Ray's Digital Scrapbook

Caribe Hilton Fun

2011-09-03T14:22:00.000-04:00

I am back...

2010-09-09T10:50:00.000-04:00

Okay, after a long hiatus I have decided to resume the blog... More to come!

Provincetown 2011

2010-09-08T23:04:00.003-04:00

So it was our annual trip to Ptown - well, this year was our second, as we went there during Memorial Day weekend... "Baby Dyke weekend"... enough said... Anyways, even with a possible hurricane (Earl) we had a great time relaxing, drinking and meeting a bunch of new people...

Stevie's Bday!

2010-06-13T23:28:00.001-04:00

March for Equality in Washington DC

2009-10-12T01:50:00.004-04:00

October 11 was the National Equality March in Washington DC where many of us united and walked the streets of DC in demand for equal rights for every person in the US.

Fun Night @ Eric's

2009-10-06T23:59:00.003-04:00

Totally unexpected night of fun and hilarity when we all invaded Eric's crib and drank all his wine and champagne!

Vanderbilt Estate Visit

2009-09-23T23:42:00.004-04:00

Another nice day, another gorgeous estate to visit. Today we visited the Vanderbilt Mansion in the Hudson Valley. The "tiny" house built in the late 1800s by Frederick Vanderbilt as his "country home" for a cost of $2.5MM (back then). The house and all that is inside was sold to the US Parks for 1 dollar in 1940 after Frederick died (1938) and his niece who inherited the estate couldn't sell the house (she was selling for $140,000). The house is huge: 50,000 sq ft. and was maintained by 60 people. The architecture of the house is gorgeous, but the inside and its decor is very dark and I don't mean lack of light. Frederick tried to live like royalty and you can totally see it / feel it but can't help to think that he was trying to hard. That said, it was still a fabulous estate.

Cocktail Party at Tracy & Paul

2009-09-13T15:33:00.005-04:00

Last night Tracy and Paul hosted a cocktail party to close the summer season. After not being able to attend their multiple parties they have hosted in the past year we decided to venture to Long Island City, Queens on a horrible weather night for the first time... Well, it was well worth it. We had a blast with great company and look at that insane view!

PTown '09: Day 7

2009-09-07T23:04:00.002-04:00

One Last Dance. Today was the last Tea Dance of our vacation. Sad, but all good things must come to an end. We are already looking forward to next year's vacation in PTown.

PTown '09: Day 6

2009-09-07T00:56:00.000-04:00

PTown '09: Day 5

2009-09-05T09:59:00.006-04:00

Another fun tea dance at Boatslip and funny drag queens along Commercial Street.

PTown '09: Day 4

2009-09-03T22:28:00.001-04:00

Dinner was at The Red Inn Restaurant which was FANTASTIC food, ambiance and views, highly recommend it.

Today we ventured to do a whale watching trip with the Dolphin Fleet of PTown. And by whale watching I dont mean looking at myself in the mirror :).. Anywho... We have never done any whale watching and must admit that it was worth every penny. The Dolphin Fleet really know their stuff. We have a "guide" who explained every detail of the trip - from historic facts about Ptown (who knew that the pligrims arrived in Ptown before than Plymouth) to water related information. We were literally close and personal with around 20 whales (they actually document the whales based on their tale marks). Another very nice sighting was the guy working a boat next to our boat... yummy!

PTown '09: Day 3

2009-09-03T00:56:00.005-04:00

Today we had a chilled day. We walked around town, then made a quick cameo at tea, grilled some chicken and last went to see Hedda Lettuce host Mommie Dearest Interactive which was hilarious!!!! Who knew that Mommie Dearest had SOOO many mistakes?!?! Needless to say, I will name be able to watch Mommie Dearest the same way. Here is Barbara possing with Miss Richfield 1981 having a blast with all the people walking in front of the PTown Art House inviting them to walk in to see her show.

PTown '09: Day 2

2009-09-02T10:57:00.010-04:00

Day 2 started with a nice breakfast/brunch at the Governor Bradford restaurant followed by a nice walk around town. At tea time it was time for more Boatslip. Last we decided to stay in and grill some steaks and roast some delish potatoes for a nice meal in the terrace.

PTown '09: Day 1

2009-09-01T10:44:00.005-04:00

Our first official day in PTown we visited, as always, the Boatslip for tea and after drinking several planters punch we went to the Crown & Anchor for their weekly show Showgirls which we can honestly say was AWFUL, just AWFUL. Good thing we had a blast at tea...

