Sandra Scott Travels

Celebrate Christmas in Mexico, New York

2011-11-27T09:26:00.012-05:00

Lake Charles, Louisiana: food, history and nature

2011-11-13T10:29:00.011-05:00

Beautiful L'Auberage Hotel and Casino
On the Boudin Trail - B&O Kitchen
Hollier's Cajun Kitchen

Pintail Wildlife Drive
Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Rutherford Shell Beach

Charpentier Historic District
Mardi Gras Museum
Making King Cake

Imperial Calcasieu Museum
La Truffe Sauvage Seven-course wine dinner
Seafood Palace gumbo

Rouge et Blanc Food and Wine Festival
City Hall - Lake Charles
Yummy deep-fried bread pudding

Exploring Niagara County, New York

2011-10-19T08:25:00.022-04:00

Murphy's Orchard located north of Lockport
Underground RR site at Murphy's Orchard
Olcutt Lighthouse.

Old Fort Niagara
Flag from the War of 1812
Frequent demonstrations

Barton Hill Inn in Lewiston
Underground Railroad monument on the riverside in front of the hotle
Lewiston Historical Society

Jet boat rides depart from Lewiston
Our Lady of Fatima Shrine
Robert Moses Power Project Visitor Center is open to the public

The trolley makes it easy to get around Niagara Falls, NY
Above the falls from Three Sisters Island
Niagara Falls is impressive from all points of view

The Maid of the Mist - a must do when in Niagara Falls
The Wax Museum tells the history including those who went over the falls
The Niagara Falls Aquarium

Seneca Niagara Casino is a great place to stay
The Casino has a great spa
There are a plethora of dining options at the casino

Hot Springs, Arkansas: America's First Resort

2011-09-25T13:26:00.010-04:00

The historic Arlington Hotel - great accommodations, dining and spa treatments

Hot Springs National Visitor Center in the Fordyce Bathhouse
Museum of Contemporary Art in the Ozark Bathhouse
Muse's Three Arts Cafe in the Hale Bathhouse

Gangster Museum
View from Lookout Point Lakeside Inn
Boat ride on Lake Hamilton

Garvan Woodland Gardens
Anthony Chapel at Garvan Woodland Gardens
Lookout Point Lakeside Inn

Tillman's Antiques includes Faberge eggs

Taylor's Contemporeana store
Vienna Theater presents Ken Goodman

Legends Balloon Rally
Hanging out with Charlie Daniels
Charlie Daniels concert

Seneca Falls where "It's a Wonderful Life"

2011-07-31T18:50:00.008-04:00

"It's a Wonderful Life Museum"
Bridge from the film ??

IDEA - located in same building as "It's a Wonderful Life Museum"
Clarence Hotel runs the video all day long

Home of Women's Rights buildings
Ride the Emita II on the Cayuga-Seneca Canal
Trinity Church

Images of Northern Wales

2011-07-19T09:54:00.021-04:00

Trearddur Bay Hotel
Wandering Trearddur Bay
Beaumaris Castle - the perfect castle design

Penrhyn Castle - once a home
Castle Hotel - within the walls of Conwy
Plas Mawr - just steps from the Castle Hotel

Bodnant Gardens - one of the most beautiful in the UK
Trefriw Mills - family owned since 1859
Ples Maenan - what a view!

A beautiful drive through Snowdonia National Park
Portmeirion - a magical place
View from our window at Portmeirion

The historic Bala Lake Railway
Ruthin Castle Hotel
Ruthin Choir rehearsal

Cornerstones B&B
Canaling in Llangollen
Corn Mill Restaurant in Llangollen

Images of Dublin

2011-07-10T13:36:00.014-04:00

Sweet Molly Malone
The River Liffey
Christ Church

The Post Offfice with a musuem
Guinness
Kilmainham Prison

Leprechaun Museum
The Taste of Dublin
Cooking with Catherine Fulvio

A hooley at Johnnie Fox's
Ritz Carleton in Wicklow
The River Walk at Powerscourt

Images of Ireland -Family reunion

2011-07-02T05:59:00.011-04:00

Abbey Hotel in Roscommon
Scott-Fleming Reception

The John Scott Family
JJ - Visiting the cemeteries
Hooley at Sean and Maye's

Jim & Elizabeth performing at the hooley
Learning to hurl
Scotts of Ireland

The Fleming homestead
Visiting the cemetery
The Scott family

Images of Honduras

2011-05-27T14:00:00.016-04:00

Enjoy the La Quita Pool in La Ceiba
Crossing the river on the way to Trujillo
Sunset from Casa 17 in Campo Vista between Trujillo and Santa Fe

Trujillo city center
Monkeying around at Tranquility Bay
The north shore of Honduras is one long beach

A great welcome at Mayan Princess Resort on Roata
Mayan Princess has the best beach on Roatan
Awesome food at the Mayan Princess

Lazy days reading in the pool
Relaxing with a Nonie Spa Treatment
A fun day at Maya Key including snokeling

Garifuna show
All good things come to an end
Metrotel in San Pedro Sula

Images of Japan: Okinawa, Tokyo and Narita

2011-04-20T19:35:00.014-04:00

Okinawa: Shuri Temple
Okinawa: Cultural Show at Shuri Temple
Okinawa: Peace Memorial Park

Tokyo: Palace Garden Tour
Tokyo: Tower on Imperial Palace grounds
Tokyo: Hami Gardens near the Conrad Hotel

Tokyo: Ueno Park
Narita: Shinsho-ji Temple
Narita: Buddhist ceremony at Shinsho-ji Temple

Images of Saipan: American's Pacific Paradise

2011-04-03T21:35:00.016-04:00

Wedding at the Hyatt
Enjoying the Hyatt beach
Sailboarding

Welcome to the Hyatt
The Hyatt's beautiful pool
Memorial Park in Saipan

War in the Pacific Museum
Doing a out-reach program at the Hyatt
Our friend, Luis

Saipan's Bird Island
Peace Memorial at Suicide Cliff
Cultural show - part of street market

Tinian: Taga House
Tinian: covering where the atomic bombs were kept
Saipan: end of the day

Revisiting Guam

2011-03-22T17:26:00.010-04:00

Mr. Arturo tells the story of Tweed, the modern day Robinson Crusoe
A latte stone
Mr. Arturo

War in the Pacific Museum
Guam church
Eating at Jeff's Pirates Cove

Guam's amazing aquarium
The Hyatt's beautiful pool
Another day in the sun is over

Visiting Penang

2011-03-18T17:50:00.010-04:00

City Hall
The Blue Mansion
Thai Buddhist Temple

Park Royal swimming pool
Watching the para sailors from our room
End of another great day

Cooking class
Making egg net - not that easy
Char Kuey Teow

'Mazing Malaysia -Exploring Sarawak

2011-02-12T18:02:00.018-05:00

Five things to do in Kuching, Malaysia
Located in Sarawak on the Island of Boreno, Kuching is a not-to-miss destination easily accessible in less than two hours on a flight from Kuala Lumpur. The are many wonderful things to see and do but do not miss these five must-do:

1. City tour: Visit the Sawawak Museum housed in a Victorian-style building where the natural and cultural history of the area are highlighted. Kuching’s mascot is the cat so visit the Cat Museum located high on the hill above the city affording a great view. It was the world’s first cat museum.
2. Explore the waterfront: What was once a bustling shipping area is no a beautiful place attracting foreigners and locals. There are museums, shops, and places to sample local cuisine.
3. Semengoh Orang Utan: Arrive in time for the 9:00 feeding. The Orangs are semi-wild and in the process of being rehabilitated so they can live on their own. They roam freely in the rainforest usually returning at feeding time if they are hungry. Most were rescued or born to rescued mothers.
4. River Cruise: End the day with a sunset cruise on the Sarawak River. It is a great way to see the city. The tour starts with a travel video. Complimentary juice and cake are served. Between the travel commentary traditional dances are highlighted.
5. Bidayuh Longhouse: Climb the notched log steps into the traditional longhouse built on stilts and receive a welcome glass of tuak, the local rice wine. View the Bidayuh as they weave, dry rice, and go about their daily life.

In Kuching stay at the Hilton with excellent views of the city and river. For a beach location nothing beats Damai Beach Hotel. It is in walking distance of the Sarawak Cultural Village.
For more information sarawaktourism.com or tourism.gov.my.

Side Trip to Bangladesh

2011-02-05T06:09:00.013-05:00

Our week in Bangladesh was made great due to the Pan Pacific Hotel and the people who are wonderful. We spent a lot of time enjoying the hotel – the pool, the health club and Club Level. The flowers must be dirt cheap – we had a fresh floral arrange each day with a dozen roses and white flowers that put out a nice smell but only in the evening. Club level was awesome. One day we did a city tour but after visiting two places gave it up because of the incredible traffic. The next day we did a river trip which we really liked. The boat was basic but the guide made a wonderful lunch – his wife and child came along which was nice – she told her husband…“They are Americans. I want to go.” We stopped at a fishing village. The people we very friendly and didn’t expect anything in return.

In the places we visited I don’t know who took the most pictures.. us or the local people using their cell phones to take picture of us! We were obviously the attraction. It was actually quite fun. No one begged – everyone was respectful. The youngsters who knew a few words in English said “Hello” and then became very shy. One young boy about 7 in a suit came up and in perfect English offered his hand to shake and said. “It is a pleasure to meet you.” Some asked if they could take our picture with their children… Obviously there are not many American tourists in Bangladesh – it was quite refreshing. They are gearing up for the Cricket World Cup. Most are very poor but there are also a lot of nice cars. Bangladesh is one of the most populated countries in the world… but they are friendly, welcoming and very hard working. Friday is the Moslem holy day so the ride to the airport that took 3 hrs on arrival took 25 minute when we left.

Amazing Myanmar

2011-02-04T19:55:00.009-05:00

There are many amazing things at Amazing Resort at Ngapali Beach. First that such a high-end resort exists in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, on a beautiful pristine beach is in itself amazing. John and I have been fortunate to visit many countries – some several times - and we have stayed in some wonderful accommodations but the one place that tugs at our heart to return again and again is Amazing Resort in Ngapali on the Bay of Bengal. We love all the nice touches from the Myanmar-made lacquer ware sink with the amenities in tiny lacquer ware pagodas to beautiful gardens to the friendly attentive staff.

We have returned four times. The palm-fringed beach is pristine, long and sweeping with no annoying vendors. In fact it is virtually deserted except for an occasional person walking on the beach. The soft sand is cool, the sea is warm with gentle waves, and the sun is hot but it is cool under the thatched umbrellas.

John and I start the day with a beach walk to the huge rock with a pagoda on the top. After breakfast overlooking the Bay of Bengal we spend hours on the beach reading, cooling off in the sea by floating on the inner tubes provided by the hotel, and dozing. In the late afternoon we walk to other direction on the beach to the mermaid on the rock but make sure we are back in time to watch the sun set over the Bay of Bengal from our balcony.

When we head to dinner on the hotel’s flagstone patio overlooking the infinity pool and sea there was no question as to what cocktail to order each night. John preferred a Ngapali Sunset and I liked the Bay of Bengal cocktail. Ms. Khin Khin Phyce dressed in the traditional full-length wrap around skirt worn by both men and women served them. John’s Ngapali Sunset was a soothing mix of rum, orange juice and grenadine the color of the setting sun. My cocktail, the Bay of Bengal, with gin, brandy, lime, orange juice, and grenadine also reflected the nightly spectacular.

Sipping our cocktails we watch the sun set like a gold disc melting into the sea. The spectacle continues as the horizon becomes layered in a beautiful array of blue, pink and purple. Then another amazing thing happens. As the darkness settles golden lights appear where the sky meets the sea forming a twinkling necklace on the horizon. Each evening the fishing boats from the local villages head out to sea on their nightly fishing expedition insuring that we will have fresh fish for our meals. The lights from their boats form a twinkling star-like chain along the horizon. Amazing. The dinner menu has an international flair but we enjoy sampling the local cuisine especially the Myanmar Curry with Chicken which is served in a large, black lacquer ware pagoda-style container. Everywhere there are wonderful local touches. The cocktails, the resort, and beach are truly amazing at Amazing Ngapali Beach Resort.

Off the Beaten Path in California:Catalina and Ojai

2010-12-04T13:30:00.010-05:00

The island of Catalina is as wonderful as the song that says, “It seems so distant, twenty-six miles away. Restin' in the water serene.” Traverse the “ocean blue” on the Catalina Express that departs from Dana Point, Long Beach Queen Mary, Long Beach Downtown, and San Pedro. Santa Catalina may be “the island of romance, romance, romance, romance” and where the song, Avalon, croons, “I found my love in Avalon by the sea.”

Visitors are sure to fall in love – with the island. The island is only 21 miles long and 8 miles wide at the widest point and best of all it has not been corrupted with high rise buildings and chain stores. Catalina is more than a relaxing island destination. There are a slew of fun things to do. Besides the relaxing on the beaches there is ocean rafting, nautilus underwater tours, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, and para-sailing. Land-based entertainment includes zip-lining, an Inland Adventure Tour to see the free-roaming bison, the botanical gardens, and tours of the iconic Casino where movies are shown every evening.

Locals love to share the island incongruities. There is no gambling in the casino, the private beach is open to the public, no one is interred in the mausoleum, Eucalyptus Street has no eucalyptus trees even though there are many on the island, and more fun facts.
For romance, adventure, or just kicking back Santa Catalina is “Twenty- six miles across the sea” a-waitin' for” thee. It is just west of Los Angeles.

North of Los Angeles, Ojai is another special place. The small-town hideaway between Santa Barbara and Ventura has eucalyptus trees, hiking/biking trails, unique shops, and small ranches. It has drawn artists, free spirits and city-weary folks looking for a respite from the city.
Located conveniently off the main street, the Lavender Inn is one of the oldest buildings in town. It was originally built as a schoolhouse in 1874 and reborn as a luxury B&B with its own spa. Boutique shops, artist galleries, the local museum, and delicious dining are just steps away.

The sporty set will love the hiking and biking trails along with horseback riding, golf, tennis and fishing. While those looking for inner peace will find zen-like places for meditation and yoga. Locavores can visit family-run farms producing olive oil, tangerines, and lavender before dining at one of the town’s many excellent restaurants that focus on locally grown food.

A ride on the inexpensive trolley is an excellent way to get acquainted with the area. One of the stops is across from The Farmer and the Cook where a delightful lunch made from local produce is available.

No visit to Ojai is complete without experiencing a “Pink Moment” – a phenomenon first noticed by the early settlers when the brilliant sunset over the nearby Pacific is reflected on the mountainside creating and eerie and beautiful pink glow.

Everyone's a Winner at the Turning Stone in Verona, NY

2010-11-08T13:32:00.011-05:00

Our trip to Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, a small village in Upstate New York, proved to be one surprise after another. The first surprise was learning that the resort was home to an all-suite AAA Four-Diamond hotel – The Lodge. A beautiful enclosed walkway connects the hotel to the gaming area but the ambiance is pastoral. The Turning Stone Resort and Casino sits on over 1,200 acres of pristine wooded, rolling hills with the area around the buildings beautifully landscaped.

No sooner had we checked into our room and – surprise – Larissa arrived with a plate of welcome refreshments. Dinner at The Lodge’s award-wining Wildflowers Restaurant was another surprise. The international menu included Grilled Octopus and Pan Seared Foie Gras for starters followed by Dover Sole, Pan Seared Filet that was raised by the Oneida Nation, and something I had never heard of – Veal Cheek with Parmesan Polenta. The meal started with a Palette Pleasure to “get the taste buds excited” and included an intermezzo of Cranberry Ginger Sorbet but it was the chocolate at the end of the meal that really caught us by surprise. We were advised to, “Put it all in your mouth at once.” We did. Surprise! The chocolate was made with Pop Rocks that exploded like fireworks in our mouth. What a wonderful concept and an unforgettable way to end a meal.

The next day we explored the gaming area and could not pass by Opals Confectionery. Jeremy was just pulling out a tray of Chocolate Peanut Butter Bombs - just one of the luscious chocolate delights at Opals. “This is our most popular item,” he shared.

While we were “oohing” and “ahhing” over the Chocolate Peanut Butter Bombs we learned that everything is made in-house and the bakers were busy making not only chocolate and other confections but also gingerbread. At Christmastime the Turning Stone Resort and Casino creates an entire village of gingerbread. Executive Pastry Chef Jennifer DiGiorgio led us to the kitchen where everyone was busy creating wonderful treats including Kelsie Holden who was making Chocolate Roulade.

We continued to the where stacks of trays each containing 300-500 pieces of gingerbread were ready to be assembled into a village that ultimately included a church, houses, and other luscious additions. When finished the amazing creation included over a 1000 pounds of dough to create the gingerbread pieces, hundreds of pounds of icing; and, of course, chocolate. The barn’s silo is made with hundreds of mini foil-wrapped chocolate bars and larger chocolate bars make up the sidewalk. In all 110 lbs. chocolate was used in this year’s village. It takes a thousand man-hours to create the village and each year the village gets bigger as new buildings are added. Located in the Emerald lobby, the village is a showstopper and a wonderful treat for young and old alike – the perfect addition to the holiday season.

