Find your best self before the wedding ceremony and read marriage, relationship, and wellness tips from Denver wedding officiant, Michael Moody.

Michael Moody 1/28/19 Michael Moody 1/28/19

The Detailed Itinerary You NEED for a Honeymoon Weekend in Mexico City

Introduction

I now know that Mexico City, home to 23 million people, is the best-kept secret in the Americas. Rich with architecture, public art, and an incredible culinary scene, Sammy and I won’t wait long to take another long weekend trip south (about a 4-hour direct flight from Chicago!). Under Spanish rule for nearly 250 years, you clearly see the European influence throughout the city. While you must be mindful of any town you visit, we felt completely safe exploring the vibrant and interesting neighborhoods of Polanco, Roma, and Centro Histórico. Here is our itinerary for my recent birthday trip:

General Itinerary

Airfare: About a 4-hour direct flight that left Chicago at 8:35 pm and arrived in Mexico City at 1:50 pm. Flights ranged from $500 to $600 for direct, round-trip flights. We’ve spent $450 round-trip for nearly the same flight to San Francisco.
17th: Fly to Mexico City from Chicago, Arrival, and the Centro Historico Neighborhood
18th: Bike Tour, Cocktails Overlooking the Ruins, and the Polanco Neighborhood
19th: Cooking Class, Castillo de Chapultepec, and the Roma Neighborhood
20th: Shop in the market and fly to Chicago from Mexico City (2:40)

Sprint International Call Settings

Samsung Galaxy Phones

Go to settings, click on connections, click on mobile networks, click on data roaming, turn off all domestic roaming (voice, text, and data), and turn on all international roaming (voice, text, and data). We’ll receive a welcome message upon arrival.

Money Overseas

Charles Schwab Brokerage Checking Account

Transfer cash for free ATM withdrawals and no transaction fees.

Credit Cards

Bring the Chase Sapphire, Mileage Plus Explorer (20% off on-flight purchases), and Chase Business Ink for no transaction fees.

Currency

1 USD = 19.16 Pesos: Think about $5 USD for every $100 Pesos. Overall, dining is cheaper in Mexico City. Most experiences are 20-30% less than in Chicago, after a 15% tip (sometimes as much as 40% less for a meal). A few of the historic sites were free or cost only $10 USD.

Traveling Throughout the City

Although we could’ve taken public transportation (bus or train) throughout the city, we always chose Uber…which was a reliable, safe, and cheap option. With that said, be prepared for a 15-43-minute ride to a neighboring area. I’ve never witnessed more traffic in a city (sorry, Manhattan). With that said, we enjoyed the ample time to look at the public murals, sculptures, and parks along the way. The fare is still cheap (USD 5-10) for this length of time, and you avoid the risk of cabs (especially pink cabs). I highly encourage planning your trip with a neighborhood for the day in mind (to minimize back-and-forth travel time). Walking is also an option, but you must know the surrounding communities and stick to busy streets to stay safe.

Where We Stayed

17-20th: Mexico City (Centro Historico Neighborhood)

Airbnb Listing: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/17924711?guests=1&adults=1
Check-in: 3:00 pm/Check-out: 1:00 pm
Directions: Uber was an easy, cheap, and safe option to Dirk’s Airbnb (20-30 minute ride for $8-10 USD).
About the Airbnb: The apartment features three private rooms and two terraces in this vintage Mexico City home. We enjoyed the privacy and quiet of interior designer Dirk-Jan Kinet’s trendy upstairs apartment. The space was a true reminder of why we stay in Airbnb homes across the world. The unique design inspired us to begin transforming our home, and the hospitality was unmatched (sorry, hotels). On our first day, Dirk’s partner, Jose Luis, gave us an informative 2-hour walking tour of the historic area, offering a sneak peek into local life and bountiful suggestions. Of course, we couldn’t resist sipping the complimentary bottle of sparkling wine left in our new home later that night! Without a doubt, this Airbnb enhanced our experience on our first visit to Mexico City.

**Centro Historico Neighborhood in Mexico City**

Day 1: Arrival and the Centro Historico Neighborhood

Since we arrived early afternoon, we didn’t book any tours. We started our journey with an espresso at Café Jekemir and a tour from our host around the Centro Historico neighborhood — the city center, home to government buildings, a public square, cathedrals, pyramid ruins, historic buildings, and hidden restaurants. After seeing the Mexican military remove the national flag from Zocalo Square at 6 pm, we headed to Azul Historico. From the outside, the historic building gives very little insight into the gastronomic experience floating in the air inside. As we entered, it opened into a closed courtyard of dining tables among a forest of trees. This famed restaurant typically featured chefs from different regions of Mexico, and that night, we met the various tastes of Veracruz. After indulging in traditional cuisine that included tortilla soup, the shrimp and mackerel ceviche Rojo mixto, and the mouthwatering empanadas rellenas de papa dishes, we explored the city streets and found performers practicing traditional Aztec dances in an unassuming area. Night one: Check!

**Catedral Metropolitana in Mexico City**

Centro Historico/Centro/Alameda Central Sites

Alameda Central (visited)
Palacio de Bellas Artes (check out the top floors, walked by)
Catedral Metropolitana (visited)
The Zocalo (where the marathon began in the 1968 Olympics, visited)
Palacio Nacional (walked by)
Museo del Templo Mayor (visited)
Gran Hotel de la Ciudad de Mexico (incredible interiors featured in a James Bond movie, will visit next time)
Palacio de Carreos de Mexico (will visit next time)
Museo National de Arte
La Ciudadela Centro Artesanal (market for artisan crafts and more)

**Azul Historico Restaurant Mexico City**

Centro Historico/Centro/Alameda Central Restaurants and Bars

Azul Historico (Make reservations)
Puntarena (Beautiful courtyard restaurant in the same building as Azul Restaurante, great breakfast)
El Mayor (Beautiful rooftop views of the ruins near Zocalo) -Café Jekemir (coffee)
Bar la Opera (tequila, will visit next time)
Miralto (amazing rooftop views, will visit next time)
Casino Espanol (checked out an event…perhaps we weren’t on the list 😊, will visit next time)
El Cardenal (lunch)
Nonsolo Mx (traditional Mexican)
Maison Kayser (pastries)
Hosteria “La Bota”
Café de Tacuba
Tio Pepe (historic bar)
Beer La Bota (late-night bar)

