TORONTO: Frida and Diego

I love my home city of Toronto.  In the last few hours of my trip here before heading back to NYC, my Dad arranged for a trip to my old stomping grounds of the Art Gallery of Ontario.  There was a fantastic exhibition of Frida & Diego: Passion, Politics and Painting in Toronto.  The tagline was "He painted for the people. She painted to survive."  It was a multi-media exploration of their dramatic relationship and how their personal lives or politics affected their art.  

I was impressed at how thorough the exhibition was.  In addition to their artwork, there were films and photographs of others to document the lives of this couple, including their affairs.  You could listen to music that they listened to in their home.  I enjoyed how the gallery engaged young children by offering stations to create artistic portraits inspired by Frida and Diego, as well as make tissue flowers to offer up to them on their Dia de los Muertos altar.  The gallery brought in related exhibits of Catrinas from Mexico that honored them.

I had a fantastic lunch at gallery's restaurant, Frank.  They offered a prix-fixe themed menu of contemporary Mexican dishes in honor of the exhibit.  My review on Yelp here.  
MAP

Picton: Winter Wonderland

I spent Christmas day with my family at my sister's in-laws.  They have a beautiful home on a lake in the picturesque town of Picton, Ontario.  Unfortunately, we arrived in the evening, so I couldn't get a photo of their house for you, but I did snap a lovely photo of my Dad next to a far with a curving fence in the snow...

Picton is a small town, known in its early development for strategic military history.  Now a popular resort area and agricultural industry.  We stayed at the lovely Inn at Huff Estates that was also a winery and art gallery (in warmer weather).

I loved Huff Estates little suites... They had a 2-sided faux-fireplace that was easily operated.  A huge DVD selection to borrow from for guests (and a basket of microwave popcorn for purchase).  They have an extensive breakfast buffet in the mornings.  The huge jacuzzi tub and flat screen tv was something I headed to  as soon as Christmas dinner was over... So healthy right?

Here is a photo of my sister's Mother-in-law's pretty Christmas centerpiece. She also had traditional English crackers at each setting, which I love and wish more people would bring back for all dining events...

Bahamas: Atlantis Resort

This trip didn't involve too much culture.  It was an adulterated, spoil-ourselves in pure luxury and gluttony for three days trip.  Atlantis is an over-the-top resort with huge waterslides, amazing aquariums, gorgeous beaches, a bunch of restaurants that are licensed from celebrity chefs and a big casino.

I indulged in a dolphin experience and a holiday spa package at their luxe spa.  Hubby tried every slide but returned to the water rapids ride that snaked its way over a mile around the property.  Even with all of the activities available, one of our favorites was just to gaze down at the grounds from our 17th floor balcony.  We stayed at The Cove, one of the contemporary "design" towers.  

Miami: Design, Scarface, Palm Trees

Just had 48 hours in Miami this time... We stayed in a boutique hotel on Ocean Drive that just happened to be next to the staircase where they filmed the infamous chainsaw massacre scene in Scarface... It is now a Johnny Rockets hamburger joint...

Usually when I am in Miami, I never stray off the 3 blocks around the Raleigh Hotel where the Swimwear fashion shows take place.  This time, I decided to actually check out a new neighborhood.  The Design District apparently was not a very nice neighborhood up until the last year or two.  My friend who lives in Miami was hesitant to drive me there for fear of safety.  I assured him that the newly opened Louis Vuitton, Prada and Hermes boutiques seem to indicate that we shouldn't have to worry...

They are clearly aiming for the fashion crowd, but the interior design crowd seems to be holding court first.  I had a nice time perusing the goods of Jonathan Adler, Alessi and other posh home showrooms...

MIAMI: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim

Another summer, another extended weekend of bikinis and bellinis.  Miami's Mercedes-Benz Fashion week was busier than the last three seasons before it, with a record number of events and shows.

Sadly, a lot less male-centric labels were present.  Some great parties were attended.

Check out the coverage of all the shows on Ms. Fabulous. 

New York: Chinatown, New York City

It's the Year of the Dragon.  Look out for a baby boom from those who celebrate the Lunar New Year.  On Sunday afternoon, NYC's Chinatown was host to a glorious display of cultural pageantry to celebrate the big holiday. 

While you can usually count on colorful processions of dancing dragons and confetti canons, most people don't looks to the streets as a runway for great hairpieces and hats.  Some spectators wore  classic embellished chopsticks.  While riders on the floats donned millinery made from flowers, pearls, fur and jewels. The accessories here were worn in tribute to the tribes and performing arts of China.  

Chinese New Year may have started over a week ago, but subsequent days hold celebrations of different themes.  Every restaurant within in a 5 mile radius was packed with lines down the street.  Noodles for longevity, fish for fortune, and my favorite sesame balls filled with sweet lotus paste or custard tarts!

Maui: Scuba 5 Graves & Wailea

So many of my trips, Hubby and I miss the opportunity for scuba diving because of weather.  We tried for the famed Molokini crater off Maui, but we were thwarted once again...  Luckily, the trip wasn't a total bust.  We did a refresher shore dive as an intro to scuba for my Mom, then a 2-tank boat dive off a site known as the 5 Graves, and off of Wailea.  

We got to play with an octopus, swim among giant sea turtles, amuse spotted eels and wave to some fishJ.  We went out with BB Scuba out of Kihei.   The guys there are patient and have a great sense of humor.  I look forward to going out with them again on our return.

 Photos by Adam Weinstein.  

Map of Dive Area