The Turning Stone really lights up for the holiday. All together there are over 15,000 lights on the 35-foot Emerald Lobby tree and the 50-foot outside tree. The beautiful Turning Stone property will dazzle visitors with over 300,000 lights and one million ornaments resort wide. For more information check www.turningstone.com.

Harbor Country: Michigan's Great Lake Shore

2010-10-22T14:29:00.009-04:00

It's trendy these days to be a locavore. A locavore knows where the food they are eating comes from and hopefully the source is not far from where they are dining. A culinary tour of Harbor Country is a locavore’s dream. Harbor Country is located in the Southeast corner of Lake Michigan. The lake keeps the area cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter and provides plenty of moisture creating a great growing environment.

My culinary tour started with breakfast at the Kites Kitchen and Retro Café in New Buffalo not far from the Harbor Grand Hotel where I was staying. Judy Kite-Gosh, the owner, makes everything from scratch. A cheerleader for the locavore movement, she says that, “The area has so many microclimates that farmers can grow just about anything.” The Sticky Buns with Caramel Sauce were decadently delicious but surprisingly tasty was the Grass Fed Roast Beef Hash. The beef was raised locally at Middlebrook Farm in nearby Three Oaks – the next stop on my tour.

Middlebrook Farm was established in 1844 but has been owned by Bob and Janet Schuttler since 2005. When the Schuttler’s first bought the farm they enjoyed sitting in their yard at the end of the day with glass of wine – locally produced, of course – and. When they first moved to the farm from Chicago they were surprised that there were no fireflies. What happened to them? Two many pesticides was the reason so they try to raise their cattle as naturally as possible and the fireflies are back.

No wonder the hash was so delicious. When cattle eat grass like nature planned they thrive producing nutritional and tasty beef. The Schuttler’s raise Lowline Black Angus free of antibiotics, steroids, hormones and pesticides. Schuttler explained that, “They are very docile and will follow me around.” I found it comforting looking out into the pasture seeing the cattle grazing is such a bucolic setting instead of being fattened up on a feed lot. Only good things happen when cattle are grass fed. The meat is lower in fat and calories, contains more Vitamin E, has more Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and other benefits. The Schuttler’s cattle are not only grass-fed (most animas have probably eaten grass at some point in their lives), but are "finished" on grass, rather than fattened up on corn for the last few months prior to processing

The next stop on my tour was Stover’s Farm Market in Berrien Springs. The passion and dedication of the farmers I met was amazing. At Stover’s I enjoy fresh apple cider and sampled a slew of homemade products but what really impressed me was the barn. The Stover family has been farming in the area since 1870. While sitting on bales of hay, June Stover, wife of John, the great grandson of the original settler, gave our group a short history lesson of the local Potawatomi Indians but I was more interested in the barn. The huge Big Red Barn was built in 1865 of hand-hewn, hand-milled beams held together by wooden pegs. Not originally located on the farm, the Stovers had it moved three miles to its present location – all 150 tons of it. What a sight it must have been. According to June, “We thought we would knock down people’s mailboxes but the barn rode so high above the road that it went over the mailboxes.”

Lunch was at Tabor Hill Restaurant & Winery where Chef Paul Verhage’s specialty is Raspberry Chicken but I decided on the Local Garden Pasta of fresh zucchini, squash, green beans, bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, fried and tossed with pasta, olive oil, and parmesan cheese. Of course, it was paired with one of Tabor Hills fine wines – Valvin Muscat. After lunch I had a tour of their vineyard where the guide explained that Tabor Hill's hilly terrain provides the ideal conditions for making superb wine. Grown on one of the highest vineyard sites in Michigan, their grapes benefit from perfect airflow and are protected from the late spring and early autumn freezes. Lake Michigan, approximately seven miles from the vineyards, moderates air temperatures by as much as 10 degrees and keeps the vines insulated with lake-effect rains in summer and snow in winter.

My next stop on the tour was the Round Barn Winery, which is the place everyone can have the libation of their choice. Beside wine from their vineyards they brew their own beer and distill their own spirits. But what really caught my attention was the barn. The Moerschs, the owners, had the turn-of-the century Amish Round Barn transported from Indiana and rebuilt on their property. Chris Moersch explained, “The historic building is the perfect home for the round copper pot still because only good "spirits" should be created in a structure where legend says that the round buildings have no corners so there is no place for evil spirits to hide.”

The last stop of the day was a cozy restaurant, Soe Café. The café advertises “Local Agriculture, Local Craftsmen, Honest Food” offering local specialties such as Roasted Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, and Vegetable Pot Pie.

The next day my locavore tour continued with breakfast at Bit of Swiss Pastry Shop followed by a visit to Dinges Farm. After lunch at Brewester’s Italian Café I learned about hydroponically grown tomatoes. Dinner my last night was at Brentwood Tavern adjacent to my hotel where Chef Jenny Drilion prepared a meal that was a locavore’s delight.

Branson, Missouri: Something for everyone

2010-09-29T10:54:00.015-04:00

Yes, there is country music in Branson but today the music includes all genres from country to soul. Branson has grown to be so much more than music. There are fascinating museums plus fishing, hiking, boating, and much more. Truly there is something for everyone.

1. Big Cedar Lodge: Just a few miles from the center of Branson is a beautiful full-service resort tucked in the wooded hills. Big Cedar Lodge, located on Table Rock Lake, is the perfect retreat offering boating, fishing, and swimming in a natural setting.

2. Golf: With a name like Murder Rock Golf & Country Club golfing has to be exciting. The name comes not from golfers but from a legend about a gang that ambushed travelers during the mid-1800s. Today it is a place of beauty with lush fairways, pristine greens, and expansive views.

3. Dogwood Canyon: Fall in love with the beauty of the Ozarks hiking, biking, or horseback riding. The 2,200-acre nature park sprawls across the Missouri-Arkansas border, just south of Branson. Fly fishing lessons and guided fishing trips are available.

4. Shopping: Branson is a shopper’s delight. Explore Branson Mill where local craftsmen demonstrate their skills. The new Branson Landing includes more than 100 shops. Don’t miss Dick’s 5 & 10, an eclectic mix that includes the owner’s collection of sports and aviation memorabilia.

5. Museums: Car lovers will enjoy the more that 100 vehicles on display at the Branson Auto Museum. Pretend to be one of the paparazzi while visiting the Hollywood Wax Museum, the only wax museum devoted entirely to celebrity figures. The spirit of the Titanic lives on at the Titanic Museum with over 400 artifacts on display.

6. Silver Dollar City: It would take several days to see and do everything at Silver Dollar City. Enjoy thrilling rides including the new $7 million Tom and Huck’s RiverBlast, watch craftsmen at work, explore Marvel Cave, take a Culinary Class to learn how to make the local version of succotash, relax in the shade while listening to a storyteller, and visit the circa 1800s church and school.

7. Dining: Enjoy Andy Williams’ favorite family recipes at his Moon River Grill or head to Mel’s Hard Luck Diner with the singing waiters. Not to miss is the Chuck Wagon Dinner at Big Cedar Lodge and the Hilton’s Level 2 Steakhouse. Try the local version of succotash, which is a meal in itself.

8. Ozark Zephyr: Take a scenic ride on a vintage train through foothills of the Ozarks. Travel over trestles, through tunnels, and past small communities while listening to local stories. Enjoy their seasonal Polar Express experience complete with snow upon arrival back at the station.

9. Music: Of course music is Branson’s mainstay. Enjoy the music of the Baldknobbers, Platters, Oak Ridge Boys, Andy Williams, and many more performing artists. It is possible to enjoy a different show every morning, afternoon, and evening. Branson is especially exciting at Christmastime when the town pulls out all the stops to celebrate the season.

There is so much more. Visit Bonniebrook, the home of Rose O’Neil, creator of the Kewpie doll. Enjoy the trill of the Branson Ballknocker and the Vigilante ZipRider, parasail high above Table Rock Lake, visit a winery, take a cruise on the Lake Queen, dine while enjoying a great show on the Branson Belle, and/or relax with a spa treatment. For a free vacation guide log on to www.explorebranson.com or call 800-296-0463.

Visiting Kingston, Ontario: The Limestone City

2010-09-11T08:30:00.009-04:00

Kingston is a wonderful place to visit. It is called the “Limestone City” because so many of their buildings are constructed of limestone. We decided to make it a circle drive so we crossed over the 1000 Island Bridge and headed west to Kingston. We stayed at the First Canada Inn located conveniently off the parkway. The price was reasonable and parking, breakfast, and the Internet were gratis. The city bus stop is nearby but it was only a few minutes drive to the city center.

It is always best to tour a city on Sunday or a holiday because there is less traffic and often free on-street parking. Our first stop was the Visitor’s Center where the train that carried the body of Canada’s first Prime Minister home is adjacent to the center and it is where the city trolley begins.

The Confederation Trolley Tour gave us an excellent overview of the city. We got off at Bellevue, the home of John A. MacDonald, the first Prime Minister of Canada. Restored to the 1840s period, and staffed by costumed interpreters, the house and gardens are kept much as they would have been during the time that Macdonald lived here with his wife and infant son. No matter how many historic homes I visit there is always something interesting to see and learn. The Italianate-style house has three floors but on seven levels. I was impressed with his wash tub that was shaped like a boot and covered so as to keep the water warm.

After the tour we had just enough time to drive to the Penitentiary Museum located in the limestone former Warden's residence. It is located across the street from the current prison, Canada's oldest penitentiary. Most amazing was the artistic creativity of the inmates and their ingenuity in developing escape plans. If only those traits had been properly channeled. One of the docents who was a former guard said, “Some of the inmates just could not deal with the outside world and after they were released they were returned. They were glad to be back.”

A visit to the Cathedral of St. George pointed out a Central New York connection. A plaque on the wall told about Molly Brant, sister of Joseph Brant whose statue is at Mexico Point Park. Because the Brants were loyalists during the American Revolution they moved to Canada. Molly bridged the gap between the Indian and white cultures. Molly and her children by Sir William Johnson were key members in the founding of the church with Molly being the only female founder.

We stayed three nights, which turned out to be perfect. We really enjoyed the luncheon cruise on the St. Lawrence that included information on the area interspersed with music. There were many great homes and camps along the shore We were duly by the new multi-million dollar mansion built by an American from Watertown whose wealth came from those green pine tree deodorizers that dangle off car rear view mirrors.

We also visited the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes. The Alexander Henry, an icebreaker, is in the adjacent dry dock. It is being renovated and may be reopened next season as a B&B. That’s where I would like to stay on our next visit.

Terrific Toronto

2010-07-09T16:24:00.012-04:00

Dinner at the Sultan's Tent was a great way to start.

Visiting the Ontario Science Centre and the Harry Potter exhibit.

A full day: Bata Shoe Museum, Hippo tour, and Cirque du Soliel

Another full day: Gray Line Bus Tour, view for the CN Tower, and their adventure show

Dim sum dinner, Royal Museum of Ontario to see the Chinese Terra Cottas, and Dinasours

*******

Toronto is one of the world’s most culturally diverse cities and along with its prime location on the western shore of Lake Ontario the city is home to excellent theaters, museums, shopping, and unique things to see and do. For more information check www.seetorontonow.com.

1. Get acquainted: The best way to learn about Toronto is on a scenic tour bus. The Gray Line Hop-On Hop-Off bus offers city tours that stop at all the top destinations. The tour runs in a continuous loop with pickup stops near major hotels in the downtown area. For a unique tour hop on the Hippo for a city tour that splashes down in Lake Ontario for a ride around Ontario Place.

2. CN Tower: The CN Tower, a national icon, offers an expansive view of the city. After an exhilarating elevator ride the views from the three viewing platforms are outstanding and standing on the glass floor is not for the faint hearted. While there don’t miss their exciting 3-D Ultimate Wave Tahiti and exciting Himalamazon ride.

3. Royal Museum of Ontario: Do not miss Canada’s largest museum of history and culture. Be dazzled the Lee-Chin Crystal addition to ROM building. Learn about dinosaurs, ancient culture, Canada’s first people, and more. Check out their changing special exhibitions.

4. Ontario Science Museum: The entire family will enjoy fun and learning at the Ontario Science Museum. The interactive adventure starts at the entrance and continues inside along with live science shows. The Ontario Science Museum innovated the concept of hands-on science. It is home to IMAX Dome Films and features special exhibits.

5. Bata Shoe Museum: One of Toronto’s most unique museums features shoes that range spans 5000 years and includes Chinese bound foot shoes and Elton John's monogrammed silver platform boots. The Bata Shoe Museum is home to the world's largest, most comprehensive collection of shoes and footwear-related objects.

6. Theater: Toronto is a top theater destination for Canadians and Americans. All the popular Broadway-style musicals, plays or concerts perform in the city and usually cost less than similar productions in Chicago or New York City. Especially impressive is a show in the Royal Alexandra, Toronto's senior theater with beaux-arts architecture. It is the oldest continuously operating legitimate theatre in North America.

7. Dining: Toronto is one of the world’s most culturally diverse cities and along with its prime location on the western shore of Lake Ontario the city is home to excellent theaters, museums, shopping, and unique things to see and do.

8. Family fun: Ontario Place is just one place for family fun and entertainment. Canada Wonderland is home to Canada’s biggest, fastest, and tallest roller coaster, the Behemoth, but also features 200 attractions and 66 rides. Or, for a quieter day enjoy the lakeside charm of Toronto Islands, which are reached by frequent ferry service.

9. Shopper’s Delight: From a collection of antique shops on King Street to designer shops on Bloor, visitors can shop ‘til they drop. There are factory outlets, flea markets and the famed Eaton Centre, the number one retail destination in the heart of the city with more than 250 shops. You can’t miss Honest Ed’s discount store with its Vegas-like marquee.

10. TAP into TO: The best deal may be Toronto’s Greeter program. Sign up for a free tour of one of Toronto's vibrant neighborhoods or themed districts to get acquainted with the real Toronto. Toronto residents who love their city and want to share it with you have volunteered to become "greeters" to meet you and show you around.

Delighful Door County, Wisconsin

2010-06-25T21:56:00.012-04:00

Boating on Green Bay

Whitefish Dunes SP

Native American site at Whitefish Dunes State Park

Cave Point - oooh! I wanted to jump in!

Peninsula State Park

Folkloric Theater

Historic Nobel House

Cooking Lessons at Savory Spoon

Historic Tour of Ephraim

Cherry Orchards, of course!

Stairs to top of Cana Lighthouse

Amazing Art at Peninsula Art School

Touring by Cherry Tram, on bikes, and in touring vehicle

Food and more food...Ice Cream

Famous Fish Boil

Our cottage in the woods -Gustave's Getaway

*****

Called the Cape Cod of the Midwest, Door County is the perfect getaway for those looking for unique shopping, adventure, water fun, great theater, history, or just a relaxing place to kick back. Door County was named one of the “Top 10 Vacation Destinations” by Money Magazine.

Door County Trolley Tour
As always the best way to learn about a new area is with a narrated tour. The Door Country Trolley company offers a variety of tours including one that takes in the panoramic vistas from scenic bluffs to tours of quaint villages. Also consider their ghost, wine, and progressive dining tour.

Visit the Orchards of Door County
The County has long been a prime area for growing cherries and other produce. Most of the orchards have been family-owned for generations. Visit Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery and Market where some of the wines are named after the grandchildren. Test your skill at cherry pit spitting. Most orchards including Seaquist Orchard in Sister’s Bay offer tours, pick-your-own, and have produce for sale.

Plenty of Fun
Surrounded by water with over 300 miles of shoreline there are plenty of beaches. Don’t miss a narrated boat cruise on Green Bay aboard “The Shoreline” departing from Sister Bay. There are several places to fish, rent water vehicles, and to dock your personal craft.

There is something for everyone including hiking and biking at Peninsula State Park. Play golf, horse ride, defy gravity on Wisconsin’s first zip line, and the brave can now sky dive Door County.

Fish Boils and More Great Food
No visit to Door County is complete without a fish boil. Originating with the local Scandinavian settlers a fish boil starts outdoors where the potatoes, onions and steaks of fresh whitefish are boiled in a huge vat. At the time deemed appropriate by the Boil Master kerosene is thrown on the fire causing it to flare up and boil over to “Oohs” and “Ahhs” from the diners. The meal also includes cole slaw and cherry pie.

Lighthouses and Parks
Lighthouse aficionados will love the 1869 Cana Lighthouse in Bailey’s Harbor complete with a keeper’s home. The 75-foot Eagle Bluff Lighthouse atop a 180-foot limestone bluff affords expansive views of Green Bay and the Michigan shoreline.

Door County is home to 19 beautiful county parks – wonderful places to enjoy nature. Whitefish Dunes State Park has the highest sand dunes in Wisconsin and Cave Point County Park with its picturesque swimming hole make great places to spend the day. Wisconsin’s third largest park is Peninsula State Park with eight miles of shoreline along Green Bay.