Day 2: Bike Tour, Cocktails Overlooking the Ruins, and the Polanco Neighborhood

What do you do in Mexico City if you’re a wedding officiant? Sign up for a bike tour, of course! With the tour starting at 10 am, we had time to eat chilaquiles in Puntarena’s open-air courtyard nearby, though. The grassy wall with a tricycle created a memorable backdrop for our breakfast. Considering the amount of traffic in Mexico City (the most we have ever witnessed in a city), we needed to jump in an Uber for our 24-minute ride to the Polanco neighborhood after a time-pressed meal (assuming it could take 13-43 minutes to drive to any neighborhood). Upon our arrival, we jumped on our bikes and began our private tour of the city. From Polanco and back, we traced Mexico City’s history across many neighborhoods and documented the Spanish and French influence on its architecture, public sculptures, and art. The city was a far cry from the rural Mexican style we envisioned. After 250 years of Spanish rule, you clearly see the European influence on every neighborhood (especially the Centro Historico).

By the tour’s end, we covered most of the historic sites and parks in the nearby neighborhoods and stopped in a traditional taco stand to indulge in Roma’s authentic cuisine. Feeling parched, we took an Uber to the terrace restaurant, El Mayor, in the Centro Historico. While enjoying the 70-degree weather, we sipped margaritas and looked over the Aztec pyramid ruins. To cap our night, we enjoyed a drink at Unica before our reservation in the celebrated traditional Mexican restaurant with a modern finish, Dulce Patria.

Polanco Sites

Mexico City Bike Tours (http://mexicobiketour.com.mx/): $38pp, 4-4.5 hours, includes a tour of the Polanco, Centro Historico, and Roma neighborhoods (and everything in between) and a taco stop -A walk through the beautiful tree-lined streets looking at the mansions
Castillo de Chapultepec and the Museo Nacional de Historia (Castle on the hill looking down on the French-inspired street, Reforma)
Bosque de Chapultepec (one of the biggest parks in Latin America)

**Inside the Castillo de Chapultepec Mexico City**

Polanco Restaurants and Bars

Pujol (book reservation 2-3 months in advance, one of the top 5 restaurants in the world, will visit next time)
Dulce Patria (a modern twist on traditional Mexican dishes, restaurant design is very simple with an 80’s flare, book a reservation 1 month in advance)
Quintonil (book a reservation 2 months in advance, one of the top 5 restaurants in Mexico City, will visit next time)
Jules Basement (speakeasy, will visit next time)
Unica Restaurant (neat place for a drink, too)
Contramar (seafood restaurant, will visit next time)

Day 3: Cooking Class, Castillo de Chapultepec, and the Roma Neighborhood

With no time for breakfast, we went straight to our cooking class at 9 am at Roma’s Aura Authentic. Luckily, our chef-teacher, Graciela, already had breakfast in mind for us. Before preparing homemade salsa, a zucchini salad, tortillas from scratch, white mole, and cornbread, we ventured out to a local market for ingredients. On the way, we stopped at a delicious corner quesadilla stand to taste a familiar dish in a not-so-familiar way (quesadillas in Mexico City are made without cheese and filled with a variety of ingredients, including squash blossom and cactus). After learning about the differences between peppers of various regions, we capped our first meal with Oaxaca worms, grasshoppers, and flying worms (and, yes, we did taste each and they tasted good). Once we returned to the kitchen, we began preparing our master feast, which ended with a traditional birthday song and a candle on cornbread.

With daylight hours to spare, Sammy and I Ubered to Latin America’s biggest park, Chapultepec. During our visit to the Castillo de Chapultepec, we hired a docent to guide us through its history. Soon after, we returned to Roma for Italian cuisine at Rosetta and a night of cocktails in the same area.

Roma Sites

Aura Authentic Cook Class (https://www.auramexcooking.com/cooking-classes): $75pp, 4.5-5 hours, includes a morning market tour, meal, and drinks -Plaza Rio de Janeiro
Parque Mexico
Templo San Francisco Javier and Plaza Romita

Roma Restaurants and Bars

Rosetta Restaurant (excellent Italian restaurant, booked reservations 1 month in advance)
Sabrinos (great breakfast, will visit next time)
Contramar (seafood restaurant, will visit next time)
Licoreria Limantour (recently ranked on “The World’s 50 Best Bars” for cocktails)
Maison Artemisia (bar, will visit next time)
Cardinal (coffee)
Maximo Bistrot Local (excellent French restaurant, booked reservations 2 months in advance, will visit next time)

About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of the “The Elements of Being” podcast—is a wedding officiant serving Denver, Boulder, Golden, and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in Denver (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings and now offers Colorado elopement ceremonies for couples looking for an intimate experience beyond the boundaries.

Wedding locations: Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Lower Highlands, and Sloan Lake. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Golden, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, and more. If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!

Michael Moody 6/11/18 Michael Moody 6/11/18

The Detailed Itinerary You NEED for a Honeymoon in Lisbon, Porto, and Madrid (and the Best Restaurants in Each)

Recently, Sammy, Preston, and I set out on a European adventure to explore earthquake ruins, a port, and Spanish tapas. We started in historic Lisbon, Portugal, and headed North to Porto before finishing in the Spanish metropolis, Madrid. Here is the quick itinerary of interesting places to stay, historic things to do, and an expansive list of restaurants to indulge in.

General Itinerary for Portugal and Spain

25-26: Fly to Lisbon from Chicago
26: Lisbon
27: Lisbon
28: Lisbon
29: Lisbon
30: Train from Lisbon to Porto
1: Porto
2: Porto
3: Fly to Madrid from Porto
4: Madrid
5: Madrid
6: Madrid
7: Fly to Chicago from Madrid

Sprint International Call Settings

Iphone 7

Go to settings, click cellular, click cellular data, then click roaming (turn voice and data on). International CDMA should be off. We’ll receive a welcome message upon arrival.

