Shopping at the Puces flea markets is not for amateurs May 15, 2012

The Paris flea markets, in my case the Puces de Saint-Ouen at the Porte de Clignancourt, are a shopper’s delight. From furniture belonging to pre-Revolutionary rich folks to vintage Chanel suits to human skeletons to every kind of taxidermied animal you can imagine, they must be seen to be properly experienced.

Fuel up and hop on Ligne 4 of the Métro, exiting at the last stop, Porte de Clignancourt. Follow the crowds and don’t engage with the many, many street-based entrepreneurs who will try to sell you handbags, watches, and sunglasses. Trust me, there’s better stuff inside. There’s not a lot to talk about: take cash, keep it well hidden, watch your bag, and don’t be afraid to negotiate.

In the end, it was all pretty amazing and overwhelming, but very little compelled me to buy. 

Some sources I found called this the world’s greatest flea market. To be sure, the Puces at Saint-Ouen definitely raise the bar for what I expect to see at yard sales in the future. “Um, could you check behind those old baseball trophies for some authentic vintage Louis Vuitton handbags?”

Before you leave all of your money at the Puces, check out these great tips:

People, Places and Bling: So many great vintage shopping tips for Paris, and lots about shopping at one of the other major Puces, the Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves

Paris Perfect: Paris flea markets hints and tips

EuroCheapo: Tips for flea market success

Bonjour Paris: Marché aux Puces de Paris at St-Ouen

The Temple in Salt Lake May 7, 2012

What a beautiful clean modern city Salt lake City is. It is truely impressive by anyones standards. The buildings are modern and incredibly well maintained. The streets are the same along with inner city parks.

Had a blast here after arriving by plan at 7 PM. My bed in the hotel was just the nicest bed I have ever slept in. It just totally engulfed me. Almost decided to stay in bed for my whole time there but then decided against that for fear of missing the sights of the Inner City.

Lucky I did arise from my bed sanctuary because I found Temple Square, the world epi-centre for the Mormon faith. Regardless of your faith I believe anyone would be impressed by this space, the gardens and the buildings. Found the Mormon Tabenacle and was fortunate to hear the organ in all its glory both visually and being played. It is the dome like building in the photos.

 

Ah School… April 30, 2012

I thought I would never catch myself saying how I miss school but I had a huge opportunity to attend high school classes while I was staying in Germany. I attended class towards the end of there year at Gymnasium Bondenwald. It was an interesting couple of days because each class had just completed their finals but they still had to attend class. Now in America once you attend finals your done for the semester. So what did we do? We still were learning while completing worksheets. I know right?!?.. It was interesting because me and the rest of my group that was with me just sate their and followed along.

When it was Gym class we got to explore school and see what other classes where doing and we came a crossed a class room with a bunch of little kids and they asked us to join them. We joined their circle and it was before long all the cute little boys and girls found out we were German and we were from…AMERICA. They asked use all these questions and how we got to Germany. We answered all of their questions and we taught them a few songs and American traditions. The biggest question we were asked is what we thought of President Bush and if were known the war was going to end. When we traveled to Germany the War had just begun and the American people seemed very much disliked.  Once we finished speaking with the kids it was time for music class for my host student. This was the hardest for me because they were practicing for their upcoming performance. As  I was listening to the song I had realized it “Dear Mr. President” by Pink and I had never heard of this song and it was about my own country and my President. Once they had finished the song I talked to them bout the War and why they choose the song and they explained to me that what was going on in the world wasn’t just effecting my country but countries a crossed the world. I was really taken back because I felt as if I had done something wrong just because I was American and I come from a strong Military background. I asked my teacher how come we are the same age and they know more about  the War and what is going in the middle east and she didn’t know and all she said to me was it was a learning opportunity to learn what was going on.

Overall, going to school in an unfamiliar place was an eye-opening experience and challenged me to speak to locals where ever I went because they my know something that I don’t.

 

 

To the Top of Europe I Go… April 16, 2012

I have always wanted to visit Switzerland. So in July 2007, I finally had an opportunity to go there with a few of my friends on a school trip. We arrived in Geneva on a nice sunny day, rented a car and headed towards mountains in the Jungfrau region. We didn’t know that August 1st is the Swiss National Day celebrated with a lot of festivals and activities. We already booked our return tickets for July 31st, which means we were, unfortunately, missing all the festivities. We stayed in Grindelwald, a small Swiss village surrounded by mountains with a big network of hiking trails.

The area is so beautiful, that it’s been frequented by different movie makers. For example, some of the scenes from James Bond’s movie “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”‘ were shot there. Apparently, it’s also a popular spot with Bollywood movie producers.

