The Blue Lagoon Spa at Grindavik

I’m thrilled to present you with another guest blog, this one by my dear friend and fellow writer Nicole List. She set off on an adventure to Iceland over Christmas that was beyond my wildest imagination. The adventures she had are illustrated beautifully here through her photos and stories in two parts. Enjoy and check back tomorrow for Part Two.

By Nicole List

Typically, vacationers run away from the cold, but this particular hotspot is very cool. Iceland is tucked between Greenland, the Arctic Ocean, Norwegian Sea and 600 miles away from the British coastline.

Anyone who hasn’t done her research would be quick to assume at least three things about Iceland: Bjork, vikings and the possibility of polar bears. If so, that assumption isn’t totally off. However, polar bears are really nowhere to be found and Iceland offers a lot more to visitors than one might anticipate. Here’s a slightly abridged version of what to do while visiting this Nordic Winter Wonderland.

Day 1 – Blue Lagoon Spa, Grindavik

This is undoubtably one of Iceland’s biggest highlights and one of the best experiences in my travel life, thus far. The fort-like building is surrounded by a winter-blue moat, pure white snow and black volcanic rock. You’re greeted by a charming lodge offering changing facilities, a restaurant, café, spa and store.

Although the indoor amenities are impressive, nothing compares to the actual experience of swimming outside and partaking in the gorgeous Icelandic landscape. You may wonder how you swim in such freezing cold temperatures. Well, expect a one-minute chill, and then jump right into the geothermal hot spring. It’s the most comforting and exciting feeling.

Although it’s hard to pull your arm out of the warm water and into the wind, it’s worth it to swim up to the Lagoon bar (located in the middle of the spring) where you can purchase natural mud masks and cocktails.

Tip: Before jumping in, condition your hair so that it doesn’t get dried out from the salts in the water. Make sure to bring your own hotel robe and towel with you, and especially flip flops!

Day 2 – Snowmobile Riding with the Mountaineers of Iceland

Two-seater snow mobiles

It might be redundant to say this, but wear a lot of layers for this excursion. I’m talking double gloves, double socks, the works.  Here, the guides will take you into a small cabin where you’ll be able to change into their snowmobiling gear. Next, you’ll partner and learn how to properly ride these two-seater snowmobiles. Then, it’s go time. Prepare to be transfixed by the untouched beauty that is Iceland. For an hour, you’ll be able to glide through the beautiful, snowy vastness to your heart’s content. Pictures don’t do the scenery justice.

Day 3 –Eyjafjallajokull Sighting, Glacier Hike & Climb, Hotel Ranga

I was a bit thrown by the concept of glacier hiking, but I attempted to put my nerves at bay to explore more of Iceland’s splendor.

On our way to the glacier site, we stopped by the infamous volcano Eyjafjallajokull, located north of Skogar and west of Myrdalsjokill. This is the same active volcano that caused a major air travel disruption for Europe four years ago.

Volcano Eyjafjallajokull

After realizing the close proximity to the volcano, we approached another middle-of-nowhere hiking spot (you’ll learn quickly that off-roading and middle-of-nowhere happens quite often in Iceland), my nerves jittered again. We threw on hiking boots attached to ice spikes that are meant to cling onto the glacier ice with more “ease”. These bad boys are sharp and difficult to walk on. After imagining a lot of ways to die and discovering magical ice caves, I was ready to head back. It took me longer than expected, but I finally limped my way over to home base.

Nicole and Jason glacier hiking

After an emotionally panicky accomplishment, we celebrated our exhaustion and hunger at the lovely Hotel Ranga. This luxurious hotel is the perfect midpoint to all of the daytrips and Reykjavik. We indulged in hearty meals, much-needed beverages: cold, hot, alcoholic and caffeinated.

Hotel Ranga

Hotel Ranga has a cozy feel the minute you walk in, there’s an overwhelming wave of warmth, humorous bare-butt bar stools, wooden décor and hot tubs right outside of the hotel lodges. What’s also so grand about this spot is it’s the perfect setting to sit back and watch the Northern Lights.

Day 4 – Golden Circle: Gullfoss Waterfall and Geysir, Night out in Reykjavik

Gullfoss Falls and Geysir

Another much-frequented site is the Gullfoss Falls and Geysir. If you’re purely in a sightseeing mood, this is the perfect place for picture-taking. Geysir is one of the first geysers known to modern Europe. Eruptions at Geysir can hurl boiling water up to 230 feet in the air.

Gullfoss is located in the canyon of Hvita River in southwest Iceland. There’s a lower and upper deck for pictures, and to warm up, there’s a convenient café.