Samsung Note 8

Money Overseas

Charles Schwab Brokerage Checking Account

Transfer cash for free ATM withdrawals and no transaction fees.

Credit Cards

Bring the Chase Sapphire, MileagePlus Explorer, Chase Business Ink, and Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express for no transaction fees. Call to see which exchange rate is lower (Most base it on the Wall Street Journal).

traveling-baby-wedding-officiant — **Preston is excited for his first flight overseas....and so is the guy sitting behind him.**

Flights and Trains for Lisbon, Porto, and Madrid

25-26th: Fly to Lisbon from Chicago

United Flight UA972 from Chicago to Brussels
Total cost: 60k miles per person plus taxes and fees
Seats: 34E, 34G (Priority boarding with a child, check stroller with car seat at the gate)
Depart: 6:00 pm (04/25) ORD (8 hr 5 mn with bassinet)
Arrival: 9:05 am (04/26) BRU

TAP Portugal Flight TP647 from Brussels to Lisbon
Seats: 16B,16A (Priority boarding with a child, check stroller with car seat at the gate)
Depart: 11:30 am (04/26) BRU (2 hr 50 mn)
Arrival: 1:20 pm (04/26) LIS

30th: Train to Porto from Lisbon (Unconfirmed seats)

Train 125
Total cost: $130 (1st Class, choose seats at check-in, child on lap), arrive 1-2 hours to book train time and sea.t
Depart: 12:09 pm Lisboa Oriente (flexible time)
Arrival: 2:44 pm Porto Campanha

3rd: Fly to Madrid from Porto

Ryanair Flight 5423 from Porto to Madrid
Seats: 2F, 2E (Already checked in a month early)
Total cost: $217.94 (Priority with two cabin bags per person, child on lap)
Depart: 3:35 pm OPO
Arrival: 5:50 pm MAD

7th: Fly to Chicago from Madrid

Lufthansa Flight LH1113 from Madrid to Frankfurt
Seats: 20A/20B (Priority boarding with a child, check stroller with car seat at the gate)
Depart: 12:55 pm (05/07) MAD (2 hr 30 mn)
Arrival: 3:25 pm (05/07) FRA

Lufthansa Flight LH432 from Frankfurt to Chicago
Seats: 34G/34F (Priority boarding with a child, check stroller with car seat at the gate)
Depart: 5:15 pm (05/07) FRA (9 hr 5 mn with bassinet)
Arrival: 7:20 pm (05/07) ORD

Airbnbs in Portugal and Spain

26-30th: Lisbon

Listing: Comfortable, versatile best quarter with Fadoflats
Travessa João de Deus 8 (2nd floor right)
Lisbon, Lisbon 1200 Portugal
+351 91 985 8312
fadoflats-c2vmqwuwpkay6y9d@host.airbnb.com
Check-in: 4:00 pm
Check-out: 11:00 am
-Directions: A taxi from the airport should take you to the flat in about 30 minutes and cost you around 15-20 euros (please tell the taxi driver the flat is in the Chiado quarter, very close to Cervejaria Trindade - Trindade Brewery). Alternatively, you can take the subway and get off at Baixa-Chiado station. It will take you about an hour and cost you 2 euros per person. The third alternative is hiring our private transfer service (for you only): a 7-seat van will be waiting for you at the airport for 30 euros, to be paid directly to the driver. In any case, I would appreciate it if you could text me or call me after picking up the bags and passing passport control at the airport.
Notes: Great 2-bedroom, vintage space that was once a palace before the 18th-century earthquake. Great location and size for our needs. Plenty of nearby restaurants and more. The Alfama neighborhood to the East is another option (more historic and quaint).

30th-3rd: Porto

Listing: Caldeireiros Home Two - feel at home with Fadoflats
Rua dos Caldeireiros, 4050-250 Porto, Portugal
+351 91 714 1223
alcina-77maoh3q8wdkxxbx@host.airbnb.com
Check-in: 3:00 pm
Check-out: 11:00 am
Directions: Walk to the flat from the Sao Bento train station 2 blocks away.
Notes: Great modern space with the perfect location. Truly a wonderful host.

3rd-7th: Madrid

Listing: PTA. Del Sol- Pza. Sta Ana, Madrid with Miriam
Calle Núñez de Arce 10 2b, 28012 Madrid, Madrid, Spain
+34 699 915 788
miriam-zu29zer8pxbllkz5@host.airbnb.com
Check-in: 2:00 pm
Check-out: 11:00 am
Directions:
-Taxi: You will find taxi stands outside all the airport terminals. Always use the official taxi services and do not take offers from drivers inside the terminal. Trip duration up to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. -Bus: The yellow airport express bus runs 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. You can take the bus from terminals T1, T2, and T4, and the ticket costs 5 euros. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes, and the bus makes only 3 stops along the way: the corner of O’Donnell and Doctor Esquerdo, Plaza de Cibeles, and Atocha train station (from 6:00 am until 23:30).
-Metro: You can take Metro Line 8 from all the terminals of the airport and head to Nuevos Ministerios station at the center of Madrid. From there, you can hop to another metro line until your end destination. The journey to the Nuevos Ministerios station is 15 minutes, and the metro operates daily from 6:00 am to 2:00 am. Tickets can cost up to 5 euros depending on your end destination.
Notes: A very central location, but we don’t recommend staying here unless it’s cheap and you don’t mind a Super 8 hotel experience.

