tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34837540554448432822024-02-08T00:14:31.906-05:00Not All Who Wander Are LostTriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782677370134418290noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483754055444843282.post-20707954828655498882012-04-01T20:54:00.003-04:002012-04-01T23:27:50.832-04:00Hotel Caruso BelvedereUpon <a href="http://notallwhowanderarelost77.blogspot.com/2011/12/road-to-amalfi-coast.html" target="_blank">arrival </a>to the <u><b>Orient Express Hotel Caruso Belvedere in Ravello</b></u>, a hotel meticulously restored from an 11th century palace overlooking the Amalfi Coast, you can't help but feel like royalty. If not royalty, then at the very least one might feel that the indulgent desire that took over when booking the hotel was totally on point!<br />
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For us, stepping out of our car was like stepping into the past, into a simpler time filled only with the sound of the breeze rustling through the lemon groves. And as that breeze fills your senses with the sweet scent of jasmine, you undoubtedly get the feeling that this place essentially hasn't changed in centuries. "Belvedere" itself got its start in 1893 when vineyard owner, Pantaleone Caruso, rented out 5 rooms in the palace, calling them "Belvedere" or "beautiful view". When the Orient Express restored the full palace in 2005, keeping Belvedere front and center was certainly a nice touch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4ekWwubLaux4jxgTMXEQ3JZz-r1Lx6UicTRVq3lGOKKYHAdvWcALlNuDoHAySAV1-9g9Fn3JAM0aeDhGtSVWDKAbM55pjqcyyn0Sgnd8XdzzqXYKb8WaWsJ7kD2vWRvi3B6butFLOEw/s1600/hotel_caruso_exterior_ravello_italy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4ekWwubLaux4jxgTMXEQ3JZz-r1Lx6UicTRVq3lGOKKYHAdvWcALlNuDoHAySAV1-9g9Fn3JAM0aeDhGtSVWDKAbM55pjqcyyn0Sgnd8XdzzqXYKb8WaWsJ7kD2vWRvi3B6butFLOEw/s400/hotel_caruso_exterior_ravello_italy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of <a href="https://mymotels.com/reserve/hotel/?HotelID=224633">mymotels.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Before we had too much time to stand in awe at Caruso's entrance on Piazza San Giovanni del Toro, we were greeted by a concierge who ushered us inside, graciously serving us fresh lemonade and encouraging us to enjoy the view as he organized our paperwork. Before we knew it, our bags were on their way to our room and we were whisked away by the same concierge for our personal tour of the hotel grounds.<br />
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Wowing us first was the cocktail bar area, which had a separate piano room with the most dazzling chandelier and original fresco on the ceiling.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkhgjzoPAXHSGcfXIB-pu9T6Mud6tCoox3QyWxRL8pcriRMA-4id3fLrGPCdPqFNzjd6vmOxshHw98DwpnV09arLAfAkWDf3LzYF7xYc8rbbX0VL246F5mkHvlhZbg9mlLhClgXKPv1I/s1600/653_Hotel+Caruso+-+Ravello+-+Cocktail+and+Piano+Bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="481" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkhgjzoPAXHSGcfXIB-pu9T6Mud6tCoox3QyWxRL8pcriRMA-4id3fLrGPCdPqFNzjd6vmOxshHw98DwpnV09arLAfAkWDf3LzYF7xYc8rbbX0VL246F5mkHvlhZbg9mlLhClgXKPv1I/s640/653_Hotel+Caruso+-+Ravello+-+Cocktail+and+Piano+Bar.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=hotel+caruso+ravello+cocktail+bar&hl=en&client=safari&sa=X&rls=en&biw=1440&bih=706&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=TgMvXWUVc2p2IM:&imgrefurl=http://www.robertobonardi.com/gallery.aspx%3Fid_categoria%3D2%26id_cat%3D1&docid=xMP65sqRSce8cM&imgurl=http://www.robertobonardi.com/public/Gallery/Big/653_Hotel%252520Caruso%252520-%252520Ravello%252520-%252520Cocktail%252520and%252520Piano%252520Bar.jpg&w=700&h=529&ei=eeN4T4VnpPjSAfr4pdoN&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=384&vpy=259&dur=825&hovh=195&hovw=258&tx=91&ty=114&sig=113037804298165580230&page=1&tbnh=162&tbnw=207&start=0&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:13,s:0">Roberto Bonardi</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-rStPfkH2Cxvh0k5EYNFHMgGgNT4NQSC09Y8e049egF_vGxd_QFgSdz15lehXeC5rvWRxJK-x9cwxhUqHGtiFjNfjvk0atJGyphp7Fu9hCfBxD3nx7hv9KE-gYr0mQMPrLv9VA4U8k0I/s1600/DSC_0653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-rStPfkH2Cxvh0k5EYNFHMgGgNT4NQSC09Y8e049egF_vGxd_QFgSdz15lehXeC5rvWRxJK-x9cwxhUqHGtiFjNfjvk0atJGyphp7Fu9hCfBxD3nx7hv9KE-gYr0mQMPrLv9VA4U8k0I/s640/DSC_0653.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>Rounding the corner, you turn your focus through the Norman archways and to the spectacular views of the sparkly Gulf of Salerno 1,200 ft below.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPlHsxkG2aa9LKRh3WiXwngAN0EBjyT-LSnhLws7LVfrGAZsE4RhnTpkke6OBQEdPrKl8aYg-fbL9aopbXN1wyQd4Kiho7jPQccedepAqrfridaUZRorZ4V76FmnVScCtkokaKEjh0tTE/s1600/breakfast+buffet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPlHsxkG2aa9LKRh3WiXwngAN0EBjyT-LSnhLws7LVfrGAZsE4RhnTpkke6OBQEdPrKl8aYg-fbL9aopbXN1wyQd4Kiho7jPQccedepAqrfridaUZRorZ4V76FmnVScCtkokaKEjh0tTE/s400/breakfast+buffet.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of <a href="http://www.holidaycheck.com/fullscreen-Hotel+Caruso+Pianobar-ch_ub-id_1156809121.html">holidaycheck.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>We were then escorted through to the lush terrace gardens which lead to the infinity pool and Poolside Bar and Restaurant.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLyIBRNE_M0ohc1ITUUi3JyveyxOD1yaaC0JCqEzqQA2F18LiK8P7AOJLKbAZXWEb2xVcI3Zk4EHugzL7kUXtJG3Drq7jSG1XQVtxX54aE-wxRgbJ86j-Giv6peNnBa5cnm_3vEsZgmuU/s640/DSC_0587.JPG" width="640" /></div>I first got the urge to stay at this hotel after I read an article listing the Top 10 Pools in the World on CNN.com. Needless to say I was just dying to see it with my own eyes! Despite it being a little bit hazy that afternoon, this pool simply did not disappoint. Our concierge graciously offered to take our picture once we were able to regain our composure :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfixRVhixnRT7HQEhfiPkyEOiQz_HAjwM-dam6QZ8apTTzQ9_IDhrBmez-4ncMc54U7UtVL-ntxCxH70IqUDLrB8FlxyDN7W9HgO1KHaQyVCUZ8L3tf57gavHeJgEXGG6c91ziJzJzDo/s1600/DSC_0573.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfixRVhixnRT7HQEhfiPkyEOiQz_HAjwM-dam6QZ8apTTzQ9_IDhrBmez-4ncMc54U7UtVL-ntxCxH70IqUDLrB8FlxyDN7W9HgO1KHaQyVCUZ8L3tf57gavHeJgEXGG6c91ziJzJzDo/s640/DSC_0573.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Eager to get to our room and change so that we could enjoy the pool as soon as possible, we were guided back indoors to our room. As far as room options, many people will be happy to hear that there are only 50 rooms in the hotel. It allows for a quaint, personal feel throughout your stay. Never once did we feel like we were sharing our vacation with too many others. As the <b>Junior Suites</b>, <b>Suites </b>and <b>Exclusive Suites</b> were too far out of our price range, we chose from the Double Room offerings. Since both the <b>Double Village</b> and <b>Double Superior</b> rooms did not provide sea views, we decided to upgrade to the <u><b>Double Delux Sea View</b></u> room. We also had been mining Caruso's website and found a Buy 2 nights get 1 night free deal, which made the 3-night stay a little more reasonable to stomach financially. <br />
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Our Delux room gave us our own private balcony and a beautiful and spacious marble bathroom with whirlpool tub. A wonderful touch was the dozen fresh red roses that greeted us inside.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRGJIyTCeLH069t5al-WTW8OmHrMZQEavES-8Cs-sGy7lPvJnnQ_35iUbxqFNG5DMCtZDXfnMgsN69lOIOWvce3p8xVrSmjapVym6-gJhpEnnzQ3Guhjncp8X_8QPzoWt7xMy-3K5oNw/s1600/DSC_0574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRGJIyTCeLH069t5al-WTW8OmHrMZQEavES-8Cs-sGy7lPvJnnQ_35iUbxqFNG5DMCtZDXfnMgsN69lOIOWvce3p8xVrSmjapVym6-gJhpEnnzQ3Guhjncp8X_8QPzoWt7xMy-3K5oNw/s640/DSC_0574.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EhJbh3lVQKdFdEzTf6Yc_BVLQ6R_IGJTyI2M8nE5pLLlQmJyfVoqNbzd1WDJTmuD4mIxpaDLPlPVvc9hayjwBkLwx5j7mPPTGInuzJ00doYxRkaDQfWUMAdnu8jI37IIcGhzu6BuEz0/s1600/DSC_0575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EhJbh3lVQKdFdEzTf6Yc_BVLQ6R_IGJTyI2M8nE5pLLlQmJyfVoqNbzd1WDJTmuD4mIxpaDLPlPVvc9hayjwBkLwx5j7mPPTGInuzJ00doYxRkaDQfWUMAdnu8jI37IIcGhzu6BuEz0/s640/DSC_0575.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMPBIcfXt1Pf13X5fnWhW-KeQeZNagcchR0Wff4XVzBhwlgZqkZ9P2sglWu0kvtPKSuprkbdcVRAZJp4hSKlI62abYsH71cpGNuMEN9lLkXfTkMtZYAvyaTaN8QJ3D7bYEQt9271VRUE/s1600/DSC_0576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMPBIcfXt1Pf13X5fnWhW-KeQeZNagcchR0Wff4XVzBhwlgZqkZ9P2sglWu0kvtPKSuprkbdcVRAZJp4hSKlI62abYsH71cpGNuMEN9lLkXfTkMtZYAvyaTaN8QJ3D7bYEQt9271VRUE/s640/DSC_0576.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAPQtOtUWV0ELqTtFJVDn0d0m3PhGXxUgJts4gl4DqMTc7GIZA9V_1bNeDPGF7tQCgNureRnVO_FcbEbVaWVMPdMcUVPYPIQTAs5p3ELZnUXnvMcJriuoqtQifBLyfnD9mCfRJ09-ht8/s1600/DSC_0579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAPQtOtUWV0ELqTtFJVDn0d0m3PhGXxUgJts4gl4DqMTc7GIZA9V_1bNeDPGF7tQCgNureRnVO_FcbEbVaWVMPdMcUVPYPIQTAs5p3ELZnUXnvMcJriuoqtQifBLyfnD9mCfRJ09-ht8/s640/DSC_0579.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_z4b-G2ts-chZsIWbyQj6kuGuwYZhkiBcPyarJ2f_W3Oqpm44SJlwRYZQa60zjsnOdGd3q-panHAOy5gwspmDAIF4PWbsteUfzWnErFG8kicK8uVqEDUn3jOorDRSepBhJXSe9XkUG4/s1600/DSC_0577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_z4b-G2ts-chZsIWbyQj6kuGuwYZhkiBcPyarJ2f_W3Oqpm44SJlwRYZQa60zjsnOdGd3q-panHAOy5gwspmDAIF4PWbsteUfzWnErFG8kicK8uVqEDUn3jOorDRSepBhJXSe9XkUG4/s640/DSC_0577.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Once back by the pool, we indulged in some lunch at the Poolside Restaurant and Bar. Two glasses of Prosecco complemented the savory salad bar, which was filled with local delights...particularly seafood and cheeses. We also shared a brick oven pizza. Although I cannot find anything negative to say about our food and service, the price of EUR 130 gave us quite the shock. Although I do recognize that we were staying at a 5-star resort, I would nonetheless say this was still steep! As I've gone back and read through a few more reviews, I think most people agree that the food prices are the biggest and perhaps only negative to this hotel.<br />
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With our stomachs full and wallets lighter, we soaked up the rest of the day's sun by the pool.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSG5n74k6AUA_Y0tzFdqxImhiMLWY56OeeCd-4mSl4hTFZcURFJXMtmYliqifghnbv-2guVCpKp5Jd74Rt3oa9xFhLdj0NDBvc62HQF3du8kFxYorGSj1_FAu0tV57AUQ00c87reyAr-M/s1600/DSCF6108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSG5n74k6AUA_Y0tzFdqxImhiMLWY56OeeCd-4mSl4hTFZcURFJXMtmYliqifghnbv-2guVCpKp5Jd74Rt3oa9xFhLdj0NDBvc62HQF3du8kFxYorGSj1_FAu0tV57AUQ00c87reyAr-M/s640/DSCF6108.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YtZjyUV9I8226MLiP_bhF54qBh3sGA8qFPHTLV8mrR4o9TwH1XxRW2U1LuaYwYGF2olvh2C7SUi_ghVa49tMrXMzoD-h1c0Ik-nk4_GTIWNJ_DnrGI53OFZ7eI1sddo5k_aHg2Yo3ek/s1600/DSCF6123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YtZjyUV9I8226MLiP_bhF54qBh3sGA8qFPHTLV8mrR4o9TwH1XxRW2U1LuaYwYGF2olvh2C7SUi_ghVa49tMrXMzoD-h1c0Ik-nk4_GTIWNJ_DnrGI53OFZ7eI1sddo5k_aHg2Yo3ek/s640/DSCF6123.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>When we arrived back to our room, another complimentary surprised awaited us ... a bottle of prosecco!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewKowRpfI3_LjMGWKqi2eoBbERunixF4As4ISOJ6pzV8A6zSeHdkSBMqnclszInvTGq74aotsAypQdhBotN9p3WXz6EoprcOnXfMkD97in5_Tgz82T75KpAcG8r3OejX_uS81izNUuss/s1600/DSC_0592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewKowRpfI3_LjMGWKqi2eoBbERunixF4As4ISOJ6pzV8A6zSeHdkSBMqnclszInvTGq74aotsAypQdhBotN9p3WXz6EoprcOnXfMkD97in5_Tgz82T75KpAcG8r3OejX_uS81izNUuss/s640/DSC_0592.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwz1jjfGWm9FrZKPAqCfKKCioyiCkHN9At0xAk2qIAqWyMQqjHVyOA2UqdjV-XhlHOZlh3XPEBI9Q5Difief50pEV6ttjR6JAkGvNwxk5a0NiAsTeAiZ2kepWBIIokjvAUHY26w7cn6o/s1600/DSC_0607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwz1jjfGWm9FrZKPAqCfKKCioyiCkHN9At0xAk2qIAqWyMQqjHVyOA2UqdjV-XhlHOZlh3XPEBI9Q5Difief50pEV6ttjR6JAkGvNwxk5a0NiAsTeAiZ2kepWBIIokjvAUHY26w7cn6o/s640/DSC_0607.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPHq5PrNuRHBmXVA5HWOmMajyVMeHEvxRd3725TY3bk3bQsboYxZ-Y3uHbvoyCK6l98Jm54fSUQnOT6k0JyWtmzMNZU_uRcV_sfCCiV9HHPBoamTjT8Xteg77PBRfvzhkyPiJUPFPsZY/s1600/DSC_0609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPHq5PrNuRHBmXVA5HWOmMajyVMeHEvxRd3725TY3bk3bQsboYxZ-Y3uHbvoyCK6l98Jm54fSUQnOT6k0JyWtmzMNZU_uRcV_sfCCiV9HHPBoamTjT8Xteg77PBRfvzhkyPiJUPFPsZY/s640/DSC_0609.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>As we settled in on our private balcony drinks in hand, we did decide, due to our pricey poolside lunch, to amend our strategy for the rest of our days there. The plan was to stuff our tummies with the complimentary breakfast and not eat again until dinner! We would place our breakfast order on the outside of our door every night and the staff would promptly bring in our food at the time we specified. Of course, we opted to dine on our balcony. Each morning, I had to catch my breath at the view. It hardy felt real.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiufsOmSfHbxnrxfU5YMsTevWpcQNTrd6XP4fLKfrmN38LOxf_irzhkjZMkeBi0LRcH123bWxzlO5newZFr7uvR2KeX5qzx-FZPwXsBWC4u0zuqAkSzwyECWvGkXL3LcyqhyqFKAZpxQ/s1600/DSC_0674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiufsOmSfHbxnrxfU5YMsTevWpcQNTrd6XP4fLKfrmN38LOxf_irzhkjZMkeBi0LRcH123bWxzlO5newZFr7uvR2KeX5qzx-FZPwXsBWC4u0zuqAkSzwyECWvGkXL3LcyqhyqFKAZpxQ/s640/DSC_0674.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Over the next few days, we took in every moment outdoors, including...<br />
<br />
sunrises...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY38Nkd271JBhzo-AugGkbgaJUSWVrxaA_vXD7fN98o3Ixb-ZDLhnhpED9kg9cW-yx0d-Cgxota_G-_w-TtKSVK_AZ52WU4b8qmRRqXUxjbghuF-RrHEbjWc4uivvSSO8CguxuTkX8x34/s1600/DSC_0628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY38Nkd271JBhzo-AugGkbgaJUSWVrxaA_vXD7fN98o3Ixb-ZDLhnhpED9kg9cW-yx0d-Cgxota_G-_w-TtKSVK_AZ52WU4b8qmRRqXUxjbghuF-RrHEbjWc4uivvSSO8CguxuTkX8x34/s640/DSC_0628.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqxjQYE9OHb-6FzWGk7M4bU7HFHksgU0FkA-kLqkEPnUKfo0yy5a-iAwKI0XgCg_vl9K3zYEovBQwpKRbguqwrDUj7Rj8EUHkTsPYhp7qcdI1dtDHBpG0i-648GbOjOeI68h01yNN9-BA/s1600/DSC_0630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqxjQYE9OHb-6FzWGk7M4bU7HFHksgU0FkA-kLqkEPnUKfo0yy5a-iAwKI0XgCg_vl9K3zYEovBQwpKRbguqwrDUj7Rj8EUHkTsPYhp7qcdI1dtDHBpG0i-648GbOjOeI68h01yNN9-BA/s640/DSC_0630.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>twilight...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIPC1EU88k6zP95GouCrqG-d1tbf59stoo9YMgBGYS5-e84RA4PdeioDQggxHdi87Acssq4bF27twbHZRMIxZyoxcN0NPjVw5G_SFUM3XDsHO_IqhrXddodea7e5Q1JUYipJT_Gte13Y/s1600/DSC_0615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIPC1EU88k6zP95GouCrqG-d1tbf59stoo9YMgBGYS5-e84RA4PdeioDQggxHdi87Acssq4bF27twbHZRMIxZyoxcN0NPjVw5G_SFUM3XDsHO_IqhrXddodea7e5Q1JUYipJT_Gte13Y/s640/DSC_0615.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWg_M19pnabegN8gpXdtwQ34IOz6yDmB9mCKzK4uamZdwP9j1Bk3IfYzBJMU26-YGREyLhBkUdfuPo2-CvqZ5Jdc1wj4GVg3RI9yY7SmDodx9aR6o-pHFJ-NqJySrx0pp4FGMJa1NexA4/s1600/DSC_0619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWg_M19pnabegN8gpXdtwQ34IOz6yDmB9mCKzK4uamZdwP9j1Bk3IfYzBJMU26-YGREyLhBkUdfuPo2-CvqZ5Jdc1wj4GVg3RI9yY7SmDodx9aR6o-pHFJ-NqJySrx0pp4FGMJa1NexA4/s640/DSC_0619.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>more time at the Infinity Pool...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV855Ih5dyOMeZfENTkauF1GRk6tiz7Nna_sV8IDcyUca5CgdlUe7nWLCbY-6v_LbnvxIck_Y6pupuBIwhed1zvsk1NDccJXleuz1TPF0d_uh-kIselnALIVpB499Q9QHwdLSSv3MujTA/s1600/DSCF6101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV855Ih5dyOMeZfENTkauF1GRk6tiz7Nna_sV8IDcyUca5CgdlUe7nWLCbY-6v_LbnvxIck_Y6pupuBIwhed1zvsk1NDccJXleuz1TPF0d_uh-kIselnALIVpB499Q9QHwdLSSv3MujTA/s640/DSCF6101.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMc7S2wzWGOEA3UA_Fnd3HC23dC3JxhKWiNfxacUoERDzhQqIhInxOGqk0q0kiBG_mi70oKf2DmAHgD7cUbjHRAOUeVYjsto9A3CC-fPZCkpBKzco5yITmIg7g0Z85kR7YqBL6dmeAnMg/s1600/DSCF6107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMc7S2wzWGOEA3UA_Fnd3HC23dC3JxhKWiNfxacUoERDzhQqIhInxOGqk0q0kiBG_mi70oKf2DmAHgD7cUbjHRAOUeVYjsto9A3CC-fPZCkpBKzco5yITmIg7g0Z85kR7YqBL6dmeAnMg/s640/DSCF6107.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHwSe_mLFSx6j6CDYtGvOjy9i2FTTNxeTXv0yjCqSpGTxEAAlUwcF6DfYC1NGrgj4mcxFNYYQ41ZJaJVv9wJFaUW71GJSS7QeKxBkDxcNPJITY9vtKA9PJ-j9FlpxMflNf0akhLXQfME/s1600/DSCF6113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHwSe_mLFSx6j6CDYtGvOjy9i2FTTNxeTXv0yjCqSpGTxEAAlUwcF6DfYC1NGrgj4mcxFNYYQ41ZJaJVv9wJFaUW71GJSS7QeKxBkDxcNPJITY9vtKA9PJ-j9FlpxMflNf0akhLXQfME/s640/DSCF6113.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4omUGqF_0qAW7rAhFxTBHzitX3WOlYY_uANVtEku8tWoaDGO5ZUZx9yfA1rsKnajrRjCxYv6Uj3eqiX-ckfvfg9vYvdi5GVTDhQfF2znZZ6sE7i6jE-QtRbRGdyJgbqO4C_84Sri-TU/s1600/DSCF6134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4omUGqF_0qAW7rAhFxTBHzitX3WOlYY_uANVtEku8tWoaDGO5ZUZx9yfA1rsKnajrRjCxYv6Uj3eqiX-ckfvfg9vYvdi5GVTDhQfF2znZZ6sE7i6jE-QtRbRGdyJgbqO4C_84Sri-TU/s640/DSCF6134.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>complimentary shuttle to Amalfi where a 2 hour boat ride awaits you (also complimentary)...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5XvTJqVBD4haLSRPnSz_rtK1ofcPWzAQzxxirBj2y4Kh2lFqhVeyNjybgSO9AYof7K_W6gyjZFicAtXNjx1ZDA7OYJyhk4opq0MZ19uxnVqJH0XWmY74_yD_VVET0_ls8OFLsbiEwgI/s1600/DSCF6112.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5XvTJqVBD4haLSRPnSz_rtK1ofcPWzAQzxxirBj2y4Kh2lFqhVeyNjybgSO9AYof7K_W6gyjZFicAtXNjx1ZDA7OYJyhk4opq0MZ19uxnVqJH0XWmY74_yD_VVET0_ls8OFLsbiEwgI/s640/DSCF6112.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>walking the gardens...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZgWUVAONcDefU7BtAS_b0tbcE-XJIsI0H40qDHddGbn01iWCCwcBMqchvLJS__PntTEB50z5InDWou-nqJ_iQ8yoezEZ27qSs5ruJXsMsNxYXC349JBwFK2X2-sFZkQTJu7r_AmqjZ0/s1600/DSC_0798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZgWUVAONcDefU7BtAS_b0tbcE-XJIsI0H40qDHddGbn01iWCCwcBMqchvLJS__PntTEB50z5InDWou-nqJ_iQ8yoezEZ27qSs5ruJXsMsNxYXC349JBwFK2X2-sFZkQTJu7r_AmqjZ0/s640/DSC_0798.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>As you are probably gathering, this is one of the most stunning places I have <u>ever</u> seen in my travels! I would <u><i>highly</i></u> recommend a trip to Ravello. Although I can't imagine a trip to the Amalfi Coast could ever be classified as a bargain in general, I do believe you'll be able to find some lower cost options vs Hotel Caruso if so desired. Rest assured, the entire town of Ravello is just lovely.<br />
<br />
<i>Final note from me...</i><br />
As if all of this beauty wasn't enough, Dave went and topped off our time in Ravello with the world's most precious gift -- an engagement ring! As I am now in the midst of wedding planning, it was really fantastic to revisit this spot where we got engaged. I can't get over how lucky we are to have experienced this moment at Hotel Caruso :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgbWiPm7TBJW7bP2zl3cN_ZBJVLUP4anO9Tpwek-BIut1DV5YiFwZyCaOstujQnbWmmq5jO7UA6nkQ92sEM3FQE4v002kJTxD7SBFgeb4YJtPK2hTfoNZenLZCeSS4cmfGMq4ldGVTng/s1600/DSC_0952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgbWiPm7TBJW7bP2zl3cN_ZBJVLUP4anO9Tpwek-BIut1DV5YiFwZyCaOstujQnbWmmq5jO7UA6nkQ92sEM3FQE4v002kJTxD7SBFgeb4YJtPK2hTfoNZenLZCeSS4cmfGMq4ldGVTng/s640/DSC_0952.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782677370134418290noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483754055444843282.post-52135137030710433512012-01-12T07:00:00.002-05:002012-01-12T07:00:08.180-05:00Scenes from LondonYou've probably had more than enough London reading from my <a href="http://notallwhowanderarelost77.blogspot.com/2012/01/london.html" target="_blank">Visitor's Guide</a> post, so I thought I would dedicate this one to some, hopefully, easy-on-the-eyes photos I took on my most recent trip. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
Trafalgar Square ... by day:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Q5jTSxhszCRTVHjhiNrSExWRu67vybXpNN3w4HmXfGLeK1unvV42Vot27Nf6qDWlCMBz15pQrKMESRoJA-SRHrTev0tpQEhgfY424QlceuR_4U4xJCpuuePH4aM8co3nnII-EVDBqrY/s1600/DSC_0274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Q5jTSxhszCRTVHjhiNrSExWRu67vybXpNN3w4HmXfGLeK1unvV42Vot27Nf6qDWlCMBz15pQrKMESRoJA-SRHrTev0tpQEhgfY424QlceuR_4U4xJCpuuePH4aM8co3nnII-EVDBqrY/s400/DSC_0274.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBRxjpb-zqTQtFJB_QjCs_ykmEuPJHSdDe2VdqJSZNcwg7c44z2QWhEvF3mQiE28eViax_K323jNHMvfJnsBbsQZXihELk8AySwaOZ4LX9VJhPv2tFWISZbo_sXNYSrcrPbcPqBTrVoM/s1600/DSC_0270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBRxjpb-zqTQtFJB_QjCs_ykmEuPJHSdDe2VdqJSZNcwg7c44z2QWhEvF3mQiE28eViax_K323jNHMvfJnsBbsQZXihELk8AySwaOZ4LX9VJhPv2tFWISZbo_sXNYSrcrPbcPqBTrVoM/s400/DSC_0270.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Trafalgar Square ... by night<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfEkq2Ir8H_yg2F_gbMVHb1atjDZId_8aygUzc6oVoLibEUri9hnAoe0ENUCfhV1w-H-euLYJjJzH5QPjz8_O5x3rYVx2FWmtFlHLR1gnBpiaZ9ZZphGskMfv5j_M3lu2zuBEODk4130/s1600/DSC_0200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfEkq2Ir8H_yg2F_gbMVHb1atjDZId_8aygUzc6oVoLibEUri9hnAoe0ENUCfhV1w-H-euLYJjJzH5QPjz8_O5x3rYVx2FWmtFlHLR1gnBpiaZ9ZZphGskMfv5j_M3lu2zuBEODk4130/s400/DSC_0200.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTAoYM7Is7Y0xcEg5WYrGn9O6qVWX6CUGXdBSF4X3n3M3Lb_-zJzIgOX4WQcmWMCOowBTewu58F2soe7WDOZj_Iz27cQrgqL5OFdtTckqnGDQZBqoFp2usWiN_EHRwRpSuTXPttwK-lM/s1600/DSC_0197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTAoYM7Is7Y0xcEg5WYrGn9O6qVWX6CUGXdBSF4X3n3M3Lb_-zJzIgOX4WQcmWMCOowBTewu58F2soe7WDOZj_Iz27cQrgqL5OFdtTckqnGDQZBqoFp2usWiN_EHRwRpSuTXPttwK-lM/s400/DSC_0197.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVbQp0Z8OacP4VvpWYQuVE2pobWYzO8Xq7WvpLd0nW5l6K6DOpzr7_5-6l1dP18iaQXyQFgkGuvYyPp5puF01UhoS8x0YrME4vM-ZeLaD8uX8sUNOQ6N4LPrVN9TklfeW7ZlcCF_6fR8/s1600/DSC_0201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVbQp0Z8OacP4VvpWYQuVE2pobWYzO8Xq7WvpLd0nW5l6K6DOpzr7_5-6l1dP18iaQXyQFgkGuvYyPp5puF01UhoS8x0YrME4vM-ZeLaD8uX8sUNOQ6N4LPrVN9TklfeW7ZlcCF_6fR8/s400/DSC_0201.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Covent Garden:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZqBkC5jrjqnd3Ld5X_YRFOhqdwZd_BwJRP3KjA4sAP-fbr1fMK8dZAo8zPTmhZbeZJ9hiCIxt81-4E8fdFFeWoVkE1PDmAM4Uprn9q9PBIncvSwzZI4wWe0Kj7VJxvInnb0yj4xAbLU/s1600/DSC_0244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZqBkC5jrjqnd3Ld5X_YRFOhqdwZd_BwJRP3KjA4sAP-fbr1fMK8dZAo8zPTmhZbeZJ9hiCIxt81-4E8fdFFeWoVkE1PDmAM4Uprn9q9PBIncvSwzZI4wWe0Kj7VJxvInnb0yj4xAbLU/s400/DSC_0244.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eQ7ZSm1HXr7BncJHHZqlmhYNz71fO0hjU-ei_siwyzEPtZnRI2Gz9oNQN2lULFtsOkKg32F2snp4i0JrXZHOa4XtZKK4wCM661fl9klBANNVDpEgXS_dn47b3OZjc-70MLoNzQKc65M/s1600/DSC_0229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eQ7ZSm1HXr7BncJHHZqlmhYNz71fO0hjU-ei_siwyzEPtZnRI2Gz9oNQN2lULFtsOkKg32F2snp4i0JrXZHOa4XtZKK4wCM661fl9klBANNVDpEgXS_dn47b3OZjc-70MLoNzQKc65M/s400/DSC_0229.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGOn533WBvzzZdc1mwRunUHD-H9v34TkwLiK8jx4KnK-MysFxn6NS11sy8nQ0KyE_6chJ_ngcnmSTPdfYdeEilol6s8VSbgd9W6iccHkxWN4Mo5EbNQQiqElK-tlKsnzTGGJ1__0fnig/s1600/DSC_0238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGOn533WBvzzZdc1mwRunUHD-H9v34TkwLiK8jx4KnK-MysFxn6NS11sy8nQ0KyE_6chJ_ngcnmSTPdfYdeEilol6s8VSbgd9W6iccHkxWN4Mo5EbNQQiqElK-tlKsnzTGGJ1__0fnig/s400/DSC_0238.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDq00kIfDOZAEW2mOLWTmU9ifOsMkyDz1HY_qQtajvasfMzH-U23mIRAWNj4n9QgXI0X-OhJugYUgvxelXXvCLKfHCB63hFekdcWrwthpM7gMKQ9xUrb6CVUWXps7aftnc3qc02zq05M4/s1600/DSC_0252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDq00kIfDOZAEW2mOLWTmU9ifOsMkyDz1HY_qQtajvasfMzH-U23mIRAWNj4n9QgXI0X-OhJugYUgvxelXXvCLKfHCB63hFekdcWrwthpM7gMKQ9xUrb6CVUWXps7aftnc3qc02zq05M4/s400/DSC_0252.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Houses of Parliament / Big Ben:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKiV_H9lRvNwHBzs4OeRiWaVSzEzLCohB8PgKrSSUnlc5LYNFtaJlRT_92mjzhFsaO5WuYLv4D-jDNNwDpX9xx3Q0dpQ60TZY3w28z9QTMsPpDRZsi7H9bUSyrm6AzIJHePRPv3_Rbik/s1600/DSC_0284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKiV_H9lRvNwHBzs4OeRiWaVSzEzLCohB8PgKrSSUnlc5LYNFtaJlRT_92mjzhFsaO5WuYLv4D-jDNNwDpX9xx3Q0dpQ60TZY3w28z9QTMsPpDRZsi7H9bUSyrm6AzIJHePRPv3_Rbik/s400/DSC_0284.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYNgGu7xlIBLZajHrLuhXSYIh7aZg-NYybB-vZIuSQgu3RaXksGluzcrHKxHv83j8N06ShHngKc2TDTlVGe5Nbxgvjv10jG_-JzpoTYmF_YWVysXtwPjz7v7pPL5CP-tKwGfiFk3JXFY/s1600/DSC_0276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYNgGu7xlIBLZajHrLuhXSYIh7aZg-NYybB-vZIuSQgu3RaXksGluzcrHKxHv83j8N06ShHngKc2TDTlVGe5Nbxgvjv10jG_-JzpoTYmF_YWVysXtwPjz7v7pPL5CP-tKwGfiFk3JXFY/s400/DSC_0276.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviT8B9P_QImrXkr1q6bMZSz2_6FZ1lM-69N-hlNDyaXptH1QJqG9fbuUP8ks1Z6OBOiiNQbWKzIBQefGJayHqgjkTm1Q-jOrCrk5kLFKCRyJQ5mhVWDhWpR1yU9cOJnPrjUS2Wb4ESYI/s1600/DSC_0289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviT8B9P_QImrXkr1q6bMZSz2_6FZ1lM-69N-hlNDyaXptH1QJqG9fbuUP8ks1Z6OBOiiNQbWKzIBQefGJayHqgjkTm1Q-jOrCrk5kLFKCRyJQ5mhVWDhWpR1yU9cOJnPrjUS2Wb4ESYI/s400/DSC_0289.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2aXfoy4VNnOaXjfNSZhKIXZ6e0jG8ZgywEkHP8zVYE_TcEKi_X9MpJKx1rziOE9SnjFucdJt5Tj3rp-Lev8iZMNZYIbaxEMsNDn6wyRwujUqBe5M8yzR0sBsARZq9Ru9rrCn6pFIgBO8/s1600/DSC_0390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2aXfoy4VNnOaXjfNSZhKIXZ6e0jG8ZgywEkHP8zVYE_TcEKi_X9MpJKx1rziOE9SnjFucdJt5Tj3rp-Lev8iZMNZYIbaxEMsNDn6wyRwujUqBe5M8yzR0sBsARZq9Ru9rrCn6pFIgBO8/s400/DSC_0390.jpg" width="293" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zqxNPBKOuYvQL0QySQBbFHtkMEClT5L1YDQAClo9Boy2ydxjBXdsll0douvzmn_QPPCpKjXm9jqVou24PLkd1feXhN93f6J57gLIDSCnYrfMt5DMeuJ7pvPO15e83S3FZt0JJKnLaTQ/s1600/DSC_0349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zqxNPBKOuYvQL0QySQBbFHtkMEClT5L1YDQAClo9Boy2ydxjBXdsll0douvzmn_QPPCpKjXm9jqVou24PLkd1feXhN93f6J57gLIDSCnYrfMt5DMeuJ7pvPO15e83S3FZt0JJKnLaTQ/s400/DSC_0349.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">London Eye:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-UCX8sLFopoIMsbqVqH9WJY491Y3BQXRmr5pE_4sWZBavMOlZfVDocmaXrlycKaWcGwC2IV5p6RzGXo58gXTYQUe97lJCG6xVBnv3fA6IvXNM8XiAbkEAHBFdp7ZdB0ruzlFDa3HruM/s1600/DSC_0291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-UCX8sLFopoIMsbqVqH9WJY491Y3BQXRmr5pE_4sWZBavMOlZfVDocmaXrlycKaWcGwC2IV5p6RzGXo58gXTYQUe97lJCG6xVBnv3fA6IvXNM8XiAbkEAHBFdp7ZdB0ruzlFDa3HruM/s400/DSC_0291.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJbRFRoUsiCO2MqzJhdyg_yrkyWu18mMxhHc56IMiiz0zFRQGGvjbC_THoJdaSNyzbsDXV03c_opOV5jnrCTyU7wrjOGlzJeYoqxJmEfw45sVK4ej3ovQx5fxPahNGywGHcKfCscwdk8/s1600/DSC_0343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJbRFRoUsiCO2MqzJhdyg_yrkyWu18mMxhHc56IMiiz0zFRQGGvjbC_THoJdaSNyzbsDXV03c_opOV5jnrCTyU7wrjOGlzJeYoqxJmEfw45sVK4ej3ovQx5fxPahNGywGHcKfCscwdk8/s400/DSC_0343.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEbcxAJfwwPCutXtde0jRayiyLsKtA18gpmAc_baxKiEZxPzH1eO32FgTzHzvxvDgtspIlJIHRx55IC5rC5t4zgdBZvlIjmTsxNaSanjI2yIXZU01PPbse52m2n6KxmAgtU7M6Fbbpqc/s1600/DSC_0353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEbcxAJfwwPCutXtde0jRayiyLsKtA18gpmAc_baxKiEZxPzH1eO32FgTzHzvxvDgtspIlJIHRx55IC5rC5t4zgdBZvlIjmTsxNaSanjI2yIXZU01PPbse52m2n6KxmAgtU7M6Fbbpqc/s400/DSC_0353.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Views from the London Eye:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglh1pDXnIuNAbm_8bD8D2Jo4kqqyGi20GTtZuwqjun8rUxr0Y4F79Odo3VQMJge4z7oB1Yi1tvcHfAj5zAcJgKOn9GmrsKmUqTL-_XZ-ZreY9XHyRkeR9W7N6itataQ6vl8OS3yEwl5lE/s1600/DSC_0293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglh1pDXnIuNAbm_8bD8D2Jo4kqqyGi20GTtZuwqjun8rUxr0Y4F79Odo3VQMJge4z7oB1Yi1tvcHfAj5zAcJgKOn9GmrsKmUqTL-_XZ-ZreY9XHyRkeR9W7N6itataQ6vl8OS3yEwl5lE/s400/DSC_0293.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxMU1K9k3F982hyUL3lsEVoxHa4rcSeTZuyEXxTMA7OXpgb2GZMxk5eZ-G6ndCcMOBNCmPblsmNdobIhdAbeKekKOFugXNJEl6NVqiDpJYUB0gyF2g4B9I-2eX1TVx6cji2AqNY_vDhc/s1600/DSC_0309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxMU1K9k3F982hyUL3lsEVoxHa4rcSeTZuyEXxTMA7OXpgb2GZMxk5eZ-G6ndCcMOBNCmPblsmNdobIhdAbeKekKOFugXNJEl6NVqiDpJYUB0gyF2g4B9I-2eX1TVx6cji2AqNY_vDhc/s400/DSC_0309.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_YJL9Gi5UwO2a07BS1utauS2Hd_lsdTJqlJos2HUjIHq3ZxIRHFdpL2fRmx1h_JjrkSMBz9gwIfV-9-kcsP44n30wRnGwvmxBdSZOxnKiwml9bkdlFTBpWatf5Vnm82My3fibgnYtwU/s1600/DSC_0315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_YJL9Gi5UwO2a07BS1utauS2Hd_lsdTJqlJos2HUjIHq3ZxIRHFdpL2fRmx1h_JjrkSMBz9gwIfV-9-kcsP44n30wRnGwvmxBdSZOxnKiwml9bkdlFTBpWatf5Vnm82My3fibgnYtwU/s400/DSC_0315.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKpnBglpuuxW4C2BrkyIJLSHrIOMwEbK3DNUaLET7Y2K_Nvabq_WTEBraUi3lFfxOFFi3IXNpEtjtwSeQxiq_vIfDoVeG0ULLPUTJOdKYopLN4_0JwT8WBDaRBdEKk316VyGMiRH4ylo/s1600/DSC_0318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKpnBglpuuxW4C2BrkyIJLSHrIOMwEbK3DNUaLET7Y2K_Nvabq_WTEBraUi3lFfxOFFi3IXNpEtjtwSeQxiq_vIfDoVeG0ULLPUTJOdKYopLN4_0JwT8WBDaRBdEKk316VyGMiRH4ylo/s400/DSC_0318.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbN9bEwN2LobwmqsWfSqvCairRhcd8pwQYHAO9tAe_k_mL7ggZoZ65LhbAFTWIjPNjKOvr8EOOdnvSrw4x_jCPF2lv1_F7JTgYe4FLsJk6cKjbrVRFp7T7V0DItOtE2BEluLK4V81g7w/s1600/DSC_0326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbN9bEwN2LobwmqsWfSqvCairRhcd8pwQYHAO9tAe_k_mL7ggZoZ65LhbAFTWIjPNjKOvr8EOOdnvSrw4x_jCPF2lv1_F7JTgYe4FLsJk6cKjbrVRFp7T7V0DItOtE2BEluLK4V81g7w/s400/DSC_0326.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-b1Idy6V9PsUnxqhW_k9DUWbmMhcWUaQK7_RTQBN97D4lW0ubdzn8Q4JIR68Yyx0diqTvu6JD5kT3KG_TbRhv7mCvHNti-O1uP2NmXSv8iZ1XVObZi7ppJtcK8jJOtmAKytUVbYFxR6E/s1600/DSC_0338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-b1Idy6V9PsUnxqhW_k9DUWbmMhcWUaQK7_RTQBN97D4lW0ubdzn8Q4JIR68Yyx0diqTvu6JD5kT3KG_TbRhv7mCvHNti-O1uP2NmXSv8iZ1XVObZi7ppJtcK8jJOtmAKytUVbYFxR6E/s400/DSC_0338.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbhEy_-5WBdVXB7migv2B6pYitnjug93CXYA_aTpx-voCLqB0NHh1xK7ZrKfMVxpX16Lk3jB5NyGqJnes8FYKcAmHTOLDkzaDu0xm_xt9NP1QadoSKpm1Uiz7xGznJapGC-A0plY63f4/s1600/DSC_0340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbhEy_-5WBdVXB7migv2B6pYitnjug93CXYA_aTpx-voCLqB0NHh1xK7ZrKfMVxpX16Lk3jB5NyGqJnes8FYKcAmHTOLDkzaDu0xm_xt9NP1QadoSKpm1Uiz7xGznJapGC-A0plY63f4/s400/DSC_0340.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Buckingham Palace:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfzd59449f8U0UH1_spd-CWAKUgAXjl_kssizSHD1e2Ji89KfnbEgAK0grXW0v0YoWTdloZEa9PZ07kQfYOcFSB6OvyLRTiI9sOrQYDDJ87OireIZ1me9yQ3Kl8F6Fie_dAmjAXI-G9g/s1600/DSC_0354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfzd59449f8U0UH1_spd-CWAKUgAXjl_kssizSHD1e2Ji89KfnbEgAK0grXW0v0YoWTdloZEa9PZ07kQfYOcFSB6OvyLRTiI9sOrQYDDJ87OireIZ1me9yQ3Kl8F6Fie_dAmjAXI-G9g/s400/DSC_0354.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJHvCr-HTifB8Zkzb1uaAc4YmIcHynOCAHN6tL40NzA_sRY9w2IW8iwMTKxmnAH-xhsYYq2odZ1h4FgpVWB6cmPws5HMiJXJPtEdhGgCgYOo5XYwBuEET_9_MnYlyi3Bqu-Hij7FxyWo/s1600/DSC_0362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJHvCr-HTifB8Zkzb1uaAc4YmIcHynOCAHN6tL40NzA_sRY9w2IW8iwMTKxmnAH-xhsYYq2odZ1h4FgpVWB6cmPws5HMiJXJPtEdhGgCgYOo5XYwBuEET_9_MnYlyi3Bqu-Hij7FxyWo/s400/DSC_0362.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tz62UPdVIfvv2Hix3n1bPLrWoqGwmXtoVgIQrtZjGudNmtUSfF99c-3zgAuikyQ1JYx9uee_7gcvU3Ejk0a3AX0_2IQ_Wp3ZdIPWBFsb6cg7MYVrb4gV70IzcDOos8P8V5o0xIYuDJM/s1600/DSC_0366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tz62UPdVIfvv2Hix3n1bPLrWoqGwmXtoVgIQrtZjGudNmtUSfF99c-3zgAuikyQ1JYx9uee_7gcvU3Ejk0a3AX0_2IQ_Wp3ZdIPWBFsb6cg7MYVrb4gV70IzcDOos8P8V5o0xIYuDJM/s400/DSC_0366.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2nt4jqHQwG72BpeShdrne6iTKJWttFYPmsAmg3L5kwjIMK5htvah2q1DmIUb6C8WJK2cpnSekVr_bstk84EpSBB7L_KRjSUgOw0L0ptZkbzhMiWDanSy3d1ls741Be5fgrqzCZkvmtQ/s1600/DSC_0367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2nt4jqHQwG72BpeShdrne6iTKJWttFYPmsAmg3L5kwjIMK5htvah2q1DmIUb6C8WJK2cpnSekVr_bstk84EpSBB7L_KRjSUgOw0L0ptZkbzhMiWDanSy3d1ls741Be5fgrqzCZkvmtQ/s400/DSC_0367.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tower Bridge:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1a-O5aQ2sCVJ2yp9kmYslg94PV2ZqQgiGXIo-MA-yn7AaKYngGCeMh9gUUVuDlDHPcayXMQbIW4QmcQZgMvOPk1hjyhFrwp4RVZB1taCIKQZ3MzfTbnDJpD80ZgzhocdyMjywyDUpaRw/s1600/DSC_0431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1a-O5aQ2sCVJ2yp9kmYslg94PV2ZqQgiGXIo-MA-yn7AaKYngGCeMh9gUUVuDlDHPcayXMQbIW4QmcQZgMvOPk1hjyhFrwp4RVZB1taCIKQZ3MzfTbnDJpD80ZgzhocdyMjywyDUpaRw/s400/DSC_0431.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhpDMDPr-jytPNXvytzLxMHLozgjgezUsqko7mH6wzodi_9acCUh1OCryHyWLPKCmy3ZDLkOQBigoFtzZbe8L0yNsf_r7_zDsWEb-YtnpaNnoYyAoK7VyyWyqkvGiAi7fhHAwfBCklN8/s1600/DSC_0433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhpDMDPr-jytPNXvytzLxMHLozgjgezUsqko7mH6wzodi_9acCUh1OCryHyWLPKCmy3ZDLkOQBigoFtzZbe8L0yNsf_r7_zDsWEb-YtnpaNnoYyAoK7VyyWyqkvGiAi7fhHAwfBCklN8/s400/DSC_0433.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAPhsAgp3RZgdNhJtirKpl2HiQ_r0XceULLXPMO3uqw173xFewbWhD511RXilhj7ZNIGgsP2fcTQ5s4ZPO4Bf-gIZ0MgJbmeECCWU1lTk4lIccj7y6JVFMUfVHRV2QHMYwuhzHWTBTA8/s1600/DSC_0438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAPhsAgp3RZgdNhJtirKpl2HiQ_r0XceULLXPMO3uqw173xFewbWhD511RXilhj7ZNIGgsP2fcTQ5s4ZPO4Bf-gIZ0MgJbmeECCWU1lTk4lIccj7y6JVFMUfVHRV2QHMYwuhzHWTBTA8/s400/DSC_0438.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Views of St. Paul's Cathedral:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNfjQ4zWt9Ta0033Svyg5KL05fMFLSRRIJgU-TBpBX3QAl8QlLW_NvLFalq28RmeOHkI1aevxqk6tSTmEHtsuJIV2CQadjj3OUQ5b_2xyjkySYznJ7KUvS8lO49LHUFD9BNr2ilWUwmQ/s1600/DSC_0465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNfjQ4zWt9Ta0033Svyg5KL05fMFLSRRIJgU-TBpBX3QAl8QlLW_NvLFalq28RmeOHkI1aevxqk6tSTmEHtsuJIV2CQadjj3OUQ5b_2xyjkySYznJ7KUvS8lO49LHUFD9BNr2ilWUwmQ/s400/DSC_0465.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECkTS0Mkn5xv3hpTxsaQm2mNHe8gUFR4u8127B35pUjM9kkRVRU5dDHzIC_WWAhvSOtPE-1yz9ff1qqiffrqsbZuKN3VApUNzU_W6HKJINu2TgKGRYchqBrboKrrLPtJ70iWzesh4PYY/s1600/DSC_0468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECkTS0Mkn5xv3hpTxsaQm2mNHe8gUFR4u8127B35pUjM9kkRVRU5dDHzIC_WWAhvSOtPE-1yz9ff1qqiffrqsbZuKN3VApUNzU_W6HKJINu2TgKGRYchqBrboKrrLPtJ70iWzesh4PYY/s400/DSC_0468.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Next up... more on the Italy trip :)</div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782677370134418290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483754055444843282.post-33717706698411269852012-01-08T23:17:00.014-05:002012-01-09T14:02:42.664-05:00London: A Visitor's GuideWith all of the dazzling holiday lights, last month's trip to <a href="http://notallwhowanderarelost77.blogspot.com/2012/01/tis-seasonfor-trip-to-london.html" target="_blank">London</a> with my friend <a href="http://indulgeinspireimbibe.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kristen</a> was a photographer's dream. However, no matter the time of year, the EU's largest city is always worth the visit!<br />
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<b>Timeframe</b>: There really is no right or wrong timeframe for your visit to London. If you make the most of your days, a 3-day weekend can be enough to get a great feel for what the city has to offer. If you're lucky enough to spend more than a week there, I guarantee you'll happily fill each day with worthwhile visits to world landmarks, museums, theatreland, restaurants and pubs.<br />
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<b>Flight</b> <b>options</b>: Your best bet for international flights is <u>London Heathrow Airport</u>. It is one of the busiest (if not <u>the</u> busiest) airport in the world. Of course, it is a major hub for British Airways (BA), but you can find non-stop flights to Heathrow on most of the large US airlines from many major cities. For my readers in the Boston area, one can fly non-stop on BA, American, Delta and Virgin America. However, American and BA (partners) definitely have the most flight options per day. From my new home in Milwaukee, I can fly non-stop out of Chicago O'Hare on BA, American and United.<br />
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Once you've landed, getting to London is a cinch on the <i><a href="https://www.heathrowexpress.com/" target="_blank">Heathrow Express</a></i>. The trains leave every 15 minutes, and you can buy your ticket(s) ahead online for a slight discount (a "single" trip costing GBP 18 for express class and GBP 26 for first class). You won't miss the signs that guide you to the trains, just be sure to board the <i>Express</i> rather than jumping a train to another terminal. Oh, and, of course, "mind the gap".<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnBTK7O1rsNr8DTpLohoJVNnU1iqplK4wcbG1Ch4up4ZZsMGsUwtdOyUnGF-aXT8bxfVWt4ZgZIE07-0-Ad5xDxBk6-0XKzBimyJi4FvensP4xMDTH5_M5g8P6DXeFohsvvOBdQgJ3PE/s1600/1.++London.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnBTK7O1rsNr8DTpLohoJVNnU1iqplK4wcbG1Ch4up4ZZsMGsUwtdOyUnGF-aXT8bxfVWt4ZgZIE07-0-Ad5xDxBk6-0XKzBimyJi4FvensP4xMDTH5_M5g8P6DXeFohsvvOBdQgJ3PE/s400/1.++London.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQUi5dNcSlZndBrKidaIuWDtmvE7Z4q85uBu0yad41LFGErVmSM53Et91D3Ha-ft7OBXpA0jq5E-_ZQuTcmxsh7rpebBOCwV8VV2yzRGBiooAZSJv6aaWEoILRJqRuHaQ8Bom15VE3hU/s1600/6.+London.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQUi5dNcSlZndBrKidaIuWDtmvE7Z4q85uBu0yad41LFGErVmSM53Et91D3Ha-ft7OBXpA0jq5E-_ZQuTcmxsh7rpebBOCwV8VV2yzRGBiooAZSJv6aaWEoILRJqRuHaQ8Bom15VE3hU/s400/6.+London.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIBC1rEjSunbEcIoxTRjCd2TZRghet3-bTpwg0IEr-XtDbDOE6BbS_A0PbUf3NyUTg6_KiaIDDrvexe0IVtFjGfZ9r4XfOEYCeKNzLkp3xsYJadJzyqMMf6ntrVRP-zTyGBIHUo-nAus/s1600/5.+London.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIBC1rEjSunbEcIoxTRjCd2TZRghet3-bTpwg0IEr-XtDbDOE6BbS_A0PbUf3NyUTg6_KiaIDDrvexe0IVtFjGfZ9r4XfOEYCeKNzLkp3xsYJadJzyqMMf6ntrVRP-zTyGBIHUo-nAus/s400/5.+London.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once onboard, you'll find yourself at <u>Paddington Station</u> within 15 minutes. Depending on where you're staying, you might be able to walk from here. Otherwise, hop a taxi from the stand or take the <a href="http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/standard-tube-map.gif" target="_blank">Underground</a>, London's expansive subway system (the first in the world).</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHA3uSp5D7fvaqTaxgM2fPxj6gW8AJ2fdCp4TuNmjHLTwJ3Tg5U1wrfb0H91y21PkLE2r3gL8lbr5LhykFT9spNvLuu9pqJz_LbFhfsLufNt4RGuiO_jFLRTHSbKqBQDSJn9tUSzjy0hY/s1600/7.+London.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHA3uSp5D7fvaqTaxgM2fPxj6gW8AJ2fdCp4TuNmjHLTwJ3Tg5U1wrfb0H91y21PkLE2r3gL8lbr5LhykFT9spNvLuu9pqJz_LbFhfsLufNt4RGuiO_jFLRTHSbKqBQDSJn9tUSzjy0hY/s400/7.+London.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paddington Station</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Another flight option would be <u>Gatwick Airport</u>, the second busiest airport in the UK. It is served directly from certain US cities, such as Charlotte (USAirways), Atlanta (Delta) and Orlando (Virgin Atlantic). For travel within Europe and Northern Africa, you might have the best luck with Gatwick as it is known to have the best point-to-point routes. From Gatwick, you can take the <i><a href="http://www.gatwickexpress.com/" target="_blank">Gatwick Express</a></i> (among a few others) to get yourself to <u>Victoria Station</u> and <u>London Bridge Station</u> in Central London. Similar to the <i>Heathrow Express</i>, the <i>Gatwick Express</i> leaves every 15 minutes, although this ride will take about 30 minutes to Central London. Buying online will save you 20%; a "single" ticket is GBP 16.85.<br />