After a fairly lax day, we prepared to take Rejyavik by night. We stopped by dive bars and lounges until we found our comfort zone, B5. At this female packed club, we enjoyed mainstream dance mixed with Icelandic pop hits. The drinks were exorbitantly expensive, but the melodic beats and dance offs were worth it. We sealed the deal with cheeseburgers that night and they were delicious.

Born and raised in New York City, Nicole List now resides in the sixth borough, Miami Beach. When she isn’t writing, she’s a Community Manager for a leading design + digital marketing agency. Follow her on Twitter @nicolelist_  and keep up with her jet-setting around the world, trying out new food spots, exploring new jams and admiring new fashion trends. Come back tomorrow to see Part Two of her Icelandic adventure.

Hi David, let’s talk about Europe.

The first big name DJ I ever saw at a club after moving to Miami was David Guetta with his F*** Me I’m Famous party during Art Basel at Mansion. I’ve always loved a good party, but this was a totally new experience. From the light show to the confetti to the glow sticks and the robot men, not to mention the beats you can’t stop dancing to, I’ve been a big fan ever since. While he’s had a slew of commercial hits since his 2009 album “One Love,” he also knows how to throw down when it comes to spinning live at a club. I’ve caught him a handful of other times, and finally saw him at Ultra Music Festival last year.

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to interview him at Paraiso Bay condominium in Edgewater. They break ground this summer and open in 2016. One of the units in the impressive development will be the Miami home of David Guetta. We talked about why he chose to purchase real estate in Miami, what records he plans to debut at Ultra in March and how he changed the sound of American pop music.

SHM’s retirement party. Guetta with his arms up. Junior Sanchez & my head in the foreground. Seb Ingrosso and Alesso with Guetta.

As I was preparing my interview, I remembered that we’d actually partied together at Swedish House Mafia’s retirement party at The Dutch last year, so you know, it was about time we had a formal introduction. David was incredibly nice, enthusiastic about music and had an adorable French accent. Stay tuned for the full interview on Miami.com.

The San Carlos Institute on Duval Street, home of the Key West Literary Seminar

I’ve been back from Key West for a week since my 11 day trip to work on the event staff of the 32nd Annual Key West Literary Seminar. It’s my sixth year contributing to the seminar and it’s such a beautiful and invigorating way to start the New Year. The joy comes from being apart of this incredibly intimate and special weekend filled with panel discussions, lectures and readings from the top writers in their field. They range from Nobel Prize winners, Pulitzer Prize winners, U.S. Poet Laureates and emerging voices.

I’ve been delighted to hear lectures and readings from Russell Banks, Joyce Carol Oates, Billy Collins, Mark Strand, Jane Hirshfield, Richard Wilbur, Frank Bruni, Roy Blount, Jr., Molly O’Neill, Calvin Trillin, Jennifer Egan, Gary Shteyngart, Paul Hendrickson and many more through the years. This year’s theme was crime fiction and mystery, and authors included Carl Hiaasen, Gillian Flynn, John Banville, Alexander McCall Smith and Billy Collins who has been a constant presence at the seminar for over a decade (and who I get to know a little better every year).

It’s also a joy to work with an incredibly dynamic and dedicated team of writers, photographers, publishers, poets and teachers to produce this event year after year. It’s a solid group that feels a little more like family with every meeting. In the evenings, the seminar hosts cocktail parties and dinners, and we mingle in gorgeous, historic settings, like the Hemingway House, the Audubon House and the Truman Little White House. Afterwards, we inevitably end up at a favorite local haunt, like the Green Parrot, The Porch or Two Cents for a little more fun before waking up early to do it all over again.

And that’s the other joy, just being back in Key West, the island I called home for more than four years. I’ve mentioned in this blog before that I moved around a lot growing up and that I’ve never lived in the same city for more than six consecutive years. I often find myself thinking that if any place feels like my hometown, it’s Key West. It’s a small community, and even smaller is the community of friends I made while working there on the boats at Fury Water Adventures. When you spend day after day on the water with the same group of people (or in some cases, person), you get to know them pretty well, and over the years a deep love develops akin to family.

I love Key West for many reasons. It’s a place where I can absolutely be myself. There’s a beautiful simplicity in the lifestyle. The unimportant and superfluous melt away. And what is important? It’s the natural beauty of the sea and sky that constantly demands your attention, no matter the time of day or the season. It’s the feeling of salt water on your skin and the wind whipping through your hair making your way back to shore as you note the water’s clarity and color changes that day. It’s riding your bike along uncrowded streets eliciting a smile on your face as you take in the bougainvillea punctuating conch cottages and the scent of night-blooming jasmine after sunset. It’s Duval Street constantly calling for a prowl where you run into old friends and acquaintances at every bar you pop into, and where one too many is just enough. Above all, I love Key West because it feels like home.