**Exploring the historic Belem area of Lisbon**

Things to do in Lisbon, Portugal

Random Notes

-Use ‘The Fork’ phone app or call to book restaurant reservations
-Restaurants (5-10% tip and bread/olives aren’t free), most restaurants open 12-3 and 7-10
-Most museums are free until 2:00 on Sundays
-Taxes after 9 pm cost more
-Lisboa card for attractions (askmelisboa.com)
-Buy 24 24-hour pass (metrolisboa.pt)
-Book a tour: https://www.withlocals.com/experiences/portugal/lisbon/?adults=2&children=1
-Travel with kids: https://kindertravelguide.com/destination/europe/portugal-with-a-baby-or-toddler-2/lisbon-with-a-baby-or-toddler/

Belem Ruins

-Jerónimos Monastery, Praça do Império (free entry to the church, €10 for the rest of the monastery) -Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos-entry fee €4) -CCB (Belém Cultural Center), Coach Museum (Museu dos Coches) -Statue to Afonso de Albuquerque

Rossio Neighborhood

-Parque Eduardo VII (northwest of Rossio Fountains, down the Ave da Liberdade)
-Confeitaria Nacional near the Praca de Figueiro for pastries
-A Ginjinha – Local sweet liquor spot near Igreja de São Domingos
-Rossio Fountains/Park (24-hour cafes nearby)
-Churches: Igreja de São Domingos, Praca da Figueira (next to each other)
-Elevador da Gloria: Takes you from the Praca dos Restauradores up to the Bairro Alto neighborhood
-Ride the Tram 28 to see the historic parts of the city. Expect lines.

**Rooftops of the Alfama neighborhood in Lisbon**

Chiado Neighborhood

-Elevador de Santa Justa down to Baixa Neighborhood
-Convento do Carmo & Museu Arqueologico
-R Garrett Street: pedestrian street
-2 Michellin Star Restaurant: Bellanto
-Nightlife strip: Tv Carvalho

Baixa Neighborhood

-Nucleo Arqueológico (free underground tunnels)
-R Augusta: Pedestrian street from the Praca de Comercio on the water

Bairro Alto Neighborhood

-Church: Igreja & Museu de São Roque
-Elevador de Gloria
-Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcántara
-Restaurant: Lost in Coffee Café (corner of Tv da Agua da Flor and R São Pedro de Alcantara)
-Public toilet under Largo Trindade Coelho
-1800s Beer Hall on R. Nova da Trindade
-Fado bars on R da Alalara

Alfama Neighborhood

-Tram 28 stop: Near Se (free Gothic Cathedral)
-Restaurants and Fado: Cruzes Credo Café, Clube de Fado (8 pm – 2 am), Memmo Alfama Rooftop Bar, Guitarras de Lisboa – Food and Fado, Senhor Fado (8 pm -2 am), Mesa de Frades (Fado in an old small chapel 11 pm)
-Museu do Teatro Romano (free Roman Ruins)
-Igreja de São Vicente de Fora (monastery)
-Panteão Nacional (10 am – 6 pm)

lisbon food wedding officiant — **Lisbon food wedding officiant**

Restaurants in Lisbon

-Fabrica
-Pasteis de Belem
-Manteigaria
-Café A Brasileira
-Cervejaria Ramiro
-Feitoria
-A Taberna da Rua das Flores
-Belcanto
-Bica Do Sapato
-Prado
-Café Tati
-Merendinha do Arco
-Cantinho Lusitano
-A Baiuca
-Marisqueira Nunes
-Tasquinha do Lagarto
-Beco dos Surradores 5
-Tasco do Vigario
-Varina da Madragoa
-Zé da mouraria
-Bairro do Avillez (went twice)
-Time Out Market (Such a neat food scene on the weekend)
-Cantinho do bem estar
-Cevicheria
-Solar dos Presuntos
-Palácio Chiado: Renovated palace turned into food court
-Restaurante Carmo
-The Sandeman Chiado (best salmon we’ve ever eaten, try the 40 year Tawny)
-Royale Cafe (best octopus we’ve ever eaten)

Things to do in Porto, Portugal

Sightseeing in Porto

-São Bento station
-Use ‘The Fork’ phone app or call to book restaurant reservations
-Take the train or drive to the Duoro Valley for wine tastings (2-hour ride)
-Walk over the Ponte de Dom Luís I and take the viewing cart (teleférico) over the river to the port warehouses (major port producers have their warehouses in Vila Nova de Gaia, on the south side of the River Douro)
-Visit the bar Vinologia for port flights and charcuterie
-Garrafeira AMS (wine shop)
-Sé do Porto (free admission)
-Armazém
-Ribeira Square
-Handy Resources: What to Do in Porto: http://portoportugalguide.com/porto-guide/porto-in-2-days-itinerary.html, https://catavino.net/travel/portugal/porto/
-Clérigos Tower (Igreja E Torre Dos Clérigos)
-Lello bookshop (Livraria Lello): Inspiration for the bookstore in the Harry Potter movies
-Sao Bentro Train Station
-Porto Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace (Sé Do Porto)
-Stock Exchange Palace (Palácio da Bolsa)
-Igreja de São Francisco
-Villar d’Allen

Restaurants in Porto

-Confeitaria Serrana
-Cantinho do Avillez
-Michelin-starred Pedro Lemos restaurant
-Stash
-Centro Português de Fotografia (free)
-Torre de Clérigos (admission 3 euros)
-Caldeireiros
-Trasca
-Porta’O Lado
-Brasão Cervejaria
-Fonte dos Leoes for a francesinha, a Portuguese sandwich filled with cured ham
-Café Guarany
-Café Majestic
-Matosinhos
-Vila Nova de Gaia
-Flor dos Congregados
-Rei dos Galos de Amarante
-Adega Quim
-Casa Aleixo
-Tasca da Piedade (Adega Rio Douro)
-Conga
-Casa Nanda
-Adega Vila Meã
-Taberna do Largo
-Taberna Santo António
-Maus Hábitos
-Guindalense Futebol Clube
-O Buraco
-Cantina 32
-BASE
-Miss’Opo
-Café Candelabro
-Traça
-Casa de Ló
-Bar Tolo
-Bite Me
-Boa Nova
-Vinum restaurant at Graham’s port lodge: Gorgeous rooftop
-Ode Porto Winehouse
-Camafeu
-Pedro Limos
-Casa da Horta
-Bacalhua
-O Comercial
-Bufete Fase
-O Paparico
-Grelhador da Boavista
-Pateo das Flores (loved the francesinha and tuna poke cones)