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If you're traveling a discount carrier (such as Ryanair) within Europe, you might be traveling to <u>London Stansted Airport</u>. From here, you can take the 45 min - 1 hr ride on the <i><a href="https://www.stanstedexpress.com/index.asp?SID=%7BDD12097E-9805-4C42-B98B-348250AC5165%7D" target="_blank">Stansted Express</a></i>, which leaves every 15 minutes, to <u>Liverpool Street Station</u>. This station is located more in the northeast portion of the city.<br />
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<b>Hotel options</b>: The first thing you should do when trying to decide where you want to stay is this: lose the belief that you'll be able to find a "deal" other than in the middle of winter. London is notorious for being an expensive city, so you better learn to deal with it sooner than later.<br />
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Within recent years, I've stayed in 3 different hotels in various parts of Central London. My favorite experience was at the <a href="http://www.guoman.com/en/hotels/united_kingdom/london/charing_cross/index.html" target="_blank">Charing Cross Hotel</a> this past December. Part of the Guoman Hotel family, this hotel holds the title as favorite mostly as a result of its ideal location, practically adjacent to Trafalgar Square. Also within a quick 5-10 minute radius is the West End (Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, theatreland, shopping district), Covent Garden and The London Eye.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhSUA1vDRa0be5LrA1XJKwCL2Vq8FB856FfA_ZlC5NuetgRucwdVzjSEc2TYj_3UgoNtUwiTU3iIYNx9H3kYwAs6y2PubYDH1VA_oyEbjT8RiPtLmuy2t3n9ns07CYJWScsGJF531Ex0/s1600/Charing+Cross+Hotel+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhSUA1vDRa0be5LrA1XJKwCL2Vq8FB856FfA_ZlC5NuetgRucwdVzjSEc2TYj_3UgoNtUwiTU3iIYNx9H3kYwAs6y2PubYDH1VA_oyEbjT8RiPtLmuy2t3n9ns07CYJWScsGJF531Ex0/s400/Charing+Cross+Hotel+%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charing Cross (photo courtesy of <a href="http://indulgeinspireimbibe.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kristen</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It was also refined and elegant, yet managing to avoid the extreme price tag usually associated with a swanky hotel in London. I particularly liked the touches of flameless red candles that lined the hallways and grand staircase.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiholHmdo_HF7FVAsOSNy9RnjolTkHS1wk1tdk6-7dF7YL4kqrRNG9Y3pe-1-uWUnJR7LZ9_YAcoS7AV29fLjhqhZFBfQSkNfXodVfz58HFQogGmicRLuNskqzxibUnQHz4KZOz_NSh5s4/s1600/DSC_0448.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiholHmdo_HF7FVAsOSNy9RnjolTkHS1wk1tdk6-7dF7YL4kqrRNG9Y3pe-1-uWUnJR7LZ9_YAcoS7AV29fLjhqhZFBfQSkNfXodVfz58HFQogGmicRLuNskqzxibUnQHz4KZOz_NSh5s4/s400/DSC_0448.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfghQs8yxBsMWU40VQSoUroR7DrSxVQaLtFtEI9zhjlC41y-ne0KnO8-TZiZXxGbBvaRV2Gyy-R4ZPjqRCNZ2hoT5jLogsea6yxVOKiyZHm72NVZBt34u49SeJiDlldjk39JwgKFOTuQ8/s1600/DSC_0450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfghQs8yxBsMWU40VQSoUroR7DrSxVQaLtFtEI9zhjlC41y-ne0KnO8-TZiZXxGbBvaRV2Gyy-R4ZPjqRCNZ2hoT5jLogsea6yxVOKiyZHm72NVZBt34u49SeJiDlldjk39JwgKFOTuQ8/s400/DSC_0450.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0st5woXLCuemQXXqIU2lRJDI94MwiDjInM60lE8c-5edqU1w4GDa9wThwOECqQ30_h0tCSekBI_FpimqT7uXrhsu0wzZq7lh0ElP-kd3oFTFBNwmHfZqQaGkkRHDdiOvN_Ei0dkd23NI/s1600/Charing+Cross+Hotel+%252822%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0st5woXLCuemQXXqIU2lRJDI94MwiDjInM60lE8c-5edqU1w4GDa9wThwOECqQ30_h0tCSekBI_FpimqT7uXrhsu0wzZq7lh0ElP-kd3oFTFBNwmHfZqQaGkkRHDdiOvN_Ei0dkd23NI/s400/Charing+Cross+Hotel+%252822%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of <a href="http://indulgeinspireimbibe.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kristen</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Another good experience was had in 2008 at the <a href="https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lonma-london-marriott-hotel-marble-arch/" target="_blank">London Marriott Hotel Marble Arch</a>. It is situated northwest from Charing Cross Hotel, on the opposite end of the West End. It might be a nice option for those of you out there that like the idea of being so close to a park, in this case Hyde Park (with Buckingham Palace nearby as well). It is also close to the west end of Oxford Street, which, along with neighboring Regent Street, is <u>the</u> place to shop in the city. Any Marriott is reliable option in my opinion, always boasting extremely comfortable beds.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7BBWUdpdf_dC3LqFTV2MGkhGXs2X6ZmFbYusAdMpEeHKnIbRDEbLJ3p6TpLFyp1J5xPyluTvhG6c8MTPZuNdkauRAW7XpJpmlDut7zHbSPPYlBXJFLmJmJ0zdONFHU3AaFiqUfUCosw/s1600/14.+London.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7BBWUdpdf_dC3LqFTV2MGkhGXs2X6ZmFbYusAdMpEeHKnIbRDEbLJ3p6TpLFyp1J5xPyluTvhG6c8MTPZuNdkauRAW7XpJpmlDut7zHbSPPYlBXJFLmJmJ0zdONFHU3AaFiqUfUCosw/s400/14.+London.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">London Marriott Hotel Marble Arch</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmjWciAEG726Co4hYJe6TdjLl3H8OQH6_7NdgvoaPn8f0vO7e5K-Dz5YGRHbCoCD3LeNMkePac6SJbTucVrPfmLKUdupXuSUK1cDfyeOcEqWvySrtYUlM8BxxIiJP_-hJVrr42YIN0Ag/s1600/44.+London.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmjWciAEG726Co4hYJe6TdjLl3H8OQH6_7NdgvoaPn8f0vO7e5K-Dz5YGRHbCoCD3LeNMkePac6SJbTucVrPfmLKUdupXuSUK1cDfyeOcEqWvySrtYUlM8BxxIiJP_-hJVrr42YIN0Ag/s400/44.+London.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nbLre-Nh6En50T_yaQTzbyqQRd9JgVHWsYEOhuOV1C1X0gZb80nxL_DufAPWylrbdcW42WA22RczzPmcEcoL_-_wT9WeGovdwarKJ9npwStxN6L-z3P1fgdDlhSKXUQGWNcc30yJEN0/s1600/DSC_0227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nbLre-Nh6En50T_yaQTzbyqQRd9JgVHWsYEOhuOV1C1X0gZb80nxL_DufAPWylrbdcW42WA22RczzPmcEcoL_-_wT9WeGovdwarKJ9npwStxN6L-z3P1fgdDlhSKXUQGWNcc30yJEN0/s400/DSC_0227.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marble Arch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In 2009, we opted to be on the south side of the River Thames, calling <a href="http://www.londonbridgehotel.com/?gclid=CKTO8Me7wa0CFQcKKgodyyioBA" target="_blank">London Bridge Hotel</a> our home during our business trip. I enjoyed being on this side of the river, taking walks past Tower Bridge, the Tate Modern art museum and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. The hotel was very nice, with a great fitness center as well; however, it might not be ideal spot to be situated if on a personal vacation. It's a little far from the fun in the West End.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvkurs9kb1HWEAN2wfwOdlQNc6K413CJ-9D9ylsHCsR5bUXUOa95P3NmvMl8eavksZrZ5OH4o4ydSF8IDd9KobJk2NRlvxBsBnkXB3xsXZvKNzOlXKOBEEZCHpL9XYLtugUwUXU8kz7w/s1600/May+Madness+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvkurs9kb1HWEAN2wfwOdlQNc6K413CJ-9D9ylsHCsR5bUXUOa95P3NmvMl8eavksZrZ5OH4o4ydSF8IDd9KobJk2NRlvxBsBnkXB3xsXZvKNzOlXKOBEEZCHpL9XYLtugUwUXU8kz7w/s400/May+Madness+009.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">London Bridge Hotel</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Restaurants</b>: While I'm not a complete foodie, nothing beats a great meal. After hearing for years how amazing the Indian food is in London, I finally experienced it on this last trip! Kristen and I dined at <u>Masala Zone</u> in Covent Garden and we were not disappointed. For a full review of the restaurant, see Kristen's <a href="http://indulgeinspireimbibe.blogspot.com/2011/12/lunching-in-london-masala-zone.html" target="_blank">post</a> on the meal. If you're interested in Indian while you're there, I wouldn't hesitate to steer you to a Masala Zone. Alternatively, you could always do what we did and ask for an Indian food recommendation from your concierge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonI2qjh6DThUpXoICkVPwvXTa-fd5CAsgf6Q4lyGxsbU5wbY3iYQspyxg_MaitFJQvwLupfNPMFWq_nf5TCYMNcsXlU4eX85PEcd-FXxgT1xtUgr0OUl6jOI8DVcu8ssPc23l7Wuv1vY/s1600/Masala+Zone+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonI2qjh6DThUpXoICkVPwvXTa-fd5CAsgf6Q4lyGxsbU5wbY3iYQspyxg_MaitFJQvwLupfNPMFWq_nf5TCYMNcsXlU4eX85PEcd-FXxgT1xtUgr0OUl6jOI8DVcu8ssPc23l7Wuv1vY/s400/Masala+Zone+%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture of me courtesy of <a href="http://indulgeinspireimbibe.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kristen</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>On this last trip, we also had a good meal at the <u>St John Hotel</u> in Leicester Square. Kristen had read about the restaurant and its "nose to tail" concept before we arrived on UK soil and so it was that we ended up there on a Saturday evening. For our mains, we split a Brill dish and a Short Rib, both of which were quite well received. The wine and cocktails, although expensive, were also top notch. See Kristen's <a href="http://indulgeinspireimbibe.blogspot.com/2011/12/supper-st-john-hotel.html" target="_blank">post</a> for a full review.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyRCz4xMUNXP5ewIURIldSS2qqwDZs9g-QtZZ7sYXYDJt7NBg2z4Uu40U7Pi4utBZ5OsTE1v74tsrn5czxj3pBUvB-S_Go6qLOZa3bpNgBtd0CnOeIGheqvqMsEBxYNAY1yS_Q6JOUdQ/s1600/DSC_0395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyRCz4xMUNXP5ewIURIldSS2qqwDZs9g-QtZZ7sYXYDJt7NBg2z4Uu40U7Pi4utBZ5OsTE1v74tsrn5czxj3pBUvB-S_Go6qLOZa3bpNgBtd0CnOeIGheqvqMsEBxYNAY1yS_Q6JOUdQ/s400/DSC_0395.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My "French Pearl" cocktail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Both in 2009 and on this past trip, I ended up at the <u>Oxo Tower Restaurant</u> for dinner. A colleague of mine had suggested we dine here for modern British cuisine, and we were all stunned to arrive to the 8th floor dining room with its staggering views of the River Thames & the skyline along the northern bank.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJkXbAfZPRY3pUn6z7NbEhAPauRfCGcbdkZbCuqPGzc8TJX8Ku_oyAR29J1CXw2_wc130TVnr0KCfCF0Dtxu1ajgcGJ_N5LRmb4aXT8O_eQu1Ub23zUs_eJU2X0c0JZHl87H4pYBr3NE/s1600/May+Madness+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJkXbAfZPRY3pUn6z7NbEhAPauRfCGcbdkZbCuqPGzc8TJX8Ku_oyAR29J1CXw2_wc130TVnr0KCfCF0Dtxu1ajgcGJ_N5LRmb4aXT8O_eQu1Ub23zUs_eJU2X0c0JZHl87H4pYBr3NE/s400/May+Madness+012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oxo Tower, 2009</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The views are only a nice complement to the food and drink, seeing as though the meal could definitely stand on its own. My monkfish in 2009 was to die for and my wild duck last month was to kill for. Kristen reviews the experience in full in her <a href="http://indulgeinspireimbibe.blogspot.com/2011/12/oxo-tower-restaurant.html" target="_blank">post</a>, commenting further on the cool vibe of the restaurant with its blue and red hues, the service, the prices and, of course, her sea bass main.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtA9KLJ-liRzCQ_wK4pJHJBdqCsuBo-f_G_m_cQwcHGHc0edyzshnoX5Ka1Py3QcE33Nb5e99yFe74KyU17DEuUWduvS1RZiELsuJVVWuPVNnMVKclz4O2Up4jMlGgN-IGC1KrdavvlQ/s1600/DSC_0456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtA9KLJ-liRzCQ_wK4pJHJBdqCsuBo-f_G_m_cQwcHGHc0edyzshnoX5Ka1Py3QcE33Nb5e99yFe74KyU17DEuUWduvS1RZiELsuJVVWuPVNnMVKclz4O2Up4jMlGgN-IGC1KrdavvlQ/s400/DSC_0456.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOeIMZTH0Q-q7NLQ9v6T1pt5ZIdVvJBNkfxbLLn3L7PHv_GGG5YJAjlV7331DS1tlK55QcNm5PRPmDXYTegzp-yOIHCUMTNSq833RzaBbg1af_HLSZ0-w2Wfw9qiFYM_wr8mMa3hyphenhyphento0/s1600/DSC_0472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOeIMZTH0Q-q7NLQ9v6T1pt5ZIdVvJBNkfxbLLn3L7PHv_GGG5YJAjlV7331DS1tlK55QcNm5PRPmDXYTegzp-yOIHCUMTNSq833RzaBbg1af_HLSZ0-w2Wfw9qiFYM_wr8mMa3hyphenhyphento0/s400/DSC_0472.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1G2x92a2Gw2SUuhzMtAKS3wK-jrPtwTwBBKlOuocNVUtzR7eaxIc3QdzTdYdOQmvuaiKgV8GeRp55s0zVi9pU3IpSjRG8JVCEv2ubhmg-fJSiK019dn8D7fPQGqAUveGY3IzgLn0P4Y/s1600/DSC_0468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1G2x92a2Gw2SUuhzMtAKS3wK-jrPtwTwBBKlOuocNVUtzR7eaxIc3QdzTdYdOQmvuaiKgV8GeRp55s0zVi9pU3IpSjRG8JVCEv2ubhmg-fJSiK019dn8D7fPQGqAUveGY3IzgLn0P4Y/s400/DSC_0468.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oxo Tower, 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>One should also be sure not to miss out on a British classic: fish & chips! In December, we got our fix at <u>White Hart</u>, a small pub near Liverpool Street. We coupled the dish with hot mulled wine, a first for the both of us as well! I wasn't sure what I would think of it, but I really enjoyed the pairing of sweet spices with the red wine.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxE_g_vVuPO6rhYiAaMRWnkhtZ4d4jPCojk2nfVvA9bmNSB9IiOsScjIO0C0P1R6N6lfN6DQpvdaCqomoXK1mTk5eeLUm8EqZXLAR6lRJh55wLmeTNegl7V_1P_dtr0Ak7NBMIOnoWl6o/s1600/DSC_0445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxE_g_vVuPO6rhYiAaMRWnkhtZ4d4jPCojk2nfVvA9bmNSB9IiOsScjIO0C0P1R6N6lfN6DQpvdaCqomoXK1mTk5eeLUm8EqZXLAR6lRJh55wLmeTNegl7V_1P_dtr0Ak7NBMIOnoWl6o/s400/DSC_0445.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT13NSqGkaSdQ-wiYz4O5q4xIqLZhkAR_b7aAwct9lqQqfwqezNsscIO9eqJh26Ok-YWIxcYD-2PTl8BYEVdOx-pygscB6sfK7Ep3ZL5jEEEoAmpPdApTMcCbvrM6w_iP6fZoLQJiVPds/s1600/DSC_0446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT13NSqGkaSdQ-wiYz4O5q4xIqLZhkAR_b7aAwct9lqQqfwqezNsscIO9eqJh26Ok-YWIxcYD-2PTl8BYEVdOx-pygscB6sfK7Ep3ZL5jEEEoAmpPdApTMcCbvrM6w_iP6fZoLQJiVPds/s400/DSC_0446.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3xSeRRCVLHhULqg4yQAQZjHNapP04t84CHWOz3w1fetWD5WC0sgRdcCUSho16PhYRYAwVW1P6Bid6eJyqM5PFthXMJcZwHH_oAdfuZ0Ije_glyVGu4bac4fUVal8M3VQhwZLJfgn1Gw/s1600/DSC_0444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3xSeRRCVLHhULqg4yQAQZjHNapP04t84CHWOz3w1fetWD5WC0sgRdcCUSho16PhYRYAwVW1P6Bid6eJyqM5PFthXMJcZwHH_oAdfuZ0Ije_glyVGu4bac4fUVal8M3VQhwZLJfgn1Gw/s400/DSC_0444.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><b>Nightlife</b>: While I've never partaken in the club scene in London (which they say is great if that's your thing), I've <u>loved</u> popping into its many bustling pubs. In the West End and Covent Garden areas, it seems like these pubs occupy every other establishment. That doesn't mean you'll find ample stool space for you and your friends though! It seemed like no matter what time of day we stopped into one, it was <u>always</u> packed solid, booming with the sound of laughter and clinking pint glasses.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhGlBbWYkNx-BMPctNtOtydBcCZDl5tb2HxOzgpJ0EY8tAO3XDrZnizspmuxg3N0_T49-DJ6HSy_okBhrbMA8guiLJyK43ilgv0EiSUTbjJTZ21qYRH9Sv8zVREdvgZyMGSuR2f5i8zI/s1600/DSC_0192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhGlBbWYkNx-BMPctNtOtydBcCZDl5tb2HxOzgpJ0EY8tAO3XDrZnizspmuxg3N0_T49-DJ6HSy_okBhrbMA8guiLJyK43ilgv0EiSUTbjJTZ21qYRH9Sv8zVREdvgZyMGSuR2f5i8zI/s400/DSC_0192.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7oBeDnr8sNplE7Q8fQniajQWmGXQ6iqtJZAxLMyCQe4Jt8Jz5LeshrnXFynQU43b2URgEk5tOP_pt52fiMWFZlCWMnIS5eYZ4HkjL6XsuuW2RG59-5jFBCfduHPZ2G8e_lFeWRplzvI/s1600/DSC_0228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7oBeDnr8sNplE7Q8fQniajQWmGXQ6iqtJZAxLMyCQe4Jt8Jz5LeshrnXFynQU43b2URgEk5tOP_pt52fiMWFZlCWMnIS5eYZ4HkjL6XsuuW2RG59-5jFBCfduHPZ2G8e_lFeWRplzvI/s400/DSC_0228.jpg" width="251" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6BMe6Rhj_zGdwxIQNjTEV1_xQ2h7iPyRIFVFRAVp9YGqINyKe9Uwc1oU0nhWnidTAE5qFSL46rMFQxiU2pdjHTNWf6A3ir-02VB-LT5W0RhbF6IxT7T9ddvFH5I7vQybv7sYh_VJyi4/s1600/DSC_0241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6BMe6Rhj_zGdwxIQNjTEV1_xQ2h7iPyRIFVFRAVp9YGqINyKe9Uwc1oU0nhWnidTAE5qFSL46rMFQxiU2pdjHTNWf6A3ir-02VB-LT5W0RhbF6IxT7T9ddvFH5I7vQybv7sYh_VJyi4/s400/DSC_0241.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We did swing into a couple <u>All Bar One</u> locations, one in Covent Garden and the other in Leicester Square. These were not your typical no-frills British pubs, but rather slightly more stylish wine & cocktail bars. It was here that we enjoyed our Pimm's Cup pitcher!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVFw7KuUOws_E8hlgUJv47_XPfb3QZ68ZSiVWGM4eCewLmEPd0ARFnj1dnHNDIAHZTDJnlsbqN-PFmUlh3Po88YNqO5by_WWVgm2sl2ciPj-aQ9wBcyESeHOhDmZpLAmFeMK3J2lDVhA/s1600/DSC_0474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVFw7KuUOws_E8hlgUJv47_XPfb3QZ68ZSiVWGM4eCewLmEPd0ARFnj1dnHNDIAHZTDJnlsbqN-PFmUlh3Po88YNqO5by_WWVgm2sl2ciPj-aQ9wBcyESeHOhDmZpLAmFeMK3J2lDVhA/s400/DSC_0474.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henrietta Street, Covent Garden location</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuA0s2xLA6zDD_07yX_FiIo52A6k2ba4z7jOzKmVMFyeL4zI7jNt6P_ZMPt_8jb57yTEI89a9Cf05h7Fk8Otafex6iuyZ6iI-PrL-LLWq6DuAOEqPHa6ltlqyrtMMjcNsln85pa8SdpQ/s1600/London+Pimms.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuA0s2xLA6zDD_07yX_FiIo52A6k2ba4z7jOzKmVMFyeL4zI7jNt6P_ZMPt_8jb57yTEI89a9Cf05h7Fk8Otafex6iuyZ6iI-PrL-LLWq6DuAOEqPHa6ltlqyrtMMjcNsln85pa8SdpQ/s400/London+Pimms.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pimm's Cup, Leicester Sq. location (photo courtesy of <a href="http://indulgeinspireimbibe.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kristen</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Must-sees</b>: I've already mentioned a few must-see landmarks throughout this post, but, in case you missed it, here's the rundown (I'm not going to go too into depth here because many of these need no explanation):<br />
<br />
<u>Houses of Parliament/Westminster Palace</u>: You probably all know what this gothic revival palace looks like, but overseas visitors are only allowed to tour on Saturdays. Book <a href="http://www.parliament.uk/visiting/visiting-and-tours/overseasvisitors/" target="_blank">online</a> for a ticket.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBiwpcK7PZM4LmK2MugTAWusiemxSMuYjsl1GB2TjutKDTzxmkUz2SgA_KWVQIoK0XzpunQsHINz5AHhteg6td6WA7ot2iAr_awgVKhO3BnaxlAL-_Jzu1Dk6eqU5C7rKmKPf_5XhoiE/s1600/65.+London.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBiwpcK7PZM4LmK2MugTAWusiemxSMuYjsl1GB2TjutKDTzxmkUz2SgA_KWVQIoK0XzpunQsHINz5AHhteg6td6WA7ot2iAr_awgVKhO3BnaxlAL-_Jzu1Dk6eqU5C7rKmKPf_5XhoiE/s400/65.+London.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><u>Westminster Abbey</u>: I need to revisit this cornerstone of British history (seeing as though I haven't been since 1995). You can tour Monday-Saturday; check <a href="http://www.westminster-abbey.org/visit-us" target="_blank">online</a> for times. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxs3wUekwuP48cosWJjAAOkecaU8Sh_59QqjT4orvSBAS4-s43h6JXkkHT-W_bzmgCvNgoE0zUMWaLEh9oTxomOzfh-InaQshhK-EhJ0QeKsF35SGMo0V5x8eWUW34rr-mhjZxzK0tpA/s1600/60.+London.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxs3wUekwuP48cosWJjAAOkecaU8Sh_59QqjT4orvSBAS4-s43h6JXkkHT-W_bzmgCvNgoE0zUMWaLEh9oTxomOzfh-InaQshhK-EhJ0QeKsF35SGMo0V5x8eWUW34rr-mhjZxzK0tpA/s400/60.+London.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><u>Buckingham Palace</u>: The home of her Majesty the Queen. You can take a tour of the State Rooms, but you need to <a href="http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/default.asp?action=article&ID=30" target="_blank">book</a> in advance.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHAJ16QSc4ucircKouUQqrLqtAQtIRmLDA6LqqlsDf4eHnk1pxCJq-ikSW3xsPAx8BGul1rIhcmCrQbTBS7WBRkKp1jVExbbml7Ec-hRFhqZNz22TmiqANgTUXV0SeTHktGAC2UabBHnU/s1600/DSC_0354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHAJ16QSc4ucircKouUQqrLqtAQtIRmLDA6LqqlsDf4eHnk1pxCJq-ikSW3xsPAx8BGul1rIhcmCrQbTBS7WBRkKp1jVExbbml7Ec-hRFhqZNz22TmiqANgTUXV0SeTHktGAC2UabBHnU/s400/DSC_0354.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSofb7AWJk2PEvFA5Z1zowtW8QulPsGHWWcsNy3o166YaTHjRsMyqipR1iS2ncuACEw3Sbs8V4FPoKi3uGoaIFTncwSp9um-Y6XJDuHgI8nTqzeWrYPgxA1O9S86w6p2k6EJpy2ZDFKQE/s1600/DSC_0364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSofb7AWJk2PEvFA5Z1zowtW8QulPsGHWWcsNy3o166YaTHjRsMyqipR1iS2ncuACEw3Sbs8V4FPoKi3uGoaIFTncwSp9um-Y6XJDuHgI8nTqzeWrYPgxA1O9S86w6p2k6EJpy2ZDFKQE/s400/DSC_0364.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><u>Tower of London</u>: Founded back in 1066, then used as a Royal Palace and fortress. It has often served as a prison since 1100 and is still home to the Crown Jewels (which are a sight to see)! Take the tour for GBP 20, where you can enjoy a complementary tour from one of its residents, a Beefeater!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUOmKrEEAqtE66D4GB_20BK3iMOkGRk2Aq3v7KsUjNi3_TJ6-oBLgll3EavTN9QuF7aGO51XCp1aYmtuDC6SKlD7B4EfXGa1UT-dQKqlcrLthaTQnB01o_TNNNkGexpsWGxbdu44RZkQ/s1600/110.+London.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUOmKrEEAqtE66D4GB_20BK3iMOkGRk2Aq3v7KsUjNi3_TJ6-oBLgll3EavTN9QuF7aGO51XCp1aYmtuDC6SKlD7B4EfXGa1UT-dQKqlcrLthaTQnB01o_TNNNkGexpsWGxbdu44RZkQ/s400/110.+London.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT16QWXEVr8-6YUxa2Rs7dXoZbAkC4I1TV1kSk-IzRjEMWviQbNNyNq5EO5GM5NH40DggXf1WgHNIUSB6bLaC2Li0a4s4qSOj7Hl9w7s_gtGIdNyN4tPkbAZY6prrXghRyXYnE8iY7cA0/s1600/DSC_0410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT16QWXEVr8-6YUxa2Rs7dXoZbAkC4I1TV1kSk-IzRjEMWviQbNNyNq5EO5GM5NH40DggXf1WgHNIUSB6bLaC2Li0a4s4qSOj7Hl9w7s_gtGIdNyN4tPkbAZY6prrXghRyXYnE8iY7cA0/s400/DSC_0410.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><u>Tower Bridge</u>: Nearby to the Tower of London, tour the Exhibition (GBP 8) on the high-level walkway shown below. I haven't gotten a chance to do this but I'm always jealous when I look up and see the people up there. Must be great views!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mJnecFLPZr22b1X1yl_mj0oCuP3JvpdNsUeBISvq00z8zkrHJGJK9NUPfSKZg83jFtQgqQlfRscb5wvWzx-VrV3l8BgdneABtDYypQMuh__cFqWw6MoXIHBWj0jSJzKfrFpsXPM-s3U/s1600/DSC_0439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mJnecFLPZr22b1X1yl_mj0oCuP3JvpdNsUeBISvq00z8zkrHJGJK9NUPfSKZg83jFtQgqQlfRscb5wvWzx-VrV3l8BgdneABtDYypQMuh__cFqWw6MoXIHBWj0jSJzKfrFpsXPM-s3U/s400/DSC_0439.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><u>London Eye</u>: Totally worth the GBP 20 admission for this 30 minute ride on the one of the largest observation wheels in the world. I'm telling you, particularly if you like photography, this is worth the cost/wait. I snagged some incredible shots.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCMlqmGQTaOCLdRP_2_ayUdzEP2RNQuFu-GCLy6EJNE4lkVrF08f1FpsK90BGt75Jf92SK_TZ4o6HQpoGPG0KnQwglLusKBWNqYca5_rvDbc2tPNHmLYHszsFfGeR1j5evadQHWGOCpY/s1600/DSC_0286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCMlqmGQTaOCLdRP_2_ayUdzEP2RNQuFu-GCLy6EJNE4lkVrF08f1FpsK90BGt75Jf92SK_TZ4o6HQpoGPG0KnQwglLusKBWNqYca5_rvDbc2tPNHmLYHszsFfGeR1j5evadQHWGOCpY/s400/DSC_0286.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><u>St. Paul's Cathedral</u>: Dating back to the 17th century, this place of worship is one of the most recognizable sights of the city. Next time I'm in the city, I'm making it a priority to climb the dome to the Whispering and Golden Galleries, where I'll be able to see panoramic views of the skyline.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSexk3GU-wC2xtJzEqJqeTB_SDwqUImhVD0z7TjAMhIis-WWYYpwpmNmswjH5dKPpPjGAQLaCFmnFqLxKzBlxfzIF28VBTIOULkRYRQv2HyfDI54Bn_Fe0lmC3jpNbl5kEeB0UJqZC60/s1600/91.+London.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSexk3GU-wC2xtJzEqJqeTB_SDwqUImhVD0z7TjAMhIis-WWYYpwpmNmswjH5dKPpPjGAQLaCFmnFqLxKzBlxfzIF28VBTIOULkRYRQv2HyfDI54Bn_Fe0lmC3jpNbl5kEeB0UJqZC60/s400/91.+London.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><u>Trafalgar Square</u>: A public square, marked in the center by Nelson's column with it's four lion guardians at its base.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh220cnT7N_Wl-RjS0CgbXOSOM-0I5QJmKuxLhn0J5Y-Ys3YHIMIVaIJPIdP-H0BCv3AX8ZRS78bXC1F-lwlRQgpGEUfGmypPANDGwwVG_UZRtEJX4pv2faNDE9YBs67PhL0ehlM34Ofk4/s1600/DSC_0274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh220cnT7N_Wl-RjS0CgbXOSOM-0I5QJmKuxLhn0J5Y-Ys3YHIMIVaIJPIdP-H0BCv3AX8ZRS78bXC1F-lwlRQgpGEUfGmypPANDGwwVG_UZRtEJX4pv2faNDE9YBs67PhL0ehlM34Ofk4/s400/DSC_0274.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPbyOubFR_nvWsVpTNWtDATjITUDd7CRTotdXNrdADeCtsw63UaWlF1YDCD7LbKup9B-fPWZs2ZzNvSGITqmyeAH7gjXicf_sirsSiiz25HRsVDCOW9YMpGo6iTZncg2Sw6rDYm3FcjA/s1600/81.+London.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPbyOubFR_nvWsVpTNWtDATjITUDd7CRTotdXNrdADeCtsw63UaWlF1YDCD7LbKup9B-fPWZs2ZzNvSGITqmyeAH7gjXicf_sirsSiiz25HRsVDCOW9YMpGo6iTZncg2Sw6rDYm3FcjA/s400/81.+London.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><u>Piccadilly Circus</u>: Known for its neon video displays, this intersection connects the shopping district with the theatre district (mainly Shaftesbury Avenue).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnYB02eyKZdNXEEIVkPmY80ADj-J5_7YroFJLihQtGbU50Se9JBrRKeV5eFj1Una8PZlWxiY0KrEFWapDdNTMk5PCAm_nLAD2j6BV1DDeBKqe5W5QRKKHdSkK8aQTZsoKYR1pJLJ46yE/s1600/36.+London.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnYB02eyKZdNXEEIVkPmY80ADj-J5_7YroFJLihQtGbU50Se9JBrRKeV5eFj1Una8PZlWxiY0KrEFWapDdNTMk5PCAm_nLAD2j6BV1DDeBKqe5W5QRKKHdSkK8aQTZsoKYR1pJLJ46yE/s400/36.+London.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><u>Covent Garden</u>: Best known for its entertainment and shopping, walk around its cozy streets lined with boutiques, sweet shops and a myriad of pubs & bars. I fell in love with this area. If I go back any time soon, I will be staying nearby.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qLxieP_0VkAzgg2WteCMV63DMP6-oGgHtMBkCfuhCUm1z-4horf-Kwd5ujB9d1SIAKw_JRfBxzJEoXp4648itidaeihbwmFAckjOdGNE3Ya4r90B6HulDFAGkeL7M_PDQWwlOXd-QDg/s1600/DSC_0235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qLxieP_0VkAzgg2WteCMV63DMP6-oGgHtMBkCfuhCUm1z-4horf-Kwd5ujB9d1SIAKw_JRfBxzJEoXp4648itidaeihbwmFAckjOdGNE3Ya4r90B6HulDFAGkeL7M_PDQWwlOXd-QDg/s400/DSC_0235.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNagYE-mVBB8-uZMjrhSsBYr09TE1yEgXOarMje7nREol3IWKQtPJZ1m78mNvDxrfC6wk7cW6Ts9rCT8Ar0uQqDwvPFxDhnnmdrutKkhtpncuCOYnhITP8wuVEHlBpH65A2wQ9C4qwoM/s1600/DSC_0252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNagYE-mVBB8-uZMjrhSsBYr09TE1yEgXOarMje7nREol3IWKQtPJZ1m78mNvDxrfC6wk7cW6Ts9rCT8Ar0uQqDwvPFxDhnnmdrutKkhtpncuCOYnhITP8wuVEHlBpH65A2wQ9C4qwoM/s400/DSC_0252.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBNW6G82teYZ5bflrRSVhyPKkrMZOh1dqNKdbW0NOpVwJfkrZs7V-a_EUAqtGp3IehSe6vk2ASt0lFM_-x-OrS1iid3YO6JlYo2Kop1Aet4r1jAnrOT7ojVRbhT9bcvZry_4Y_WflQUI/s1600/DSC_0229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBNW6G82teYZ5bflrRSVhyPKkrMZOh1dqNKdbW0NOpVwJfkrZs7V-a_EUAqtGp3IehSe6vk2ASt0lFM_-x-OrS1iid3YO6JlYo2Kop1Aet4r1jAnrOT7ojVRbhT9bcvZry_4Y_WflQUI/s400/DSC_0229.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><u>Shopping district</u>: If you've got the shopping gene, please do yourself a favor and walk Regent Street, Oxford Street and Carnaby Street.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEiADVn_1z5OFSVtIjZy4MehnNrOA10_-hM2SiG1u-BzfcYe0m_umqoN_wSioOErfJE0GPI1NM93JH53Q3AmHm62Y0IOvoo54INzKClvBzys5ARUauxJ_anw0cgHKsVdoyaZMGb_-3qk/s1600/DSC_0224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEiADVn_1z5OFSVtIjZy4MehnNrOA10_-hM2SiG1u-BzfcYe0m_umqoN_wSioOErfJE0GPI1NM93JH53Q3AmHm62Y0IOvoo54INzKClvBzys5ARUauxJ_anw0cgHKsVdoyaZMGb_-3qk/s400/DSC_0224.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><b>Museums</b>: It's killing me that I haven't had time yet to visit a museum yet, so perhaps you will do better than me and beat me to one of these:<br />
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<u>National Gallery</u>: Residing within Trafalgar Square, an art museum that is home to 2,300 paintings from the 13th century - 1900.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHtLysZZbAFEz-SwJI1wYGINtj1zSEpwSmQhJjxNGbfYRDRGqc4AkUjDiY2MZn86cqequlfGxUN03_hqhbsjqnIOJlJhTTqHAza9qvttpFuINOkpUjC5OIWrdfWXneorRrTqXi2meDfY/s1600/80.+London.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHtLysZZbAFEz-SwJI1wYGINtj1zSEpwSmQhJjxNGbfYRDRGqc4AkUjDiY2MZn86cqequlfGxUN03_hqhbsjqnIOJlJhTTqHAza9qvttpFuINOkpUjC5OIWrdfWXneorRrTqXi2meDfY/s400/80.+London.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><u>British Museum</u>: Enjoy your free admission to see what is known to be the one of the world's greatest museums of human history and culture.<br />
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<u>Tate Modern</u>: Located on the south side of the River Thames, this modern art museum is known to wow.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwW1xSUE4GaEJ8U_peDkFN8g72DDx4VVZ_dt4TPbzQ9wnqbXikQFN3tpu842B74gAgrn1wfncqSNBvtyqVPP79q9tovpJkZRIK9GCOhyphenhyphenKJhn4Gj6aJhnUYjL0UfHb_EKfio2kLKbZ8T4/s1600/May+Madness+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwW1xSUE4GaEJ8U_peDkFN8g72DDx4VVZ_dt4TPbzQ9wnqbXikQFN3tpu842B74gAgrn1wfncqSNBvtyqVPP79q9tovpJkZRIK9GCOhyphenhyphenKJhn4Gj6aJhnUYjL0UfHb_EKfio2kLKbZ8T4/s400/May+Madness+023.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b>Theatreland</b>: Centered mostly around Shaftesbury Avenue and The Strand within the West End, check out the numerous shows that are playing and see what you might want to take in.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_DiLHFUXVCHF9hmVhtE83R1Hw236QP2ZVO3mLYs7ogHBDdVMZYXw-i5ZnIxlqxh1WJ5nqHM0_WFjluuMyFKedEbbBOp8yndAJj_eUnvApoEE8C5pDI3MNm0lUgg2b2df_RvKIA1i0dHE/s1600/21.+London.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_DiLHFUXVCHF9hmVhtE83R1Hw236QP2ZVO3mLYs7ogHBDdVMZYXw-i5ZnIxlqxh1WJ5nqHM0_WFjluuMyFKedEbbBOp8yndAJj_eUnvApoEE8C5pDI3MNm0lUgg2b2df_RvKIA1i0dHE/s400/21.+London.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Well this marks a pretty LONG post. It just reinforces my earlier statement that you won't be lacking for things to do if you have a chance to visit this great city. I'll check back at least one more time and share some more photography from this last visit with <a href="http://indulgeinspireimbibe.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kristen</a>. It was just the best time!Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782677370134418290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483754055444843282.post-55065880595535426192012-01-03T23:09:00.001-05:002012-01-03T23:10:18.005-05:00'Tis the Season...for a trip to London!I first visited London in the summer of 1995 as a way too unappreciative pre-teen on vacation with my Dad and step-family. On second thought, maybe I wasn't actually unappreciative but had the foresight of knowing how awkward I would look in these pictures 16 years later, thereby deciding it would be better to look pouty and act like someone else actually forced me to dress in these heinous clothes!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer 1995</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It wasn't until March 2008 that I found myself back on UK soil. Following that trip were 2 more business trips in July 2008 and May 2009. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAO_REQdKODio0HYYBiRjTtBQp8oW6V1QnDnAu29BE_GuISyYpIJ8DxdehF0AEefIX5GhbHHrAzYGUovGTzl5QHeMnK1Yk2OVV_qonYkf2rM9rWskpboBN-dmc7hRfQ2r2Iex_4senWc/s1600/Madrid+Day+1+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAO_REQdKODio0HYYBiRjTtBQp8oW6V1QnDnAu29BE_GuISyYpIJ8DxdehF0AEefIX5GhbHHrAzYGUovGTzl5QHeMnK1Yk2OVV_qonYkf2rM9rWskpboBN-dmc7hRfQ2r2Iex_4senWc/s400/Madrid+Day+1+006.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">March 2008</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUURVqurbHTZnXEb4WYUfUGVBmUDxrIKP5YL4iNXBcryXcxhl_MQ59xVPx1XZzFAPhaYib4G9xrv2TpbjGciu9qLdM9lW_U-DQe_t_W-QgE_uBMNcZEoYucYeITK_pwoSYXBOt7b4Lbc/s1600/122.+London.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUURVqurbHTZnXEb4WYUfUGVBmUDxrIKP5YL4iNXBcryXcxhl_MQ59xVPx1XZzFAPhaYib4G9xrv2TpbjGciu9qLdM9lW_U-DQe_t_W-QgE_uBMNcZEoYucYeITK_pwoSYXBOt7b4Lbc/s400/122.+London.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">July 2008</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBiKnkZISN2m4NAAQ_O8IMaT74IULPgrmfytgbADJRcHGeKhbphyphenhyphenXkHONOky2_frfhOGZEjHiIXWtlm_0WB_I14ZTEKz814xMxYPYbowgj3D-XJcP08Y4zbIXeTeSuHNWIDDB0BzaD-w/s1600/May+Madness+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBiKnkZISN2m4NAAQ_O8IMaT74IULPgrmfytgbADJRcHGeKhbphyphenhyphenXkHONOky2_frfhOGZEjHiIXWtlm_0WB_I14ZTEKz814xMxYPYbowgj3D-XJcP08Y4zbIXeTeSuHNWIDDB0BzaD-w/s400/May+Madness+022.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">May 2009</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Since I wasn't blessed with the world's best long-term memory, the 1995 trip was a complete blur and the business trips were just that. I tried my best on these solo trips, getting out to see the sights as much as possible in between meetings (even riding the big, double decker tour bus). However, it wasn't until my recent trip to this great city that I really fell in love.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVBQEhHvpEi9mqnOHqAhedyZJuPNFkQl41okoYwRf_0n4fkEaxPqDibOo4UUowsYj15PLJ_U_lWdpx-R3FbZIaBcuCjbuSUgY7gT0wX8d8hmHGwWL4KGV-1tihPvTvxhE94Po-nAsETc/s1600/Charing+Cross+Hotel+%252821%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVBQEhHvpEi9mqnOHqAhedyZJuPNFkQl41okoYwRf_0n4fkEaxPqDibOo4UUowsYj15PLJ_U_lWdpx-R3FbZIaBcuCjbuSUgY7gT0wX8d8hmHGwWL4KGV-1tihPvTvxhE94Po-nAsETc/s320/Charing+Cross+Hotel+%252821%2529.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dec 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I had to be in town for business meetings starting on a Monday and had been in San Francisco for work the week before. Making the choice to spend the weekend in between right there in London was simple. Whisking one of my best friends <a href="http://indulgeinspireimbibe.blogspot.com/2011/12/welcome-to-london.html" target="_blank">Kristen</a> off to share in the experience was just icing on the scone :)<br />
