May 16, 2016: Birthdays & More Spain & Portugal

Elisa's Daily Scoop

Celebrating Gianna's Birthday at Wicked

Well, good day to you and Happy Monday!

Today is such a special day for us in my family -- we celebrate TWO Birthdays on this day...

Gianna turns 12 AND my Dad turns 81!

 H A P P Y   B I R T H D A Y    
​           G I A N N A 

My Happy Birthday Girl at Wicked (c)travelincousins.com

 H A P P Y   B I R T H D A Y    
​                D A D

Dad - March, 2016 (c)travelincousins.com

As a mom, it always feels like your children grow up so fast!  Each birthday, I say to myself, "where did the time go?"  

My little girl is getting so grown up!  She's almost as tall as me and she fits into my clothes and shoes!  How crazy is that!

​Yesterday was super fun!  Me and my girls just love seeing Broadway shows and yesterday was another one for the book of memories!

WICKED IS AMAZING!

How I managed to NOT see it all these years, since it hit Broadway in 2003, is a mystery.  But, we finally got there and what a day it was!

Azalea Ristorante, NYC (c)travelincousins.com

Our afternoon started off at what has come to be mine and the girls' favorite restaurant in the theatre district in NYC - Azalea Ristorante.

We went for the first time last May when we went to see Gigi on Broadway.

Our dining experience, for food, atmosphere and service, was so enjoyable and memorable, that this is our go-to place when in the area!

Birthday Lunch for Gianna's 12th at Azalea Ristorante, NYC (c)travelincousins.com

Azalea Ristorante, NYC (c)travelincousins.com

I must tell you, I have recommended this restaurant to many people throughout the year, both through my blog review and personally.  The consensus is always the same - Wonderful!

And a year later, I'm happy to report, we were just as satiated with our meal as before. With a few decor changes to the wall art, everything was still the same way we remembered it.

After munching on much bread (peasant bread and Olive bread - my fave!) with their delicious sundries tomato dipping sauce, the three of us shared an appetizer of Eggplant Parmigiana. The sauce was light and cheesy and the eggplant was tender and mouth-watering!

Eggplant Parmigiana, Appetizer Azalea NYC (c)travelincousins.com

We followed up our starter with two delicious entrees - Gnocchi with mozzarella for me and Gianna and Spinach Ravioli for Kelsey.

Last year, Kelsey, who never eats anything green, actually asked me to try the spinach ravioli that I had ordered and LOVED it so much, I had to trade my dish for her linguine!

This time she ordered her own and finished every last bite!

Gnocchi with mozzarella - Azalea, NYC (c)travelincousins.com

Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli - Azalea, NYC (c)travelincousins.com

Dessert was fabulous!  A sweet, delectable apple & caramel tart for Gianna, Tiramisu for me and a trio of gelati for Kelsey.  Vanilla, Chocolate and Hazelnut to die for!!

Azalea staff singing Happy Birthday to Gianna! (c)travelincousins.com

Apple and Caramel Tart for the birthday girl - Azalea, NYC (c)travelincousins.com

Tiramisu - Azalea, NYC (c)travelincousins.com

Gelato Trio (Vanilla, Chocolate, Hazelnut) - Azalea, NYC (c)travelincousins.com

Conveniently located right next door to the Gershwin Theatre, there was no need for rushing.  Although it was unseasonably chilly yesterday, we made it there with plenty of time to spare.

​And may I say, the seats were amazing!!! Center Orchestra, Row L!!! Who's better than us for my little girl's birthday!

Me and my girls celebrating Gianna's 12th Birthday at Wicked (c)travelincousins.com

Kelsey so proud with her Wicked T-shirt (c)travelincousins.com

Prior to lunch (and the show), we snuck into the theatre and snagged a few t-shirts.  Kelsey decided to wear her's immediately!  

Our view from our seats - Row L, Center Orchestra for Wicked (c)travelincousins.com

Tonight, the celebration continues at my parents' house for dinner and cake to commemorate both my Dad and Gianna.

I still can't believe it was a year ago that we celebrated my Dad's 80th!  Wow, how time flies!!

Dad's 80th Birthday Party (June, 2015) (c)travelincousins.com

It was a super day!

Did I mention that we had a small celebration at the barn on Saturday? Yes - cupcakes and cookies for everyone and a special Happy Birthday wish from all the folks at Dream Come True Farm!
​

Birthday Celebration at the barn this past Saturday. (c)travelincousins.com

Time to fill out some birthday cards!!!

Till tomorrow, 

-E
xoxo

Tanya's Daily Scoop
NEXT TRIP DEPARTS IN: 3 DAYS

Celebrations and Excitement!

What a special day it is!!

You know how much I love celebrations and birthdays...Today is not only one birthday in the family, but two! 

My little cousin Gianna,

And my Uncle George.

I hope you guys celebrate BIG and have a wonderful day!

Meanwhile, over here I've got plenty to do today.
I mean LOTS. And one of those things happens to be taking Cosette to go visit Dream for the last time before our trip.          Only 3 more days folks!!!

