Madeira Island

Hello everyone! :)

The next trip is booked and I am heading to the Madeira Island! I have been so far away in the map and I still haven't been to the Madeira and the Azores Islands that are part of Portugal. It is always like that, isn't it?
I feel even more guilty to have waited so long as part of my family comes from Madeira.

Just to situate you, Madeira sits here:

This means good weather all year round!

I plan on hiking, relaxing and exploring the island. Just look at this:

 And of course eat tons of the tiny Madeira Bananas.... :)

If you have any tips, please leave them in the comments bellow!
Have a nice holiday :)

Maria

my weekend summary

In the beautiful and peaceful Alentejo.

Strolls along the vines, orange picking and great views!

The beautiful Amsterdam

As you know by this post (that I have to update, actually), I love Amsterdam. It is so picturesque and gorgeous, you have to fall in love with it. The canals, the parks, the houses, the bikes, the flowers and the list goes on. I was there for 5 days, more than enough to take things easy and to visit a nearby town called Zaanse Schans where 2/3 of The Netherlands' mills were and where, today, there is one of the biggest (if not the biggest) cocoa powder factory in the world. Yes, you can imagine the smell :)

P.S. I am sorry I was away but I had to clean my computer in order to be able to upload more photos, I had 50MB free... I need to buy an external disk soooooon.

Florida

Hello!

Remember I told you I had gone to Florida? Finally, I am showing you some photos.
We flied to Orlando, rented a car (it was a pain but we got it after half an hour of discussing with the salesmen that we indeed had money on our cards, his boss coming over and solving it in 30 seconds...), and drove to Clearwater. We couchsurfed at a lovely lady's house, we talked with her for hours and, I think, we made her want to visit Portugal and eat tons of Pastéis de Nata :-). The next day we went to Clearwater beach, a lovely white sanded beach with water at just the right temperature. What is it about the first dive of the year? So refreshing to the mind.
We continued to Sarasota and ended up in Fort Myers on yet another couchsurfing experience with a great couple.
Next day was all about The Everglades, one amazing natural park where we got to see some alligators. Not so many because it was too hot and they prefer to stay in the water. Nevertheless, I loved it :) In the afternoon we headed to Miami where we met and stayed with other portuguese that are doing the same programme as I am - Inov Contacto. We enjoyed Miami beach on a weekday and then parted to Key West, which is beautiful. Not only the beaches but also the little town. I forgot I was closer to the equator line than normal and got my bum and legs sunburnt because "it was already 5 p.m., no need to put sunscreen on the legs..." -.-'
We left the paradise for another day in Miami and Fort Lauderdale and back to Orlando and back to NY.

Florida is so different from the other parts of the US that I visited that I felt I was in another country. I heard more spanish and portuguese than english and you can see they have a lot of space as the construction is very low.

The bad side: it rained EVERY SINGLE DAY. Oh my. But we enjoyed it anyway :-)

Kiss

Maria Ana

Let's give it up to Boston!

Boston is such a pretty city! Very British, very european. It is small so almost everything can be done on foot, it is actually a pity to pass some things if you choose the metro. It has a recent history compared to european cities but an important one in the US. You can walk the freedom trail, shop at Newbury Street and visit Beacon Hill all on foot. If the weather permits the river esplanade is amazing as it is the park. South End and North End are also worth the visit :) One thing you cannot miss is Harvard. The gardens, the river, the student residencies, the bookstores...

Chicago!!

Hello everyone:) how are you? Is anyone in Chicago? I'll be there half a day and I would love to hear some tips:)

Washington DC

Hello everyone:) how was your weekend?
I went to Washington DC and loved it. I had no idea it was so cute. I did not expect the small buildings and houses. I expected a city with skyscappers and all.
The zone of the The Mall is imponent but it was not my favourite. What I loved was the feel of the city. In one moment you are in Paris. Amsterdam. London. Brussels. The old part of town is like being in a village. I think it is smaller than my beloved Lisbon. Including in population. I have to study the subject;)
This time of year is that of cherry blossoms as well. Thousands were given to Washington by the japanese and these days they are blooming. It is beautiful!
Georgetown is gorgeous. So picturesque:) We saw an open house but did not have the courage to entre... Maybe next time! We also went to Georgetown University and it has to be an absolute privilege to study there. The space and buildings are amazing.
I will be back for sure!

Love 

Maria Ana