Tag Archives: San Diego

Tinder moments in Madrid.

May 23, 2019 Francine

Although this is technically my second visit to Madrid. As my first trip to Madrid was back in 2015 when I decided to live for awhile in Paris. Turns out a friend I had met on a previous adventure in Belize en route to Guatamela was also in Europe the first week of my arrival. He asked if I’d be interested in a road trip from Paris to Spain where he planned to be. I thought why not? Here I just picked up my life to move to a new country by myself. What else was I to be doing?!

Upon arriving in CDG, I was picked up and whisked away to my new apartment in the 9th to quickly meet my air bnb host, drop off my bags and re-pack a lighter duffle for our Eurotrip. Mind you, my trip started in San Diego, to New York and finally arriving a day later into Paris. To say I was exhausted was an understatement. However, just like that, we were off! We didn’t have any real plans, just hit the road headed south for Spain. First official stop was in Lyon, enjoyed the town and continued on, ending our first day’s adventure settling in Biarritz. Which we loved so much we stayed for two nights before hitting the road again. Days spent sipping espresso and rose by the sea. Sounds cliche. Doesn’t it. It was and it simply didn’t Matter. It was pure bliss. Only “real agenda” was that we had to make it to Madrid by Saturday night as my friend had a random “Tinder date” that evening. The entire adventure was just that- what a true road trip should be. From stopping off in Pamplona to see the quaint town where the running of the Bulls occurs each year, to one of my favorites, San Sebastián. As he drove, I drank Spanish beers in the car and DJ’ed to the Best of my ability with French radio. When we finally arrived in Madrid I was ecstatic to explore a new European city. Though this Saturday night I was out to enjoy the liveliness of Madrid solo. As my road trip companion was out with his Tinder date. I found myself a bit bummed to be in this insanely lively city, feeling the need to be a bit more cautious since I was riding solo. Fear not, I still made the very most of my experience-having dinner in a crowded plaza. Sangria(S), live music and an exhilarating energy I was grateful to take in. The next day I was able to spend the day with my friend and his new friend from Tinder. Spending the day on Sunday with these two allowed me to feel I had the chance to authentically experience Madrid, though it left me wanting more…

Here I am 4 years later, returning to Madrid with a friend who has never been. His excitement and adoration for this city further inspired my appreciation for it and eagerness to dive back in. Making our way through the cozy streets and neighborhoods of the city. Stopping off in gardens and sampling some of the best tapas and Sangria this fine city has to offer. This was my time to truly surrender to the city and take it all in with a life long frend as well as my local friend. As life would have it, my “local friend” just so happens to be my friend’s “Tinder date” from my first trip to Madrid, just 4 years prior. Funny how online dating has turned into a life-long friendship with my non-date, from Tinder. I guess you could say meaningful relationships CAN come from Tinder after all.

Beautiful architecture, surrounded by picturesque gardens

Me and my friend’s Tinder Date. Thankfully for me, she became a friend for life. Gracias, Tinder!

Life, Travel

A golden opportunity

January 24, 2019 Francine 9 Comments

For years I’ve dreamed about experiencing the Golden Door. Rated as the World’s Most Iconic spa by Conde Nast (article below), is certainly appealing and note-worthy, though I knew there was much more behind “the door” even beyond their noteworthy and very prestigious ranking. It took an unfortunate tragedy in my life to lead me to this golden property, for which I further understand what a magical chance this was to finally check in at the Golden Door.

This is, by no means, just a place to go and be pampered- though fear not- you will be pampered…til you can’t be pampered no more. Though the real beauty about this place is so much more than the pristine grounds and architecture, The Golden Door offers some of the best classes and treatments a gal could ask for. The Door is, simply put, transformational. In one day, I went on a 5 mile sunrise hike, had a massage, got a pedicure, had a full hour reiki private session, learned Fencing, took a meditation class, attended a sound bath and called it a night. I mean seriously? This is how we should live each and every day. (clearly I’m still basking in the golden glow of this place)

Just before the holidays I lost my best friend in the world-my one and only sibling, my brother. His passing was not only sudden it was a complete and utter heartbreak. I shut down- not eating, not sleeping, and completely dehydrated unless you count endless caffeine, so I guess you could say I was past dehydration, if you want to be real about it. Needless to say the grieving was taking quite a toll on me-body, mind and soul. Fortunately, I knew that if I was to continue on in this life without him I needed to find a way back to me. Back to life. Find a way, a reason to go on without him.

This lead me down the freeway to a small town in North County San Diego, to the Golden Door. I checked in on December 30th for 4 nights of checking out, to check in. And that’s exactly what I did- I checked IN. It was time to rest, relax, cry, grieve and write to get it all out. I have for so long eagerly awaited my chance to come to this beautiful retreat away yet at this time I was overwhelmed with such grief and thus filled with anxiety about what this experience would be. How could I possibly grieve around 30 random women I’ve never met before? As I had been in hiding since his passing, unable to talk to even those I love the most In my life. I truly was shut down and checked out.