And let me just go ahead and tell you just how very productive I was yesterday...
I got waaaaaay more done than I expected or had even planned on doing!

The biggest chore was organizing the already packed clothes by coordinating and listing each of our daily wardrobes.
It's certainly not something that most people do, and granted it is a lot of work.
But it saves time while you are actually traveling, and for me it is totally worth it!

I also had my vacation mani/pedi appointment.
I'm really lovin' this new place. It's called Nailicious and this is only my 3rd visit (since I was looking for a new salon ever since my gal moved on from the salon I use to go to).     This place is awesome.

They've got more colors than you could ever imagine - it's amazing and at the same time a bit over whelming!
This place is always packed - which is generally not something that I like - but it shows how popular they are and how much everybody loves their work!

The gals here are very professional, and never rush to get on to their next client.
This time around I had to choose a color that I made sure would look good with my wardrobe choices for the trip and that wouldn't clash with anything that I've packed, plus I also wanted it to be on the spring palate.
​Here's the result, I really like how they came:

As far as my toes go, I'm just not the type who ever seems to ever get the same matching color that I get on my fingers. Plus I wanted to go with something light (a clean look) and one that wouldn't clash with my nails or my wardrobe selections.

Amongst all that I've got to do today, it's Monday so we've got choir later on tonight and while the kids are doing their rehearsal. The rest of us have an Associates meeting and it's time for the electoral vote of the new Board of Directors.
And guess who's running for president???

Now how about some more what to expect scoop for days 11, 12, & 13 of our upcoming trip to Europe!

Day 11: Gibraltar,
​AND Seville, Spain
Activities - Rock of Gibraltar, Apes Den
Metropol Parasol
Puente del Alamillo
Seville Cathedral
Giralda
​Flamenco Show
Meals - Alameda Rock​

Apes Den

Credit: dailymail.uk.co

The Apes’ Den is home to the Rock's most famous inhabitants - the tailless Barbary Macaques, it is the only wild monkey population in the European continent! Some 200 apes hang around the Apes' Den which is located near the middle cable-car station. 
The macaque population had been present on the Rock of Gibraltar long before Gibraltar was captured by the British in 1704.
The original introduction of the macaques was most likely orchestrated by the Moors (who occupied southern Iberia, including Spain and Portugal, between 711 and 1492), who kept them as pets.
And according to legend, if the Apes leave Gibraltar it will cease to be British.

This should be a blast!

​Because y'all know how much I love monkeys!!!

Monkeying around in Costa Rica (c)travelincousins.com

Love at first sight in St. Kitts (c)travelincousins.com

​Metropol Parasol

Credit: wiki

While Seville may be best known for its historic landmarks that date back to the Middle Ages, the city also has some spectacular modern architecture to offer such as the iconic Metropol Parasol.
The World's Largest Wooden Structure (held together by glue!) with it's waffle-like crown design is now a new city landmark located at La Encarnación square, in the old quarter of Seville.

Credit: Yatzer.com

​Day 12: Faro, Silves, Tavira & Lagos, Portugal
Activities - Horseback Riding, Benagil Sea Cave, Beaches and Old Towns 
​Meals - Espaço da Rosa (Lisbon)

Algarve

Credit: easyjet.com

The Algarve is the southernmost region of continental Portugal. It is the most popular tourist destination in Portugal. With many of the country’s safest and loveliest beaches, and a year-round balmy climate, it's no wonder that the Algarve is also one of the most popular destinations in Europe! 

Benagil Sea Cave

Credit: tripzilla.com

The Benagil cave is 150m from the village’s main beach, and can only be reached by the water. It looks absolutely stunning and can be found on several Top 10 of the World's Best (unknown) Natural Wonders Lists.
It's a must for me, especially since we will be touring this area!

This night will be our last on the Mainland of Europe, for in the early morning of Day 13, we will be taking off for the Azores and starting with the island of Terceira!
​
Day 13: Terceira, Azores
Activities - Sightseeing in Angra do Heroi­smo  Monte Brazil
Sao Joao Baptista Castle
Alto da Memoria
Sulphur Geysers & Caverns
Wine Museum
Meals - TBA

Angra do Heroi­smo

Credit: reddit.com

Generally known as Angra, this historic capital of the Island of Terceira is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was an obligatory port of call from the 15th century until the advent of the steamship in the 19th century. 
​This important port town and old 16th century fort have been strategically important to both Portuguese and Spanish merchants and traders over the centuries using the city’s sheltered harbour as a stop-off point between Africa, Europe and the West Indies and Americas.

After sightseeing and familiarizing ourselves with the city, we'll finally go check into our hotel, where the kids can frolic in the pool and I can enjoy watching them, while laying out and taking in all of the beautiful scenery.

There ya have it - Days 11, 12 & 13. Come back tomorrow for Days 14, 15 & 16...

Now it's time for me to start working on some choir travel plans. 

Catch ya back here tomorrow,
​-T