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A very early flight allowed us to see the sunrise over Manhattan’s skyline, perfectly delineated as if drawn by an architect, from Newark Airport.
In Vancouver’s airport they take their indigenous art seriously, with large wood figures and totem poles all over. There you also realize how much of a cruise city it is: cruise lines have their own counters at the airport, to take passengers and luggage directly to their ship.
On May 13th, on my way to a friends apartment, we stumbled upon the set of Ben Stillers new movie right outside the 125th St. subway exit. They were filming in the middle of the street. What struck me the most was that one of the façades of the building had been completely redone (cast, cement, wood, paint… it looked absolutely real and solid) for the film.
Really? No building façade will do?
After a work meeting (and seeing a colorful piano, being fine tuned, in a public space) I took the opportunity to visit Columbia University (it was about time).
The first building I enter is called “The Library at Columbia University”. But, alas, is not a library!
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It ceased to be a library in the late 30s, and now happens to be the Administrative Offices. Across the lawn, where students and visitors were chilling out and enjoying the sunny day, I find one of the many libraries:
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Meaning to go to a Tibetan restaurant which happened to be closed Memorial Day, we ended up in Robataya NY (sister of the great Robatoya Roppongi Hills, Tokyo). Easily one of the finest Japanese restaurants in the city. Cute, fun and delicious.
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May 21st (sorry that is taking me so long to write posts, but unlike what this blog seems to convey, I also do work. A lot) I was invited to a Council Of Protocol Executives event India House, New York.
It was a wonderful mix of C-level executives from all kinds of industries (healthcare, advertising, travel, banking…). A great networking opportunity, with delicious food (seafood risotto, truffle and porcini ricotta, fried oysters, choclate covered strawberries…).
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(Photo of a Paella cooked by my friend Paul in his new apartment in the UWS, New York)
My friends and family in Valencia have serious doubts that one can eat in the USA as well as in Spain.
Granted, Spain is a foodie`s paradise (by the way, amazing how many of the top 50 restaurants in the world I have had the pleasure to try, the latest one being Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in London thanks to Stephanie).