Luxeat

La Boqueria

La Boqueria market in Barcelona (Placa de la Boqueria) is the king of all the markets i have ever been. Something like the "Ali Baba 's cave" for fruit and vegetables, seafood, meat products and many other remarkable things.

Sun, beach, paella...

Yesterday i heard something that was incredible to me. One Spanish person living in Barcelona told me that he gets so depressed when he is landing at the airport of Barcelona.I guess we all get bored of what we have and dream of what we don't have, as for me, even if i am here for work,Barcelona always means holidays.And holidays in Barcelona means sun, seaside, jamon and paella of course!
One of my favorite restaurant in Barcelona is near Arts hotel, close to the Porto Olimpico. And if there is one dish that will make you return is "rice with artichokes,shrimps and cuttlefish cooked over charcoal".The artichoke tastes almost like honey and when they bring you the casserole, you can still hear the sound of cooking...

Agua
Pg. Maritim de la Barceloneta,30
Barcelona 08003
+34932251272

The pictoresque breakfast

Today's breakfast at Oustau de Beaumanière ... Very simple, yet extraordinary...

Buenos dias Buenos Aires !

Just arrived to the capital of Argentina. More to come. (Can't wait to eat the famous steaks!)

Mercado Central, Valencia

What a dramatic climate change- from chilly winds in New York last week (i was there just for three days) to orange trees in Valencia. ( The capital of paella, which i've been eating every single day since i am here and i am still not tired of it!) I will write about my reason of the trip in Valencia later on as it is worth a separate post, but first i wanted to post the images of the remarkable central market. I just love  the generosity of  Spanish markets...

The Tea Time in Brown's Hotel

I simply loved my tea time! Brown's Hotel is famous for its tea time,so even if you are a guest of the hotel, you should better make a reservation. In the image below: tea sandwiches, cakes , scones and home made jams. The scones were freshly baked and still warm. Literally melting in your  mouth...  Quel bonheur!

Gstaad landscape

The breathtaking landscape as seen through the window of  Palace hotel in Gstaad.Very pretty view- very little snow... The global warming is striking?

Strasbourg

For me,the capital of Alsace is one of the most beautiful cities in France. Togather with Brussels it is the city where the EU parliament meets for its sessions.Probably because of it's important role in the EU parliament proceedures, all the hotels in Strasbourg are very business orientated. The only hotel which is "boutique" is the four stars(in France four stars is the highest rating for hotels) Regent Petite France. Its location is fantastic and the interior is modern. Tip. Don't even try to book it during the EU parliament sessions as for sure it will be full!

Vilnius

Without any questions, the most interesting city to visit in Lithuania is Vilnius, the capital.
The best time to visit Vilnius is roughly from April to October. You will not enjoy the city when its freezing.
Vilnius architecture is one of the most beautiful in the world and it is the biggest asset of this city. There is even a definition of baroque architecture called "Vilnius Baroque". Most of the old town is "car free"  , so it is a real pleasure to walk around and sit in the outside cafés. The center is also "internet friendly" as many cafés have wifi.