Unique Learning Experiences
Learn to make recipes with ingredients from around the world at the Savory Spoon Cooking School in Ellison Bay. Create your own masterpieces at Hands on Art Studio in Fish Creek. The Peninsula Art School, also in Fish Creek, offers art classes year round. Learn about quilting, candle making, farming, knitting, and papermaking during your stay.

Theater in Door County
In the evening, during the summer months, the Peninsula Players, the oldest professional resident summer theater, put on professional presentations in a beautiful lakeside setting. The American Folklore Theater offers nightly shows that include “Mark Twain’s Life on the Mississippi” and the hilarious “Cheeseheads the Musical.”

Door County History and More
Learn about local history and lore with a tour of the 1875-Noble House built by Alexander Noble, one of Fish Creek's founding fathers. Take a guided bus tour of Ephraim founded as a Moravian religious community. The Marine Museum in Sturgeon Bay presents a history of shipbuilding from Indian dugouts to Great Lakes lumber schooners to present-day shipbuilding.

Other do-not miss Door County experiences includes breakfast at the White Gull Inn, voted “America’s Best Breakfast” by “Good Morning America;” a visit to nearby Washington Island, and shopping ‘til you drop. For more information log on to www.doorcounty.com

Doing the Big D

2010-05-26T20:08:00.010-04:00

The newly remodeled Sheraton Unveiled
Sitting around the fire waiting for our s'mores
Sweet ending to a great day

Dallas Museum of Art
Marble statue of
Wendy and Emery Reves Collection

The Sixth Floor Book Depository
The Old Red Museum of Dallas History
Dallas Holocaust Museum

An architectual walking tour - all just steps from the Sheraton
*****
Dallas is a vibrant city with the world’s largest urban art area. That’s right. Dallas is an art lover’s destination. Besides the 19-block, 68-acre Dallas Arts District there are a plethora of other museums and attractions.

1. Public Art Walk: A map and info on the Public Art Walk can be downloaded from their Internet site. The 3.3-mile walk includes a diversity of art including the dramatic one of figures emerging for a gate symbolizing their triumph over cancer to a unique chapel with a magnificent stained glass window.

2. Architecture: The Art District is home to diverse architecture. The 1902 High Victorian Gothic Our Lady of Guadalupe Roman Catholic Cathedral is just a block away from Meyerson Symphony Center designed by I. M. Pei. The 1400 red glass panels of the Winspear Opera House, which are aglow at night, contrasts nicely with the nearby Wyly Theatre clad in aluminum tubes.

3. The Dallas Art Museum: The mural, “Genesis - The Gift of Life,” at the entrance of the Dallas Art Museum by the Mexican artist, Miguel Covarrubias, is a great introduction to the museum. The galleries display artifacts spanning over 3000 years. The café, which often has entertainment, is a good place for lunch.

4. The Wendy and Emery Reves Collection: The Reves collection is housed at the Dallas Art Museum but breaks away from the usual museum presentation. The museum complied with the Reves’ wishes by creating a replica of four rooms of Villa La Pausa, their French Riviera home, as the setting for their donated artwork. In the living room there are works by Toulouse-Lautrec and Claude Monet.

5. The Crow Collection of Asian Art: In front of the building is a 17th century Chinese bronze statue named “Seated Daoist Deity.” The first floor is devoted to Japanese art featuring a tea garden. Most impressive is the Jade Room in Gallery II, which houses one of the largest collections of jade in the United States. Jade pieces range from small hairpins to intricately carved pieces to a massive throne screens.

6. Nasher Sculpture Center: The Center is home to one of the finest collections of modern and contemporary sculptures in the world. Two dozen sculptures are featured in the garden amidst the live oak and other greenery while other sculptures from their collection can be viewed in their galleries. See work by Picasso, Rodin, and Kooning.

7. Dallas Holocaust Center: The museum depicts the events on April 19, 1943, in three locations: Belgium, Warsaw, and Bermuda. By doing so they present different responses to the Holocaust. In Belgium three young men rescued Jews from a deportation train bound for Auschwitz. Meanwhile the residents of the Warsaw Ghetto rose up in revolt and British and American government officials met in Bermuda to discuss the refugee problem in Nazi-occupied countries but took no action.

8. Old Red Museum: Housed in a massive 1846 Romanesque Revival building, the museum has excellent exhibits on the development of Dallas with each gallery highlighting a different aspect of Dallas’ development. On display is Pegasus, the flying red horse, similar to one atop the Magnolia Hotel noted on the Public Art Walk.

9. Sixth Floor Museum at Dealy Plaza: The assassination of President Kennedy is investigated via displays, interviews, and videos including actual footage. All facets are explored including conspiracy theories.

10. Performing Arts: The symphony and opera company are complimented by many theatrical performances including the Dallas Black Dance Theater, which is the oldest, continuously operating professional dance company in Dallas.

Visitors with more time can visit Six Flags over Texas, Southfork Ranch, the zoo, the aquarium, and take in a Texas Ranger’s game. For information on the Sheraton Dallas Hotel check www.sheratondallashotel.com or call direct at 214-922-8000.

Amsterdam and Beyond

2010-04-20T17:27:00.011-04:00

Kikker- our houseboat
Small but comfy
Raising the bridge

Land of windmills
Beautiful homes along the canal
Kuekenkof tulips

Amsterdam
Anne Frank House
Red Light District

Van Gogh Musuem
Picturesque houses along the city's canals
Bols Cocktail Musuem

Amsterdam has something that will appeal to every visitor. With Europe’s largest historical inner city Amsterdam is easy and comfortable to explore without becoming overwhelming.

1. First stop: Stop by the Amsterdam Tourist office to purchase your I-Amsterdam City Card. Included is a Smart Card for free public transportation, free admission to some of the most popular attractions, discounted offers on other attractions and restaurants. It is available for one, two or three days.
2. Second Stop: Near the tourist office is the Holland International Canal Cruise dock. The one hour boat tour of the canals offers an excellent overview passing by mansions, churches and warehouses from Holland’s Golden Era.
3. Old Church: The city’s oldest monument and first parish church is Oude Kerk. Admire the beautiful stained glass windows in the Lady Chapel, the 1724 organ, and look for the grave of Saskia, Rembrandt’s wife, who is just one of the many buried in the church floor.
4. Church in the Attic: The chapel is located on the top floor of what was once a private home of a wealthy Catholic merchant named Jan Hartman. Catholic Mass was outlawed in Amsterdam in 1578 when the city became Protestant. However, Protestant authorities tended to be tolerant of private Catholic worship as long as it was kept hidden.
5. Anne Frank: Deeply moving is the story of Anne Frank who with her family and the Van Pels Family remained hidden from the Germans for 25 months during World War II. Only her father survived the war. Anne died in Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp at the age of 15 just weeks before the camp was liberated.
6. Van Gogh: The Dutch have more than their fair share of famous artists including Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Vincent Van Gogh. The Van Gogh Museum has the most comprehensive collection of his work. Works of other artist are also on display.
7. Family: From a zoo to adventure lands to boat rides to Madame Tussaud’s there is plenty to keep families occupied for days. However, not to miss is NEMO, the science and technology center. Besides the hands-on activities there are great views from the deck of the ship-like structure.
8. Bols: Discover the world behind genever and liqueurs at the House of Bols, one of the world’s oldest distilleries. Experience the unique taste experiment in The Hall of Taste and visit the Flair Booth to practice your bartending skills. At the end of the short tour enjoy a cocktail of your choice.
9. Take a break: Consider combining location and history with a stop at the NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky. Their lounge is perfect for afternoon tea or luscious hot chocolate on a cool or rainy day. Located in a building which dates to 1865 the Lounge offers a fantastic view of bustling Dam square.
10. Dining out: From Dutch pancake houses to the Hard Rock Café the dining options are numerous. For that special night out head to the Café In de Waag in Nieuwmarkt. Originally built in 1488 as the Weigh House the restaurant is aglow with 300 candles creating a unique atmosphere.

In keeping with Amsterdam’s long tradition of tolerance there is a Red Light District and marijuana use is overlooked but street prostitution and hard drugs are illegal. However, they are just small facets of a city filled with great art, beautiful houses, 47 miles of canals, and friendly people. For more information on Amsterdam and the Netherlands check www.iamsterdam.com, www.holland.com or call the Netherlands Board of Tourism in New York City at 212-370-7360.

Traveling in Turkey

2010-03-14T09:32:00.011-04:00

Istanbul sights: The Blue Mosque, the Spice Market, the Cistern

Antalya sights: View from our Divan Room, Archeological Museum, Kaleici Museum

Sights to see in Kas: Amphitheater, Lycian tomb, harbor sights

Turkbuku: view from our Divan room, Bodrum Castle, Learning about Meze

House of the Virgin Mary, Ephesus, from our room at Radisson Blu, Cesme

There are times when I think a hotel sets the mood for a destination especially with a city hotel, which are often cramped and noisy. In Istanbul we lucked out by staying at the Barcelo Eresin Topkapi. It was reasonable for a 5-star hotel plus it included an expansive international buffet breakfast and had a spa with an indoor swimming pool. The best part was the location, which was quiet and next to the remains of the city walls built about 1700 years ago. I find city walls amazing in size and scope plus the fact that the massive remnants are still standing after so many years. I guess people have always been afraid of attacks. I liken the walls to the Home Land Security in the United States today.

The tram stop was across the street from the Barcelo making it easy to explore a different part of the city each day. The historic center has the most popular tourist sites including the impressive Blue Mosque, Haghia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. We visited them when we were in Istanbul in the 1980s. This time I was most impressed with the Basilica Cistern, which was not open to the public during our last visit. It seems that in antiquity they built things to last. Emperor Justinian built the cistern system in 532 to store water for the palaces and surrounding buildings. The cistern is 470 by 215 feet. The roof is supported by 336 massive columns. Water was delivered though 12 miles of aqueducts.

One of the best views of the city is from atop Galata Tower built in 1348. From the tram stop we took a funicular to the top of the hill and walked down to the tower. An elevator took us nearly to the top where a winding staircase led to the narrow walkway that circles the top. The last time we visited Galata we were the only tourists and we got lost trying to find our way back to the main road so this time I paid special attention to the streets radiating from the tower so we wouldn’t get lost. It didn’t work. Medieval streets twist and turn but we kept heading down toward the water until we found our tram station.

Istanbul developed because of its location on the waterways connecting the Mediterranean with the Black Sea so it seemed only right to view the city from the water. We took two boat trips. One was a sightseeing tour that traveled along the European side of Istanbul and returned along the Asian side. Istanbul is a city that straddles two continents connected by bridges and ferryboats. Another day we took a four-hour ferryboat to the Princes’ Islands in the Sea of Marmara for two dollars. During the Byzantine period royalty were exiled on the islands giving them their name. Later Ottoman sultans were also exiled there. The boat stopped at four islands. There are no cars on the islands making them a welcome respite from car-clogged Istanbul. It was a beautiful sunny day and the ride was very relaxing.

We were very pleased with the changes in Turkey since our last visit. Today the shopkeepers, even in the Grand Bazaar with 4000 shops, seem less aggressive. The transportation system throughout Turkey is excellent and the friendly people were always ready to help a disoriented tourist.

Amazing Myanmar

2010-02-22T09:06:00.016-05:00

Our spot in front of our villa
Many more people this year?!?
Our Welcome Back Dinner

John walks the beach to the mermaid
and the other way to the airport (fence is leftover pieces from WW II temporary airstrips)
The fishman comes home with the catch

Visiting the school
Hanging out at the Govenor's Residence in Yangon
Hanging out at Novotel pool at Bangkok airport
*****
Many people think Yangon is the capital of Myanmar, formally known as Burma. Yangon was the capital for many years but the new capital is Naypyidaw, which is 200 miles north of Yangon. It is off limits and thought to be lavish. Myanmar is a fascinating destination and our visit this year was our third trip. Myanmar has a military government and many countries including the United States have placed sanctions on the country. The sanctions have little effect of the military leaders who it is rumored live a lavish lifestyle in the new capital. The sanctions do have a profound effect on ordinary people. The government has little interest in tourism as it does not produce enough money so we feel that our tourist dollars go directly to the people and our presence is a good advertisement for democracy. About 20,000 Americans visited Myanmar in 2009 and twice that number arrived from England.

The historical sites, beaches, and people are wonderful. The country is extremely safe. The one problem we have is with the Internet. The Internet is available in Myanmar but some sites are blocked so before we head to Myanmar we stay at the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok to take care of anything we need to do on the Internet. Plus the budget flight on Air Asia departs for Yangon at seven in the morning. The Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport is a lovely hotel with a beautiful pool. The hotel is more like a resort than the typical airport hotel.

We like to spend our money locally so we purchased our domestic Myanmar air tickets from May Thu who owns the Myanmar Wonders Travel agency in Yangon. May Thu met us at the airport with our tickets and her driver drove us to the domestic airport. Typical of Myanmar the service was always excellent.

From Yangon we flew to our favorite beach, Ngapali, for a week at Amazing Resorts. The week went by too fast. The sand is soft, the water is warm and gentle, and the sun shines every day. And we had the long sweeping beach pretty much to ourselves. There are no annoying vendors. Because we were returning guests the hotel prepared a special candlelight dinner for us on the terrace above the beach. At night the horizon looks star-studded but what looks like stars are actually the lights of the fishing boats. It is a beautiful sight. We were also given a free massage treatment.

I wanted to visit a school so a taxi driver who spoke English took us to the local public high school. They were very welcoming and the students were excited to have a break in their day. The cafeteria had food that looked great with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

On our return to Yangon we spent two nights at the Governor’s Residence in Yangon. It is a beautiful hotel built of teak in the traditional style. The hotel is part of the Orient Express and where guests stay before and after taking the “Road to Mandalay” Orient Express boat trip, the luxurious way to travel from the historical city of Bagan to Mandalay. We were pleased to see so many tourists this year, mainly from Europe.

Much of the lifestyle of Myanmar, because of the sanctions, is frozen in the 1960s but we have seen changes. Television, the Internet, and tourism make change inevitable.

Thailand: Always Something New to See and Do

2010-02-12T06:46:00.011-05:00

Welcome to the Peninsula
Hanging around the Peninsula's pool
Spa Suite

Long Tail boat tour of the canal
Temple of Dawn
Royal Barge Museum

Holiday Inn Beach in Cha'am
Pool time
The Royal Summer Palace of Rama VI

We have been to Bangkok a dozen times and each time there is something new to experience. One of our all-time favorite hotels is the Peninsula. It is located right on the river and from our room and the pool we can watch the mesmerizing Chao Phraya River. The Peninsula hotels have a program called The Academy whereby tourists can experience the local culture. We have taken their cooking class in Bangkok and in Hong Kong. This time we decided on a cultural klong trip.

The long-tail boat picked us up at the Peninsula dock. Long-tail boats have a huge engine with a long shaft to the propeller hence the name but it is the James Bond movie that really added to the mystic of zipping around in a long-tail. Our first stop was Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn. Most guidebooks say it is called the Temple of Dawn because it faces East; but, Chakie, our guide, said it is because King Rama II landed there at dawn. One of the fascination aspects of the temple is that the mosaics and designs are made out of dishes that broke while being transported from China to Thailand. Also, the Chinese statues that are on either side of the steps were actually used as ballast in ships coming from China. Great recycling. The temple is beautiful and so are the views from the top.

We entered the nearby klong and discovered a fascinating world. Many people live along the klong. Elegant houses are next to very basic homes. Mosques are near churches which are near temples. It seems to be very harmonious. Everything people need living along the klong is delivered by boat. We saw boats vending noodles, coffee, meat, and even the mail. Fascinating.

Our last stop on the two-hour tour was at the Royal Barge Museum. Several years ago when we were in Bangkok we saw the royal rowers practicing on the river for an upcoming ceremony. The water parade must be incredibly beautiful based on the royal barges in the museum. The museum has eight of the country's most unique and stunning Royal Barges. They are reserved for auspicious ceremonies and state occasions. Chakie said he has only seen two such ceremonies. Each barge is carved from huge pieces of teak with prows carved into mythical creatures, gilded in gold and intricately decorated with pieces of glass. Each barge has up to 50 specially trained oarsmen.

From Bangkok we traveled south to the Holiday Inn Resort in Cha’am where we spent a week walking the beach and lazing by the pool. On the last day we started feeling a bit guilty about our life of leisure so we arranged for the hotel to transport us to the nearby Royal Summer Residence.

The beautiful expansive Summer Residence was built in 1923 by King Rama VI who had been advised by his doctors to spend time in a cool, dry place. Built on stilts, cool refreshing air reaches every room of the robin-egg blue and yellow teak residence. A series of open halls connects the various rooms. A long covered walkway leads to the king’s beach where, at 5 in the morning surrounded by 40 servants to make sure nothing happened to him, he took his morning swim. A similar walkway led to a swimming area for his wife.

