40

Today's my 40th birthday!! 

I was awaked at 7h30 -as usual- by Julia and Carlos who wanted to have breakfast….a few minutes later, they came with Teresa to give me some gifts (surprise! morning party!) and we sung all together in the bed for a while!

After playing with them I decided to post some thoughts. I'm happy, I have a wonderful FAMILY and very good friends I really love. I do, most of my time, the things I like to do. I try not to waste my time, I enjoy my job and professional projects, my colleagues (...most of them) and travelling to meet with people with whom I can spend good moments and face daily challenges. 

Past has been wonderful. I like the people who are (have been) in my life, I like the different things I've being doing, the places I had the oportunity to discover, even the sports I practiced (and still practice). 

Present is today, is still amazing and futur is unknown and exciting. Many things to do, many people to know, many places to discover and plenty of curiosity to fuel my engine!

Traditions: Sant Jordi

Every 23rd of April, we catalans celebrate the Diada de Sant Jordi. It's a very special day for us in which we (men) give a rose to the woman we love, and in return they (women) give us a book.

This responds to a tradition that goes back to s. XV and from 1995, this date also corresponds to the International Day of the Book (established by UNESCO).

If you have the opportunity to come to Catalonia, then you will find all streets with improvised books stores, plenty of roses in each corner and flags in the windows of people's houses.

Il Cavolo Nero - Florence

Il Cavolo Nero is one of those small and glamorous restaurants difficult to find in a tiny street in Florence, Italy. I had the chance to taste his delicious food and wines last week.

I will suggest you to visit its warm light, peaceful ambience and cordial personnel. The restaurant is placed near the Arno River just 15 minutes walking from Ponte Vecchio. It is a small but cosy place with not more than twelve tables in Via de'll Ardiglione 22.

This trattoria has an excellent menu and a complete Carta dei Vini. I've been very lucky trying those dishes: Handmade potatoes gnocchi with cherry tomato and burrata cheese (see Picture), Grilled tuna fillet with vegetables in balsamic vinegar sauce and the superb Soft bitter chocolate cake with an delicious Chianti classico.

Contact: RISTORANTE CAVOLO NERO, Via dell'Ardiglione,22 50124 FIRENZE, tel. 055-294744 - mailto:055-294744info@cavolonero.it

Salted Maguey worms

One of the most curious and exotic things I ever tasted are Maguey's worms. It happened a few weeks ago in Mexico DF, at Arroyo's Restaurant. These worms live in a cactus plant called Maguey and are cooked just with a bit of salt.

The taste is not as impressive as their appearance and you can eat a dozen without problem. Tequila can obviously help to eat all worms and specially when it is served regularly during the meal.

In case you don't want to eat these insects (in Mexico called "gusanos de maguey"), there is a sauce that gives their flavor to any dish (available in many supermarkets with international food).

Out - Luggage free flights

A new service is in town: send your luggage to your destination hotel before you. and the idea goes even further.

After singning up online the Flylite service allows you to send your clothes (in labeled bags) to different facilites of the company around the United States (locations available). Before you flight to your meetings, go to you iCloset service and choose the clothes you want to receive in your hotel. You will receive your bag from the front-desk staff when you arrive to your destination.

The service offers a lot more. For instance, once your business trip is over, you can pack all your things into the labeled bags again and ask Flylite to pick it up (all items can be cleaned on demand.....and for a fee). What else do you need ? Service will be available outside the States in the very near futur.

Out - Premium brasserie in Brussel: La Quincaillerie

A spanish friend of mine, who loves eating and testing new restaurants, worked in Brussels for many years. He told me to go to La Quincaillerie if I had the opportunity to go to Brussel. That opportunity became reality last week because of a business meeting that took place in this city.

Two days before our meeting, we took a reservation with Patricia, a very nice person from the online customer service. I ensure she is a very nice and patient person cause I had to change the time of our supper two times (and two times I received a very polite answer).

The menu is typical from a Brasserie and also presents some interesting dishes: les Huitres creuses de Normandie, Espadon roti, saute de legumes et brochette de tomates cerise grillees, Steak de boeuf grille au piment d Espelette et beurre a l ail ou le Tartare de saumon et concombre, sauce soja (the one I tried and enjoyed).

The restaurant is placed ten minutes from the center by taxi (10 euros from La Grande Place). Here are the details.....and don't miss this place: Rue du Page, 45, B-1050 BRUXELLES, Tel. +32 (0)2 533 98 33

OUT - Family expeditions

I recently found this amazing company. Betchart Expeditions Inc is a company specialized in organizing travels for families and friends who want to enjoy adventures together.

Each expedition offers a variety of experiences with much to appeal to a wide range of interests.

They offer a different approach to the places they visit. All expeditions are led by scientists and local specialists. In their website www.betchartexpeditions.com you can find different expeditions by continent: Tanzania and chimps of Gombe, Antarctica ans South Atlantic, Mongolia plus the famous Naadam Festival, The Tibetan Plateau, The Silk Road (Xinjiang and Hunza), Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica New Year Expedition or Alaska Aurora Borealis.

All expeditions are open to the public and you will travel with members of their affiliates groups: American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Chemical Society, Geological Society of America, Scientific Research Society and The Planetary Society. You can find different pictures and texts of all past expeditions on the Travelers Corner.

Out - Amazing cuisine, excellent situation

La Venta Restaurant

Every time I can, I try to go to a traditional mediterranean food restaurant in Tibidabo's mountain in the north of Barcelona. Comfortable and with excellent service. You should always make a reservation one day prior to your meeting.

After tasting its finest wines, freshest fishes and meats, you can have a drink in the nearest bars: Mirablau, Merbelle or (most recommended) Mirabe. All of them are no more than 100 m from the restaurant.

I recommend some dishes that are delicious: Ravioli de Langostino con Puerro, Bacalao con pilpil de setas, Risotto frito de azafran con sepia, Canelones de calabacin rellenos de gambas, Lomo de conejo con cigalas y picada de chocolate, Espalda de Cordero al Horno, Sorbete de Agua de Rosa.

Address: Plaza Doctor Andreu s/n - 08035 Barcelona - Tel. +34 93 212 64 55 - Open monday to saturday - www.restaurantelaventa.com