February 2012

 

Bottom Photo: Sara Krulwich/The New York Times
Sight

Once the Musical 

I had the pleasure of seeing this show with my dear friend and roommate, Micaela Gonzalez (click on her name to access her SoundCloud!). This was my first broadway show and I was not disappointed. While I had not seen the movie before I saw the musical, I did stumble upon the music. What was so special about this particular show was that all of the actors played multiple instruments while singing and dancing. I was captivated throughout the entire performance and amazed by all of the talent whirling around on stage. 

Fun Fact: At intermission, the bar that was part of the set transformed into a real bar that served refreshments to theatre goers. This added to the illusion of closeness that was created between the cast and the audience.

Sound

Steve Kazee and Cristin Milioti - Falling Slowly

Cristin Milioti - If You Want Me

Steve Kazee - When Your Mind's Made Up

I've included some of my favorite songs from the show. Please be advised that there are no frills here, just a couple of lads getting down and dirty with their instruments. Enjoy!

Summer 2012: Kraków

Sight

Kraków Stare Miasto (Old Town)

Here are some photos of the main market square, the largest medieval town square in all of Europe, in my favorite city on earth. I usually spend a weekend in Kraków with my dearest friends when I visit Poland on summer vacation. It is always my favorite part of the trip. Even though walking around the square during the day is pleasant, I enjoy it most in the evening. There are a number of places to go dancing or to relax at a bar or restaurant. Since there are a lot of students residing in Kraków, it is a very lively city with lots of new people to meet if you are in your late teens or early twenties. If you want to dance all night or sip cocktails at an elegant locale, you are bound to find what you are looking for here.

Sound

Florence and the Machine  - No Light, No Light

Since I saw Florence and the Machine in concert at the Coke Live Music Festival in Kraków just this past summer, I figured that this song would be fitting. She was magnificent in concert and the whole experience felt surreal. Her voice was ethereal and the way she moved on stage reminded me of a forest nymph. 

Summer 2013: Bieszczady

 

Sight

Arts and Crafts Street Vendors in the Bieszczady Mountains

While exploring the Bieszczady mountains, you can stop by one of the many gift shops that sell hand made crafts. The photo on the top left features piles of small detailed figures made out of beads. The salesman was an older man who suggested that the best way to choose a figurine was to pick from the pile at random. The other stand I visited sold clay angels. The angel in the photo on the bottom right is holding a plaque that says "an angel for the dear daughter".

Sound

Daughter - Youth

Elena Tonra's classic voice reminds me of the crafts being sold at these gift shops. The delicate figurines must be handled with care or else they will shatter. While this song has a dreamlike and gentle sound, the lyrics suggest that it is about heartache.

10.06.2013

 

Sight

Walker Tower

There are times when I walk down the streets of New York City and, out of nowhere, the beauty of a building takes my breath away. This building, located on West 18th Street, has been recently renovated and restored. It was designed in the Art Deco style, which focuses on boldly defined geometric shapes and strong colors, by Ralph Walker. It was recently converted into fifty luxury condominium residences that attempted to stay true to the original design while also incorporating the qualities of high end residential living.

CLICK HERE to view some images of the elegant interior of the Walker Tower.

Sound

Broken Bells - October

Broken Bells is an indie rock band composed of Danger Mouse (artist/producer) and James Mercer (lead vocalist and guitarist for The Shins). I feel like the collaboration of these two musicians can be compared to the art deco style. While Danger Mouse and Mercer combined their instrumentals and vocals in order to create a new innovative sound, art deco combines rich colors and bold geometric shapes in order to create a groundbreaking design.

10.05.2013

Sight

Porto Rico Importing Co.

While you can get coffee beans and tea leaves here, you will also find a coffee counter in the back of the store. The menu isn't extensive, so if you are looking for a macchiato or a latte you should look someplace else. Come here if you want a simple and delicious cup of coffee (hot or iced, light or dark roast). Today, I opted for the dark roast iced coffee with a splash of milk and it cost me only $2.00! I guarantee that you will not find a better deal than this, especially for the quality that they provide. This iced coffee was full in flavor and definitely packed a punch of caffeine that you could taste. Also, if you are more of a tea person, they offer a variety of teas for you to grab on the go.

Porto Rico Importing Co.

201 Bleecker St
(between Avenue Of The Americas & Downing St)
New York, NY 10012

www.portorico.com

Sound

LP - Into the Wild

Since Porto Rico Important Co. offers coffee and tea from all over the world, I felt that this song was fitting since it reminds me of traveling. Once I stepped into the store, I immediately felt transported to a different world.