The Many Faces of Cambodia

2010-01-31T02:35:00.030-05:00

Angkor Wat Temple
Descending the steps (wooden steps were not there on our last visit
Ta Phrom Temple

Roots of the trees once covered all the temple
Entrance with statues pulling on the Naga (the snake)
Visited an orphanage - they entertained us

Visited a village near the temple where they make baskets
Six-hour speed boat on the Tonle Sap from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
Timeless scenes along the river

The Killing Fields Moument
Memorial at the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum
The Royal Palace

Wet market shopping
Cooking Experience at the InterContinental
Sokha Beach Resort in Sihanouk Ville

Sokha Beach Resort
Three-island day trip
Sokha Beach Resort - dining by the pool

We arrived in Siem Reap, the city closest to Angkor Wat early in the morning, and were able to obtain our visas at the airport for $20 each. The van from our hotel, La Maison d’Angkor picked us up. La Maison is a wonderful little hotel built in Khmer style that is like a garden oasis in the middle of the city.

We prebooked an afternoon tour of Angkor Wat with Buffalo Trails. The ruins at Angkor Wat are some of the most impressive we have ever seen and cover a vast area. The tour included the main temple area of Angkor Wat but also took us down a short trail to a small village where the ladies were weaving baskets. Most of the village homes were basic structures built on stills but some were more modern stucco buildings. It was a mixture of traditional and modern amenities with water supplied by a well but many people had cell phones and motor bikes. A thousand years ago it was a metropolis of one million when London was a small town and only Native Americans lived in what is now New York State.

The second day we hired a tuk-tuk for $15 and explored the ruins on our own. He took us where we wanted to go, waited, and showed us best place for lunch. Excellent value. At one temple complex, Ta Prohm, an inscription on a stone in Sanskrit told something about the temple. In Ta Prohm there were 3,140 villages, it took 79,365 people to maintain the temple, including 18 high priests, 2740 officials, 2202 assistant and 615 dancers. Among the property was a set of golden dishes weighing more than 1100 pounds, along with diamonds, pearls, and other valued items. As the area declined in power and population the jungle took over. In many areas the jungle has been removed but some of the tree roots in Ta Prohm temples have been left in place. The roots of the banyan and kapok tree are an impressive site and look like huge snakes which we found interesting since the snake, called Naga, is an important part of their Hindu history. Long stone Nagas border most of the main entrances to the temple complexes.

It would take weeks to see all of Angkor Wat and a tour is necessary to get a feel for the place but much of the story line that go along with the carvings are from the Hindu religion of which we have almost no historical background. We try to learn a bit more each trip.

One day our son, Jim, rented a bike for $1 and explored the temples on his own. There are many ways to experience Angkor Wat including from a fixed balloon and elephant rides to the top of a temple hill to watch sunset. All are great. Most people spend three days at Angkor Wat. The complex is huge and there are many areas still not uncovered. Since our last visit to Angkor Wat in 2004 the number of high-end hotels has grown dramatically and so have the number of tourists. Three-day admission is still $40. They have added wooden walkways and stairs in some area which makes it easier for tourists and protects the stonework.

From Siem Reap we took the boat for six hours down the Tonle Sap River to Phnom Penh. We paid $8 in 2004 and $40 this time! But I really like the river trip where the scenes are of National Geographic portion. The weather was great so we sat on the boat roof.

All civil wars are awful but the civil war in Cambodia from 1975-79 under the regime of the Khmer Rouge has to rank as one of the worst. During the reign of Pol Pot one out of every four Cambodians died from starvation, overwork and executions. Nearly everyone has a story. When we were in Cambodia in 2004 our guide said that when the population of Phnom Penh was forcibly evacuated to the countryside he was seven and was sent into the jungle to youth camp. His mom and dad each went to different camps. When they were separated his father said, “Whatever happens never forget your name.” I thought that was a strange thing to say but the guide said the children were all given revolutionary names and after several years many did forget their name. He continued, “After a few years I thought motor vehicles were a figment of my imagination. When we were told we could go back into Phnom Penh and I saw the first motor vehicle I ran behind it sniffing the exhaust.” He never forgot his name and his family was eventually reunited. His is one of the few happy stories. Today the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Prison are must sees only so people do not forget. Sadly, it seems genocide and war never seems to stop. Today, in Cambodia, people want to go forward.

Everything seems much more vital and prosperous than it did six years ago. We stayed at the lovely InterContinental Hotel where there was a very upscale wedding with a reception for 500 but we were told that it was smaller than average. After our son flew back to San Francisco we had a cooking lesson that is offered by the hotel, visited the museum and royal palace.

One example of the “new” Cambodia is the development of the beach area in the south of Cambodia. For $7 we took a four-hour bus trip to Sihanouk Ville that included a bottle of water and a snack. We stayed at the beautiful Sohka Beach Resort. The hotel’s new additions have doubled the size of the hotel. We spent every day around the pool except one when we took an all-day island boat tour for $15. First we stopped at a snorkeling spot and then went to Banana Island where we hung out at the beach for a couple hours and the crew prepared our lunch of grilled barracuda. The barracuda was excellent – meaty and not at all fishy. It made us wonder why we don’t see barracuda on the menu in the US. On the way back we stopped at another island for snorkeling. On our last night we had an amazing seafood buffet that was set up around the pool and a band from the Philippines played familiar songs from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. I think tourism has a great future in Cambodia as there is a lot to see and do. More importantly tourism brings money and improvements in all sectors of society.

Singapore - The Garden City

2010-01-19T16:44:00.006-05:00

Singapore is one of the most perfect places so it is no surprise that the world’s largest flyer is in the city. We visited Singapore the first time in 1998 when our son, Jim, was an exchange student for a semester at National University of Singapore. We have returned several times. On this trip Jim, interested in seeing the changes that have taken place, flew in from San Francisco to join us. The best place to view the city is from the Singapore Flyer which opened in 2008 and is currently the world’s largest observation wheel. It is located in the new Marina Bay area where the Marina Bay Sands Resort is scheduled to open later this year. The Sands Resort will be the world’s largest hotel with over 2000 rooms, a unique sky garden, theaters, discovery center, restaurants and floating pavilions. Since Jim was going to school in Singapore the Marina Bay area has been developed, mainly on reclaimed land.

The Flyer is 541 feet and takes about 30 minutes to make one complete circuit. Each capsule holds 28 people and can be set up for dining, weddings, and other special events. A narration along with a map details the sites from as the Flyer makes a complete rotation. Built beneath the Flyer, thus hiding the foundation and supporting structure of the Flyer, is the Yakult Rainforest Discovery area with tropical trees, waterfalls, and pools with koi fish. It is an excellent use of space and in keeping with Singapore’s name as the Garden City.

The Flyer complex is a hub for tourism with shops, restaurants and tour buses. We boarded the FunVee hop-on-hop-off tour that took us past the major parts of the city including the city’s other icon, the Merlion. The Merlion is half fish and half lion. The name Singapore means “Lion City” but studies have determined that lions never lived in Singapore. We stayed on the bus for the whole circuit then took the Hippo River Cruise. I think the views of the city are best from the Flyer and river cruise. The city is very, very clean and the guide on the boat said it took 10 years to clean up the Singapore River because they had to remove 15 feet of sludge from the bottom of the river.

We stayed at the Pan Pacific Orchard hotel – there are two Pan Pacific hotels. The other is in Marina Bay. The Pan Pacific Orchard is just off Orchard Street the shopping street with everything from GAP to Starbucks. Jim really enjoyed the food at the hotel recalling, “There was nothing like this in the dorm!” The breakfast at the Club Lounge offered a variety of international choices each presented in traditional serving dishes. Jim and John opted for Seafood Soup with Vietnamese Noodles while I tried the Roti Canai “flying bread” with Vegetable and Lentil Curry. Their Sunday Buffet was just as impressive. It seems that Sunday buffets are very popular in Asia.

We had an early flight from Singapore to Siem Reap so we stayed at the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport. The dinner buffet was another amazing expanse of international food with everything from lobster to kobe beef. Many airport hotels in Asia look like resorts with beautiful pools, spas, and lots of greenery.

No matter how many times we visit Singapore there is always something new to see and do.

Hong Kong: Asia's World City

2010-01-14T07:20:00.007-05:00

InterContinental
View from our room at the InterContinental
Morning Tai Chi lesson with Master William

Junk ride on Victoria Harbor
Stanley Market
Cooking class

Cooking class
Space Museum
Temple

Our living room at the Peninsula
Salon de Ning's Ski Lodge Room
Transport to airport in Rolls

Hong Kong never fails to impress me. The airport is very nice but the best part is the transportation into the city. After exiting the baggage area there is a transfer desk where we purchased a train ticket into the city, and without leaving the airport we boarded the fast, clean train for the 30-minute ride into Kowloon, one of the main districts of Hong Kong. Once the train arrives in Kowloon there is an elevator up one level to the bus that goes to our hotel. The bus is included in the ticket. It is so smooth and hassle free which is important as our flight from JFK was 16 hours. Getting around Hong Kong is painless, too, which especially amazing considering that Hong Kong is located on several islands. But between the bus, subway, and ferry systems it all works smoothly and senior citizens are half price.

Hong Kong is considered one of the world’s most expensive cities but the Hong Kong Tourist Board has one of the best tourist programs we have ever run across. Their Kaleidoscope program offers many free tours based on the culture, history, and nature of Hong Kong. We have taken several. This time we signed up for the Chinese Cake Making class. John and I joined eight other people at the Wing Wah Cake Shop to learn how to make Wife Cakes. Wife Cakes are actually made by men for their wives. It seems that long ago a wife sold herself into servitude to get money to pay for medical treatment for her father-in-law. The husband was so impressed by her sacrific and wanted his wife back so he created the Wife Cake which he sold in the market. They became very popular so he was able to earn enough money to buy his wife back.

Most of the Kaleidoscope programs are free but the junk boat ride which is also offered by cost about $5. It is the only authentic junk boat still plying the waters of Victoria Harbor. The views of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island from the junk boat are incredible. Hong Kong Island is lined with skyscrapers that continue back from the waterfront and seem to climb up the mountain. The average residential skyscraper is home to between one and two thousand people.

The junk boat, named Duk Ling, dropped us on Hong Kong Island where a short walk took us to Exchange Square where we caught a bus to Stanley, best known for its bargain market. Hong Kong is a shopper’s delight offering everything from the most exclusive shops to unbelievable bargains.

Our first three nights we spent at the InterContinental right on the waterfront. Each morning at 6:30 we meet Master William Ng on the pool terrace for a free Tai Chi exercise class. Every night there is a laser light show emanating from both sides of the harbor.

The last three nights we spent in the Peninsula Hotel, considered the best hotel in the world. They have a fleet of Rolls Royce cars to serve their guests, their own helicopter, and just added two Mini Coopers, which they say are perfect for shopping trips. Walking into the Peninsula’s pillared lobby is like walking into another era. The in-house musicians play while people enjoy afternoon tea. No matter how many times we visit Hong Kong there is always something great to see and do.

Las Vegas beyond gambling

2009-12-25T09:32:00.015-05:00

Rafting on the Colorado River
Below Hoover Dam
Beautiful day on the river

Long horn sheep
Tea for the birthday girl
Jenna serving grandpa

Seeing Jersey Boy

Seeing Lion King

Dinner at Zefferino's
*******

Story to follow

Finding the Old Florida in Franklin County

2009-12-12T19:00:00.008-05:00

St. George Island
View from our Villa
Birds, birds and more birds

Famed Apalachicola oysters
Gordon Johnston WW II Museum
Lighthouse keepers home at Crooked River Lighthouse

Protect the turtles
St. James Bay Golf Course
Trinity Episcopal Church in Apalachicola

Looking for the Old Florida? The Old Florida before high rises, superhighways, and traffic jams still exists in Franklin County just an hour south of Tallahassee, Florida’s capital. Franklin County is a kickback place with something for everyone – fishing, shopping, boating, hiking, and history. The county includes Apalachicola, Carrabelle, and St. George Island.
1. Life is a beach: With miles and miles of pristine sandy beaches most people come for the beaches that are perfect for tanning, swimming, shell hunting, or just walking and hoping to catch sight of dolphins at play. St. George Island alone has 22 miles of beach and their beaches are dog friendly.
2. On the briny foam: There are plenty of marinas so bring your own or rent a boat. Go fishing for flounder, grouper, snapper, amberjack and sea bass. Or go diving for an up close and personal look at the water life or take a leisurely trip in the Gulf. Take a relaxing one hour tour of Apalachicola’s historical waterfront and estuary with Captain Larry of Wheelhouse Tours.
3. Oystering: Gourmands generally agree that Apalachicola oysters are the best in the world. They are plump with a mellow taste that should be enjoyed raw untainted by sauces. Go oystering with Book Me a Charter to learn how to tong, cull, and harvest oysters the way fishermen have been harvesting these delicacies for over 150 years.
4. Wild things: The area is filled with wildlife including deer, bear, and other critters but the most amazing are the sea turtles. From May to November the sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs for your viewing enjoyment as they have for over a thousand years but do not disturb them. Most accommodations have information on how to protect the turtles.
5. Birding: Birds are everywhere but a hike in Tate’s Hell State Forrest, St. George Island State Park, or with birding expert Alan Knothe in the Apalachicola National Estuarine Reserve tickle the feathers of all birders. The Apalachicola National Forest is home to the world’s largest population of red-cockaded woodpeckers.
6. Camp Gordon Johnston: The World War II museum is dedicated to the 250,000 amphibious WW II soldiers and support groups who trained at the camp. A video shows their intensive training, which included practicing for the D-Day landing.
7. Lighthouses: In Carrabelle climb the 112-year-old fully restored Crooked River Lighthouse and tour the replica of the Crooked River Lighthouse Keeper’s House that recently opened. The historic St. George Light that was reconstructed by a dedicated group of local citizens after the original succumbed to beach erosion.
8. Museums: A walking or Golf Cart Tour of Apalachicola with stops at John Gorrie State Museum, historic homes, and the recently renovated Dixie Theater. Over 900 historic homes and buildings are in Apalachicola’s National Historic District.
9. Shopping: Art galleries, antique shops, and boutiques make shopping a joyous adventure in Apalachicola, Carrabelle and St. George Island. The beauty of the area has inspired artists including watercolorist Linda Clark and photographer Richard Bickel’s insightful photographs.
10. Tee time: Golfers will love St. James Bay golf course an Audubon International "Certified Silver Signature Sanctuary" 18-hole, par 72 championship course with wetlands and water hazards present at every hole. Spectators include herons, egrets and even an occasional lazy alligator.
Accommodations range from the historic Coombs Home Inn in Apalachicola to beachside villas on St. George Island to a cozy beautifully decorated Barrel House on Alligator Point. Fresh fish along with international fare makes dining at Café Momi, Chef Eddie’s Magnolia Café, and Crooked River Grill an Epicurean delight. For more information check http://www.anaturalescape.com/ or call 866-914-2068.