PTown '09: Ferry Ride

2009-08-30T22:52:00.005-04:00

And finally our summer vacation has arrived. After a very quick bus ride (Boltbus rocks) and going to visit the Boston nephews we took the 530pm ferry to one of our favorite place on earth :)

More of the Highline

2009-08-14T22:47:00.004-04:00

Another walk in the Highline, again, I like it more and more... Only if they had a "beer garden" of some sort :)

Hudson Valley Daytrip

2009-08-14T22:03:00.007-04:00

What an amazing day!! We spent all day exploring some of the sites around the Tarrytown area (Hudson Valley).

First stop was the Philipsburg Manor. After crossing the bridge is like stepping back in time. The manor dates back to 1750 and it has been preserved to look like you are back in that era. Even the people working at the farm are in period costumes.

Then it was up to Kykuit which is the famous hilltop estate that was home to the Rockefeller family. Now a historic site of the National Trust, this amazing landmark has been maintained to look like the same way Nelson Rockefeller (the last member of the family to live there). The house is remarkable but the view and the gardens are absolutely breathtaking. It wont be the last time I pay a visit to the Pocantico Hills.

Long Island Wines, Shelter Island and Montauk

2009-08-10T23:31:00.006-04:00

Today the weather in the city was incredibly hot and humid so we ventured east to escape the heat and check out some wineries, Shelter Island and Montauk. Because of timing we really could only check out a couple of wineries (Bedell and Raphael) before heading for lunch in Shelter Island. After lunch we drove up to the Montauk Point Lighthouse which is the furthest point east in NY. While in Montauk we went for some fresh oysters at some random place in the harbor. Have to admit that I was not impressed with Montauk. I mean, it was pretty, but way too far and not as pretty as the Hamptons.

Metting Charlotte Jane

2009-08-09T23:09:00.004-04:00

This weekend we went up to Boston to meet our new niece Charlotte Jane.

Another Night at The Highline

2009-07-27T23:54:00.004-04:00

Every time I visit the Highline I like it more and more. I wasn't crazy the first time I went to it, but they did such a great job, can't wait for them to open Phase 2 (expected in 2010).

First Visit to Fire Island

2009-07-27T11:42:00.001-04:00

It's hard to believe that after almost 15 years in NYC I had never been to the Fire Island Pines. Well, this year Michael figured it was time to change that and convinced me (along with Mike) to make a trip there. While I had a blast hanging with Michael, Mike and all, I must admit that the scene is not for me.

Drinks With Old MS Peeps

2009-07-22T23:53:00.002-04:00

It had been ages since getting together with the MS peeps. Eventho we couldn't get the whole crew together Ilana, Tracy and Paul joined us for some needed quality time.

Quick Trip to Chicago

2009-07-19T22:21:00.010-04:00

After going to Chicago for business and never being able to enjoy the city we decided to make a leisure trip to visit new Chicago resident Stevie. We stayed at Stevie's new place in Bucktown but did check the whole city and the gorgeous architecture.

After Bike Ride Drinks

2009-07-14T23:16:00.006-04:00

So... While I was on my first ever bike ride - in what? 22 years? - I got thirsty. I swear that I just wanted water! Well... we stumbled into the Frying Pan, and needless to say our bike ride was over. One water bottle turned into a glass of sangria, that turned into a pitcher of sangria and then another. Bottom line a very unexpected great time with Richie and John on a gorgeous NYC day.

Hudson River Park Bike Ride

2009-07-14T22:22:00.009-04:00

Today I went on a bike ride for the first time EVER in NYC; not to mention that it has been YEARS since I have done the bike thing. Went down to the new and improved Hudson River Park on the west side of Manhattan - what a joy. Have to take my hat off to the planners of this park which is beautiful and perfect for the city.

Bruch at Tartine

2009-07-12T23:12:00.004-04:00

The gorgeous weather continued throughout the weekend and we had to have brunch outside at our favorite french place Tartine - those egg benedict are heaven on earth!!!

Drinks at the Garden

2009-07-11T01:16:00.002-04:00

So on Friday the weather was exquisite and we decided to have a glass of wine in the Garden. Fast forward to then end of the night - after several bottles of white, rose and prosecco; pizza, chips (before they literally caught fire with the candles on the table), etc etc... anyway, it all added to a fantastic time (and several mad neighbors, whoops). Always love an impromptu get together!

