at the scheduling desk, was warm and tended to every need for each guest. I was ushered to a welcoming room with fresh orchids and tiger lilies. Vanesa instinctively knew where each of my muscle knots were and she kneaded them like pastry dough until they were smoothed and soothed. She was so in tuned that when I muttered, “That was the spot,” she said, “I know. I could feel it.” When I asked her if she’d consider moving to NYC and into my apartment, she laughed and gave me a hug. Her teeth were bright white against silky coffee ’n cream skin. On my way out of the spa I signed up for an 80-minute massage with Vanesa the next day.

I headed back to my room feeling safe and jello-mellow. I asked Vanessa why she chose to do massage. Her eyes lit up when she explained, “I was pregnant and my husband gave me a gift. It was for a massage. It felt so good and at that moment I felt my life changed forever.” It was such a profound experience that she told her husband she wanted to learn everything about why that massage made her feel so amazing. She took a course, loved it and realized that massage was what she was meant to do. She studied hard for three and a half years, left her job as a secretary and became a masseuse. She said, “I love my work,” and I could tell she meant it.

My muscles softened and I felt sweet, supple, and satisfied. The last thing Vanesa did was a chop chop hand motion on the back of my neck. I was like buttah.

Stress? After this trip—Ba-da-bing, it’s a memory.

The post CANCUN: From Coco Bongo to Chateaubriand appeared first on Award-Winning Writer and Graphic Designer.

Finishing up my August cover story for the New York Resident magazine about Oscar-nominated actress, Vera Farmiga and her directorial debut, Higher Ground.

Turn my attention to a new assignment from Petside.com (Buddy will of course make a cameo).

Write up a proposal for another star interview (I won’t say who yet… just to build suspend and to save face in case it falls thru).

Continue work on websites. One for beautiful miniature animal art by Melody Lea Lamb.

Finalize copy on my review of Magic Trip, a new movie about the famed Ken Kesey bus trip immortalized in Tom Wolfe’s Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test.

Continue to interview all people involved in my author profile/book review for Face to Face about a mother whose son shot off his face with a rifle in a failed suicide attempt and about the extensive expensive plastic reconstructive surgery he had to endure.

A brochure for Ann Woodfield and St. Bart’s church.

Social media for Dr. Thomas Romo.

Social media for Little Baby Face Foundation.

Feed my neighbor’s cat (she’s away).

Begin to compile all of my notes for my travel piece about Cancun, Mexico.

Make a phone call to receive instruction for my new brochure(s) project for a real estate company.

Follow up on PPGGNY (Philanthropic Planning Group of Greater New York) conference photos project (I am awaiting their captions).

Begin 2 more book reviews

Follow up on pitches to magazines, especially one on a personal essay that is probably the best thing I ever wrote (to date).

Watch Law & Order reruns while I do my 3 loads of laundry.

Count my blessings and exude gratitude that i have work.

Take a nap.

The post I’m a Strong Believer in Making Lists appeared first on Award-Winning Writer and Graphic Designer.

Tours

New Chelsea Food Tour

www.walkingtoursmanhattan.com

Visit art galleries, nightclubs, the famous Chelsea Hotel, High Line Park, Chelsea Piers and stop at Chelsea Market, an indoor gourmet food lovers paradise. Covers 1 mile. Includes a full-dinner from 4 of the most popular local Thai, Cuban, French and Italian restaurants. Mon, Wed 5pm, $34.

Champagne Brunch Sunday Sail

www.cloud9living.com

Cruise the harbor in style for a unique Sunday brunch experience. NYC’s only floating designated landmark, an 82-foot schooner, carries you gently through the sun and spray. The package includes a big buffet, coffee, tea and open bar. The menu offers salmon, meats, cheeses, homemade breads, muffins, bagels and cakes. May–October, Sundays 11am–1pm. Adults $79, children 12 and under $39.

Edgar Allen Poe Greenwich Village Tour

www.unclesamsnewyork.com

A rich literary, cultural and artistic journey awaits. You’ll visit the home of Edgar Allen Poe, view music clubs on Bleecker Street where Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix played, stroll through Washington Square Park and learn about the haunts of Lenny Bruce and the beat generation. Mon, Fri, Sat 2pm, 2 hours. Adults $25, Children ages 5–12 $20, kids under 5 free.

Helicopter Flight Grand Island

www.viator.com

A 25-minute helicopter flight over Manhattan and the 5 boroughs. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of the Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero, Empire State Building and Central Park. The aircraft is modern, state-of-the-art and comfortable. This is an unusually fun heart-pumping thrill.
Choose your dates and times.
$270 per person, infants free.

Outdoor Dining

Beyoglu

www.zagat.com
Upper East Side’s sidewalk Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine offers something to satiate everyone. Vegetarian, meat and fish entrees, appetizers of filo dough stuffed with cheese and grilled chicken salads will hit the spot. It’s also perfectly positioned for prime people-watching.
Daily
Noon–10:30pm
1431 Third Avenue at 81st Street 212-650-0850

Central Park Boathouse

www.thecentralparkboathouse.com

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more idyllic spot anywhere in Manhattan to enjoy American, Traditional and Seafood meals. Grab a lakeside table and gaze at the wildlife. Try the Charcuterie Salad with Poached Chicken, Duck Confit and Cabbage, or Jumbo Lump Crump Crab Cake—it’s like a party in your mouth. The kids will love the burgers.
Central Park, Fifth Avenue at 72nd Street
212-517-2233
Mon–Fri Noon – 4pm; 5:30–9:30pm
Sat–Sun 9:30am – 4pm; 6–9pm.

Festivals

Lexington Avenue Street Fair

www.nycstreetfairs.com

A down-home street festival celebration from East 42nd to 57th Streets with more than 500 varieties of ethnic foods, arts and crafts and cultural exhibits. Saturday, May 28, 11am–6pm. Free.

HBO Bryant Park Summer Movie Festival

www.bryantpark.org

An annual summer event, this free movie festival makes Monday evenings something to look forward to. Thousands of New Yorkers flock to the Bryant Park lawn with picnic baskets, blankets, and bottles of wine to catch a free flick at sundown.
Mondays, June 20 – August22.
Free.

The Montauk Juried Art Show

www.montaukartshow.com

The Montauk Artists Association is hosting their Memorial Day weekend Juried Fine Art Show on the Montauk Village Green May 28 – 29. There will be an exciting field of artists from all over our country as well as Israel, Turkey, Peru, China and Europe, bringing their paintings and prints, photographs and digital art, jewelry, ceramics, leatherwork and outdoor garden and table top sculptures.
Saturday 10 AM–6 PM
and
Sunday 10 AM–5 PM.
The Green is located on Route 27 in the center of Montauk.

The article was published in the June issue of the New York Resident magazine.

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