Read our latest trip report about the vibrant foodie scene in Vancouver, BC.
Vancouver, BC—-Forget the Olympics! Go for the food!
Tag Archives | couple travel
Sophisticated Spokane?
Check out our latest post on a great choice for a weekender!
The Souvenir Dilemma
Dong Xi’s, Choch-Keys, junk, Dust collectors, trophies…whatever you call them… they are the items that you bring home as little mementos of your travels. The tradition is as old as time: Romans picked up Egyptian Obelisks…Greeks a golden fleece…hundreds of US midwesterns….I heart (insert town). Souvenierring is a time honored tradition. One of my favorites is exhibited above. My prized Whirling Dervish! My wife keeps hiding it as he continues to show up on various “highly visible”-her words not mine– places. I cherish my dervish. It really spins! I remember the tiny shop in the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul where I discover this treasure. Tucked way back in vast dark passageways, was this little family selling metal wares. I tried a little Turkish, they a lot better English, and the result was an emigrating Dervish (and a lighter wallet).
Why do we do it? Why must we bring a piece of our travels home? Do we worry that we will forget the sights sounds and smells of _________? I really think so. I think that in our soul, we hope that one day when time creates a great chasm between the now and then, we will find the Dervish and it will bring a smile and a rush of memories to mind.
Sometimes these items represent a victorious negotiation. Perhaps a memorable shopkeeper or locale? Not sure some items will qualify…my I heart NY t-shirt never really spans the distance like my Dervish.
What is your favorite item? What reminds you of your adventure?
Fight on Flight
Of all the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai is best known for its breathtaking landscapes. It is known as the “Garden Isle” due to the beautiful greenery that drapes the island. Cliffs, canyons, and waterfalls remain untouched, as the terrain is impassable by car. The only way to see the whole island is by air.
We are partnering with The Villas at Poipu Kai to give our readers a chance to fly around the island for free. For every booking made in March of 6 nights or more the Villas at Poipu Kai is giving away a free helicopter ride. The helicopter ride lasts an hour and takes you to the most remote places on the island. The helicopter comes with “Mega” windows so that all passengers have an unobstructed panoramic view – a very unique opportunity for couples and families.
Hit the Brick
Hit the Brick
“There isn’t any trendy food in the Treasure Valley!”–WRONG!
One of the best kept secrets in Boise…isn’t in Boise. Located just down the road from Boise in Nampa, Idaho, Brick 29 is one of the very best independent food joints in the valley. Highlights include: Bread Pudding, lamb shank, and of course the specialty dessert: “The Brick” basically it is a chocolate heaven!
Located in an converted Masonic Lodge, the historic property offers both ambiance and a hint of fun for the Idaho history buff.
Reservations are highly recommend.
Wife School
Came across the ex-pat blog. I wonder what they teach there?
10 Reasons Why I Suck As a Travel Girlfriend
–A hilarious blog post at http://www.nomadicchick.com/. A must read!
There could be good reason why I’m single.
- I always pick nonsensical, dangerous destinations where you could be decapitated or kidnapped for ransom.
- I snore. So loud you’ll open your eyes expecting a 300 pound truck driver next to you. It’s ten times worse when I’m inebriated.
- I’ll always make you taste a dish first, in case of parasites or hair.
- If I even catch a glimpse of a rat, and let’s face it rats multiply across continents, I will shatter glass with my screams, thereby embarrassing the crap out of you.
- I’ll force you to carry the heavy gear. Cause I’m cute and can get away with it.
- My sense of direction is tragically bad, which leads to hilarity and serendipitous encounters – NOT.
- My bladder is the size of a kidney bean. Example: I demanded that a Thai bus driver stop in the middle of nowhere so I could take care of business during a precarious ride towards the Cambodian border.
- If you hanker for an erotic massage after a long day of traveling, forget it. My ex use to call my fingers bone spurs.
- I tend to wander aimlessly in markets. Welcome to two new emotions – annoyed and frustrated.
- Self-catering? What’s that?
Riverwalk Weekender (San Antonio/Austin)
Want to excape the cold for a warm weathered weekend? We have a great idea for you! Check out our recent trip report of San Antonio!
The Goat is Great!
Before reading this review, you must know that i visited the Goat during a U of Tex football game. I hear their team is ok. Anyway, this place is an absolute crazytown during afore mentioned festivities.
Do you remember the days when life was simple, people did things without all the flash and fireworks? Well I don’t either. But the Goat does a few simple things very well. Burgers and Tacos. The prices cant be beat.
Go to the Goat!!!
Luci vs. Mike Round 1 The Waldorf (Mike)
Our first morning at the Waldorf, I woke up looked at the vaulted ceiling and said to myself, “I am at the Waldorf!” (My second thought was “Maybe now my mother in law will not think I am a such a loser.” A man can dream?)
OK, I am a Hilton junkie. I actually get a little misty eyed watching the Hilton family documentary on the Hilton welcome Channel on the guest room TV. I am also a history addict so the Waldorf Astoria has it all for me. During our recent trip to NYC we were very lucky to stay at both the Plaza and the Waldorf. (Thank you Hilton reward points). The Astoria is truly a timeless beauty. She is seasoned, smart, and beautiful. The Plaza on the other hand is gorgeous, and she wants everyone to know that she is the Prom Queen. From the guilded gold hand dryers in the lavs, to the multi-chevroned bell captains. Ok enough already, I get it, she is the super diva.
The Waldorf is encapsulated refinement. Deep rich silk carpets adorn the hallways. The woodwork is so ornate and intricate at times you feel like you are in a museum. Every step you take brings into view living history. Cole Porter’s Piano, the historic clock in the center of the inner lobby, and the spacious ballrooms. Even the hollows of the cavernous basement played host to the purchase of the Dead Sea Scrolls!
Waldorf is truly the enduring host to the powerful. Every US president since Hoover has been a guest. Kings, Presidents, and potentates have sought lodging and respite before facing the daily demands of Gotham. Songs, movies and poetry have been and continue to be produced singing praise to the Grande Dame of opulence.
The Waldorf is the place to celebrate life’s milestones. One telling observation, during our stay there was a number of 80th birthday parties and 50th wedding anniversaries being held in one of the private dining areas. Every night there were several going on at the same time. Even a couple of weddings! When the Blue Bloods of NYC, want to celebrate half a century with their spouse, they overwhelmingly chose the Waldorf.
The Waldorf Astoria defines sophistication, service and romance.
See those little stars below this entry…please click on the five stars if you agree that the Waldorf is the Tops!!
We are Mike and Luci.