Safety is not an issue in Grindelwald at all. People often don’t lock their cars or their houses. We actually never met the guy that we rented the house from. Part of his instructions in the email to us was “You find the door key in the plant pot at the right hand side of the entry. In the appartment, everyhting will be ready for you. You will also find some more information about Grindelwald and events. At the day of the leaving, if we do not meet, please deposit the key in the plant top again.” We also were instructed to leave the money for our stay on the table, which we did.

Locals usually speak 2-3 languages. Popular languages are German, Portuguese, Italian, French and some English. I remember one gentlemen was asking me something on the train and I responded in English. He said “No English, German?” I said no, then he tried Italian, then French, then I asked “Russian?”. We both laughed. Between the two of us we spoke 6 or more languages, but still couldn’t make a conversation.

Speaking of train rides, trains are actually is the best way to travel in this area, as you can’t get to many places by car. If you plan to stay for more than a few days, get a multi-day train pass. It will save you money on transportation.

 Jungfraujoch, Top Of Europe

We took a train from Grindelwald to Kleine Scheidegg station (2,061m/6762 feet) and then to the  Jungfraujoch (3,454 m/11,333ft), the highest railroad station in Europe, also called “Top of Europe”.  The train climbed up the mountain inside a huge tunnel. The views at the top are breathtaking. What’s so interesting about this train ride is that you start your journey in the middle of the nice summer day and end up in the middle of winter. So on the same day you can hike at the bottom of the mountain and then ski at the top. If you walk a few meters from the train station, you’ll reach a restaurant sitting on the side of the mountain. Most people have difficulty walking at this altitude. Surprisingly, I was ok and didn’t feel anything. I’d be running up and down the hill, when the rest of the people on the trail would be struggling to walk. I don’t know why I was virtually unaffected by the thin air. I didn’t grow up in  mountains. That was my first time being at high altitude. I was wondering if they get enough customers there, as the only people who’d visit them are those who could make it by walking that path from the train station to the restaurant.

My First Day in London..

Cheers! After a transatlantic long  flight I landed in London and spent the next two days sightseeing. I replaced the traditional “walking tour” with more of a running tour: through Holland Park, Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park by Buckingham Palace. Luckily, I picked the only sunny morning to venture out without an umbrella. 
My second day cloudy skies and rain showers followed me about the city while I toured around London. Using the Big Bus Company, we made a roundabout circuit of the city, River Thames, Parliament, the Tower of London, Big Ben, the London Bridge, the National Art Gallery and Notting Hill. No spotting of the blue door. 
A classic recommendation for visitors is the changing of the guards. Supposedly a tribute to royalty, it was more of a tourist phenomenon. Asian photographers were in full force, so I thought I’d take a few pictures myself. The whole charade was major build up without much to show for it except a few guards marching with posh bearskin hats.

ahh…Seattle April 9, 2012

It was a Wednesday morning as we soared over Mount St Helens and landed in Washington State. The fog was heavy and the air was painfully crisp. As we deboarded, I was swept away into a transic daydream of a Twilight chapter or some version of a vampire film where sunlight is a rarity and the people mope around all somber-like. Nevertheless my blood was going. I had always wanted to visit this Northwestern state and all its beauties…it was fresh and stimulating and thats exactly how I like it.

So we hopped in a rental and made our way Downtown where the city pulsates and the coffee continuously brews. The W Hotel Seattle was conveniently located in the heart of the city and made the access to shops and cafes very simple. We made our way down the city’s steep slopes (and I mean steeeep) towards the waterfront known as Waterfront Park. This area extends from Pier 57 to Pier 59 offering clear cut views of the city skyline, the ships in drydock and Blake Island across the bay. Walking along the “park’s” walkways we passed several contemporary fountains, the famous Seattle Aquarium, as well as plenty of seafood spots catching us with their lighted signs. To them we will return…

As we made our way up the old wharf, we headed towards Pike Street where the world famous Pike Street Market stood. Starbucks opened its first store here in 1971. It seems the company did well because there was literally a Starbucks every two steps throughout the city…it became a joke. The original store still holds its original look, giving the market a vintage appeal. This open air market is no joke (if you watch the Food Network, you’ve seen the specials). People come from all over the world to watch their famous crew of fishmongers throwing fish while singing and interacting with customers. They also come to buy some of the best seafood and have it shipped home; everything from smoked salmon, white fish, peel and eat shrimp, Alaskan Snow Crab and Dungeness (enormous and delicious) Cooked Crab, mussels, prawns, lobster tail, oysters, scallops, and clams! We watched as the fish handlers sang along while tossing fish from hand to hand and placing them on ice. And if you give them a tip…they’ll sing to that too.