To my surprise, It was as if the magic began the moment I stepped through the doors. From the breathtaking awe inspiring grounds, to the thoughtful detail that went into everything for my stay. Fully customized just for little ol’ moi. I’ve never in my life been so cared for and felt so supported. And this was just from Golden Door and its staff. The most beautiful gift was In the company I kept. Every. single. Woman. was amazing- truly phenomenal women. It’s as if we were bonded in sisterhood day one. Never have I shared such intimate vulnerable, emotionally provoking connection with women of all ages in my life. We all quickly came to realize that we all had our own lives at homes and challenges in life that came with it. And we were here to celebrate, grieve and honor one another-strangers or not, it didn’t matter. In fact, that amazing gift of holding space for one another was remarkable. Exactly what I needed to bear witness to- the beautiful gift of humanity and an authentic connection. To hug, to show love and support for someone you just met. I have never felt so supported in my life. I know this is precisely what I was asking for following the loss of my brother, as I had lost faith and hope in this world. I must say with complete gratitude that thankfully the Golden Door offered me the golden opportunity of a lifetime to connect, to heal and to commune with loving, kind souls who I will forever appreciate.

Thank you Golden Door for helping to heal this broken heart of mine and for the beautiful community of women who happened upon one another to enjoy this life together. I am forever grateful.

To explore your own transformative, golden experience- Check out what’s behind that beautiful door.
https://goldendoor.com

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-golden-door-is-the-worlds-most-iconic-spa

Life, Travel

What’s in a city?

October 23, 2016 Francine

After spending close to three weeks in New York to open the World Trade Center, I realized what the energy of a city can do. Either a city can empower and invigorate (More often than not) while others will chew you up and spit you out. Time out magazine wrote on the topic of: Does being a New Yorker make you an Asshole? I found this to be very interesting especially as I travel the world hoping to make every place a piece of my heart…my inner fiber. I’ve always had a strong love for New York. Growing up in Pennsylvania allowed us to be far enough away to make it exciting every time we visited, though close enough that it allowed the city to feel like I was still a part of it.

During college I had the chance to study abroad in the UK, which was a phenomenal experience to which I feel I owe a great deal of my life’s most prized possessions to- that of exploring the globe. This allowed me to embrace the fear of going to live out of your “norm” away from those you hold close to you both in your physical space and are your Life. Leaving it behind for 6 months to survive on fish and chips, Shepherd’s pie and a slew of Guiness. I get it that this might not be the most inspiring start to living overseas, it was real. Especially for that of a college student…And from Pennsylvania. It doesn’t get much more simple than that. Though it opened up my eyes to see a beautiful world, full of many option, cultures and cities that needed to be explored. By me.

After this experience and following graduation I decided my roots in PA had been nurtured and nourished enough for me to find my way to a new place to call home. I considered NY since, as I mentioned, my love for this city is endless. However, I figured if I already moved to the other side of the pond, why not venture to the other side of the country. And that’s exactly what I did. I had NO idea where I should go. I knew enough from my vacations growing up, that California was a place that I certainly loved and considered even making it home. Just had no idea where to go. Friends from college considered joining me to strike gold in finding a new journey on the west coast, though no one ended up making it with me. For this, like many, was a journey I was to make on my own. (Though let me be real, most of the times I’ve fought this aspect of journeying by myself and yet I know traveling solo was the reason for my trip to begin with!)

I landed in glorious Newport Beach which was a bit of a culture shock, simply due to all the luxe lifestyle and living this little beach town had to offer. I called Newport Beach my home for 7 fantastic years to then branch out further, down south to San Diego. San Diego was the perfect place for me to find my way in the world. I worked for 6 years as Marketing director of Fashion Valley. At the time, the 3rd most profitable shopping center in the US. And this was even in the down economy of 2007. Luckily, it taught me a ton about business, pr and the true value of relationships. Eight years later I was onto yet another…even bigger city to explore. I took a brief sabbatical to Paris in the summer of 2015 which would end up being an absolute game changer!! From here, my world opened like never before. After heading to Europe to live, knowing no one, I knew I could go anywhere.

After returning from Paris, as much as I loved San Diego, I knew the wind was blowing me onto something new. Something bigger. Though I honestly didn’t realize it would be LA. And this was simply due to the fact that I came here to be a part of something I was extremely passionate about. And now… It’s been 6 months that I’ve called Los Angeles my home. The place I vowed to NEVER move to. The same place that every day instantly stimulates and a place that can be incredibly overwhelming at the same time. It’s the second largest city in the U.S. so what else would you expect, I ask myself? It’s everything I thought it would be and nothing like I thought it would be at the same time. From helicopters to absurd traffic- this place is a zoo. And I’ve realized that it’s taken a bit of a toll on my sensitive soul. With all the energy I’ve got running through me to now be countered by the intense amount of energy that exists in this concrete jungle, it can weigh on me at times. So, now it’s about finding the peace within, in this new city I call home.