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Per my usual destination posts, I'll soon provide you with a rundown of London flight options, hotel options, must-see sights, etc., but I thought I would start with a post dedicated my favorite part of this year's trip: the city's plentiful and <u>exquisite</u> holiday lights.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQyMucFE-FIIHIdiHa2FQl18Ah5e7hXJbaThHLCsbOEyyFBvLAegQXcpak9DqxR8TCfFi4oSrhjwl0kwS2M-LwUjTJoI_6efyg_rlLeWrCoDT_fth4lxK5Zpll2x_KNSQKb3_MfCOXhl4/s1600/DSC_0203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQyMucFE-FIIHIdiHa2FQl18Ah5e7hXJbaThHLCsbOEyyFBvLAegQXcpak9DqxR8TCfFi4oSrhjwl0kwS2M-LwUjTJoI_6efyg_rlLeWrCoDT_fth4lxK5Zpll2x_KNSQKb3_MfCOXhl4/s400/DSC_0203.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trafalgar Square Carol Singers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFci6yV6-dAq6di-uRlVSvV0gY1ZO0L_vyVxuxs1uFtpggZ9GD58cMvYIs086EiSf-HHkLwoQTomCbE27HV-RFsA9XLrvN5iI_pV9T6LGNI_CkvysqhbOHqWc8rrypoMe41ZCKPvbtJUY/s1600/DSC_0206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFci6yV6-dAq6di-uRlVSvV0gY1ZO0L_vyVxuxs1uFtpggZ9GD58cMvYIs086EiSf-HHkLwoQTomCbE27HV-RFsA9XLrvN5iI_pV9T6LGNI_CkvysqhbOHqWc8rrypoMe41ZCKPvbtJUY/s400/DSC_0206.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leicester Square</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6O4DTY_5zIFnthP1TmTBT1kk5op1Tjd9krhSu-9s3nMcQczbDNlZv6Ej1GjJ0an_RXgK8RmbsxhuZzp9SzN3gsvfr2gZrDtuMb0VcicCZSxwQkfSv7XGNqqJmEhW5BJIU37yja13vtI/s1600/DSC_0209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6O4DTY_5zIFnthP1TmTBT1kk5op1Tjd9krhSu-9s3nMcQczbDNlZv6Ej1GjJ0an_RXgK8RmbsxhuZzp9SzN3gsvfr2gZrDtuMb0VcicCZSxwQkfSv7XGNqqJmEhW5BJIU37yja13vtI/s400/DSC_0209.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Regent Street</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5zq-tXwMhExASfgAnpg0G6BnZSG1RV2ZYi5wWPRDUHur9DHXJNMwdFJt47DfLBwriO0usRg2nno-BcfQVffW2m2xGLq8gW-kstaBsX2q-Rc2W_4-lYWiRJ6ZaWQfpfufoMFEKowWm50/s1600/DSC_0211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5zq-tXwMhExASfgAnpg0G6BnZSG1RV2ZYi5wWPRDUHur9DHXJNMwdFJt47DfLBwriO0usRg2nno-BcfQVffW2m2xGLq8gW-kstaBsX2q-Rc2W_4-lYWiRJ6ZaWQfpfufoMFEKowWm50/s400/DSC_0211.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Regent Street</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGYtL0FrlrBXOKi6mdhCWsrEiHEa5c-bEQUfUZcYt6zxAaxo4kLh_ik0F3AH9ZyWmM0Wk-6WRnJ5IsE6REfH6KW92j0EZRDovTA3ujGM0LGu45qKlOwnhTe8IJmuJtmjI3mSvmc8ed2A/s1600/DSC_0216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGYtL0FrlrBXOKi6mdhCWsrEiHEa5c-bEQUfUZcYt6zxAaxo4kLh_ik0F3AH9ZyWmM0Wk-6WRnJ5IsE6REfH6KW92j0EZRDovTA3ujGM0LGu45qKlOwnhTe8IJmuJtmjI3mSvmc8ed2A/s400/DSC_0216.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carnaby Street</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pJuEZT5gYMv-KfKwnyaQQPLxtfXHoVSN-P7C1EONYLZw0tSd7yyWwONPChjHd2VV807b6U8ysqUgrXDCUM4igXmkPcuy-3CdaVGnFinhwS7x72-x334NiPRItUZzMBXaTIG2Zi1t324/s1600/DSC_0219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pJuEZT5gYMv-KfKwnyaQQPLxtfXHoVSN-P7C1EONYLZw0tSd7yyWwONPChjHd2VV807b6U8ysqUgrXDCUM4igXmkPcuy-3CdaVGnFinhwS7x72-x334NiPRItUZzMBXaTIG2Zi1t324/s400/DSC_0219.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carnaby Street</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOnwRHL8WFmY7y8Wg9T3GwASRfJ_QTvEMK8WDUUjmrXM-kuY-CuWHKFTwHwCm0obKZl39b6MT0hOzvl1xCEgVojht5ujPbhMFiBIQRmfUAll7qFEUMxyZnBD-HAM5fVi-qBNbvH7tL48/s1600/DSC_0224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOnwRHL8WFmY7y8Wg9T3GwASRfJ_QTvEMK8WDUUjmrXM-kuY-CuWHKFTwHwCm0obKZl39b6MT0hOzvl1xCEgVojht5ujPbhMFiBIQRmfUAll7qFEUMxyZnBD-HAM5fVi-qBNbvH7tL48/s400/DSC_0224.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oxford Street</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSp7TkmXOLBavIJjNMxDYDCfxDgP6Z0ytQHcHM0HyT2F8VTdg9egEKymPZFbo4zPm77Szm22HXGhKVbcxWr_4Yyh3tsYflhxPIsZCfPQ36JYfoC8Rf-9vxCvH6VM4mgYbKy1lQ9K05q0/s1600/DSC_0225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSp7TkmXOLBavIJjNMxDYDCfxDgP6Z0ytQHcHM0HyT2F8VTdg9egEKymPZFbo4zPm77Szm22HXGhKVbcxWr_4Yyh3tsYflhxPIsZCfPQ36JYfoC8Rf-9vxCvH6VM4mgYbKy1lQ9K05q0/s400/DSC_0225.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oxford Street</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolsMdae8W09OSHYzhwbcUD1Aormx7X4f5LIaEuZO6BOBmgOnKFmizYgkcf3kaHPrEVwSz13WprSsOLJ88WNCU0Lf1rbTg08bcyZI0GCDERmk3EEoAuRiLeUG3iwuOrzI2kU7IMGQKNN0/s1600/DSC_0222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolsMdae8W09OSHYzhwbcUD1Aormx7X4f5LIaEuZO6BOBmgOnKFmizYgkcf3kaHPrEVwSz13WprSsOLJ88WNCU0Lf1rbTg08bcyZI0GCDERmk3EEoAuRiLeUG3iwuOrzI2kU7IMGQKNN0/s400/DSC_0222.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oxford Street</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGE7Qua6-d6mbxCzYjhDYdWbC_qpqR69aoqFzarQjCLOCO9-Mg4vx35vT65tXETtFxrvCy_2KeMaYfIHbDomqMCNLI7kgJRrT2Q2Yu-_UtSORqQPx9I3-_ElGj9YR8bz3Y0yh98vwkg6I/s1600/DSC_0258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGE7Qua6-d6mbxCzYjhDYdWbC_qpqR69aoqFzarQjCLOCO9-Mg4vx35vT65tXETtFxrvCy_2KeMaYfIHbDomqMCNLI7kgJRrT2Q2Yu-_UtSORqQPx9I3-_ElGj9YR8bz3Y0yh98vwkg6I/s400/DSC_0258.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santacon, nearby Trafalgar Square</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlPfMNGCEJQOnTAXwsg0EeK10ZXjBUqwdoRSwm6WA8SoP0O7wVfiaLSQ8ip10_uRyqCYPLjA7D0dQgfWJoegYVAD1AfrvRGmAE6Hr-cXI1FsbU1sFLhQLM8ouDzu11vp2rcEc38rJnOY/s1600/DSC_0267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlPfMNGCEJQOnTAXwsg0EeK10ZXjBUqwdoRSwm6WA8SoP0O7wVfiaLSQ8ip10_uRyqCYPLjA7D0dQgfWJoegYVAD1AfrvRGmAE6Hr-cXI1FsbU1sFLhQLM8ouDzu11vp2rcEc38rJnOY/s400/DSC_0267.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trafalgar Square</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6AerTFzU1bL6_fjXH9yZ6oUJ99a2aeRsgKXb0vFeB40DbTKXqrmrsxwcZZz1CmobZKRiiGE0UWF24mCQT8t9O4sNWn2xxuElztxcdQ7fdBIFhRt4_8wkBJh-2HWT5OBy2TWYmobO6hk/s1600/DSC_0261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6AerTFzU1bL6_fjXH9yZ6oUJ99a2aeRsgKXb0vFeB40DbTKXqrmrsxwcZZz1CmobZKRiiGE0UWF24mCQT8t9O4sNWn2xxuElztxcdQ7fdBIFhRt4_8wkBJh-2HWT5OBy2TWYmobO6hk/s400/DSC_0261.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trafalgar Square</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjOEJrkvPzE_VPhD12cDX4ADWpgaz573b6GNJQHZDwshU9GefDKLobdy8dPV1424xMcZmA5aOYFLmPaPT2_5tu0a0opv5NXudKJqEN1vK1zNz2um3ToSEGzUWeuVIbzcKmJC48g06U5Y/s1600/DSC_0370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjOEJrkvPzE_VPhD12cDX4ADWpgaz573b6GNJQHZDwshU9GefDKLobdy8dPV1424xMcZmA5aOYFLmPaPT2_5tu0a0opv5NXudKJqEN1vK1zNz2um3ToSEGzUWeuVIbzcKmJC48g06U5Y/s400/DSC_0370.jpg" width="325" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buckingham Palace</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlnsOLcQFqbWcuzA1jCnLg0XHnxt8SJgkpZUahwEMS7REPwVuhz9E-8Jv5A7H-wf1Osls0_ie_BDmOWdazSf1dTeGGNX8BB4Y8oPcYZmiSToaw4X2F9_8ohotsIp8yUqN2Lcu66xjcPI/s1600/DSC_0411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlnsOLcQFqbWcuzA1jCnLg0XHnxt8SJgkpZUahwEMS7REPwVuhz9E-8Jv5A7H-wf1Osls0_ie_BDmOWdazSf1dTeGGNX8BB4Y8oPcYZmiSToaw4X2F9_8ohotsIp8yUqN2Lcu66xjcPI/s400/DSC_0411.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tower of London</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFkEAmMLIYkVntPytut8bNxu9FCDccMVkegvnh52CwA6mDxwGcEuILi9oNlTzkmTwJ2VYd-3hUIC9KIGtK696Squ3O1AW6HvxLxESqMIW0ZAQKrcxsrxMuuc5kOTRP7JGyfh-yIDecwk/s1600/DSC_0437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFkEAmMLIYkVntPytut8bNxu9FCDccMVkegvnh52CwA6mDxwGcEuILi9oNlTzkmTwJ2VYd-3hUIC9KIGtK696Squ3O1AW6HvxLxESqMIW0ZAQKrcxsrxMuuc5kOTRP7JGyfh-yIDecwk/s400/DSC_0437.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tower of London / Tower Bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>You can probably see why I feel so fortunate to have been here during this special time of year! So long as you don't mind bundling up, definitely consider planning your next London trip in December - you won't be disappointed!Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782677370134418290noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483754055444843282.post-33069807791018831772011-12-30T00:21:00.002-05:002011-12-30T00:48:40.186-05:00The Road to the Amalfi CoastYou ever feel in your bones that certain locales are literally beckoning you from afar, continually whispering all of the enticing things they have to offer into your subconscious? If your answer is yes and you also find yourself <u>jumping</u> to answer these calls, then I'm afraid you officially have The Travel Affliction. <br />
<div><br />
</div><div>I've happily come to terms with the fact that I've got this bug. My wallet may be lighter but, without it, I doubt Dave and I would have been able to say goodbye to our normal day-to-days for a full 2 week trip to glorious Italy this past fall. After I'm finished reviewing the vacation in full, you'll see that this trip, in particular, will always have a tremendously special place in my heart. As you may recall, <a href="http://notallwhowanderarelost77.blogspot.com/2011/11/my-attempt-at-intro-to-rome.html">Rome</a> was up first. After immersing ourselves in its vast history for a week, I really didn't think the trip could get much better. Clearly, I was naive. </div><div><div><br />
</div><div>On Day 7, we packed up our bags and headed over to <b>Roma Termini Station</b> to begin our journey to the highly renowned Amalfi Coast. No one ever truly looooooves the actual act of traveling (except for maybe <a href="http://indulgeinspireimbibe.blogspot.com/search/label/Travel?updated-max=2011-09-27T08:00:00-04:00&max-results=20">Daisy</a>), so I wasn't giddy at the thought of the train - I was just eager to get there. However, I was surprised by the ease of the train system between Roma Termini and <b>Napoli Centrale</b>. There are simply a lot of <a href="http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=ad1ce14114bc9110VgnVCM10000080a3e90aRCRD">options</a> (always a good thing when on the road). If you prefer the get-me-there-faster train option, you'll pay a bit more for it. Having read that the slower, less expensive trains were overcrowded and had no assigned seats, we decided to go for the medium-speed train, either the <b>IC</b> or <b>ICplus</b>. The journey took us about 1 hr and 45 minutes and cost us about $75 (after the conversion to USD) for the one-way fare for the 2 of us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBSU9GmXzGnkKxmIhoHRDA9_2K2kcDoLM0GvPRarpx1r5GxnmUt5ROcfEWOtaP51CQx5CkS-3ylC8-xcWBP_fEVjqrTe6F2QvHx1onSnMYaHJr-ZUXU5RBYUoeqpXnArBZs4dhBIUgVs/s1600/DSC_1132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBSU9GmXzGnkKxmIhoHRDA9_2K2kcDoLM0GvPRarpx1r5GxnmUt5ROcfEWOtaP51CQx5CkS-3ylC8-xcWBP_fEVjqrTe6F2QvHx1onSnMYaHJr-ZUXU5RBYUoeqpXnArBZs4dhBIUgVs/s400/DSC_1132.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYQGQhdP1389uEm0hmzEJjwNAf9RjFN0fCRZ7jh9lrGNozZhZZf9pULkKfv7VTSy9cCdhzKTA0P_3YyACMMWOxQU0s-GsFjdkdehZWGQHTvcgdCA3zbT5Jcqhw8iIlXwqUlDbrNSTXlc/s1600/IMG-20110927-00005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYQGQhdP1389uEm0hmzEJjwNAf9RjFN0fCRZ7jh9lrGNozZhZZf9pULkKfv7VTSy9cCdhzKTA0P_3YyACMMWOxQU0s-GsFjdkdehZWGQHTvcgdCA3zbT5Jcqhw8iIlXwqUlDbrNSTXlc/s400/IMG-20110927-00005.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div>Once off the train, you have a few options to get to the towns within the Amalfi Coast. I won't speak to renting a car yourself, because I would <u>not</u> recommend it. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hBW0TPNBCr0/Tv1JXVb04yI/AAAAAAAABII/bocroVzaP-Q/s1600/amalfi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hBW0TPNBCr0/Tv1JXVb04yI/AAAAAAAABII/bocroVzaP-Q/s400/amalfi.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of <a href="http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/italy/naples-sorrento-amalfi-coast.htm">Rick Steves</a>, whose books I read vigilantly before and throughout the trip</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>One option would be to take a <b>taxi</b> (although not generally recommended as they tend to gauge us poor, unsuspecting tourists). Nonetheless, if you feel compelled to take a taxi, make sure it's a fix price. For instance, when we eventually left the coast and headed back to Naples, we opted for a flat 90 Euro taxi that the hotel set up for us. </div><div><br />
</div><div>If you're not intimidated by public transportation, a decent option is to take the <b>Circumvesuviana</b> commuter train. The stop is in the basement of Centrale station. <b>Sorrento</b> is the last stop on the line (note that you'll pass by <b>Pompeii</b> along the way). Once you leave the Sorrento station, you'll see a series of <b>SITA</b> bus stops directly outside. You can't miss these buses approaching, as they catch your eye with their bright blue color (although sometimes they are white/green). Make sure to check the <a href="http://www.amalficoastweb.com/orari_sita_bus_timetables.html">schedule</a> ahead of time, and <u>do</u> pay attention to the F, H, G, S designations (which will tell you which run daily).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvp_jRuhCcGA-HP5tRHfs_4Y8ZfoPts8H9mxZ-ri5xubGYbDuZAf0wACoahQ2fDzj53zoHQjpfF_FwhLaMHShbrZFCYAu6P6FeY7agIPqNrWlEAxiimOktuZ-_D816bsFkd2ZFzQz9BU/s1600/DSC_1091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvp_jRuhCcGA-HP5tRHfs_4Y8ZfoPts8H9mxZ-ri5xubGYbDuZAf0wACoahQ2fDzj53zoHQjpfF_FwhLaMHShbrZFCYAu6P6FeY7agIPqNrWlEAxiimOktuZ-_D816bsFkd2ZFzQz9BU/s400/DSC_1091.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div></div><div><b><i>A few words of caution for you regarding the SITA buses:</i></b> </div><div><ul><li>You need your tickets <u>before</u> you board! You can generally buy them at a nearby tabacchi shop. Sorrento to <b>Positano</b> will cost you about 4 euro, while <b>Amalfi</b> will run about 8 euro.</li>
<li>They tend to be really crowded in the high-season. As long as you're early in Sorrento, I suspect you'd find a spot. The trickier part is coming back to Sorrento from Amalfi and Positano. For instance, if you get picked up at the 2nd stop in Positano, a lot of passengers have already loaded in from Amalfi and the 1st Positano stop. Thus, you may find that the bus is completely full. Make sure to have a Plan B!</li>
<li>If you're not known for your speed & strength, just be prepared that you will be expected to load your suitcases in the undercarriage of the bus and jump on the bus quickly. </li>
<li>The buses often times run ahead of schedule and do not wait. Make sure to get there early!</li>
</ul></div><div>Another option would be to take a <b>ferry</b> from Naples to (i) Sorrento<b> </b>or to (ii) the island of <b>Capri</b>. If you opt for the Sorrento ferry route, then you could continue your journey by hopping on the SITA bus as I described above. If you go for the ferry to Capri, there are ferries from Capri's main port to Positano and Amalfi multiple times a day (even in the low season which starts at the end of Sept).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qQCZBdfsqKsRc9lAZL2fgftHaPVlCCcW_45tVYx5QW0AJbMINK4EmV163UE59vhIjZ6enLOFQ697JEmeLnI0Bz2dPkOp3LWDCpgZjrfIXwYSH9doPCDmkFCyAmfy0Um0-xTI8nWsuKY/s1600/DSC_0862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qQCZBdfsqKsRc9lAZL2fgftHaPVlCCcW_45tVYx5QW0AJbMINK4EmV163UE59vhIjZ6enLOFQ697JEmeLnI0Bz2dPkOp3LWDCpgZjrfIXwYSH9doPCDmkFCyAmfy0Um0-xTI8nWsuKY/s400/DSC_0862.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Our transportation choice from Naples was a private driver, an upgrade option offered by our hotel. After navigating substantial pedestrian and auto traffic within Naples and then traveling about an hour south, we got closer to Sorrento, the official "start" of the Amalfi Coast. At first, I thought the quickening of my heartbeat was a result of pure excitement over the views, but then I quickly realized that I was also in slight panic mode. Why you might ask? <i>The roads were <u>insane</u></i>. Picture a narrow one-way road in the U.S. Then picture that same road being opened to two-way traffic, primarily dominated by large buses. Then add in extreme curves overlooking sheer vertical cliffs into the Mediterranean. Thankfully, these locals are pros and they maneuver their vehicles almost with ease, certainly without breaking into a cold sweat like me :P</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQaR2uWb_p3aTIDRDrZI9sjsvNq58_vkdVc68cFvn83JTwE-kWlXEa_icTdcF1TwRtl0lX67xr2KwTm8s1uY512ing2ElxCHD6BcuZxvXNIIHScKkBZnyLioC__V6rBGoWXQlrwyQlnLI/s1600/DSC_1128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQaR2uWb_p3aTIDRDrZI9sjsvNq58_vkdVc68cFvn83JTwE-kWlXEa_icTdcF1TwRtl0lX67xr2KwTm8s1uY512ing2ElxCHD6BcuZxvXNIIHScKkBZnyLioC__V6rBGoWXQlrwyQlnLI/s400/DSC_1128.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3PJE0egJm_NlDZKK29lOi289nAI_MfRHPJZGgiqEPyw7QHRzN7vCyCg1YnaEynDIIVmfcYn38yaMd2ed0hEwNRtsnTWtB-S50IDiL0zhcnYO_xcH6XDMDdMfn0kboUMZNnTBBHBJF5wY/s1600/DSC_1112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3PJE0egJm_NlDZKK29lOi289nAI_MfRHPJZGgiqEPyw7QHRzN7vCyCg1YnaEynDIIVmfcYn38yaMd2ed0hEwNRtsnTWtB-S50IDiL0zhcnYO_xcH6XDMDdMfn0kboUMZNnTBBHBJF5wY/s400/DSC_1112.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtD7MSZzPL7YWbT2PaVHjdSKq44BSMjFFATK0lQindW1zIHqyNbTDIxpf5noJs8r6EFqSkLqo2sGJnZhSszutwWfTkA7VC9MB9uU6YSk0Ywj-cqTw9HFesckCnhjNX5wr3Pb8363XUnT4/s1600/DSC_1104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtD7MSZzPL7YWbT2PaVHjdSKq44BSMjFFATK0lQindW1zIHqyNbTDIxpf5noJs8r6EFqSkLqo2sGJnZhSszutwWfTkA7VC9MB9uU6YSk0Ywj-cqTw9HFesckCnhjNX5wr3Pb8363XUnT4/s400/DSC_1104.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>After passing through the equally if not more beautiful panoramic views of Positano and Amalfi, it was all "up" from there on out. Beautiful <b>Ravello </b>was our first destination, serenely perched up above Amalfi at a cool ~1,200 ft above sea level (abbreviated as "Rav." in Rick Steve's earlier map).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCusq2o-Gy-M3aUgy7SRtaTC7g7_-TfNbhaWu3v2Otaz6R_hHsmbJFr50SH32E9IFK92pPy-_1eXDwx7-223EG6HNG1h-iljSmL6V_RtoH5DV3ObWeWXqpqlr2T8xk5W1eDuUu2LEcmEI/s1600/DSC_0570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCusq2o-Gy-M3aUgy7SRtaTC7g7_-TfNbhaWu3v2Otaz6R_hHsmbJFr50SH32E9IFK92pPy-_1eXDwx7-223EG6HNG1h-iljSmL6V_RtoH5DV3ObWeWXqpqlr2T8xk5W1eDuUu2LEcmEI/s400/DSC_0570.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZPOOMk9j6tghOHMM49u_dLmWUCIAu2jKLSpLmtFDMy6Qpw0_lVMXmO_BKD6-PnIV5abjc_xOLxIXOBDo11eFIm36ICq7jyA6a9jR12WTtiPEcS-7k7H0g5oHAfSXqRqa_4HMi_AvQH0/s1600/DSC_0569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZPOOMk9j6tghOHMM49u_dLmWUCIAu2jKLSpLmtFDMy6Qpw0_lVMXmO_BKD6-PnIV5abjc_xOLxIXOBDo11eFIm36ICq7jyA6a9jR12WTtiPEcS-7k7H0g5oHAfSXqRqa_4HMi_AvQH0/s400/DSC_0569.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIADhE4RpIErFvIysHcp0t2QVBkVZaagEKOsFGnZtj-nF0_x8J2ktGX0zOKLcKopVSxybwyVl-0L-nyOSnMHa0UVwHc4cXMtdWulo41KHFs7e2Tyz95-PIBiwXoygHhK6WbXNqq_4-yQU/s1600/DSC_0799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIADhE4RpIErFvIysHcp0t2QVBkVZaagEKOsFGnZtj-nF0_x8J2ktGX0zOKLcKopVSxybwyVl-0L-nyOSnMHa0UVwHc4cXMtdWulo41KHFs7e2Tyz95-PIBiwXoygHhK6WbXNqq_4-yQU/s400/DSC_0799.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>When we pulled up to <a href="http://www.hotelcaruso.com/web/orav/hotel_caruso_ravello.jsp">Hotel Caruso</a> at what seemed like the highest point in Ravello, my excitement level was off the charts. This was a splurge hotel for us (justified by the fact that I was able to use miles for our airfare). To describe our time here as anything more than a dream would be an understatement, but I will attempt to give you all the specific details in my next Amalfi Coast post ...</div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782677370134418290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483754055444843282.post-85034035590006691202011-11-29T00:22:00.005-05:002011-11-29T09:13:01.888-05:00My Attempt at an "Intro" to RomeAlthough I haven't blogged about it yet, I just got back from the self-proclaimed "historic" Charlotte, North Carolina. I won't deny lovely Charlotte its "historic" title per US standards, but I can only chuckle at how infinitesimally small it's history is compared to another city Dave and I just visited: Rome, Italy. It was our first time out of the country together since our trip to Ireland in 2007, and we couldn't have been more thrilled to spend our first week exploring the <u>ancient</u> city. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_dcrH60mSOLO7yY3q36YN6BAA76N8XTOj-JpjM7TvbsqCx_cwZ0QH3BrEUZqymrAdtdLwSdeHk6tpQ88tF_hurywXKmJIqtZg39kmGYkIJswhpNxHEOpZA-NoTpgCDyXnHjsamWpeng/s1600/DSC_0544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_dcrH60mSOLO7yY3q36YN6BAA76N8XTOj-JpjM7TvbsqCx_cwZ0QH3BrEUZqymrAdtdLwSdeHk6tpQ88tF_hurywXKmJIqtZg39kmGYkIJswhpNxHEOpZA-NoTpgCDyXnHjsamWpeng/s400/DSC_0544.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><b>Timeframe</b>: We had been warned that you need to take Rome in stride by avoiding burying yourself with a laundry list of "must-do's" during your visit. That advice could not have been more spot-on. If you are operating within a "typical" vacation timeframe (i.e. 1 week or less), there is just TOO much to see in Rome. Period. My suggestion is to read about the city as much as possible before you head out (try Rick Steves for instance) and make a priority list of places to visit. You don't want to get too hung up on seeing every possible place mentioned, because (a) you'll be too rushed to appreciate the beauty/history of what you do make it to see and (b) you'll have trouble immersing yourself in what makes Italy truly great: sumptuous, multi-course meals and leisurely, gelato-filled strolls!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-BP3cA0rpDdgPgpkbrxHpb8sg2sqOL8E0v6GOlPA8KOO-dA7yQ5IiPVmvysmYhu543Sq7QDPkSmhJBi7lBWzwQ8RlBq1l8UraHJOp7mDKRDTb4uoDWBB7W2ix8KAcY2rQgmJijfaV7E/s1600/DSC_0534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-BP3cA0rpDdgPgpkbrxHpb8sg2sqOL8E0v6GOlPA8KOO-dA7yQ5IiPVmvysmYhu543Sq7QDPkSmhJBi7lBWzwQ8RlBq1l8UraHJOp7mDKRDTb4uoDWBB7W2ix8KAcY2rQgmJijfaV7E/s400/DSC_0534.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEXB0G3cq2CaUE6PdXN70ELHu7GIXVkeHsIiGfN0Y9-43Jw4JiIXIHrpkV26ePzTBSqOmXD56rrpSNlz7tZ4HSru3MGjiHXlYLCEqyMZeHxrhZ5B2j3GcHV3b-ZXQ3b_Uk4j_ppGccCc/s1600/DSC_0421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEXB0G3cq2CaUE6PdXN70ELHu7GIXVkeHsIiGfN0Y9-43Jw4JiIXIHrpkV26ePzTBSqOmXD56rrpSNlz7tZ4HSru3MGjiHXlYLCEqyMZeHxrhZ5B2j3GcHV3b-ZXQ3b_Uk4j_ppGccCc/s400/DSC_0421.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><b>Flight options</b>: If you're flying from the US, you'll be headed to Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO). If you are traveling from an European city, you might be able to find a flight to Rome's less congested Ciampino Airport (CIA). For instance, discount carriers Ryanair and easyJet both fly to CIA. Nonetheless, most of us will find ourselves at FCO, which means you've got to make some plans on how you want to get to the city center. We enjoyed taking the "Leonardo Express" train directly to Rome's Termini train station. It leaves every 30 minutes and costs EUR15. If you wanted to make a reservation in advance, you could also arrange for a shuttle to your hotel. Lastly, you could take a Rome city taxi, which would probably take you about 45 minutes and will cost you an even EUR 45. <br />
<br />
<b>Hotel options</b>: My best advice is to get on TripAdvisor and read, read and read some more. You obviously have to balance your desire to be in a certain neighborhood with what you can afford. However, I would suggest that you try to stay within East Rome if you can help it. This would mean you'd be north of "ancient" Rome (i.e. Roman Forum, Colosseum, etc.), east of the Tiber River, west of Termini Station and south of the Borghese Gardens. East Rome may look like a big area on the map, but, as long as you've packed comfy shoes, you should be able to walk or take short, inexpensive taxis to everywhere you'd like to visit. We chose to stay at a fairly reasonably priced 4-star hotel on Via Nazionale, Hotel Artemide. We were quite pleased with it for a number of reasons (e.g., size and cleanliness of the room, quality of the bathroom amenities, good air conditioning, flat screen tv, etc). It also has a lovely rooftop restaurant and bar that overlooks the city.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDe1qcrr_TfrekR1R3HFlRkvPFLDB3eXUxbimz6WD7x-fmUTOOZTgZX7Or7Yk2ai2wFAo27AqDokwRDHTiPlCPjMiUH1MoBefMQIoIY7AOdAdF0iufQGGQQS4BMw1XnPBNHwLM-k9ZLts/s1600/DSC_0042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDe1qcrr_TfrekR1R3HFlRkvPFLDB3eXUxbimz6WD7x-fmUTOOZTgZX7Or7Yk2ai2wFAo27AqDokwRDHTiPlCPjMiUH1MoBefMQIoIY7AOdAdF0iufQGGQQS4BMw1XnPBNHwLM-k9ZLts/s320/DSC_0042.jpg" width="213" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BbtnMbXDubW8G-NJOlayqX3wrACN0LRvyPtGt9myxeXib9UIcwh6BZEk1aTlC3Ep0qyTArplG7KJ0fG_s-9MJuaClZj1iwDFmqgxw8mg81MNhuCsrM-8FcHZDDOEvh9duyuVYjWe4SU/s1600/DSC_0263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BbtnMbXDubW8G-NJOlayqX3wrACN0LRvyPtGt9myxeXib9UIcwh6BZEk1aTlC3Ep0qyTArplG7KJ0fG_s-9MJuaClZj1iwDFmqgxw8mg81MNhuCsrM-8FcHZDDOEvh9duyuVYjWe4SU/s320/DSC_0263.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WIxtSfXIOrwUWU_Pka0QN_hqNfVYhfNoWLoMKRmzpYAzsm3K-jQWiwmIOB_xHj6VcvZDnkX4TVUSqlkV1wLk4sBPwHhZmzmMc9bOnm-ab2JNYXrGeBquIi6DlE2Z6VsmvOeZR-6wNM0/s1600/DSC_0417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WIxtSfXIOrwUWU_Pka0QN_hqNfVYhfNoWLoMKRmzpYAzsm3K-jQWiwmIOB_xHj6VcvZDnkX4TVUSqlkV1wLk4sBPwHhZmzmMc9bOnm-ab2JNYXrGeBquIi6DlE2Z6VsmvOeZR-6wNM0/s320/DSC_0417.jpg" width="213" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRfj5s5pM89lLTIu12n9xD3oTsl_4f5KK4bFLOeaBJQccw9mqgeOD0V5BACgVms72-CsNuJFXlZGGoTi0MjGC5C9URX6mR9DeE1XiUr_u4whR0BuO9adengCoQkuvGEiQIv88_fiDsHc/s1600/DSC_0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRfj5s5pM89lLTIu12n9xD3oTsl_4f5KK4bFLOeaBJQccw9mqgeOD0V5BACgVms72-CsNuJFXlZGGoTi0MjGC5C9URX6mR9DeE1XiUr_u4whR0BuO9adengCoQkuvGEiQIv88_fiDsHc/s320/DSC_0008.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<b>Must-sees</b>: I can't cover this topic in the detail that it deserves solely in my intro post, but I'll go ahead and tell you in summary form what I wouldn't miss. <br />
<br />
<ul><li><i><b>Vatican Museum</b>:</i> How could you pass up the papal palace lined with the masterpieces of Michelangelo and Raphael? The answer is you cant. Buy your ticket in advance online but still be prepared for intense crowds. It is all worth it once you set eyes on the Sistine Chapel.</li>
</ul><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tq36EA_A8GgJQBQmcFSYb8OYhLmEOGHtMIbotyHrFkxR5Eq7VvPlXjlJgd5mMx5ut_97Ir2PMc4tuoCBzaWtWDvnH4wJ4EkbDI05WSdX53AZkB9M1SyiKnP8PwVfgCbJtEwr3peizkw/s1600/DSC_0076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tq36EA_A8GgJQBQmcFSYb8OYhLmEOGHtMIbotyHrFkxR5Eq7VvPlXjlJgd5mMx5ut_97Ir2PMc4tuoCBzaWtWDvnH4wJ4EkbDI05WSdX53AZkB9M1SyiKnP8PwVfgCbJtEwr3peizkw/s320/DSC_0076.jpg" width="209" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2nPYIYaNX7MXgHKsVXDvkSkHMeoSgDFhjW42NGeka_xZOw4AUSAlaZdwnfsiACpIaxiOQlZ-oDu8hZxQlpDKsCrMMID1r5dt1IHR4gQrcLw9RCJmqqdFx8RfxcI7ky0Tc1g3WCpeYsEk/s1600/DSC_0100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2nPYIYaNX7MXgHKsVXDvkSkHMeoSgDFhjW42NGeka_xZOw4AUSAlaZdwnfsiACpIaxiOQlZ-oDu8hZxQlpDKsCrMMID1r5dt1IHR4gQrcLw9RCJmqqdFx8RfxcI7ky0Tc1g3WCpeYsEk/s320/DSC_0100.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><br />
<ul><li><b><i>St Peter's Basilica</i></b>: Neighbors with the Vatican Museum, this is the grandest, most significant church in the Christian world. You can visit the chapel and crypt for free, but the view from the top of the dome is worth the EUR5-7 cost.</li>
</ul><br />
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<ul><li><b><i>Colosseum</i></b>: Home to the notoriously gruesome gladiator battles, don't miss this truly unbelievable structure. A clear architectural wonder, especially considering it's 80 A.D. construction.</li>
</ul><br />
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<ul><li><b><i>Roman Forum (& Palantine Hill)</i></b>: Ruins of the center of the ancient city. Imagine the commerce, politics and religion that took center stage in these ruins. Don't miss the Arch of Titus that marked the old entrance to the city on the Via Sacra, as well as the large Senate House. You can also find the ashes of Julius Caesar as well.</li>
</ul><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2zhjaOYZeKIa43Luzydu6_4Hex3aYkYwEbf-VKiC3j1rPM9hQCRp8n4gtriOYapzPe72qsybWFf1tuEXgThKGHEScCgdiQrA6zhywOymabtSI8oXqgyNsUXyu8JIZmGx_zrpL65WZF4/s1600/DSC_0397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2zhjaOYZeKIa43Luzydu6_4Hex3aYkYwEbf-VKiC3j1rPM9hQCRp8n4gtriOYapzPe72qsybWFf1tuEXgThKGHEScCgdiQrA6zhywOymabtSI8oXqgyNsUXyu8JIZmGx_zrpL65WZF4/s400/DSC_0397.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipc6uWfvIG4FMXu8jvTazyEiOtUtfFdPjimDg_UvyS97QrIDlUwkHp-g4lS8EBnjaDK8nX1esIdnxebevtuI2_KxPXgBCVbPuX8BLll1fYwb4ovO0-qANQ5pPPAuD4TwwiNNIsrqinOJo/s1600/DSC_0370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipc6uWfvIG4FMXu8jvTazyEiOtUtfFdPjimDg_UvyS97QrIDlUwkHp-g4lS8EBnjaDK8nX1esIdnxebevtuI2_KxPXgBCVbPuX8BLll1fYwb4ovO0-qANQ5pPPAuD4TwwiNNIsrqinOJo/s400/DSC_0370.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGnluVS-tx0l7SI6Ug97GXmt9u4Ugwi-PdQDjg7YJSwbX6FY9avi1xhQCaOHOZW0K2p1YEUEvUsIM3byYrAQj8rMBMnawe9kQhJW3S7jw_7HUo_kw3oLLLqBmNHtq1VDU4NX98UhJE0I/s1600/DSC_0395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGnluVS-tx0l7SI6Ug97GXmt9u4Ugwi-PdQDjg7YJSwbX6FY9avi1xhQCaOHOZW0K2p1YEUEvUsIM3byYrAQj8rMBMnawe9kQhJW3S7jw_7HUo_kw3oLLLqBmNHtq1VDU4NX98UhJE0I/s400/DSC_0395.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<ul><li><b><i>Borghese Gallery & Surrounding Gardens</i></b>: Former Cardinal Scipione Borghese's villa, used to showcase the fine art of his age. Many precious Bernini sculptures are contained within its walls. </li>
</ul><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEjImrn6-sPspuvBaySXSqvEDWiMR6TzYshzU3n3lRvOgNKTZWTdI_lIV3KFjK_vdk2a2dVXM00m2lXYUQELqlo97jH6PEqXYvCVRGrkvrfaxvm7Dye0a-GTQmKZj-X2SaOYRNe_g0Hg/s1600/DSC_0451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEjImrn6-sPspuvBaySXSqvEDWiMR6TzYshzU3n3lRvOgNKTZWTdI_lIV3KFjK_vdk2a2dVXM00m2lXYUQELqlo97jH6PEqXYvCVRGrkvrfaxvm7Dye0a-GTQmKZj-X2SaOYRNe_g0Hg/s400/DSC_0451.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<ul><li><b><i>Pantheon</i></b>: Dedicated to all gods, it is the most well-preserved monument in the city. Inside you can find the tomb of Raphael as well as the tombs of the country's 1st two kings.</li>
</ul><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9PCNs5IL-MFFDtH0jvt4z3toTfrWycLOdZOpBnRLgl15Jw42pScIhN69EQA2nmImaW-jyn31SbnBFOLMxoJWklJcJPTdcLaLWq_g3302nLRxntsHYCUF6yr4JOyGq5cjzZn73wDLkyw/s1600/DSC_0402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9PCNs5IL-MFFDtH0jvt4z3toTfrWycLOdZOpBnRLgl15Jw42pScIhN69EQA2nmImaW-jyn31SbnBFOLMxoJWklJcJPTdcLaLWq_g3302nLRxntsHYCUF6yr4JOyGq5cjzZn73wDLkyw/s400/DSC_0402.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIRAHA0ovEnfuG4bnCqFRmcUhSiAz0wzDFcvfBQMAvFxd1Vou5POx9gU2ha7qu0d2M-YyUbNh9nTQgEtD6XaVVy0OzGGjzUVihlSR-MyKIIMhPzN3N-Zc_G_bqvtlcERY2jPslnm7-nw/s1600/DSC_0236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIRAHA0ovEnfuG4bnCqFRmcUhSiAz0wzDFcvfBQMAvFxd1Vou5POx9gU2ha7qu0d2M-YyUbNh9nTQgEtD6XaVVy0OzGGjzUVihlSR-MyKIIMhPzN3N-Zc_G_bqvtlcERY2jPslnm7-nw/s400/DSC_0236.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<ul><li><b><i>Spanish Steps</i></b>: Named for the Spanish Embassy, it is a hangout spot for many (particularly a popular night-time hot spot).</li>
</ul><br />
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<ul><li><b><i>Trevi Fountain</i></b>: A Baroque fountain completed in 1762 by Nicola Salvi, which brings an "Ocean" scene to life. Particularly gorgeous at night.</li>
</ul><br />
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<ul><li><b><i>Night walks through Campo de' Fiori and Piazza Navona</i></b>: Bustling plazas with outdoor wining & dining ideal for people watching. Bernini fountains to top off the experience.</li>
</ul><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFvPqtTL1DLDUsExlk18aVtzjUjSlPVToe5bDX3Kc1GN7Jux360RNiNJ2l989YeCtsa4kbLpD0ZGj2Y9x2RJDOMJ9E0HM1XRAOxcdQXoQmUmotWGP7pz5Z4mb4cy6BmxB8GrlRj1BN68/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFvPqtTL1DLDUsExlk18aVtzjUjSlPVToe5bDX3Kc1GN7Jux360RNiNJ2l989YeCtsa4kbLpD0ZGj2Y9x2RJDOMJ9E0HM1XRAOxcdQXoQmUmotWGP7pz5Z4mb4cy6BmxB8GrlRj1BN68/s400/DSC_0020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wX8q7hK8-VG3xgSOqOcKL1LpaDIadooAHIJgvctYxxEa0nKDMm_ZnBle4n1BJ6zYeP3EBHcKhYxf9iMwb3MFO7Ay44oHdtyBaaf4poou5lhRL-6KQSa0E7ZtRCf9gDGVo1Kj7U7n2N4/s1600/DSC_0520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wX8q7hK8-VG3xgSOqOcKL1LpaDIadooAHIJgvctYxxEa0nKDMm_ZnBle4n1BJ6zYeP3EBHcKhYxf9iMwb3MFO7Ay44oHdtyBaaf4poou5lhRL-6KQSa0E7ZtRCf9gDGVo1Kj7U7n2N4/s400/DSC_0520.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtN07AxTD9XusNqa0oRHAI8FWPiW9MCZKJL56J067V3nN8niWKQgU2-aLHA_HHBxSNsBYW3O3DOT0RwqIONj1jAhp1lDr85_UIuNWLJ6A-XeFH7ExqiBCB9voFP89MjMeY-yqmVhhEWM/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtN07AxTD9XusNqa0oRHAI8FWPiW9MCZKJL56J067V3nN8niWKQgU2-aLHA_HHBxSNsBYW3O3DOT0RwqIONj1jAhp1lDr85_UIuNWLJ6A-XeFH7ExqiBCB9voFP89MjMeY-yqmVhhEWM/s400/DSC_0022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>For those of you itching to go to Rome, I hope this was a decent introduction to what you might expect. There will be more to come from me, which will cover the must-sees in much more detail.<br />
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My last recommendation is a fun, superstitious one: don't forget to throw a coin over your shoulder into the Trevi Fountain! If the legend is true, it will ensure your safe return to Rome.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivU8S_qZ7ioXIz0uUaAa8pkTqBseyLoDRG9kBhxgIrbbWMMMbuM3BjpI7Q9KKGirrNqQzXKrOSUCY4Q0ksEmjDfGgtsrvTfuGJZQVrzkwGyjviVs6_Ma_f8lLN0VXfxho3fD5NCK6EvWM/s1600/DSC_0500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivU8S_qZ7ioXIz0uUaAa8pkTqBseyLoDRG9kBhxgIrbbWMMMbuM3BjpI7Q9KKGirrNqQzXKrOSUCY4Q0ksEmjDfGgtsrvTfuGJZQVrzkwGyjviVs6_Ma_f8lLN0VXfxho3fD5NCK6EvWM/s400/DSC_0500.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782677370134418290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483754055444843282.post-45457470278054430252011-09-11T18:31:00.002-04:002011-09-12T13:14:29.547-04:00Chicago in a DayAnother plus of living in <a href="http://notallwhowanderarelost77.blogspot.com/2011/09/new-home-new-me.html">Milwaukee</a> is it's close proximity to Chicago. Either by car or by train, the trip will take you about an hour and 15 minutes. The train line, Amtrak Hiawatha, departs from both the Milwaukee Intermodal Station (MKE) and the Milwaukee Airport Railroad Station (MKA). For those of you air travelers, the MKA station has connections to Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport. <br />
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A few Saturdays ago, my friend Mike was visiting and, along with Dave, we headed over to the Hiawatha at the MKA station at the brisk hour of 8am. After seeing that parking was only $5 for the day, we happily printed our $40 roundtrip tickets at the self service stand and waited a few short minutes to board. We ended up on the quiet car, which was vigilantly upheld. The quiet car ride allowed for a pleasant nap for Dave and undisturbed scenery gazing for Mike and me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-cw7pwZ5OoB2gAoNtt6UjmGWxYtHl7Go6FpREPmVCRqwsFKkC0-awm5Tds7CVUJf304HoUDunDiOO0uyws0Y4WeSj5d9baKk5uiy9k-Ag9D-qvLq5j1LbfcHt_22N3mSFGZQyqbktguY/s1600/DSC_0281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-cw7pwZ5OoB2gAoNtt6UjmGWxYtHl7Go6FpREPmVCRqwsFKkC0-awm5Tds7CVUJf304HoUDunDiOO0uyws0Y4WeSj5d9baKk5uiy9k-Ag9D-qvLq5j1LbfcHt_22N3mSFGZQyqbktguY/s400/DSC_0281.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We arrived at Union Station a little before 9:30am and, even though we had a lot to see in our ~11 hr day in the city, we decided our first order of business was breakfast. We cut up Jackson St (all of these street names seem to be President's names) and headed for the <a href="http://www.themagnificentmile.com/">Magnificent Mile</a> on Michigan Avenue. Known for it's shopping and dining, we were aiming for a place that had an outside patio. We had luck with <b>The Gage</b> and enjoyed a reasonably priced brunch before we headed out on our sightseeing adventures.<br />
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Fueled up from brunch, we meandered across Michigan and Columbus and headed south through Grant Park to see the renown <b>Buckingham Fountain </b>in the center of the park. The 84 year-old fountain, said to be inspired by the Latona Fountain in Versailles, is quite the sight with its large center display and numerous jets. The backdrop of the city isn't too shabby either. The fountain is meant to represent Lake Michigan, with each seahorse representing a bordering state (Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin). You can catch a water show every hour from mid-April through mid-October. If you wait until after dusk, you can see the same show but with the addition of choreographed lights and music. Unfortunately, we did not stick around for the show, but I have it on my to-do list next time for sure.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5toO7lF1XHysBnvqeoNys85og6hJ4BcefmKWtk8Xtn57q9UmjCtxfNxnywHW4_RYlapkWBTnjBrwgr2hdgPWj1oK_dB79ksmxQ8IIfTIuCo8i0QTimKFbQJdA7yXmmhJMuTw4PlCTTo/s1600/DSC_0291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5toO7lF1XHysBnvqeoNys85og6hJ4BcefmKWtk8Xtn57q9UmjCtxfNxnywHW4_RYlapkWBTnjBrwgr2hdgPWj1oK_dB79ksmxQ8IIfTIuCo8i0QTimKFbQJdA7yXmmhJMuTw4PlCTTo/s400/DSC_0291.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQgSs5WLrN6xkmhnhDi5Xv6r029KkFAmaF7zHIqBxv2S_ZYU9xIv2fu4FZAer4UK1ZLJHXsCJzgFGp8B3hyphenhyphenaVgzCjDMzgzkUkRMa-ZoS_VA1KuT5fabjX8HjOEmfiGH1bhPpSbxm-dmo/s1600/DSC_0299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQgSs5WLrN6xkmhnhDi5Xv6r029KkFAmaF7zHIqBxv2S_ZYU9xIv2fu4FZAer4UK1ZLJHXsCJzgFGp8B3hyphenhyphenaVgzCjDMzgzkUkRMa-ZoS_VA1KuT5fabjX8HjOEmfiGH1bhPpSbxm-dmo/s400/DSC_0299.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Turning north, we walked back through Grant Park and made our way to <b>Millenium Park</b>. Technically an extension of Grant Park, Millenium is a public art venue at its core. One of its highlights is the <b>Jay Pritzker Pavillion</b>, which is home to the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra, Grant Park Music Festival and many other musical acts.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrZ44851kiKCNPURtx3PSm1huR0KpsisKNw3WwRpTNO8gb3prqhkFLUi8nh1OYeB5Hsz_P5atw3_kO3YdRl5p2vskMSlabnzAxEuVrw3atPrLlg9Nf02kmPl-mhc0tUqAH5fgpeVOrSY/s1600/DSC_0306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrZ44851kiKCNPURtx3PSm1huR0KpsisKNw3WwRpTNO8gb3prqhkFLUi8nh1OYeB5Hsz_P5atw3_kO3YdRl5p2vskMSlabnzAxEuVrw3atPrLlg9Nf02kmPl-mhc0tUqAH5fgpeVOrSY/s400/DSC_0306.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Not far from the pavillion is<b> Cloud Gate or "The Bean"</b>. We weren't the only tourists interested in a closer look and feel of this 3-story steel sculpture. Created by Anish Kapoor, the sculpture is undoubtedly captivating. As you get closer, you're immediately drawn in by the unique, distorted reflections of the city and sky. When you're within striking distance, it then becomes quite fun to see your own distorted reflection and make your way through its curved archway. The only real downfall to this attraction is its popularity! Don't count on getting any amazing non-people filled pictures while you're there...unless of course you get there extremely early.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllp-ahyyhmH3j8e7GnxeS5Bh7X7eFRdiYLUIkj9icLCeRmm86Fv4Lgq919ZUttiG2UPycLU1aOGpLhMRkvJr1oZGUC2hxdDBOAMXe1FbcotMcuadcZN-TOWfmwcen32LwujQr4k6lJD8/s1600/DSC_0313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllp-ahyyhmH3j8e7GnxeS5Bh7X7eFRdiYLUIkj9icLCeRmm86Fv4Lgq919ZUttiG2UPycLU1aOGpLhMRkvJr1oZGUC2hxdDBOAMXe1FbcotMcuadcZN-TOWfmwcen32LwujQr4k6lJD8/s400/DSC_0313.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPyqM5Ud-LN2D83USZ9D-10L3LpVjmAKkiVd_4NLfBNag9mLQSTB2esTEvR8Ii0qw_Fj-Yiiw0i9zMfjyyjK0o1itgo7nBMkxNG3q9M1Yt5HH_S4aCOnPV5a1YVKOEW01J1eUAvYrYvIo/s1600/DSC_0309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPyqM5Ud-LN2D83USZ9D-10L3LpVjmAKkiVd_4NLfBNag9mLQSTB2esTEvR8Ii0qw_Fj-Yiiw0i9zMfjyyjK0o1itgo7nBMkxNG3q9M1Yt5HH_S4aCOnPV5a1YVKOEW01J1eUAvYrYvIo/s400/DSC_0309.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZxAlXg9w7sH03yLb3mxVWdchz7hGEBXB2fGjUGOcPen8RmHKgtKhTJuDQhrZ8ZQawdeDiWPmKo_v63R6WznZX_X6pmjY_7WEltH1GB2rD8lJWA3uM76rF4Q3SJNo2FuEE3a2C38bCZw/s1600/DSC_0312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZxAlXg9w7sH03yLb3mxVWdchz7hGEBXB2fGjUGOcPen8RmHKgtKhTJuDQhrZ8ZQawdeDiWPmKo_v63R6WznZX_X6pmjY_7WEltH1GB2rD8lJWA3uM76rF4Q3SJNo2FuEE3a2C38bCZw/s400/DSC_0312.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp778v0Q45E2H8bwQktP-pYlcxr1VsyhvLVqhfsSBMeSCK8sDPIMO1303JPeSZKvUSBL9xjFDOxa8p3SHA80FP3RoOB5-o89HdXYLePTjXVpPpTSlexiBdxdrp6t90mOFFeU8BHqkA12E/s1600/DSC_0318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp778v0Q45E2H8bwQktP-pYlcxr1VsyhvLVqhfsSBMeSCK8sDPIMO1303JPeSZKvUSBL9xjFDOxa8p3SHA80FP3RoOB5-o89HdXYLePTjXVpPpTSlexiBdxdrp6t90mOFFeU8BHqkA12E/s400/DSC_0318.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Feeling oh-so-done with the swarms of tourists at The Bean, we started our many mile walk to the <b>Navy Pier</b> right on Lake Michigan. On our way, I was noticing the lovely Riverwalk area.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlinlDheWe5DzEEmefo27mpRq0jN99u-sEPuNTfhKJcUk9gZAhUso678SBjU1ELgjleIWT-Hj2_3zZNiwOL7JSa6Y6o4KWPopy94x8UAVPhvRpOIfUmmgqxigPMbKnvmgDPuVG4wge1vg/s1600/DSC_0339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlinlDheWe5DzEEmefo27mpRq0jN99u-sEPuNTfhKJcUk9gZAhUso678SBjU1ELgjleIWT-Hj2_3zZNiwOL7JSa6Y6o4KWPopy94x8UAVPhvRpOIfUmmgqxigPMbKnvmgDPuVG4wge1vg/s400/DSC_0339.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWRZ8UxRml0iCYbfiToP4PsZEfhm5HTCNzs4f0l_4_StisonHR1MWV6KkJO2pe0xWlUdk2-wiabyGXR6uXmPX33yP14wxgZ-XDlmzFo6aSoKbY-AOe0JwqwyxW-o4uKbhRgWHO1BvChE/s1600/DSC_0343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWRZ8UxRml0iCYbfiToP4PsZEfhm5HTCNzs4f0l_4_StisonHR1MWV6KkJO2pe0xWlUdk2-wiabyGXR6uXmPX33yP14wxgZ-XDlmzFo6aSoKbY-AOe0JwqwyxW-o4uKbhRgWHO1BvChE/s400/DSC_0343.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Although Navy Pier was also crowded, I immediately got a great vibe as we approached.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrh4PsJQMn_lcFF14114FE6PXE3XjsOLRdfuNKIwUTUXZfhfpVCuXUe3bGkvsntRWkoq_1lpXQLlP_SXJAF-cgIl3nL4Jo55duqXRaoT-wRuxPju8ql8cJSFTopPgdl8apcVmQPF_bhI/s1600/DSC_0351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrh4PsJQMn_lcFF14114FE6PXE3XjsOLRdfuNKIwUTUXZfhfpVCuXUe3bGkvsntRWkoq_1lpXQLlP_SXJAF-cgIl3nL4Jo55duqXRaoT-wRuxPju8ql8cJSFTopPgdl8apcVmQPF_bhI/s400/DSC_0351.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We found many Mid-Westerners happily drinking with friends either out on restaurant patios or simply walking around (open containers allowed once inside). It was more than easy to join in the merriment, as we decided to rest our feet and grab some beverages at <a href="http://www.harrycaraystavern.com/navy-pier/">Harry Caray's</a> outdoor patio.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcH5bA4J0YW1GwxVQ0DcoQ2tbrDD6s6WXuSTO_VAi1dpj6-yz8rfsR89ky914rjaJdIAHZif5MeTp0NPAwBcp8l8JJ4lzKTTwDRCEBufQm9F8vwtakfwbuDm0u_JfbnwV6SydBixQMs4/s1600/DSCF6036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcH5bA4J0YW1GwxVQ0DcoQ2tbrDD6s6WXuSTO_VAi1dpj6-yz8rfsR89ky914rjaJdIAHZif5MeTp0NPAwBcp8l8JJ4lzKTTwDRCEBufQm9F8vwtakfwbuDm0u_JfbnwV6SydBixQMs4/s400/DSCF6036.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After our refreshments, we walked the rest of the length of the pier and noted all of the activities. There were numerous boat launches for guided tours of the city from the lake, the Childrens' Museum, carnival games & fun-houses, and tons of restaurants & bars. There is also a fireworks display every Saturday at 9pm (ending Oct 29). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijj2SAfC0DT-MqdEuZoY0u9CGjay9HPt6WRBJUwqtg4MafHBF-OEiDZLpY6Fqw4RAa3VMug2SboWQJ3AbbWekiJoGiFSSLHN6vrMJKe-AIMni7YCmzDU_DOXMTB7leHjdSTOZwB4fVVVs/s1600/DSC_0363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijj2SAfC0DT-MqdEuZoY0u9CGjay9HPt6WRBJUwqtg4MafHBF-OEiDZLpY6Fqw4RAa3VMug2SboWQJ3AbbWekiJoGiFSSLHN6vrMJKe-AIMni7YCmzDU_DOXMTB7leHjdSTOZwB4fVVVs/s400/DSC_0363.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At this point in the afternoon, really interesting low-lying clouds set over the city. I loved the photo ops they created but it was nice that they didn't stay and block out the August sun for too long.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCsUNLhY_CV6F-7XkZciojioKukC5fde8lG2Ee9XZu8hk-T_g_pnXdnU5dDIerVFEz6-fFpiS-VDd5yTSC-zCDiS9XpbRtXrPU5MqpvOXP8dDj4ST_JpFVy6cc6ZSWiC4X9Uo4xTZ__A/s1600/DSC_0358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCsUNLhY_CV6F-7XkZciojioKukC5fde8lG2Ee9XZu8hk-T_g_pnXdnU5dDIerVFEz6-fFpiS-VDd5yTSC-zCDiS9XpbRtXrPU5MqpvOXP8dDj4ST_JpFVy6cc6ZSWiC4X9Uo4xTZ__A/s400/DSC_0358.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-thF3l4xJEyhG847e0Mil0RAC0SJTiAXYkAjRL842wosQiPQpmEk3V22fAFl1348SpVIARCxr1OnmECBGCQlBuR-_AhbnMKKpioWlRPSZDQpELFSptLpCmr2x6htXHCAtfcYLyvuYs4/s1600/DSC_0353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-thF3l4xJEyhG847e0Mil0RAC0SJTiAXYkAjRL842wosQiPQpmEk3V22fAFl1348SpVIARCxr1OnmECBGCQlBuR-_AhbnMKKpioWlRPSZDQpELFSptLpCmr2x6htXHCAtfcYLyvuYs4/s400/DSC_0353.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Knowing that we also had other attractions to hit, we headed out from the pier and walked north along the shoreline towards the <b>John Hancock Observatory</b>. Eager to see the city from 1,100 ft up, we paid our $15 admission and headed up almost 100 stories. <i>Note: you can also buy a CityPass for $76, which gains you access to your choice of 5 attractions including the J.H. Observatory, Willis (previously Sears) Tower's competing SkyDeck, the planetarium, the aquarium, the Field Museum or the Art Institute of Chicago.</i><br />