They actually provided us with one helpful tip when it came time for a lunch break (thanks guys)…Place Pigalle; a delicious restaurant hidden behind the fish throwers of the Pike Street Market and overlooking Elliot Bay. By far the BEST French onion soup ever tasted. As the bay caught the glows of sunset, the wine and warmth didn’t hurt either. I highly recommend this gorgeous look-out, it served gratifying food for the soul.
After lunch and some walking past various stands of fresh produce, seafood, and flowers we left the marketplace in search for the monorail that would whisk us away from downtown Seattle to Seattle Center, home of the Space Needle. This tower of light definitely holds its presence in the city as it gapes above the tallest highrises and mountain ranges; or at least it seems. Once inside, you can access the observation deck and restaurant via an elevator that shoots you up at 10 mph in a glass dome. We watched as the city grew smaller beneath our feet and the once tangible holiday-adorned streets seemed light years away. Once at the top and 20 degrees colder you have the world at your fingertips. Literally. Pointing in any direction you could almost grab a city skyscraper, a mountain’s peak, or an enormously sized pine tree…lit or unlit for the holidays. It was beautiful to see. Indoors on the deck, one can take in some information about this city’s popular landmark by listening to a little history (ahemmm, the Needle was built in 1962). Or discover more about the different neighborhoods that comprise the city such as the International District known for its population of Asians and Native Americans, or the Pioneer Square, a much visited historic district downtown.
Now the SkyCity restaurant has been featured in movies and as much as I dont want to rip on it, I cant say I was tempted to try it. I wreaked of “tourist” as it was so with that said it was grub time with the locals. That would bring us back to the city’s waterfront where we had previously spotted an enticing deal…The Crap Pot. We made our way down Pine Street towards the pier passing high end boutiques and wine bars. I cant lie, it was freaking cold but the buzz in the air from the cable cars, pedestrians, and city lights really brought about a pleasant vibe. So far, I had been very impressed with Seattle. The city hadn’t skipped a beat. Every corner was well laid out with rich character in arquitecture and decor. Variety never fell short, even when it came to coffee.
Reaching The Crab Pot we were seated under heated warmers and given bibs. The chowdown was about to begin. We chose the Westport Seafeast where you’re given a large pile of seafood goodness on some newspaper and you just gotta go at it. Add some butter or hot sauce and crack the shells open. The platters come with everything from crab, mussells, clams, shrimp, sausage, corn, oysters and lobster. Again, another excellent meal. I got my eye on you Seattle, you’re doin good.

The next day after a (what a surprise) Starbuck’s stop, we took a drive West through the Cascade Mountain Range towards the city of Wenatchee, the Apple Capital of the World. Yup. The trip from Seattle is a short 3 hours away and on a clear day it’s probably one of the most beautiful Ive ever taken…by car. The cliffs show off their greenery as running rushes of blue spill below. With every twist and every next turn, the mountains displayed a new stage. Sometimes snow capped, sometimes pine. It was an “ooooh, ahhh” kinda moment throughout.

The city sounds more like a preserve, small and simple; but it actually holds more than the name would give it credit for. Passing ski slopes, water dams and picturesque towns along the freeway, its clear you are approaching some sort of civilization. Wenatchee sits in a valley and although there’s a permanent haze of clouds that hang out overhead, the city offers wine touring, antiquing, hiking, biking, river rafting, golfing, fishing, and festivals…and did I mention the apples?

Once in Wenatchee we enjoyed an all-American afternoon in the mountains, sippin some coffee and overlooking the landscape below. There were fields of apple trees and pear orchards everywhere. The sunset came close to 5pm and moon being full brought out the deer. It was no longer safe to return to Seattle with unlit roads and wild bambi’s on the loose so Wenatchee it was for the night. After some fruit salad consisting of apples, peaches, and more apples…we made our way into town to grab some drinks at Bob’s Classic. This was an old cabin-like sports bar packed with Wenatchee locals and a lot of hype. The menu was classic American style dining but surprisingly varied and the beers were cold and coming. Best part was it was Ladies Night…which made the men happy since the ladies were happy (and drinking).
After another all-American breakfast of applepie (just kidding) at The Wild Huckleberry in the morning, we were back on our way to Seattle for another scenic route through the snow. No deer this time. The winding roads proved right again as the white ice spread across us and even gave us occasional icicle spottings.

Back in Seattle the day was sunny yet the Pacific winds brought air so cold it could cut me in half. We decided to head North this time towards British Columbia for some lunch. But that my friends is a whole other story if and when I get around to it…

For now, let’s keep it in one state, the state of Washington which left its weight and impression on me, all in good ways. The best..

