EUROPE, POLAND, Travel · May 17, 2015

Poland | Krakow Main Square, Wadowice & Lagiewniki

Main Square in Kraków, Poland

Main Square of the Old Town of Kraków, is an area at the center of the city that dates back to the 13th century. It is surrounded by historic townhouses and churches, and what is interesting is that it is the largest medieval town square in Europe!

Three Things To See in Kraków’s Main Square

– St Mary’s Basilica

– The Town Hall Tower

– Church of St. Adalbert

Here is a group of photos that I’ve taken around various cities in Poland, I love this trip so much!

KRAKOW’s MAIN SQUARE

LAGIEWNIKI, POLAND

Lagiewniki, Poland is known for its huge Sanctuary of Divine Mercy. This Sanctuary is one of the most important centers of the development of the Worship of Divine Mercy in Poland.

This only Coca-Cola bottle that was written in English, and a chocolate bar… It was 8 AM and I was literally falling asleep from all the traveling, walking, etc, so I needed a bit of caffeine to keep my eyes open another full day…

WADOWICE, POLAND

Wadowice is a town in southern Poland, known for being the birthplace of Karol Wojtyła, later Pope John Paul II.

Have you ever been to Poland?! I’d love to know your thoughts!

Talk soon! Xx

MORE POSTS ABOUT POLAND:

EUROPE, POLAND, Travel · May 15, 2015

Poland | A Night Out in Krakow… | Travel Diary

Main Square, Krakow

A NIGHT OUT IN KRAKOW, POLAND

Hi! Just landed in Poland! The city of Krakow captured my heart last year, so when a second opportunity for another pilgrimage to Poland came up, I had to say “Yes”! This trip will be similar, but I am super excited that this time I will visit the village of Zembrzyce, located in southern Poland, and will stay there for about a week. The other cities that I will visit are: Wadowice, and Czestochowa. The weather is currently a little colder than I expected! And it is also raining quite a bit, but no rain will stop me from enjoying!

The photos that I am sharing on this post are of the Main Square in the city of Krakow. The Main Square is a rectangular space surrounded by historic palaces, buildings, restaurants, shops and churches. Here you will find the famous Market Place (it is huge! and has lots of Polish products). Definitely walk inside of it and purchase amber products (I found a pair of beautiful earrings!). Mostly everyone who visits Poland brings back a piece of amber jewelry to keep or give as a gift. We had a delicious dinner at Restauracja Szara Kazimierz (highly recommend it / sit outside).

MORE POSTS ABOUT POLAND

Travel, UNITED STATES · April 29, 2015

Visiting New York City | Walking Central Park

Hello from the Big Apple! I decided to take a week off my hectic work schedule and fly up to visit my brother who’s been living in New York City since last autumn. I also have college friends and one of my cousins that live here, and the weather is not too cold. It all worked out so great.

Let’s talk about Central Park – how gorgeous is this park!! I ate Belgian waffles right outside the entrance of the park. Then I walked over to Bergdorf Goodman for lunch with girlfriends.

I’ve been making the MOST of this week – for once, a week just for myself (this never happens!).

And I’ve been having dinner twice per night – an early dinner with friends and then a late dinner with my brother who gets out of work very late. This has been a great way to try NYC’s restaurants 😉 Below are the places that I ate at, and loved:

Catch Restaurant (dinner)
Eataly (lunch)
Jack’s Wife Freda (dinner)
Bergdorf Goodman 7th floor (lunch)
Ippudo (dinner)
Chelsea Market Los Tacos (lunch)
Italian Restaurant (lunch)

Interested in exploring New York City?

Take a look at these useful posts below:

Travel, UNITED STATES · April 28, 2015

New York City | Blooming Tulips

Although I have been to New York City before, I had never noticed the number of tulips there this time of year. Flower shops are full of tulips, and Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village has tons of tulips as well. I am just taking it all in – and loving it!!!