Only in New York!

2009-07-06T23:04:00.001-04:00

Yup, only in NY... Since the oppening of the High Line park in what used to be an abandon elevated railway in the west side of the city there is a very creative group of friends that has been doing free performances out of the fire escape of their building. They call themselves The Highline Park Renegade Cabaret. Quite random, quite creative, and quite NY!

Independence Day Fireworks

2009-07-04T23:52:00.002-04:00

After coming back to the city we were fortunate enough to catch the Macy's fireworks from our rooftop, which this year took place on the west side of the city.

Becoming a "Housewive of the Jersey Shore"...

2009-07-04T18:43:00.002-04:00

As par of the July 4th summer activities went for the first time to the Jersey Shore, which was interesting. Our tour of the shore started with two days at Long Beach Island (LBI), continued with a stop for lunch at Asbury Park and ended with drinks at Wanamassa. And no, no tables were flipped as part of this tour...

A Very Proud Sunday

2009-06-28T22:42:00.005-04:00

Sunday was Gay Pride in NYC. Before going to the parade (for a split second) some of our friends paid us an impromptu visit for bagels, Mimosas and delicious St Germain Cocktails. After being at the parade for a while we got very thirsty again and we ran to XES for a thirst quencher.

Pre-Pride Activities

2009-06-27T23:38:00.006-04:00

As part of the Pride weekend we went to see Dixie Longate at the Gramercy Theater which was hysterical as alwaus.

Before Dixie, we made a cameo at the annual Kiehl's Pride party at their East Village store where we drank delish Midori Margaritas

Folsom Street East

2009-06-21T23:49:00.005-04:00

For the first time ventured to the Folson Street East Fair, and, oh boy, what a treat. Didn't know what to expect and was not disappointed - clearly can't really post most of the pictures since that crowd has no shame :)

Shelter Island

2009-06-06T23:49:00.004-04:00

As an added bonus to our LI Wine country visit we decided to check out Shelter Island for the first time. Shelter Island is a town (and island to be exact) between the North and South Fork of Long Island. Only reachable by ferry, the island is a town where new yorkers go for the Summer. We had a nice lunch at the Chequit Inn in Shelter Island Heights and then went for a quick drive around the island.

Long Island Wineries

2009-06-06T23:27:00.008-04:00

With our new wine obsession we had to go and do our first official Long Island Wine country tour visiting several wineries / vineyards in the North and South Fork of Long Island. So close and so good! We were pleasantly surprised with not only the quality of the wines but also the beauty of the region and the wineries. Among the wineries we visited this time (which definitively wont be the last) are Shinn Estate Vineyards, Castello di Borghese Vineyards & Winery, Bedell Cellars and Wölffer Estate. All very different, all very good!

Hey, who needs Napa and Sonoma when you have such quality and beauty so close to home?! And specially when Long Island is home to so many good whites and rose wines which are our favorite!!

Thursday Night Drinks

2009-06-04T21:15:00.006-04:00

Carolyn invited us to enjoy her new roof-top entertainment area in her building in the Lincoln Center area on NYC. The place is impeccable, with modern facilities (gym, pool, etc) a view to die for of Central Park and the Hudson river and A BAR!!!!!! A bar in your own building is a dangerous proposition tho!!! But what a pleasure :)

NY Architecture

2009-06-04T21:04:00.005-04:00

On my way to Carolyn's place, couldn't pass the opportunity to snap some pictures of the Time Warner Canter and Fifteen Central Park West. Two new recent additions to the NYC skyline. The Time Warner Center is obviously home to the Time Warner corporation in addition to some nice retail shops and good restaurants and 15 CPW is a new residential building built in the style of pre-war building but all the modern amenities and heights permitted in the 21st century.

Time Warner Center

15 CPW

Kute @ G

2009-05-24T23:40:00.004-04:00

Memorial Day Weekend BBQ

2009-05-24T23:13:00.008-04:00

Thanks to Eric for hosting a great Memorial Day BBQ at the rooftop terrace of his building The Caledonia. Good food, lots to drink and great company!

Drinks With Some Friends

2009-05-20T00:23:00.001-04:00

Napa Visit 2.0

2009-05-04T12:48:00.010-04:00

We couldnt go to San Francisco and not go to the Napa Valley. This time the weather was horrific - monsoon like even, but as always the valley was amazing plus we had the opportunity to check out the newly green vines in the spring.