Exploring Washington County, Texas

2009-11-10T10:45:00.014-05:00

Indpendence Hall - Washington-on-the-Brazos
Barrington Farm - home of the last President of the Republic of Texas
Barrington Farm

Ranch Life Farm
John Elick - ower of Ranch Life Farm
A demonstration of cutting

Burton Cotton Gin Museum
Strolling the Historic District of Brenham
"Going for Blue Bell" means it is ice cream time

George H. W. Bush Museum
George H. W. Bush Museum
Exploring historic Chappel Hill

Chappel Hill Lavender Farm
Texas-size poinsettia at Ellison's Greenhouse
Antique Rose nursery
*****
story to follow

Prague - A City of Spires and Surprises

2009-10-20T21:01:00.014-04:00

A beautiful skyline
Chapel in St. Vitus Church
The Astronomical Clock

St. Nicholas Church in Old Town Square
The Vltava River
One of many statues on Charles Bridge

Milos and the John Lennon Wall
Interesting state at Kafka Museum
The Golden Land

Buddha Bar Restaurant
Cooking at the Alcron Radisson
Dinner with the Matvejs whom we met in 1986
******
Prague is a magical city but along with the outstanding architecture, artwork, and food there are little side stories that add interesting twists to the sites and make them more memorable.
1. The eyes have it: On the hour tourists gather in front of the 15th century Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square when the clock’s bells ring, the cock crows, and statues perform. One legend surrounding the clock relates that the Old Town councilors were so impressed with the amazing clock that they had the eyes of the master clockmaker burnt out with a hot poker so could never build another.
2. Hands off: Located near Old Town Square, St James Church, built in 1232, is one of the most beautiful Baroque churches in Prague and its great acoustics make it a wonderful venue for concerts of church music. Take note of the Virgin Mary statue on the main altar but don’t take it. It was believed to be miraculous and people donated gifts to the statue. A thief tried to steal the gifts. The statue grasped his hand and wouldn’t let go. He was found there in the morning. Nobody was able to disengage his hand, so it was cut off. Then the statue dropped the hand. The wizened, blackened hand is hanging near the entrance as a warning to would-be thieves.
3. Pet the dog: The 600-year spectacular Charles Bridge that crosses the Vltava River has 30 wonderful statues. The oldest stature is of John of Nepomuk, who was drowned in the Vltava River, at the behest of King Wenceslas because, as the confessor of the queen of Bohemia, he refused to divulge the secrets of the confessional. On the bottom portion of the statue is a bronze plaque of a knight and a dog. Rubbing the dog – the spot is shiny - is suppose to bring good luck and insure one’s return to Prague.
4. Defenestration: There is actually a word to describe throwing someone out of a window, usually reserved to refer to attempts at political assassinations. Several occurred in Hradcany, including the possible assassination of Jan Masaryk, the foreign minister in 1945. Hradcany, whose history stretches back to the 9th century, is often said to be the world’s biggest castle, which is 1870 feet in length, and includes many of Prague’s most impressive buildings and the Golden Way of little shop houses.
5. The Good King: Good King Wenceslas was actually a prince. He was the second Christian ruler of the Czech lands and is the country’s patron saint. Wenceslas was murdered by his brother over a thousand years ago. His statue of him astride a steed is located in front of the National Museum and looks down the long street that has been the scene of many parades and other historic events.
6. Relief: In front of the Kafka Museum, dedicated to Franz Kafka, one of Prague’s best known authors, is a statue that would most likely appeal to Kafka’s surrealist humor. Created by Czech artist and sculptor David Cerny, two bronze sculptures are relieving themselves into a pool of water in the shape of the Czech Republic. The stream of water they create writes a message sent from a mobile phone number.
7. Before numbers: Prague houses were not given numbers until 1770. Before that houses were identifies by emblems placed on the house. Most of the places bearing such symbols are in the older parts of the city. The House of the Black Madonna is today a museum of Cubism. Some, like The Three Fiddles, indicated the occupation of the owners. In many cases the reason for the design has been lost over the years.
8. Lennonism: Not Vladimir Lenin, the Soviet leader but John Lennon, one of the founding members of the Beatles. After Lennon was assassinated in 1980 a wall on a quiet side street near the Charles Bridge was filled with Lennon-inspired graffiti including comments that annoyed the communist regime. When the authorities painted over the wall the graffiti quickly reappeared. The ever-changing wall of drawings and sayings promote love and peace.
9. Mirror Maze: Atop Petrin Hill the Mirror Labyrinth looks like a fantasy castle and is only one of several interesting places to explore in the park above the city, which can be accessed by a funicular. Next to the maze of distorting mirrors is Petrin Tower, an observation tower modeled after the Eiffel Tower, along with a rose garden and the Hunger Wall, which Charles IV ordered to be built to feed the poor during a famine.
10. Metronome: High above the Vltava and visible from most places in the city center is a giant, functional metronome. It stands on the site where the world’s largest statue of former Soviet leader Joseph Stalin once stood. The 50-foot Stalin’s statue was destroyed in 1962. The 75-foot tall metronome designed by Vratislav Novak was erected in 1991 and offers a scenic view of the city and is a favorite area for skateboarders.

Prague is an entrancing city that can be enjoyed and explored time and time again. Other not-to-miss sites are The Loreto, the Old Jewish Cemetery, St. Agnes Convent, a boat ride on the Vltava, and National Gallery. For more information check www.CzechTourism.com.

Croatia - The Mediterranean as it Once Was

2009-10-20T15:57:00.024-04:00

The walled city of Dubrovnik
The city view while walking the wall at sunset
Street fair on the main street in Dubrovnik

View of the Radisson Blu near Dubrovnik from our room
View of the Radisson Blu near Dubrovnik from the ferry boat
Passing by Korcula on the ferry from Dubrovnik to Split

Le Meridien near Split
Sunset view from our Le Meridien room
Le Meridien cooking lesson - making Swiss Chard Pie

The main square on way to Diocletan Palace
Boat trip on the Cetina River in Omis
Ruins of Solin

Hiking in beautiful Plitvice National Park
The Regent Esplanade Hotel - once a stop on the Orient Express
Show in the city center
*******
I am often asked, "What is your favorite place?" I usually reply, "Wherever I am." Which is true because every place has its special appeal. But, I was totally entranced by Dubrovnik, the walled city in Croatia. There is something magical about entering through Pile Gate remembering that at one time the drawbridge was raised every night, the gate closed, and the key given to the prince. From the gate the view of the city’s pedestrian promenade with the Bell Tower at the end is breathtaking.

Luckily, John and I had decided to spend a couple days within the city walls. Our home, Roka Apartment A3 was perfect with a small kitchen, private bath and a pretty rooftop patio. My husband and I set out to become reacquainted with Dubrovnik, which we had visited in the 80s when it was part of Yugoslavia. During the War of the Homeland in the 1990s the city took over a hundred direct hits but other than a map showing where the destruction occurred there is little evidence of the war. We were glad that we had decided to visit in October when the weather along the Croatian Riviera is glorious – blue skies and just the right amount of tourists.

I would awaken to the muted sounds of the city coming alive. First were the flocks of birds taking flight for the day, followed by clickety-clack of the hand-pulled delivery wagons, and then people chatting on their way to work. That was the signal that I needed to get out on the streets. I loved walking the streets in the early morning before the tourists arrived. I wandered through the morning market in the large square near Pucic Palace where the scent of lavender filled the air, had coffee at a café, bought freshly-made stuffed peppers from the deli for our dinner, and people-watched from the steps of St. Blaise Church, which was built in 1715 to replace an earlier one destroyed in an earthquake. Dubrovnik is a living museum – a city where people live, work, and play and have since the seventh century - that is what makes it so special.

Our leisurely three-hour stroll atop the impressive city walls that were built between the 13th and 16th century afforded us spectacular views. One day we took the shuttle boat from Dubrovnik to Lokrum Island and wandered through the botanical garden. There are plenty of things to do in Dubrovnik both within and outside the walls including visiting museums, attending concerts, taking boat trips to various islands, and plethora of sport activities from swimming to kayaking. On our last night I enjoyed a candlelit string quartet concert in the 16th century St. Saviour Church.

We also spend several nights outside the walls in the nearby newly opened Radisson Blu Resort. The full-service resort has three swimming pools, a marina, a beautiful spa, and offers shuttle service to the walled city. It was the perfect spot for John and I for some R&R, which is a necessity on long trips. The view from the balcony of our room of the Adriatic Sea and islands was mesermizing.

I told a local resident that, "I’d love to spend a month in Dubrovnik." He warned, "Watch out. My family came here on vacation in the 1970s and we are still here." Lucky them!

Montenegro in September

2009-10-01T14:28:00.019-04:00

View of Ulcinj from our room
The beach at Ulcinj
View from our room in Becici

Awesome pool at Queen of Montenegro
The inside of same pool
Learning to cook at the Queen

Dinner on the beach while watching the sunset
The historic part of Budva
Listening to the singers in Budva - they were making a commercial for Budva
*****
In June 2007 the people of Montenegro voted to be independent from Serbia. It was considered a bold move. They are hoping tourism will lead to prosperity. Once Montenegro was part of Yugoslavia that has since divided into several countries.

From Albania John and I took a bus across the border to Ulcinj, a pretty town on the Adriatic Sea. It was one of easiest border crossings we have ever made. All they did was to make sure we were the same people pictured in our passport. The mountains of Montenegro become hills that end at the shore so there were a lot of steps from our hotel, Hotel Mediterran, to the beach and up to the walled city, but it also meant the views from our balcony were wonderful. The walled city is high on a cliff surrounded on three sides by water. We wandered the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, which was founded in the 5th and 4th century BC. Along the coast are a lot of little coves so the area was a favorite hideaway for pirates. At one time there were as many as 400 pirates in Ulcinj. From the 14th century to the 18th century pirates would attack ships on the Adriatic Sea, steal their cargo, and then sail off to their hideaways. It is hard to believe that this peaceful, pretty bay and walled city was once filled with dangerous pirates. A city has grown beyond the walls and today people enjoy the beach and strolling through the quiet walled city. While strolling along the beachside promenade a blue Bentley bearing a New York State license plate drove by. Interesting!

Another bus took us to Becici, also on the coast, where spent a couple days at the Queen of Montenegro Hotel enjoying the infinity pool with great views of the Adriatic. The food in this part of the world is excellent with plenty of fresh fish and vegetables. Chef Jovo Medin offered to show us how to cook some traditional recipes – muckalica and Njeguski steak. Our favorite dish was the muckalica, which is a delicious stew of meat and vegetables. A shuttle bus took us to Sveti Stefan, another walled city connected to the mainland by a causeway. It is the iconic image of Montenegro but someone has purchased the entire place and is turning it into a luxury resort so it was closed off. We continued on the shuttle to Budva, where there is another walled city. It was featured in the James Bond movie, Casino Royale. Budva was founded by Phoenicians about 6th century BC. The current walls were built in the 14th century. While we were walking down the narrow streets we heard singing. We followed the sound to a garden restaurant where we listened to a group of women in costumes singing traditional Montenegro songs. From our hotel we could walk down to the beach where we enjoyed strolling along the beachside walkway, dining at a waterside restaurant, and watching the sun set.

There are many lovely beaches along the Montenegro coast so the area is popular with tourists. Someone told us, "In the middle of the summer you can’t see the sand on the beach – just tanned bodies sunbathing." Many of the signs are written in the local language, English and Russian. Montenegro is a favorite vacation spot for Russians with many building luxurious summer homes along the coast.

Albania - Open for Tourism

2009-09-24T12:18:00.019-04:00

Tirana - Skanderbeg Square
Liberty Bell made from melted down bullets
The entrance to our hotel

Kruja - Scanderbeg Museum
Museum in a traditional house
Women's room in traditional home

Bazaar

girl in traditional dress of the area

Kruja - hill side - it is a mountainous country

Berat - church in castle

Berat - castle museum

Berat - our hotel - Castle Park

Tomi - eating good in Berat

Oaz Beach Hotel near Durres

Sunset over the Adriatic

******

First impressions are important and my first impression of Albania was great. The flight was long and included a layover in the Rome airport so it was nearly midnight when my husband and I arrived at Albania’s only airport named for Mother Teresa but commonly referred to as Rinas. The airport is new and passing through passport control was smooth, quick, and friendly. While waiting for our luggage we met up with our driver and without delay we were dispatched to our hotel – the Theranda. The hotel is new and very nice. We were happy to finally visit Albania. Until the 1990s Albania was a closed country. It was nearly impossible for people to visit or for Albanians to leave. Today it welcomes tourists.

We had arranged with OurExplorer.com to have a guide in Tirana, the capital city. At 9:30 the first morning we met our guide, Martin, on the steps of the Opera in Skanderbeg Square. We toured the main part of the city and learned that Skanderbeg, whose statue dominates the main square, was responsible for keeping the Ottoman Empire from expanding into Europe. After a break for lunch Martin picked us up in a minivan and we went to Kruja, a pretty town an hour from Tirana that clings to a mountainside as do many of the other towns in this mountainous country. Our first stop was the Ethnographic Museum located in an old house depicting how people lived 100 years ago, and some still do. It seemed like a rather comfortable life. The working area was on the bottom level where the animals were kept, olives were pressed, and other work was done. The next level had separate social areas for the men and women. The house belonged to one of the more wealthy family as evidenced by the fact that they had their own steam bath. Nearby was a beautiful new museum basically devoted to Skanderbeg, the national hero. It was surprising to learn how important he was and that we had never heard of him. People around the world are so familiar with American history and politics and Americans are really quite unfamiliar with the rest of the world. We saw signs that said “I Love Obama” and American flags on the buses and elsewhere. Many Albanians have relatives in the United States. Surprisingly, on a display of various cities in the world that have erected statues to Skanderbeg was a picture of the newest one – in Rochester Hills, Michigan, unveiled in 2006. Before heading back to Tirana we wandered through the bazaar which offered a lot of local handicrafts such as felt hats, carpets, and antiques. It was a nice change from the souvenir shops that now seem to sell items that could be purchased anywhere in the world, or often made in China.

Tirana is an easy city to like. It is safe, inexpensive, with a lot of trees, and a canal running through the center. One street, Ismail Qemali, near our hotel is blocked off to traffic and has several very nice restaurants and shady places for coffee. Having coffee with friends is the most popular way to spend time. The food in Albania is excellent mainly because it is all organic due to the fact that the average farmer can not afford the imported fertilizers and pesticides. Amazing - tomatoes taste like tomatoes. They use a lot of lamb in their recipes but the lamb has a very, very mild taste not at all like lamb we are use to.

From Tirana we took a three-hour bus ride to Berat, one of the oldest cities in Albania with layers of white houses ascending the hillsides giving it the name “The City of a Thousand Windows.” The valley has been inhabited for over 4000 years. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Sometimes it is hard to decide where to stay. We opted for Castle Park thinking it was near the castle when in reality is it across the river and about a mile away high on the hillside. However, Castle Park has a wonderful forest-like setting and great views of the mountains plus they supply free shuttle service to the center. It turned out that Martin, our guide in Tirana, was also in Berat so he hooked us up with Flatura, which means butterfly, to give us a tour of the castle. Castle does not really describe the area as it is actually a medieval city or citadel. Located at a strategic point it has wonderful views of the area. It was first fortified in the 4th century BC. Flatura guided us through the cobbled streets past houses that are still occupied to the National Omufi Museum, one of the 42 churches that at one time were within the walls. Only eight remain and only the Museum is open on a regular basis as it has the works of Onufri, Albania’s greatest icon painter. When Berat fell to the Ottomans in 1417 they built two mosques which are some of the oldest in Albania, however only the minaret of the Red Mosque remains.

We met up with Martin for lunch at Mangalemi Hotel located in the historic area below the castle. The hotel has recently added beautiful rooms in a restored house adjacent to the main hotel – all done in the local style. Lunch on the rooftop was delicious with a wide offering of local cuisine including stuffed peppers “the way grandma made them,” lamb with yogurt, and spinach casseroles.

From Berat we took a two-hour bus to Plepa, a turnabout near Durres, where we caught a cab to the Oaz Hotel. The Oaz is a lovely small hotel and since it was mid September the season was coming to a close so we were just about the only people at the hotel. The sky was blue, the sun was warm, and the pool was lovely which was great because the beach, while picturesque, did not invite close inspections. Litter is a problem in Albania. Considering how far they have come in a decade I am sure litter is an issue that they will deal with – for now they are busy building roads and improving infrastructure.

The country is very safe which is amazing because there are hundreds of thousands of bunkers built in the 70s giving testament that it wasn’t always that way. Most bunkers designed for a single person set four feet in the ground with two gun slits above the ground. They were built due to a feared invasion from western countries that never materialized. The people are very friendly and helpful. Albania has a great touristic future.

Rochester - Celebrating 175 Years

2009-08-26T10:46:00.013-04:00

View of Rochester from the Mary Jemison
Strong Museum
Strong Museum

Rochester Museum and Science Center
Rochester Museum and Sceince Center - Planetarium
Susan B. Anthony Museum

Seabreeze
Sam Patch Erie Canal boat
Seneca Park Zoo

This year is Rochester’s 175th birthday but people were living in Rochester when it was called Rochesterville after its founder Nathaniel Rochester who established the settlement in 1811. In 1834 it obtained a city charter and became known as Rochester. Often dubbed the Flower City it was first known as the Flour City. At one point in time Rochester made more flour than any other place in the world. Even Queen Victoria is reportedly stocked her kitchen with 6,000 barrels of Rochester flour because, "…it made the best cakes."

In the mid-1800s Rochester became the Flower City due in a large part to nurserymen George Ellwanger and Patrick Barry then later Frederick Law Olmsted, called the Father of American Landscaping, who created the city’s park system. Other notables have left their mark on Rochester including George Eastman, Margaret Woodbury Strong, Susan B. Anthony, and George Long, Jr.

The Eastman House
George Eastman, a photographic pioneer and founder of the Eastman Kodak, made photography available to the average person by creating small, easy-to-use cameras. The motto for the camera he introduced in 1888 was, "You push the button, we do the rest." A visit to Eastman’s house is to learn more about the man who claimed, "I want to make Rochester the best city in which to live and work." To that end he donated more than $100 million during his life to educational and arts institutions, public parks, hospitals, and charitable organizations. At the George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film see the historical development of photography in the Machines of Memory gallery, visit changing photographic exhibits, wander the gardens, and tour Eastman’s house, a National Historic Landmark. Beside docent tours the Eastman offers a variety of programs from film presentations in their Dryden Theater to classes centered on their historic gardens.

The Strong Museum
Margaret Woodbury Strong agreed with Plato who over 2000 years ago said, "Life must be lived as play." A prolific collector of dolls and toys, Strong founded her namesake museum in 1968. Today it is larger and more dynamic than ever due to a major expansion project that was completed in 2006. The carousel and diner are still by the entrance but the museum offers new adventures for young and old. The National Toy Hall of Fame is home to toys that have withstood the test of time. Visitors can visit Sesame Street, the Berenstain Bears, and Reading Adventureland before heading to the Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden. In a lush, humid rainforest setting there are 800 free-flying tropical butterflies. The guide explained, "Butterflies taste with their feet. They may want to taste you. They are beautiful to see but easy to injure. So watch where you step and check your body in the mirror on the way out to make sure you don’t have any hitchhikers."