My life took an unexpected turn recently, yet I am convinced that it is a positive one, and with time it will show me that too. This trip is one that I had scheduled a while ago yet I could not have timed it better. As I always love to say, life is full of positive surprises 😉

Hope you are having a wonderful day!

Xoxo, Flora

EUROPE, POLAND, Travel · October 10, 2014

Poland | Lovely day in Czestochowa & Places to Stay

Turtleneck: Mango. Black skater skirt, similar here and here. Bag: Fendi

Lovely Day in Czestochowa

I love this black skirt! Had been looking for a cute one for a long time! I found this one inside a little boutique while walking around Krakow. Finally! This one has a faux leather texture at the top. And the turtleneck I have had for a while. I bought it while living in Spain, at one of my favorite stores, Mango.

These pictures were taken in the city of Czestochowa, a city in southern Poland by the Warta River (population less than half a million). Millions of pilgrims from around the world come to visit every year!

The city’s best attractions include:

-Jasna Góra Monastery / Black Madonna

-Częstochowa City Hall & Museum

-Kamienica Kupiecka

-Parks: Stanisław Staszic Park and 3 May Park

-The Avenues (main artery of the city)

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CZESTOCHOWA

See all Częstochowa area hotels, prices and reviews here.

MORE POSTS ABOUT POLAND

EUROPE, POLAND, Travel · October 9, 2014

Poland | Hello! We have arrived to Krakow!

Sweater Dress: Mango. Sunglasses: here

We have arrived in Krakow, Poland!

Hello! I have arrived in the city of Krakow, Poland, for a spiritual trip and will be spending two weeks visiting different cities in this country. It’s my first time here so I am super eager to learn about the food, the culture, the landscape, and everything else!

The weather is currently so beautiful, it is chilly but sunny. The first photo was taken in Lagiewniki – here is located a sanctuary that is visited by millions of pilgrims from around the world every year.

The second photo is from the Main Market Square in Krakow’s old town, the tall building that you see is the brick Gothic St. Mary’s Basilica which was rebuilt in the 14th century. It is well known for its impressive wooden altarpiece inside that was carved by Veit Stoss (a leading German sculptor, whose career covered the transition between the late Gothic and the Northern Renaissance). I was impressed by the blue starred ceiling inside, it reminds me of Sainte Chapelle, the royal Gothic-style chapel in Paris, France (also built and consecrated in the 13th century).

Something very interesting takes place at St. Mary’s Basilica: every hour a trumpet signal is played, that commemorates the famous 13th-century trumpeter that was shot in the throat while sounding the alarm during the Mongol invasion of the city of Krakow.

I will post more photos soon!, so far I have limited wifi, and we are always walking around… xo

COLOMBIA, SOUTH AMERICA, Travel · July 25, 2014

Where to Stay in Cartagena Colombia

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Dress: Cache

Sandals: Coach “Dani” Heel

Lipstick: Maybelline Super Stay 24 “Keep it Red” 035

CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

Where To Stay in Cartagena

Ladies, today I am sharing a few pictures from my college girlfriend’s destination wedding at the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara in Cartagena, Colombia. The wedding was precious and super entertaining! There were three different shows that took place during the wedding, and a masquerade party at the end.

For this special occasion I wore a stunning pink gown that I found at Cache. The dress has silver sequins sown on it, so I purchased silver heels to match the color of the sequins. I wore a bright red lipstick color, and I am obsessed with it! The lipstick has two ends: one with color, the other with balm. Apply the color, let it dry, and then you apply the balm.

Sofitel Legend Santa Clara

This upscale hotel is a converted 17th-century convent located in the heart of downtown Cartagena and near the Caribbean Sea.

Built in 1621, the property was originally a convent that housed the Poor Clares before they were evicted in 1861. For over a century, this place witnessed history and also served as a hospital, prison and medical school. In 1995, it became the iconic Santa Clara hotel. Some of the hotel’s guests include Nobel Prize winners, actors and film directors such as Jean Paul Gauthier, Mick Jagger, Don Juan Carlos Borbón & Sofía of Greece, Gabriel García Márquez, Sting, Shakira, Sofía Vergara and Fernando Botero.