I love that this home has such a storied past, that Ernest Hemingway was charmed by it, and Elizabeth Bishop, Wallace Stevens, Robert Frost and Tennessee Williams, that Judy Blume and Laurent de Brunhoff still call it home today. I love that every January the Key West Literary Seminar keeps that legacy alive, and I love that, in some small way, I’m apart of it.

Next year’s KWLS topic is How The light Gets In: Literature of the Spirit. Visit their website for more information on the seminar and writer’s workshop, as well as audio archives from past seminars. Subscribe to Littoral, the seminar’s year round online voice, for news, interviews, essays, archival photos and more. 

Where in the world? Somewhere in the central Spanish mountainside.

2013 was a pretty incredible year of travel for me. Since launching the blog a year ago yesterday, a whole world of travel and writing opportunities opened up. I ventured abroad to Mexico, Curacao, Costa Rica and the Bahamas. Within the U.S., I visited my typical “second home” destinations of Key West, New York and Atlanta. I also visited best friends in Nashville and Pittsburgh. And I discovered a little more of the state of Florida with trips to Tampa, Boca Raton and Sarasota. At that rate, I was traveling about twice a month. It’s been an exciting year and, yes, sometimes exhausting.

With a New Year on the horizon, I find myself looking ahead to future travel plans. This is by no means a list of places to visit in 2014 nor is it meant to be exhaustive. It’s more like a wish list of destinations I’ve never been to before at the front of my mind that I’d like to visit in this lifetime.

Top experiences I’d like to have:

1. Sailing the Greek Isles- I’m never happier than on a boat, so sailing through the Greek Isles is naturally at the top of my travel list. From pictures I’ve seen, stories I’ve read and friends who’ve taken similar trips, the experience sounds like heaven. I’d love to island hop, learn about the culture and indulge in the sea, the food and the party scene.

2. Discovering Australia- From surfing Bondi Beach to discovering the Outback to snorkeling (or getting dive certified at) the Great Barrier Reef, I’d love to have a totally outward bound trip through Australia. Additionally, I’d love to explore the cosmopolitan capitals of Sydney and Melbourne.

Top U.S. Cities to finally visit:

1. New Orleans- From the Garden District and its antebellum mansions to the party scene on Bourbon Street, I want to eat and drink my way through New Orleans, and  listen to lots of live jazz music while doing it. I’m thinking oysters, po’ boys, beignets, crawfish étouffée and jambalaya, and hurricanes, sazeracs and absinthe. Going during Jazz Fest sounds like fun or just visiting any old time.

2. Austin- I’ve heard good things about Austin’s music and nightlife scene, and that it’s supposed to be a cool and eclectic city with an appreciation for the arts. I’m in!

Top U.S. states to finally visit:

1. New Mexico- From its beautiful and unique scenery to its reputation as an artist’s community slightly removed from the fast pace of the rest of the country, I’d love to explore and learn more about what the state is all about. After reading a story in the January/February issue of Afar magazine about Santa Fe’s love for green chile in their Mexican cuisine, it’s just one more reason to go.

2. Alaska- People say the scenery in Alaska is unlike anything you’ll ever see. From snowy glaciers and breathtaking mountains rising from the sea, I’m sure it would be an amazing adventure. It looks like the Benowitz family has an Alaskan cruise through the Inside Passage on the brain in 2014, so I’ll keep you posted.

Places to see:

1. More of the Bahamas- I’ve really loved what I’ve seen of the Bahamas so far, namely the Abacos and Bimini. From the white sand beaches and crystal clear water to strong rum punches, conch fritters, fresh seafood, boating, snorkeling and life-loving locals, I like what the Bahamas stand for. I think the new resort The Cove on Eleuthera should be the next place I discover.

2. Bali- I picture bungalows on stilts over bright blue water, and that’s pretty much all I need.

3. Thailand- I’ve never been to the Far East and Thailand sounds like a good place to start. From its history, architecture and food, I’m sure there’s plenty to discover.

4. Africa- Discovering African wildlife on a safari has to be an exciting experience. It would be amazing to see lions, tigers, zebras, giraffes and rhinoceroses in the wild. I don’t know what country I’d start with, although I’d love to see Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, if not actually hike it.

5. Galápagos Islands- It seems like this is one of the last unspoiled reserves on the planet. From its endemic species to Darwin’s discoveries, I imagine Galápagos to be a feast for the eyes that I can’t even imagine.

More of Europe:

Discovering Europe has been one of my true joys of travel. There’s more I’d love to see and more time I’d like to spend there.

1. San Sebastian, Spain- San Sebastian on the coast of the Basque country in Spain holds a mystique to me as a town that’s at once luxurious and chic, and also a world class surf destination. I’ve made it as far as nearby Bilbao, and truly loved the people, the food and the culture.