Things to do in Madrid, Spain

Random Notes

-Many dine out at 9 pm or later
-Handy Resources: https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/madrid-food-tour/, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/09/21/travel/what-to-do-36-hours-in-madrid-spain.html, https://www.eater.com/maps/best-madrid-restaurants-38

Sightseeing in Madrid

-Plaza España
-Gran Via (shopping)
-Palacio Real
-Plaza Oriente
-Barrio de la Latina
-El Rastro (Spain’s largest flea market, Sunday)
-Puerta del Sol (popular plaza)
-Chocolateria San Gines
-Plaza Mayor
-Mercado San Miguel
-Watch a flamenco show at Cardamomo
-Retiro Park (huge park)
-Palacio Cristal
-Reina Sofia
-Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
-El Prado (world famous art museum)
-El Bernabeu Stadium
- Las Salesas (shopping)

Restaurants in Madrid

-Bocadillo de Jamón y Champán
-Duquesita Pastelería (century-old pastry shop)
-La Venencia (sherry bar)
-Bar Cock
-Pum Pum Café
-Círculo de Bellas Artes (drink with a panoramic view)
-Amazónico (an opulent jungle-inspired space)
-Chocolatería San Ginés (since 1894, a mug of hot chocolate and six churros)
-El Imparcial
-DiverXO
-San Mamés
-Lakasa Restaurant
-Kappo
-Sala de Despiece
-Nakeima
-Quesería Cultivo
-Bread at Panic
-StreetXo
-Tortilla de Patatas at Casa Dani
-Coffee at Toma Café
-1862 Dry Bar
-Bodega de la Ardosa
-Vermouth at Ángel Sierra
-El Cisne Azul
-La Tasquería
-La Tasquita de Enfrente
-Casa Salvador
-Del Diego Cocktail Bar
-Tapas at La Catapa
-Takos al Pastor
-Horcher
-Viridiana
-Pastries at La Mallorquina
-Sherry at La Venencia
-Chuka Ramen Bar
-Cocktails at Salmon Guru
-Casa Revuelta
-Bistronómika
-Corral de la Morería Restaurant
-La Sanabresa
-Yoka Loka
-La Copita Asturiana
-Santurce
-Bar El Boqueron
-Cocido Madrileño at Cruz Blanca Vallecas

personal tour guide Madrid — Our personal tour guide

About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

Michael Moody 4/22/18 Michael Moody 4/22/18

The Detailed Itinerary You NEED for a Honeymoon in London (And a List of 141 of their Best Restaurants)!

Let me help you take the guesswork out of your planning. My wife and I took our babymoon in London about 2 months before Preston was born. Here is the DETAILED itinerary from that memorable English long weekend of history, food, and afternoon tea! I’ve also included a list of the top 141 restaurants in the Queens land! Thank you, Allison, for all of your help planning this unforgettable trip (Thank your friend for us too!).

General Itinerary

March 1: Fly to London
2: London
3: London
4: London
5: London
6: London /Fly to Chicago

Flights

1st: Fly to London
United Flight UA 938 from Chicago
Depart: 9:15 pm (03/01) ORD
Arrival: 11:05 am (03/02) LHR

6th: Fly to Chicago
United UA959 from London
Depart: 3:25 pm LHR
Arrival: 6:25 pm ORD

Stays/Airbnbs

2th-6th: London
Gorgeous Central Luxury Apartment with Henry
10 Craven Street Flat 6, Greater London, WC2N 5PE, United Kingdom
44 7482 158077
Checkin: 2:00 pm
Checkout: 10:00 am

Specific Itinerary for Each Day

Day 1 Thursday

-Check-in at the Airbnb: Sleeping is for the dogs! Get exploring!
-Take a stroll through the nearby Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden Market Square. Watch street performers embarrass your spouse.
-Eat Spanish tapas at Barrafina.
-Stroll through the streets of London until you fall asleep.

Day 2 Friday

-Visit the free British Museum and grab an audio tour guide to see the Rosetta Stone and statue representations of Hugh Grant from each of his ironic romantic comedies (not true) under an hour. -Shop at Harrods Dept. Store and Oxford Street.
-Sip a cocktail at Rules Restaurant (one of London’s oldest restaurant from 1798).
-Eat dinner at Ivy Restaurant: Look for English politicians and celebrities.
-Grab an after-dinner drink at the skyscraper, The Shard, to see London alive at night.

Day 3 Saturday

-Eat an early breakfast at NOPI.
-Watch the changing of the guard at the Buckingham Palace at 11:00 am and stroll through St. James Park and Kensington Gardens.
-Walk around Parliament Square and observe Big Ben looking down on the protestors. So judgmental! Too bad your name isn’t really Ben!
-Take the audio tour in Churchhill's War Rooms.
-Enjoy Afternoon Tea at the Savoy (Thames Foyer): Make reservations ahead of time and prepare your tiny fingers for little tea cups, sandwiches, and sweet goodies.
-You’re dressed up and ready for a night out! Go to see ‘Wicked’ or another musical in the Piccadilly Circus area.

Day 4 Sunday

-Grab breakfast at Dean Street Townhouse and then a walking cup of Monmouth Coffee.
-Sign up for a free 45 minute Beefeater tour with the men in red at the Tower of London. No samples of gin apparently. See the royal jewels and remind your loved one of your upcoming birthday. Take a look at the London Bridge and wonder why you thought the other bridge was the London Bridge.
-Visit the Tate Modern Art Gallery.
-Head to Lamb and Flag Pub for bangers and a beer (the favorite watering hole of Charles Dickens from the 1700s).
-Explore Covent Garden until you find an antique map store. Purchase geographic representations of England, France, and Spain from the early 1700s for your son’s nursery/man cave. Continue exploring the surrounding neighborhoods.
-Eat dinner at the Italian indulgence, Bocca Di Lupo, and sneak across the street for gelato.
-Grab an after-dinner cocktail at the Ham Yard Hotel.

Day 5 Monday

-Grab a quick bite near the Airbnb.
-Take a tour of the Westminster Abbey: Arrive early to avoid long lines or attend the Choir Evensong at 3:00 pm on Sunday instead.
-Fly home!