In Newport, I was at the beach and in San Diego, I was by the bay. Both of which offer a welcoming sense of tranquility- even if life is far from it. And although it can be a bit rare for me to sit at the beach or lie by the bay, something about those locations, that were still closely connected to city offerings allowed me to still enjoy some peace and harmony. And now, here I sit at CBTL on Sunset blvd and am very much aware of the fact that I sit on a patio- outside- though instead of feeling ocean breeze, I’m breathing in car fumes and listen as those from “the industry” talk about their next big opportunity. And with all of this, I’m living each moment to truly experience this new city of mine. For most of my adult life I’ve dreamed that I could be bi-coastal, to also experience living in New York, and I have to say I’m quite thankful having had the chance to spend weeks at a time in that glorious city and yet still call California home. Because at the end of the day, Home is where you make it. (Or at the very least, where you pack and unpack your bags!) So, here’s to you, Lalaland…I’m all yours. Whether you’re home for a year or a lifetime, I hope you’ll offer me a sense of comfort, home and peace in this crazy big city of yours and I vow to bring a little bit of sunshine and gratitude your way.

Fashion, Travel

The coldest summer I’ve ever spent was not in San Francisco…

September 20, 2015 Francine 1 Comment

For my lovely hometown of sunny San Diego, summer is in full swing…Even now in September! I see many postings from back home, that the heat is simply unbearable for many local San Diegans. The reality is, and as I’ve always said, summer truly begins in August and goes to at the very least, October in SUN Diego. In fact, I can recall on many occasions during my fall fashion shows, having to order several large fans as well as personal fans for the attendees, so as not to break out into a sweat while checking out some of the best in fall fashion. A bit ironic, wouldn’t you say?

Though I must admit, I just spent the coldest summer I’ve known right here in Paris. Sure there were scorching hot days, especially when traveling via the Metro. However, for the most part, my summer wardrobe quickly expanded to being mostly jackets, long sleeves and pants. Yet another anomaly, as I don’t typically even wear pants back home in Southern California. Although my nickname for years has been Franci Pants, and part of it due to the fact that I am never seen wearing pants. What can I say, I’m a dress wearing kind of gal. (Even growing up on the east coast, my poor mother would have to put pants on underneath my dresses as a child, as I simply refused to wear pants!) However, just as the seasons change, so must this girl and her “dressing” habits! As Paris has certainly changed me. And it has taught me how to rock some amazing pants, at that! This, in addition to wearing flats and tennis shoes every day, I’m a new woman…With Parisian influence of course! I’m sure that my feet are thanking me, for this new way of living, considering the miles I used to walk daily, in my 5 inch heels.

So here I sit, in chilly Paris (now surrendering to the fact that it’s officially fall here), along with my new love of pants and a pair of…need I say it, actually comfortable shoes that don’t pain me?! I have so much to thank Paris for on this incredible journey of living here over the last few months and I suppose that my feet and my new wardrobe shall give a little thanks as well.

The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco. – Mark Twain (I’m sure if Mr. Twain were here with me, he would probably agree that it’s been a fairly chilly summer/early fall here in Pareeee)

Life

Insatiable desire for Adventure….

July 28, 2015 Francine 2 Comments

Being raised in simpleton Amish Country, I always knew there was more to life out there than simply living my entire existence in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. And as soon as I got my drivers license, I was out adventuring. Always! I would literally drive four hours just to go to the beach for a day, only to turn around and return that night, yet another four hours. I’d take road trips to anywhere I could go to ensure I was home at night. After all, I was still a teenager, driving around some rather large and sometimes a bit sketchy cities (Philly, DC, Baltimore) solo! Though this for me, was only the beginning of my exploration.

I’m not sure if it’s due to the fact that I was from Amish country or for the fact that I had a grandfather that traveled the globe continually for his career. As we always had National Geographics and unique momentos from some of the most obscure places across the world, throughout our house. Either way, I knew that I was being driven to experience the world for as long as I can recall.

During college, I had the opportunity to study abroad- in Plymouth, England. Upon my return, it was quite apparent that Lancaster (although I am quite thankful for my upbringing there) was no longer serving me. So, off I went- packed up my Volkswagen Cabrio and headed to the West Coast. Landed in Newport Beach and was floored by all the beauty and abundance that surrounded me. After 7 lovely years, I decided to change it up once again and headed south to San Diego in hopes of setting some permanent roots for me to call “home!”

San Diego, although superb, tends to be one of the most transient towns, certainly on the west coast. From its military presence, to the limited larger corporations, this gorgeous place I still call home, may be more of a layover for life for me. There is something very special about San Diego. That small town feel of a place that offers 70 miles of spectacular (and unique) beaches and a locale that’s so beautiful you dream to make it your own.

Though for now, it was time, yet again, to venture out into the world to experience new cultures, new people and in hopes of further learning a new….and ohhhh so beautiful language, French. Although I certainly miss San Diego, especially during these summer months, I trust that this was a calling for me to come and experience something new. And thus far, Paris has certainly not disappointed.

So today I begin, another adventure, within this foreign place, in hopes of creating yet another location I can call “home.” Because as they say, Home is Where the Heart is…and for now, my heart is here and happy.