2. Biarritz, France- Just across the French border from San Sebastian, Biarritz holds the same mystique for me. Plus, it’s history as a vacation destination for European royals and Coco Chanel makes it all the more fascinating. I’m a true francophile, so discovering more of France is always on my list.

3. Monaco- More of the same here as in San Sebastian and Biarritz, glitz, glamour, boats and the sea. Only, we’re in the South of France. Sign me up.

4. Berlin- I’ve never been to Germany and I’ve heard lots of raves over Berlin. It’s young, edgy, exciting and a true destination for the arts.

5. Ireland- I’ve made it as far as Scotland, but ever since reading Angela’s Ashes in high school, I’ve wanted to discover Ireland. I’ve made many Irish friends over the years, and they’re all fun-loving and they adore their homeland. I’m all for a pint at the pub, taking in the lush green countryside, discovering Dublin or Glasgow and seeing a castle or two.

6. Stockholm, Sweden- Between seeing The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (the American version with Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig) and falling slightly in love with the Swedish House Mafia as a collective whole, Sweden’s captured my imagination over the last year or so. I’ve never been to the Scandinavian Peninsula or quite that far north. I’d love to discover slick, snowy Stockholm, and get in at least one night of serious partying while there.

What’s at the top of your list for places to explore and travel experiences to discover? Have you been to any of the destinations on my list? Tell me about them.

Post-surf sess, Esterillos Este, Costa Rica

I’ve decided that 2014 will be the year of the Costa Rica surf camp.

It’s a trip I’ve wanted to take since 2007 when my best friend Krista and I embarked on our epic two week road trip along the California coast (you know, the trip that inspired my travel writing). We took a couple of surf lessons in San Diego and Santa Cruz, and we were hooked.

Of course, seven years later, I’m still a fledgling surfer, at best. Even though I grew up in Newport Beach, California surrounded by some of the best surf spots in the country, I never actually attempted to surf. Weekends at the beach were a huge part of my childhood, and I spent my time in the water boogie boarding and body surfing or swimming out past the breakers to float on top of the waves.

It wasn’t until I moved to Key West–an island notorious for having no waves–that I found myself surrounded by a bunch of surfers. We all worked on boats together, and during our time off, we did our best to simulate waves with other board sports, like wake boarding, paddle boarding and long boarding. But the way these guys waxed poetic about surf trips to Hawaii, Peru, Puerto Rico and Costa Rica, made me want to become a surfer, too.

So on that California road trip, I took surfing lessons. And I learned how to catch a wave, pop up and ride it into shore. And it was basically the most fun thing ever. If I could figure out the basics in one afternoon, imagine how much better I could get if I had an entire week, I thought. Even by the second lesson, I already felt more confident on the board. I figured if I had a week of instruction as a primer, I’d have the skills I’d need to become a real, self sufficient surfer. Through the years, I’ve managed to get on the water and catch a wave or two, but it’s never been very consistent.

I can’t remember why Costa Rica stood out in my mind as the place I wanted to learn. Maybe it was advice someone had given me or an article that I read. After searching online, Witch’s Rock Surf Camp in Tamarindo on the Pacific Coast was the camp that looked the best to me. They provide seven days of beachfront accommodations and daily private surf lessons for around $1,000 (give or take, depending on the season and number of people in your party).

I finally had the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica for the first time this June for a three-night stay in Esterillos Este at Alma del Pacifico and I discovered firsthand that Costa Rica is drop dead gorgeous. The landscape is so lush and green, and the scenery, along with the people and their pure vida spirit, immediately put you at ease. It’s a place I’d love to retreat to for an entire month. We went horseback riding, zip lining, sailing and, yes, I got to take another surf lesson. The beaches are unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. They’re uncrowded and remote with black sand, endless shoreline and amazing sunsets. The water’s warm and I managed to pop up and ride the first wave that I caught. I was hooked again.

With this momentum going, now’s the time to make my surfer girl dreams a reality. In 2014, the weeklong Costa Rica surf camp is happening, some way, somehow. I’d love to go with a partner in crime, but if I have to make the trip solo to make it happen, I will. Miami might not be the best surf town there is, but I do know there are plenty of days when I see clean sets rolling in from my balcony on South Beach that are totally ridable. And I intend to get out there and ride them.

Have any of you been to a week long surf camp in Costa Rica or elsewhere? Tell me about it! I’m dying for advice.

Boca Raton Resort & Club

Feeling a little stir crazy anticipating the New Year? If you’re dying for one last escape in 2013, consider an easy getaway only an hour’s travel from Miami. Whether it’s the life of luxury in Boca Raton, a jet set escape to the west coast of Florida or a true disconnect in the middle of the pale blue waters of the Bahamas’ Out Islands, there’s an escape for every type of traveler here.