London Restaurants for Dinner (Be sure to make reservations on Opentable.com at least a few days in advance)

10 Greek Street (British)
28-50 Wine Workshop & Kitchen
8 Hoxton Square (sis of 10 Greek St)
Amaya (Indian)
Anchor & Hope (gastropub)
Andina (Peruvian)
Bar Boulud (French American)
Barbecoa (Jamie Oliver's, meat)
Barnyard (meat)
Barrafina (Spanish, sis of Fino)
Berners Tavern (British)
Bistrotheque (European)
Bocca Di Lupo (Italian)
Brindisa, London Bridge (Spanish)
Bubble Dogs (hot dogs & champers)
Bull & Last (gastropub)
Busaba Eathai (Thai)
Ceviche (Peruvian)
Cecconi's (Italian)
Chiltern Firehouse (European)
City Social
Coq d'Argent (French)
Dabbous (British/ burgers)
Dean Street Townhouse (British)
Dinner by Heston (British)
Ducksoup (wine bar)
Eight-over-eight (Asian) Ember Yard (basque tapas)
Fino (Spanish)
Flat Iron (cheap steak)
Flesh & Buns (Asian)
Four Seasons (roast duck)
Foxlow (steak, owners of Hawksmoor)
Galvin at Windows (French)
Granger & Co (Aussie brunch)
Gymkhana (Indian)
Hakkasan (Chinese)
Hawksmoor (steak & burgers)
Hereford St (gastropub)
Honey & Co (Middle Eastern)
Honest Burgers
Hummus Bros (Middle Eastern)
Iberica (Spanish)
Il Baretto (Italian)
Jin Kichi (Japanese, Hamstead)
Kitchen Table (private dining)
Koffmans (British)
Koba (Korean)
Kopaya (tapas)
Koya (Japanese)
Kurobata (Japanese, sis of Nobu)
La Bodega Negra (Mexican)
La Petite Maison (French)
Latium (Italian)
Lantana (Aussie brunch)
Le Poulet au Pot (French)
L'Entrecote (French steak)
Lima (Peruvian)
Little Social (French)
Lupita (Mexican)
Lyle's (degustation)
Mandarin Kitchen (lobster noodles)
Meat Liquor (steak/burgers)
Medlar (French)
Mele e Pere (Italian)
Mien Tay (Vietnamese)
Momo (African)
Morito (tapas, next door to Moro)
Moro (tapas)
NOPI (Israeli)
Ottolenghi (Isreali)
Patty & Bun (burgers)
Pitt Cue Co (BBQ)
Pizza Pilgrims
Pollen Street Social (British)
Polpo (Italian)
Polpetto (Italian, sis rest of Polpo)
Providores (tapas)
Red Bull Expert (Argentinian steak)
Riding House Cafe (brunch)
Roka (Japanese)
Royal China (dim sum)
Salt Yard (Spanish)
Scott's (seafood)
Señor Ceviche (Peruvian)
Signor Sassi (Italian)
Smiths of Smithfield (meat)
Social Eating House (British)
Song Que (Vietnamese)
Spuntino (Italian)
St John (British)
Story (degustation)
Sumosan (Japanese)
Sushisamba (Peruvian Japanese)
Sushi Tetsu (Japanese)
Tay Do (Vietnamese - Sammy's rest)
Tayyabs (Indian)
Terroirs (French wine bar)
Texture (European/ Scandinavian)
The Eagle (gastropub, Farringdon)
The Garrison (gastropub)
The Grazing Goat (gastropub)
The Ledbury (French)
The Palomar (Israeli)
The Punch Bowl (gastropub)
The Square (French)
Trishna (Indian)
Trullo (Italian)
Typing Room (British)
Ukai (sushi)
Vinoteca (wine bar)
Yalla Yalla (Middle Eastern)
Yauatcha (Chinese)
Zafferano, Knightsbridge (Italian)
Zoilo (Argentinian tapas)
Zuma (Japanese)
Zucca (Italian)

London Restaurants for Brunch

The Modern Pantry
The Riding House Cafe
The Breakfast Club
Duck & Waffle
Towpath
Dishoom
Ottolenghi
NOPI
Jackson & Rye
Kopapa
Providores
Lantana
Granger & Co Workshop Coffee Co, Clerkenwell
Village East, Bermondsey
Electric Diner, Portobello Rd
Tom's Kitchen, Chelsea
Sunday Cafe, Islington
Caravan, Kings Cross or Exmouth
Honey & Co, Fitzrovia
Quo Vadis, Soho
Plum & Spilt Milk, Kings Cross
Kin Cafe, Fitzrovia
Curators Coffee Gallery

**Afternoon Tea at the Savoy in London**

About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

Michael Moody 3/21/18 Michael Moody 3/21/18

The Detailed Itinerary You NEED for a Honeymoon Adventure in Australia

Introduction

Let me help you take the guesswork out of your planning. My wife and I recently explored Australia for our honeymoon. Here is the DETAILED itinerary from that epic trip!

General Itinerary

May 2-4: Fly to Sydney
4: Sydney (booked bike tour)….buy OPAL travel card
5: Sydney (booked bridge walk)
6: Sydney (find a zoo ferry that day/booked tickets for the Opera House)
7: Sydney (booked blue ribbon blue mountain tour)
8: Hamilton Island (Booked sunset sail)
9: Hamilton Island (open)
10: Cairns (open)
11: Cairns (booked Seastar Cruises)
12: Alice Springs (booked sunset camel ride)
13: Alice Springs (booked 1-day Uluru trip)
14: Melbourne (open)
15: Melbourne (booked bike tour)
16: Melbourne (booked GOR tour with GoWest Tours: 7:30 pickup)
17: Melbourne (booked with Viator Yara Valley Wine Tour)
18: Sydney /Fly to Chicago

Flights in Australia

2-4th: Fly to Sydney (confirmed with seats)
United Flight UA639 from Chicago/Flight UA839 from LA
Depart: 7:17 pm (05/02) ORD
Arrival: 6:45 am (05/04) SYD

8th: Fly to Hamilton Island (confirmed with seats)
Virgin Australia 1281
Depart: 9:55 am SYD
Arrival: 12:30 pm HTI

