Central Park, My Happy Place

Although I can't deny the townhouses in the West Village and the buildings downtown are absolutely beautiful, I wouldn't change living close to Central Park for anything in the world. I love walking around the park whenever I have some free time––or when I don't but I need to clear up my thoughts––and working out there a few times every week. Central Park, I'd say, is my favourite place in the city––although the Met is a serious competitor for the award.

Last week I went there for a walk with my friend Emilie, and although we almost freeze––it was incredibly cold and windy!––we had a great time just walking around and talking about life. Regarding the park, I was astonished at how beautiful the park looked even if the day was gloomy and sad... Now I can't wait for the snow to come and seeing it all white!

Love,

Photography: Laura Beltran-Rubio

Last Days of Fall in New York

After a couple of days with temperatures below zero––Celsius; I still don't learn how to use Fahrenheit degrees––it's pretty obvious that the winter will soon be here, and the city will be covered under white layers of snow. Although the temperature is now too cold to wander around the city, I managed to shoot a few pictures of fall foliage in Central Park before leaving for my weekend retreat.

Although I'm pretty excited about the snow, I am also a little disappointed that the fall went by so quickly. I love seeing the trees covered in shades of orange and red, and adore the perfect weather of the fall. Why couldn't it last longer?!

Love,
  Photography: Laura Belru

Fall in Central Park

Central Park is probably my favourite place in New York. I love how this little piece of forest has survived over the years in the middle of such a big city. I love walking around it––even having my own little picnics, if the weather permits––and feeling in contact with nature, which is one of the things I value the most in life. I also love feeling surrounded by trees, but being able to see all the amazing buildings of the city above them whenever I raise my gaze to the sky.

Central Park is particularly pretty in the fall, as all the trees start turning orange/red and leaves fall to cover the grounds. This is probably one of the first memories I have of New York, and I still love to see it year after year... Unfortunately, most leaves are not orange at all yet––and I honestly doubt it they will make the colour change before falling––but I still managed to shoot some cute pictures of my secret garden.

Love,

Photography: Laura Beltran-Rubio

Travel Diaries: New York, Day 2

My second day in New York was far better than I thought it would be. I got to spend most of the day with one of my friends, and we just walked around Central Park and went to the Upper West Side to get some of my favourite Levain cookies.

After that, we went to meet the rest of our team, and had our first full-team meeting, before going for dinner at one of my favourite restaurants in Midtown Manhattan: Topaz. It is a Thai restaurant, located in 56th Street between 6th and 7th. Fortunately, my wonderful friend Ramya and I shared our dishes, so instead of eating only one of my faves, I got two! We chose to share a pad thai with chicken and chicken red curry. They were both delicious and I ate so much I just almost die of happiness!!

Love,

Photography: Laura Beltran-Rubio

Travel Diaries: New York, Day 1

After a very long delay in my flight, I finally made my way to New York on Saturday, around noon. As soon as I got down from the plane and passed through immigration, I went to find some quick lunch, checked in at the hotel, and made my way into the city to enjoy every single bit of it.

This time, I decided to stay––only for a night, due to my conference, which is taking place at the Hilton in Midtown Manhattan––at The Strand Hotel. This is a beautiful hotel in the middle of the garment district, which was the perfect location for some work affairs I had to do during the weekend. Of course, as soon as I came in, I couldn't help but smile to my lovely lady companion and jump on the fluffy bed.

Unfortunately, I had to go out and do some business for a while, which was actually my favourite part of the day. After that, I headed out for a walk around the enchanted streets of my favourite city in the whole world. I went to Fifth Avenue straight to Central Park and then walked in Park Avenue on my way back to the hotel.

After such a long and relaxing walk, I realised I hadn't eaten a proper meal in the whole day, so I decided to go to my hotel's restaurant, The Strand Bistro, and eat something very American: a burger. Which was actually very good! I don't usually eat meat––and even less frequently if it's in a burger––but I felt like I needed this American experience on my first night back here.

I then went for a while to the rooftop of the hotel, and enjoyed the view. I could have stayed looking at it forever, but my body was asking for a break, so I headed back to my room and had the best night's sleep.

Come back tomorrow for my travel diaries from Sunday!!!

Love,

Photography: Laura Beltran-Rubio

New York: The Last Weekend

As I told you on yesterday's post, my last weekend in New York was a very exciting one. It all started on Thursday, when Diego and I woke up at noon, had a lazy breakfast in bed (made of orange juice and cereal with soymilk) and then headed out to the Big Gay Ice Cream Shop to eat their delicious salty pimp (i.e. ice cream with salt).

I was then off to the Hilton at the Ave. of the Americas, which I didn't leave until Sunday, having one of the best adventures in life. I had the time to get inspired at the wonderful New York Public Library and write about maternal health in the sex industry, as well as being part of a wonderful leadership workshop, based on individual personalities. There was also time for some fun, which included spending a whole afternoon at Central Park and having dinner at the wonderful Ellen's Stardurst Dinner.

The people that spent the weekend with me are all absolutely amazing and I couldn't have changed the time I spent with them for anything. I learned a lot, and I grew as a person. I really can't thank them enough for giving me such an amazing time!

Now I'm back home –back to reality– and working hard. I miss my Diego and my loves from the Hilton. I wish I could go back now!

Love,

Photography: Laura Beltran-Rubio