Cakebread Cellars

Rubicon Estate

San Francisco Visit 2.0

2009-05-04T09:22:00.003-04:00

With very cheap fares, decided last minite to fly to San Francisco for the weekend. Checked out the 2009 San Francisco Decorator Showcase house where over 40 San Francisco designers showcase their talent by each decorating a specific room of the house. The house, a $12.9MM Georgian brick beauty is massive and has an incredible view of the Golden Gate Bridge and bay. Below are some pictures of my favorite rooms in the house.

The Study by John Wheatman & Associates

His Sitting Room by Scheiber Design Group

The Dellers' Lodge by Coup D'Etat

Penthouse* designed by Heather Hilliard

Amazing Golden Gate Bridge view

*Couldn't even take a picture of the Penthouse because it was never empty

A Quick Taste of the East Coast Wine

2009-04-25T22:14:00.008-04:00

Coming back to the city from the Hamptons noticed the signs for the wineries and had to check out Channing Daughters one of Jason's favorite and do a quick wine tasting...

East Hamptons Fun

2009-04-25T22:10:00.003-04:00

After seeing Grey Gardens on HBO and all the press surrounding the movie I got the itch to go and see if I could check out the house in East Hamptons and so made a nice day out of it.

Roy's Bday Celebration

2009-04-19T16:57:00.009-04:00

Another fun weekend in LA for Roy's bday. After the weekend I had to give my liver a break after all the drinking.

2009 Conde Nast Traveller Hot List Party

2009-04-16T00:39:00.006-04:00

Conde Nast Traveller celebrated its 2009 Hot List at Pranna on Madison Avenue.

Mike's Bday Celebration at HK Lounge

2009-04-05T11:19:00.006-04:00

Mike celebrated his birthday at HK Lounge where we had TONS of fun. Not sure about the pig, dont ask!

West Coast Vacation '09 - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

2009-03-31T21:59:00.017-04:00

As part of our vacation we joined Stephen Barr in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico as he celebrated his 40th bday in style. We stayed at Casa Cupula a great hotel in PV with an amazing staff and great character. We drank, we ate, we went on a boat ride (which made me sick afterwards, but I digress); bottom line we had a great time!!!!!

West Coast Vacation '09 - San Francisco

2009-03-26T23:57:00.013-04:00

As always, had a great, pleasant time in San Francisco. The weather, while windy, was gorgeous

Hmmm, not quite sure....

Have $45MM to spare?

West Coast Vacation '09: Sonoma

2009-03-22T22:40:00.011-04:00

Oh Sonoma, Sonoma! I truly love Sonoma! If I had the chance I would move there in a second - would I be drunk every day?

After visiting the Benziger Family Winery (which is green/biodynamic and has a great tour) we visited it sister winery Imagery Estate

At Gloria Ferrer Winery

West Coast Vacation '09: Napa Valley

2009-03-21T21:24:00.010-04:00

After focusing more in years prior on Sonoma, we decided to check out more wineries in Napa. Have to admit that Sonoma is still our favorite area but Napa has some awesome wineries and wines.

Our new favorite winery, Rubicon Estate which is AWESOME

At the Mondavi Winery (just for kicks)

My Bday

2009-01-10T16:31:00.010-05:00

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T16:15:00.007-05:00

VANDAM

2008-12-22T03:27:00.001-05:00

On Sunday we had a small group over for some Prosecco and wine, after we all rounded up and decided to go and check some club kid's new Sunday party VANDAM... Well, it has been years since I have mingle at a club kid "event" but it was TONS of fun. Great music / dancing and an... well, how do we say this delicately, an interesting performance (some photos below). It is not an event that I will go every week, but if it last, I will definitively go again!

Jeff's Xmas Party

2008-12-21T02:12:00.007-05:00

Of course this year we had like 10 parties on 12/20! Of all the parties that we were invited we could not miss Jeff's annual holiday event - in Hoboken! He had mentioned that this year was going to be an intimate event, well, 100s of people later... but tons of fun!