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The J.H. Observatory offers the city's only open air SkyWalk and also provides a multimedia tour free of charge to all patrons (narrated by David Schwimmer for any of you Friends fans). It also provides an interesting overview of Chicago's storied history, with particular attention to The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 where the city had to literally build itself back up from the rubble. Then there is of course the amazing views...which is not lost in translation on anyone. Lake Michigan's vibrant shade of blue never looked so beautiful in my opinion and I was entranced by the full 360 views of greater Chicago.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jAzX-GFmKA7nCGEGmaoiRlwMcrFQTjRnZhtCFRs-7Lpxbmukg_AbrRRQv5LvkZDns0Eo0ODggU-1ywpYx7P4r4KCXETIeiuysfautnvOUL_58N-0w2t4reWZyD_1AihWSQ7PoBsgncM/s1600/DSC_0368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jAzX-GFmKA7nCGEGmaoiRlwMcrFQTjRnZhtCFRs-7Lpxbmukg_AbrRRQv5LvkZDns0Eo0ODggU-1ywpYx7P4r4KCXETIeiuysfautnvOUL_58N-0w2t4reWZyD_1AihWSQ7PoBsgncM/s400/DSC_0368.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ayBbwPu3fZAEWfi32vb8z9hNpBJspQef8JPy4Xutw1u47HD0CdcBCdrUseMoLDWDffkGcDTvjp3D5aYpqfSn1o8jIbm1azJ6Jl5BctZDOJpMAxvtzIGt51LrCmh4_U7wIoEj82lGv-s/s1600/DSC_0373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ayBbwPu3fZAEWfi32vb8z9hNpBJspQef8JPy4Xutw1u47HD0CdcBCdrUseMoLDWDffkGcDTvjp3D5aYpqfSn1o8jIbm1azJ6Jl5BctZDOJpMAxvtzIGt51LrCmh4_U7wIoEj82lGv-s/s400/DSC_0373.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEW6p6UwVYHCe1haW0EgILcF7qOW6jULwjEuyodnw5x1p_A5b8HBU-DRhGdWAg2Gl9xyXD7Q_N1uIY1BvcN13Dbp-mFt42HIcky97GlUfG5JKeb0nOqkrz3I6q7bBiM_RuujGcre8rO30/s1600/DSC_0384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEW6p6UwVYHCe1haW0EgILcF7qOW6jULwjEuyodnw5x1p_A5b8HBU-DRhGdWAg2Gl9xyXD7Q_N1uIY1BvcN13Dbp-mFt42HIcky97GlUfG5JKeb0nOqkrz3I6q7bBiM_RuujGcre8rO30/s400/DSC_0384.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>We finished up our Chicago-in-a-Day experience with dinner closer to the downtown Loop area. Upon recommendation from my friend Eden, we shuffled into <b>avec</b> on Randolph Street. Careful though... the restaurant is about the size of a narrow hallway and it does <u>not</u> take reservations. Hence, make sure to get there early or be prepared to be tremendously patient while waiting for a table. At least there is a long bar that can help you pass the time. Our experience at avec was tremendous. Small plates is the name of the game here and we couldn't get enough. My favorite was the stuffed dates :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhwf8qHWL8Mk4YmugoIU3dQ38Y9Z-CafloSt8TgBaucZyZ4n0trUQMAY3WcLfCQVkkUtJCUt7F2X5_Gdbqv1w8usvskTNtXWEZsrH_mVZBbzNDPs-1WFJbefrsAvTu7Lo9O160hGH3sk/s1600/DSC_0393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhwf8qHWL8Mk4YmugoIU3dQ38Y9Z-CafloSt8TgBaucZyZ4n0trUQMAY3WcLfCQVkkUtJCUt7F2X5_Gdbqv1w8usvskTNtXWEZsrH_mVZBbzNDPs-1WFJbefrsAvTu7Lo9O160hGH3sk/s400/DSC_0393.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>After dinner, we squeezed in one more drink at the Elephant Walk in the financial district and then scooted back over to Union Station to catch our train. Unfortunately, the last train back to Milwaukee leaves around 8pm. Even though we had planned ahead and got into the city early, it would be nicer if there was a later option. Although, in our case, we had jammed so much sightseeing into our day that we were completely exhausted and ultimately appreciative of getting back on the train to rest! <br />
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As we reflected on our day during the ride back, we all agreed that, for such a large city, Chicago was extremely well organized and impeccably maintained. We're all excited for trip #2 to discover more of Chi-Town, now my neighbor to the south!Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782677370134418290noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483754055444843282.post-17349690417195813052011-09-06T21:33:00.000-04:002011-09-06T21:33:42.204-04:00A New Home ... A New MeA lot has changed since I last checked in. <br />
<br />
While I may still be sitting on the same couch, semi-watching my guilty pleasure General Hospital on DVR, I'm no longer in the same home - no longer in the same state - no longer in the same part of the country. <br />
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Where you can find me is about 1,100 miles due west of my prior home in Salem, MA, making my way in Greater Milwaukee, Wisconsin. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCsHsmJb_XxcvIJt_1t9DgB_a80kWTBkTds4aHkgFvZO6SBWwQx3KQIRyywTD00adRIQNt5yL_sKROnsiCiwFQkQAiXkdO8RkePZKyW4SiMs89ZQiN9DjvN_N4MNu0GEmSLwCccd1VA8/s1600/wisconsin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCsHsmJb_XxcvIJt_1t9DgB_a80kWTBkTds4aHkgFvZO6SBWwQx3KQIRyywTD00adRIQNt5yL_sKROnsiCiwFQkQAiXkdO8RkePZKyW4SiMs89ZQiN9DjvN_N4MNu0GEmSLwCccd1VA8/s400/wisconsin.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/states/wisconsin/">Enchanted Learning</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I can say without uncertainty that I never thought I would be uploading a map of Wisconsin and guiding my blog readers to look for the Milwaukee dot close to Lake Michigan in the south-east corner of the state. I guess that's the beauty of life though...you never know what opportunity may be coming your way. In my case, Wisconsin courted and successfully wooed me with a great new position at a large, well-known and respected global corporation. I'll give you a clue...it is the only company that trades on the Dow Jones today that was also listed on the original Dow index in 1896.<br />
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Although the new job is going well so far, I've nonetheless been in a serious adjustment phase. When I thought of a few key words for where I was heading...<i>bitter cold winters</i>, <i>cheese</i>, <i>beer</i> and <i>industrial</i> came to mind. Although I won't be able to avoid the cold winters, I've found that there are a lot of great things (some part of the stereotypes and some far from) that are definitely helping me to adjust. <br />
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<b>Great, local beer </b>... whether it's the powerhouse Miller, smaller craft breweries such as Lakefront or Sprecher or local brew pubs such as the Milwaukee Ale House....one can find something tasty to slurp down for sure.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cafe Hollander, Wauwatosa WI</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHydRy9YFzF6KTkiccIFCgVwv5jRpIXC-fmOJZj0O7Zhyphenhyphen1mpWO_fI5ql89WjR2UmQZg0qiVhf7Gq8yerSafb1f3YMs2CTJxjvGW0Pil_czMCAm9tM1gWGwM111_JVCUoWXH9E4u7cU3w/s1600/DSCF5565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHydRy9YFzF6KTkiccIFCgVwv5jRpIXC-fmOJZj0O7Zhyphenhyphen1mpWO_fI5ql89WjR2UmQZg0qiVhf7Gq8yerSafb1f3YMs2CTJxjvGW0Pil_czMCAm9tM1gWGwM111_JVCUoWXH9E4u7cU3w/s400/DSCF5565.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Milwaukee Ale House, Milwaukee WI</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxewZsvtoi5fSj0-6xNdSoXEL9j1CL4LGGaEKnMGc_Mx-jYXfd7Mdz-m42lVV7tKsuMMp55-9_eh2EYqvRH0J8FHty5xp2CtnsORzSqENnSVIwCU326AEbMZwR95szGrshGY_UvEzwhg/s1600/DSC_0402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxewZsvtoi5fSj0-6xNdSoXEL9j1CL4LGGaEKnMGc_Mx-jYXfd7Mdz-m42lVV7tKsuMMp55-9_eh2EYqvRH0J8FHty5xp2CtnsORzSqENnSVIwCU326AEbMZwR95szGrshGY_UvEzwhg/s400/DSC_0402.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lakefront Brewery, Milwaukee WI</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Amazing lakefront parks & beaches</b> ... who knew right?! Cities aren't typically known for miles of open space to walk, run, boat, jet ski and sun bathe, but that's what I'm learning makes Milwaukee so special.<br />
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<b>Stunning art museum</b> ... featured in the latest Transformers <strike>pan</strike> movie, this architectural wonder, designed by Santiago Calatrava, has been statuesquely gracing Lake Michigan's shoreline since 2001. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> </span><br />
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<b>Riverwalk</b> ... 2+ miles of revived shops, restaurants, bars and trendy apartments running alongside the banks of the Milwaukee river. Bar hopping here can be accomplished by foot or by boat ... which would you prefer?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy63EwWcTQRHRU-m3S5jPfmW9vpykZE_F9TYVFjEVX6k_VURSH2ugPaVz0G1XplZ1NYLFLzER5b8NAish8w5QNycDNZFsSOuXImo7YxWYAiD_OI7GHPKLq0kRP1ARgwPoDR9KRvbgUbzo/s1600/milwaukee-river-walk-anita-burgermeister.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy63EwWcTQRHRU-m3S5jPfmW9vpykZE_F9TYVFjEVX6k_VURSH2ugPaVz0G1XplZ1NYLFLzER5b8NAish8w5QNycDNZFsSOuXImo7YxWYAiD_OI7GHPKLq0kRP1ARgwPoDR9KRvbgUbzo/s400/milwaukee-river-walk-anita-burgermeister.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://fineartamerica.com/featured/milwaukee-river-walk-anita-burgermeister.html">Fine Art America</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>FESTIVALS</b> ... although I got here too late this summer to enjoy many of them, Milwaukee is home to a different music or ethnic festival practically every weekend. The festival grounds have a specific home, right on the lake a little bit south of the downtown area. Although thousands visit Italian Fest, German Fest, Irish Fest, Polish Fest (the list goes on), the most famous festival is undoubtedly <b><a href="http://www.summerfest.com/flash2011/1.cfm?codeString=home">Summerfest</a></b>, touted as the world's largest musical festival. It takes place over 11 days and 12+ stages with a tremendous amount of musical variety. I heard on the news this summer that annual attendance now reaches over 1 million people!<br />
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The only big event I did make it to this summer was the Air & Water Show over the lake. Here are a few pictures ...<br />
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<b>Miller Park & Avid Brewers Fans</b> ... built not too long ago, Miller Park is a fantastic MLB park. The seats are affordable, spacious and are close to a bevy of yummy snack stands. Gone are the days of a simple hot dog alone, you can supplement your dog with pulled pork sliders, Wisconsin white cheddar cheese curds, selections from a baked potato bar and roasted almonds & walnuts & pecans. Not to mention the fact that the city is obsessed with their Brewers, who are on their way to a division title :)<br />
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I have a feeling I'm going to keep discovering special things about my new city that I will continue to share with you all. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to my apartment being filled with not just my boring self...my boyfriend David will be a <u>welcomed</u> addition to my daily routine and, of course, as many visitors as possible :)Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782677370134418290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483754055444843282.post-85595120854380321772011-05-27T19:23:00.005-04:002011-05-27T20:04:36.278-04:00Guide to The Big EasyI just recently returned from a fabulous, debauchery filled girls trip to New Orleans. I'm still recovering and left wondering how we managed to go such full-throttle in our effort to paint this riverside city red. Before I detail the nightlife that one could argue is this city's hallmark, this post will give you the basics on what you should expect if you're planning a visit.<br />
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<b>Timeframe</b>: Not dissimilar to <a href="http://notallwhowanderarelost77.blogspot.com/2010/10/guide-to-better-las-vegas-vacation.html">Vegas</a>, the amount of time one should spend in New Orleans is debatable. If your plan is to attack the city for all its worth (aka eat and drink your face off), then I'm thinking a long weekend is probably all your body can handle. We spent Thursday evening through Monday morning and I can tell you that we spent pretty much all our Sunday in recovery mode (with some of us barely even able to leave the comforts of our hotel room). However, if your plan is to be more relaxed and perhaps not give in to the many sins of Bourbon Street, then I would feel more comfortable recommending an extension to your stay. <br />
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<b>Flight options</b>: For those of you in the Boston area, there are simply very limited non-stop flight options. Jet Blue is your only option and as the number of booked seats rise, so does the price of your ticket. Kristen and I opted to stay away from this ~$700 flight option and went with the more reasonable $220 round-trip, one-stop ticket with American.<br />
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<b>Hotel options</b>: If you want to stay in the centrally positioned and well traveled French Quarter, the bad news is that it doesn't come cheap. This was a pill we weren't expecting to swallow when we first thought to vacation in Nola, but, hey, the ability to walk home safely and avoid cab-rides is rather priceless in my view. Our choice ended up being the 4-star <a href="http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/NewOrleans/Default.htm">Ritz Carlton New Orleans</a> on Canal Street. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZb7DYBQDN_MJ0KocV63lh6lwZN5ZeIQA1nR-iYAXULBqMlSoxr65Ya7t7Wo0HMHiyeIXq4yiVeBVUOlrZeBUloZaz9-KfbNLxAaEhe9eOqBIcfH3YL7r1Mo0DU7bgTuo6eAW-zXQOjc/s1600/the-ritz-carlton-new-orleans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZb7DYBQDN_MJ0KocV63lh6lwZN5ZeIQA1nR-iYAXULBqMlSoxr65Ya7t7Wo0HMHiyeIXq4yiVeBVUOlrZeBUloZaz9-KfbNLxAaEhe9eOqBIcfH3YL7r1Mo0DU7bgTuo6eAW-zXQOjc/s400/the-ritz-carlton-new-orleans.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://www.hotelsoftherichandfamous.com/">www.hotelsoftherichandfamous.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The hotel was simply lovely, almost too lovely for the neighboring, stale-air endless happy hour on Bourbon Street. The four of us piled into our ~$300 a night room and were thankful to see that it was very spacious. The hotel is also home to a lovely, outdoor courtyard.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVW7ytcE-JGrWOfQHrxCVw218TmtuCoYeUjb98L0Eb4WxSk7Ihmgv7SoP_set95fxzyxPbehDoF03Fpwpp-Ikyp9YFiyVlbGoGU_-pShEx2ID-f40P0yXlbpJ5xNiGa0Svf196ijwrNA/s1600/large_1416_RitzCarltonNewOrleans+-+Courtyard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVW7ytcE-JGrWOfQHrxCVw218TmtuCoYeUjb98L0Eb4WxSk7Ihmgv7SoP_set95fxzyxPbehDoF03Fpwpp-Ikyp9YFiyVlbGoGU_-pShEx2ID-f40P0yXlbpJ5xNiGa0Svf196ijwrNA/s400/large_1416_RitzCarltonNewOrleans+-+Courtyard.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://www.hbadesign.com/">hbadesign.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Another attraction to the hotel is the Davenport Lounge, named for its featured performer on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, <a href="http://jeremydavenport.com/">Jeremy Davenport</a>. We caught him for the back-half of his act on Saturday evening and it was quite enjoyable to listen to his cool tunes while sitting in the swanky lounge. If you're a ballroom dancer, there's also room to bust your move front an center in front of Jeremy and his band.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJ5xkwarrBVMmcAN1GawVFwkocYJVqBUSAEXJpSgotbfbDVu4WRL5itW_jf4C9TFlNxRQytWgkear4xa9JGC9d12SDRic478fJV65PQ9KbeMchp4uUz4JdpE-ZHN251DXmfWSE29ByAw/s1600/jeremy+davenport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJ5xkwarrBVMmcAN1GawVFwkocYJVqBUSAEXJpSgotbfbDVu4WRL5itW_jf4C9TFlNxRQytWgkear4xa9JGC9d12SDRic478fJV65PQ9KbeMchp4uUz4JdpE-ZHN251DXmfWSE29ByAw/s400/jeremy+davenport.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://www.gonola.com/">www.gonola.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Shopping</b>: Although we didn't leave a ton of time to shop during our stay, we noted that a great source of boutiques is Royal Street in the French Quarter. We popped into a few ladies clothing, art and knick-knack boutiques and also noticed a few Art Markets and antique stores around Jackson Square.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzaQ6O8-Qr9Ef00lHJYA7DKVkQu-d3kicxzk0BFf2xP76E3yOr3qJypAueXIiByW3JQKT9pzzFKbgYL8i8PA2MtTFmXDcQDk0lRo4eyk6oupovqQJ6Uv7kLq4L5fnd1C3l5cy13_ud4kk/s1600/DSCF5441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzaQ6O8-Qr9Ef00lHJYA7DKVkQu-d3kicxzk0BFf2xP76E3yOr3qJypAueXIiByW3JQKT9pzzFKbgYL8i8PA2MtTFmXDcQDk0lRo4eyk6oupovqQJ6Uv7kLq4L5fnd1C3l5cy13_ud4kk/s400/DSCF5441.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigSCt2Pq9KasvCAw3Cy2tIcY6S8CJYbyaQxh3BfBpzmz8r9Fc2PT6QgwoqOw59jtSR8ggScJCq7qobol4mw38rBWBCRXwHG1UeEBGFnodsOFmrEhlVHnn_FyplHcWXI7xAcJRR_eD76p8/s1600/DSCF5458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigSCt2Pq9KasvCAw3Cy2tIcY6S8CJYbyaQxh3BfBpzmz8r9Fc2PT6QgwoqOw59jtSR8ggScJCq7qobol4mw38rBWBCRXwHG1UeEBGFnodsOFmrEhlVHnn_FyplHcWXI7xAcJRR_eD76p8/s320/DSCF5458.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><b>Sightseeing</b>: Because eating and drinking were at the top of our to-do list, we didn't to see as many of the sights as we wanted (namely the Garden District for us). However, there are definitely a lot of things to consider doing during your stay. One of our priorities was to board a steamship on the Mississippi River. We board the Steamship Natches for an afternoon cruise that lasted 2 hours. However, the Natches also does daily Jazz rides in the evening if that's more your style.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxJB57s3SiPw9NS6Dt24XsGvEP5DqcWSnFWzO9ZWcXpVOhSfiD4Xpx4f8-7Ebyg8xIyvZ8q_4ywD-x-3ggfg_IKAkagnGyL733Lch4y42WdI4P2xLY5d5ZUh3AFqjl3fYX250aEIoc18/s1600/DSCF5449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxJB57s3SiPw9NS6Dt24XsGvEP5DqcWSnFWzO9ZWcXpVOhSfiD4Xpx4f8-7Ebyg8xIyvZ8q_4ywD-x-3ggfg_IKAkagnGyL733Lch4y42WdI4P2xLY5d5ZUh3AFqjl3fYX250aEIoc18/s400/DSCF5449.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzANk0RmK7WaEI8mn2CvJQLSo7D9d_t6RDQpaYnaEReUNpRCPuFY3_WgYyRvA1vkCM4TZFW2pLknMjDwspKWyK0GtJ6pKhnLesiWg3nUJg7EW4W2rEAM5zOJgk3baoBHY-E-8g3t-ouE/s1600/DSCF5499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzANk0RmK7WaEI8mn2CvJQLSo7D9d_t6RDQpaYnaEReUNpRCPuFY3_WgYyRvA1vkCM4TZFW2pLknMjDwspKWyK0GtJ6pKhnLesiWg3nUJg7EW4W2rEAM5zOJgk3baoBHY-E-8g3t-ouE/s400/DSCF5499.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEVwajFRvePSrc5C-3OVC70o4NiIJWQvbAZRvzlWz2eLn1GqmaKA_DcIq34o8CXcp-hu4Shzz6x5CF79jkslN_JXrVnkligqxPHmtswqAyhYp6WC-SChFHz8ROf7kuTANx97pa8-xk3E/s1600/DSCF5504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEVwajFRvePSrc5C-3OVC70o4NiIJWQvbAZRvzlWz2eLn1GqmaKA_DcIq34o8CXcp-hu4Shzz6x5CF79jkslN_JXrVnkligqxPHmtswqAyhYp6WC-SChFHz8ROf7kuTANx97pa8-xk3E/s320/DSCF5504.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHVGvM5eI7drw3R18Oq5C2AcXOZkHdseJNqHC9uKQkPL32Yeui6EdBZeZJAx1OMiDJQpTV1NAcXwa00JIyNxE9Kh0OivcFIotIZ3eAnuprZtKZztUfmDLzVPCXSU-kEPboNmomakXBbI/s1600/DSCF5508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHVGvM5eI7drw3R18Oq5C2AcXOZkHdseJNqHC9uKQkPL32Yeui6EdBZeZJAx1OMiDJQpTV1NAcXwa00JIyNxE9Kh0OivcFIotIZ3eAnuprZtKZztUfmDLzVPCXSU-kEPboNmomakXBbI/s400/DSCF5508.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>You should visit Jackson Square, home to a lot of the shopping I mentioned above as well as the St Louis Cathedral and Andrew Jackson memorial.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMEgxr_NX9b2pfRWsLLPNLxshkArMpHT6YKlzaZIT_C114iLXak6a16HYHILkk3ZU1IZCuZVBMj2r8Zk_z9MA2NhqyEeCNXNQ6_1a_D5gd4IXSgdslC0SSkrdqFnH65T2yVs-ncsebvIE/s1600/DSCF5444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMEgxr_NX9b2pfRWsLLPNLxshkArMpHT6YKlzaZIT_C114iLXak6a16HYHILkk3ZU1IZCuZVBMj2r8Zk_z9MA2NhqyEeCNXNQ6_1a_D5gd4IXSgdslC0SSkrdqFnH65T2yVs-ncsebvIE/s320/DSCF5444.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-LjJ1SuQMFj5UaaREhq9ZZeTFM97cGhJCknX2T82sD7ZNzyTrxDftB5wVM2UV37WKekfAma1ixu1NUTtwWzFhCzqOJn2eEsIojjNuv7FTVCZvpIg4ORw2YVFZZxnpO1OKue91aTgKZU/s1600/DSCF5446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-LjJ1SuQMFj5UaaREhq9ZZeTFM97cGhJCknX2T82sD7ZNzyTrxDftB5wVM2UV37WKekfAma1ixu1NUTtwWzFhCzqOJn2eEsIojjNuv7FTVCZvpIg4ORw2YVFZZxnpO1OKue91aTgKZU/s320/DSCF5446.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Just outside the square, you'll also find this little guy who would be oh-so-happy to give you a tour around the Quarter:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaV6WZL8CI80it0-R5jw8TRk3cQ85E2L3XDrG3auXCA6HeT1lU6Pii6ONerlOq-yVU-8VSz3z0aRtUXx770VKhs8aPP0qiiJ0KM10k-spGrc-53XAWdDKlfK9OanuZ5J-ILUBxdJIONio/s1600/DSCF5448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaV6WZL8CI80it0-R5jw8TRk3cQ85E2L3XDrG3auXCA6HeT1lU6Pii6ONerlOq-yVU-8VSz3z0aRtUXx770VKhs8aPP0qiiJ0KM10k-spGrc-53XAWdDKlfK9OanuZ5J-ILUBxdJIONio/s320/DSCF5448.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>If horses aren't your thing, you can always walk about a block or two towards the water near Jackson Brewery to catch a ride on the famous Street Cars.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQoZN6W7Rcfe-DyASlKbmD-Cm_x7aeB6yf_Au1UrtzTyPsq2P695CVYY0DjB_Dyy5kOIKltoC-aCHCh1X5eFU5gB668gxRgHN3N3_rz1C5-hmLymIIa6I2VK0fsv0qAuvFI_RZk4klyk/s1600/DSCF5528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQoZN6W7Rcfe-DyASlKbmD-Cm_x7aeB6yf_Au1UrtzTyPsq2P695CVYY0DjB_Dyy5kOIKltoC-aCHCh1X5eFU5gB668gxRgHN3N3_rz1C5-hmLymIIa6I2VK0fsv0qAuvFI_RZk4klyk/s400/DSCF5528.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Other attractions that we heard about that did not have the time to do include tours of (i) historic New Orleans mansions and (ii) ghosts and cemeteries.<br />
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<b>Restaurants</b>: Gumbo, jambalaya and po'boys OH MY! There is no shortage of great places to eat in this city! In fact, there are so many places that people tend to recommend, you might find yourselves overwhelmed. Kristen from <a href="http://indulgeinspireimbibe.blogspot.com/2011/05/dinners-in-french-quarter.html">Indulge Inspire Imbibe</a> already recapped our delightful dinners at Irene's Cuisine and Emeril Lagasse's NOLA so I will not go into a foodie-worthy review. However, please don't take my shortened review a sign of lessened satisfaction! Irene's was further from the core French Quarter happenings but managed to feel quaint and traditional despite a fairly substantial restaurant layout. The food was also beyond reproach. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKrpoHhlhTOdiPDvmpAX5D7Ob7y4xWJKcRLgqkLPvMKSDoH4IwzXcoCULjRrQUS254AxlyCiF3dP_r7PajRzHkIX56lmIFW6ul9aqShzqLK_FJE94Q7gyVvRdujn3kH2CaH3v8O7ZKR4/s1600/New+Orleans+182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKrpoHhlhTOdiPDvmpAX5D7Ob7y4xWJKcRLgqkLPvMKSDoH4IwzXcoCULjRrQUS254AxlyCiF3dP_r7PajRzHkIX56lmIFW6ul9aqShzqLK_FJE94Q7gyVvRdujn3kH2CaH3v8O7ZKR4/s400/New+Orleans+182.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYAAOTN4nlYcXNnOa1IUT3kSBmiL8wJxB8Z8PLHxvp7BoCmSn5kIrglm_TJTTqrEa7_hGxJOv5OhX13XFNTW_wTNjjwaVHneCVvHI9OHLiYLWpxzlDWJxwj7E1X28ya3KuFRtgYV3Y54/s1600/DSCF5469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYAAOTN4nlYcXNnOa1IUT3kSBmiL8wJxB8Z8PLHxvp7BoCmSn5kIrglm_TJTTqrEa7_hGxJOv5OhX13XFNTW_wTNjjwaVHneCVvHI9OHLiYLWpxzlDWJxwj7E1X28ya3KuFRtgYV3Y54/s400/DSCF5469.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3pu7SaMAA52Y5AwoCkOd7Hj36LSufOcAOKT7cbyXw94mh-NJDs3wq9T8ll0fPmsUjrouWxdjI3j3j8NoSn1qYYTmdSWQSlteI4_3o7WKHCytGb6MstHcnvqWWrNcL2JGEjj1tbJe2vFI/s1600/DSCF5474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3pu7SaMAA52Y5AwoCkOd7Hj36LSufOcAOKT7cbyXw94mh-NJDs3wq9T8ll0fPmsUjrouWxdjI3j3j8NoSn1qYYTmdSWQSlteI4_3o7WKHCytGb6MstHcnvqWWrNcL2JGEjj1tbJe2vFI/s320/DSCF5474.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scenes at Irene's</td></tr>
</tbody></table>NOLA was very different than Irene's but was similarly fantastic. I enjoyed a bowl of gumbo and Emeril's barbeque shrimp for my meal.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsX_pUQv8cRLHljp-i5BYNY7dUUCd1_OxJlT6YCwAekNaigEWySk2LXRdSgyUTo7_1mBnc6vRq7wbAEreXgeornu_mL42gAgXLTgYkAFNiZ_DlBF0kZs1MqTmIThghu1YnfjU90Z7rzNc/s1600/New+Orleans+335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsX_pUQv8cRLHljp-i5BYNY7dUUCd1_OxJlT6YCwAekNaigEWySk2LXRdSgyUTo7_1mBnc6vRq7wbAEreXgeornu_mL42gAgXLTgYkAFNiZ_DlBF0kZs1MqTmIThghu1YnfjU90Z7rzNc/s320/New+Orleans+335.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeWjiO01TGslFh4X3DOvndLetG-fYjR0aHUg0OWi57hiZ1awIBX8GnNNOeiuN78eqeHPm0HKcH89pwLlEY5TNZNg1BBRzI41WdJTEJlpSuQt8dBX7QPtGgZm5fkYNLkVF3vPfyNiyp30/s1600/New+Orleans+331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeWjiO01TGslFh4X3DOvndLetG-fYjR0aHUg0OWi57hiZ1awIBX8GnNNOeiuN78eqeHPm0HKcH89pwLlEY5TNZNg1BBRzI41WdJTEJlpSuQt8dBX7QPtGgZm5fkYNLkVF3vPfyNiyp30/s400/New+Orleans+331.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scenes at NOLA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>For lunch, we dined at <a href="http://portofcallnola.com/">Port of Call</a> and <a href="http://www.napoleonhouse.com/history1.html">Napolean House</a>. Port of Call was a little off the beaten path at the very end of Bourbon Street. It's famous for it's burgers, which were calling to us in our respective hangover states on Friday afternoon. However, you should know going in that they pretty much ONLY have burgers on their menu (aside from about a ~$30 filet mignon). We had to laugh at this limitation because we had no idea going in, but, at least, they were very tasty and generously portioned burgers!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_PRngK87uJxVJ2nh1CqNBImkxJdtJsGPI9n1DzWuisWfEXnpq6NfwYxWzO4hzIJW2JkRDWvLOiOVaB9UF8tm2eSXmGkXH2LrS9GbGUEQ4RkpjxyhH3c7Vr2lXc6EXBPG9-IUGSW8srg/s1600/DSCF5434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_PRngK87uJxVJ2nh1CqNBImkxJdtJsGPI9n1DzWuisWfEXnpq6NfwYxWzO4hzIJW2JkRDWvLOiOVaB9UF8tm2eSXmGkXH2LrS9GbGUEQ4RkpjxyhH3c7Vr2lXc6EXBPG9-IUGSW8srg/s320/DSCF5434.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>The Napolean House has been around for ~200 years and provides traditional New Orleans food & drink in a casual ambiance. It was here that I sipped my first Pimm's Cup cocktail (Pimm's #1 i.e. gin, lemonade, sprite, garnished with cucumber) which is now in my hall of fame of refreshing drinks. I also had my first muffuletta sandwich at Napolean. They serve them in quarters, halves and wholes. Please note that if you're pairing it with a side of jambalaya, you likely only need a quarter!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ClrDwTmPB5dSJTwv4ZeNEO8hPlrWJ4Jml5KgVu0F_vJ0AcdXnUYNWQpblsVt9lFAYJWCEkZhLgePmZ_1P_HSZ8yFDhhAZsJrcGDuyWIxWGMh0BUn28wnfoyW6VKoyd8cjDBmFNUABm4/s1600/DSCF5486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ClrDwTmPB5dSJTwv4ZeNEO8hPlrWJ4Jml5KgVu0F_vJ0AcdXnUYNWQpblsVt9lFAYJWCEkZhLgePmZ_1P_HSZ8yFDhhAZsJrcGDuyWIxWGMh0BUn28wnfoyW6VKoyd8cjDBmFNUABm4/s400/DSCF5486.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWygfoiZCaqEsSsPUvhXEVEML0KY2MQFcuvH7aAt4CjAIsNJb8a6xNujFpxPhmRqyXglJqEX8bEUIHW1l4qJRyRrG2_5AUq3Q6pwkvm6VmpV-k901-NMJOxN3WoYLeL05e0kEZFG855w/s1600/DSCF5490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWygfoiZCaqEsSsPUvhXEVEML0KY2MQFcuvH7aAt4CjAIsNJb8a6xNujFpxPhmRqyXglJqEX8bEUIHW1l4qJRyRrG2_5AUq3Q6pwkvm6VmpV-k901-NMJOxN3WoYLeL05e0kEZFG855w/s320/DSCF5490.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pimm's Cup</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehVtfRuJEQqFvpyFe0jHu4-7pFhR6owcBHKrayHNQRiurdPOJbhoHWj7pyUda_8bpY26uqMUMH4WLGiV_vGwqLZKKnJHV4zTFC2PWCueBO-ultdRFa7c47HmcO01U45OgQHPuyMyzgc0/s1600/DSCF5491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehVtfRuJEQqFvpyFe0jHu4-7pFhR6owcBHKrayHNQRiurdPOJbhoHWj7pyUda_8bpY26uqMUMH4WLGiV_vGwqLZKKnJHV4zTFC2PWCueBO-ultdRFa7c47HmcO01U45OgQHPuyMyzgc0/s400/DSCF5491.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jambalaya and Muffuletta</td></tr>
</tbody></table>For brunch consider <a href="http://www.brennansneworleans.com/">Brennan's</a> on Royal Street in the French District. It is not inexpensive but you still won't be disappointed. I had the best 3-course breakfast here, which included:<br />
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(i) Southern Baked Apple with Double Cream<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PZpvMK9a_A-pxZpG4c-NgCa1_D1N4toJLaZFWxYgOKdzf4-dd-ZBPzAcWqiCkT7FpjSuRnNTrWHcatKNs-m5NgklHZCOadMki2TZ2L8PPuNM9lSfGJQz1AhCuipDnueu-OEYNi5KNKk/s1600/DSCF5549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PZpvMK9a_A-pxZpG4c-NgCa1_D1N4toJLaZFWxYgOKdzf4-dd-ZBPzAcWqiCkT7FpjSuRnNTrWHcatKNs-m5NgklHZCOadMki2TZ2L8PPuNM9lSfGJQz1AhCuipDnueu-OEYNi5KNKk/s400/DSCF5549.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">(ii) Eggs Portuguese: Flaky pastry shells filled with freshly chopped tomatoes sauteed in butter with parsley and shallots. Topped with poached eggs and covered with Hollandaise sauce.</div></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlpcuVCamuAK5PcTIsx53DWHAg0OT5eeiDgcwxnkpyQWwQ8J9XKPHqmcw2i8zUD6HnOX1xOjViaqebCzXp9h49PX_TTsrHpeF0xdpGetKlul5Ni4wiofZ0HSLAzPRwglp0zfJPcDv_4k/s1600/New+Orleans+378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlpcuVCamuAK5PcTIsx53DWHAg0OT5eeiDgcwxnkpyQWwQ8J9XKPHqmcw2i8zUD6HnOX1xOjViaqebCzXp9h49PX_TTsrHpeF0xdpGetKlul5Ni4wiofZ0HSLAzPRwglp0zfJPcDv_4k/s400/New+Orleans+378.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>(iii) Traditional Cheesecake (or Banana's Fosters made homemade in front of your table)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhhCO2ZMSGsyJTtW27Wio1hYhyXLM-y97LLDgoPmBxeASlHGyjmjibTdvBoyb5k60Iw7AVHfTQtR9urLvuR1XLX3_LSKbijDYt1Dp7lj5yyqk0fjfTpo1qlx0y9EXF69W_N21i48WjXY/s1600/DSCF5552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhhCO2ZMSGsyJTtW27Wio1hYhyXLM-y97LLDgoPmBxeASlHGyjmjibTdvBoyb5k60Iw7AVHfTQtR9urLvuR1XLX3_LSKbijDYt1Dp7lj5yyqk0fjfTpo1qlx0y9EXF69W_N21i48WjXY/s400/DSCF5552.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KacJ-poo8pIRbfUzjlzsNBvzO9qiodGs2TPJNVsRatLZqvgqrq1VSKstaeGPnDZQ7YxTybIogxW5hc1ubzrkwLVC5u3sfFcXYY6KFlY4ft3ilurSoZ2AZs69qenrTafzZJ9VfRGhNys/s1600/DSCF5550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KacJ-poo8pIRbfUzjlzsNBvzO9qiodGs2TPJNVsRatLZqvgqrq1VSKstaeGPnDZQ7YxTybIogxW5hc1ubzrkwLVC5u3sfFcXYY6KFlY4ft3ilurSoZ2AZs69qenrTafzZJ9VfRGhNys/s400/DSCF5550.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banana's Fosters preparation, watch out!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRPDJwHDPoi7p44F1B9m8huk7ImmW_4jGAUHhAgcNi7hsw9tOfsHsZGb8aWZmYUhiEe4F_SlK7jcb2r7Kp2dJQziR_J4BsSgeuJ3e46ZIEFp7pxGITJ1F4bUDtR7C_q8wbG9S0-j9Qyw/s1600/New+Orleans+383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRPDJwHDPoi7p44F1B9m8huk7ImmW_4jGAUHhAgcNi7hsw9tOfsHsZGb8aWZmYUhiEe4F_SlK7jcb2r7Kp2dJQziR_J4BsSgeuJ3e46ZIEFp7pxGITJ1F4bUDtR7C_q8wbG9S0-j9Qyw/s400/New+Orleans+383.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">World famous end result</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><div><b>Open container law</b>: Also consistent with Vegas, New Orleans allows you to carouse its streets with a beverage of your choice in hand. We found it a pleasure to be able to take your drink to go and head off in the direction of Bourbon Street to get in some quality people watching time.<br />
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Hope this initial guide was helpful...up next is a review of the night life!</div></div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782677370134418290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483754055444843282.post-63859767300643751252011-04-14T21:06:00.000-04:002011-04-14T21:06:06.323-04:00Just Another Sanibel SunsetThe month of February also brought me a short trip to one of my favorite spots in the US, none other than Sanibel Island, FL. As you may have read, I was in Sanibel not too long ago with Dave and 4 of my good friends. I documented the trip fairly extensively here on the blog: below are the links again if you want to refresh your memory on all things Sanibel.<br />
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<a href="http://notallwhowanderarelost77.blogspot.com/2010/11/lighthouse-beach.html">Lighthouse Beach</a><br />
<a href="http://notallwhowanderarelost77.blogspot.com/2010/11/lazy-flamingo.html">Lazy Flamingo</a><br />
<a href="http://notallwhowanderarelost77.blogspot.com/2010/11/mucky-duck-sunsets.html">Mucky Duck Sunsets</a><br />
<a href="http://notallwhowanderarelost77.blogspot.com/2010/11/sanibel-wrap-up.html">Sanibel Wrap Up</a><br />
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I've been coming to the island since I was a wee one. A Saturday afternoon filled with gathering, organizing and scanning old pictures provides the evidence! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqnM3Jct1hQcy3ykKzo0W7MAuN2AU4RHzfioyXxFxpb5wLRTdTvnp7hZxRzpMXTvQrs43471YFeKa17PeE6VhLmGbDotxGt4o_gkecpW6o0sihkMJa9hSkM1bPSd3USafp-Mi0ghfDO4/s1600/IMG_0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqnM3Jct1hQcy3ykKzo0W7MAuN2AU4RHzfioyXxFxpb5wLRTdTvnp7hZxRzpMXTvQrs43471YFeKa17PeE6VhLmGbDotxGt4o_gkecpW6o0sihkMJa9hSkM1bPSd3USafp-Mi0ghfDO4/s400/IMG_0011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCWVpmv7iXELyt0yRV0toC1l6sUgsZZBz5oCAgev95cBCiZFSYtGxnnwXxkWDctMWMBIzEyBf6VxeK1163rni9V_VX0zuj0RFRvovHfjzHn4o9jWUbIw19Iu5p4piJ_3aMXchALAX5d4/s1600/IMG_0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCWVpmv7iXELyt0yRV0toC1l6sUgsZZBz5oCAgev95cBCiZFSYtGxnnwXxkWDctMWMBIzEyBf6VxeK1163rni9V_VX0zuj0RFRvovHfjzHn4o9jWUbIw19Iu5p4piJ_3aMXchALAX5d4/s400/IMG_0013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Clearly, my love for island has legs, little pudgy 3-year old ones to be exact.<br />