Neuschwanstein April 3, 2012

We woke up bright and early to begin our castle tours, starting with Hohenschwangau which was where King Ludwig II grew up and watched the construction of his new home, Neuschwanstein. Hohenschwangau was really neat, lots of great murals/paintings. Next was Neuschwanstein, which is the castle that Disney’s Sleeping Beauty’s castle is modeled after. King Ludwig II unfortunately only lived in the castle for 172 days. He was arrested in the castle, and declared “unfit to rule” (insane) and 1 day later was found dead next to a lake outside of Munich. To this day the circumstances of his death remain a mystery. The interior was only 30% completed, and construction stopped immediately upon his death. Within 6 weeks, people were already paying to tour it.

Our Rick Steve’s book made this tour seem lackluster in comparison to Hohenschwangau, but we strongly disagree. The inside of Neuschwanstein was absolutely amazing. The level of detail, paintings, woodwork, mosaic floors, etc…continued to surprise us as we toured each of the finished rooms. Unfortunately, no pictures are allowed inside of either so we have nothing to share.

We hiked up to the St. Mary’s bridge as we had done the previous evening

for some more picture perfect photos. It’s the best view and we noticed that people put locks engraved with their names on the bridge’s fence…pretty cool – romance at it’s best. On the walk back down to town we stopped at a restaurant and had a really great lunch.

Hagenbeck Zoo, Hamburg Germany March 19, 2012

The best thing about our visit to Hamburg was definitely the zoo.  We’ve kind of made a ‘thing’ about visiting the zoo in all the places that we visit.

The Hagenbeck Zoo is actually one of the best zoos we’ve ever been to.  It was obvious that they did quite a bit of breeding or, at least, acquiring quite a few animals in each of their exhibits.

The neatest thing about Hagenbeck, though, was that when you get there in the morning, you can buy food to feed certain animals there.  We fed the camels, donkeys, llamas, and the elephants, which were of course the BEST.  It was amazing to have a full grown elephant take a piece of fruit or vegetable out of your hand with their trunk.

In the African part of the zoo they have set up this amazing panoramic view that includes the mountains with sheep, African lions, then a plain of zebras, and finally a pond of flamingos in the front.  It was gorgeous to be able to look out and see all four in one view.

After the zoo we went next door to the Hagenbeck aquarium.  At first I kind of looked and thought “This is it???”, but as we wound through the aquarium (set up like an Ikea, one way in and one way out), it got bigger and better.  Their crocodiles were enormous, I mean huge, and again, they had several of them instead of just one or two.  At the end there was an enormous wall on the aquarium with large sharks and the biggest fish I’ve ever seen.

My Trip to Chichen Itza March 5, 2012

I went with my family to Chichen Itza which is located in the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico. It took a lot longer than I thought to arrive at the actual ruins. We first had a two hour bus ride from the airport to the hotel, then another three hours to Chichen Itza. We had to drive through many different areas, some of them were very nice and populated, and some of them were driving through dirt roads in the jungle. After we arrived at Chichen Itza, we realized how large of an area it was. My family and I all thought that it was just a pyramid that you look at and walk up, but when we arrived we realized that it was actually a gigantic city built by the Aztecs. There were many different buildings ranging from a house of worship, to an observatory, and even a ball court! We were lucky enough to be able to walk up the Chichen Itza pyramid and when we got to the top we could see the full view, which was amazing. We then walked to the ball court where they had to get a ball up through a hoop which was over twice as tall as me, and they could not even use their feet or hands! The entire experience was exhausting because of how spread out the grounds were, and because they average 90 degrees on a normal day. We eventually were glad when we got back into the van, got some nice cold water, and headed back to the hotel to relax in the pool!

Thunder Over Louisville February 29, 2012

 

Rated as one of the top 100 events in North America, the Derby Festival’s Opening Ceremonies is truly a sight to behold. And each year, more than 500,000 eager thrill-seekers do just that.

The day-long event kicks off the two exciting weeks of events that are part of the annual Kentucky Derby Festival. The Thunder Air Show dazzles the crowd with more than 100 planes, aerobatics teams, daring sky diving teams and breathtaking stunts.

When it gets dark, the Thunder rolls. The fireworks will feature the latest in pyrotechnic power fromZambelli Internationale, America’s “first family of fireworks”. Six barges that are 100-foot open top each assemble on both sides of the 2nd Street Bridge to form the stage from which the fireworks spectacular ignites.

The breathtaking and mind-numbing 28-minute show includes Thunder’s signature one-mile “waterfall” effect off the bridge, making the fireworks seem to rain down forever. And in the crowd’s memory of the show, it does!

After more than a decade, the show remains the largest annual pyrotechnic display in North America. Seen by approximately 1-million U.S. Armed Forces, Department of Defense civilian employees and their families stationed in 176 countries and aboard 140 U.S. Navy ships at sea via a July 4th rebroadcast on the American Forces Network, it is the state’s pride. A Discovery Channel documentary on fireworks shows says it best, “Thunder is the Grand-daddy of them all!”.