Boca Raton Resort & Club

The iconic pink cloisters of the historic Boca Raton Resort & Club have been a symbol of Spanish Mediterranean Revival architecture and South Florida luxury since 1926. Located on 356 sprawling acres with over 1,000 guest rooms spread across the Resort overlooking the intracoastal, the Bungalows on the golf course and Beach Club with views of the Atlantic, it’s a true getaway for Miamians looking to escape the scene in exchange for, well, another scene.

The Pink Rink

This holiday season, they’ve unveiled the Pink Rink, an ice-skating rink reflecting the aesthetic of the resort’s defining feature, its pink stucco façade. Perfect for families with young kids or those who are just kids at heart, the 85’ x 45’ rink will be on the property for guests to glide around until Presidents Day, February 17, 2014.

Another new addition is the resort’s onsite Surf School with Costa del Este Water Sports. Available to surfers of all ages, learn to ride the waves like a pro with private lessons, clinics and small group sessions. Surf’s up whenever conditions are favorable!

Surf’s up! The Wanderlust Chameleon with her instructor Javier.

A haven for leisure activities, the resort also boasts two 18-hole championship golf courses, 30 tennis courts, the 50,000 square-foot Forbes Four Star Spa Palazzo, seven pools and a 32-slip marina.

The dining and nightlife options are just as plentiful with over a dozen restaurants and bars on property, including the lively Palm Court.

With all of these amenities, The Boca Raton Resort & Club is a perfect getaway to unwind and enjoy the good life. For more information and to book a reservation, click here or call 1-888-495-BOCA.

The Resort at Longboat Key Club

Ready to jet set to Sarasota aboard a King Air 200

If you prefer to jet set like a true VIP, take advantage of The Resort at Longboat Key Club’s brand new Jet Away For The Day package. Located just a few minutes west of Sarasota, the resort invites you to charter a jet from any private airport in the state of Florida to spend a day unwinding on their 410-acre property.

The travel time from Miami with Aura Jets clocks in at right under an hour for this ultra-VIP experience. The eight passenger light jet has an average cruising speed of 400 to 560 mph with an average non-stop range of 1,500 miles. Upon landing at Rectrix Aerodrome Airport in Sarasota, a black Escalade awaits you on the tarmac to whisk you away to the 220-room resort where you’ll enjoy a suite for the day with a bottle of Champagne to greet you.

Champagne greetings from The Resort at Longboat Key Club

Take advantage of 45 holes of golf, private lessons on one of 20 Har-Tru tennis courts or relax with a spa treatment at the 9,000 square-foot Island House Spa. Perfect for a surprise romantic getaway, a corporate incentive, or a bachelor or bachelorette party, see how they live on the other side of Florida with the Gulf of Mexico as your backdrop. The resort also boasts a 291-slip marina, seven restaurants and onsite water sports, like standup paddleboarding and Hobie cats.

Enjoy a day at Longboat Key in extreme relaxation. Before you know it you’ll be back aboard your private jet, flying in style to sleep at home in your own bed—all in a day’s work for a true jet setter.

The “Jet Away for the Day” package includes:

• Private same day jet transportation for up to 8 people to/from any Florida airport to Sarasota
• Longboat limousine service to and from the Rectrix Aerodrome airport
• Luxurious room accommodations for the day at The Resort at Longboat Key Club
• Personal consultation with the resort concierge
• Champagne in room upon arrival
• Couples Spa Ritual or two spa treatments of choice at the Island House Spa
• Complimentary plush robes (two)
• Private lunch or dinner for two on the beach or in-suite
• Rates start at $8,500
• To book the “Jet Away for the Day” package call Aura Jets at 888-908-0391.
• For more information on The Resort at Longboat Key Club, click here or call 800-237-8821

Abaco Beach Resort & Boat Harbour Marina

A view of Hopetown from the Lighthouse

For a more remote—yet just as quick—getaway, take off to the Bahamas’ Out Islands and the Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina. Family owned and operated since 1955, you’ll feel like you’re apart of the family on this 40-acre oceanfront property.

Known as the boating capital of the Bahamas, this remote chain of islands on the Sea of Abaco is for those who truly want to get away from it all.

At 165 miles off the coast of South Florida, Marsh Harbour Airport is just a 50-minute flight from MIA, and the resort is a quick five-minute transfer from there. With 89 guest rooms, private residences and a 198-slip marina, the resort offers boat rentals so you can spend your days island hopping on the crystal clear sea.