10th: Fly to Cairns (check in at the airport for seats together)
Qantas 2504
Depart: 11:55 am HTI
Arrival: 1:10 pm CNS

12th: Fly to Alice Springs (confirmed with seats)
Qantas 1949
Depart: 8:15 am CNS
Arrival: 10:10 am ASP

14th: Fly to Melbourne (confirmed with seats)
Qantas 797
Depart: 12:35 pm ASP
Arrival: 3:40 pm MEL

18th: Fly to Sydney (confirmed with seats)
Virgin Australia 809
Depart: 6:45 am MEL
Arrival: 8:10 am SYD

18th: Fly to Chicago (confirmed with seats)
United UA870 from Sydney/UA458 from San Fran
Depart: 10:30 am SYD
Arrival: 4:11 pm ORD

Hotels in Australia

4-8th: Sydney
Sydney Harbour Bed and Breakfast
142 Cumberland St., Sydney
+61292471130
Checkin: 2:00 pm
Checkout: 10:00 am

8-10th: Hamilton Island
Whitsunday Apartments
14 Resort Drive, Hamilton Island, 4803, AU
+61749699999
Check-in: 2:00 pm
Check-out: 10 am

10-12th: Cairns
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
121-123 The Esplanade and Florence St., Cairns, QLD, 4870
+61740506070
Check-in: 2:00 pm
Check-out: ?????

12-14th: Alice Springs
Chifley Alice Springs Resort
34 Stott Terrace, East Side, NT, 0870 Australia
+610889514545
Check-in: 2:00 pm
Check-out: ?????

14-18th: Melbourne
Heather’s Airbnb
377 Little Collins Street 31, Melbourne, VIC 3000
+61410872530
Check-in: 2:00 pm
Check-out: 10:00 am
Directions: Our preference from the airport is the Skybus which drops you at Southern Cross Station at a cost of $19 per person, you can buy tickets at the airport or online. One of us can meet you at the bus terminal, and it's a short tram ride to the apartment. The taxi fare is $50-$60, and the trip is about 25 minutes.

Tours

4-8th: Sydney
4th: Bike Buffs Sydney Bicycle Tours
Meeting Point: MEETING PLACE FOR YOUR TOUR IS THE GARRISON CHURCH AT THE CORNER OF ARGYLE STREET AND LOWER FORT STREET, WELL JUST OPPOSITE, ACTUALLY ON THE VILLAGE GREEN. 0414 960332
Start: 10:30 am

5th: Sydney Bridge Climb
Meeting Point: 3 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, NSW 2000
+610282747777
Start: 12:05 pm (arrive 15 minutes early)

5th: Open PM (Tasting Tour???/Bondi or Manly Beaches)

6th: Open Am (Ferry to the Zoo???)

6th: Sydney Opera House (Concert Hall)
Meeting Point: Bennelong Point, GPO Box 4274, Sydney, NSW 2001
+69712101035
Start: 8:00 pm (arrive 30 minutes early to pick up tickets)

7th: Blue Mountains Tour
Meeting Point: We’ll be picked up.
+0421892760
Start: 7:00 am?????
Notes: Email them between 7 am and 2 pm the day before, and include the conference number and our address. We will receive the pickup time then.

8-10th: Hamilton Island
8th: Sunset Sail Whitsunday Islands
Meeting Point: Resort Centre Tour Desk next to Sails Restaurant (7 am – 7 pm)/Reef View Hotel Tour
Desk in the Hotel Lobby (8 am – 5 pm)
+0749468305
Start: 4:45 pm (until 6:15 pm)

10-12th: Cairns
11th: Cairns Seastar Cruises (Great Barrier Reef): Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef Day Cruise
75 Esplanade, Cairns, Qld 4870, Australia
Meeting Point: Pier E1 of the Marlin Marina
+0740416218
bookings@seastarcruises.com.au
Start: 8:00 am (boarding starts at 7:30 am)
Notes: $15 fee per person is payable on the day of boarding; call 48 hours in advance to reconfirm.

12-14th: Alice Springs
12th: Sunset Camel Ride
Pyndan Camel Tracks, 21259 Jane Road, White Gums
+0416170164
pyndan@cameltracks.com
Meeting Point: We’ll be picked up 30 minutes before (4:30).
Start: 5:00 pm (until 6:00 pm)
Notes: Call or text 48 hours in advance to reconfirm pickup/tour.

13th: Uluru Adventure
Gray Line Office
Shop 7-9 Capricornia Centre (opposite Information Centre), Gregory Tce, Alice Springs
+610889522177
alicesprings@grayline.com
Meeting Point: We’ll be picked up at 5:50 am.
Start: 6:00 am (until 12:30 am)
Notes: Call or text 24 hours in advance to reconfirm pickup/tour.

14-18th: Melbourne
15th: Freddy’s Bike Tours
Meeting Point: See notes.
+61431610431
james@freddysbiketours.com
+0431610431
Start: 11:00 am
Notes: They will send details about the meeting point the day before, or you can meet 15 minutes prior at their shop in Batman Park.

16th: Great Ocean Road Day Tour
Go West!
+0394855290
info@gowest.com.au
Meeting Point: Pickup at Adina Apartments, 189 Queen St.
Start: Pickup at 7:35 am
Notes: Call or text 24 hours in advance to reconfirm pickup/tour????

17th: Yarra Valley Food and Wine Day Trip from Melbourne, including Lunch at Yering Station
Vinetrekker Wine Tours
Melbourne city hotels or St Paul's Cathedral/Cnr of Swanston & Flinders Streets, Melbourne. Located opposite Federation Square and Flinders Street Train Station.
+61 3 96998148
Meeting Point: approx 8:45 am-9:00 am (confirmed the night before)
Start: 9:00 am
Notes: Call or text 24 hours in advance to reconfirm pickup/tour????