LA: Toys For Tots

2008-12-13T23:54:00.003-05:00

So, by coincidence during my trip to LA we stumble upon the Toys For Tots event. The Toys For Tots in NY is one of my favorite events of the year but this year I was in PR when it took place so I missed it. It was a very nice surprise when we heard it was taking place in LA at the same moment we were out (and slightly drunk). Clearly we did not have any toy with us since Roy and his friends had NO idea what Toys For Tots was, but we gave a nice donation and entered the event which was outside on the street between Eleven and East West (two LA bars)... Anywho... We had a BLAST drinking and mingling with fabulous Beverly Leslie (from Will and Grace) and a couple of "actors" (and by actor I mean porn performer)...

LA: Eleven

2008-12-12T04:51:00.005-05:00

So after much postponing finally made it to LA again to hang with Roy in a much needed "boys night out weekend".
These pics are of my douchebag "friends" (no need to mention) before they decided to leave the place together, but I digress...

Talib's Bday

2008-12-06T22:49:00.002-05:00

Cebrated Talib's second 5th Bday - which he thought it must be his 6th bday because he had already celebrated his 5th the day before with his mom - SO CUTE!!!!!

Sarah Brightman Live!

2008-11-23T12:11:00.009-05:00

Ardythe's Wedding

2008-11-15T23:53:00.002-05:00

2008 Out 100

2008-11-14T23:57:00.002-05:00

OUT Magazine celebrates the top 100 gay and lesbian success stories of the year. The party at Gotham Hall in NYC included many of the celebrities that made the list from the worlds of entertainment, sports, business and politics,

Los Angeles - Wine Country

2008-11-09T22:04:00.003-05:00

On Saturday we had planned to do a "Sideways tour" of the Santa Barbara wine country. Between the fact that I was still hung over from the night before (damn the cheap wine, should have done vodka as usual) and the fact that they all wanted to drink, I was the designated driver. The area is no Napa/Sonoma, but it is very nice and the wines are good (for what I heard)...

Los Angeles Roy's Visit!

2008-11-07T23:59:00.001-05:00

Can't possibly visit LA without seeing Roy. We hung at his place drinking cheap wine and watching the amazing sunset from his balcony - apparently, this sunset is not a normal thing, I guess one good thing coming out of the climate change! Anyway, after that we went for din din and then more drinks at a bar called 11.

Los Angeles - Disneyland

2008-11-07T23:56:00.001-05:00

As part of out Los Angeles trip, we decided to make a visit to the Disneyland park. Originally I wasn't feeling it, but will admit that I am very glad we went. Was not our first time at the park, but as always we had a great time there! Weather was beyond perfect and this time of the year, the park is mostly empty with no lines, so you have a chance to see a lot! Good think Jason did not make me go to the Tiki Tiki Room!

Los Angeles - Madonna's Sticky & Sweet Tour

2008-11-06T23:50:00.025-05:00

So we flew to LA to see the Madonna concert - we had already seen 4 concerts in NY, but had booked LA before knowing we could see the NY concerts. Anyway, the concert was good, but not her best. The NY concerts were definitively better! We did have amazing seats for this concert, which was a plus and the celebrity sightings were intense, but it still left me a little "eh"...

LA Architecture: Bullocks Wilshire

2008-11-05T13:44:00.003-05:00

This gorgeous building was finished in the 20's as an upscale department store targeting the Hollywood elite. Now the building is part of a nearby school (you can actually see that part of it is a library now). The school restored the building to its 20s glory and you can see it now in all its splendor.

Get Out and Vote!!!!

2008-11-04T07:59:00.000-05:00

November Philly Visit

2008-11-01T20:24:00.003-04:00

Flashback: Halloween 1997

2008-10-31T00:00:00.004-04:00

Tracy and Paul's Wedding

2008-10-25T00:36:00.020-04:00

We never thought this day would come. After a year of top-secret preparation, Tracy and Paul tied the knot at a beautiful / charming ceremony. Then we all had a blast at a very lively reception.

At the "pre-party" at the Hotel.

Madonna: Sticky & Sweet Tour

2008-10-13T10:04:00.001-04:00

Four amazing shows!!! And yes, attended all. The Sticky & Sweet tour is definitively one of Madonna's most amazing shows (after Blond Ambition of course). Next stop (for me) LA in November...

Yahoo! Event

2008-10-08T23:29:00.000-04:00

Madison Square Park

2008-10-06T10:32:00.003-04:00

Another two nice pieces of NY architecture are The Metropolitan Life Tower (also known as Met Life Tower) located at 1 Madison Avenue and the Met Life North building next door. The Met Lifee Tower was the world's tallest building from 1909 to 1913 (when The Woolworth Tower was erected) and the North Building was originally supposed to be the tallest building in NY (with over 100 floors) but because of the Great Depresion Met Life scrapped those plans and only the base of the building was finished.