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Although there were no sand castles for me this past short trip, I did find time to bask in the stunning Sanibel sunset at Bowman's Beach. Situated on side of the island closer to Captiva, you reach the white sand, shell-filled beach after walking over the bayou pictured below.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeAhF6I-BQekcrEAGmuu6W-Fc1rT9Fs50fQq-7heiA0sLV8YELZ5UU7g-iuCMMgpPmwsXIzTQBNN7c2i5sTQEQx7HdhegT4YCogHWbSXReAfCwb5r9sq3-e3wUYlgMOXs86kh2gASOEY/s1600/DSCF4998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeAhF6I-BQekcrEAGmuu6W-Fc1rT9Fs50fQq-7heiA0sLV8YELZ5UU7g-iuCMMgpPmwsXIzTQBNN7c2i5sTQEQx7HdhegT4YCogHWbSXReAfCwb5r9sq3-e3wUYlgMOXs86kh2gASOEY/s400/DSCF4998.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1MY8IPvEVz9yjFPSOKXKZvlPizpDO8s0zgXp9ERQCLV4_R-ZDglfULZHrMYY5qSRaaoeD0QHh_5mlb9f2-ZMCRm82Mjii10T65lc5RpvCF7wS2wtCR1qJzjZqXR4sP8tlIkVmtGw8ko/s1600/DSCF5005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1MY8IPvEVz9yjFPSOKXKZvlPizpDO8s0zgXp9ERQCLV4_R-ZDglfULZHrMYY5qSRaaoeD0QHh_5mlb9f2-ZMCRm82Mjii10T65lc5RpvCF7wS2wtCR1qJzjZqXR4sP8tlIkVmtGw8ko/s400/DSCF5005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Most evenings, you'll be greeted by the most gorgeous setting sun, as was the case for us.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHBIPgp03Myck5gR9dK3z1SIf855jXfj1BYBtrxXvTkULVEwimuxgl_ZMOM3LnymVOOKYhp5HBqDPPu_jNjru7x18Jt2EGpkvmWfahjIf7U5BNsFB5EhRlhRyRlYckbCn6YRjRI3bkmA/s1600/DSCF5007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHBIPgp03Myck5gR9dK3z1SIf855jXfj1BYBtrxXvTkULVEwimuxgl_ZMOM3LnymVOOKYhp5HBqDPPu_jNjru7x18Jt2EGpkvmWfahjIf7U5BNsFB5EhRlhRyRlYckbCn6YRjRI3bkmA/s400/DSCF5007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpw-PkuEqdI6e9b7duXADO-O3j13bXyCevxodZgaL-xw6P4sQsL6VKmrxSxte088jgG6-RrJsPKB8NjbkQWYuvCn28gAm_kbq8ecrzvnRA-XHALymJCHsME3BgOhhPR2J1Os85GitPJg/s1600/DSCF5018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpw-PkuEqdI6e9b7duXADO-O3j13bXyCevxodZgaL-xw6P4sQsL6VKmrxSxte088jgG6-RrJsPKB8NjbkQWYuvCn28gAm_kbq8ecrzvnRA-XHALymJCHsME3BgOhhPR2J1Os85GitPJg/s400/DSCF5018.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUSZz0raAJDj7CRino3KAj8lTVc6o5Vg2R0uw26Fu5Dd6Kx-zNB-kwfKaf27EWzlqbqudf3KJez5OyhIp2rLWT_WGGeQx3Q2_NC1itNv9FMjnQCXWEtzyIMbn6zek8Gd1PxlcJwp5m38/s1600/DSCF5021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUSZz0raAJDj7CRino3KAj8lTVc6o5Vg2R0uw26Fu5Dd6Kx-zNB-kwfKaf27EWzlqbqudf3KJez5OyhIp2rLWT_WGGeQx3Q2_NC1itNv9FMjnQCXWEtzyIMbn6zek8Gd1PxlcJwp5m38/s400/DSCF5021.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIuXatudSTSeqgcEiWG91JDyLKD1DoKYZnHgiwFfTz7NNLBtu4BtQsd6yZ1KR9QK3uS0SBx1cPkoLUaidb4_myjJaLc3fjWjwG98kxoqEyaNToqjFlUdo7-msy9ok4CCOnqAO8DQDzUU/s1600/DSCF5014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIuXatudSTSeqgcEiWG91JDyLKD1DoKYZnHgiwFfTz7NNLBtu4BtQsd6yZ1KR9QK3uS0SBx1cPkoLUaidb4_myjJaLc3fjWjwG98kxoqEyaNToqjFlUdo7-msy9ok4CCOnqAO8DQDzUU/s400/DSCF5014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>For those staying on Sanibel rather than Captiva, Bowman's is a great alternative to driving all the way to the <a href="http://notallwhowanderarelost77.blogspot.com/2010/11/mucky-duck-sunsets.html">Mucky Duck</a> to view the sunset. You might miss the outdoor bar and live music offered nightly at the Mucky Duck, but, if seeing the sunset is solely your goal, definitely consider Bowman's Beach.Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782677370134418290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483754055444843282.post-82737633441788792702011-04-10T22:21:00.006-04:002011-04-10T22:34:06.951-04:00Visit to the Tar Heel StateEven though it was sad to see Dave's parents' move off to North Carolina last fall, their move has at least afforded us the opportunity to get to know a lovely new area in the great ol' U-S- of A. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwp3sD7KpzA7Xh92nEhLgPIM6HQJA4cCibPNNQwLapJPV8Tj6l0P2sb-HAYReI6PxIhSS7c61W3B6jucSWD-RgOhz7LMUGzk4V9bDaGm6PXxsV2pW9vA2bQjtYMMyvyxy02aIh_wIbKY/s1600/DSCF5149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwp3sD7KpzA7Xh92nEhLgPIM6HQJA4cCibPNNQwLapJPV8Tj6l0P2sb-HAYReI6PxIhSS7c61W3B6jucSWD-RgOhz7LMUGzk4V9bDaGm6PXxsV2pW9vA2bQjtYMMyvyxy02aIh_wIbKY/s200/DSCF5149.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGK0_sUC4prUWrdNEEGx4dbXZUCbgoRnbnro_uIlI04U0cS-uSv-QVCODb6LnpLnhVY6ma0I0e6zbsI4DmvWwFF08uOlnjOPrvfpuhNd-9YG4LJwPhRssvhvdZ7zVFhEiix8TrmhDJG3g/s1600/DSCF5072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGK0_sUC4prUWrdNEEGx4dbXZUCbgoRnbnro_uIlI04U0cS-uSv-QVCODb6LnpLnhVY6ma0I0e6zbsI4DmvWwFF08uOlnjOPrvfpuhNd-9YG4LJwPhRssvhvdZ7zVFhEiix8TrmhDJG3g/s200/DSCF5072.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFe8-_ayoS6G14r9Rux5NFrcQNM32IQMtU672q2gBIp0SGKdyTzp89aw-lVFAg4JB5SBmIaJH14RJj3SQ42AUy5fqqpGx6MwliSOzsQEiKo8vem5VAL0ZBBsF6mk2PqxrPE-k5Q4f83aA/s1600/DSCF5151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFe8-_ayoS6G14r9Rux5NFrcQNM32IQMtU672q2gBIp0SGKdyTzp89aw-lVFAg4JB5SBmIaJH14RJj3SQ42AUy5fqqpGx6MwliSOzsQEiKo8vem5VAL0ZBBsF6mk2PqxrPE-k5Q4f83aA/s200/DSCF5151.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div>As you can tell from my snapshots of license plates, North Carolina is home to the scenic Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway in the western part of the state. It also proudly touts that it was "First in Flight" with the Wright brothers' historic first controlled powered flight in the small town of Kitty Hawk in the northeast portion of the state.</div><div></div><div><br />
We specifically spent a long weekend at Dave's parents' house in Cornelius, which is situated within Mecklenburg County (i.e. in the greater-Charlotte area). Mecklenburg is the state's most populated county and provides a number of attractions as well. At the top of the list for me is <b><u>Lake Norman</u></b>. Sometimes referred to as North Carolina's "inland sea", Lake Norman was <u>created</u> in 1963 by Duke Energy. Its unique "finger-like" configuration allows for a ton of lake-side property, a major cha-ching for realtors I'm sure. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfC1vgYRz4cbj59iDwa7qM9KbSx4NxCzgyiUVmt6nmYykoBXy1oxsHu9ROhUVhpsrWgLWFbER5JTVS78yASXN4jrZ1PebLrcji3fMcHfYP9zyeOXMfgutNPoFjTDIaGza7su-lXr283Q/s1600/DSCF5145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfC1vgYRz4cbj59iDwa7qM9KbSx4NxCzgyiUVmt6nmYykoBXy1oxsHu9ROhUVhpsrWgLWFbER5JTVS78yASXN4jrZ1PebLrcji3fMcHfYP9zyeOXMfgutNPoFjTDIaGza7su-lXr283Q/s400/DSCF5145.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sidenote: On the short drive over to the lake, I realized how prominent brick homes are down here. There was brick everywhere.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5RuCzZRQbcxqmWiXAT7LrGFlbfdzHzA7RfXH_N3Zg_O13DYtIAmmvvxU1SOtO-dNs2vwXz_QLaRUEWHjW4yRJ8ZrZjcS9l4_59z40S4-tOabFRrg-TbuVDaKMSw-40_rkYa8y-m6xUk/s1600/DSCF5033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5RuCzZRQbcxqmWiXAT7LrGFlbfdzHzA7RfXH_N3Zg_O13DYtIAmmvvxU1SOtO-dNs2vwXz_QLaRUEWHjW4yRJ8ZrZjcS9l4_59z40S4-tOabFRrg-TbuVDaKMSw-40_rkYa8y-m6xUk/s400/DSCF5033.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFORT9VRUkCjPlVU9hwyv3jfS4iaZP1t9gYrBhxBJTcmllEMD5su-9ATtflCjEBhejII6SbZdWfKltWC2-M_qI40cKUu7jMugmNL0JK2fn0Hx-DIu-fAOFhl9TvNcfZCsoEFmlJ4463k/s1600/DSCF5137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFORT9VRUkCjPlVU9hwyv3jfS4iaZP1t9gYrBhxBJTcmllEMD5su-9ATtflCjEBhejII6SbZdWfKltWC2-M_qI40cKUu7jMugmNL0JK2fn0Hx-DIu-fAOFhl9TvNcfZCsoEFmlJ4463k/s400/DSCF5137.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Not only will you see these red brick homes, you'll notice piles of russet-colored pine needles that are used for mulch on every lawn. Even a lot of the exposed dirt is red down here. It's a shade of red bonanza for your eyes!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Realizations of red were quickly gone from my mind as I set my eyes on the stunning marina by the Lake Norman Yacht Club glistening in the mid-February sun. After the winter we had up in the Northeast, it really was a welcomed sight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UfHytdMNWjLRYrQVmdGK6nyk8mzHfC1bp-iWrKVwZ-eDdhmwHUYgy4LG_0JfXvQFJPBbl2c91CxYk0GgFaQEPLu8rWuUWwQnQLjNo_Q26-dL52R53s9-tU4EedPqnFYp3SG_LKhsQQw/s1600/DSCF5037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UfHytdMNWjLRYrQVmdGK6nyk8mzHfC1bp-iWrKVwZ-eDdhmwHUYgy4LG_0JfXvQFJPBbl2c91CxYk0GgFaQEPLu8rWuUWwQnQLjNo_Q26-dL52R53s9-tU4EedPqnFYp3SG_LKhsQQw/s400/DSCF5037.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfMDPQoGPnJGbhJD26Umt9tQvjwW348ndvVhNxNML_FUsY19_ixOnyxad77ik-1fAqXl_f1GE-IbWT8DkVWm4hObSsyJJE3tUuwTJ7Qn5eRPqoKeIFjpVLTx_iygbdCLifby4YO5M5cM/s1600/DSCF5040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfMDPQoGPnJGbhJD26Umt9tQvjwW348ndvVhNxNML_FUsY19_ixOnyxad77ik-1fAqXl_f1GE-IbWT8DkVWm4hObSsyJJE3tUuwTJ7Qn5eRPqoKeIFjpVLTx_iygbdCLifby4YO5M5cM/s400/DSCF5040.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrLm7DYOYgrh1op-ymdzjT_UQUtUDd-FcX7cEr0R96a9IKyuIBR5eMyy0SzU7rjxy-wqUL2r9NAgPpcQIYA3lTyonAPmlWwqTw_Ms7_yluJP8aadDZG7-fs2Zo7QSmA2_vXqlejvsUcU/s1600/DSCF5042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrLm7DYOYgrh1op-ymdzjT_UQUtUDd-FcX7cEr0R96a9IKyuIBR5eMyy0SzU7rjxy-wqUL2r9NAgPpcQIYA3lTyonAPmlWwqTw_Ms7_yluJP8aadDZG7-fs2Zo7QSmA2_vXqlejvsUcU/s400/DSCF5042.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfXp6Te3I3xqsIhZGeOY3tdoRjIlSUSbFy1aRzsccNQTmoSRa3NkAjL4rNi8p-kG7UdSnNxeMysNwPCGqeYIiLfxmHFnEWUJJ60tzxEeicFZ5tXJDHSET9hyphenhyphenNEAQUQxNNL64FGm7AqqA/s1600/DSCF5039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfXp6Te3I3xqsIhZGeOY3tdoRjIlSUSbFy1aRzsccNQTmoSRa3NkAjL4rNi8p-kG7UdSnNxeMysNwPCGqeYIiLfxmHFnEWUJJ60tzxEeicFZ5tXJDHSET9hyphenhyphenNEAQUQxNNL64FGm7AqqA/s400/DSCF5039.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the red dirt!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7pgphzib6JTytX5i1uUbgPGBXxqE1k7pUJ_UyDxhHBxuwJFCEnE43LWou7JiBVwXTYMLoQ5iAYqlf8YOhL6koQQHRhbc7Ykl-SarpaCNtC0emOElrB47n_6LD0UkG6RDC2ZoCLz4Lzg/s1600/DSCF5076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7pgphzib6JTytX5i1uUbgPGBXxqE1k7pUJ_UyDxhHBxuwJFCEnE43LWou7JiBVwXTYMLoQ5iAYqlf8YOhL6koQQHRhbc7Ykl-SarpaCNtC0emOElrB47n_6LD0UkG6RDC2ZoCLz4Lzg/s400/DSCF5076.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>We walked around for a good hour taking in all of the different boats and beautiful lakefront homes. I learned from Dave's parents how much activity centers around this lake: fishing, Club/social gatherings, jet-skiing, State Park trails and sailing to name a few. I snapped a bunch of pictures (of course) and started getting excited at the idea of visiting in the warmer months when we could actually partake in a lot of these activities.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div>Another attraction the area has to offer is the exploration of <b><u>Historic Latta Plantation</u></b> in Huntersville. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQr0SABy33GUFmz2is35LxBZJHp5xnjMiTKda4P_m9l_1DWMFwz8kUZrPVdZR3EUzLTQfjsEItAtjG_mwnOLgsLZbIMiL4cbN-2UtUMfjV4rOxcsaxzd0neYgaS6-hwkFeWA9wvQsMAJU/s1600/DSCF5070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQr0SABy33GUFmz2is35LxBZJHp5xnjMiTKda4P_m9l_1DWMFwz8kUZrPVdZR3EUzLTQfjsEItAtjG_mwnOLgsLZbIMiL4cbN-2UtUMfjV4rOxcsaxzd0neYgaS6-hwkFeWA9wvQsMAJU/s400/DSCF5070.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>In its heyday in the early 1800's, this cotton plantation encompassed 742 acres of land and had over 30 enslaved people. As far as its architecture, you may be thinking that these buildings don't fit with your own personal image of the southern plantation. For instance, my mental picture of a southern plantation is a huge white home with columns and a wrap around porch. The reason for its architectural divergence is that James Latta decided to design it in accordance with what he was familiar with during his time as a traveling merchant: Philadelphia colonials. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Today, the property has been restored and is open for daily tours. The acreage previously used to yield cotton has been donated to the county and is now open to the public as a Nature Preserve. When we were driving in, I saw people having picnics, walking trails and riding horses.</div><div><br />
</div><div>We decided to take the hour-long tour. I must say that the tour guides (in traditional attire) were a pleasure and added a Valentine's Day theme seeing as though we were so close to the holiday. Not only did we hear all about the history of the family and what their day to day was like, we had the added benefit of learning what "courting" was like for the 3 Latta girls and their overprotective father.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwk3HyfsDo44MrGHBB3VF_uuzyTK3r-KWcInYbEeLYcAYkfxmWobawN2t-cJg85yX727yZGfN75H21LKcbzwM2X5EVG7RioHSdCNOtbLDBqkhFc4Allllmmwo9fAvQs1AmvwXzoKGPHo/s1600/DSCF5054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwk3HyfsDo44MrGHBB3VF_uuzyTK3r-KWcInYbEeLYcAYkfxmWobawN2t-cJg85yX727yZGfN75H21LKcbzwM2X5EVG7RioHSdCNOtbLDBqkhFc4Allllmmwo9fAvQs1AmvwXzoKGPHo/s400/DSCF5054.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>I enjoyed taking walks along the grounds, taking in the old barn and separated kitchen (in case of fires which did happen a lot actually).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-30nOTEvMrIYaz87ZseZ0IgbiYjW0MQmkqvBXotGDWZe8KDwHW4wVvMlB0h6RlGJCK52OskhGB5A6CuOMLIgHTNGVebZGCb3-hdSoNg19AMwNT7eURGyUrEGfYr3ZDhaCV_G31iKFpwU/s1600/DSCF5056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-30nOTEvMrIYaz87ZseZ0IgbiYjW0MQmkqvBXotGDWZe8KDwHW4wVvMlB0h6RlGJCK52OskhGB5A6CuOMLIgHTNGVebZGCb3-hdSoNg19AMwNT7eURGyUrEGfYr3ZDhaCV_G31iKFpwU/s400/DSCF5056.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuNL90lnQZDR2eCFkVbgXWyG2EjaZH_sOdiTlESl-UKUoqrDEKqD6U7w1pNJklBg71xjjSeEY_pw4Wg0iGzvAbNTQIcpQC0ihU1BG431fGHfsPh2gBRGciEa7Yqkly3un2p0zb4xwOUw/s1600/DSCF5069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuNL90lnQZDR2eCFkVbgXWyG2EjaZH_sOdiTlESl-UKUoqrDEKqD6U7w1pNJklBg71xjjSeEY_pw4Wg0iGzvAbNTQIcpQC0ihU1BG431fGHfsPh2gBRGciEa7Yqkly3un2p0zb4xwOUw/s400/DSCF5069.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off season cotton</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was particularly fun to see the plantation animals. I guess I haven't been to a petting zoo in too long because I was finding them so cute.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMyu6bOYMbZXWNGwahSGARiHBfoqGfGLQNsd3cohrN3YR1uJWZaPFSf1KezysmQ1mgVil7dMyeTzkXOWhJJ2thXBY9KAk7Lv-tg0U005js8Grqdt7PSUb3DFjJlZqQaEargHrreUfWa8/s1600/DSCF5057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMyu6bOYMbZXWNGwahSGARiHBfoqGfGLQNsd3cohrN3YR1uJWZaPFSf1KezysmQ1mgVil7dMyeTzkXOWhJJ2thXBY9KAk7Lv-tg0U005js8Grqdt7PSUb3DFjJlZqQaEargHrreUfWa8/s320/DSCF5057.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luther the Red Devon Cow</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBA7lvNx_pOtx7i9sCm8hCR18NMVznC78Yysv3ABUtXb0rCd6YykWpBWZO_JOU_pKvAXSUtoGwcoSFimRyhDUFKjAZyrX_zrlQ3hjbR1WX5dSCHrba1j9f7Gz-vJ3dDfOqkiZfxJaogIE/s1600/DSCF5065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBA7lvNx_pOtx7i9sCm8hCR18NMVznC78Yysv3ABUtXb0rCd6YykWpBWZO_JOU_pKvAXSUtoGwcoSFimRyhDUFKjAZyrX_zrlQ3hjbR1WX5dSCHrba1j9f7Gz-vJ3dDfOqkiZfxJaogIE/s400/DSCF5065.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HUGE Queen Charlotte who was grunting up a storm</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_fI7ovKBEbwJnOibpHITvYIMRIWgX82KU6PTR0skhbn98dC8Fd1xLgFJq-0wV5xpP9aaUQydZ7YjCzHNdzTRBZvI7nRuq-x11b1WEBBwu3i4sLLQTAlUSO2QsPOIj9Ayg0euWf0L-_k0/s1600/DSCF5066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_fI7ovKBEbwJnOibpHITvYIMRIWgX82KU6PTR0skhbn98dC8Fd1xLgFJq-0wV5xpP9aaUQydZ7YjCzHNdzTRBZvI7nRuq-x11b1WEBBwu3i4sLLQTAlUSO2QsPOIj9Ayg0euWf0L-_k0/s400/DSCF5066.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I dont know his name, but he is a Hampshire Hog</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>If you're in the mood for an interesting, interactive history lesson, make sure to find some time to stop in to Latta.</div><div><div><br />
</div><div>A trip to <b><u>downtown Charlotte</u></b> is also necessary. The city looks walkable (not unlike Boston for me up in the Northeast) and also very clean.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ejB8rOTHAe-GzC4nLBVaZU79JE9hZdHlmRxCAK4JGT0WYhb2l6fMQaDEq5tbtyvBM8wdaIVcb5go1aLXOPfam9kiHOEI48fXV55OlK32StJ_OnRllRh0B1xGmV1Jdqav_JrK3NLZ_e0/s1600/DSCF5091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ejB8rOTHAe-GzC4nLBVaZU79JE9hZdHlmRxCAK4JGT0WYhb2l6fMQaDEq5tbtyvBM8wdaIVcb5go1aLXOPfam9kiHOEI48fXV55OlK32StJ_OnRllRh0B1xGmV1Jdqav_JrK3NLZ_e0/s400/DSCF5091.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4aN-RWPMcIgEbs0fD_LiYwYYc7gEJ0tH8TGBDEOsqRAnevbm-9R7jH1Ge8ETuD46OC7C5F1Hz2hDo6g0wgtkKZofuffAFIxOkQFkzsukbY76PM021HMqRPdZVrNk3EVA1MUmxXVDgJA/s1600/DSCF5095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4aN-RWPMcIgEbs0fD_LiYwYYc7gEJ0tH8TGBDEOsqRAnevbm-9R7jH1Ge8ETuD46OC7C5F1Hz2hDo6g0wgtkKZofuffAFIxOkQFkzsukbY76PM021HMqRPdZVrNk3EVA1MUmxXVDgJA/s400/DSCF5095.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div>I want to make sure I walk around the city a little bit more next time, but I quite enjoyed our destination on this day: the <b><u>NASCAR Hall of Fame</u></b>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVM-egJ4Bye1r0JELd7-xbg2uc9wgrzi_8jutq1jVrWAFWddYBgVdu4Zi6m-8RadUaO-ktzQ8byv2U0Sb1z79g2Pvm4rZn_8Exq4DsvojQkWhf52eZu4pAAKuw1FKej3Qvcx_6tPw898s/s1600/DSCF5097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVM-egJ4Bye1r0JELd7-xbg2uc9wgrzi_8jutq1jVrWAFWddYBgVdu4Zi6m-8RadUaO-ktzQ8byv2U0Sb1z79g2Pvm4rZn_8Exq4DsvojQkWhf52eZu4pAAKuw1FKej3Qvcx_6tPw898s/s400/DSCF5097.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Seeing as though I am not even remotely close to being a gearhead, I would never have guessed I would actually enjoy exploring this place. However, the Hall opened only within the last couple of years and was extremely well thought out! It allows you to personalize your experience by giving you your own "ID card" which tracks your participation in over 50 interactive attractions. Dave and I found ourselves competing with each other and, really, with any other attendee that had more points than us on the leader board. We ran around trying to find ways to earn points such as track simulators, pit stop challenges and digital kiosks with games on photos finishes, inspections and trivia.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I also enjoyed learning a few tidbits about NASCAR as well. For instance, I never knew it got its start essentially from bootleggers trying to outrun the police during prohibition. It was hard to imagine people racing in these big ol' hunks of metal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg250bBspojeiuELfa9PlWujchCI4WixRMlmjzyKkWJL8LDb5f-CxbWDkbDavznGIIsy9f_s7h6WzJHHhIepA56rPwbVhzivYUA0hCC6WiIlLi4ShKjZukqFFm4gahz1V6g9aE8HhRLcpA/s1600/DSCF5099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg250bBspojeiuELfa9PlWujchCI4WixRMlmjzyKkWJL8LDb5f-CxbWDkbDavznGIIsy9f_s7h6WzJHHhIepA56rPwbVhzivYUA0hCC6WiIlLi4ShKjZukqFFm4gahz1V6g9aE8HhRLcpA/s400/DSCF5099.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0gBIykf3IK4H5HsX_GNz9g9t26FpXgzmZOFAsLFmy9Ha3OYqO4pjSaQIcSRf0dOp6_AwQjotQI-OWvTshB2iJf99Z6F7cfHC1l0oSWV70Vvr1FqDVtOPog_fxUnNtLQnB9stOdv97Mk/s1600/DSCF5100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0gBIykf3IK4H5HsX_GNz9g9t26FpXgzmZOFAsLFmy9Ha3OYqO4pjSaQIcSRf0dOp6_AwQjotQI-OWvTshB2iJf99Z6F7cfHC1l0oSWV70Vvr1FqDVtOPog_fxUnNtLQnB9stOdv97Mk/s400/DSCF5100.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>I'm sure this section which displayed restored cars from the beginning until modern day was more meaningful to big fans who might remember the drivers that actually drove these cars but, for me, it more fun to make observations. For instance, I couldn't help but noticing just how many more advertisements made their way to the cars as time went on. Look at Earnhardt's car:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifyMCIuLu6PadPkSC8GWNGsrWh5RsIsvLIiNk4vU8pxc4D5PeOrCjWQgYuPwlfcr7MrE31ICVTc5Azyaq8s8I4AiYBsohf4vMFFwaRHB6vpoIP-WDE52T1cBXj19n9NHoDi7AjCxgQKbw/s1600/DSCF5110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifyMCIuLu6PadPkSC8GWNGsrWh5RsIsvLIiNk4vU8pxc4D5PeOrCjWQgYuPwlfcr7MrE31ICVTc5Azyaq8s8I4AiYBsohf4vMFFwaRHB6vpoIP-WDE52T1cBXj19n9NHoDi7AjCxgQKbw/s400/DSCF5110.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Dave finished the day #2 on the leader board, and I finished a respectable #17. My take: if you're a NASCAR fan, get your butt over here ASAP; if you're NASCAR clueless, it really is more fun than you would think.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Another to-do is a walk through <u><b>Davidson</b></u>. It is of course home to Davidson College, a very well-respected liberal arts school. We enjoyed our last morning here, taking in a yummy breakfast at <a href="http://toastcafeonline.com/davidson/index.html">Toast Cafe</a> and walking around Main Street. I was feeling nostalgic for my time at UNH, especially after seeing that Davidson and UNH share the "Wildcats" nickname.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Mxr2M6HBgmqfdHObYlX6kCVXHQEIvQkUboD5-jGLznuGKOTVZjTmvBTHQKRxlcI28ht5yh4SRdzYxMLIS9Br5L41dXwMQepTGw3lbhBT1afeVCNF31N-iFYJh4eKjO9F_r6csQMd2EU/s1600/DSCF5144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Mxr2M6HBgmqfdHObYlX6kCVXHQEIvQkUboD5-jGLznuGKOTVZjTmvBTHQKRxlcI28ht5yh4SRdzYxMLIS9Br5L41dXwMQepTGw3lbhBT1afeVCNF31N-iFYJh4eKjO9F_r6csQMd2EU/s320/DSCF5144.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div>The streets were quiet during my time here and it felt very quaint. I noticed small plaques embedded in the brick sidewalks which indicate the stores' original inhabitants. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqIzMYpeEDcZ2TWgSD0j2fJJFlBn7SHIpMbekFHkk9P7WGhyJ0Gmh7pPr27XM_ahnuCMmZiEFIjiJKH5u5ppiY_3EMUCGLyx0MQNqyXq-PXmR-ZWZ4ngDJISEchDnkipJVloc7ePm0O44/s1600/DSCF5142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqIzMYpeEDcZ2TWgSD0j2fJJFlBn7SHIpMbekFHkk9P7WGhyJ0Gmh7pPr27XM_ahnuCMmZiEFIjiJKH5u5ppiY_3EMUCGLyx0MQNqyXq-PXmR-ZWZ4ngDJISEchDnkipJVloc7ePm0O44/s400/DSCF5142.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4cCLYuR2gVnH4W8Cw3S-Jdpj9ukXUbS-35pQxe8QXykxZdZ_4Y-emOasAjNoFB1vfvb6obyteaHRv11r9iK9INdJYtyN4Gerpq7eH229quiIUjvey7urRuToi2Rb9hvpSXxkOYzpykU/s1600/DSCF5146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4cCLYuR2gVnH4W8Cw3S-Jdpj9ukXUbS-35pQxe8QXykxZdZ_4Y-emOasAjNoFB1vfvb6obyteaHRv11r9iK9INdJYtyN4Gerpq7eH229quiIUjvey7urRuToi2Rb9hvpSXxkOYzpykU/s400/DSCF5146.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>All of the interesting art, people buzzing about it bookstores and students walking around in their Davidson sweatpants made we want to stay and reminisce about being an undergrad. Too bad I had to catch that plane back up to the cold Northeast.</div><div><br />
</div><div>My last piece of advice for any of you thinking about stopping through this area, make sure to to get out and enjoy <b><u>breakfast</u></b>!!! Southern breakfasts made this trip even that much more memorable. I had my first <a href="http://www.bobevans.com/">Bob Evans</a> experience and, accordingly, my first biscuits and gravy experience and <b><u>WOW</u></b>. That about covers my feelings about it. I already mentioned the great eats at the Toast Cafe in Davidson and, not to be outdone by its neighbor, <a href="http://theeggrestaurants.com/">The Egg</a> was fabulous as well. No matter where you go, I don't doubt that your breakfast will fuel you well until dinner time, leaving you with plenty of energy to get out and enjoy some of these Mecklenburg County treasures.</div></div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782677370134418290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483754055444843282.post-85313437845571585202011-02-04T20:18:00.001-05:002011-02-05T11:17:04.245-05:00Fleeing the FreezeYikes all! How did so much time go by since my last post!? I think I can partly attribute it to having succumb to the winter doldrums. Life has been a little less hectic but yet I feel like this winter has drained the energy out of me, leaving me with only the motivation to sit my butt down on my couch with a blanket and watch mindless tv. Does anyone else feel like they wish someone could just wake them when it's spring?! Ugh.<br />
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I think the fact that I haven't been jetting off anywhere for work or pleasure lately has also contributed to my absence. Not to worry though, things won't stay quiet on the travel front for long! I have been using this down time on my couch to start planning for a bunch of upcoming travels!<br />
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First up, is a visit to sunny Florida (again). Not expecting to be heading down so soon after my last visit, I was tempted by the 81 degree weather (thank you for getting me all excited weather.com) and the welcoming invites from my family. In fact, I'm using Logan's nifty free WiFi to type this post as I eagerly await my now delayed flight to Fort Lauderdale. After a few days there visiting with my Uncle Ed on the East Coast, the two of us are heading off to one of my favorite vacation destinations, none other than Sanibel Island. I'll be staying there until Tuesday night, giving me a much-needed 4 days off from this <u>terrible </u>winter weather. I cannot wait to see the gorgeous shores of this island again.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RAkyu-o94ufY55ix3EwxVbjOUUT7wD3MokygAMSuuzhWIUsTz70vCu9vSoYQzaTwprNZVRDbRLSb0gLJyrJtJje2UoHG-5W_7CqeM0f_9cxYy58xz-ONmiQ-xCy_ElG3DNu19-X3BuU/s1600/DSCF4047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RAkyu-o94ufY55ix3EwxVbjOUUT7wD3MokygAMSuuzhWIUsTz70vCu9vSoYQzaTwprNZVRDbRLSb0gLJyrJtJje2UoHG-5W_7CqeM0f_9cxYy58xz-ONmiQ-xCy_ElG3DNu19-X3BuU/s400/DSCF4047.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><b>More </b>to come on my adventures during these four days for sure!<br />
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The following weekend brings our overdue trip to the Charlotte, NC area to visit Dave's parents. As you may recall, this happened the last time we tried to go:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRZWAY3Pt2_idsI-320JW5K925qxVxwnC2qzLBGsPq5fQOUEh8MUPjboA_VMMYzF4jPvEPcUvzS7nIY1xAbx86su3vEMn2lWQKhwfvVHEjZV_Gga0gzZwMe6wbl0SUpMt-57y_o9Jpkw/s1600/DSCF4611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRZWAY3Pt2_idsI-320JW5K925qxVxwnC2qzLBGsPq5fQOUEh8MUPjboA_VMMYzF4jPvEPcUvzS7nIY1xAbx86su3vEMn2lWQKhwfvVHEjZV_Gga0gzZwMe6wbl0SUpMt-57y_o9Jpkw/s400/DSCF4611.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I've never been to the Charlotte area and will be excited to share my thoughts!<br />
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Coming up in September is our much anticipated trip to Italy! We've been wanting to go for a few years now, but buying the condo pushed it out another year. I'm happy to report though that the plane tickets to Rome have been purchased and our itinerary is largely set. We'll be spending a week in Rome and then headed over to spend another week on the Amalfi Coast! I'm sooooo excited about this trip that I'm sure I'll be reporting on all of my planning milestones!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavN4jvyhSoRW4I6wJot67FN6ZgLgl1ScMl-kTHYmk3_txV8uaKLOXhOcwartzKFCQm8ot2jL-HqL0UfzffSe0t-1zB2VokwhtZLv3CelUjHwvII3NsmewU4P-v5Yd97S2p4d2fld-SlA/s1600/Positano+Italy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavN4jvyhSoRW4I6wJot67FN6ZgLgl1ScMl-kTHYmk3_txV8uaKLOXhOcwartzKFCQm8ot2jL-HqL0UfzffSe0t-1zB2VokwhtZLv3CelUjHwvII3NsmewU4P-v5Yd97S2p4d2fld-SlA/s400/Positano+Italy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://www.barrettwells.com/pictures.html">BarrettWells</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>For work, it's looking like it will be another big Asia-Pacific year for me, perhaps with a sprinkle or two of some Western European trips. There's a chance I may be headed to France soon, which is a bit thrilling since I haven't been there since I was 12.<br />
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I'd also like to try to get out to Denver to visit my friend Laura this spring too. I need to get my butt in gear and start figuring out when to see if that will work for her!<br />
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Before I log out and head over to my gate, I was reading this <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-1352754/Adult-flights-Airlines-urged-consider-banning-children.html">article </a>on the Daily Mail about how major international carriers such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Emirates are being urged to segregate families with small children from certain cabins of the plane or certain flights in general. As you might imagine, this controversial topic has caused a bit of an uproar, with some people claiming that it is unethical to make such bans. However, since I do find myself traveling on red-eyes quite a bit for work, I have to admit that I may be leaning towards the segregation side (at least on high frequency routes). Insert gasp here. It quite like the idea of knowing that I would be guaranteed the peace and quiet needed to sleep and/or work on an overnight flight. Does this make me an awful person!? What are your thoughts on this campaign?Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782677370134418290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483754055444843282.post-57663634502767007272011-01-12T21:30:00.000-05:002011-01-12T21:30:08.602-05:00Atlantic City: Vegas of the EastAs you know, I spent my <a href="http://notallwhowanderarelost77.blogspot.com/2011/01/counting-down-to-2011-by-pool.html">New Years</a> on the shores of Atlantic City, NJ with my good friends Curt and Diana. On New Years Eve, we met up with 6 other friends and had a fabulous time bringing in the new year. Since I already documented the drunken happenings of that celebration, I'd like to take some time speaking generally about Atlantic City and what it has to offer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jokt4hU51QRhKEJH4K9ILwt0MOeotRXXj3gJkCEAC2OwtT0rUsW9pjjOs3R_1bfwjSV51gkJaNIWLvFlmkh89M0hvMWcWus97IcXYkde_bjyTQWqvxGSsLgEAIkMVyVQatmNKSdyGU0/s1600/atlantic-city_gamblers+data.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jokt4hU51QRhKEJH4K9ILwt0MOeotRXXj3gJkCEAC2OwtT0rUsW9pjjOs3R_1bfwjSV51gkJaNIWLvFlmkh89M0hvMWcWus97IcXYkde_bjyTQWqvxGSsLgEAIkMVyVQatmNKSdyGU0/s400/atlantic-city_gamblers+data.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://www.gamblersdata.info/1949/new-jersey-seeking-internet-and-sports-betting/">gamblersdata</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Timeframe</b>: As I mentioned in my <a href="http://notallwhowanderarelost77.blogspot.com/2010/10/guide-to-better-las-vegas-vacation.html">Las Vegas</a> post, it is always debatable how much time is needed when spending time in a city that boasts gambling as its cornerstone. However, when it's warmer out, Atlantic City has a bit more to offer than just gambling. For instance, you can take in the Boardwalk scene, stopping at a myriad of stores, eateries and candy shops. You can also take in the <a href="http://www.steelpier.com/default.aspx">Steel Pier</a> in front of the Taj Majal. The Steel Pier, which originally opened up in 1898, was famous in its heydey for showcasing the nation's most famous entertainers. After a 17 year hiatus, Steel Pier reopened in 1993 and now offers patrons 24 rides, many games, snacks and affordable helicopter rides. If you're also brave enough to bear the cold Atlantic Ocean, you can also of course take in the beach itself. If without a beach chair, the city's website indicates that there are a number of stands offering daily chair rentals.<br />
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To be fair, I should warn you all to stay in the more busy/populated areas of the Boardwalk, because it has some more seedy, run-down areas that should be avoided.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgTSnZx0HsROAjLZzIGMCEWYm18yH-vcsdtgl-YSox_TX631FcryFCJUzuviFNyhRSDq5IxdqGzOsB6v4chagft4-T_yot7FAK9vPDUCnw5kPa9aPxNvxYrdhQalcggQpYSeVNukF3_o/s1600/Atlantic+City+Beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgTSnZx0HsROAjLZzIGMCEWYm18yH-vcsdtgl-YSox_TX631FcryFCJUzuviFNyhRSDq5IxdqGzOsB6v4chagft4-T_yot7FAK9vPDUCnw5kPa9aPxNvxYrdhQalcggQpYSeVNukF3_o/s400/Atlantic+City+Beach.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://curlybearproductions.com/Placesofinterest.aspx">curlybearproductions</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Flight options</b>: Atlantic City is home to a small airport (code ACY). There are only a few well-known airlines that serve the airport, namely AirTran and Spirit. Spirit actually offers a non-stop flight from Boston to Atlantic City at reasonably priced fares. In fact, I actually just saw a fare on Bing for $85 <u>round-trip</u>. The airport offers parking for $1 per hour ($13 max) and is about a 20 minute drive to the casinos. For more flight options, you could also choose to fly into Philadelphia airport and make the one-hour drive to Atlantic City. Newark airport is about a two-hour drive.<br />
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<b>Hotel options</b>: There are a variety of casino/resorts in which to stay in Atlantic City, including Bally's, Caesars, Showboat, Tropicana, Trump Taj Majal, Trump Marina, Trump Plaza, Harrah's and the Borgata. The general consensus seems to be that the most updated hotels are Harrah's and the Borgata. As I told you in the NYE post, our friends Curt and Diana were able to score the most amazing deal ever for us at Harrah's for the weekend. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglijQQJvJxOyCUQCXoAkG2eTdPA1qBQlRgjXlod0ELhN4DxL5XiRHO0hZNoTrFWH2Us-T_h_thioQ8I5dDo9Su7MuZUXXLFwNV8ZC4qlrtKP4lCEpXf7L_lkRznF7tfv6hsOxQjwRlcrI/s1600/harrah%2527s+exterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglijQQJvJxOyCUQCXoAkG2eTdPA1qBQlRgjXlod0ELhN4DxL5XiRHO0hZNoTrFWH2Us-T_h_thioQ8I5dDo9Su7MuZUXXLFwNV8ZC4qlrtKP4lCEpXf7L_lkRznF7tfv6hsOxQjwRlcrI/s400/harrah%2527s+exterior.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/atlanticcity/pool/page108/">flickr</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtfIJVFz1y23jdHD13h3J7fZqdk_TUt2rg-gj8sVmKTJ41Kg3twCjV9Pj8bh-FQuU7dGc_fD_hcSeeyCP5mZNzvJPG72RrmYZsHaC-kSQbYxjmYPEgX4dzwrOzHiiSEkJXXozP3g8JSw/s1600/DSCF4779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtfIJVFz1y23jdHD13h3J7fZqdk_TUt2rg-gj8sVmKTJ41Kg3twCjV9Pj8bh-FQuU7dGc_fD_hcSeeyCP5mZNzvJPG72RrmYZsHaC-kSQbYxjmYPEgX4dzwrOzHiiSEkJXXozP3g8JSw/s400/DSCF4779.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harrah's atrium on the way to the front desk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>To remind you all, our room in Bayview tower was clean and spacious, especially considering the price! The highlight for me was the large bathroom which had both a standing shower and large whirlpool bathtub.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhp4YrPxxgudkTOJuLCPWAYYRwrbETnU_rSCyFJRP2zGoFwLVocdoL2SBF1_xX1Sx6dUSWXyJQGdgGYC_QFx5zpKz7W_gXwokkLKxXxpqPWsrVpUF7IBG0504gUtiCCw7t-j4DG9LFaFQ/s1600/DSCF4647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhp4YrPxxgudkTOJuLCPWAYYRwrbETnU_rSCyFJRP2zGoFwLVocdoL2SBF1_xX1Sx6dUSWXyJQGdgGYC_QFx5zpKz7W_gXwokkLKxXxpqPWsrVpUF7IBG0504gUtiCCw7t-j4DG9LFaFQ/s400/DSCF4647.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqHHYevXWaDY51paxPN1cJ12Rfcr7Rg7ZmbpkAyfcJatF_OasqZMj2l1smcOoy4bVEBH60UA1TEr5D7YvpJrnDgW7Lmx6ueBhwcNdpJIOhN-9-675eeYofd_gAqIL4-F-DGdjL_AHHbk/s1600/DSCF4654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqHHYevXWaDY51paxPN1cJ12Rfcr7Rg7ZmbpkAyfcJatF_OasqZMj2l1smcOoy4bVEBH60UA1TEr5D7YvpJrnDgW7Lmx6ueBhwcNdpJIOhN-9-675eeYofd_gAqIL4-F-DGdjL_AHHbk/s400/DSCF4654.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG54EQZTHOcTxJB3ajUkXDFeonKKWzCj7L0AJ0Iow6SuY71dkOjsfE79HdgwoGcYhCokx3FzDt0mJCjCxfVhio0z2TIVp7n5eZtEpaGoTIoz3xkUo9Uw39zijnRbf-TAdXntwlWAxVoyg/s1600/DSCF4652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG54EQZTHOcTxJB3ajUkXDFeonKKWzCj7L0AJ0Iow6SuY71dkOjsfE79HdgwoGcYhCokx3FzDt0mJCjCxfVhio0z2TIVp7n5eZtEpaGoTIoz3xkUo9Uw39zijnRbf-TAdXntwlWAxVoyg/s400/DSCF4652.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Having spent our first night celebrating the new year at Harrah's, we were eager to venture out to a new spot on our second night. Since Curt and Diana think so highly of the Borgata, we happily jumped in the car and made the 5 minute drive.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwT9WYddVpNLFRXJuL5KxxWTuY5z2Ua5dnzEweVLHt96RN1d4aCaVsXf1exSl_pYkvyRjD0QRqsf4xBwEX15jB2OC819A3RcMgHAMdBTUpjOOQiduQUW4IXMNTw2V9wL82Bw3qEVhD4XE/s1600/borgata+exterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwT9WYddVpNLFRXJuL5KxxWTuY5z2Ua5dnzEweVLHt96RN1d4aCaVsXf1exSl_pYkvyRjD0QRqsf4xBwEX15jB2OC819A3RcMgHAMdBTUpjOOQiduQUW4IXMNTw2V9wL82Bw3qEVhD4XE/s400/borgata+exterior.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://www.theatlanticcitycasinos.com/borgata.html">theatlanticcitycasinos</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtyo-l8S3yuE5lhIdDs_N6dYThWYcr65DopvYD5laS0Hr6Tc0u4DAhQiQI7AQLXvsW2ldJPdn_e0XIl9WF0n8bwTi64PKKVybkEEF_KnTNSposOgOHMwEsFtP9UcxVJP7NM1itzNHcfg/s1600/DSCF4766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtyo-l8S3yuE5lhIdDs_N6dYThWYcr65DopvYD5laS0Hr6Tc0u4DAhQiQI7AQLXvsW2ldJPdn_e0XIl9WF0n8bwTi64PKKVybkEEF_KnTNSposOgOHMwEsFtP9UcxVJP7NM1itzNHcfg/s400/DSCF4766.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnwVMDKGmReODNchOFDRjYlTEMWYlc6cEVS3F4YYDgje4ZVAkTkHOkizgv0ZzgjyUOW5SsgKV3qRsnej3mB0msbsMYBTVXq89I1pmWcN38wLgb-k2RkcLHSDZHAvkF0YS7LE4FBAyc6M/s1600/DSCF4765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnwVMDKGmReODNchOFDRjYlTEMWYlc6cEVS3F4YYDgje4ZVAkTkHOkizgv0ZzgjyUOW5SsgKV3qRsnej3mB0msbsMYBTVXq89I1pmWcN38wLgb-k2RkcLHSDZHAvkF0YS7LE4FBAyc6M/s400/DSCF4765.JPG" width="283" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Borgata lobby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Our plan was to grab dinner and do some gambling, but we took our time reveling in all of the ornate displays. It is definitely the nicest casino I've walked through in the city. They had a great winter display which I believe they update with each season.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsmlkg6SQ3pSxxbRRA-kABIzTi3B7UhvX_Y3CJe0obTgi-RWAokN3B07aBfgA4q4PcFnfe80QMgAXx3adaH_kCl0_FItjyNrtt-TNDc2re6u4IUe6S7sct0mzg-FoMPr9c6P0IXhTzEs/s1600/DSCF4732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsmlkg6SQ3pSxxbRRA-kABIzTi3B7UhvX_Y3CJe0obTgi-RWAokN3B07aBfgA4q4PcFnfe80QMgAXx3adaH_kCl0_FItjyNrtt-TNDc2re6u4IUe6S7sct0mzg-FoMPr9c6P0IXhTzEs/s400/DSCF4732.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlotkiMcPmC05_Xcw8WJgDAWv7RbwzFNhc_mvPBMpno_BitcR9Omp5bT5XUY_kR5eHct14b1q4ECMFE4hIsRclDOq7c1cd3wEyloEqO8GptLKLz6twiWFlDbT9HK6vkm01GbUvAQ-24NE/s1600/DSCF4731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlotkiMcPmC05_Xcw8WJgDAWv7RbwzFNhc_mvPBMpno_BitcR9Omp5bT5XUY_kR5eHct14b1q4ECMFE4hIsRclDOq7c1cd3wEyloEqO8GptLKLz6twiWFlDbT9HK6vkm01GbUvAQ-24NE/s400/DSCF4731.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><b>Restaurants</b>: There are a number of restaurants in all of the casinos I mentioned above. Curt and Diana spoke highly of a number of restaurants at the Tropicana. They also mentioned that McCormick and Schmick's was great for seafood. On this occasion and being in the mood for some asian fusion, our radar was permanently set on eating at izakaya at the Borgata. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYzL79V04TnNt-nMoL9eXqDGn76SNHC7WUaizJ3WNu9ZAwba8IRXVn9fwwCSDrh_ymJoXL3Z88QZjunQYu5z7BFhCtdBPpMNipdr_bP3qgHelhW0KHf-WBrZaA95RanI1m11tuche0pI/s1600/DSCF4733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYzL79V04TnNt-nMoL9eXqDGn76SNHC7WUaizJ3WNu9ZAwba8IRXVn9fwwCSDrh_ymJoXL3Z88QZjunQYu5z7BFhCtdBPpMNipdr_bP3qgHelhW0KHf-WBrZaA95RanI1m11tuche0pI/s400/DSCF4733.JPG" width="321" /></a></div>The restaurant was dimly light and highlighted a number of sexy geishas throughout. I thought it was a really cool vibe.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNtcvMVBlHORG-1eC-OMiNSJ0KgovsFE7ZXkmx3rl9kMFHlsJTHuaFeTRtLmVZkyk6xCQhjtVCGX4GnXnM3rsG61fN4Sfl_wHVVS2ewXwtxYQx6PTgwkrRw7prZZ8nO6NEkSTcSqjbvM/s1600/DSCF4734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNtcvMVBlHORG-1eC-OMiNSJ0KgovsFE7ZXkmx3rl9kMFHlsJTHuaFeTRtLmVZkyk6xCQhjtVCGX4GnXnM3rsG61fN4Sfl_wHVVS2ewXwtxYQx6PTgwkrRw7prZZ8nO6NEkSTcSqjbvM/s400/DSCF4734.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8vo6S4L2rjq95iIWd_j7VpwVZFn0VzzkZH9jZB1y5B3uLTmh_sx9BVRk8IuM1z7fB_eHo9X7iNIm1xvpFYxOuvpkCBGMYg-A5NhMjtK9BGDHZ0n5PBISYeoEq5HuOO7zFlGyl5FGmb0/s1600/DSCF4735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8vo6S4L2rjq95iIWd_j7VpwVZFn0VzzkZH9jZB1y5B3uLTmh_sx9BVRk8IuM1z7fB_eHo9X7iNIm1xvpFYxOuvpkCBGMYg-A5NhMjtK9BGDHZ0n5PBISYeoEq5HuOO7zFlGyl5FGmb0/s400/DSCF4735.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We ordered a number of small plates, including edamame, kobe beef fried rice, chicken robatayaki and a few choice specialty maki rolls.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUf2LR51IINFOCVxjRqzCvwAkBc8ZyFmLqPTqgtBY-BPoIE103dvBYRgIt_T8oIvsqDf405zTjJ9-DilYlmZPzQXyIaHanb4Iu7qf6JnA2EjMpwmbJReprOJQeN4lJ1kUoL5xpWKsZOCE/s1600/DSCF4741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUf2LR51IINFOCVxjRqzCvwAkBc8ZyFmLqPTqgtBY-BPoIE103dvBYRgIt_T8oIvsqDf405zTjJ9-DilYlmZPzQXyIaHanb4Iu7qf6JnA2EjMpwmbJReprOJQeN4lJ1kUoL5xpWKsZOCE/s400/DSCF4741.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-2R09E1eeHrkuwQdHaz5cdhLBgVDqhjYb0InKDPzrDZxaPoBBh_2Bj93CI4Vo-6hdfStNNX5ITTGz0F8egq72jXClmR7nOf6zdwNGhqCxmXFlAi9kkT_hycZXNHbnkk3P1M8vFrjPgM/s1600/DSCF4744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-2R09E1eeHrkuwQdHaz5cdhLBgVDqhjYb0InKDPzrDZxaPoBBh_2Bj93CI4Vo-6hdfStNNX5ITTGz0F8egq72jXClmR7nOf6zdwNGhqCxmXFlAi9kkT_hycZXNHbnkk3P1M8vFrjPgM/s400/DSCF4744.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<b>Nightlife</b>: Each of the casinos boast nightclubs that (at least on the internet surface) seem to be popular. I can attest first hand that the Pool After Dark at Harrah's is a great time. Other popular clubs include mur.mur at the Borgata, Game On! & dusk at Caesars and Casbah at the Taj Majal.<br />
