Cies!

Summer is here! And so is the end of the academic year! The academy celebrated with an incredible día de convivencia laboral on the sea. 

Leaving from the port of Vigo we headed to the Cies islands where we anchored and either swam to shore (a few brave souls) or dove off the boat and swam in the "deep end" until the dingy came to take us ashore (my diving was more a cannonball-never have been able to dive!) 

 After, lunch was served aboard-jumbo shrimp, Galician empanada, various savoury pastries, and crab- and we headed to Portonovo where our journey ended, but not before anchoring again with a few more dives and some more swimming.   

 (photos courtesy of Niki T. and Ruth, merci ladies!) 

Hemingway

Next time we're in Madrid maybe we'll take some detours to follow this Hemingway route via the New York Times (minus the bullfights). Time to dust off For Whom the Bell Tolls from the bookshelf for some summer reading.

Fudgesicles!

My favorite (cold) summer snack! And so easy to make-see the recipe here!

(thanks smitten kitchen)

Lighting

Add this chandelier to my dream house wish list. 

(via Elle Decor and From Me to You)

bird's eye view...

Incredible isn't it? Tulip fields in Holland! 

más Madrid

 We took a quick trip to Madrid to start the process for Diego's residency visa last week-step one is complete, two more to go! The rest of the trip we relaxed on terraces with tinto de veranos, window shopped in Chueca and Fuencarral, enjoyed PhotoEspaña exhibits, and took an afternoon stroll at the Real Jardin Botánico.

Easy Tinto de Verano: 

1 (3 1/4 cup) bottle red wine (make it a cheap one) 

2 liters lime flavored seltzer water

2 cups sugar 

4 slices oranges (to garnish)

Mickey D's

Isn't it funny how McDonalds changes the menu to fit cultures? Now serving toast with tomato and olive oil, a Spanish classic.