Be sure to visit Hopetown and Tahiti Beach on Elbow Cay, grab a lunch of marinated conch and Goombay Smashes at Cracker P.’s on Lubbers Quarters and don’t miss the chance to let loose at Nipper’s Bar & Grill on Great Guana Cay.

Abaco Beach Resort is offering special packages and pricing for both Christmas and New Years. On top of that, children under age 12 stay and eat for free.

The “Christmas Holiday” package includes:

• Oceanfront accommodations for five nights
• Welcome reception
• Continental breakfast for three days
• Christmas Day brunch buffet
• Traditional Christmas dinner
• Farewell brunch buffet
• Beach BBQ celebration
• Island buffet dinner
• Two full days exploring the islands of The Abacos
• A variety of activities for kids and adults including a visit from Santa
• Round-trip airport transfers from Marsh Harbour International Airport
• Rates start at $199 per person, per day based on double occupancy
• Offer valid December 24-29

The “New Year’s Holiday” package includes:

• Oceanfront accommodations for six nights
• Welcome reception
• Continental breakfast for four days and breakfast buffet for one day
• Traditional Bahamian New Year’s Day brunch
• Island buffet dinner
• New Year’s Eve dinner with live music and dancing
• Three full days exploring the islands of The Abacos
• A variety of activities for kids and adults
• Round-trip airport transfers from Marsh Harbour International Airport
• Rates start at $196 per person, per day based on double occupancy.
• Valid December 27- January 2

For additional information on Abaco Beach Resort or reservations these packages, please click here or call 800-533-4799.

A version of this story originally published on Miami.com

A painting by Picasso at Art Basel Miami Beach 2012

They say that switching up your normal routine is a great way to meet guys. You know, go somewhere different for happy hour or take up a new hobby. Well, Miami does the work for you every year during the first week of December when Art Basel Miami Beach washes ashore an international import of men you’ve never met before. While I, for one, have sworn off long distance love affairs (at least until the next really tempting one comes along), there’s no harm in getting out there this week and flirting with a new and interesting batch of bachelors. Who knows? Maybe sparks will fly or maybe you’ll just have some good stories to tell. Here are a few things I’ve learned over the course of the last three Basels.

A riff on Lichtenstein at Scope 2012

1. Go to the fairs solo. There’s something about riding solo that opens you up to serendipitous moments, and, well, talking to strangers. Let your interests be your guide as you meander through the booths. Take off your usual blinders, make eye contact and smile at the cute guys that you see. You might be surprised at how many of them are smiling back at you. Strike up a conversation with a handsome gallery owner from Paris or learn something new about an artist by chatting with a local guy in line at the cafe.

Monica gives love the thumbs up at Art Miami 2012

2. Dress in your artistic best. While everyone has their own personal style, Art Basel calls for more sophisticated dressing. I prefer a chic, minimalist approach or to take a risk with bright, bold colors. Don’t forget that Art Basel is here for extremely wealthy people to buy extremely expensive art. At Basel Private View last year, I’d never seen so many Birkin bags under one 500,000 square-foot roof at one time. If you’ve got ’em, now’s the time to break out your designer pieces. It’s fun to at least look like you might buy art–and who knows, maybe one day you will.

It’s also about endurance and covering a lot of ground. For me, that means comfortable footwear. Think, Chanel ballet flats. Of course, in the evening, it’s hard for any Miami girl to forgo her heels, but stash a pair of flats or sandals in your car. You never know what after-after-party you’ll get invited to, and you don’t want achy feet to be the reason you can’t go.

The Broken Shaker said turn on your love lights at an Art Basel party in 2012

3. Be out and about. It’s simple enough, but just get out of the house. The city turns into a magical place during Art Basel. Take a stroll through South Beach and check out the Public Sector installation at The Bass Museum of Art. Linger in the Botanical Gardens over a glass of Champagne while you take a breather from Design Miami/. Stop to view the installations in Midtown across the street from Art Miami. Take it all in and live in the moment. You don’t ned a VIP invite to anything to have a great time during Art Basel.

A sweet guy from New York might stop and propose to you on the sidewalk as you’re walking to the Convention Center. A couple of British blokes might ask your advice on where to go to lunch and invite you to an event later that evening. A sexy Aussie might notice you in Midtown in the afternoon, and then again in South Beach out on the town before he manages to introduce himself. You might meet a comedian from New York at a bar or a pretty boy from Beverly Hills at a French pop-up club. You just never know, but you’ve gotta get out there!

A playful piece at Pulse 2012

4. But don’t wear yourself out. It’s a long, action-packed week and there’s more to do than anyone is humanly capable of. Pace yourself. Take a night off when you need to, and don’t try to fit too much into one day. When you’re fresh-faced and bright eyed, you’ll feel better–and others will take notice (you know, like cute international guys excited to be in Miami!).

