Continuing my Baltic Sea adventures. Next the cruise docked at Oslo, Norway. After taking longer than planned during breakfast -- due to the greatest breakfast buffet you will ever come across-- we made our way across the port and to the town. After walking around for a bit we finally reached the Palace, but decided to only visit it from the outside. Needless to say, the views were gorgeous, and the gardens were worth the walk. On our way back we decided to stop for a drink in one of the many cafes on the side of the main street, but since the cruise lunch buffet wasn't open very late, we had to run in order to eat there. Still, it was well worth it. Just like the breakfast buffet, lunch on the ship was gourmet. That night was quite fun. After watching a Broadway-like show, I had drinks in the nightclub and bonded lots with some of the other Mexicans on the boat. Ended up attempting to "do the Hustle" with my parents, and drunk copious amounts of "tintos de verano", a red-wine and sprite concoction. In the end, my early bedtime turned into 3 am, and waking up the next morning was a bit of a challenge.

View of the sail-away from Oslo

Making my very own "tinto de verano"

Attempting "The Hustle"

In front of the Oslo Palace

I heart trolls!

long time no see...

Has been ages since my last post. I realize this is not a good thing at all. I went on a trip, a cruise to the Baltic Sea, but that is still no excuse for not writing before that.

So no excuses anymore. I shall write about experiences and likes/dislikes from each country I visited. I shall break it up in several posts though since I took about 700 pictures all in all.

First things first. My sister, my mom, and I flew to London where we met up with my dad; from there we took the train to Dover and boarded the Crystal Cruises Symphony. I had been on several cruises before this one, but this was definitely the most luxurious of them all. Immediately after boarding we were greeted in the Bistro with gourmet bites and free champagne (for those over 18 at least). That night we dined t Silk Road, the japanese restaurant on the cruise boasting recipes from renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa. The food was delicious and the service worth recommending. After that we spent some time in the nightclub, but due tothe lack of a crowd and the jetlag, I was ready for bed pretty early.

The first day on the cruise was a sea day -- my favorite. After having brunch with my sister and exploring the ship, I headed to the gym for a quick workout. Later that afternoon we pretended to sunbathe, but since there was no sun and the wind chill was quite cold, we didn't last very long. That evening was the Captain's Welcome Dinner, followed by Karaoke Night, but I didn't feel inspired so I chose my bed instead.

before entering the gangway!

sailing away from Dover

"suntanning"

first formal night: Captain's Welcome Party

The Joneses Movie Review

My recent boredom --due to my great organizing skills that result in no homework whenever all my friends are swamped in it (being sarcastic lol)-- has led me to the movies more than expected these past few days. On Monday I saw "The Back-Up Plan" (expect my review sometime this week) and Thursday I saw "The Joneses".

Out of the 2, I preferred the latter. I definitely enjoyed watching a chic-flick with a cute guy (The Back-Up Plan), but a quirky comedy gets my vote. Besides better acting, "The Joneses" has a real-life-like plot. Obviously I don't believe that there is a company out there that hires people to "sell a lifestyle" as a marketing strategy, but the way the movie unfolds, and the situations that happen seem almost normal. On top of that, combine the poise of Demi Moore, with the charm of David Duchovny, the hotness of Ben Hollingsworth, and the fashionable style of Amber Hearst, and what do you get?: a very entertaining family. I am not so good at movie reviews because I have to admit, I am not exactly the connoisseur. Don't ask me what's "good/bad", but in my opinion this movie is a great way to spend some free time and even works as therapy (it did for me).

With that said, I heard a friend of mine say yesterday that she would never admit to going to the movies on her own, and I just wanted to say, there is nothing wrong with it. Do it, and discover the greatness of spending some time away from everybody else. If you prefer, go watch with friends hehe... whatever rocks your boat!

;)

Sorry for my AWOLness

I know it has been a while since my last post, and I apologize because I really have no excuse what-so-ever not to blog. I have had tons of free time on my hands, and instead of using it productively to blog and such, I have been watching Brothers and Sisters, Skins, Gossip Girl, etc. I have even been to the movies twice already this week (its only Thursday), which means that I must be very very bored (for those of you who don't know this: I usually hate going to the movies).

Anyways here are some pictures from BU Relay for Life. This was my very unexpected Saturday activity about 2 weeks ago. I was all ready to sit and sulk for night, when my friends suggested we take part in this philanthropic event. Got my stuff together and walked all night (almost). Ran several meters and even completed a wheelbarrow race, all before going to bed at 6:30 am (only to wake up at 10ish the next morning).

Hope you enjoy and decide to take part in a Relay for Life (if you ever get a chance).

P.S. Next year I want to get a sponsor and try to walk the whole 12 hours (6pm to 6am) non-stop. Would need help from my friends to distract me, feed me, and quench my thirst, but I think I can pull it off!