The hotel is home to five restaurants and bars, including 1621 Restaurant, and one of the TOP 25 of the best restaurants in the world by Traveler’s Choice Best 2022 awards. El Coro Lounge Bar is famous for its mojitos, creative cocktails and delicious tapas. If you are looking for an outdoor bar, then head over to Botika Bar on the terrace of the hotel’s third floor. Then at Jardín Santa Clara you will enjoy the flavors of Colombia in a casual setting (this area is beautiful!). There is also The Bar next to the hotel’s swimming pool.

See Rooms & Availability at Sofitel Legend Santa Clara here.

Map of Cartagena Colombia

Cartagena has been nothing short of fun, colorful and wonderful.

Lots of love,

Florencia

What To See & Where To Eat in Cartagena Colombia

COLOMBIA, SOUTH AMERICA, Travel · July 21, 2014

Cartagena in Colombia

Cartagena Colombia

Hi girls! I am loving Cartagena, the city is lively, colorful & beautiful. We walk around the old city all day long, and we also stop at museums or touristy places. I must say that the summer heat here is unbearable! Very few places have an air conditioner, and after walking for twenty minutes you start sweating incredibly. But that’s okay because we are here for a few days, so we are making the most of them.

The local food is quite delicious, and the people here are so kind. In my previous post I listed all the restaurants that we have been to. Today we ate at Crepes & Waffles, I had the “pane cook” which is a bread bowl soup (had not eaten one in years – I love them). It is a round bread filled with any of their options – I chose mushroom – it was so yummy.

I will write more soon! xox.

COLOMBIA, SOUTH AMERICA, Travel · July 19, 2014

What To See & Where To Eat in Cartagena Colombia

Cartagena, Colombia

Hola from Cartagena, Colombia! Today I am sharing pictures from Castillo de San Felipe, and the outfit I am wearing is the only I could due to the extreme heat!!! We would all be walking around in a swimsuit if it was possible.

The Straw Hat that I am wearing is sold everywhere around here for protection from the sun. I purchased mine right before climbing to the top Castillo San Felipe.

Things To See in Cartagena

Walled City of Cartagena

San Felipe Castle

Cathedral San Pedro Claver

Plaza Santo Domingo

Museo del Oro (Gold Museum)

Where to Eat in Cartagena

The following restaurants were recommended by my local friends:

1621 Restaurant

Carmen Restaurant

Don Juan

La Casa de Socorro

Marea by Rausch

Vera (located inside Tcherassi Hotel)

We tried the restaurants that were recommended to us, and thought they were incredible. Here are my thoughts: Marea by Rausch was a fancy spot. Vera, a restaurant from fashion designer Silvia Tcherassi was a little pricey but the food was exquisite! And if you would like to eat the yummiest local food at a non-touristy restaurant, then go to La Casa de Socorro (I would like to go back)! Don Juan offers local cuisine also but it is located right in the middle of the touristy area. Overall though, we loved every single restaurant for a different reason.

Map of Cartagena Colombia

I am so happy to be here in Cartagena!!!

Where to Stay in Cartagena Colombia

EUROPE, ISRAEL, Travel · June 25, 2013

Israel | A Night out in Jerusalem | Travel Diary

American Colony Hotel ana florentina — The American Colony Hotel, Jerusalem

A Night Out in Jerusalem, Israel

Tonight we decided to dress up and go out!

T h e A merican Colony Hotel is located in the heart of Jerusalem, and it is quite enchanting! While here we found out that the guest list to this hotel has included Winston Churchill, Mikhail Gorbachev, Tony Blair, Bob Dylan and Lawrence of Arabia!

We have been making the most of our time here, waking up around 6 AM, and going to bed around midnight!!! We try to walk around the walled city at least once a day, and then we are just doing guided tours of everything else.

Oh, and buying so many souvenirs, I will need an extra bag for them.