The last time I was in Atlanta I got a lot more attention than I expected for some of my nighttime antics out on the town. If you know what I’m talking about, great. If not, well, that’s also great. That’s not what I’m here to write about.

The last time I was in Atlanta I had a lot of fun, and I was introduced to a couple of great restaurants I’d never been to before. It was a taste of the Old South followed up by the new. I’m heading back to Atlanta tomorrow to celebrate Thanksgivngukkah with my family, and it got me thinking about the places I like to go when I’m in town. Here’s where I went the last time I was in Atlanta.

Old Vinings Inn

Shrimp & grits at Old Vinings Inn

You might recall back in July that I wrote a series on how to break into freelance writing. I wrote at length about the book The Well Fed Writer by Peter Bowerman, an Atlanta-based writer. Well, I sent him an email after I published the series thanking him for the impact he had on my career, and guess what? We had brunch together in September the last time I was in Atlanta. We met at the Old Vinings Inn, an adorable historic cottage with a large covered porch shaded by a canopy of oak and cedar trees. We sat outside and enjoyed the mild fall weather.

Looking at the menu, the first thing that signaled I wasn’t in Miami anymore was that brunch cocktails were a mere $7. The choices ranged from typical brunch libations, Mimosas and Bloody Marys, to classic Southern cocktails, like Sazeracs, Mint Juleps and Pimms Cups. The second thing was the mouth-watering dishes, like fried green tomatoes served with goat cheese and bacon aioli, crab cakes with cream corn, chicken and biscuits and shrimp and grits served with andouille, okra, corn, Creole beer broth and a soft poached egg. That’s Southern comfort food at its finest. I couldn’t resist the eggs Benedict with country ham, fried green tomatoes and Hollandaise.

Here’s a tip, when in the South, definitely order the fried green tomatoes (and the cheese grits).

3011 Paces Mill Rd., Atlanta 770-438-2282

Parish: Food & Goods

The Market at Parish: Food & Goods

Later that afternoon, I met up with one of my best friends from high school and college Joannah in trendy Inman Park. Through the years since I moved away from Georgia, I’ve always been able to count on Joannah to introduce me to cool Atlanta spots, and this time she took me to Parish: Food & Goods. Part-sit down restaurant, part-grab and go market and coffee shop, it has a totally laid back vibe with ample outdoor seating. We opted for the casual market located downstairs to catch up. While they serve a delicious local and seasonal menu of sandwiches and salads, we enjoyed hot tea and a chocolate croissant. I’d love to return and give the restaurant on the main floor a try.

240 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta 404-681-4434

To any of my Atlanta readers, what are some of your favorite restaurants and bars? Where should I go the next time I’m in Atlanta?

Images courtesy of Old Vinings Inn and Parish: Food & Goods

I’m thrilled to share another guest blog with you all. Meet my very good friend Galena Mosovich, Miami cocktail, food and art writer extraordinaire. She recently jetted off to Puerto Rico to spend a couple of days with one of her favorite chefs, the incredible José Andrés. Read on to join her on this Caribbean culinary adventure. I wish I had!

By Galena Mosovich

Enter the expansive reserve of the Ritz-Carlton’s luxury retreat to see a supremely sophisticated side of Puerto Rico. Palm tree-lined roads, lush landscaping, and championship golf courses welcome you as you enter the Dorado Beach Resort & Club.

It’s an escape for discerning golfers and foodies with dramatic views of the waves breaking close to the sand. Once owned by the Rockefeller family, this historic property has evolved in the past few decades without compromising the eco-friendly commitment of the past.

The first stop for foodies is dinner at Mi Casa. It’s one of José Andrés’ outstanding new restaurants in the ThinkFoodGroup empire. The menu is bursting with local seafood and imaginative dishes that express the world-renowned chef’s signature take on classic Spanish cuisine.

Start with Tapas and Cocktails (Naturally)

At Mi Casa, it’ll be hard to transition from the Jamón Ibérico, but you’ll be glad you did.

Pan con tomate, Jamon Iberico and croquetas

Keep it moving with the cocktails, too. There’s a phenomenal list curated by Juan Coronado, TFG’s cocktail innovator, featuring classic and original recipes. The Mayahuel, a tequila cocktail, is sublimely balanced and the perfect accessory to the robust flavors of the food. Guests can lounge by the bar to watch the bartenders build cocktails at their uniquely designed stations. The bar itself is jutting out of the wall to make the experience more visual and stimulating.

Dive into the Asopao de langosta tradicional de Puerto Rico. It’s a definitive rice stew with lobster, chayote (a subtle Caribbean squash), ham and alcaparrado (a mix of olives and capers) off to the side.