Burton and MoMa Converge

As I mentioned before, I went to NYC this weekend with my family. While I was there, visiting the MoMa, I got to quickly (in about an hour) see the Tim Burton exhibit. I had never really thought about Mr. Burton specifically: was neither a fan or a hater. However, after seeing his work, my position has changed. His talent needs to be appreciated, so I thought I would post some of my favorites from the exhibit (or at least those I found online since the collection is "private").

Enjoy :)

"Man Undressing Woman With His Eyes" -- this one's spark is pretty much in the title

Here is a website I found with some of his short stories:

http://homepage.eircom.net/~sebulbac/burton/home.html

City of Bright Lights

I have temporarily abandoned blogger due to the bliss of creating a Tumblr. I am sorry for this. Promise it will not happen again (or I will try to avoid letting it happen). With that said however, I am very bummed since I never ever have comments. If somebody out there reads (and enjoys) my blog, please make yourself present, let me know that there is somebody who appreciates my writing.

Anyways, in the mean time I shall upload some pictures from my weekend in NYC.

My parents came up with my sister for srping break and I met up with them last Thursday. Here are some pics of the usual (Times Sq., MoMa) and the not-so-usual.

My sister and I making facing while waiting in the dressing room at Saks Fifth Avenue.

One of Tim Burton's creations at the MoMa. I must say, his exhibit was AMAZING. The man has so much creativity and talent.

Some of the classic MoMa paintings.

TImes Sq. at night This was right after watching Billy Elliot. Very good musical: great music, incredible choreographies and staging, and impressive dancing.

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Easter, Eggs, Etc.

Despite my one day delay, I thought I should blog about easter related goodies (all kinds of them). But first of all, I must make something clear: I unfortunately do not own all these myself although I really wish I did.

1. Pastel Nail Polishes

2. Easter Colored M&Ms

3. Frills and Florals

4. Strappy Sandals & Floral Shoes

Went out yesterday. Slept about 5 hours or less. Had leftover Chinese food for breakfast. Am planning to get up and run to the gym in a little.

That was background information! Now for my real post: lyrics of a very special song.

"El Problema" by Ricardo Arjona has, like all his other songs, very meaningful lyrics. As a teenager (yes, unfortunately I have to clarify that I am not a teen anymore) I heard this song and felt my situation being described by almost every line. So here are some translations...

El problema no fue hallarte
El problema es olvidarte
El problema no es tu ausencia
El problema es que te espero

The problem wasn't finding you

The problem was forgetting you

The problem isn't your absence

The problem is that I expect you

El problema no es quererte
Es que tú no sientas lo mismo

The problem isn't loving you

It's that you don't feel the same

Y cómo deshacerme de ti si no te tengo
Cómo alejarme de ti si estás tan lejos
Cómo encontrarle una pestaña
A lo que nunca tuvo ojos

And how can I let you go if I don't have you

How can I get away if your so far

How can I find an eyelash

In something that never had eyes

"The Last Song" Minus Cyrus

What to do on a gloomy Wednesday afternoon when you are done with classes for the day, gotten all your near-future-due work, and have a friend needing to watch a movie to write a review about? Go to the movies! Add to that the opening of a Nicholas Sparks romance-chick-flick and you have yourself a plan: The Last Song at 12:15 with Amanda.

Despite my great dislike for Miley Cyrus' pout and "all-around" (created) fame, I have to admit that I do indeed watch Hannah Montana on a irregular basis. It i my guilty pleasure for those times when I am not in the mood for a movie or a complicated TV series but feel the necessity to watch something. It makes me laugh (sometimes due to stupid acting, but often due to good jokes). Anyways, I was skeptical about liking her as the protagonist for a movie that looked so good in the previews. I was not about to refuse to go (as many of my friends did) due to Cyrus' appearance; still, I would have enjoyed it even more if the actress playing Ronnie would have been somebody else.

Here are some actresses that I believe would have made it a greater movie (despite being written especially for Cyrus):

• Emma Roberts: even though I am still debating whether her fame should be completely recognized as a personal achievement (lets face it her aunt is one of the greatest actresses of all times...), her quirky and mysterious persona would fill in Ronnie's shoes while still keeping the teen audience excited.

• Shailene Woodley: she plays a troubled teenager in The Secret Life of The American Teenager, what better opportunity to shows that she can have a normal teen-year-old romance?

• Dakota Fanning: I admit I am biased towards this young actress, but come on she is a GREAT actress. She has been in all kinds of movies: thrillers, dramas, action-packed, etc.; it would be nice to her in a love story.

As for Liam Hemsworth playing Will, lets just say I am very very jealous of Ms. Cyrus (both in the movie and in real life)