The Susan B. Anthony House
On a quiet tree-lined street the home of Susan B. Anthony tells the story of a lady who dedicated her entire life to making America a better place for everyone. She first became active in the temperance movement but, because she was a woman, she was not allowed to speak at temperance rallies. This led her to join the women's rights movement in 1852. She dedicated her life to getting "…women their rights and nothing less." Ignoring opposition and abuse, Anthony traveled and lectured across the nation for women’s suffrage feeling as she said, "Suffrage is the pivotal right." She also campaigned for the abolition of slavery, women's rights to control their own finances, and women's labor organizations. Anthony died 14 years before women got the right to vote with the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920. It is often referred to as the Susan B. Anthony Amendment.

Sam and Mary
Rochester is another city that owes it existence to the Erie Canal, which opened in 1825 creating an affordable western route from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes. Even though Sam Patch and Mary Jemison did not live in Rochester their legacy lives on in the names of two Erie Canal tour boats. The Sam Patch, a replica of an 1800s Erie Canal packet boat, leaves from Pittsford for a trip on the canal traversing Lock 32. The boat’s namesake was known as the Yankee Leaper having gained fame for jumping off waterfalls. Twice Patch successfully jumped off Niagara Falls. On his second 97-feet jump off Genesse Falls on Friday the 13th, 1829 he failed to surface. The Mary Jemison, a 1931 historic wooden boat, honors the legacy of "the white woman of the Genesee," who chose to remain with her adoptive Seneca family after being taken captive as a child. The Mary Jemison departs from the trendy Corn Hill area traveling the Genesse River and the Erie Canal. As the Mary Jemison passes under several bridges the scenery changes offering unique and different views of the Rochester area.

Family Fun
Seabreeze Park is celebrating 130 years of family fun making it one of the world’s oldest amusement parks. The park opened in 1879 where the main attraction was the shore-side picnic area but mechanical rides soon arrived. In 1904 George Long, Jr. and his family brought a merry-go-round to Seabreeze beginning a family legacy that continues to this day with his great-grandchildren working at the park. It is said that the energetic Long took a break at the park and looking out over Irondequoit Bay said, "This is the life…" The park has grown to include a water park with a wave pool and a variety of state-of-the-art thrill rides for all ages. Currently Seabreeze is North America’s 4th oldest operating amusement park with the Jack Rabbit the 3rd oldest operating roller coaster.

For information about more things to see and do in and around Rochester including the Seneca Park Zoo, the Memorial Art Gallery, self-guided walking tours, and a variety of festivals check visitrochester.com.

Go Detroit! Definitely!

2009-07-27T17:55:00.008-04:00

Perfect location!
The Edsel Ford Estate

Sound Board at MotorCity Casino

The Woodward Dream Cruise

Diego Rivera fresco at the DIA

Go Tigers!

Touring the factory

The amazing Heidelberg Project

Pet the giraffe

Polish heritage

African America heritage

Arab heritage

Touring Greenfield Village

Meeting Thomas Edison

The Henry Ford Museum like Detroit is cars but much more!

The hum of the auto production line may be diminishing but the buzz at the tourist sites is still strong. Be surprised! Explore the Detroit’s art, architecture, history, and multiethnic heritage.

The inside story: On a Segway or on foot explore the heart of Detroit with an Insider Detroit tour. Visit the significant restored landmarks such as Fox Theater, Detroit Opera House, and the Guardian Building’s lavishly decorated interior with mosaic and Pewabic tile. See the Renaissance of Detroit with the building of Comerica Park, Cobo Center, casinos, and Renaissance Center.

More than cars: The Henry Ford Museum is not a car museum. It it’s the nation’s largest indoor-outdoor history museum that was started by Henry Ford. According to Ford, "I am collecting the history of our people as written into things their hands made and used...." See JFK’s presidental limousine, Lincoln’s rocker from Ford’s Theater, Edison’s laboratory, and the bus made famous by Rosa Parks. His idea was to document the genius of America by showing how ordinary Americans lived and worked and what they have imagined and invented.

Step into the past: Adjacent to The Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village is a collection of nearly one hundred historical buildings in a village setting. Travel through the seven historic districts by train, Model T, horse pulled omnibus or on foot. Watch costumed interpreters conduct period tasks like farming, sewing and cooking along with potters, glass-blower, and tin makers producing articles used in the village and for sale in their give shops.

Edsel Ford Estate: Completed in 1929, the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House is more than the home of a prominent American family beautifully situated on Lake St. Clair. The Cotswolds-style home tells the story of a family that contributed to the cultural growth of Detroit.

Art for everyone: The Detroit Institute of Art is one of the country’s greatest art collections including frescoes by Mexican artist Diego Rivera, "Detroit Industry." The newly expansion project includes innovative ways of displaying traditional collections to appeal to audiences without a background in the arts. Street art reaches a new level with the controversial Heidelberg Project. The artscape project attempts give new energy to a deteriorating neighborhood by creating meaningful art from discards of urban life.

African-American Heritage: At the Charles Wright Museum of African American History, "And Still We Rise" exhibit takes people on a journey that begins in prehistoric Africa, through civilizations that evolved on the continent, the Middle Passage, the horrors of bondage, and for a few freedom via the Underground Railroad. Experience the Underground Railroad Living Museum in the historic First Congregational Church on Woodward Ave.

Arab-American Heritage: Arabs have been coming to the United States for hundreds of years seeking better opportunities. In Dearborn the Arab American National Museum’s permanent exhibit "Coming to America" explores the lives of those American who come from the 22 Arab countries and practice different religions, work in a variety of fields, and have a range of educational backgrounds and political affiliations.

Polish-American Heritage: Hamtramck’s The Polish Art Center is more than a place to see and purchase Polish cultural and traditional goods. The owners have dedicated on part of the store toe an educational center featuring lectures, book signings, and folk-art demonstrations including classes on making wycinanki, delicate paper cuttings. Visit Polish market and dine at one of the many Polish restaurants.

Temptation or Supreme: At Motown Historical Museum – Hitsville USA a video about the history of Motown. Many of the stylish outfits that distinguished Motown artist are on display including the jeweled white glove and black fedora hat worn by Michael Jackson. As the guide explains Motown is "about music and hope, not color." The Motown Sound is soul music with a pop influence that leaped across racial barriers. Visit Studio A where the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, and the Supremes, and many others made their recordings. Don’t be surprised if you are asked to sing "My Girl."

Vroom: Learn where America’s love for the automobile started. The Ford Piquette Avenue plant is well preserved and largely unchanged from its original 1904 appearance where the first 12,000 Tin Lizzies were built. Then tour the River Rouge Plant and Dearborn Truck Plant, a working automobile factory, where Ford has built cars since the Model A. Plan to be in Detroit on the third Saturday in August for the annual Woodward Dream Cruise that draws 40,000 classic cars each year from around the globe.

Detroit is cars and more. Watch a major league ball game, go to the zoo, or try you luck at a casino. Dine at the elegant Seldom Blues with views of the river or munch on one of American's Coney Island Hot Dogs. Detroit: so much to do, so little time! For more information check www.visitdetroit.com.

Positively Cleveland

2009-07-15T22:05:00.009-04:00

Christmas Story House
The iconic leg lamp
Nighttown Jazz Club

John found his Fender guitar

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

More guitars

Metroparks Zoo

Going on a camel ride

The Cleveland Science Museum

Before the rainout

Hard Rock Cafe

Happy Birthday, John!

"It’s a Fender Standard Stratocaster. I have one of these. It is a perfect reproduction," exclaimed John, our grandson. Walking from Embassy Suites to Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum we stopped to examine the colorful guitars that are part of Cleveland’s street art project. That was when my husband and I knew we had picked the perfect high school graduation gift for John who will be music major at Le Moyne College in the fall.
I pointed to the plaque, which explained the artwork. It is called "Singing Legacy" and was designed by the Hungarian Community. "I know you think your ancestry is half Irish and half Italian but the your great-grandmother is half Hungarian. Did you know that?"

Before entering the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, I asked, "Do you know who I. M. Pei is?" It was obvious from the look on John’s face that he had heard the name but it didn’t register. "Stop. Look at the building. I. M. Pei designed it. He is one of the world’s most famous architects. Many of his buildings incorporate a pyramid, including his famous pyramids at the Louvre Museum in Paris, which you probably saw in the movie "The DiVinci Code."
In the lobby I pointed to a large hot dog artwork hanging from the ceiling. "I wonder what that has to do with Rock and Roll."

"It is from a concert by the rock group Phish and those cars hanging over there are from a concert by the Irish rock band U2."

I knew I had a lot to learn about rock and roll. We started our tour with a cinematic journey through rock and roll history. "Mystery Train" in Theater One, follows the evolution of rock and roll.

"Oh, no," was the quiet sigh from John when he heard the narrator say, "there was a time when there was no rock and roll." At the end of the second presentation, "Kick Out the Jams," in Theater Two the musical journey from the music of the 1950s to today’s music had enlightened the three of us.

"John, look at these quotes. In 1985 a San Antonio Councilman said ‘The First Amendment should not apply to Rock and Roll’ and J. Edgar Hoover said, ‘Rock and Roll is repulsive to right-minded people and have a serious effect on our young people.’ Amazing. I find it interesting that when I. M. Pei designed the pyramids at the Louvre many people were just as outraged by his pyramid design as other people were about rock and roll. And, they are both here to stay."
Most of the artifacts on display had little or no connection to my generation but articles like Jim Morrison’s Cub Scout shirt and Mick Jagger’s American/Union Jack Flag Cape fascinated John. Given the musical generation gap we split up and agreed to meet for lunch and then go to the Hall of Fame multi-media presentation together. My husband and I took a trip through our musical memory lane that included Elvis, Buddy Holly, Les Paul but didn’t progress beyond the Beatles.

Over lunch we discussed the evolution of music which seemed to be encapsulated in the phrase: "Elvis freed the body, the Beatles freed the music, and Bob Dylan freed the mind." It was a learning experience for the three of us – bridging the generations through music. While John’s music may never be our favorite and our "old timers music" will not replace his favorites we all learned about the evolution of music and wondered what music will be like when he has grandchildren. Interestingly, I thought CDs had replaced vinyl records but based on the number I saw for sale in the gift shop vinyls are having a resurgence in popularity.

John played in his high school jazz band so dinner at Nighttown, Cleveland’s premiere jazz club, seemed appropriate. After dinner, the lights dimmed and the quintet jazzed up Nighttown. Led by keyboardist David Garfield, along with vocalist Alex Ligertwood who was the lead vocalist for Santana, Steve Ferrone on the drums; Kip Reed on the electric bass, and Tony Pulizzi, on the guitar, we listened to music that appealed to the three of us. "They are playing ‘Babylon Sister’" whispered John, "one of my favorites."

The next day at breakfast, John’s grandfather asked, "Did you ever have a B-B gun?"
"No, my mom said I’d shoot my eye out! Do you know how many kids never got a BB gun for Christmas because of that line?"
"Do you know what movie that line comes from?"
"Of course! ‘Christmas Story.’ We watch it every Christmas. It’s my mom’s favorite."
"Perfect. We are going to the ‘Christmas Story’ house today."
"Do I get to buy a Red Ryder BB Gun?"
"No, and we are not going to buy a leg lamp either!"
"Oh, f…duge! to quote Ralphie."

Even though Cleveland was not the setting for the Christmas Story it is where the house used in the classic movie based on Jean Shepard’s story was filmed. Our guide, Grace, explained, "The owner loved the movie and when he saw the house for sale on eBay he just had to have it. He bought it for about $150,000 and spent about $240,000 restoring it to look like it did in the movie." My husband and I felt right at home in the 1940s house. Truly a place that spanned three generations. My husband and I lived the era, the movie was a Christmas favorite for our children and is now a classic for our grandchildren.

We also visited the Cleveland MetroPark Zoo, the Great Lakes Science Center, and cheered for the Cleveland Indians baseball team at Progressive Field. All are great multi-generation activities.
I knew the perfect place to end our fun-packed music-laced trip to Cleveland - The Hard Rock Café. As we sat down for lunch, John looked at the video, "That's Eric Clapton playing ‘Layla,’ the same song they played at Nighttown." When the waiter announced John’s upcoming 18th birthday, he exclaimed, "Cleveland rocks!"

If you go:
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and museum: www.rockhall.com, 216-781-ROCK
Nighttown: http://www.nighttowncleveland.com/, 216-795-0550
Christmas Story House: http://www.achristmasstoryhouse.com/, 216-298-4919
Cleveland: http://www.positivelycleveland.com/, 800-321-1004

Steuben County, New York

2009-04-18T09:40:00.011-04:00

Corning - City of Glass
Clock tower in Gaffer District
Revitalized Gaffer District

Rockwell Museum of Western Art - The End of the Trail
Rockwell Museum of Western Art - features art from all eras
The Patterson Inn Museum

Corning Museum of Glass - Evening Dress with Shawl by Karen LaMont
Corning Museum of Glass - glass blowing demonstration
Corning Museum of Glass - making a flower

Hammondsport town square
Lime Berry shop
Dining at Village Tavern Restaurant & Inn with over 130 beers

Glenn H. Curtiss Museum
Curtiss was the "fastest man on earth"
Curtiss plane

The Black Sheep Inn - an octogon house
Chef Debbie at Black Sheep Inn
Octogon ceiling detail

Pleasant Valley Wine Company - on the National Historic Register
Bully Hill Winery
Hiking in Stony Brook State Park

Steuben County, nestled at the southern end of Keuka Lake, is full of trails – trails of all kinds. Imagine trails that feature hot glass, cool wines, and decadent chocolate. They are all waiting to be explored.

Museum Trail
Corning is home to the world’s most comprehensive glass collection. Learn the story of glass making from ancient times to the present at the Corning Museum of Glass. The numerous exhibits trace the history of glass making around the world. The eclectic collection includes outstanding pieces such as one of the earliest known glass portraits. The Egyptian piece from circa 1450 BC is only two inches high and most likely the head of Amenhotep II, who ruled about 60 years before Tutankhamen. Contemporary works such as Karen LaMonte’s life size ethereal "Evening Dress with Shawl," which she describes as "…a window to the interior," is just one example of the modern glasswork on display. Family-friendly handheld audio guides offer insightful commentaries on more than 60 works of art. Visitors can watch a master glassmaker make a beautiful glass vase out of molten glass then head to the workshop to create their own personalized glass souvenir.

A free shuttle takes visitors to downtown Corning where the museum trail continues at the Rockwell Museum of Western Art. Not to be confused with Norman Rockwell, this museum has been declared "The best of the West in the East." Housed in the old City Hall, an architectural gem in its own right, with a buffalo sculpture breaking out of the upper floor, the museum is hard to miss. The collection, most of which was donated by local residents, Bob and Hertha Rockwell, includes works by the great nineteenth and early twentieth-century painters and sculptors, including Remington, Russell, Dallin, and Catlin. New acquisitions of recent works by Native Americans give a total perspective to the collection. The exhibits range from beautiful panoramic landscapes to Dallin’s sculpture, "Appeal to the Great Sprit;" to "NDN for Life," Quick-to-See Smith’s painting of a Native dress emblazoned with NDN. James Earles Fraser's provocative sculpture "The End of the Trail" featured in Legacy of the Vanishing Race Gallery is not the end of Steuben County’s museum trail.

Corning’s Benjamin Patterson Inn Museum captures a moment in time. At the turn of the 19th century travelers at the Patterson Inn could find themselves sleeping in a rope bed with someone they didn’t even know. Next to the Inn is the log cabin where the Mack family of five lived. Cooking, eating and sleeping took place in one small room. It gives new appreciation to today’s modern conveniences.

On July 4, just north of Corning in Hammondsport, the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum will celebrate the centennial of the first pre-announced flight in America of a heavier-than-air flying machine, the June Bug. The nearly one-mile flight brought fame to Curtiss and Hammondsport. His early work on seaplanes, plus his association with the U. S. Navy, earned for Curtiss the title of "Father of Naval Aviation." Curtiss first gained fame as "The Fastest Man on Earth" when, in 1907, he set the world motorcycle land speed record of 136.36 mph. While the main focus of the museum deals with aviation there are changing displays that include miniature dollhouses and local memorabilia.

Wine Trail
Hammondsport is the starting point for the Keuka Lake Wine Trail. The Pleasant Valley Wine Company is the oldest winery in the Finger Lakes region. Established in 1860, the winery was the first U.S. bonded winery. The winery’s fascinating history includes its beginnings as a family business to its survival during Prohibition relying on sales for sacramental wines to corporate takeovers, and finally becoming a family business again. Eight of the winery’s stone buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places making it of architectural interest.