Before you reach for your next course, try the Coquitos frescos “Ferran Adrià,” named for the legendary Catalan chef of El Bulli, for a refreshing palate cleanser. It’s playfully served in a halved coconut shell with coconut water, spheres of rum that gently explode in your mouth, and hints of mint and lime to elevate the juice.

Up to Par

For hungry golfers, the first food truck on a golf course is now available. Andrés curated the menu for this innovative roving lunch spot with himself in mind. He developed meals that he’d want to eat while playing a round.

Tacos at Jose Andres’ food truck

In José we trust.

The food truck offers hearty meals to eat on the go without slowing down your game: gazpacho, fresh stone crabs, crab cake sandwich, lobster roll, Cubano croissant (fancy grilled cheese), Spanish hot dog and fried oysters, among others.

Juan “Chi Chi” Rodriguez

The Chi Chi Rodriguez Club Sandwich is a nod to Puerto Rico’s beloved professional golfer. Juan “Chi Chi” Rodriguez was the first Puerto Rican and Hispanic to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. The 78-year-old, who calls Dorado home, schools Andrés on his swing whenever he’s in town.

Hidden Gem in Old San Juan

With just a few hours to spare on our trip, Andrés took me to Jose Enrique’s eponymous restaurant in Old San Juan for rum sours and some of the best food I’ve eaten in the Caribbean.

Hidden in an unassuming yellow “house” at 176 Calle Duffaut, the small kitchen pumps out fresh and flavorful organic dishes for a relaxed crowd of locals and in-the-know tourists. Andres suggests visiting during the day because it’s easier to sit at the bar and enjoy. At night, he says you can’t even move.

Enrique, a Puerto Rican native, returned to the island to open his first restaurant about six years ago after working at Todd English’s Riche in New Orleans. He was recently named one of Food & Wine Magazine’s “Best New Chefs,” a first-time accolade for a Puerto Rican. He was also chosen as a semifinalist for the 2013 James Beard Foundation award category of “Best Chef South” — marking the first inclusion for a Puerto Rican chef once again.

Andrés is a huge fan. In October, he featured Enrique’s restaurant on The Getaway, a show on the new Esquire TV channel.

To say that Enrique has a “chill vibe” is an understatement. This top chef is down to earth and runs his restaurant with ease. There’s no pretense here. It’s all about the food. His hand-written menu, a charming feature, changes daily based on availability and freshness.

The bartenders and servers are attentive and on point–in English and Spanish. Soak yourself in rum sours with Ron del Barrilito while you dip the drool-worthy Lobster Fritters in fresh avocado and lime mousse. Then, strike up a conversation about the food, where it came from (most likely a friend’s boat that morning), and what’s next for Puerto Rican cuisine.

Jose & Galena at Jose Enrique. BFFs!

It’s all so good, you may want to miss your flight. We almost did!

Galena Mosovich is the Nightlife and Visual Arts Editor for Miami.com. Her writing focuses on cocktails, food and art online, in The Miami Herald and at large. To keep up with Galena and her work, I highly recommend you follow her on Twitter @galenawrites.

There’s an inside joke between me and a few of my friends about how the natural world makes me feel. A few years back, as a passenger on a sunset sail in Key West with two of my best friends, overcome by the natural beauty surrounding us, I blurted out, “My soul is singing!”

This was, of course, followed up by a lot of laughter due to its overwrought sentiment. But the saying stuck. And it accurately sums up the way I feel about beautiful sunsets, being on the ocean and a big sky.

I was most recently overcome by this feeling on a three night trip to Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast in a town called Esterillos Este. After an hour and a half transfer from SJO, I arrived to the oceanfront boutique resort Alma del Pacifico just in time for sunset.

I’d never been to this part of the world before, and never experienced a beach like it. The sand is a dark purple chocolate brown, with white and purple seashells and sand dollars strewn about like stars. The tides are dramatic, leaving long stretches of beach between the resort and the water, making for an amazing surface to reflect the sky. The coastline in Esterillos runs east to west, so the sun doesn’t set over the ocean. And the beach is empty. It was like a magnet pulling me through the back sliding glass doors of my bungalow, across the grassy lawn and out to the beach to run and frolic barefoot, slapping my feet in the wet black sand while the sky changed a million shades of purple.

Each night, I completed this ritual, taking long walks on the wide beach by myself. The first night, a golden retriever splashing in the surf ran over to see me, and after awhile I worried that I’d just adopted a new pet. But later, after the sun had set, he ran off with his owner who was on a bicycle far off in the distance.

Here’s what I saw each night on my sunset walks in Esterillos Este. And yes, my soul was singing.

Night 1

Night 2

Night 3