<br />
Overall, if you're looking for a getaway that isn't overly expensive and you do not have expectations for a 5-star resort, I would recommend spending a weekend in Atlantic City sometime. Stay at the Borgata or Harrah's, enjoy good food & drink, take in the spa, do some gambling and check out the Boardwalk with friends in good weather. Having been to Vegas, I would still rank the debauchery there as more fun, but Atlantic City is definitely better than its occasional reputation as its ugly step sister of the East.Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782677370134418290noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483754055444843282.post-31623431553928418482011-01-03T15:09:00.007-05:002011-01-03T15:30:53.020-05:00Counting Down to 2011 by The Pool<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I was so happy to arrive in Atlantic City for our New Years celebration! I was giddy as we checked into Harrahs a little before 3pm and made our way to our room in Bayview Tower. It was also great to see that the room was nice, highlighted by a huge bathroom. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbt5MXwOb68RIJ_ySmoc8tM-88BuAnKnR34oGWyQPjeOFb1XCRAzR3kBSWDV3y_5LIOND5gSeC4cMVMVcIopvWuyH94mcNKJgq6V3BuWDigAzt_KlYJRzBnp7hMRjNul9EIeQCCwgBIQ/s1600/DSCF4649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbt5MXwOb68RIJ_ySmoc8tM-88BuAnKnR34oGWyQPjeOFb1XCRAzR3kBSWDV3y_5LIOND5gSeC4cMVMVcIopvWuyH94mcNKJgq6V3BuWDigAzt_KlYJRzBnp7hMRjNul9EIeQCCwgBIQ/s400/DSCF4649.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcT3hT8URSYQi03iC_ebphR8DmWw8OhvwtOsc9wiluFjCag0CfCvWwUWoIIJsta7JeCBgGztBUuovaRzh3GTCgJNL90iHOinLsv6mt8nXeS4qfpiEbJ-oPe1y1fmJRgEZmMXX_b2X4pTA/s1600/DSCF4647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcT3hT8URSYQi03iC_ebphR8DmWw8OhvwtOsc9wiluFjCag0CfCvWwUWoIIJsta7JeCBgGztBUuovaRzh3GTCgJNL90iHOinLsv6mt8nXeS4qfpiEbJ-oPe1y1fmJRgEZmMXX_b2X4pTA/s400/DSCF4647.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRR294u2Af0sLRcrMf8yRStZ_8xMLRbO1MZMYJIxetYDNRgMV0K8zUC23NV1ovN-lRmtPXJBDTZlOxU3gEEqwZ-RW5w1x85UlFDIK8xGlTBkRK52hjq7NWVMnPUjs0HK1fn-GPoVEhyphenhyphenE/s1600/DSCF4652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRR294u2Af0sLRcrMf8yRStZ_8xMLRbO1MZMYJIxetYDNRgMV0K8zUC23NV1ovN-lRmtPXJBDTZlOxU3gEEqwZ-RW5w1x85UlFDIK8xGlTBkRK52hjq7NWVMnPUjs0HK1fn-GPoVEhyphenhyphenE/s400/DSCF4652.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Despite how genuinely nice the room was, it felt that much nicer knowing that we got the best deal in the city. You see, rooms in Atlantic City at all the major Casinos (Harrahs, Borgata, Taj, Caesars, Tropicana, etc.) go for $699 per night on New Years Eve. However, Curt happened to be on Harrahs website in November and noted rooms for $69.99. Not stopping to even think about it, he booked a number of rooms and told all his close friends that they should go on and get a room themselves. The very next day, Harrahs phoned Curt telling him there had been a pricing mistake on the website for a short period of time the day before and that they'd be willing to comp him 2 free rooms if he would just give up his room on NYE. Clearly, they forgot to enter an extra "9"! Curt decided to give up one of the rooms he reserved in exchange for a free night on New Years Day and another one at his leisure. What this all means is that we shared a room with Curt/Diana for the full New Years weekend all for $40 per couple! Insane right?!</div><div><br />
</div><div>That evening, our room served as the central point for pre-gaming. Our table went from fairly well stocked....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBped_cIIJQNU1XWa-tVwMiRq5LTixgB6rT9I-kXxgh5lqaJnliFl7nYRy8ZeLv04B0Ny3f6siGjy2u-1FkndvjvLqM4OS6QTaLJXNfNNJIxc0dq0ct7acTCVv_Qq5qjh0LJAwlsFzWg/s1600/DSCF4655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBped_cIIJQNU1XWa-tVwMiRq5LTixgB6rT9I-kXxgh5lqaJnliFl7nYRy8ZeLv04B0Ny3f6siGjy2u-1FkndvjvLqM4OS6QTaLJXNfNNJIxc0dq0ct7acTCVv_Qq5qjh0LJAwlsFzWg/s400/DSCF4655.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div> ....to a fully stocked bar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qG7hOcAzxWVoqrlRDhHzmChdSGn68PI99JIRynolKQ1WIP0SQT8fwtW-c7kJAHeELKXGDnYbOBIJ7fj_DlzCGDG9G9-A3c5HJAVNxV6lJftDy8DRT7lUrC2Bo99cl29fcaxeeJ7PpRc/s1600/DSCF4658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qG7hOcAzxWVoqrlRDhHzmChdSGn68PI99JIRynolKQ1WIP0SQT8fwtW-c7kJAHeELKXGDnYbOBIJ7fj_DlzCGDG9G9-A3c5HJAVNxV6lJftDy8DRT7lUrC2Bo99cl29fcaxeeJ7PpRc/s400/DSCF4658.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Before we left for the night, I noticed the hotel's cute twist to the typical "Do Not Disturb" sign and wondered just how true it would be for us the next day....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0G4lvi-8VLmx7Awrs39HG7n9Di_1cZUCTnErLc4VS-VhyOwU9MdiT3J3ugmXsbfVZ4Rph2UWvJG4shDEK5p6ABnVH3T2b7YPCXlN6v_p7FIbp8tPT5eqCdT3XW36buSBbRs-yf2UYTh4/s1600/DSCF4656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0G4lvi-8VLmx7Awrs39HG7n9Di_1cZUCTnErLc4VS-VhyOwU9MdiT3J3ugmXsbfVZ4Rph2UWvJG4shDEK5p6ABnVH3T2b7YPCXlN6v_p7FIbp8tPT5eqCdT3XW36buSBbRs-yf2UYTh4/s400/DSCF4656.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div>Already feeling a little lit up after pregaming, the 10 of us headed down to The Pool Bar. Due to the large dome overhead, The Pool is touted by Harrahs as an "indoor oasis". By day, one can take a dip and grab lunch and a cocktail. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdvZISu1_haeWN4oIuZhvYB_1ndZ7XK1Nwkspm62VmBFOJPC6jV2RGxQ7_F6KumdXXriLVU9mooOBY-JWooc_PkAypy5dHd8RpJREinNOV9yVb8dKsRuo1qEIv7pY0fA0r54v66AldKY/s1600/DSCF4727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdvZISu1_haeWN4oIuZhvYB_1ndZ7XK1Nwkspm62VmBFOJPC6jV2RGxQ7_F6KumdXXriLVU9mooOBY-JWooc_PkAypy5dHd8RpJREinNOV9yVb8dKsRuo1qEIv7pY0fA0r54v66AldKY/s400/DSCF4727.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVnbPE-YLpgRfXUMwyxDMFuKHvOnxiHGYfTUKaMtxfelt6yhSzvRkDRnUX4VXpL4Yf10B0cjbz9BT-NhRASShSqPTGvYlBA1Ab-3GlqqtprGzCm_CBUHO96NxSgC6nix7ngXn45a0v-c/s1600/DSCF4728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVnbPE-YLpgRfXUMwyxDMFuKHvOnxiHGYfTUKaMtxfelt6yhSzvRkDRnUX4VXpL4Yf10B0cjbz9BT-NhRASShSqPTGvYlBA1Ab-3GlqqtprGzCm_CBUHO96NxSgC6nix7ngXn45a0v-c/s400/DSCF4728.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>By night, the pool turns into The Pool After Dark, where guests can reserve private cabanas and hot tubs. We opted for a standard ticket, which included entry, free h'orderves from 7:30pm-9:00pm, open premium bar from 9:00pm - midnight and complimentary champagne at midnight. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I was loving the atmosphere and snapped a bunch of pictures right away. Good thing I documented early and often since things got sloppy fairly quickly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwMR6PHRwuXm_cqKP2Dv0MgyN8TnOT26xP2n29Fy1eGq59m3vg6HyyFjhAfJNfJ2Z5ynRdfXa0GIfDL0DppD2EvZ-Ppi3GrgMjm76O90awdRM-_1LxkToZtiSC24PbvbFmLoZ9vxo5YY/s1600/DSCF4665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwMR6PHRwuXm_cqKP2Dv0MgyN8TnOT26xP2n29Fy1eGq59m3vg6HyyFjhAfJNfJ2Z5ynRdfXa0GIfDL0DppD2EvZ-Ppi3GrgMjm76O90awdRM-_1LxkToZtiSC24PbvbFmLoZ9vxo5YY/s400/DSCF4665.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk70LCDIqvvTc6Kaj7kLymlfvAR5DD8LkFfwN1Yr6udVQXb_Yo0eaZERQaT6jhZZ84qSwMdTqCSiHC9zluVItuz6XDhRlgdbUpw7OHYmBsKNoQR8ki3xZmCg-NSueU-ULK7IGPE67bB-w/s1600/DSCF4673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk70LCDIqvvTc6Kaj7kLymlfvAR5DD8LkFfwN1Yr6udVQXb_Yo0eaZERQaT6jhZZ84qSwMdTqCSiHC9zluVItuz6XDhRlgdbUpw7OHYmBsKNoQR8ki3xZmCg-NSueU-ULK7IGPE67bB-w/s400/DSCF4673.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2TBBmcPBGSlZ1hkVWw1qCbajHOaL6qEypkMXOR1F4JoycDAifytRU_VGlOQCwOc7SyhyltcZoNRmiGhgXIfH_-6BcY_e4vJ2_br8_-OEgjZfkCGpweZdZMabUOQ55SN7kKGh52vlFgU/s1600/DSCF4682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2TBBmcPBGSlZ1hkVWw1qCbajHOaL6qEypkMXOR1F4JoycDAifytRU_VGlOQCwOc7SyhyltcZoNRmiGhgXIfH_-6BcY_e4vJ2_br8_-OEgjZfkCGpweZdZMabUOQ55SN7kKGh52vlFgU/s400/DSCF4682.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPkVBSO3UOFtw7xgdcxFOvBUhG8IGo7v1sJ3vxmIsCODlRaoAhK4X7Eq_2daJMtmXHDO3NSCAg0K_pgyrbOtIGjGp_MNzYzQq66yWQb0mbXxpWSuQEhteanihXWfpW_duPqaM00dOUAg/s1600/DSCF4683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPkVBSO3UOFtw7xgdcxFOvBUhG8IGo7v1sJ3vxmIsCODlRaoAhK4X7Eq_2daJMtmXHDO3NSCAg0K_pgyrbOtIGjGp_MNzYzQq66yWQb0mbXxpWSuQEhteanihXWfpW_duPqaM00dOUAg/s400/DSCF4683.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The h'orderve menu included:</div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Sushi (California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Philly Roll)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Mediterranean Tapas</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Sliders (turkey w/ granny smith apple and onion compote on whole wheat rolls; crab cake sliders w/ red brick remoulade on sour dough rolls; angus sliders w/ cave aged cheddar on mini kaisers)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Strozzapreti in Grey Goose vodka sauce w/ crispy pancetta</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Fusilli in black garlic and EVOO w/ micro chicken meatballs</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Orange and miso glazed crispy chicken w/ jasmine rice</span></li>
</ul>Everything I tried was very yummy! I was glad we got there early enough to enjoy.<br />
<ul></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionCyo2BxF3I5s4ZkHkuh_dgFWGpJECwDGvwTR2HYJhe7zjEW1dReesnvPw8rhqv84ji5QLMKsenZBjZ9Oz4baURtWDk_0yGizWoGagm5mPsaxxl1x8gQBcuw9X0FY5RnL2em5bUfEr-Y/s1600/DSCF4671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionCyo2BxF3I5s4ZkHkuh_dgFWGpJECwDGvwTR2HYJhe7zjEW1dReesnvPw8rhqv84ji5QLMKsenZBjZ9Oz4baURtWDk_0yGizWoGagm5mPsaxxl1x8gQBcuw9X0FY5RnL2em5bUfEr-Y/s400/DSCF4671.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqaL7b1qWIEGF1j7oakNfuk95xstmABPdJZPMDKL9mAwQvAQn11hAgOJJdn83o5eF72PGFQlDsQ51PLFpQwiO5IMKM7q6ynCdybU7rgf0rLM5R-WKwvzmsyY60miBiTHkJmCOs7E5cfo/s1600/DSCF4674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqaL7b1qWIEGF1j7oakNfuk95xstmABPdJZPMDKL9mAwQvAQn11hAgOJJdn83o5eF72PGFQlDsQ51PLFpQwiO5IMKM7q6ynCdybU7rgf0rLM5R-WKwvzmsyY60miBiTHkJmCOs7E5cfo/s400/DSCF4674.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There is a balcony section to The Pool that we scoped out. Unfortunately, everything seemed reserved so we decided to head back downstairs to stake out a spot close to one of the Grey Goose open bar stands.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWi8xbZi6bHUTODb_-sEkf0DDvHP6NEXgGqzwc-EQp3bBxB1ZfyfHjLEwyLzNQPa1WsoyRqQYHYHZZm7MKMKvMhrpIxI0PZMuM7b2qEGwSMEaUi7wcgTditQ6e8kDc9NPsAcT5yFSyys/s1600/DSCF4668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWi8xbZi6bHUTODb_-sEkf0DDvHP6NEXgGqzwc-EQp3bBxB1ZfyfHjLEwyLzNQPa1WsoyRqQYHYHZZm7MKMKvMhrpIxI0PZMuM7b2qEGwSMEaUi7wcgTditQ6e8kDc9NPsAcT5yFSyys/s400/DSCF4668.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-aNCbID1DXVR3gSyokKehxS2-CZtPGsyn_Jqv0AA-Zwr782F3fwXH8gGn0NXTeCprYQvssY0F6IXmEgJ8yMkATObcvN2w5oN0TFcxWOHm2kCRwHRuZKcJDSKpSgxcROxQ2_WyTEsT5A/s1600/DSCF4667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-aNCbID1DXVR3gSyokKehxS2-CZtPGsyn_Jqv0AA-Zwr782F3fwXH8gGn0NXTeCprYQvssY0F6IXmEgJ8yMkATObcvN2w5oN0TFcxWOHm2kCRwHRuZKcJDSKpSgxcROxQ2_WyTEsT5A/s400/DSCF4667.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div></div><div>We did successfully claim a spot by one of the stands, which is where we spent the majority of the night. We had a great bartender that always seemed to have our choice drinks ready for us before we could even spout out the order.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1MP4bg4ASitFkTndhB4sdKs2jk9DMKy3QQtni7vpdfCjapja-hmUXXdmt1uX-0-CBHmDPXheWqmSWPb7H8ng7_aJ1QKaQwMywL2Mjw9p2vspRSuCm5I8gd2IhuTzAdgleqLrnuxtYSFo/s1600/DSCF4689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1MP4bg4ASitFkTndhB4sdKs2jk9DMKy3QQtni7vpdfCjapja-hmUXXdmt1uX-0-CBHmDPXheWqmSWPb7H8ng7_aJ1QKaQwMywL2Mjw9p2vspRSuCm5I8gd2IhuTzAdgleqLrnuxtYSFo/s400/DSCF4689.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Unfortunately for us, all of this meant that we went from sober-to-slightly buzzed people to out of their mind drunk people.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Me and Dave, <u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">BEFORE</span></u></b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodiKeevoOgGO0Ebzf_06oW6ntZx3_7CunKpqHCicIWLhUVqvBU8qIY8h90bba3ATlcntTYs2VFBK7ZVGdFZ2ccinLaaKBeswL-WfggV6dZUPbTRlMOmImtcRdM3l1KG6kkeyQm_V-1HY/s1600/DSCF4706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodiKeevoOgGO0Ebzf_06oW6ntZx3_7CunKpqHCicIWLhUVqvBU8qIY8h90bba3ATlcntTYs2VFBK7ZVGdFZ2ccinLaaKBeswL-WfggV6dZUPbTRlMOmImtcRdM3l1KG6kkeyQm_V-1HY/s400/DSCF4706.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNo5qkiPjl_qFD7PFiMhy6kqFe2hZs1zgNCf7UZszWi_WvdQaJfwM-0T35nM0LxfAah4buRdxSqQRx-1bbd0NGo9vBO_zALLKddmRpkcXTxIokzZ_N5aQlnAUz8YotCqNMsiBhWjPyueg/s1600/DSCF4688.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNo5qkiPjl_qFD7PFiMhy6kqFe2hZs1zgNCf7UZszWi_WvdQaJfwM-0T35nM0LxfAah4buRdxSqQRx-1bbd0NGo9vBO_zALLKddmRpkcXTxIokzZ_N5aQlnAUz8YotCqNMsiBhWjPyueg/s400/DSCF4688.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Me and Dave, <u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">AFTER</span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgIz2o6c9_MvH95-GjMoiSMIMttfrHNc7oVKnPzYxHXv3JqqTCNMzDPsrUiGyisx1q1uX4x2xyRDaESGbtRUkpf4LgXtSZC1far_OY99tRXRcpe4q1Rxx6YIfcx6I3JBnyL27ifOuBaOc/s1600/DSCF4721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgIz2o6c9_MvH95-GjMoiSMIMttfrHNc7oVKnPzYxHXv3JqqTCNMzDPsrUiGyisx1q1uX4x2xyRDaESGbtRUkpf4LgXtSZC1far_OY99tRXRcpe4q1Rxx6YIfcx6I3JBnyL27ifOuBaOc/s400/DSCF4721.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMkcoQJs7c_ya4upcQlnHj2H-EpFVO0jagYTTrcpILyfkrP1Vh2j7aMw5nv0S7xU16KOQjmjykPcJ6kRvrVlz1kfdXo-EH1c4Wu9YI_zdsrNehNLLXVvShs6Ck7qWrZjk3leOrV4HvGc/s1600/DSCF4719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMkcoQJs7c_ya4upcQlnHj2H-EpFVO0jagYTTrcpILyfkrP1Vh2j7aMw5nv0S7xU16KOQjmjykPcJ6kRvrVlz1kfdXo-EH1c4Wu9YI_zdsrNehNLLXVvShs6Ck7qWrZjk3leOrV4HvGc/s400/DSCF4719.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The ladies, <u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">BEFORE</span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgea3KtyokQOyFlC8RjdCroldkKhzkWjioZh3LDCdpuzBua9w_-l8UaeiLviRKOxY_8BHJIBz672oMuj7rT2nXpaOw2aa64-JJxSNTY8vYHerGtX2FE2Z72dGuYlrb1EqkM2gNlH5zdFYg/s1600/DSCF4691.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgea3KtyokQOyFlC8RjdCroldkKhzkWjioZh3LDCdpuzBua9w_-l8UaeiLviRKOxY_8BHJIBz672oMuj7rT2nXpaOw2aa64-JJxSNTY8vYHerGtX2FE2Z72dGuYlrb1EqkM2gNlH5zdFYg/s400/DSCF4691.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglS8R_cAVpHpA14Rlm3UIx7ZvXUfAPy2vesl0Ih1-QH-NtDF70aTqwhr3dRbpo77EdLUycvR8BVzIffRNU-enb1uj9pUTX0nRSU4SxsIRhbalnMQj3vcAAalKgQdFcy2oCXCAkBN7GkEk/s1600/DSCF4696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglS8R_cAVpHpA14Rlm3UIx7ZvXUfAPy2vesl0Ih1-QH-NtDF70aTqwhr3dRbpo77EdLUycvR8BVzIffRNU-enb1uj9pUTX0nRSU4SxsIRhbalnMQj3vcAAalKgQdFcy2oCXCAkBN7GkEk/s400/DSCF4696.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The ladies,<u> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">AFTER</span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9de58jDyf7vwLIemafFaR-s2RokvuEDpn0Cn8RfrYNKFxUrWKMIuU7JxxYzfVPbTXKo7U88cUrJxm7_xdLS8-Avuit8H9re9b1R_xcdmDjZjLtOMjJ8HpQbatBeWebmyat_0gaiwOio/s1600/DSCF4701.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9de58jDyf7vwLIemafFaR-s2RokvuEDpn0Cn8RfrYNKFxUrWKMIuU7JxxYzfVPbTXKo7U88cUrJxm7_xdLS8-Avuit8H9re9b1R_xcdmDjZjLtOMjJ8HpQbatBeWebmyat_0gaiwOio/s400/DSCF4701.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksW48wOb0bdFoDe0BPGOAi4ilhHr-eCuCvHLyGS-DzLd1KJTnKjQGzK_cV-XdXMOPO-Sgkzpw0hkVNtHb8bxz-bZco6K4XJN-0dg7kvhudfnthc5KFEFhkcVXDa1FIsWfSQWSOisCrm0/s1600/DSCF4704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksW48wOb0bdFoDe0BPGOAi4ilhHr-eCuCvHLyGS-DzLd1KJTnKjQGzK_cV-XdXMOPO-Sgkzpw0hkVNtHb8bxz-bZco6K4XJN-0dg7kvhudfnthc5KFEFhkcVXDa1FIsWfSQWSOisCrm0/s400/DSCF4704.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Curt and Diana, <u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">BEFORE</span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03y-K4NMr7ucWKuW-l3UKbBG20pr9Vd9xhhBMKRR0370oWqNkqHFWhBByE_Mg_k1_yzPcE2O4nCGAncqbAltvnOWKqtP1TA2sWQIwwVoiEOWC4y-FJ-bR_bRHRbEXfvmEtbWHtqzXSv0/s1600/DSCF4675.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03y-K4NMr7ucWKuW-l3UKbBG20pr9Vd9xhhBMKRR0370oWqNkqHFWhBByE_Mg_k1_yzPcE2O4nCGAncqbAltvnOWKqtP1TA2sWQIwwVoiEOWC4y-FJ-bR_bRHRbEXfvmEtbWHtqzXSv0/s400/DSCF4675.JPG" width="286" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Curt and Diana, <u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">AFTER</span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-V_KY1GMiwJSWOVT1_Hy6kqLju1V6RTfu_knHu22edJJ7t8JsHpllUxE-pC2jZUKjVM3llx8iU2ITc3ZS02guuI18CWU24XEbTL2zObj6O21h6hdBnD0HOAQRTE_QXP_Q4kL1aLYDzs/s1600/DSCF4708.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-V_KY1GMiwJSWOVT1_Hy6kqLju1V6RTfu_knHu22edJJ7t8JsHpllUxE-pC2jZUKjVM3llx8iU2ITc3ZS02guuI18CWU24XEbTL2zObj6O21h6hdBnD0HOAQRTE_QXP_Q4kL1aLYDzs/s400/DSCF4708.JPG" width="322" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>The guys, <u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">BEFORE</span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5pRziFS_fwdR_sE9e45MbpJAJ7Oc-zLO1WHPA-ZmsqfEe9uiXoZtzWGBy3n8QcYnWhJBbYl2GlkpQMbRQkISkyzt2xM6JPw_pkIOm9Nllliil0-6wyGixGTIvq06xP9DnUhyphenhyphentnlqysI/s1600/DSCF4694.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5pRziFS_fwdR_sE9e45MbpJAJ7Oc-zLO1WHPA-ZmsqfEe9uiXoZtzWGBy3n8QcYnWhJBbYl2GlkpQMbRQkISkyzt2xM6JPw_pkIOm9Nllliil0-6wyGixGTIvq06xP9DnUhyphenhyphentnlqysI/s400/DSCF4694.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Some of the guys, <u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">AFTER</span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7HWi8AjOTj203VF_7FOjpRGoKv-elK4mTmFWwWugw1RJ9dkA0n_0mI5coc-IQfrwKUgJO2in3mvefRm0fC3UGpUIwtKmA180XT6nQO2ZbWurpVxSfiIZDvOpGhTTJEGmKP9oKc4lDVk/s1600/DSCF4687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7HWi8AjOTj203VF_7FOjpRGoKv-elK4mTmFWwWugw1RJ9dkA0n_0mI5coc-IQfrwKUgJO2in3mvefRm0fC3UGpUIwtKmA180XT6nQO2ZbWurpVxSfiIZDvOpGhTTJEGmKP9oKc4lDVk/s400/DSCF4687.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04bZQVnRaJFdpfeWXAxF8-m-m95DvIdkTHte-DooDYmYHOKmCL0YnFm9HEjd7JwQvMr9IgTx7G-04g67HJns3mXLSu05hTzRijZQkITToy7GlbagfEo1iYE-B159kbqbTXhr2zJTRZKw/s1600/DSCF4720.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04bZQVnRaJFdpfeWXAxF8-m-m95DvIdkTHte-DooDYmYHOKmCL0YnFm9HEjd7JwQvMr9IgTx7G-04g67HJns3mXLSu05hTzRijZQkITToy7GlbagfEo1iYE-B159kbqbTXhr2zJTRZKw/s400/DSCF4720.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Even though I was all a bit <u>gray</u> to me, I did manage to snap a picture of the countdown. Seriously, what is it about open bar that just causes you to go nuts?!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigI7coWF3YkYCrPP4yu8KzHL9w0-9EW-b-FzRNLT7hw0SmzK1reNmFFLJ-WlA1CFPVpMxFDoS0HXIJ3cTyNX-MYJLnsCQvLJ1dx3tnwgD9tV776DzeCtvPMvQuTeWmKwk54c4aZCVqW9A/s1600/DSCF4724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigI7coWF3YkYCrPP4yu8KzHL9w0-9EW-b-FzRNLT7hw0SmzK1reNmFFLJ-WlA1CFPVpMxFDoS0HXIJ3cTyNX-MYJLnsCQvLJ1dx3tnwgD9tV776DzeCtvPMvQuTeWmKwk54c4aZCVqW9A/s400/DSCF4724.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I hope you all had a great time ringing in the new year! Hopefully for you, it didn't result in the massive, next-day hangover like mine did! Here's to a fabulous 2011!</div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782677370134418290noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483754055444843282.post-46348257780386930212011-01-03T12:16:00.002-05:002011-01-03T15:33:10.056-05:00Aboard the AcelaDue to <a href="http://notallwhowanderarelost77.blogspot.com/2010/12/snowcumstances.html">snowcumstances</a>, Dave and I found ourselves catching the 7:15am <a href="http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=AM_Route_C&pagename=am%2FLayout&cid=1241245664867">Acela</a> train in our efforts to get to Atlantic City for New Years. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_0Gchb1MiHBVte620Z5aFqsFg8ye_zH0uSVZCsOf6e77jeVNHs4Ms3HjRGaE3v26rGghkqxYLEF3VEatJQzBS44HobLPnccWoA_bg6xVtJJtj6UWMDz4FmGN1Ydv4dYQZW20OwamT20/s1600/DSCF4646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_0Gchb1MiHBVte620Z5aFqsFg8ye_zH0uSVZCsOf6e77jeVNHs4Ms3HjRGaE3v26rGghkqxYLEF3VEatJQzBS44HobLPnccWoA_bg6xVtJJtj6UWMDz4FmGN1Ydv4dYQZW20OwamT20/s400/DSCF4646.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Making this departure time involved taking the 5:45am commuter rail from Salem to North Station. Dave doesn't do too well with extremely early wake-up calls, so I pretty much had this scene on my hands for most of our high-speed journey down the Northeast Corridor.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhql3DOqjlqrkVN1kf98wbBd3Zvtle9egXsHN2guaOzCM0R198-LIRryIO-JoEdcqjf17k9ZyzdWeczyqF328Cwx5zqA1jTc3rAguV3iqTLZEISz_loS2oGhcYkIReCX3j27kcGzZRwwho/s1600/DSCF4636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhql3DOqjlqrkVN1kf98wbBd3Zvtle9egXsHN2guaOzCM0R198-LIRryIO-JoEdcqjf17k9ZyzdWeczyqF328Cwx5zqA1jTc3rAguV3iqTLZEISz_loS2oGhcYkIReCX3j27kcGzZRwwho/s400/DSCF4636.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I really didn't mind my long-snoozing boyfriend because I found myself well entertained with documenting the trip and checking out the amenities. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKRotyfG8f-RI82osf2km0ql8Y3jFGLDtA1h23ndY4PQ9RJiOvnOp89xkmNwU6B9AN55X6lWZSvqkZNYqzcRMiFIobeqqmbfay7ts5Cd1mh8opcoi1I86qMz1BMPHugp7-KswMbz7cyg/s1600/DSCF4637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKRotyfG8f-RI82osf2km0ql8Y3jFGLDtA1h23ndY4PQ9RJiOvnOp89xkmNwU6B9AN55X6lWZSvqkZNYqzcRMiFIobeqqmbfay7ts5Cd1mh8opcoi1I86qMz1BMPHugp7-KswMbz7cyg/s400/DSCF4637.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We rode in one of the Business Class cars that was adjoined with the Cafe Acela car. Being the first stop at South Station, we scored one of the seats with a full table. If you cannot grab one of these, you will still have access to a tray table (similar to those found in airplanes). I was also thrilled to find out that I had access to two electrical outlets right at my seat. I happily plugged in my laptop and connected to the free Wi-Fi on board.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xuQ89U1qQiMiU0UcNP_d8O1VQ6l-j0YOPpU_z-ecNWlvmYM0qtiW62smvVmV1U-InFHnURQ_Iizcb4beyKeVEeyRvZZc-EzRTxGqL3e90jsXMrvLQQ9Cfi6icf3wOzciYIV1BHODdC0/s1600/DSCF4643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xuQ89U1qQiMiU0UcNP_d8O1VQ6l-j0YOPpU_z-ecNWlvmYM0qtiW62smvVmV1U-InFHnURQ_Iizcb4beyKeVEeyRvZZc-EzRTxGqL3e90jsXMrvLQQ9Cfi6icf3wOzciYIV1BHODdC0/s400/DSCF4643.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>If you are taking the train from start to finish, you will be onboard for a total of 7 hours and will depart at Union Station in Washington DC (WAS). Union Station is the 15th stop, after service to the following:<br />
<br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Boston - Back Bay (BBY)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Westwood, MA - Route 128 (RTE)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Providence, RI (PVD)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">New London, CT (NLC)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">New Haven, CT (NHV)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Stamford, CT (STM)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">New York, NY - Penn Station (NYP)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Newark, NJ (NWK)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Iselin, NJ - Metropark (MET)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Trenton, NJ (TRE)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Philadelphia, PA - 39th Street Station (PHL)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Wilmington, DE (WIL)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Baltimore, MD - Penn Station (BAL)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">BWI Airport, MD (BWI)</span></li>
</ul><br />
At Penn Station in NYC, the crew switches over and the cafe is closed for a short while. Thus, right before we stopped, I grabbed myself a Diet Pepsi and Dave a water. I noted that the cafe serves cocktails, wine and a variety of beers. If it weren't ~10am, I would have started my New Years celebration early!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWxdb4QvPoXtmTmRwu0BL7hv_vK7B8LXD-YaGWd4bmOqQa8aJ8IKo0soyyuH8MqqQBjI36lBwyRManA_xFjg0DrXfUIXHummB8SY7-9pCZF47xx-9K8T0GmUVIs7eaKlcBpyKkZ-47rQ/s1600/DSCF4641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWxdb4QvPoXtmTmRwu0BL7hv_vK7B8LXD-YaGWd4bmOqQa8aJ8IKo0soyyuH8MqqQBjI36lBwyRManA_xFjg0DrXfUIXHummB8SY7-9pCZF47xx-9K8T0GmUVIs7eaKlcBpyKkZ-47rQ/s400/DSCF4641.JPG" width="288" /></a></div>Instead, I snapped a few pictures of the NYC skyline as we approached the tunnel that would take us to Penn Station.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzh7hp-_ZxluLLGpIh3OwkH5nsLK8FQ53G_C4YZmsd1hnwMUIp0dn6DynjjMqhDrTmqEyqtJJLHb_HI_x3cOxk-RojouoyceVpQwR6eGMuyBH3eJg85L6Zl5qKWz8s4E503U3j00ZvCeA/s1600/DSCF4639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzh7hp-_ZxluLLGpIh3OwkH5nsLK8FQ53G_C4YZmsd1hnwMUIp0dn6DynjjMqhDrTmqEyqtJJLHb_HI_x3cOxk-RojouoyceVpQwR6eGMuyBH3eJg85L6Zl5qKWz8s4E503U3j00ZvCeA/s400/DSCF4639.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Our stop at Penn Station was the longest in duration (perhaps ~10 minutes) likely due to the crew changeover. The rest of the stops along the way were quick, lasting maybe all of 2-3 minutes. Dave was awake at this point and we started having mini photoshoots.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknDEuccb_NJJ7l1-hzlJuujTzwbwwUvwOp1tJWTTYehUNUkjw15x06w0bzha712zhGFn2okWj-FlecK1wSgNOcoMu5UnSIfVGD6eKnUCXUX4lBcQog6-3Ci028kYKgt7JQxglLd35MQo/s1600/IMG00040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknDEuccb_NJJ7l1-hzlJuujTzwbwwUvwOp1tJWTTYehUNUkjw15x06w0bzha712zhGFn2okWj-FlecK1wSgNOcoMu5UnSIfVGD6eKnUCXUX4lBcQog6-3Ci028kYKgt7JQxglLd35MQo/s400/IMG00040.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMU99PZiDzGcipZcLXfuyQTnjdy3zn-9dPLqdwH1DROpF9VU8mVzwBJYuEPvjzRuOAgUii1sCo-wqO-08YaifYojIjf9TxY7e3qSIJlfHWBoaGWSGjqKSkqU-96-dI8jLjlGpViXKaZqM/s1600/DSCF4644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMU99PZiDzGcipZcLXfuyQTnjdy3zn-9dPLqdwH1DROpF9VU8mVzwBJYuEPvjzRuOAgUii1sCo-wqO-08YaifYojIjf9TxY7e3qSIJlfHWBoaGWSGjqKSkqU-96-dI8jLjlGpViXKaZqM/s400/DSCF4644.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>My big smile was reflective of how much I liked taking this high-speed train. Even though I fly quite a bit, I'm really not a fan of being 5 miles up in the air. I have a hard time shaking the anxiety that comes with take off and landing, and this train option saves me the worry lines. <br />
<br />
Before we knew it, our 5-hour journey came to an end. Since Curt and Diana were our rides to Atlantic City, our departure station was Wilmington, DE. We could have stopped one stop earlier at Philadelphia's 30th Street Station, but it was an easier and more direct pick-up if we took the next stop.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0x_8lWxF4pncatbxSrLKYY3DCOjVmUfR0BondImQSgaN6FibJoVzrrIMGEy6hO1VjqzaHxgIUjoksKVR2C6rdGhdOLJeFjg1BABoMsmBSQZfbHDDptCVMTCLwpOyI2xnfkr0aWElLAk/s1600/DSCF4645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0x_8lWxF4pncatbxSrLKYY3DCOjVmUfR0BondImQSgaN6FibJoVzrrIMGEy6hO1VjqzaHxgIUjoksKVR2C6rdGhdOLJeFjg1BABoMsmBSQZfbHDDptCVMTCLwpOyI2xnfkr0aWElLAk/s400/DSCF4645.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>After giving big hugs to our friends and setting off on the road to Atlantic City, I mused about the Acela some more. If you're planning a trip to NYC, an Acela will get you there in 3 hours and 30 minutes. If you think about it, a flight from BOS to Laguardia or JFK will only take you a little less than an hour, but you have to be to the airport a full hour ahead of time and go through the hassle of security. Also, a cab from the airports to Midtown will cost you ~$55. The Acela will put you right there in the midst of everything. Even if you're going further than NYC, I might consider taking the Acela as well for the same reasons.<br />
<br />
A few final tips for you:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>If you visit the <a href="http://tickets.amtrak.com/itd/amtrak">Amtrak</a> web site, you will see that your search results will also include Northeast Regional options. Be aware that the Northeast Regional trains are not as fast. In the instance of going to Wilmington, a Northeast Regional train would take one an hour longer. Also, if there happen to be delays, the Northeast Regional trains must give priority to the Acela's. Lastly, the Northeast Regional trains <u>do not</u> have Wi-Fi.</li>
<li>Use your AAA membership when you make your reservations! You will earn 10% on weekend Acela fares and 10% on all Northeast Regional fares.</li>
<li>Make sure to check out the <a href="http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=AM_Content_C&pagename=am%2FLayout&cid=1241267347506">Weekly Specials</a> before you book. They are listed from Tuesday through Friday and are valid for travel on any day except Fridays and Sundays. </li>
</ul>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782677370134418290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483754055444843282.post-3138234362929953212010-12-30T16:47:00.002-05:002011-01-03T20:51:10.123-05:00Hollywood Studios I'm a little late to wrap up my Disney posts, but I figured I'd live by the old saying "better late than never". Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM) was the last park we visited on our trip. First opened in May 1989, 9.7 million guests walked through its gates last year, making it the 7th most visited amusement park in the world (behind <a href="http://notallwhowanderarelost77.blogspot.com/2010/11/magic-kingdom.html">Magic Kingdom</a> and <a href="http://notallwhowanderarelost77.blogspot.com/2010/11/epcot.html">Epcot</a> but one spot ahead of <a href="http://notallwhowanderarelost77.blogspot.com/2010/11/animal-kingdom.html">Animal Kingdom</a>).<br />
<br />
As you enter the gates, you cant help but notice the park's icon, Mickey's Fantasia Sorcerer's Hat. Using our PhotoPass, we grabbed a group shot.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqN1qBIASafZXO-QDh00uWt11nnwIx3gslaMR_I8RDdxmflF7XIIyoLdq1hSmEevGfRCxYJK8QUAH7uKEH5r8ZKI9iV9ijpovri_OO2nkesdSED2dY-w-wnOgHA1_paAin4uUlPj6oloc/s1600/Hollywood+Studios.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqN1qBIASafZXO-QDh00uWt11nnwIx3gslaMR_I8RDdxmflF7XIIyoLdq1hSmEevGfRCxYJK8QUAH7uKEH5r8ZKI9iV9ijpovri_OO2nkesdSED2dY-w-wnOgHA1_paAin4uUlPj6oloc/s640/Hollywood+Studios.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>As a guest, you quickly realize that this park draws its inspiration from old Hollywood. Unlike the other parks, there isn't really a set layout to describe. However, there are six themed areas.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Hollywood Boulevard</i></b> is essentially the main entrance that extends down the street to <u>The Great Movie Ride</u>. The outside of this attraction is a replica of Grauman's Chinese Theatre and the inside is a slow moving ride through Hollywood's most famous movies (such as Singing in the Rain, Wizard of Oz, Tarzan, Casablanca, Aliens etc).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7WjLR_dl9-L7IzL_GbyG9Yl3EumM1jFtPfSqJf8fAO8jVcfhiyQKV8pP22EHysCpQmxEPLSoMiMpezrGISVxOPVPAqo5TPpvES4MyixnX3BEDV8g2NbQkXEdEL4DfPK5M2IB0_ny5EY/s1600/Disney_Day+2+and+3+060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7WjLR_dl9-L7IzL_GbyG9Yl3EumM1jFtPfSqJf8fAO8jVcfhiyQKV8pP22EHysCpQmxEPLSoMiMpezrGISVxOPVPAqo5TPpvES4MyixnX3BEDV8g2NbQkXEdEL4DfPK5M2IB0_ny5EY/s320/Disney_Day+2+and+3+060.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2008 Trip</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b><i>Echo Lake</i></b>'s headline attractions are <u>Star Tours</u> and the <u>Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular</u>. Star Tours was actually closed for renovations this year. It is going to be called Star Tours: The Adventure Continues when it reopens in May 2011. Back in 2004 though, Dave posed on some of the props (in this case, the speeder) that they have in this area.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMeQGV5mDv6nie2Kyzp_NToJqJdwLnHw-v-4MNOxkQ7xt9qX8XU3jmHFS57usEzxbi1RRFF_9qTp586tDVfz_gBEgAjasxTh6aXm91uMBZjECN2bMiKouR4PaduXJVWgDCoP9o1BWVH8/s1600/Throwbacks+031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMeQGV5mDv6nie2Kyzp_NToJqJdwLnHw-v-4MNOxkQ7xt9qX8XU3jmHFS57usEzxbi1RRFF_9qTp586tDVfz_gBEgAjasxTh6aXm91uMBZjECN2bMiKouR4PaduXJVWgDCoP9o1BWVH8/s320/Throwbacks+031.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>Streets of America</i></b> is currently set up to resemble the streets of San Francisco and New York. The main attractions here are the <u>Muppet Vision 3D</u>, <u>Studio Backlot Tour </u>and <u>Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show</u>. Muppet Vision is always fun. I think the 3D is a bit outdated at this point, but is so cute and laugh inducing nonetheless. We snapped a few pictures as we waited in line.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohhhEvX__8gB68zwT5gNSQTANvyaXGSeAEDASIDacLXVYZ8Avlym8Ig3GiGH8Ha2jWfAVIuQKaq5kO-7j2yaeZVZWGbRYwOPNz36sdgR16XhNSoOn64gKDYWxCvOS00fTGGAMZRQvT5s/s1600/DSCF4429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohhhEvX__8gB68zwT5gNSQTANvyaXGSeAEDASIDacLXVYZ8Avlym8Ig3GiGH8Ha2jWfAVIuQKaq5kO-7j2yaeZVZWGbRYwOPNz36sdgR16XhNSoOn64gKDYWxCvOS00fTGGAMZRQvT5s/s320/DSCF4429.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfdKuG6k-f-BzMlUynYW5C92P25cW2GAhTGJ-cVRS-p59fzTRnvOu_QNiIW8zqzblMU9NRvh3uFXqDvizY19GfeWFKOCLpN0T7o_7_uxWsbLhZEs8o7GamMKlNQQXv6zgqMS-uhWXwWrI/s1600/DSCF4431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfdKuG6k-f-BzMlUynYW5C92P25cW2GAhTGJ-cVRS-p59fzTRnvOu_QNiIW8zqzblMU9NRvh3uFXqDvizY19GfeWFKOCLpN0T7o_7_uxWsbLhZEs8o7GamMKlNQQXv6zgqMS-uhWXwWrI/s320/DSCF4431.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The backlot tour isn't my favorite ride so we skipped it this year because we were crunched for time due to our 6:45pm flight home. We did take in the stunt show because the boys were interested. I could definitely take it or leave it though. It really is more of a guy thing.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Animation Courtyard</i></b> has a few walk through attractions, such as <u>Walt Disney: One Man's Dream</u> and <u>The Magic of Disney Animation</u>. We walked through One Man's Dream and it was pretty neat to see all of photos and various artifacts that formed Walt's life. There is also a film narrated by Julie Andrews at the end. It's worth a walk through if you have the time. We did not have time for The Magic of Disney Animation so I'm not sure if its a must-do or not<br />
<br />