Sat Night Fun

2008-10-05T17:25:00.004-04:00

Patrick's Housewarming

2008-09-28T13:37:00.004-04:00

After TONS of alcohol at Patrick's Housewarming party...
Did I mention that the level of humidity (inside and outside the apt) that night was 700%, my hair was a full on cotton candy, and not because of its sweet, pink and fluffy quality...

Grand Central Terminal

2008-09-20T21:07:00.003-04:00

Another incredible piece of architecture in NYC is the impressive Grand Central Terminal on 42nd street. Built between 1903 and 1913 the terminal is designed in the Beaux-Arts style. Since the 70's the building has been designated a National Historic Landmark and part of the National Register for Historic Places. When you visit the building you can see why. Not only it is gorgeous, but it also exudes History. You can imagine yourself living in the early 1900s.

Rockefeller Center

2008-09-20T20:47:00.009-04:00

One of my favorite buildings (in this case building complex) is the Rockefeller Center. Everyone that knows me well know that I am a sucker for Art Deco architecture / design and the Rock Center is one of the finest examples of it. Its simply breathtaking!

Parent's Visit

2008-09-20T20:38:00.005-04:00

This weekend my parents made an impromptu visit to NYC. This time we did all the touristy visits, you know: 5th Ave., Broadway Show (In The Heights), etc. It was fun and we ate like every 20 minutes :)

Here are some pictures at the Rockefeller Center. We were lucky that the weather was amazing all weekend.

Times Square

2008-09-18T23:27:00.004-04:00

After living for more than 13 years in NYC you take Times Square for granted (sometimes you actually hate it with all the tourist and all), but I realized that I have never taken a picture of the site, which while it can be tacky, it has a lot of charm!

Casino Night 2009

2008-09-11T23:46:00.006-04:00

Today was the annual charity Mindshare Casino Night benefiting the Make-A-Wish foundation. This year the theme was 50's glory. It was a lot of fun eventho it was EXTREMELY crowded.

PTown - Last Tea Dance!

2008-09-01T23:25:00.001-04:00

Unfortunally, PTown it is time for us to say... good bye! But not before going to Tea one last time and having several Planters Punch!

PTown - Gorgeous

2008-08-31T23:30:00.000-04:00

Some nice vistas that Jason took before sunset! Gorgeous!

PTown - One Last Nice Bike Ride

2008-08-31T23:22:00.005-04:00

Jason and I went again for a long bike ride (and yeah, did not feel my legs for hours after the ride)

PTown - A House

2008-08-29T01:53:00.002-04:00

Imagine that, coming up to PTown and almost hooking up with a girl! A GIRL! At least she was a hottie!

And then Roy connected with a "straight" Jehova's Witness... Really?

PTown - The Most Expensive Meal On The Planet?

2008-08-28T07:49:00.007-04:00

After spending $400+ on ONE meal at the supermarket, we figured it was proper to just cook it the same night; granted, that was to be determined by the level of intoxication after Tea... Well, apparently, toxic levels were really low since we ventured to cook!

Roy cooking said meal while rocking to, who else, Madge!

Mike was napping while the meal was being prepared!

PTown - Day 4! Mike's arrival!

2008-08-27T19:56:00.008-04:00

So, on our 4th day in PTown Mike made it up. Some more drinking, eating, Tea cameo'ing and another bottle of Pinot Grigio (not counting the 700 drinks in between) later....

So we decided to go to the supermarket and do some shopping, you know for one meal so that we dont end up going out every night.... $400 later, for the one meal!!!!!!!!

PS. - Is it slightly weird that I find my best friend hot in this pic?!?!?!?!?!

PTown - Boatslip

2008-08-26T21:36:00.006-04:00

So after ordering one "planters punch" Roy decided to "kick it" out of my hands and cover his pants with it (what a waste!!!), yet it was fun! Did I tell you that happened THE MOMENT we walked into the Boatslip!?!?!?!?!??!?!

