Category: Milli Stephania

Madrid | Textiles and Temples

Posted on by Milli Stephania in Milli Stephania, Travels


Almudena Cathedral, it wasn’t even one of the stops we were headed to. I’m so glad we walked in. I’ve seen the inside of many churches, and  yes they are all so beautiful in their own ways, but this one had patterns for days. When you look up high it seemed like there were textiles on the ceilings. Intricate details with so many colors.

There was this one room, aw man, you would just die if you saw it.

Tourists were not allowed to enter, which makes it obvious that pictures weren’t allowed to be taken. I stepped in anyway, took a seat in the back and just observed quietly. The whole room was golden  mosaics, images of saints, Jesus Christ, Saint Mary, everything was just everything… gold. I loved it.

Christopher is a huge fan of Egypt, so when we learned that there was a Temple that was donated to Madrid, when they helped aid their temples. We got to the Temple of Debod right on time, the tour guide was just starting. I actually found the spanish a bit difficult to understand, and tried my best at every pause to translate for Nikki.
After such a long day I was excited for dinner. I was starving and on our walk back I was eager to find anything that these 2 picky eaters could finally say “yes” to. Everything wasn’t good enough. I was staring to get a bit cranky, and all the wait was well worth it.  Chris spotted Fatigas Del Querer, right on Calle de la Cruz, it was just calling us in. Gambas al ajillo (shrimp in garlic sauce) was delicious, which I didn’t order, but hey, if Chris orders it.. I get a cut.

Madrid |Croissant Killer

Posted on by Milli Stephania in Milli Stephania, Travels

I’ve been in the mood for a good croissant, and as soon we stop by a bakery close to our home, we splurge on some cronuts and I get the croissant. Nikki and I get distracted by some shops before we hit Puerta de Sol, the main plaza that resembles our own NYC’s Times Square. We walk into Pull and Bear and there’s a huge sale going on. I told myself I wasn’t going to go crazy buying random things, but everything was so pretty and cheap. I was debating on even having to pay for an extra check in if needed.

I ended up just getting a few necklaces, a skirt, a purse and a pretty dope wallet for only €18.00 which is basically only like $20.

I would have grabbed more if I could.

Someone was falling asleep while the girls shopped, so by the time it was time to eat, Chris devoured the croissant all by himself, how rude!

Ramon kept raving about how good the churros are in spain, so naturally we had to go find some. We walked into Los Artesanos, Churreria Chocolateria and all the waiters were dressed up all spiffy, in white suits. Our waiter was this older man who had such a grungy voice and grunted when he spoke. I kept thinking how great he would be if he was a cartoon character.

The churros were delicious and the hot chocolate was so thick it was perfect to dip into.
Today was a day for walking, a lot of it. It was raining and the last thing I wanted to do was get all cute. My curls have been shit this whole trip, which explains why I’ve had tiny buns and braids for most of it. It’s constantly raining, and since we’re always rushing in the morning, who am I to hog the mirrors.

Everything in Madrid seems to be at a walking distance and with our better luck, our apartment is right in the center of the city, at least according to my map it is. One side to the other only takes 30 minutes , so unlike Paris once we stepped out of the Metro when came from the airport, we never had to get back on it again.
Our first stop was visiting the Palace, El Palacio Real de Madrid. It was grand, huge and was packed with tourists. We attempted to to make the line to visit inside, but we never made it in. Boo.

Madrid |Nothing Like a Mother’s Cooking

Posted on by Milli Stephania in Milli Stephania, Travels


Oh, what happened?

Did you really think my trip way over?

It’s time for part 2, The two hair plane ride to Madrid, Spain was pretty painless, which I’m grateful for. Finding our airbnb this time was a little more than a hassle then it was in Paris. Our host gave us directions, but for some reason all the calles (streets) seemed to confuse me.  We hiked up the up-hills with our luggage, loud as ever due to the cobble stones. I actually ended up walking inside the wrong building and ringing a complete stranger’s doorbell.

I was at least grateful that unless France, I knew the language and I could pass by. My spanish isn’t perfect, and let’s face it, Dominican spanish is all pretty much slang. I appreciate how Spaniards are so polite and well spoken. Let’s see if some of that rubs off on me.
Ramon’s mother had a special treat for us, but before we get in to dinner, as soon she opened the door she ran straight into his arms. You can tell how much she’s missed him, and how much he’s missed her.

The first thing I noticed was how much they resembled each other, second thing, she was was so damn cute with all of her giddiness and excitement. We all sat down for dinner and opened up a few bottles of vino rojo, red wine.

Our first course was served, it was a seafood lasagna, and I’ll admit, at first it didn’t look so appeasing, but the taste, good. I was ready for the second course, and since Nikki isn’t a fan of seafood, she was too. It was tuna stuffed into red peppers, so good, but nothing, I mean nothing, beat her main dish, paella with mussels. Delicious.

Dessert was nothing short of amazing as well, it was a champagne sorbet.

Thank you for such a welcoming dinner!

♥,M

Paris | Take Me To The Top Baby

Posted on by Milli Stephania in Milli Stephania

Take me to the the top baby— top of the Eiffel Tour that is, as the french call it “Tour de Eiffel”.

We’ve visiting the sights at night, and how glorious it was, this time it was time to catch a view from above and we were all excited. We made the long ass line and when we reached the front we had to go through security twice. I guess all the fuss is necessary after all the attacks a few months ago.
We rode the elevator to the first stop, it was freezing, the wind was making an appearance, and I kept hiding behind all the pillars I saw. We were all going bat shit crazy running around. The view was foggy, everything looked tiny, and seeing the landscape of Paris in all it’s intricate ways was just speechless.

Time to hit the next level,back to the elevator.

We were higher, and this time we in a closed space, I noticed a set of stairs and made my way to the top..the very tip top of the Eiffel Tower. What a fucking view!

A view and the cold… I was shivering.

I spotted a bartender and with the last of my euros, I purchased two flutes of champagne, one for me and my beau. He looked surprised, we toasted and like any latinos…. we made the most of it.

I turned the music on on my phone, played a bachata song and what do you know, Dominicans in Paris! We danced a quick song and then ran away from the cold.
Our nights in Paris have been numbered, I left our host Estelle a little goodbye note and we were off to the airport!

-M