<b><i>Pixar Place</i></b> is the newest section to the park and it also has the best new ride: <u>Toy Story Midway Mania</u>. It was actually our last ride at the park (and our entire trip for that matter) and it was nice to go out with a bang. The ride is described as 4D, taking guests through a series of interactive games hosted by various Toy Story characters. Because you ride in a two-person car, it has a tendency to cause some healthy competition because your respective scores are tallied in real time. Dave beat me be a small margin! I need to beat him next time! I should point out that this ride's popularity is on par with Soarin' in EPCOT. Thus, I would recommend going straight to this attraction and grabbing your Fast Pass before you do anything else. If you don't, you may discover at an early hour that all of the Fast Passes are gone for the day. Here are a few pictures that I took back in 2008 while waiting in line:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSnTV4uYDed_mHR8oxkcwMfEc0Y_no2gOnyE182BH0_Xed_5jZP4Y3_QOefdWdHwWI3TS4YZ_6gGGXyGcCAwwOxbqr2m9G6I9rBGcFul_qq1A8oQW6EZuGmp-9N-NZpu3_9XDQqRabg8/s1600/Disney_Day+2+and+3+066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSnTV4uYDed_mHR8oxkcwMfEc0Y_no2gOnyE182BH0_Xed_5jZP4Y3_QOefdWdHwWI3TS4YZ_6gGGXyGcCAwwOxbqr2m9G6I9rBGcFul_qq1A8oQW6EZuGmp-9N-NZpu3_9XDQqRabg8/s320/Disney_Day+2+and+3+066.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBQrdIM-UtrYrApACLfnDwAZ_9RaiK-wfr1qwqaRvVlQIARdWOlodpUrxB_IUffG5GjIEPEHucxZsCMEewrUwbvAyDawKliOgpg5VOtZQnytC-v1QJNu6jM_RfcHNaeiRoqeuYOokVzc/s1600/Disney_Day+2+and+3+062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBQrdIM-UtrYrApACLfnDwAZ_9RaiK-wfr1qwqaRvVlQIARdWOlodpUrxB_IUffG5GjIEPEHucxZsCMEewrUwbvAyDawKliOgpg5VOtZQnytC-v1QJNu6jM_RfcHNaeiRoqeuYOokVzc/s320/Disney_Day+2+and+3+062.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>Sunset Boulevard</i></b> in my humble opinion is where all the good action is at. It is home to <u>The Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror</u>. The 199 ft tower is the 2nd highest attraction in Disney World (2nd to Expedition Everest) and is based in the fictional Hollywood Tower hotel. The premise of the ride is to take guests through what happened to the hotel guests riding in an elevator when it was struck by lightening back in 1939. As you are being taken through it, you are suddenly plunging down the elevator shaft. The ride is always changing so it's hard to predict how many times you will be plunging down and then shot back up, etc.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2UvxToqMWTVnmlpx8Us44e108IL-8-8eoZwnVxYO4FISJfFCddKDoMGCFzoFI0zVGruHdW1B-Sonr_V0Ias4jQIq8iaKSnORxcSqbhbz_0D027ktg1k80n-pUFVE7o_UHxYDIcJYgvg/s1600/DSCF4421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2UvxToqMWTVnmlpx8Us44e108IL-8-8eoZwnVxYO4FISJfFCddKDoMGCFzoFI0zVGruHdW1B-Sonr_V0Ias4jQIq8iaKSnORxcSqbhbz_0D027ktg1k80n-pUFVE7o_UHxYDIcJYgvg/s400/DSCF4421.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2010</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWzcoO1rGVedbpaGFBUdfcxJsjZ5FNQ0suyfcDcBwtZOuU4UCsLzl6Jl-1LwiV06J6EuEZ_NLAZaswC9CottxJq0ZYSOhAhlOfCq3Y43RiAF9xyCl_aCrvl76nVTYwxr7VZ6EPwJEx2E/s1600/Disney_Day+2+and+3+032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWzcoO1rGVedbpaGFBUdfcxJsjZ5FNQ0suyfcDcBwtZOuU4UCsLzl6Jl-1LwiV06J6EuEZ_NLAZaswC9CottxJq0ZYSOhAhlOfCq3Y43RiAF9xyCl_aCrvl76nVTYwxr7VZ6EPwJEx2E/s320/Disney_Day+2+and+3+032.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2008</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Next door is another great ride: Aerosmith's <u>Rock 'n' Roller Coaster</u>. The steel roller coaster is themed to be a stretch limousine taking passengers to the Aerosmith concert. With Aerosmith music playing loudly through the speakers by your ears, you are told that you're running late to the concert. You're then accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, making it the 2nd fastest attraction in Disney (2nd to Test Track in EPCOT). There are a couple of inverted points in the ride, which are a ton of fun! We had to ride it twice this year to get our fill! I also had to buy the photo they take of you mid-ride since Adam's air guitar was true comic genius.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVMiykkcUD19z16_6APM4_Hu3lv8fC4xA4KEvzC0fwJ9qu4SMNCOymNPQApxlqMA1TWOcEJtwaA0w86LOFygNR1thmSOYyh9x0sUWwCItK7YT3q3SVfxIAkIYl1EnTi-srXM4QIHjOC0/s1600/Disney_Day+2+and+3+025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVMiykkcUD19z16_6APM4_Hu3lv8fC4xA4KEvzC0fwJ9qu4SMNCOymNPQApxlqMA1TWOcEJtwaA0w86LOFygNR1thmSOYyh9x0sUWwCItK7YT3q3SVfxIAkIYl1EnTi-srXM4QIHjOC0/s400/Disney_Day+2+and+3+025.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdPicfAEYTvMjd8Z9s_epgKK-j4hI7OAVqH285rybhncgQ2uk4gZEF35gu5Ls5hdz7eGlUzQFxAyQ8EcHV3eAZMm6R4GhjlAiIsJpIXD3Q7qh8qbTviGll-zmNPceDry-GcpTxgf27uk/s1600/IMG_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdPicfAEYTvMjd8Z9s_epgKK-j4hI7OAVqH285rybhncgQ2uk4gZEF35gu5Ls5hdz7eGlUzQFxAyQ8EcHV3eAZMm6R4GhjlAiIsJpIXD3Q7qh8qbTviGll-zmNPceDry-GcpTxgf27uk/s640/IMG_0002.jpg" width="460" /></a></div>Sunset Boulevard is also where Daisy and I enjoyed our last Yuengling drafts. Pity we had to come home and away from Yuengling availability.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEasTb_nm_313hwFXDcfROLfdjGMLM8ayCCWIxQD876CDZcLjgnbazLJ0774vZz9fAyUSt1lGtizz1RiVJULrmJSEAp9av-AUiS4JozKvf6A71SjietKO0DAWSOkkW4t-ICuQr24_bEo/s1600/DSCF4425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEasTb_nm_313hwFXDcfROLfdjGMLM8ayCCWIxQD876CDZcLjgnbazLJ0774vZz9fAyUSt1lGtizz1RiVJULrmJSEAp9av-AUiS4JozKvf6A71SjietKO0DAWSOkkW4t-ICuQr24_bEo/s320/DSCF4425.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It also has two live stage shows, <u>Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage</u> and <u>Fantasmic</u>! It's been such a long time since I saw the Beauty and the Beast show so I really feel incapable of comment. The Fanstasmic! show is great however and you should definitely make time for this at the end of the night. We would have but we had to catch our flight!<br />
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If you are at the park between mid-November and early January, you should check out <u>The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights</u> in <b><i>Streets of America</i></b>. The light display is made up of over 10 miles of rope lighting that are connected to electronic switches that are set to music (such as Christmas Eve by the Trans Siberian Orchestra and Jingle Bells by Barbara Streisand). Hence, it appears that the lights are "dancing" to the music. They also installed fake snow machines to set the scene. I really enjoyed this area in 2008 with the family.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPF6HUj0O2O9pKfq8OGh6-rJC6Co7V9FaiubrhckKJN_k2KcTY5rprpmTmqP0KQuBQNyrMiW3qj3sGlk9qbS7AsIcWfZSK2IRi0hsykJJvem_dRWQnqBcR_ZaWkRH5KGR6hbvnj6NUQ0/s1600/Disney_Day+2+and+3+058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPF6HUj0O2O9pKfq8OGh6-rJC6Co7V9FaiubrhckKJN_k2KcTY5rprpmTmqP0KQuBQNyrMiW3qj3sGlk9qbS7AsIcWfZSK2IRi0hsykJJvem_dRWQnqBcR_ZaWkRH5KGR6hbvnj6NUQ0/s400/Disney_Day+2+and+3+058.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZhONqvFg-jF9Ozkdby6XgrIppz4ZRnbNlOzhqkFTg3iKsdncb6_kKVOhb7LGbLJmdPb7p3uqXyqZBjD05FDFUIL8nokf8SsiZhNm2EBypXKMU9mcC1xraHsdJHIcyzOpuMClS-G6x7U/s1600/Disney_Day+2+and+3+045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZhONqvFg-jF9Ozkdby6XgrIppz4ZRnbNlOzhqkFTg3iKsdncb6_kKVOhb7LGbLJmdPb7p3uqXyqZBjD05FDFUIL8nokf8SsiZhNm2EBypXKMU9mcC1xraHsdJHIcyzOpuMClS-G6x7U/s400/Disney_Day+2+and+3+045.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZOQSoel72_si-MPaV6gUwVNZnX9fSYrqes_l9ljk750Sln6d-NMbXtxcsOpQIFmyF0YWFVNt6_5bX2HKne63cFS0bcWFMBL1gDqE7NMqSO3W2gxh3IScOb6wTvWa4Kp2D0qubWi8qpI/s1600/Disney_Day+2+and+3+056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZOQSoel72_si-MPaV6gUwVNZnX9fSYrqes_l9ljk750Sln6d-NMbXtxcsOpQIFmyF0YWFVNt6_5bX2HKne63cFS0bcWFMBL1gDqE7NMqSO3W2gxh3IScOb6wTvWa4Kp2D0qubWi8qpI/s400/Disney_Day+2+and+3+056.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Here's a video to check out if you're interested:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyCUb4ddQzLBS0EN9He4Rd5o1ieQf7euCBRbcE-oLjhwECdEHbf5DcTb2qKnc2hV74OwmBcgBbjMhRLPEKIQQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Hollywood Studios is (i) home to many <u>great</u> rides and is (ii) doable within one day. At a minimum, make sure to find time for Tower of Terror, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, Toy Story Midway Mania, Muppet Vision 3D and Fantasmic! Some of the other attractions I mentioned are nice to do's but not must do's. <br />
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This post also wraps marks the end of the Florida vacation recaps. Well, at least until I decide I miss it too much and want to do it all again next year... :)Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782677370134418290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483754055444843282.post-10098255808794259552010-12-30T13:48:00.000-05:002010-12-30T13:48:08.882-05:00Winter's TouchRefusing to mope about being stuck in town, I set out on a lunch date yesterday with my mom at Pickering Wharf. She wanted to be able to see the water so I took her to <a href="http://www.victoriastationsalem.com/">Victoria Station</a>. Last time I was here, we had dinner out on the patio for Mike's birthday in August. The scene was a bit different now and definitely demonstrated winter's kiss.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOA_J21zo0P7qyC0Mu_45e_UnHu63iNtt89PaZH-4m2m5ut5awz_BdNksILi3aPuzY6GYLmLwfkqM3eD46YFHFNvFybKAdr2JNNOQwdqpS9REhW1OyepvpMJKZ4nz_WnrsEdXZuR-xbZo/s1600/DSCF4622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOA_J21zo0P7qyC0Mu_45e_UnHu63iNtt89PaZH-4m2m5ut5awz_BdNksILi3aPuzY6GYLmLwfkqM3eD46YFHFNvFybKAdr2JNNOQwdqpS9REhW1OyepvpMJKZ4nz_WnrsEdXZuR-xbZo/s400/DSCF4622.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRmF7vuQ4TZ1Gpf8cFm_daoaPqTN97MlY9VIOfEAv-IIYnZWli38uq1T3Q0hTFismulMQzFo9pUnTewGWecBMppVjW6AiLItIQAz6RlhFoN20NYpjsPfTzmA0w8lSbcmHKXoFu-NPLJw/s1600/DSCF4621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRmF7vuQ4TZ1Gpf8cFm_daoaPqTN97MlY9VIOfEAv-IIYnZWli38uq1T3Q0hTFismulMQzFo9pUnTewGWecBMppVjW6AiLItIQAz6RlhFoN20NYpjsPfTzmA0w8lSbcmHKXoFu-NPLJw/s320/DSCF4621.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>The indoors was how I remembered it though, warmly lit and inviting.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtioFEUt114fjRiZlNgmHbSeoA6mHZ0_M9_FN4dA2e-M_SAVw5GsrLpX4NATUV4CwA_BzPwOJ1gzY8d__hkNVe3KP_319idMQ8pMJKR3LiHMdqUxCnpsm7wRKhg5eOCd1cN9KHndFWkQY/s1600/DSCF4620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtioFEUt114fjRiZlNgmHbSeoA6mHZ0_M9_FN4dA2e-M_SAVw5GsrLpX4NATUV4CwA_BzPwOJ1gzY8d__hkNVe3KP_319idMQ8pMJKR3LiHMdqUxCnpsm7wRKhg5eOCd1cN9KHndFWkQY/s400/DSCF4620.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We were seated by the window overlooking the harbor. I happily snapped a picture of the Friendship and even noted that people were still taking tours on the ship despite the cold, cold weather.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7aaWBZMcZWzfLUx5Ek2LOnAQcNpCL4gNAlIlCsCQOlEP1mkHTNXppcvzkIrRzB-xAU8Z6ft8cEZO70ENUhGuBFug-4EkZ9un_CK3rNHMDtAk-P1iEYMMrkqjnFhfW0feFe-ORAj4bCBE/s1600/DSCF4616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7aaWBZMcZWzfLUx5Ek2LOnAQcNpCL4gNAlIlCsCQOlEP1mkHTNXppcvzkIrRzB-xAU8Z6ft8cEZO70ENUhGuBFug-4EkZ9un_CK3rNHMDtAk-P1iEYMMrkqjnFhfW0feFe-ORAj4bCBE/s640/DSCF4616.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>After ordering my signature, non-alcoholic drink, Diet Coke with lime, I was pleased to discover that their lunch menu was fairly robust. I was choosing between a few things, but ended up settling on Frank Purdue's Turkey Burger ($7.59). The burger was served with roasted plum tomatoes and feta cheese, along with a plate of fries. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Ion4JcnhGsglLSNwQKDes5LXARVsFE3np6OVY99Otu53c-VKDxeJ8aeHERY8Ie9gmrIgMWGzJ1SDFDGgNX9qOu9s1uaz6XMOBO8wwh34tIE0guM07ZYyAHaQHRa05MGDrrKez_Sd5Us/s1600/DSCF4619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Ion4JcnhGsglLSNwQKDes5LXARVsFE3np6OVY99Otu53c-VKDxeJ8aeHERY8Ie9gmrIgMWGzJ1SDFDGgNX9qOu9s1uaz6XMOBO8wwh34tIE0guM07ZYyAHaQHRa05MGDrrKez_Sd5Us/s320/DSCF4619.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Mom ordered the Traditional Fish & Chips ($9.99).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOPCfrdp-MWVdZWfq2K2lDWS1fepfki3jt8oN5UJWxcSLLyk9B5JFckY06XDGkXizMeCqLMuECPQRQbywwJ9ZcYycEaYy5XhNEROGhJnVJgxyeEHNwRvyAlB3FnRE0UE5XROHe7HW8eM/s1600/DSCF4618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOPCfrdp-MWVdZWfq2K2lDWS1fepfki3jt8oN5UJWxcSLLyk9B5JFckY06XDGkXizMeCqLMuECPQRQbywwJ9ZcYycEaYy5XhNEROGhJnVJgxyeEHNwRvyAlB3FnRE0UE5XROHe7HW8eM/s320/DSCF4618.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Considering this restaurant is known for its prime rib, they did extremely well with these two non red meat dishes. Mom even went so far as to say it was the best fried haddock she had in years, citing its clear freshness. We both were unable to eat all of our fries, not because they were tasty but because the portion was immense. We agreed it would be very unlikely for someone to leave this place with any room to spare. <br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/831521/restaurant/Boston/Victoria-Station-Salem"><img alt="Victoria Station on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/831521/biglogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 34px; width: 104px;" /></a><br />
After a little down time at home at the condo, Mom dropped me off at the commuter rail station. I was headed over to the North End to see <a href="http://indulgeinspireimbibe.blogspot.com/">Daisy</a>. Life's been so busy for the both of us lately that I hadn't seen her in way too long and was having withdrawals. However, before I could get my Daisy fix, I had to deal with a wee problem.....missing my train. Yep, I was the cool kid literally running after the train with a look of disappointment as she realized it really was too late. With an hour to kill until the next train, I decided to walk over to the <a href="http://www.gulu-gulu.com/">Gulu-Gulu Cafe</a> up the street. Outside of the cafe is the Samantha from Bewitched statue. She looked too cute holding an ornament in front of a large (also decorated) tree. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYuLNHYZLq3Z5ja8LqSG-bOXMsnA1w3Tu06IsBZz0yHldGVfg8qXNoo2QSeJ6C9sgHoc50NnbFTc2gMmWt5UprH-7MHOT-wb9JGyRvuD-4bFurO1wz9jIPxYU02ppDZ62G5vbHQfZabco/s1600/DSCF4623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYuLNHYZLq3Z5ja8LqSG-bOXMsnA1w3Tu06IsBZz0yHldGVfg8qXNoo2QSeJ6C9sgHoc50NnbFTc2gMmWt5UprH-7MHOT-wb9JGyRvuD-4bFurO1wz9jIPxYU02ppDZ62G5vbHQfZabco/s400/DSCF4623.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>I had only ever walked by a crowded Gulu-Gulu at night once, so I was pleased to see that it was still very vibrant and happening in the daytime. I chose a seat on a comfy couch and popped open my laptop (free WiFi provided). Still somewhat full from lunch, I decided on a Creme Brulee Latte ($3.50), made with vanilla & caramel syrups in steamed milk with a shot of espresso, and a slice of Baileys Irish Cream Cheesecake ($6).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwwLBXRGQGLHnvkIEKkjMYQPtxRJH_2UH0YssG2wHH914A9ggtCHAXw_dtHxlPVasVqq5JZqdKRA_aZpkqESGMMevLg8_yKwrNYKbt9qAMo5N-BO6kZzTfFigov8dXDDYDFnOJz4IoO0/s1600/DSCF4627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwwLBXRGQGLHnvkIEKkjMYQPtxRJH_2UH0YssG2wHH914A9ggtCHAXw_dtHxlPVasVqq5JZqdKRA_aZpkqESGMMevLg8_yKwrNYKbt9qAMo5N-BO6kZzTfFigov8dXDDYDFnOJz4IoO0/s400/DSCF4627.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfjrONpySBLVhUqy5GxtH7eTnOEo_9EBXpAfViZGWfKYaI1aJwKYZurEqdGyEQhYKWgYc6errNIxjNgw7i81Qv-NlCgb8PmYhEvEjVkOtGsPx8YMJQ8jVKf0y1_ajXAFwzJ9EHVK8dyY/s1600/DSCF4625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfjrONpySBLVhUqy5GxtH7eTnOEo_9EBXpAfViZGWfKYaI1aJwKYZurEqdGyEQhYKWgYc6errNIxjNgw7i81Qv-NlCgb8PmYhEvEjVkOtGsPx8YMJQ8jVKf0y1_ajXAFwzJ9EHVK8dyY/s400/DSCF4625.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The latte came in a pint glass, which was surprising! I had to ask for a to-go cup after a while because I wasn't able to finish it in the short amount of time I had there. The dessert was unbelievably amazing. Baileys is such a good ingredient for desserts (i.e. my Irish Car Bomb cupcakes)! The guy next to me also told me that they have open mic nights on Wednesdays and that they always have a packed house. Seems like I'm going to need to pop in here again soon to check out the night life!<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/1477598/restaurant/Boston/Gulu-Gulu-Cafe-Salem"><img alt="Gulu Gulu Cafe on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1477598/biglogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 34px; width: 104px;" /></a><br />
I had better luck catching my train the next time and happily made my way over to visit with Daisy. After a failed attempt at the $6 spaghetti & meatball night at Prezza (too crowded), we ended up on Tresca on Hanover St. In between being Chatty Cathy's, we enjoyed a couple of drinks and a pizza. She took the pics this night so I will leave it to her to recount on <a href="http://indulgeinspireimbibe.blogspot.com/">III</a> :)Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782677370134418290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483754055444843282.post-6544135840341998302010-12-29T23:56:00.000-05:002010-12-29T23:56:14.994-05:00SnowcumstancesOkay, so I am not writing this post from the moderately warmer NC air. Unlucky enough for me, I am still stuck in Salem. Should this count as a retraction from my last <a href="http://notallwhowanderarelost77.blogspot.com/2010/12/ending-2010.html">post</a>? Lol. As it turns out, yesterday was quite the story for me and Dave. Actually, it is really more of a rant so bear with me....<br />
<br />
We were scheduled to take Continental Airlines to Charlotte in the afternoon, connecting in Newark. Even though it stopped <a href="http://notallwhowanderarelost77.blogspot.com/2010/12/nothing-like-east-coast-blizzard.html">snowing</a> on Monday morning, Newark didn't have its snow removing act together and only managed to have one out of its two large runways operational come Tuesday morning. Bad news bears for us since it ended up causing the first leg of our trip to be cancelled. I found this news out at 8am and tried to call the number that was provided me via the cancellation email. However, when I called the number all I received was an automated message that said "Due to the weather in the Northeast, we are experiencing unusually high call volume and are unable to take your call. Please check continental.com for more information. Goodbye". Now, I might have been a more understanding patron if I got this message a few times, but I pretty much lost my cool after hearing it for 6 straight <u>hours</u>. I mean, do they even have ANYONE attempting to answer calls?! Still, it wouldn't have been that bad if I could access my itinerary online like they told me I would be able to do, but nope that was rendered not an option as well. Every time I would try to enter my confirmation number on their website it glitched up and brought me back to the entry page. Thus, thank you very much Continental for making it impossible to even talk to anyone at all. <br />
<br />
I tried their partner airline (and soon to be merging with) United and got someone within 5 minutes. I told her my predicament and she recommended that I try going down to the airport because at least that way I would be guaranteed to talk to someone face-to-face. Ugh. By the way, she also told me that United themselves could not get in contact with Continental either! What the h*ll was going on with them!?<br />
<br />
Fast forward to Dave and I schlepping our bags on the bus from Salem to Logan airport only to be greeted by the longest line known to man at the Continental check-in desk. Mind you it was about 5x as long as any other airline's line (probably because they made it impossible to speak to anyone on the phone or through the internet). By the time we were done with that mess, we were left with only one option...getting rebooked on the earliest next date which happened to be Friday (New Years Eve). Since we are supposed to be in Atlantic City on Friday, it made no sense to do that. We had to cancel our flights and take the refund. <br />
<br />
On our way home on the commuter rail, we decided that we couldn't miss Christmas with Dave's family. We would throw our already packed bags in my car and just drive the 14 hours to the Charlotte area. This would mean driving through the night but, hey, we're young and we can handle it. After arming ourselves with road snacks, waters, sodas and a couple 5-hour energy drinks, we hit the road. However, as soon as we hit the highway and I accelerated to 50+ mph, my car's wheel and front end started violently shaking. Not cool! My car isn't exactly old and it was FINE the other day before the snow storm. The only thing Dave and I could think of is that there was a lot of snow and ice tucked away in the wheel well that we couldn't really see after we pulled over. Need I remind you of the conditions my poor car was subjected to?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbI-rJIUVKGyUm0Aj0PUM0qXRptjh-xbA3zR3j6Q9m3-cUJ2keWjVloxL-c6ETpCUvMNb_NCCh54PP_MV7YHZ0Pwu4nfsq_ZjDBWycpljgxL2mLLqApqz04jhDb1mXpgFcH0VXYaOeAs/s1600/DSCF4611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbI-rJIUVKGyUm0Aj0PUM0qXRptjh-xbA3zR3j6Q9m3-cUJ2keWjVloxL-c6ETpCUvMNb_NCCh54PP_MV7YHZ0Pwu4nfsq_ZjDBWycpljgxL2mLLqApqz04jhDb1mXpgFcH0VXYaOeAs/s320/DSCF4611.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We couldn't very well drive to NC in a shaking car not knowing for sure if it was just snow/ice and we obviously failed at getting out via air. That would make two failed attempts at leaving Salem. Didn't seem like it was meant to be :(<br />
<br />
On a brighter note, after pulling my car into the garage over night and letting it dethaw -- it is running perfectly today. I'm thankful there wasn't actually a mechanical issue here but rather a meteorological issue. We are also still heading to Atlantic City for NYE, but now we're just arriving via Acela. <br />
<br />
For those of you that wanted some insights into the NC area, you'll have to wait until our next trip. We are tentatively thinking that we'll make it out there in early February for Dave's mom's birthday. Needless to say, <u>weather permittin</u>g. However, please still stay tuned for details of our trip to Atlantic City. I'm sure there will be lots of debauchery to detail. Oh, and I promised my friend Curt that I would post the picture of our hostess from last year at Mohegan (since it failed to make my last post). I wonder if we'll see a repeat of this look this year in AC....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgciU5Tl9hLJm01gNp_OOe6A4hbv4RJmBAq3ChxpSypKJ9MQxMmDDlvKfNKkyatuZU9t4Sg1Vj3751Xxg7IVo8BWhHzTiWolHdRN1Z4j8K6Zi60Euz9ol-7jWduHrI8n3gNEW6KSqXWpQE/s1600/2010_0101Christmas_Kareoke0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgciU5Tl9hLJm01gNp_OOe6A4hbv4RJmBAq3ChxpSypKJ9MQxMmDDlvKfNKkyatuZU9t4Sg1Vj3751Xxg7IVo8BWhHzTiWolHdRN1Z4j8K6Zi60Euz9ol-7jWduHrI8n3gNEW6KSqXWpQE/s320/2010_0101Christmas_Kareoke0048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782677370134418290noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483754055444843282.post-69312101529314041092010-12-28T16:00:00.002-05:002010-12-28T16:00:02.414-05:00Ending 2010......on the road. Where else? True to form but not the counting endless hours at my office lately, I never seem to be in one place for very long without a travel-related adventure in the midst. Today I'm heading out to the Charlotte, NC area to spend some time with Dave's parents. They moved down there about 2 months ago, leaving the more harsh New England winters happily behind.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>I have never spent time in NC, so I will report back with my thoughts! I always get giddy when it comes time to check out a new place. I know that they live very close to Lake Norman, which is probably lovely in the summer. We'll have to see about the winter.</div><div><br />
</div><div>To add a nice bonus to our trip, we are heading over to Atlantic City, NJ for New Years weekend. The amazing couple below is picking us up from Philadelphia airport on Friday afternoon and driving our butts over to AC.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdkZYNPnP-7CTCX_gniZENPJeEc3BMlRKJjOITFMRvcGjbN31l6QdPG8vv-GNk_PtzdLeztfnSzxRXx-stCdnyp0113_Re8tzut0SFDq-BJnJsLzab0Wx0fMV7-CmzMzH8icaWV2fQ40/s1600/2010_0101Christmas_Kareoke0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdkZYNPnP-7CTCX_gniZENPJeEc3BMlRKJjOITFMRvcGjbN31l6QdPG8vv-GNk_PtzdLeztfnSzxRXx-stCdnyp0113_Re8tzut0SFDq-BJnJsLzab0Wx0fMV7-CmzMzH8icaWV2fQ40/s320/2010_0101Christmas_Kareoke0081.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>We just so happened to hang with these kids (then engaged, now married) last NYE at Club Ultra 88 at Mohegan Sun. Since we got the invite again this year, I guess they must not have thought too much less of us after that crazy night! It's always nice to see them since they live in Newark, DE and we live in <a href="http://notallwhowanderarelost77.blogspot.com/2010/12/nothing-like-east-coast-blizzard.html">siberia</a>.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I'll write again in the New Year with all the dirty deets! For now, I'll leave you with a few pictures from last NYE...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0ThwtQCEVlmWAQgKtGI-P7V55Q672LwjBslF949JPftj3B1om-S14gO5ZEpwIlPe37t0aO7LYoitcGDif8W3d0ef1BiDicwlTDetQVJ2AVt9taxo7_tiw9_HyhJErFzLxWwUiNdL4-o/s1600/18473_412469320692_599595692_10560010_5164147_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0ThwtQCEVlmWAQgKtGI-P7V55Q672LwjBslF949JPftj3B1om-S14gO5ZEpwIlPe37t0aO7LYoitcGDif8W3d0ef1BiDicwlTDetQVJ2AVt9taxo7_tiw9_HyhJErFzLxWwUiNdL4-o/s320/18473_412469320692_599595692_10560010_5164147_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVhm5hGirh73ulmyIRCtVQ3CC467CiWfEmIOHZ8fX6KbC-bVmwgZfAdQ89c6xU5jU2-YrZrAmzEXPjwX7DUANQ_UDpM7O38QRa32CKjOR0KnkLUKUBBHwOx-616Z1gocvIbKNn15und8/s1600/2010_0101Christmas_Kareoke0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVhm5hGirh73ulmyIRCtVQ3CC467CiWfEmIOHZ8fX6KbC-bVmwgZfAdQ89c6xU5jU2-YrZrAmzEXPjwX7DUANQ_UDpM7O38QRa32CKjOR0KnkLUKUBBHwOx-616Z1gocvIbKNn15und8/s320/2010_0101Christmas_Kareoke0030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68hR_kP-lMfMnFfSqbnbzCjOzO9T9bY7iaC6KXUHZCx57vTgPzzgO5BnMf0XHc9zkCIh8GoSkr7LUK7alqNa82rj7yz7GNWeoNh6lgfEqzWWQePl-viur8ljapGpxyKXsWz6fv4W0N6o/s1600/2010_0101Christmas_Kareoke0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68hR_kP-lMfMnFfSqbnbzCjOzO9T9bY7iaC6KXUHZCx57vTgPzzgO5BnMf0XHc9zkCIh8GoSkr7LUK7alqNa82rj7yz7GNWeoNh6lgfEqzWWQePl-viur8ljapGpxyKXsWz6fv4W0N6o/s320/2010_0101Christmas_Kareoke0051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnH1KG7BEzo08Tckn3rWiOZWWGLP9PMTt2hTLZ-dp4RD1y_nyincZuQVju_h4rlVF32PR2DSI1lKkzcmQvLfJfFUsjbCTca3eQ9453OzsyFIXlpxWGZMZLMPM9K7EBSJ6U98U_rT5L798/s1600/2010_0101Christmas_Kareoke0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnH1KG7BEzo08Tckn3rWiOZWWGLP9PMTt2hTLZ-dp4RD1y_nyincZuQVju_h4rlVF32PR2DSI1lKkzcmQvLfJfFUsjbCTca3eQ9453OzsyFIXlpxWGZMZLMPM9K7EBSJ6U98U_rT5L798/s320/2010_0101Christmas_Kareoke0071.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782677370134418290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483754055444843282.post-62915586067039377742010-12-28T09:30:00.006-05:002010-12-30T12:45:34.379-05:00Merry ChristmasChristmas Day was spent at my cousins' house. True to tradition, Norm, Kris, Jake and Kasey had us over for breakfast and continued feeding us throughout the day. <br />
<br />
Christmas strata with veggies and sausage:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9l_hTIEcQjm2fICYVnm6yDJ0PBuPrZTkBvo5fV9cmueYCyVGczrUnSdbUk8nbuDs3jrvE1HMQx4kWRLWYmjx1ShB_qrlo4x-T4u95nLgFWbvHQRtnmc1e6gbv00Fd3M8j4w3qzx0hpc/s1600/DSCF4574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9l_hTIEcQjm2fICYVnm6yDJ0PBuPrZTkBvo5fV9cmueYCyVGczrUnSdbUk8nbuDs3jrvE1HMQx4kWRLWYmjx1ShB_qrlo4x-T4u95nLgFWbvHQRtnmc1e6gbv00Fd3M8j4w3qzx0hpc/s320/DSCF4574.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I look forward to this dish every year. The ingredients are pretty basic but the add up to pure deliciousness. While at on a break from gorging ourselves, Dave and I enjoyed taking in some down time by the tree.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4ZY4JvJgnaJiye_dg6WwVumQhWz3wIc4e5a89Yxgs3tIwK3OQrlY16-lvdX4e3Kcd_VGbYij_8SFAM6fsx-Qt5KIjyHZI74W5htJDHdocsIDcCHeoYtOC4Q7gzU_D5epjg0s_ptnUUU/s1600/DSCF4573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4ZY4JvJgnaJiye_dg6WwVumQhWz3wIc4e5a89Yxgs3tIwK3OQrlY16-lvdX4e3Kcd_VGbYij_8SFAM6fsx-Qt5KIjyHZI74W5htJDHdocsIDcCHeoYtOC4Q7gzU_D5epjg0s_ptnUUU/s320/DSCF4573.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Then more gift giving began, highlighted by a great group gift for my mom: a new LCD tv.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CvcZDkoy9qh-chuBsClGZQ1Zb0RLQ4beQXMfb5DLfWZeKYeCCl8Q0mnLPKUG2HqXS2rH6Ayg5OzFVHPsEpdpWrSZ-nii167nMgb3B7M6xHMbN37Nyu2ltv8jBoCEMF6SxqqJcndNM6g/s1600/DSCF4577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CvcZDkoy9qh-chuBsClGZQ1Zb0RLQ4beQXMfb5DLfWZeKYeCCl8Q0mnLPKUG2HqXS2rH6Ayg5OzFVHPsEpdpWrSZ-nii167nMgb3B7M6xHMbN37Nyu2ltv8jBoCEMF6SxqqJcndNM6g/s320/DSCF4577.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I received a new Betsey Johnson watch which I think is pretty awesome.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nXifXqriy6CN7ipGlu7j8PRtz_V96qjDZr9SSa4r655TUieeQwa9ujVJO1Uz3dVHhVlnnMBfuCoWCzdTznSqcSEV4Aygq-oL8XiiWVsE2YWzmvi710TwyDWMyhscQLH7S7TxXzGKedw/s1600/DSCF4593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nXifXqriy6CN7ipGlu7j8PRtz_V96qjDZr9SSa4r655TUieeQwa9ujVJO1Uz3dVHhVlnnMBfuCoWCzdTznSqcSEV4Aygq-oL8XiiWVsE2YWzmvi710TwyDWMyhscQLH7S7TxXzGKedw/s320/DSCF4593.JPG" width="236" /></a></div>Kris followed up gift giving with our Christmas dinner, which included:<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<i>Chicken Cordon Bleu</i><br />
<i>Roast Port wrapped with Bacon</i><br />
<i>Crescent Rolls</i><br />
<i>Mashed Potatoes </i><br />
<i>Green beans with sliced almonds</i><br />
<i>Asparagus</i><br />
<i>Spicy corn dish...perhaps it was succotash?</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIrmZvHicYwlmfC9MOH4t8n3uSoQCldHKJrTxHdmj7n4qoW_HOaJl23EhXgazC2sskPJGMeHmqEU8gWEC_qBDx_TFumNMeLjQREdwqRZ2gcAaFP8oaUScLq-y3NmsaLyMlrRzQwoZ-Ys/s1600/DSCF4601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIrmZvHicYwlmfC9MOH4t8n3uSoQCldHKJrTxHdmj7n4qoW_HOaJl23EhXgazC2sskPJGMeHmqEU8gWEC_qBDx_TFumNMeLjQREdwqRZ2gcAaFP8oaUScLq-y3NmsaLyMlrRzQwoZ-Ys/s320/DSCF4601.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XuAw4z-LK_Ryhjjx9PqMznnlYWsyGGDjtfeGAlBc31I9HFkQ3PIritSagaShBuXvAIOJTWALAzJAX42aTVrW2Y2Uo2UIQp7ZH-nyIlMIribFeCjqObXKM4SquHR7jKtwr5nL0QNTuDo/s1600/DSCF4603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XuAw4z-LK_Ryhjjx9PqMznnlYWsyGGDjtfeGAlBc31I9HFkQ3PIritSagaShBuXvAIOJTWALAzJAX42aTVrW2Y2Uo2UIQp7ZH-nyIlMIribFeCjqObXKM4SquHR7jKtwr5nL0QNTuDo/s320/DSCF4603.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>After playing a few games, including Cranium and whist, Kris put out the desserts.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LG2L5w-llWe_D5Bc74NJYQVWQCRyg6mcpg7WZDKjSnObnpoq3F61PTsISqwzT-2JWN3SWt7pymfIEE4ohsIX5Kisz8KsKhrmzaeYvdvfcRafo0IoYmJuROia8u1Q_-miNNOKe86b29w/s1600/DSCF4605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LG2L5w-llWe_D5Bc74NJYQVWQCRyg6mcpg7WZDKjSnObnpoq3F61PTsISqwzT-2JWN3SWt7pymfIEE4ohsIX5Kisz8KsKhrmzaeYvdvfcRafo0IoYmJuROia8u1Q_-miNNOKe86b29w/s320/DSCF4605.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Karen is holding "holiday presents" which were sooooo good. They are comprised of three layers (strawberry ice cream, lemon cream and yellow cake) and are covered with chocolate ganache. I must get the recipe from Kris.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcE7OuxVtD1Au1pg6r_gFarYPq4WASx8KtNfFoO7jdrKDpbBHYQXtn42DDwqLdWxB4a7Pi-ePGSTqK815ayC2DPwiB3C39gRwePbMPWhd6SuPEIKSUuR2GEkQrDBGc_qTLD5z_oizutfo/s1600/DSCF4606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcE7OuxVtD1Au1pg6r_gFarYPq4WASx8KtNfFoO7jdrKDpbBHYQXtn42DDwqLdWxB4a7Pi-ePGSTqK815ayC2DPwiB3C39gRwePbMPWhd6SuPEIKSUuR2GEkQrDBGc_qTLD5z_oizutfo/s320/DSCF4606.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQq3l2xIRA7c7J1-7iTkOJQ3ARFsjrJ2aB4Uvxh8GQThSt8jXL5gnyE5kFJg0pRKu5_DfE10w7Wx5TSD022gUEMO7SRSnGt1UHeSHJoKls6q2aaxnTpQgsYXTUiZc5Ffa-WTdF4lKoqA/s1600/DSCF4607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQq3l2xIRA7c7J1-7iTkOJQ3ARFsjrJ2aB4Uvxh8GQThSt8jXL5gnyE5kFJg0pRKu5_DfE10w7Wx5TSD022gUEMO7SRSnGt1UHeSHJoKls6q2aaxnTpQgsYXTUiZc5Ffa-WTdF4lKoqA/s320/DSCF4607.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We also had a Ho Ho Ho cake for the hostess. Despite what she thought that may imply, Karen had nothing but the best intentions with this purchase.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAmRfbypIQMOXjb1EikvAFunGY0fepaSnQHsQ1jVNBdo2Z7tAoXHi3nszln6UAHtV3QboDXsQw3DUp36vvf5D3IaIwnWpt336YEUy02T5kywUcvuG1e14AODdJGa6mMUNe4aXtSgSOKo/s1600/DSCF4609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAmRfbypIQMOXjb1EikvAFunGY0fepaSnQHsQ1jVNBdo2Z7tAoXHi3nszln6UAHtV3QboDXsQw3DUp36vvf5D3IaIwnWpt336YEUy02T5kywUcvuG1e14AODdJGa6mMUNe4aXtSgSOKo/s320/DSCF4609.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Kris and I were also drinking out of these <u>special</u> holiday wine glasses. She is the best host!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTOUVa-yOV42gVA9rFXv9RHs_OYpgGuzyEoppXDhSJ9wcJG6_D8OgsyZEvmkElQCBcgmdtmd-c8Ji9pb6zRK_loNhC0jambfGcMplo3tFuqlKUItbUKU6pon2q1_N4bPB7yRTQuK_8_k/s1600/DSCF4610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTOUVa-yOV42gVA9rFXv9RHs_OYpgGuzyEoppXDhSJ9wcJG6_D8OgsyZEvmkElQCBcgmdtmd-c8Ji9pb6zRK_loNhC0jambfGcMplo3tFuqlKUItbUKU6pon2q1_N4bPB7yRTQuK_8_k/s320/DSCF4610.JPG" width="314" /></a></div>Merry Christmas everyone! Hope your holiday was everything you hoped it would be and more! For me, it was a great chance to indulge in some great home-made dishes, share quality time with amazing family and enjoy some much-needed days off.Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782677370134418290noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483754055444843282.post-49439664431802891732010-12-27T20:00:00.003-05:002010-12-27T20:00:01.738-05:00Christmas Eve Pasta FestEvery year I spend Christmas Eve at my Aunt Carol's in the south shore. We never have a set menu, last year it happened to be turkey. This year it ended up being a serious Pasta Fest. We were so loaded up with carbs, that we could have ran to the Christmas Day celebration at my cousins' the following day.<br />
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From 2010 Cooking Light, our first pasta dish was Two-Pepper Rigatoni and Cheese. The fontina cheese and red pepper were the highlights for me in this dish.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6stW7p2gaBRA7tsBQ4KmZMXCal0r4blyx4HTtoaCnk133bdod0WcXuZmZ97gXACPbHDzfvTJY_5NCn8x0NATvVZshlj4YJwnVpiYy8GkpxUOv1HyvWcDENJfAFcIT4mT_PNcktSAfsM/s1600/DSCF4557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6stW7p2gaBRA7tsBQ4KmZMXCal0r4blyx4HTtoaCnk133bdod0WcXuZmZ97gXACPbHDzfvTJY_5NCn8x0NATvVZshlj4YJwnVpiYy8GkpxUOv1HyvWcDENJfAFcIT4mT_PNcktSAfsM/s400/DSCF4557.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our second dish was baked ziti with marinara sauce, a relatively simple foray into Italian cooking but delicious nonetheless. Such a good cold weather comfort food.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWZyNluColWVW914yoFWxLjuJ-wAS_malBaSs26JgLfBByXnWbmg62zb_CiD_ktTVr9pnxrorTzcfVtwTIUXaqhhb_8VUbyrFFyDwdejOrYau9wTy0QR6uemvSE5FPLvxcUCTR97vU4Y/s1600/DSCF4558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWZyNluColWVW914yoFWxLjuJ-wAS_malBaSs26JgLfBByXnWbmg62zb_CiD_ktTVr9pnxrorTzcfVtwTIUXaqhhb_8VUbyrFFyDwdejOrYau9wTy0QR6uemvSE5FPLvxcUCTR97vU4Y/s400/DSCF4558.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Just about when I was pasta'd out, Karen's famous Betty Crocker mac n' cheese made its way to the table. Karen typically makes this dish for our Easter feast but she was nice enough to contribute to our imminent pasta coma this Christmas Eve.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLdIkD4-qjC-wVSlvt0jsE6WVcqEVyPMHE5QD0Elaxrwcrlehn9Ei0gAg3S7W8MUUXFHX8EqxK4qu8n913w_T8lFavbpHSF_g3G5VqB1d27-W3JmMBC7JjldkadbT6M_ucln_02Y2NGk/s1600/DSCF4559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLdIkD4-qjC-wVSlvt0jsE6WVcqEVyPMHE5QD0Elaxrwcrlehn9Ei0gAg3S7W8MUUXFHX8EqxK4qu8n913w_T8lFavbpHSF_g3G5VqB1d27-W3JmMBC7JjldkadbT6M_ucln_02Y2NGk/s400/DSCF4559.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWqsA6PJ6YCdvCqsQOaxCcubHGhMpA3MUYExbZW9VttorAqkk2LGrPN7jg5buucIJW9dwqej-AyYskuezcvu9gyh6yHC7urkVe2A0xK356QjEIf1C-Mso7xPSEP1Gs3pd6DU-7gncb-g/s1600/DSCF4562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWqsA6PJ6YCdvCqsQOaxCcubHGhMpA3MUYExbZW9VttorAqkk2LGrPN7jg5buucIJW9dwqej-AyYskuezcvu9gyh6yHC7urkVe2A0xK356QjEIf1C-Mso7xPSEP1Gs3pd6DU-7gncb-g/s400/DSCF4562.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stuffed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After dinner, we began some gift opening. Mother and daughter matched this Christmas Eve. Too funny.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXICLAFJlpVBtD9wc6u8jU_JXzkwymfhLRk3b04gvTaHoWfunMrv7INzQmPnVxijUmXaHGBLfvt-hMnrXtzjy1uG0BIAyd3qajcEXzvPc0W9ChJv9HSbe8qSlscJDMnKwIUyVXAn1Wsiw/s1600/DSCF4565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXICLAFJlpVBtD9wc6u8jU_JXzkwymfhLRk3b04gvTaHoWfunMrv7INzQmPnVxijUmXaHGBLfvt-hMnrXtzjy1uG0BIAyd3qajcEXzvPc0W9ChJv9HSbe8qSlscJDMnKwIUyVXAn1Wsiw/s320/DSCF4565.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsLatvZa_2GIqtZlngV2Saj4t1r2Ol8Bd-6M1zk5MEcVcdrTEtNz6RNSbupA8BkUWKRkW13vuhiq54PacZtBFw7sIIQeuYYiqQJ2fqAe0OEkZ0G0Hrtu9GAla7Tvd-fq6A82u0bqsFZg/s1600/DSCF4570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsLatvZa_2GIqtZlngV2Saj4t1r2Ol8Bd-6M1zk5MEcVcdrTEtNz6RNSbupA8BkUWKRkW13vuhiq54PacZtBFw7sIIQeuYYiqQJ2fqAe0OEkZ0G0Hrtu9GAla7Tvd-fq6A82u0bqsFZg/s320/DSCF4570.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the awesome Frosty Hat</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53vYb-1z_C9frp7DtxnrcVkaOOIbTw4SuCspU9VspH41hAcjKnJnyDF59wzSYyR9O_3PrfrSC297JB0sBfL5WCs6Zk67LWuDoo0zl-r_zsqDtlnxrpFXgCNcBI1ybIYhXBK55wk09Kb4/s1600/DSCF4571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53vYb-1z_C9frp7DtxnrcVkaOOIbTw4SuCspU9VspH41hAcjKnJnyDF59wzSYyR9O_3PrfrSC297JB0sBfL5WCs6Zk67LWuDoo0zl-r_zsqDtlnxrpFXgCNcBI1ybIYhXBK55wk09Kb4/s320/DSCF4571.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyfVihcurHb9eAC22QfBrYeIaWdrgxDzswZbeuyIxMd13Ze8GouxnaM6SR0cnZf58FM9r_AUp6igZ8KxUe8b4VOqliYXhL06aqfwO1-_gNxfIXK9NI6jm6ypYTSrp3TOfODBwa_sVgh8/s1600/DSCF4567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyfVihcurHb9eAC22QfBrYeIaWdrgxDzswZbeuyIxMd13Ze8GouxnaM6SR0cnZf58FM9r_AUp6igZ8KxUe8b4VOqliYXhL06aqfwO1-_gNxfIXK9NI6jm6ypYTSrp3TOfODBwa_sVgh8/s320/DSCF4567.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Thanks to my family for a great evening.....<br />
On to Christmas Day....<br />
<span id="goog_93359135"></span><span id="goog_93359136"></span>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782677370134418290noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483754055444843282.post-48514054033433815782010-12-27T17:04:00.000-05:002010-12-27T17:04:25.085-05:00Nothing Like an East Coast BlizzardAs I type, my lips are a'blistered, my cheeks are as red as Rudolf's nose and my hands are trying to regain some feeling. Oh, and I shouldn't forget to mention that my arms feel like they might just fall off at any moment. Yep, these would be the tell tale signs of digging out of the first big blizzard of the winter. <br />
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Here in Salem, I'd say we have at least a foot. It's hard to say exactly because the severe wind gusts have caused some serious drifts! Just check out what Dave and I had to dig out! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRZWAY3Pt2_idsI-320JW5K925qxVxwnC2qzLBGsPq5fQOUEh8MUPjboA_VMMYzF4jPvEPcUvzS7nIY1xAbx86su3vEMn2lWQKhwfvVHEjZV_Gga0gzZwMe6wbl0SUpMt-57y_o9Jpkw/s1600/DSCF4611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRZWAY3Pt2_idsI-320JW5K925qxVxwnC2qzLBGsPq5fQOUEh8MUPjboA_VMMYzF4jPvEPcUvzS7nIY1xAbx86su3vEMn2lWQKhwfvVHEjZV_Gga0gzZwMe6wbl0SUpMt-57y_o9Jpkw/s400/DSCF4611.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The drifts at least spared me a lot of manpower clearing off the car itself, but the entire area around it was 3 or 4 ft high! So not fun for me and my shovel.<br />
