City Views: The Empire State Building

There are several things I love about New York, and the Empire State Building is one of those. Although it's been standing there for ages, it's a pretty building and I can have a good time just staring at it––especially if I have some good drinks at hand. About a year ago, I discovered a The Strand Hotel, and its rooftop bar became my favourite place to see my favourite building.

Of course, I had to take my friend who was visiting for a few days there. We had dinner at the bistro on the first floor, and then we headed up to the bar, to enjoy a cure view of the building while staying warm and happy inside.

We had kale lasagna for dinner, which was pretty hearty, with lots of cheese and tomato sauce.

As for the drinks, we both chose a forbidden fruit cocktail––prosecco, crème de pamplemousse and grapefruit twist––which was also really, really good!

And to top everything up, we had a perfect view of the Empire State Building and a huge amount of fairy lights!

No doubt this was a more than perfect girls night––followed, of course, by the greatest pillow talk when we got back home!

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