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Deprived of her own room as a child, Christina found locking herself in the bathroom and pouring over encyclopedias or writing in her journals more stimulating than watching MTV with her 5 sisters. It was during those bathroom days that she discovered a world far from her suburban upbringing and developed an incurable case of wanderlust.
Christina received her degree in Communication Studies from San Francisco State University, but has since been self-diagnosed with Peter Pan Syndrome and would rather pursue a life of adventure and wayfaring, than settling down. She worked as an au pair in Madrid, Spain for a year and fell head over heels in love with the country and continues to plot her return.
Limited by a shoestring budget, she dreams of a designer wardrobe and an insouciant life, filled with travel and free of college-loan debt. Christina hopes to continue her love affair with acquiring knowledge by supplementing her Wikipedia addiction with traveling the world. When she travels, she doesn't always manage to get much sightseeing done; rather she prefers connecting with locals to soak up the indigenous culture. She loves people watching, independent cafés and goes no where without a journal in hand.
Some of her favorite travel memories often occur after she has scrapped all plans and just went with the flow:
The utter beauty of Paris at sunset and the solemn glory of attending Christmas Mass at Notre Dame.
Ambling aimlessly and alone in London and loving every minute of it.
Falling from the top bunk NYE night in Dublin
Couchsurfing through Andalucía for Semana Santa.
Returning to the motherland of Portugal with my father, after he hadn't been home in over 40 years and witnessing him be brought to tears at a Fado show.
Being surprised with tickets to a sold-out FC Barcelona fútbol game when visiting a friend in Barcelona.
Driving 8 hours straight to Lisbon, after working 8 hours and dancing in the clubs until 8am, then going to the beach to sleep for a bit before heading back to Madrid.
Being in Madrid when Spain won Eurocopa 2008 and cheering on España with my fellow Madrileños.
Oh, Divas. I am having like The Worst PMS ever! It’s as if my ovaries, Grinchified to the Extreme, are balking over all this holiday cheer. What are some of your menstrual managing secrets? Sometimes I find that a good, juicy steak with all its iron is the answer, dining like a vampire trying to…
During the Sonoma International Film Festival the little town was abuzz with San Francisco’s VIPs and socialites. The reason? The Celebrity Cruises‘ sponsored screening of “Dior and I,” darling Diva. It was the Northern California premiere of the film, so of course Sonoma was the place to be for lovers of fashion. And what a night…
By Kimberley Lovato Long ago, in another era and career that involved cubicles and quarterly reports, a colleague sat his khaki-clad butt on my linoleum desk and asked me the question that would ultimately lead me straight out the front door. “What would you do, professionally, if you could do anything?” The answer came immediately. “I’d…
Every San Francisco tourist brochure sends visitors to Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown. Because,yawn. Instead, try marching in the Saint Stupid’s Day Parade, or whack strangers in a giant pillow fight. So, read on for some only-in-San Francisco events, guaranteed laughs and photo-ops galore. Beware, nobody’s in charge! Valentine’s Day Pillow Fight: Every February 14 V.D….
My Day in Madrid*: by Alexandra Canedo This itinerary is for the restless Diva. I’ve walked this all before (my pictures below), and doing it in a day can definitely keep you on your feet. Luckily, there are plenty of tapa bars to keep you fueled! 8 a.m. – If it’s Sunday, go to the…
Name: Rick Abruzzo Age: 31 Hometown: San Francisco Occupation: Graphic Designer Status: Taken 1. Where do you like to flirt? Casanova Lounge 2. What are your favorite places to eat and drink? Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack to eat. Bruno’s to drink 3. Where should we stay when we visit? Mark Hopkins, best view and near lots…