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Earlier in the day, I couldn't help but think how pretty the snow looked. I even snapped a few pics.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIF5t8k8PFKg1xmMvX4WrMKbCx6WetvQDxFjnPsTCha3nMDDXXD7M5a-XyMULqHT6FnBVUcq0D12Ieh5VDotdLZNmlsVqd5Y770bsIXaVSaZIVjUr9oSinhtGjhaUEMWhfNywNOQvwz9Y/s1600/DSCF4612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIF5t8k8PFKg1xmMvX4WrMKbCx6WetvQDxFjnPsTCha3nMDDXXD7M5a-XyMULqHT6FnBVUcq0D12Ieh5VDotdLZNmlsVqd5Y770bsIXaVSaZIVjUr9oSinhtGjhaUEMWhfNywNOQvwz9Y/s400/DSCF4612.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMlK8p50K36rOUIS7WWofvVsdp-ZbNx3UwcaOHeC8Cg0ot88pEeyj_bhmTStYjx2AWCBkttvGFvZbE-JjfzNVo3UjrxPQLxnib6_Ba_n1mb8odLAMiqUteFhfkfbXfp4w4NECGHlGcpA/s1600/DSCF4613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMlK8p50K36rOUIS7WWofvVsdp-ZbNx3UwcaOHeC8Cg0ot88pEeyj_bhmTStYjx2AWCBkttvGFvZbE-JjfzNVo3UjrxPQLxnib6_Ba_n1mb8odLAMiqUteFhfkfbXfp4w4NECGHlGcpA/s400/DSCF4613.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35NAUjbMfav-SMxtZSQtV8QIVluOpiwQxHI6DRKL11obEIydw_JSKXUiZ_xMplSv31CJtkkgZvxNJCsMKJ70FKZYdIK4B5KYJOodJjSUFi1EW_2gGTSNfvkagnewsDBmFwiyC9u1oxHQ/s1600/DSCF4614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35NAUjbMfav-SMxtZSQtV8QIVluOpiwQxHI6DRKL11obEIydw_JSKXUiZ_xMplSv31CJtkkgZvxNJCsMKJ70FKZYdIK4B5KYJOodJjSUFi1EW_2gGTSNfvkagnewsDBmFwiyC9u1oxHQ/s400/DSCF4614.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>However, clearing out my driveway for the last hour and a half has snapped me back to reality and my hatred of winter weather. Snow is only pretty while ON a mountain skiing. It is not welcome in my day to day life here at sea level. Please join me in hoping the next blizzard is a long way away!Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782677370134418290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483754055444843282.post-70639808641525358402010-12-27T15:00:00.000-05:002010-12-27T15:00:01.668-05:00Patriots vs PackersMy dad's Christmas present this year was a ticket to the Pats / Packers game on Sunday Night Football. Through a connection my cousin Karen has, we were able to score amazing seats right on the 50 yard line. This would be my fourth time at these seats, but it was my dad's first time ever to Gillette Stadium. Daisy's boyfriend Adam also joined us at the game. While he was no newbie to Gillette, he was a newbie to these particular seats.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>My dad and I started the day early to avoid any and all traffic. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGz8MFGnddBvtF1KR25fvZ4EFUQqDsWcHSJPK1CJgBHHICSX-09jNE06B4wCh5FUMwLF9f6kyFbi0hmGqoypzttvvRyMoWyrCgF__DHLOfbznKK38ypYGdijgAvDKotsF1ZPiUPaCAjo/s1600/DSCF4529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGz8MFGnddBvtF1KR25fvZ4EFUQqDsWcHSJPK1CJgBHHICSX-09jNE06B4wCh5FUMwLF9f6kyFbi0hmGqoypzttvvRyMoWyrCgF__DHLOfbznKK38ypYGdijgAvDKotsF1ZPiUPaCAjo/s320/DSCF4529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>CBS Scene was our first stop, scoring ourselves a nice booth with a tv. I've been here a few times prior to Pats games. The last time was with my mom and Karen. It gets crowded in a hurry so you should get there early if you want to avoid a 2 hour wait. The Sports Hub also broadcasts from CBS Scene before the game and it can be fun to see which radio personalities are on the air that gameday. The restaurant is decorated with large images of classic CBS shows, as well as countless flat screen tvs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjz136v-iib6Iv-NDwQnwB68dXDXXMtxRmT_52oX2I5h8_OfosNr8Z_85fhBch-qalgoWug5LAaWNnnt2VVkUoOizRgab6IYsadPHCSII1CUGSjaJpDvwdoPkIix3NmCErQymXGVnUCiw/s1600/2009_1213Winter20090089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjz136v-iib6Iv-NDwQnwB68dXDXXMtxRmT_52oX2I5h8_OfosNr8Z_85fhBch-qalgoWug5LAaWNnnt2VVkUoOizRgab6IYsadPHCSII1CUGSjaJpDvwdoPkIix3NmCErQymXGVnUCiw/s320/2009_1213Winter20090089.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqz_EraxVSsJ-Qds5IuZEV2lgMUG1zsjpyH8KTsb5ncKniBKil9ktRmPQ9qgMRXb2b4IOb6nll7VEuV87Qf7GzzMGHr3ONZtW8SNLIXjYfwDx1MEQ25lC62QeBWlliZDPUVUs_XgeAQ50/s1600/2009_1213Winter20090092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqz_EraxVSsJ-Qds5IuZEV2lgMUG1zsjpyH8KTsb5ncKniBKil9ktRmPQ9qgMRXb2b4IOb6nll7VEuV87Qf7GzzMGHr3ONZtW8SNLIXjYfwDx1MEQ25lC62QeBWlliZDPUVUs_XgeAQ50/s320/2009_1213Winter20090092.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rCVdrpuXrX4_eRu-Ww5_4oYW0x2z7KQewW770yMBtGV3n0wLjCKUeNfc3HJxl7efP2bMG97uVl7cGMGUgMwll2OTIx69biiPIvzPcJ_rEz1rrCcIHpKyZ10Cpr5onTrFVQ-b1-gubHE/s1600/DSCF4531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rCVdrpuXrX4_eRu-Ww5_4oYW0x2z7KQewW770yMBtGV3n0wLjCKUeNfc3HJxl7efP2bMG97uVl7cGMGUgMwll2OTIx69biiPIvzPcJ_rEz1rrCcIHpKyZ10Cpr5onTrFVQ-b1-gubHE/s320/DSCF4531.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>While enjoying various 4:00pm games, Dad and I ordered the kobe beef sliders. These were juicy and had a ton of flavor. We followed the sliders up with a heaping plate of nachos. We were able to stretch out these appetizers over a number of hours. Of course I coupled my grub with three Long Trail Blackberry Wheat drafts. After strawberry cheesecake dessert, we decided to walk around Patriot Place. Dad was amazed by how many stores and restaurants had grown roots there. Dad also took advantage of free hot chocolate samples from Dunkin Donuts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqushKcGww7NFpOLyB2Mup7MuY-fuEHK-2QUyjhdW71O999Env88FZ8f5YvynFKYPa7-21BtIV9wd5AWzXGbozYuOFUricjtBVmb2jw_kaJwNsWGladzFvoYi5IOWcv1D-QZ6lqSFbZQ/s1600/DSCF4539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqushKcGww7NFpOLyB2Mup7MuY-fuEHK-2QUyjhdW71O999Env88FZ8f5YvynFKYPa7-21BtIV9wd5AWzXGbozYuOFUricjtBVmb2jw_kaJwNsWGladzFvoYi5IOWcv1D-QZ6lqSFbZQ/s320/DSCF4539.JPG" width="234" /></a></div><div>After walking around for about an hour, it was time to meet up with Adam and head into the stadium. It was long dark at this point and as I walked through the gate, I got giddy with excitement looking up at the lights.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1l7BnKaBRwDD6QHSrfLDz6Hjz9j3glMDdscitChGpS8AmJEH-DzjbScutRx1chXRviqi6b1RtopCbPZtuhIIXD8IiImq1pQ_xB97Ij_Mzrh5RBvuOE85E2Z5mCqHCuFEbFtNMLGpcPA/s1600/DSCF4535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1l7BnKaBRwDD6QHSrfLDz6Hjz9j3glMDdscitChGpS8AmJEH-DzjbScutRx1chXRviqi6b1RtopCbPZtuhIIXD8IiImq1pQ_xB97Ij_Mzrh5RBvuOE85E2Z5mCqHCuFEbFtNMLGpcPA/s320/DSCF4535.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>Before the game started, the cheerleaders headed out for their first dance number, fully decked out in holiday spirit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYnLf6NbRsE_o7HgBGM43f9U7C0hQjDe2rEczNOKOkAOKyyFOhTG70DXIr4y2qvXzz7vDNGwVOZuSyLitmwTKphhV15Ad-uztknlHrh-1o100iUeGj4WYZPETqmSewVZsNf7MKVN2LsM/s1600/DSCF4542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYnLf6NbRsE_o7HgBGM43f9U7C0hQjDe2rEczNOKOkAOKyyFOhTG70DXIr4y2qvXzz7vDNGwVOZuSyLitmwTKphhV15Ad-uztknlHrh-1o100iUeGj4WYZPETqmSewVZsNf7MKVN2LsM/s320/DSCF4542.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>Dad and Adam were thrilled with how close we were (10 rows up from the 50 yard line on the Patriots sideline). Not too shabby at all!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MI20FJkA7sKNcDvIzk_JdKRXFCC3VHqyLwfWQ3XRuO5rB-Kne7xefmsyX1LFq1hxpyIvcD9ljCQb78SSxkjUAEAB8blwFnLhmQBS9cdEIGIHC1-UgLI1ByWCt846sxdXDBFMLow39aE/s1600/DSCF4543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MI20FJkA7sKNcDvIzk_JdKRXFCC3VHqyLwfWQ3XRuO5rB-Kne7xefmsyX1LFq1hxpyIvcD9ljCQb78SSxkjUAEAB8blwFnLhmQBS9cdEIGIHC1-UgLI1ByWCt846sxdXDBFMLow39aE/s320/DSCF4543.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25L9jxoyjhyphenhyphencos9vd4R5V_nJPYRIAEU2fSa6V1GFY1I_RjYYr04d08qFn6cLxwvmo-uwpB-_dfFWDZ1U_dsM5P9P-jCZpWMvEn-tMQZ3KNUe7yNl2HipCas_WykTPZOV-Wm3DrEkoHxU/s1600/DSCF4549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25L9jxoyjhyphenhyphencos9vd4R5V_nJPYRIAEU2fSa6V1GFY1I_RjYYr04d08qFn6cLxwvmo-uwpB-_dfFWDZ1U_dsM5P9P-jCZpWMvEn-tMQZ3KNUe7yNl2HipCas_WykTPZOV-Wm3DrEkoHxU/s320/DSCF4549.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>Although the game was WAY closer than most people would have guessed, it made for one of the most exciting games to watch in a while. For those of you that might not have watched it, it actually came down the very last play. If it wasn't for our sack on Matt Flynn on 4th down, we would have had many angry and COLD fans making their way out of that stadium. Being on the right side of the 31- 27 game was paramount for sure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-94lpRSgcjfdCli5ZhrH_592Qac5QD5fLXp2cQce3KXgB1uaaK5aSo8s4qTVPtRWhXaggX2rodoaV6b0Q-r_07KemofbYXy5kptg7XfuN_sMCkQwZHbgzR_6OWcVSBTC5tgRMtW4RiAQ/s1600/DSCF4548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-94lpRSgcjfdCli5ZhrH_592Qac5QD5fLXp2cQce3KXgB1uaaK5aSo8s4qTVPtRWhXaggX2rodoaV6b0Q-r_07KemofbYXy5kptg7XfuN_sMCkQwZHbgzR_6OWcVSBTC5tgRMtW4RiAQ/s320/DSCF4548.JPG" width="211" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenfFWpM6ZPwl8BxkTVP7VFQ6IXcMOgBlpYQvGUPKq6_TocQ1QhpVMXIkllTCvjQCheKJqJtffl-sMHPNqPT2D12a5LzRIemZFmkOAwptXXmrpVrmq9s_XT6Pu6TNow0d2-w4rWGTub_4/s1600/DSCF4551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenfFWpM6ZPwl8BxkTVP7VFQ6IXcMOgBlpYQvGUPKq6_TocQ1QhpVMXIkllTCvjQCheKJqJtffl-sMHPNqPT2D12a5LzRIemZFmkOAwptXXmrpVrmq9s_XT6Pu6TNow0d2-w4rWGTub_4/s320/DSCF4551.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>Speaking of cold, I would have taken more pictures but my hands weren't really willing to leave the warmth of my mittens. Here are a few good shots I've taken from my last few games at these seats:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aHl84TVuEfUuSY0sBw90caTjkNf3Zf5rZ2y4MJPB4XyHaWk_IuzScYcIP8MPQFc6eFDhFP4CJOBnSZEvsD8CdIrbjrrJXhE92e-ZLHQldW860ombSlxPCaYKjdonwaEwowQ4U18wRsk/s1600/2009_1213Winter20090103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aHl84TVuEfUuSY0sBw90caTjkNf3Zf5rZ2y4MJPB4XyHaWk_IuzScYcIP8MPQFc6eFDhFP4CJOBnSZEvsD8CdIrbjrrJXhE92e-ZLHQldW860ombSlxPCaYKjdonwaEwowQ4U18wRsk/s320/2009_1213Winter20090103.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmndEGOKV6zGKzcTf2b41PDaWE67ScH_i4UNoR2XoocbIJFqDrkRAOxK6qfggvNOtv-HH_Tu4vxIcP53M-bh7glNuhlUG-GJKoFsSWVUydpJC9Ryc-hvN8wsCUgx5OQ_wYknhzTgKtDRg/s1600/2009_1213Winter20090109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmndEGOKV6zGKzcTf2b41PDaWE67ScH_i4UNoR2XoocbIJFqDrkRAOxK6qfggvNOtv-HH_Tu4vxIcP53M-bh7glNuhlUG-GJKoFsSWVUydpJC9Ryc-hvN8wsCUgx5OQ_wYknhzTgKtDRg/s320/2009_1213Winter20090109.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuuoWI4Xd5iV7YNFKN19IglfVr2fFAkDpoF51gk0Cbqd9QIoMo0WWTEuS7gosBza5J2uofWF4Gcm2LdZPo87TqKXGKcxO1NrcnJHTM-o_-u0osoVVdxCV_BAJCrpm43ngINEGYn9tZrxA/s1600/2009_1108SquishTheFish0357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuuoWI4Xd5iV7YNFKN19IglfVr2fFAkDpoF51gk0Cbqd9QIoMo0WWTEuS7gosBza5J2uofWF4Gcm2LdZPo87TqKXGKcxO1NrcnJHTM-o_-u0osoVVdxCV_BAJCrpm43ngINEGYn9tZrxA/s320/2009_1108SquishTheFish0357.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh091btVP4cSRIihC5Qnq5tRWoLbRgv6_rgCgEHCvgz0LdhRclaP48VfATfcgpzklymI4lb0jtRTtta8vpDbLRZhOyy43wjZSRnvGWjJdJFjveQGFi1s3zm9obliuAal9IS-JPTj4LtPBU/s1600/2009_1108SquishTheFish0360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh091btVP4cSRIihC5Qnq5tRWoLbRgv6_rgCgEHCvgz0LdhRclaP48VfATfcgpzklymI4lb0jtRTtta8vpDbLRZhOyy43wjZSRnvGWjJdJFjveQGFi1s3zm9obliuAal9IS-JPTj4LtPBU/s320/2009_1108SquishTheFish0360.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8838qduS07zQb3MZUhQWSMQWa0cMZ4YhZV4FSxWefwNTcVnSn3OH1b_x9WlIQh8tvwMqX64StDNaXujGu9KXLnRznqa7D4wIP6SkFq98utcEpuILj1YFOR0Nudp5IgOAMzGL_RV6-vL8/s1600/2009_1108SquishTheFish0362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8838qduS07zQb3MZUhQWSMQWa0cMZ4YhZV4FSxWefwNTcVnSn3OH1b_x9WlIQh8tvwMqX64StDNaXujGu9KXLnRznqa7D4wIP6SkFq98utcEpuILj1YFOR0Nudp5IgOAMzGL_RV6-vL8/s320/2009_1108SquishTheFish0362.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERL0Cqjw8hyphenhyphen-w59EB0YnOobDd-8EDvJ8OqfvqodnnRAbb4ko2B_d8b74x4OJk9Po8pdCNKq-DFFLI5LU3bOLu4qTD4TBerYCnKgQLfwPmlVt78K_oEVcVtr4oMtVtw0-PZ3Jm1vSUdBQ/s1600/2009_1108SquishTheFish0403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERL0Cqjw8hyphenhyphen-w59EB0YnOobDd-8EDvJ8OqfvqodnnRAbb4ko2B_d8b74x4OJk9Po8pdCNKq-DFFLI5LU3bOLu4qTD4TBerYCnKgQLfwPmlVt78K_oEVcVtr4oMtVtw0-PZ3Jm1vSUdBQ/s320/2009_1108SquishTheFish0403.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw81mfAk6vAkpF6smE82FGtGbWtvJUngc6eyNZ_E3fzgsCGAqHWLigoP08ssfJyz1T7YxHn0tWAsXHuf5f9oBndXD2NyQUye9XGul8b6NdSPa9xmx2qAkI7aH-JDbL5nZaB5e-ilhkkKs/s1600/DSCF3258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw81mfAk6vAkpF6smE82FGtGbWtvJUngc6eyNZ_E3fzgsCGAqHWLigoP08ssfJyz1T7YxHn0tWAsXHuf5f9oBndXD2NyQUye9XGul8b6NdSPa9xmx2qAkI7aH-JDbL5nZaB5e-ilhkkKs/s320/DSCF3258.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div>Go Pats! Just clinched top seed in AFC East. Let's keep it up!</div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782677370134418290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483754055444843282.post-6850120593435999172010-12-26T21:00:00.002-05:002010-12-26T22:28:54.997-05:00Our First Salem Holiday PartyOn my last post, I told you all that we moved into our new condo in <a href="http://notallwhowanderarelost77.blogspot.com/2010/12/salem-founded-1629.html">Salem</a> back on April 1. Since then (amidst crazy work weeks, business trips, weekends with friends and vacations), we've been working to make this empty condo into a home:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqb_zAVZ2CxpBz_K-e6IfOokZR1-csBYLCMKiDn4teAQ8yWKIR2sGeivEuqAh110S-7_aFBYUo_L-b-ETgFfMqowPci0JHasYt__Brs7JHD-21dbQaajNw8aS6tM_wCgWF8yyCi39KUnE/s1600/70886899_P01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqb_zAVZ2CxpBz_K-e6IfOokZR1-csBYLCMKiDn4teAQ8yWKIR2sGeivEuqAh110S-7_aFBYUo_L-b-ETgFfMqowPci0JHasYt__Brs7JHD-21dbQaajNw8aS6tM_wCgWF8yyCi39KUnE/s320/70886899_P01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwdbM4yzyDQvv82sAerXHPHcgGyjWj2VQCXtHFVkWgPA4XM7b5BK_FyvNVRwb9oJED8HzM5h_UC4vYjh1MOHylin2XjruLG6iAvMRVu1cKVzY1YZAoqpuihhSl5_9bmsVWY_DgSm5Llk/s1600/2010_0214NewCondo0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwdbM4yzyDQvv82sAerXHPHcgGyjWj2VQCXtHFVkWgPA4XM7b5BK_FyvNVRwb9oJED8HzM5h_UC4vYjh1MOHylin2XjruLG6iAvMRVu1cKVzY1YZAoqpuihhSl5_9bmsVWY_DgSm5Llk/s320/2010_0214NewCondo0003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAY2Hui66xNpJBzPd3PGef5gBCLXBnbA6H62axsfNODvi1O8MhyphenhyphenBzQSgqZUhzoILrDZSDAnAUJQ4tq9Vv75YzDpIpLinS5bx_utkoGcFB-xaUl4Ooo1nhE31Oz3VLvUWk8bkLkxqe51AE/s1600/2010_0214NewCondo0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAY2Hui66xNpJBzPd3PGef5gBCLXBnbA6H62axsfNODvi1O8MhyphenhyphenBzQSgqZUhzoILrDZSDAnAUJQ4tq9Vv75YzDpIpLinS5bx_utkoGcFB-xaUl4Ooo1nhE31Oz3VLvUWk8bkLkxqe51AE/s320/2010_0214NewCondo0009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>As we approached the holiday season, we were getting a lot closer to a home thankfully! I'm sure knowing that we would be hosting 25+ people for a holiday party had a hand in getting my butt in gear with decorating, but that's neither here nor there ;)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscWy7-PaCrL1fjlLhmVqDZsHwN2H2fJ8yxeS21Fx62pp774FitHHpzkXJMIca9FYNdNGnatnM1ohQznL9wqUvjbdA_YYgPBgjwLR11S7qIcXy8mugAdvM1YaNr0Kq-r6C_8-6HrorZHI/s1600/DSCF4512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscWy7-PaCrL1fjlLhmVqDZsHwN2H2fJ8yxeS21Fx62pp774FitHHpzkXJMIca9FYNdNGnatnM1ohQznL9wqUvjbdA_YYgPBgjwLR11S7qIcXy8mugAdvM1YaNr0Kq-r6C_8-6HrorZHI/s400/DSCF4512.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQreoJmHiZRVEdsGLKTwapYVq39wLd_ERoQTMI4XvZMlcYlOKHfjYfC9zTOGYFSPY1ewVhLV7Jzsl_1QBf_agRKbz-1lVtYnq99G6zym7dfqeOyMsUvk7WslMSK0DKdT31ojRBtYgIcM/s1600/DSCF4527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQreoJmHiZRVEdsGLKTwapYVq39wLd_ERoQTMI4XvZMlcYlOKHfjYfC9zTOGYFSPY1ewVhLV7Jzsl_1QBf_agRKbz-1lVtYnq99G6zym7dfqeOyMsUvk7WslMSK0DKdT31ojRBtYgIcM/s400/DSCF4527.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLcrCAuAeZwoAhr4XOwl7Wog8dVpTeStCyOEtmMcdsWKKfYhyphenhyphen0EfrO1nMws41ZT7sbBpnzkMjBL7mt48eZv5reMrEFP9-HSEE4WnvRPbKf7VCYZj8G4kKbcaT3B7hvVNINuuTTLxv0mQ/s1600/DSCF4522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLcrCAuAeZwoAhr4XOwl7Wog8dVpTeStCyOEtmMcdsWKKfYhyphenhyphen0EfrO1nMws41ZT7sbBpnzkMjBL7mt48eZv5reMrEFP9-HSEE4WnvRPbKf7VCYZj8G4kKbcaT3B7hvVNINuuTTLxv0mQ/s320/DSCF4522.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Our first Christmas tree! Didn't have time to find a star that I liked yet, so that will have to come next year.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxHwAxFf5FmJrO88Ij29NUT6lA_2hkBF8tZ5FKIDI1D-LXW-vcx-8mcVfBOpnmSAWqczboGyuiJ7KYO4O8Z1okQzpN370Tan25XkgPxzoP9F4ZfYbQHWYR_A2388feS-cvEUTudFAy_tg/s1600/DSCF4513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxHwAxFf5FmJrO88Ij29NUT6lA_2hkBF8tZ5FKIDI1D-LXW-vcx-8mcVfBOpnmSAWqczboGyuiJ7KYO4O8Z1okQzpN370Tan25XkgPxzoP9F4ZfYbQHWYR_A2388feS-cvEUTudFAy_tg/s320/DSCF4513.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTMxOpAbCB8UhFMvYZYy96Dt_nGC3ZYCQ6Ic1XrLycwFCc-r7hrrXSGOH7-wk_GEmltTS5nZonbP8zqo83MSpBRnqw1jeLAEAS_1LCY7iviaRb_aYWw31BRgA36lmLjSHIkWZtV0vhRg/s1600/DSCF4518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTMxOpAbCB8UhFMvYZYy96Dt_nGC3ZYCQ6Ic1XrLycwFCc-r7hrrXSGOH7-wk_GEmltTS5nZonbP8zqo83MSpBRnqw1jeLAEAS_1LCY7iviaRb_aYWw31BRgA36lmLjSHIkWZtV0vhRg/s320/DSCF4518.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>This party marked the second time I hosted a holiday get-together. Last year, I co-hosted with Krystle at our place in Brighton. This year, I was on my own for preparation. I figured I would keep the same basic formula: lots of amazing people + lots of booze. <br />
<br />
<b><i>Food:</i></b><br />
I made spinach and artichoke dip, <a href="http://www.countryliving.com/recipefinder/red-pepper-straws-recipe">red pepper straws</a>, meatballs in marinara sauce, <a href="http://www.countryliving.com/recipefinder/tomato-olive-bruschetta-45">tomato and olive bruschetta</a>, and my crowd pleasing Irish Car Bomb cupcakes. I got the recipe from my cousin Kris and I've made them 4 times now. The chocolate cake mix contains a cup of Guinness Stout, the whipped cream center is mixed with a good deal of Baileys Irish Cream and the frosting is laced with Jameson's Whiskey. Believe me, it all makes for one delicious cupcake!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMavldfKDt4oZjQ3ha3U4v9NUFLwAazj8H4Ibd7PBLe0dSgdPMPU6giwO6dblsxp5aG28q1x3NXKIAPWukjVM815aq2xR41TdKXMUHLjmBs5XvnH6JLoNHI10jzSXQi4YXvx5b5d5rZ4/s1600/diana14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMavldfKDt4oZjQ3ha3U4v9NUFLwAazj8H4Ibd7PBLe0dSgdPMPU6giwO6dblsxp5aG28q1x3NXKIAPWukjVM815aq2xR41TdKXMUHLjmBs5XvnH6JLoNHI10jzSXQi4YXvx5b5d5rZ4/s320/diana14.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7yzgbhINPAmUsGWRiG6Z5HLl7exQTXCGrdWAk0M0KmXnqU6VNbyKV2OEmtMFet-VH2NeAtS1jTrVfibBjfS9b-tkM2iPSY4DR2tydFP-lQgrOHmRRZvQzrlN_7dQJn6mH-k005gUblE/s1600/diana7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7yzgbhINPAmUsGWRiG6Z5HLl7exQTXCGrdWAk0M0KmXnqU6VNbyKV2OEmtMFet-VH2NeAtS1jTrVfibBjfS9b-tkM2iPSY4DR2tydFP-lQgrOHmRRZvQzrlN_7dQJn6mH-k005gUblE/s320/diana7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to Diana who helped me prepare these this year!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I also included your basic party munchies such as a veggie platter, tortilla chips & salsa, Cape Cod chips and Jalapeno Cheddar dip, Smartfood, Holiday M&M's and other candy.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Booze</i></b>:<br />
<br />
Jello shots:<br />
<i>Creamsicle (orange jello with vanilla liqueur)</i><br />
<i>Cherry coke (cherry jello, diet coke, Captain Morgans)</i><br />
<i>Raspberry and Vodka</i><br />
<i>Blue Raspberry and Captains </i><br />
<br />
I believe the resounding favorite was creamsicle, so I would highly recommend you try it if you are hosting an event needing a little alcoholic kick!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQw3TaLqyGDk-gTholsZ6WRmVT67FQgGr7rfriMfgIPfFPXf0fASsJy0ABi7lxFnWMVnGN00UNllYccnS6os17wDyCCNAuMRjgmTKuojCo2xnchevnu4xOp8ZqEPB8CzOwkgrZls0Y8x0/s1600/DSCF4482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQw3TaLqyGDk-gTholsZ6WRmVT67FQgGr7rfriMfgIPfFPXf0fASsJy0ABi7lxFnWMVnGN00UNllYccnS6os17wDyCCNAuMRjgmTKuojCo2xnchevnu4xOp8ZqEPB8CzOwkgrZls0Y8x0/s320/DSCF4482.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Champagne:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheND2jQY4PzngLQ_4cFcFI1dp5xJHIzIVr8Il2cf5wNgEw-IxzuoNvdOl8k-by4_4SvrvzYNpmHrb3hVaRzHQFjkkJuLgWdEXY_1_2YyjG13q35wEzx0VupDIgFsylXsb6WJk7zGU8pS8/s1600/DSCF4484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheND2jQY4PzngLQ_4cFcFI1dp5xJHIzIVr8Il2cf5wNgEw-IxzuoNvdOl8k-by4_4SvrvzYNpmHrb3hVaRzHQFjkkJuLgWdEXY_1_2YyjG13q35wEzx0VupDIgFsylXsb6WJk7zGU8pS8/s320/DSCF4484.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Brews:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vxqRw7wt-Tw2NBlgR1qqV7kF21BVObdU4QuLc3u7tmAypTVa16rQ4xLWhWCy155cU2eBQfVPWAnOmTo6m1tfSEbK75I-yyihL0CkG9RF5GT1CrJQ2OjMg5wZQSmHErC0WSfodN6_KsE/s1600/diana9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vxqRw7wt-Tw2NBlgR1qqV7kF21BVObdU4QuLc3u7tmAypTVa16rQ4xLWhWCy155cU2eBQfVPWAnOmTo6m1tfSEbK75I-yyihL0CkG9RF5GT1CrJQ2OjMg5wZQSmHErC0WSfodN6_KsE/s320/diana9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>...and lots of unpictured cocktails from the bar.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Games</i></b>:<br />
<br />
Beirut:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8zaEB2fbg1m7rgyEkCHEqfdEXJaMLyASOcAm40SWnngXxZKk53FsN8Gg7X6biPffPHuUCY2dpIGOOCW936Y4TK2msHBSNjoyk5bb_OUtUd3qF3Ohel1vXZmBtxHWb5tjPNY_mGUuJmE/s1600/diana17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8zaEB2fbg1m7rgyEkCHEqfdEXJaMLyASOcAm40SWnngXxZKk53FsN8Gg7X6biPffPHuUCY2dpIGOOCW936Y4TK2msHBSNjoyk5bb_OUtUd3qF3Ohel1vXZmBtxHWb5tjPNY_mGUuJmE/s320/diana17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDlm6Z3-Pq9P4URbiWvCmTtSmi9Gs0V1cioEhMTWuwPvWSzJzDw61-onDhOs6omy7VChVHsiguxKBtzlsDNnuQ8vMxKCtPArSw7gQL-Ci_ARpLYyR9957xXSj_UVjsRJ6-6T4Dn9Sj4Y/s1600/diana18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDlm6Z3-Pq9P4URbiWvCmTtSmi9Gs0V1cioEhMTWuwPvWSzJzDw61-onDhOs6omy7VChVHsiguxKBtzlsDNnuQ8vMxKCtPArSw7gQL-Ci_ARpLYyR9957xXSj_UVjsRJ6-6T4Dn9Sj4Y/s320/diana18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Foosball:<br />
<br />
Unpictured but was a lot of fun (mostly for the guys)!<br />
<b><i><br />
</i></b><br />
Rock Band:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8r20hAJqJFlo5OV0sn15xQ91Zz9LqzDHUzxFYEjvLx6K8sCvzvCW3OKcAy3Y1lteHTNHmRgr-lG7Q1K3DyxV8h5tgUffqYq9EL-MOQT5Mc4cXyQOkpZp0DvydMPPfxBRLH9XnRmRyKG0/s1600/diana8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8r20hAJqJFlo5OV0sn15xQ91Zz9LqzDHUzxFYEjvLx6K8sCvzvCW3OKcAy3Y1lteHTNHmRgr-lG7Q1K3DyxV8h5tgUffqYq9EL-MOQT5Mc4cXyQOkpZp0DvydMPPfxBRLH9XnRmRyKG0/s320/diana8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>Photo ops by the tree</i></b>:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5RniojAFAHbfWEQFlgEP1ceos9Sg83XDDg87zONKXVKEvriMqvdFZFB-BXvbfDfKUNHOdeiQmCa8onyqL9vir94KGneOcoRN5m-Ufl0JsX4LEbzyK4WVt1p8V341JsJFMyTAR51CAH8/s1600/diana6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5RniojAFAHbfWEQFlgEP1ceos9Sg83XDDg87zONKXVKEvriMqvdFZFB-BXvbfDfKUNHOdeiQmCa8onyqL9vir94KGneOcoRN5m-Ufl0JsX4LEbzyK4WVt1p8V341JsJFMyTAR51CAH8/s320/diana6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9qmWMvcTeNl_Pcjx_g1hZmCpXRux9MPMmbor6pGte6DeQxdVAek-aIn2-q0BtZP5H-pqcFWVczKP-am894QGuKcFP63TkRMirHKT3hOuVTnbJmaUIxzgrckdEqDv3h3ZT6fuXpxsOXg/s1600/diana4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9qmWMvcTeNl_Pcjx_g1hZmCpXRux9MPMmbor6pGte6DeQxdVAek-aIn2-q0BtZP5H-pqcFWVczKP-am894QGuKcFP63TkRMirHKT3hOuVTnbJmaUIxzgrckdEqDv3h3ZT6fuXpxsOXg/s320/diana4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><b><i>Matrix</i></b> (lol)?:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIwC2LtZEW3qF-yq1AUeLXKm8lHeGsMI3OMHSRa1VUoY9Nhh-tmwZ4FNIAF34dHqoPz9ijj5-oYTXSTyX1W7Dr1AQbRhKc9pCq3UQ9T-Rnqfe6U6Emcd7AJzniwgwX1Tpz19EK3IXyFU/s1600/diana20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIwC2LtZEW3qF-yq1AUeLXKm8lHeGsMI3OMHSRa1VUoY9Nhh-tmwZ4FNIAF34dHqoPz9ijj5-oYTXSTyX1W7Dr1AQbRhKc9pCq3UQ9T-Rnqfe6U6Emcd7AJzniwgwX1Tpz19EK3IXyFU/s320/diana20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>...and most importantly, holiday love:</i></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mgFPSAR9DLerdh-VlWX4YPAK5ZGNJfa5beO4KturLtKO_RCmIhjx08mCBpMs4u_CjKo_21TxyxGrKhMP_aFK9UK-d5Mp8Yqq_SHnwc_QIhTWjudtqhnreAEeik8T-6yvlvuLsZD5Njo/s1600/DSCF4481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mgFPSAR9DLerdh-VlWX4YPAK5ZGNJfa5beO4KturLtKO_RCmIhjx08mCBpMs4u_CjKo_21TxyxGrKhMP_aFK9UK-d5Mp8Yqq_SHnwc_QIhTWjudtqhnreAEeik8T-6yvlvuLsZD5Njo/s320/DSCF4481.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvb8ED3vWwPSo11JMn4fO3AawCW15IRA__rqkcHeUtwn8a_YhE-n2W7r9ncxwiS0e_JW0xfgIktsiq0Z7I6JbD5mp68I4sMqWbJhVrFPCYlWKjuCKMzqze5t9wCHli0FgELkzQGqb8Bc/s1600/DSCF4479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvb8ED3vWwPSo11JMn4fO3AawCW15IRA__rqkcHeUtwn8a_YhE-n2W7r9ncxwiS0e_JW0xfgIktsiq0Z7I6JbD5mp68I4sMqWbJhVrFPCYlWKjuCKMzqze5t9wCHli0FgELkzQGqb8Bc/s320/DSCF4479.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIkPgAt4C9QlZez6HWIomZADvsQilMG5wovsAculAaIwLu4TBXKbBFNJOHhPKJROgXon7ysUPBT0r_q7CwhmjTZH-bOaWtCkezYADFgHID1gWbX6-dbOj88D1Wru25J1EQurmKaPmAU8/s1600/DSCF4487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIkPgAt4C9QlZez6HWIomZADvsQilMG5wovsAculAaIwLu4TBXKbBFNJOHhPKJROgXon7ysUPBT0r_q7CwhmjTZH-bOaWtCkezYADFgHID1gWbX6-dbOj88D1Wru25J1EQurmKaPmAU8/s320/DSCF4487.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkY1bQhE2OGh8OCorpwYlLOLSGYDtRKK7FCbbVo04nL_HzWNj4jAwkRevamr_bW8ywtza2uNfZhBmdi7kbc80qIWcXxiIwij04nqV2pEB5xPtezCMetlu-SbVm_dPzPej07T9Rxe4NiY/s1600/DSCF4504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkY1bQhE2OGh8OCorpwYlLOLSGYDtRKK7FCbbVo04nL_HzWNj4jAwkRevamr_bW8ywtza2uNfZhBmdi7kbc80qIWcXxiIwij04nqV2pEB5xPtezCMetlu-SbVm_dPzPej07T9Rxe4NiY/s320/DSCF4504.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdfKpOratQa2cwzTdtyhkMZ631lLefvPqkYUhSVEgU8imwaIgm4YrNBZ682LmfZhxwqipLTqxxDYADIXpYkFblBYIlZEtlEYg6-Co6vq4iTJLMRPCfunQLPPNd0Gv4AiGe8ArqgvI8EY/s1600/diana19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdfKpOratQa2cwzTdtyhkMZ631lLefvPqkYUhSVEgU8imwaIgm4YrNBZ682LmfZhxwqipLTqxxDYADIXpYkFblBYIlZEtlEYg6-Co6vq4iTJLMRPCfunQLPPNd0Gv4AiGe8ArqgvI8EY/s320/diana19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Cant wait to do it all again next year...Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782677370134418290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483754055444843282.post-81302127883795442462010-12-26T18:59:00.002-05:002010-12-27T10:51:29.204-05:00Salem: Founded 1629As I sat down to write about our Holiday Party a few weekends ago, I realized that, although I've posted quite a lot about the places I've traveled to over the past couple of months, I have not yet shared anything about where I currently live! Thus, I hope you can bear with me as I take a time-out to share some info/thoughts on the city of <a href="http://www.salem.com/pages/index">Salem</a>. We moved here on April 1 of this year, the day after we closed on our new condo. Salem is most well known for the Salem Witch Trials in 1692, when the local Puritans let hysteria run ramped and executed 19 innocent people. I remembered the city mostly from my required summer reading in high school, when I had to read Arthur Miller's "The Crucible". Not until after we closed on our place did we find out that the park right by our condo, Gallows Hill Park, was the location of all of the witch hysteria hangings. Currently, it is playing field for various sports so we didn't realize the historical significance until we went to the Witch History museum downtown! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahPNi0YzY7hwesszLTOrMfXo6Yr2PZr3bvl7YiWVYQ4pN4aGXGCr6F8IK0vkLmyMQoidZ8xuMAilpLkTSfhNMRLqzdYBDQnQUloqwQf6Hlk8gltZKlju589UqMIiV4MLPspxIbny-OZY/s1600/salemwitchtrials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahPNi0YzY7hwesszLTOrMfXo6Yr2PZr3bvl7YiWVYQ4pN4aGXGCr6F8IK0vkLmyMQoidZ8xuMAilpLkTSfhNMRLqzdYBDQnQUloqwQf6Hlk8gltZKlju589UqMIiV4MLPspxIbny-OZY/s320/salemwitchtrials.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pioneers in the Settlement of American by William A. Crafts. Vol. I Boston: Samuel Walker & Company, 1876. Artists: F.O.C. Darley, Wm. L Shepard, Granville Perkins, etc.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Despite its dark past, the city was also one of our country's most significant seaports, acting as a linchpin in the Triangle Trade Route with England and the East Indies. Eventually, our larger neighbor to the <a href="http://www.cityofboston.gov/">south</a> took over as New England's largest seaport, but Salem's waterfront continued in importance. In fact, the waterfront was actually our nation's first National Historic Site. You may recall the novel "House of Seven Gables" by Nathaniel Hawthorne, which was inspired by a house that is still standing at the waterfront today. It has been restored and welcomes <a href="http://www.7gables.org/tour_gables.shtml">visitors</a> throughout the year. Hawthorne was born in Salem and also penned the famous "Scarlet Letter". A statue in his honor currently presides downtown.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7aAo_-pxtw1ptdA2710zaQyXZKC-kuUVYh7JdVs0kw1za8qA9iSl9Hh_G9cAgy2H386Nlcyyalb2JZwm2vrT17ZC0pGb2D60dhb0aWu552iZSyScjq2S9shRsKapHsprHSunNZWeOGc/s1600/house_of_the_seven_gables_front_angle_-_salem_massachusetts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7aAo_-pxtw1ptdA2710zaQyXZKC-kuUVYh7JdVs0kw1za8qA9iSl9Hh_G9cAgy2H386Nlcyyalb2JZwm2vrT17ZC0pGb2D60dhb0aWu552iZSyScjq2S9shRsKapHsprHSunNZWeOGc/s320/house_of_the_seven_gables_front_angle_-_salem_massachusetts.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">House of Seven Gables; Source: http://bibliocurio.wordpress.com/2010/09/18/the-house-of-seven-gables-review/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Today, Salem's downtown is pedestrian friendly with brick and cobble stone streets leading to a myriad of shops, restaurants and bars. For those of you New Englanders, it reminds me a lot of Portsmouth, NH and Newburyport, MA. The difference is of course the witch theme, which is still extremely prominent. We have a number of museums, Wiccan shops, Halloween and costume boutiques, as well as a statue of "Samantha" from Bewitched . Needless to say, Halloween is a BIG event here. We happened to be away in <a href="http://notallwhowanderarelost77.blogspot.com/2010/11/sanibel-go-go.html">Sanibel</a> this year for Halloween, but I understand that the city's "Haunted Happenings" celebration draws over 100,000 people and culminates in a fantastic fireworks display over the water. I remember reading before we left for our trip, that the original Mike Myers actor had been in town signing autographs. Pretty wild all around.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5WVQ0jUNvslTbYchyzhQ2IlgIT-1SkbbjxTD68eJk_xcXA5ti1MdF8_9VhgoY-CPnGcgXlyvqLri3gYZuZA4tf4GzKRmrAwT0Fyp2upUObzMqrgl4Dk-d3KTRTMo8dWKqcaMmg3l7iA/s1600/saleminsider.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5WVQ0jUNvslTbYchyzhQ2IlgIT-1SkbbjxTD68eJk_xcXA5ti1MdF8_9VhgoY-CPnGcgXlyvqLri3gYZuZA4tf4GzKRmrAwT0Fyp2upUObzMqrgl4Dk-d3KTRTMo8dWKqcaMmg3l7iA/s320/saleminsider.com.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: Zombie Walk 2009, The Salem Insider web site</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It's been an extremely busy 8 months since we've moved here, but I've enjoyed getting to know the local haunts. In the summer, it's great to spend time at Pickering Wharf by the marina. From here, you can see our local tall ship, the Friendship.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfSJ80iUVizqGt2EHjNTaaANHmd33EMhHsSSqA-CeBgGrz3dtjqm8Vf8yO5I4ARMIicI8cmkMl7YaW4wqj-th7xZ4YMwgx1LMMoMQ0hgA98bu1cwHBldM2ZWcJGE-ZsEMMGpuGqB8uzs/s1600/DSCF2778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfSJ80iUVizqGt2EHjNTaaANHmd33EMhHsSSqA-CeBgGrz3dtjqm8Vf8yO5I4ARMIicI8cmkMl7YaW4wqj-th7xZ4YMwgx1LMMoMQ0hgA98bu1cwHBldM2ZWcJGE-ZsEMMGpuGqB8uzs/s320/DSCF2778.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmUaGV1c1apgi__5BEGx1Vsw2Hx-qlMxZK7uigd4TWxChkTGLw-AR5LUvdLqt6nayH0LtyZs_noGQplbdsQrvyOsFIxyK-spTHlMDEDaAu95JpeXHoCv08gi7xDEq4ZsofbIR8n_HpK0/s1600/DSCF2779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmUaGV1c1apgi__5BEGx1Vsw2Hx-qlMxZK7uigd4TWxChkTGLw-AR5LUvdLqt6nayH0LtyZs_noGQplbdsQrvyOsFIxyK-spTHlMDEDaAu95JpeXHoCv08gi7xDEq4ZsofbIR8n_HpK0/s320/DSCF2779.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>At Pickering Wharf, you can also poke around a few gift shops, clothing boutiques, as well as antiques and arts & crafts stores. You can also treat yourself to dinner and drinks at a few restaurants, including <a href="http://notallwhowanderarelost77.blogspot.com/2010/12/fall-love.html">FINZ</a>, 62 on Wharf, Captains and Victoria Station.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_58sKCOLqNWbR4Mqi8crRea5o558zYsGyinLsW4wAzLd67o4doGXw0p_Px0a8Kwj76vN8R8bYYweheCuCsIGVAcCQ16HMPzymMAyCYBpG0W61Evt_ndrNy40TfH5-z1JihWV-k75sme8/s1600/DSCF2777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_58sKCOLqNWbR4Mqi8crRea5o558zYsGyinLsW4wAzLd67o4doGXw0p_Px0a8Kwj76vN8R8bYYweheCuCsIGVAcCQ16HMPzymMAyCYBpG0W61Evt_ndrNy40TfH5-z1JihWV-k75sme8/s320/DSCF2777.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute name right?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCgXvhB_ujnaG2taiYVtHoG4uGz9_-EBYE7SbmLLgIl85olWGj76rhkdjgLuG20VLVrWxZq6h5vRdi1etTe9bfJaloaFQqx-kUe3kYxN1c-oAkE-ewBsJHV2YoGWJWXWEnb6ISlxN2JY/s1600/DSCF4434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCgXvhB_ujnaG2taiYVtHoG4uGz9_-EBYE7SbmLLgIl85olWGj76rhkdjgLuG20VLVrWxZq6h5vRdi1etTe9bfJaloaFQqx-kUe3kYxN1c-oAkE-ewBsJHV2YoGWJWXWEnb6ISlxN2JY/s320/DSCF4434.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Corinne at FINZ</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVAuG8lnoZeYuak4HYUf5b2IOBpK45XKJgjOl7pvQa_yL_pVqo9IS6Wh4B1ya4gZiS8fh1NVfF93o0fZYtX-4EVxWoU9JNEduK92H_gRRutrt3DkfFOQCw3JBKyxOwDoMLGYBE-AI7BY/s1600/DSCF2783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVAuG8lnoZeYuak4HYUf5b2IOBpK45XKJgjOl7pvQa_yL_pVqo9IS6Wh4B1ya4gZiS8fh1NVfF93o0fZYtX-4EVxWoU9JNEduK92H_gRRutrt3DkfFOQCw3JBKyxOwDoMLGYBE-AI7BY/s320/DSCF2783.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Mike's Birthday at Victoria Station: <a href="http://indulgeinspireimbibe.blogspot.com/">Daisy</a>, Adam, Mike, Dave and I</td></tr>
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Neighboring Derby Wharf forms the backdrop to the July 4 fireworks display, which was an amazing sight! They lasted a full 30 minutes or so and were set to music played by a full orchestra.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPIraNMXGMXdTIY7bJHRY68RI5eq8QdqSkJDINVzcrrJc9sht3RVIcgczN_jYTkGU6KC-Z9lR8OrONXZkWu_syWD7Seqax8YRI15GTXuK8G4vm_cCmA_wBKdXhyphenhyphenxIDVn5lgXkS0D6ds4/s1600/DSCF2588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPIraNMXGMXdTIY7bJHRY68RI5eq8QdqSkJDINVzcrrJc9sht3RVIcgczN_jYTkGU6KC-Z9lR8OrONXZkWu_syWD7Seqax8YRI15GTXuK8G4vm_cCmA_wBKdXhyphenhyphenxIDVn5lgXkS0D6ds4/s320/DSCF2588.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">July 4th Orchestra</td></tr>
</tbody></table>There are quite a few food and drink establishments up the street as well. Dave and I have popped into Tavern in the Square innumerable times, as well as Rockafellas and O'Neill's. FYI -- Tavern in the Square is a great nightlife spot, but also has a good Sunday brunch.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyiBqCe7ch45YENKvfUR_1HykW3oudtSNTcdq_PUeHcGob2LWGc5RN6K8jId8tj9S7tbxXCqHrcn2dzyb52PxdUEfG3_h4mivqq5PCg8wwL3yzWOCZY0i25bIgNVu30ZMzeYr6qoOtgw/s1600/DSCF2406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyiBqCe7ch45YENKvfUR_1HykW3oudtSNTcdq_PUeHcGob2LWGc5RN6K8jId8tj9S7tbxXCqHrcn2dzyb52PxdUEfG3_h4mivqq5PCg8wwL3yzWOCZY0i25bIgNVu30ZMzeYr6qoOtgw/s320/DSCF2406.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyZ39m2YcPLJz8MSrk5JJe_vRKHW8vIFb8w31cpBOtBTUWD6v3HkFAjU2khvHXZOIP7G0-BhELDgqtsIR4lLXxDBx7XgMK_eUxqjUncA9kgmismq26yaHZ7wU7BtdQmj6VbE9puS4rdA/s1600/DSCF2575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyZ39m2YcPLJz8MSrk5JJe_vRKHW8vIFb8w31cpBOtBTUWD6v3HkFAjU2khvHXZOIP7G0-BhELDgqtsIR4lLXxDBx7XgMK_eUxqjUncA9kgmismq26yaHZ7wU7BtdQmj6VbE9puS4rdA/s320/DSCF2575.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">O'Neill's with my cousin Bill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We also live close enough to walk to the MBTA commuter rail. It takes about 20 minutes or so to get into North Station in Boston. In the spring, I relished my picturesque walk down Federal Street to the station.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXO0Ye43-vIOgMPj8YcfsrLU2ApFBSewa2ifeUWc_ewuAvVEWbkHw0DnBVRmuxeODgnA9W06dd6t5IYNs9rpcRAZz06yRCsu6PlFtzpJTYTHDULkiZdN6KgITuBHn-eDL9bD42leme9FM/s1600/DSCF2197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXO0Ye43-vIOgMPj8YcfsrLU2ApFBSewa2ifeUWc_ewuAvVEWbkHw0DnBVRmuxeODgnA9W06dd6t5IYNs9rpcRAZz06yRCsu6PlFtzpJTYTHDULkiZdN6KgITuBHn-eDL9bD42leme9FM/s320/DSCF2197.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6kL5Rn4RlOdBDh3ZgPiKnK2nGc0Duzm1vJ8VV1jT2HGqbo2HJIBFTMl_V0mYfLsPUS38_yjgZxwDv3RcoAm19jXgB0QBPZpzj7eHomwVhztgv5tV0BaitKA4Vhv8QUeW3tuOp0-TuUA/s1600/DSCF2198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6kL5Rn4RlOdBDh3ZgPiKnK2nGc0Duzm1vJ8VV1jT2HGqbo2HJIBFTMl_V0mYfLsPUS38_yjgZxwDv3RcoAm19jXgB0QBPZpzj7eHomwVhztgv5tV0BaitKA4Vhv8QUeW3tuOp0-TuUA/s320/DSCF2198.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi800extA8cYyeBj3hyc4yywqaYz80jac8_KPH5b6tI5QPFxo5YGa6MINCzQJaMW2CK5L0vCvZM7mJ-t4_MaXy_EC3GUgwWyVGwSkfy96eHzNmMpqo3rNrJoajgDL3EDlrWVoLh-nqETTQ/s1600/DSCF2199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi800extA8cYyeBj3hyc4yywqaYz80jac8_KPH5b6tI5QPFxo5YGa6MINCzQJaMW2CK5L0vCvZM7mJ-t4_MaXy_EC3GUgwWyVGwSkfy96eHzNmMpqo3rNrJoajgDL3EDlrWVoLh-nqETTQ/s320/DSCF2199.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Having been a Boston resident for about 5 years, it was extremely difficult to leave the city limits! However, being in Salem has made the transition from city life a little less dramatic than it would have been had I moved to true suburbia. It is rich in culture and also provides a fairly vibrant restaurant and bar scene. It also has the added benefit of much more affordable housing prices (a much appreciated trait for me 8 months ago)! Nonetheless, if I ever find myself in need of a Boston night out, at least I know I'm only a 20 minute train ride away!Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782677370134418290noreply@blogger.com1