Shalom

A Hebrew word meaning peace, harmony, wholenesss, prosperity or tranquility. It can also be used to mean both Hello and Goodbye.

PLACES TO STAY IN JERUSALEM

Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem
The American Colony Hotel – Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Old City Boutique Hotel
Mamilla Hotel

EUROPE, ISRAEL, Travel · June 16, 2013

Israel | Travel Diary | Amazing Historic Landmarks to See

HISTORIC LANDMARKS TO SEE IN ISRAEL

It’s been an AMAZING opportunity to be in Israel – the Holy Land. Inside Jerusalem, also known as the ‘Old City,’ you can find the most sacred sites in the country, but there is a long list of historic landmarks in the entire land of Israel that can be visited.

Below is a list of the places that we have visited so far, and will visit during our time here.

Mount of Beautitudes (It is located up on a hill. Jesus is believed to have delivered the ‘Sermon on the Mount’ right here).
Old City of Jerusalem (Our hotel wass located a few blocks away, so we went as much as possible. There is so much to see!)
Church of Holy Sepulchre (Located inside the ‘Old City’ of Jerusalem.) (This place is packed with tourists, so it is better to go early in the morning when it opens around sunrise, or very late before it closes around 7pm). We went on our own about 3 times, and then with our guide. The first time we went was on the night we arrived, as the sun was setting. This is not a good idea!!! the ‘Old City’ is like a labyrinth and you get lost easily).
The Western (Wailing) Wall (if you want to visit the tunnels, reserve before arriving!!)
Mount of Olives (adjacent to Jerusalem’s Old City)
The Jewish Quarter
Take a Day Trip to the Dead Sea!
Masada (Situated on top of an isolated rock plateau. We took a ride up to it, and walked it down afterwards. Must wear tennis shoes for this!).

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EUROPE, JORDAN · June 9, 2013

A Camel Ride in Petra | Best hotels near Petra Jordan

Best Hotels near Petra Jordan

Today I had my first ever camel ride in Petra, Jordan! I am in the middle of the dessert, and what a wonderful experience this is. The picture above was taken as I retured from the camel ride, and before I got off the camel.

The weather is desert hot, and a bit unbearable to be honest. Glad I had my camera to capture these incredible moments, and now be able to share them with you!

My flats are unfortunately destroyed. They were super comfortable for walking though, but I wore them because I forgot to pack a pair of sneakers.

PETRA, JORDAN

New 7 Wonders of the World

Things to Do in Petra: (1) Camel Ride, (2) Petra by Night

Petra is an archeological site in Jordan’s desert, dating back to around 300 B.C. It contains tombs and temples carved into pink sandstone cliffs, that is why it is called “Rose City.” Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, and Jordan’s most visited tourist attraction.

I highly recommend a camel ride. I also recommend the Petra by Night tour (after-dark guided excursion), I had not signed up for it, and thirty minutes before the bus was leaving, I was urged to go. It was an undescribable experience, the entire path that leads you into Petra to the treasury is lit the entire way by luminaries, countless candles around you, and music is being played by different instruments while you sit under the stars.

I am glad I went, and that I ignored the negative reviews online. The Night Tour is a must if you are on a romantic trip. Everything lasts about two hours. Expect to be surrounded by 150-200 people. We sat all the way at the back, which was great because it allowed us to head back early before the crowd. ** Wear comfortable shoes… a lot of walking again!

I purchased several necklaces from the young boys that offer to sell you one non-stop. They have beautiful pieces, and I saw it as a way of collaborating with the locals.

This site is featured in the Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Arabian Nights, The Mummy Returns, Transformers, as well as many other films.

I hope you have a wonderful time exploring Petra!

PLACES TO STAY NEAR PETRA

Click on any of the hotels listed below, to see the rooms, prices and reviews.

See all a v a i l a b l e hotels, reviews, and prices here.

WHAT TO READ FOR YOUR JORDAN TRIP

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Hi, I'm Florencia