About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

Michael Moody 10/23/17 Michael Moody 10/23/17

3 Tools to Dramatically Improve Your Romantic Relationship

Introduction

Optimal health extends beyond your time in a personal trainer’s studio. If you put extra effort into your relationships, you might be surprised by how your overall well-being improves. Whether your romantic relationship is sound or a struggle, here are 3 tools to dramatically change that dynamic today.

The 5 Love Languages Personal Profile for Couples

Wedding Officiant Wisdom: Although you can ambitiously read the book of the same name, I highly recommend taking this free quiz online at 5lovelanguages.com. It will help you identify the love languages (words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch) that you value the most. Why is this important? If your partner values “acts of service” the most (like making dinner together), it may not matter how many bunches of flowers you buy him or her. Although you value “receiving gifts” the most, it doesn’t mean your partner will too. How often have you heard someone say (or said yourself), “It doesn’t matter what I do, he never appreciates it.” I ask you: Do you really know what he appreciates or values the most? Perhaps, all your partner wants is “physical touch”…a hug to show your continued interest in him. You can see how easily this lack of communication or awareness can compound into many nonsensical arguments.

I recommend that you and your partner individually take this quiz and then discuss your scores. Although you’re not instructed to break down your answers, I strongly suggest you do so. The two of you may share the same answer but have completely different mindsets when approaching the scenario. Essentially, take the guesswork out of the relationship by learning how your partner approaches a scenario and what he or she values most.

2. My Life Story: A Visual Map

Wedding Officiant Wisdom: The ‘My Life Story Map’ left a lasting impression on my wife and me before our wedding last year. It helped us recognize the defining moments in our past and understand how they have shaped us. Although we utilized the ‘A Visual Map for Reflecting on My Past’ diagram by Sibyl Towner and Sharon Swing, you can certainly create your own. Basically, you and your partner will draw and write a timeline of your life on separate pieces of paper. At the top and middle of your page, draw a horizontal (parallel) line. On the top line, write the years of your life that correlate with the critical events that you describe on the middle line. The middle line should reflect events, people, places, vocations, avocations, and more. You can record these events above or below this middle line, depending on whether the event is perceived as a positive event (above) or an adverse event (below). As you try to determine the most noteworthy events, ask yourself the following questions: Which events elicited the most significant emotional response? Which events were most responsible for your personal and professional approach today? Which events specifically affected your relationships with others today? When did you feel the most insecure and weak or secure and robust? What were the most significant turning points or decisions that steered your life the most?

You may certainly personalize this timeline however you see fit. Honesty is most important (with yourself and partner). Evaluate how these life occurrences affected you and write that down. For example, my parents’ divorce had a profound effect on my life. Unfortunately, it shaped a negative perspective on relationships for a long time (conflict management, displays of affection, etc). At the same time, while moving after my parents’ divorce was undoubtedly a great challenge at the age of 12, I became more adaptable in several different environments. I became more curious. Think about these long-term effects on my life! I now love traveling and feel comfortable exploring and interacting with the unknown. What events in your life have shaped you? Not only is this a great way to see a timeline of your life on paper, but it is also an opportunity to reflect on what has influenced how you behave, perceive, and generally approach the world. Take this time to learn about yourself while helping your partner understand you.

3. A Hug

Wedding Officiant Wisdom: The root of all being is interaction…and nothing is easier or cheaper than a hug! Even if you don’t have the right words, a simple hug could express how you feel. It also shows your vulnerability to your partner and your physical connection to him or her.

The Detailed Itinerary You NEED for a Honeymoon Weekend in Mexico City

Introduction

General Itinerary

Sprint International Call Settings

Samsung Galaxy Phones

Money Overseas

Charles Schwab Brokerage Checking Account

Credit Cards

Currency

Traveling Throughout the City

Where We Stayed

17-20th: Mexico City (Centro Historico Neighborhood)

Day 1: Arrival and the Centro Historico Neighborhood

Centro Historico/Centro/Alameda Central Sites

Centro Historico/Centro/Alameda Central Restaurants and Bars

Day 2: Bike Tour, Cocktails Overlooking the Ruins, and the Polanco Neighborhood

Polanco Sites

Polanco Restaurants and Bars

Day 3: Cooking Class, Castillo de Chapultepec, and the Roma Neighborhood

Roma Sites

Roma Restaurants and Bars

About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

The Detailed Itinerary You NEED for a Honeymoon in Lisbon, Porto, and Madrid (and the Best Restaurants in Each)

General Itinerary for Portugal and Spain

Sprint International Call Settings

Iphone 7

Samsung Note 8

Money Overseas

Charles Schwab Brokerage Checking Account

Credit Cards

Flights and Trains for Lisbon, Porto, and Madrid

25-26th: Fly to Lisbon from Chicago

30th: Train to Porto from Lisbon (Unconfirmed seats)

3rd: Fly to Madrid from Porto

7th: Fly to Chicago from Madrid

Airbnbs in Portugal and Spain

26-30th: Lisbon

30th-3rd: Porto

3rd-7th: Madrid

Things to do in Lisbon, Portugal

Random Notes

Belem Ruins

Rossio Neighborhood

Chiado Neighborhood

Baixa Neighborhood

Bairro Alto Neighborhood

Alfama Neighborhood

Restaurants in Lisbon

Things to do in Porto, Portugal

Sightseeing in Porto

Restaurants in Porto

Things to do in Madrid, Spain

Random Notes

Sightseeing in Madrid

Restaurants in Madrid

About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

The Detailed Itinerary You NEED for a Honeymoon in London (And a List of 141 of their Best Restaurants)!

General Itinerary

Flights

Stays/Airbnbs

Specific Itinerary for Each Day

Day 1 Thursday

Day 2 Friday

Day 3 Saturday

Day 4 Sunday

Day 5 Monday

London Restaurants for Dinner (Be sure to make reservations on Opentable.com at least a few days in advance)

London Restaurants for Brunch

About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

The Detailed Itinerary You NEED for a Honeymoon Adventure in Australia

Introduction

General Itinerary

Flights in Australia

Hotels in Australia

Tours

About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

3 Tools to Dramatically Improve Your Romantic Relationship

Introduction

The 5 Love Languages Personal Profile for Couples

2. My Life Story: A Visual Map