PTwon - Pre-Toxing Before Tea

2008-08-26T17:23:00.001-04:00

Ok, so the first wine bottle went down very early.... (before the 700 platers punch we drank after)

PTwon - The Arrival Of Roy

2008-08-26T16:28:00.002-04:00

After a 30 minute delay Roy finally arrived in PTown. Even with the cold we are hoping that Mike would bring his floppy ears to keep us warm!!!! LOL

PTown '08 - We have arrived...

2008-08-24T20:12:00.005-04:00

After a very short cab to bus to cab to - pit stop to eat and of course drink - walk to ferry ride, we have arrived to PTown. Truly exhausted couldn't even figure out how to open the door :)

Of course had to do a hair fix up immediatelly!!!

PTown - En route

2008-08-24T19:12:00.007-04:00

On our way to PTwon (after the long bus ride) and then ferry ride.

Left at 10 am and the Sun started to set and we were still not there yet!

Yeah! Almost there (damn, I look tired and TRAGIC hair)

Inside the ferry with Jason, are we there yet?

Of course had to do a pit stop to have some food and some delicious concotion (they called it White Sangria, but she did not taste anything like a white sangria) of wine, stoli raz, fruits, etc!

PTown '08 v.2.0

2008-08-24T10:00:00.003-04:00

En route to PTwon (vis Boston) on board of the BoltBus... looking forward to a nice week in PTwon (love the wi-fi on the bus)

Blue Hill at Stone Barns

2008-08-01T08:47:00.003-04:00

For the first time had the opportunity of visiting Blue Hill at Stone Barns at the Pocantico Hills in Westchester for dinner. Blue Hill must be one of the most expensive restaurants in the area but it is worth every penny. Everything is organic/fresh and delicious. I wasnt expecting to like it as much as I did, but must admit that I loved it and I hope it is not the last time I visit. In addition to great food, the grounds are spectacular. In a farm in the Rockefeller estate, the place is extremely charming with pigs, cows, chickens and light turkeys!

The Dark Knight

2008-07-28T11:02:00.003-04:00

Finally checked out The Dark Knight... Talk about violent!

I am still not loving Christian Bale as Batman - what is up with that voice? And Heath as the Joker? Hmmm, I LOVED LOVED LOVED Jack Nicholson as the Joker on Tim Burton's version, so I may be biased, but did not get what all the fuzz was all about Heath. Don't get me wrong, he was good, but not incredibly amazing as they say - I cringe when I hear people comparing him to Hannibal Lecter (in Silence of the Lambs).

Overall, the movie is good, a little slow at the beginning and it did feel like I spent 10 hours in the theater, but it is good. What is amazing is that this movie is making so much money (already over $300MM in less than 10 days)

Ikea Brooklyn

2008-07-27T15:34:00.009-04:00

Today went to the Brooklyn Ikea in the Red Hook area. They could not make it easier for people to get there. We went there in the Water Taxi from Pier 11 and came back in the Complimentary Shuttle/Subway transfer. As expected, the place was packed, but not a nightmare. Clearly, had to eat those yummy swedish meatballs (delish) and bought 72 scented candles :)

A Piece of NYC

2008-07-27T15:01:00.003-04:00

You can't possibly go to the Wall Street area and not take some pics of the amazing art deco buildings dating to the 20s/30s.

One Wall Street

55 Wall Street (Cipriani Wall Street)

Heaven...

2008-07-25T22:26:00.008-04:00

Saw Brideshead Revisited today. Visually, this movie had me in heaven. And then there is the opulence: flawless... That said, the story of this movie is pretty sad. I never saw the original mini-series and really had no idea about the story; only that a middle class guy meets and befriends some very wealthy people. Well, it was that and a big critisism to extreme Catholicism. You leave the theater thinking that religion basically destroy any chance for any of the characters to be happy. Even the father, who was apparetly happy, returns to die in Brideshead and needs "salvation".

Hopefully this movie ends up making good money as we need this studios to continue to make this type of movies.

NYC Waterfalls

2008-07-24T22:51:00.011-04:00

As an added value to our Highlander ride in the East River was the fact that we had a chance to check out the NYC Waterfalls installation. The NYC Waterfalls was created by artist Olafur Eliasso as a way to highlight the integration between the environment and the urban landscape.

While they were very nice, I am very happy I did not spend any money to check them out! :)

Forbes Yacht '08

2008-07-24T22:28:00.007-04:00

After a VERY rainy morning, we lucked out with amazing weather to ride the Forbes Highlander around NYC on a great evening.