Wine lovers should raise their glass in thanks to Dr. Konstantin Frank who ignited the "Vinifera Revolution," a movement that changed the course of wine growing in the United States. He discovered that a little bug in the soil, not the climate, was the cause of the area’s poor grape yield, which he solved by grafting preferred vinifera onto local bug-resistance rootstock.

Just like each wine has a distinctive flavor so does each winery. Greyton H. Taylor, whose family had been growing grapes since 1878, started Bully Hill Winery in 1958. The winery’s museum complex houses the Cooper Shop with a video on barrel making, The New York State Wine Museum of Greyton H. Taylor, and the Walter S. Taylor Art Gallery. Raise your wine IQ at Keuka Lake Vineyards, a small estate winery that produces world class wines and offers Wine Aroma and Taste classes, a hands-on experience geared towards identifying wines.

The Keuka Wine Trail is more than wine tastings it is also about dining and shopping. In the quaint village of Hammonsport check out the handcrafted items, including rugs woven by Afghan refugees, at Lime Berry. It is Christmas every day on the second floor of the Cinnamon Stick. Grab a quick lunch at the Crooked Lake Ice Cream Parlor or dine at award-winning Village Tavern Restaurant where Chef Lerman has created his own product line and it isn’t all about wine. They serve over 130 different beers.

The Chocolate Trail and more
Corning’s Gaffer District and Marriott’s Fairfield Inn have partnered to create the Chocolate Trail. Upon checking in at the Fairfield Inn participating guests receive chocolate treats and coupons for samples from merchants in the Gaffer District, the city’s historical business area. Sonya at The Tea Chest makes her own chocolates, Beyond Baskets features locally made chocolates, the School House Country Store has chocolate candles, and the ultimate chocolate lover’s delight is the decadent Chocolate Pate at Three Birds Restaurant. Steuben County is home to many nature trails including those in Pinnacle and Stony Brook State Parks along with sections of the Finger Lakes Trail.

Hit the trail and discover glass, art, handicrafts, dining, wine, and more – all in Steuben County. For more information check corningfingerlakes.com or call 866-946-3386.

Hong Kong - Revisited

2009-04-04T00:20:00.009-04:00

Harbour Plaza Hotel
The Clock Tower where the train from London use to stop
Visiting the HK Historical Museum

Hong Kong Park
Tea Museum
Tea Appreciation

Peninsula Lobby
Our sitting room
Our Jacuzzi tub

Cooking Dim Sum - Peninsula's Chef
It's all the how you fold it
Evening in Peninsula's Salon de Ning

Hong Kong is considered an expensive destination with many high-end hotels but there are many free things to do. So my idea is to pick an awesome hotel then take the free tours offered by the Hong Kong Tourist Board. Their Kaleidoscope offerings focus on culture, history and nature. A couple years ago John, my husband, and I took the Cantonese Opera Appreciation Class. It was incredibly informative, and while it will never be our favorite music, it led to an appreciation of an art form that has lasted more than eight centuries. The tour started at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum's Cantonese Opera Heritage Hall where we learned that the high pitch of the actor’s voice allowed everyone in the very large crowds to hear and the artistic makeup made it easier to see facial expressions. We learned to identify specific characters by the color of their attire. The opera companies would travel by boat stopping at villages where they would build their own stage and put on a performance. Our tour ended with attending a performance. Amazing, once we understood what was going on it was quite enjoyable.

On this trip I wanted to take the tour to the Wing Wah Cake Shop where chefs teach visitors how to make Wife and Moon Cakes but there was no room in the tour. Some free tours fill up fast. So, we took the Tea Appreciation Class. There is so much more to tea than sipping it. I was surprised to learn that all tea comes from the same plant. The difference between green, oolong, and black teas has to do with the fermentation and temperature during drying process, with green tea not being fermented at all. We learned the proper way to drink the tea and about flower teas. Watching the dried jasmine flower opening up after pouring hot water on it was beautiful. Of course, the tea it made was delightful, too. Another day we took the subway to see one of the oldest homes on the island, the small Hakka House was an incredible contrast to the skyscrapers. There are a slew of other free programs that include tai chi, learning about Feng Shui, and nature tours.

Most museums have free admittance once a week – usually Wednesday. We visited the Hong Kong Museum of History with its permanent exhibit called The Hong Kong Story. The eight galleries detail the development and culture of Hong Kong. Right next to the History Museum is the Science Museum with a variety of displays dealing with motion, the body, and electricity.

There is always something free to do near to a hotel. The Harbour Plaza fronts on a walkway that goes all the way down to the Walk of the Stars with a Bruce Lee Statue. From the Conrad Hotel, on Hong Kong Island, it is just a short walk to beautiful Hong Kong Park where there is a bird park, waterfalls, and a tea museum that is free. The Peninsula Hotel is a near Kowloon Park and across the street from the Museum of Art where works of art are displayed outdoors. Next to the park is the best place to watch the nightly laser show that lights both sides of the water. More than any other city we have visited, Hong Kong has more free things to do.

Guam - Where America's Day Begins

2009-03-30T22:29:00.006-04:00

The Hyatt where we crashed for five days
Enjoyed the awesome pool
Happy Hour and sunset - great combination

Tour with Cindy Hanson - Fort
Riding the caraboa at historical village
weaving at historical village

Annie and Blue visit Ezekial's school
Attended an assembly on local wildlife
The Ko'Ko' Bird

Using our free frequent flyer ticket John and I spent five idyllic days at the Hyatt Regency in Guam. Our flight left Palau at 2:35 AM! Who schedules these flights? We arrived at 5:30 AM, and after a short nap, we met Cindy Hanson who works for the tourist board and volunteered to take us on a morning tour of the island. It was her day off. How nice is that! Along with her son, Ezequiel, and Cindy’s friend, Jackie, we set out to explore the island.

Our first stop was Gef Pago Chamorro Cultural Village, a living museum of thatched huts featuring activities associated with the daily lives of the Chamorro, the native people of the Mariana archipelago. There were demonstrations on cooking, rope making, and basket weaving. Tony, the guide, explained that the coconut tree is the "tree of life" and showed us how easy it is to open a coconut. Various parts of the coconut palm were used for clothing, food, shelter, beauty aids, and as fuel. He went on to explain, "Coconut milk is so pure that it was used to sterilize surgical instruments during WW II." We even got to ride a carabao, the native water buffalo.

Plaza de Espana and Fort Nuestra senora de la Soledad, with a panoramic view, are remnants of the Spanish era. On the way back to the hotel we stopped at a WW II site where there is statue of several men from Guam who performed heroic acts during WW II. One of the men preserved in bronze is Jackie’s father, Francisco Jesus Cruz, who after killing an enemy soldier and donning his uniform, was able to gain entry to the enemy camp and blow it up.

There is plenty to do in Guam but we felt drawn to the Hyatt’s three free-form lagoon pools. We had been traveling for three months and needed some R&R. We found a spot at the edge of a pool near one of the waterfalls where there were only two secluded lounge chairs and staked our claim. We read, dozed, went swimming, and were amazed at how fast the days passed. The Hyatt has a great beach where we could walk out for a long way while catching sight of colorful tropical fish as they went swimming by. In the evening we went to the club lounge and sat on the balcony watching the sun set. The hotel has everything including six restaurants, nightly shows, children’s camp and a shopping mall. There was no reason to leave – and we didn’t, except for one morning when we visited Ezequiel’s school, Tamuning Elementary School, to do a program on schools around the world. It was multi-cultural week at his school. After our presentations we were invited to the auditorium to see a nature presentation by Miss Cheryl from the Guam Department of Agriculture. The high point was seeing the flightless and endangered Ko’ Ko’ bird. There are only about 100 in captivity. The introduction of the brown tree snake to the island after WWII has decimated the native bird population.

There are many things on Guam we didn’t see and do. We felt a little guilty about spending most of our time enjoying the Hyatt but vowed to return to Guam, the place where American greets the day.

Wow! It's Palau

2009-03-21T06:34:00.019-04:00

Pictures do not do it justice... it is beautiful

View from our room at Palau Royal Resort
View from a restaurant
The capitol... look familar?

Looking at the jellyfish
Fruit bat
Blue starfish

Relaxing on Carp Island

Free mud treament on a snorkeling trip

Kayaking in the mangrove... awesome!

Folkloric show at Palau Pacific Hotel

Sunset

Happy Birthday on Carp Island

My husband, John, and I have been to many eco-tourist destinations but no place that surpasses Palau. Fortunately we were able to use our frequent flyer miles to fly round trip from Manila to Palau and it included a stop in Guam.

The tree-covered Palauan islands are in a sea of turquoise and blue filled with brilliant tropical fish. There are only 20,000 people in the Republic of Palau so most of the islands are uninhabited. Palau is a diver’s paradise. While snorkeling I saw things I had never seen before including giant clams – over three feet wide – brilliant blue starfish, and black tipped reef sharks. The all-day trips included lunch on a sandy beach of a deserted island. One day after lunch I saw snorkelers in the shallow water obviously viewing something interesting. So I joined them and snorkeled with 18 black-tipped reef sharks. Another day we stopped at a place where the white muddy sand is so fine that people use it as a curative mud bath. The most amazing day included climbing up then down a rocky trail to a Jellyfish Lake, a secluded saltwater lake. The lake became landlocked over 7,000 years ago trapping jellyfish that had no natural enemies so they lost most of their tentacles making them virtually stingless. Snorkeling with the thousands of jellyfish was like being part of a beautiful underwater ballet. It was surreal.

One of the newest eco tours is Ann Singeo’s "Sense of Wonder." We started with some traditional native tea, which she explained would "…prevent heat stroke and loss of energy from the heat." When a coconut falls on the ground and begins to sprout the white meat inside becomes soft. Spis, one of the guides, split a sprouted coconut and we rubbed the soft coconut meat on our exposed areas to prevent sunburn and keep the mosquitoes away. Then we set out in kayaks to explore the mangroves, which serve as a nursery for sea life. We made one stop and walked a short distance into a "sacred" place where Ann pointed to large upright stones in a dry creek bed and explained the story of the Taro Goddess. It seems the goddess created taro patches on all the islands and brought back one plant from each island, planted them, and they are now the stones. The tour included lunch, which was an amazingly wonderful array of seafood and taro-based recipes.

There are two great museums on the island that detail the island’s history and its connection to the other islands of the Pacific. We have been to Easter Island, home of the giant stone statues, and were impressed with the large stone artifacts we saw in Palau including monoliths, the "taro garden," and a five-foot long stone purse of a goddess. We wondered if there was a connection with Easter Island and other huge stone carvings we had seen elsewhere.

We visited the Capitol which looks a lot like the U.S. Capitol and no wonder. After WW II and until 1994, Palau was an United Nations trusteeship administered by the U.S. From WW II, there are downed Japanese and American planes, mainly in the sea, including one called "George Bush Wreck." In fact, one of the bloodiest battles of the Pacific was fought on the Palauan island of Peleliu. Today the Palau is the most beautiful and peaceful place imaginable.

Manila - Rest Stop

2009-03-21T05:51:00.008-04:00

Sofitel Manila
View of Makati from the balcony of Executive Lounge
Awesome pool

Making and eating halo halo
Folkloric entertainment
La Vida Imelda walking tour with Carlos Celdran

My husband, John, and I travel for extended periods so we plan rest days. It is a time to pay our bills, catch up on e-mails, laundry, and writings. One of our rest stops on our recent Asian trip was in Manila. In 2008 we spent five weeks in the Philippines so this time we only scheduled four days in Manila before catching a flight to Palau. We checked into the Sofitel Hotel, which is a unique city hotel because of its prime location on the water creating a resort location at the edge of the city. Each day started with breakfast at the Spiral Restaurant, home to one of the world’s most extensive buffets with multi-cuisine open cooking stations. In fact, so vast was the buffet that there were stations we didn’t even notice until our third day. There was something to suit all nationalities.

We spent three days enjoying the large lagoon swimming pool. In the evening the hotel has a poolside barbecue of fresh seafood and marinated meats plus a colorful cultural song and dance show. It was the perfect place to recharge our batteries.

Our only touristic activity was taking a walking tour with Carlos Celdran. Celdran’s "Walk this Way" tours are as much street theater as they are informative. In 2008 we took his walking tour of the Intramuros, which was so enjoyable and entertaining that we considered taking it a second time so we could glean – and remember – some of the told and untold stories of the historic center of the city. However, we could not resist his "Living La Vida Imelda!" tour. Lucky for us the tour started a short walk from the Sofitel Hotel at the Cultural Center. All of Celdran’s tours start with the singing the Philippine national anthem.

There is more to Imelda Marcos other than being the "Lady of Sole," as in the soles of her shoe collection, one of which was a pair of plastic disco sandals with three inch high flashing battery operated heels. She is quoted as saying, "I did not have three thousand pairs of shoes, I had one thousand and sixty." The shoes became a symbol of her excesses, which might be explained by her provincial upbringing. In 1952 she was first runner up for Miss Manila but by contesting the decision she became Miss Manila and continued on the road to fame and fortune. We came to understand Imelda Marcos and what she did for the Philippines. She not only wanted the best for herself but she wanted the best for the Philippines. Along with her husband, she wanted the Philippines to be seen as a world player in economics and culture. To that end she had the Cultural Center of the Philippines built to promote and preserve Filipino arts and culture. Manila hosted the Miss Universe contest which was held in the Folks Art Theater that was completed in a record 77 days. Just days before the pageant, a cyclone threatened to cancel the event, Mrs. Marcos deployed the Philippine air force to seed the clouds and diffuse the tropical storm. Her efforts succeeded and the pageant was held under clear blue skies. Nothing was beyond her control. Celdran’s tour gives insight into the Philippines of the 1970’s and changed the way we look at Imelda Marcos – and the Philippines.

Vietnam: HCMC, Dalat & Nha Trang

2009-03-07T22:55:00.017-05:00

Chef John at Vietnamese Cookery School
You have to eat what you make
Graduation time

Ho Chi Minh City - City Hall
War Rememberance Museum
Rooftop Bar at Rex Hotel

Welcome basket in our room at Sofitel Palace Dalat

The classic Citroen at Sofitel for special requests

The cable car across the countryside to the hilltop temple

Thrilling coaster car to waterfalls

Dalantla Waterfalls

Crazy House

Beach at Nha Trang from our balcony at Novotel

The pool at our private villa for the day - Six Senses Hidaway

The alfresco bathroom in our private villa for the day - Six Senses Hidaway

Sofitel in Dalat, Vietnam is magnifique! When my husband, John, and I stepped off the airplane at the Dalat airport we took a deep breath of the cool fresh air. It was a wonderful relief from the heat and humidity of Ho Chi Minh City. On the 30-minute up hill drive to Dalat we passed green fields and evergreen forests before arriving at the magnifique Sofitel Palace Hotel with a view of Lake Xuan Huong. The line "We’ll all come out to meet her when she comes" from the children’s song "She’ll be coming Around the Mountain" popped into my head. Waiting on the steps of the porte-cochere was a lady in a pristine white ao dai, the elegant traditional Vietnamese dress, along with several other staff members ready to take care of our luggage and facilitate check-in. One young lady carried a long tray with a steaming selection of local artichoke, green, lotus, jasmine, and oolong teas and asked us to select a welcome drink.

Everything oozed elegance. Built in 1922 in France Colonial style there are crystal chandeliers, gold and red velvet furniture, an inlayed marble floor in the vestibule, dark highly polished wood, and paintings everywhere.

Room 205, our home for three days, was elegant with a small foyer, 12-foot ceilings, gleaming wood floors, and a crown valance above the bed. When the staff threw open the French windows the view to the lake was magnifique. Red is the color of happiness in Asia and everything on the welcome tray was red from the champagne to the cookies to the mousse. It made us very happy.

John and I love afternoon tea so we headed to Le Rabelais Restaurant stopping along the way to view the many paintings done by Vietnamese in the style of the French masters. The restaurant has a view of the expansive tree-studded lawn sloping to the water. We tried to recall where else we had enjoyed such a pleasant scene. Was it in France, or maybe Switzerland, or maybe in the Finger Lake region of New York? Possibly it was in a painting because I could envision ladies in long diaphanous white dresses playing croquette or just relaxing in one of the lawn lounge chairs.

We opted for High Tea ($15) with cucumber, egg, and smoked salmon tea sandwiches, plus waffles, pancakes, muffins, and scones with jams made from locally grown fruits along with a wide choice of teas including Dalat specialty teas. While we were relaxing I read the history of tea on the back of the menu and was surprised to find that tea was introduced into France prior to its arrival in Britain. Do the British know that? It seems that afternoon tea, called Tea Muse, appeared in the gossipy writings of Madame de Sieving in the mid-1600s prior to the arrival of tea in London with Catherine of Braganza in 1662.

There was a lot to learn about the Sofitel Dalat. It seem the Dr. Alexander Yersin, a protégé of Dr. Louis Pasteur, visited Dalat in 1893 and found the place perfect for improving ones health. A sanitarium was built which led to the growth of Dalat. In 1922 the Langbian Palace Hotel opened and much later became the Sofitel. The hotel was host to many important people and events. A gentleman’s agreement left Dalat untouched during the many wars that have occurred in Vietnam in the 20th century.

Afternoon tea left us quite sated so we decided to dine lightly at Larry’s Bar. With an outside entrance, Larry’s Bar is a wonderfully cozy hideaway with several small rooms, a low beamed ceiling, and comfy couches and chairs. While sipping our Happy Hour cocktails I was once again drawn to the story on the menu. The bar is named after Larry Hillblom, the American lawyer who co-founded DHL delivery services. In 1990, Hillblom visited Dalat, which had long been the favorite honeymoon destination for Vietnamese. He saw the tourist potential and through a joint-venture partnership spent $40 million restoring the original Langbian Palace Hotel as well as the Dalat Palace Golf Course. Other investments included the Novotel Dalat and 16 colonial villas. The hotel opened under the management of Accor in May 1995. Several days later Hillblom was killed in a private airplane crash. Hence, the name Larry’s Bar.

The last day we arranged for a city tour with the hotel car which turned out to be one wonderful adventure after another. The Dalat Cable Car gave us a panoramic view of the fields, heavily forested hillside, and a beautiful turquoise lake. At the ride’s end it was a short walk to Truc Lam Monastery. Down the hill toward Dalat we stopped at Datanla Waterfalls. And what a fun stop it was! On my personal coaster I went from one exciting curve to another until I reached the bottom of the steep hill and the beautiful Datanla Waterfalls. According to local legend it is where the fairies from heaven came to bath. Going back up on the coaster wasn’t as exciting but it was sure better than the 15-minute climb up the steps. I asked the driver to stop by The Crazy House so I could just take a couple of pictures. However, I was drawn in by its uniqueness. In a city where the French Colonial architecture has been preserved and restored Crazy House defies description. A truly phantasmagoric vision. It seems incongruous to find it in Vietnam where out-of-the-box activities are not encouraged but it becomes more understandable when one realizes that the architect’s father was the president of Vietnam in the 1980s. Our next stop was Bao Dai Palace, the summer getaway of the last emperor of Vietnam. I had expected to see a lavishly decorated house but the residence is one of simplicity and comfort. Our last request was for a drive around the lake. It was a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon. People were peddling their swan boats, the Dalat Palace Golf Course, one of the finest in Asia, was busy with people knocking around a little white ball, families were strolling along the walkway, and fishermen were trying their luck.

We had saved our coupon for a complimentary Sparkling Rose Wine Cocktail for the last night. In the coziness of the L’Atelier Du Vin Room we sipped our wine wishing we never had to leave and vowed to return someday to do all the things we did not have time to do. Hotel Sofitel Palace and Dalat are truly magnifique!

For more information check http://www.vietnamtourism.com/ and http://www.sofitel.com/. Price range: $185 (USD) for a luxury double to $400 for a suite.

Melaka, Malaysia

2009-02-21T06:57:00.012-05:00

View from our room
Manager's Reception
Cooking lesson

Cooking with Chef Alfie
A little sugar will make it less hot
Prawns with pineapple

Trishaw ride of historical district
Historical center
Dutch Church

Chinatown
Bound feet shoe makers
Portuguese ship

Independence Square
Boat ride on the river
The mall

In 1998 we took a day trip from Singapore to Melaka. In 2005 we spent a couple of days in Kuala Lumpur, commonly known as KL, before visiting Taman Negara, a remote jungle area. We have fond memories of both trips. This year we decided to revisit Melaka on our way to KL to catch an inexpensive flight to Vietnam. What a difference a decade makes. Melaka is only a four-hour comfy bus trip from Singapore. On board they showed a low-budget American film released in 2008 that probably never made it to theaters. The film was so badly made it was embarrassing.

When the bus reached the Sing-Malaysia border everyone got off with their luggage, walked through passport control, and the bus was waiting on the other side – so smooth. Bus travel is not only cheaper but it is easier and sometimes faster than the airplane, plus we get to see some of the countryside.

We checked into the Holiday Inn Melaka where we had scheduled a cooking lesson on Paranakan foods. Paranakan, or Nonya, cuisine combines Chinese, Malay and other influences. It was developed by the early Chinese settlers on the Malay Peninsula who intermarried with the local Malays. They created fusion cuisine before the term fusion was popular. Chef Toney taught us to make Chicken Capitan, which was derived from the Portuguese, and Ayam Pongteh, a Malay favorite traditionally served during Chinese New Year. That evening we attended a Manager’s Reception, which is becoming a weekly practice in many hotels. It was a chance to meet other guests and tour the hotel.

The Holiday Inn has a great view of the Straits of Melaka and yet it is only a short walk to two large modern malls where we had Annie Anne’s pretzels with our Starbucks coffee! The mall is located between the hotel and the historic center so everything is convenient however the hotel offers shuttle connections to the malls and the historic center.

The beautiful brick-red Dutch church built in 1744 is still the center of the historic city, which was recently named an UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. Unlike ten years ago, there are many tourists with a bevy of brightly decorated trishaws waiting to transport tourists to all the sites. While a trishaw ride is a must-do, everything is within easy walking distance. There are many new attractions including a narrated boat tour on the river, a revolving sky tower, and an Eye on Malaysia, which is a smaller version of the London Eye Ferris wheel. It seems every city wants a huge viewing Ferris wheel.

There are several churches, mosques, and museums to visit. We’ve been to a lot of museums but never one called The Museum of Enduring Beauty. It is on the third floor of the People’s Museum. On display are the many ways people have beautified themselves from tattoos to lip plugs to foot binding. Beauty is what our culture teaches us is beautiful and definitely in the eye of the beholder.

From Melaka we took another four-hour bus trip to KL where we checked into the Pan Pacific Hotel at the airport. The hotel is more like a resort than an airport hotel with plenty of greenery, a pool, and several restaurants. The hotel was offering a special for upgrading to Club Level, which included the Internet, breakfast, and cocktails in the afternoon so our stay became a wonderful rest stop.

Uniquely Singapore

2009-02-20T20:27:00.015-05:00

View from the Flyer
The Flyer
The Science Center - Great illusion area

The Merlion - the mascot of Singapore
The Sentosa beach
Fort at Sentosa

Night Safari... Fire show
Incredible fire show before the tram ride through the zoo
Native dances

Walking tour of Chinatown - Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

Shop houses

herbal medicine shop

Valentine's Day at the Conrad's Club Lounge

The Fountain of Wealth - now we will be rich!

Dinner with Nella and Richard

Palate Sensation Cooking Class

Tastes just right!

Look what we prepared!

Singapore is a picture perfect country and it is due to the first prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, who turned a malarial island into a modern financial center making it a model for all of Asia. Singapore is the country that bans chewing gum and enforces its littering laws.

There is much to do. One day we took the cable car to Sentosa Island. During World War II it was a strategic area that saw heavy fighting. Today Fort Siloso is a museum that depicts the Japanese conquest and loss of Singapore. After the war the island was developed as a recreation area and named Sentosa, which means "peace." It is an improvement over the former name, which meant "death from behind." There is a long sandy beach, golf courses, amusement rides, nature trails, a variety of other attractions, and in 2010 Resort World, featuring Universal Studios is scheduled to open. My favorite attraction is the Images of Singapore where the story of Singapore is creatively displayed. It is a walk through the very heart of Singapore explaining their cultural diversity, unity of values, and perseverance.

The Original Singapore Walks is a wonderful way to learn about the ethnic heritage of Singapore. The "Red Clogs Down the Five-foot Way" tour of Chinatown took us pass beautifully restored shop houses. At one shop we learned about traditional medicine while sipping flower tea. At Thien Hock Kheng Temple, the oldest Chinese Temple in Singapore, the guide explained the various aspects of ancestor worship and the meaning of the temple’s ornamentation. Dragons offer protection. Every design has a special meaning. Each step was another step toward a better understanding of the culture and influence of the Chinese in Singapore.

The city’s star attraction is Night Safari, a nocturnal zoo tour. John and I arrived in time to see the impressive performance by the Thumbuakar Tribe from Borneo. The tribal dances and blowpipe demonstrations are great but the fire eating displays were unbelievable. There are trails to walk and a very quiet tram to ride. We hopped on board for the 45-minute ride with a live commentary and saw Asian Rhinos, jackals, hyenas, cats, elephants, and many other creatures. On the way out we watched another Uniquely Singapore experience – Fish Reflexology. People dangled their feet in a warm pool of water while tiny fish nibbled at the dead skin– a novel and ticklish exfoliation treatment.

The newest addition to the Singapore experience is the Singapore Flyer, currently the world's largest observation wheel. Rotating up to 541 feet from the ground each of the 28 capsules holds 28 people. Before we rode the flyer we walked around the Yakult Rainforest Gardens, put our hand in the water and made a wish. When we were at the top we also made a wish bringing together the elements of land, water, and air.

There is no better way to experience a culture than by taking a cooking lesson. John and I learn to cook Malay food at Palate Sensations. Chef Alfie and his wife, Lulu, taught us how to make Singapore chili crab. My favorite was vegetables cooked in coconut gravy. Chef Alfie explains, "This vegetable dish is always served for breakfast the first day after Ramadan, our month of fasting."

The hotels in Singapore are world class, espcially the Conrad and InterContinental. There are still many things we didn’t get to do… we will just have to visit again.

Amazing Myanmar

2009-02-11T03:47:00.021-05:00

Pool - Governor's Residence
Along the river to Mrauk U
Sunset on the river

Temple with 80,000+ Buddhas
Princess Resort
She makes 80+fans a day

Sunrise breakfast
Sunrise
Carrying everything down the hill

Chef Nu
John and Thin Thin
Chef John cooking prawns

Chin village house
Elderly Chin lady
Chin students singing for us

Amazing Resort Ngapali

Our beach with all our friends

International School in Yangon

Yangon, the former capital of Myanmar, is just a short $50 flight from Bangkok and a fascinating tourist destination. Yangon lost many trees during the cyclone in September but it is still a city of trees. A gong announced our arrival at the Governor’s Residence, a beautiful hotel with traditional teak verandas, a pool and gardens. It is one of our favorite hotels. From Yangon we flew one hour to Sitwee on the Bay of Bengal in the Rakhine State where we boarded a classic teak boat for the 6-hour ride up the river to the new Princess Mrauk Oo Resort. The scenes along the river were mesmerizing and the sun set beautiful. Other than three boatmen, a cook and two waitstaff we were the only people on the boat so service was outstanding. The Mrauk Oo Princess Resort is new but built in typical Rakhine style. We toured the ruins of Mrauk Oo, an important Buddhist site, which had its golden days in the 16th and 17th centuries. One morning we got up before dawn, climbed a temple hill, where the hotel staff had breakfast waiting. Watching the sun come up and the mist rise up out of the hills was mystical.

Another day we hopped into a 1940s Willys Jeep, the most common motor vehicle, other than the motor bike, and bounced along to a jetty where we took a 3-hour boat ride to a Chin Village. The older village women have heavily tattooed faces. They say it was to prevent them from being kidnapped. Needless to say the practice has been discontinued. It was a neat village of thatch and bamboo houses on stilts and quiet as the men were off harvesting bamboo and the children were in school. We stopped by the one-room school where one of the subjects is English.

While much has been written about the government of Myanmar and very little of a positive nature, it is a wonderful tourist destination. The government has little to do with tourism and we organize our travel locally so the money goes directly to the people. As Western tourists who are free to travel I feel we show the positive side of an open society. Because Myanmar has remained isolated the people have retained much of their culture. Both men and women still commonly wear the longyi, the traditional wraparound skirt. A light yellow powder called thanaka is still used on their face to protect it from the sun and even as a form of makeup. Myanmar has no fast food chains. In fact they joke that they do have fast food because all Myanmar cooking is fast. There are many fascinating places to visit. Last year we visited Bagan, Mandalay, Lake Inle, Kalaw, and Ngapali Beach. The country is extremely safe and the people are very welcoming. The only problem we encountered was with the Internet. The government has blocked Yahoo, Hot Mail, and many other sites.

Last year we loved Amazing Resort Ngapali Beach located on the Bay of Bengal so we included it on this year’s trip, too. The sea is warm, the sand is soft, and the long sweeping is beach virtually deserted. Our room had a large balcony with a sea view and came with inner tubes for playing in the waves. John and I decided five days is not enough so Ngapali Beach is on next year’s schedule – for a week or more.

Dubai - Where the Future is Present

2009-01-24T10:14:00.012-05:00

Bollywood filming near the world's most expensive hotel
The Dubai Museum
Mosque tour explaining the dress

A UNESCO nature park
Dubai by night from Dhow dinner cruise
Sharjah Islamaic Museum in a former souk

One small portion of the Sharjah Univerity City
Sharjah souk
Sandy Beach Hotel in Fujairah - Snoopy Rock

Desert bashing on Desert Safari
John camel riding on Desert Safari
Belly dancing on Desert Safari followed by BBQ

Ski Dubai
John tobogganing at Ski Dubai
The Spice Souk

Traditional cooking at Heritage Village
Young girls dancing traditional dances
Arabian horse show

I have seen the future and it is called Dubai. Dubai claims to have the tallest building but it is not finished. In fact, Dubai, is an ongoing project and quite impressive considering it has all taken place since the 1960s when oil was discovered. Dubai is an expensive destination but there are reasonable and excellent Holiday Inn and Ibis hotels plus plenty of interesting heritage sites that have very low admission prices.

For non-Moslem people the Jumeriah Mosque’s "Open Doors, Open Minds" mosque tour is a must do. It offers insight into the Islamic religion including the basic tenets. The guide explained that the clothing is more cultural than religious as the Koran only states that clothing should be modest. Interestingly, in Dubai, bling has come to the abaya, the coat-like covering, and sheyla, the headscarf.

When John and I entered the Dubai Museum we thought the courtyard was the entire museum considering the entrance was so reasonable. Then we entered the excellent air-conditioned underground exhibition with a multi-media presentation and dioramas that record Dubai’s development from the early pearl divers to the discovery of oil to the massive island-creating projects that includes one in the shape of a world map.

One day we went dune bashing in a Toyota Land Cruiser. Seat belts buckled, some air let out of the tires, and off we went, charging up one dune and careening down another arriving at the top of a dune, along with scores of other vehicles, in time for sunset. Then it was off to a desert camp for a camel ride, a belly dancing show, and a BBQ. For a completely opposite experience the next day we went to Ski Dubai located in one of Dubai’s many malls. Cold and snow do not normally excite us but Ski Dubai is really quite astounding. Winter coats and boots are provided. There are three ski runs accessed by a chair lift along with several toboggan and tubing areas.

One of my favorite evenings was also the least expensive. After a walk through the souks, we took the ferry across the Deira Creek and strolled down the corniche to the Heritage Village stopping at Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum's House, one of the oldest residences in the city and grandfather of the present ruler. Of interest were the wind towers constructed to keep their homes cool. Wet cloths were hung in the towers and the when the wind blew it caused evaporation and cooler air. At the Heritage Village there were school children performing traditional dances, Arabian horses, camels, craftspeople, and ladies cooking traditional treats. It was a popular evening out for local families. Admission was free.

Dubai has beautiful beach resorts including the world famous Burj Hotel but most are out of our price range so went to Sandy Beach Resort in Fujairah, another emirate, for a relaxing three days. We are always amazed at the pervasiveness of American culture. Just a short distance off shore from the beach is a rock formation called "Snoopy Island" because it resembles a reclining Snoopy. The resort had many cottages frequented by families on the weekend giving us an insight into the local lifestyle, which is very family-centered.

Dubai may be suffering from the same economic woes as the rest of the world but they have diversified so I wouldn’t close the book on their development.

Thailand: Cooking Thai

2009-01-16T07:38:00.011-05:00

Meeting Chef Yingsak
Getting instructions from Hoon
Getting instructions from Mai

Chopping hot chili
Num grinding spices
Everyone helps everyone

Sajeerrat making green curry
John adding ingredients
Tasting

Green Curry with Chicken Sausage
Chef Maprang demonstrating Rice Noodle Parcel
Making Rice Noodle Parcel

Thai food is popular the world over and one of our favorites so we decided a cooking lesson was in order. Just mention the name "Chef Yingsak" and Thais break into smiles. Flamboyant Chef Yingsak is the most popular chef in Thailand with his own TV show and cooking school. My husband and I joined one of his classes for the morning. First we watched a video on how to prepare Miang Kwuay Tiao (rice noodle packets), Kaeng Keow Wan Sai Kok (green curry with sausage) and Kaeng Liang Pak Ruam (clear spicy soup with vegetables). Chef Hoon, one of Chef Yingsak’s assistants, then went over the instructions verbally. Luckily there were students with an excellent command of the English language to help us when we needed translations. Then it was off to the kitchen where we all helped to prepare various parts of the food – chopping, slicing, stir frying, and, the best part - tasting.