tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-639777802087119332024-03-05T22:37:28.907-08:00Pony and TrapKatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10995515022854129315noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63977780208711933.post-35672424378928887462011-07-18T06:15:00.001-07:002011-07-19T07:12:03.744-07:00Chengdon'ts in Chengdu!<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqi8xLVDSDc7JCh2dR_8vBE-LMzFOpjyY-dMH2XDxRlpocM3bYZzW2SXXaPHyuhPP6JSq9CCCRollUvPdqnaflOH15PQDTkA3UN9tFshpveGBmhvEaEjSg2UZlgQhN6jwYog5EiygmA/s1600/IMG_0343.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqi8xLVDSDc7JCh2dR_8vBE-LMzFOpjyY-dMH2XDxRlpocM3bYZzW2SXXaPHyuhPP6JSq9CCCRollUvPdqnaflOH15PQDTkA3UN9tFshpveGBmhvEaEjSg2UZlgQhN6jwYog5EiygmA/s200/IMG_0343.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630683180492616754" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">May's trip was particularly special because one of my best friends, Lauren, accompanied me. Lauren was supposed to visit in June, and we had planned to travel to Thailand. Then I was told I would be summering in Malaysia, so those plans went out the window. Lauren was able to change her ticket and come to Hong Kong earlier. We decided that, with less time, we would forgo Thailand and see the giant panda in Chengdu, China. A few people had said that Chengdu is hard to get around without speaking Mandarin, but I ignored them. I knew people who had been there who did not speak Mandarin and they enjoyed it. Plus, I wanted to hold a baby panda. Language was not going to stop me.</span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;"></span>The day before I left a man at the office asked me how I was going to communicate with the people. I told him that it would not be a problem. He chuckled and said OK. Another lady did not say anything about the language barrier but made a face of disgust when I told her that I was going to Chengdu. She informed me that "Pandas' butts are dirty."</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> This revelation forced me to yet again change my plans, as I no longer wanted to play with panda butts.<br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">After a great few days in Hong Kong, Lauren and I took off for Chengdu. I was looking forward to a relaxing trip. I thought we would stay at a nice hotel, escape the heat of Hong Kong, see some pandas and enjoy the city. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The man sitting next to me on the plane asked me if I spoke Mandarin. When I told him no, he asked how was I going to communicate with the people. After being asked this question for the second time, I began to get a little nervous. The man offered to help us get a cab upon landing, and I immediately started thinking of the movie </span></span><i><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color:windowtext;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Taken</span></span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. But my gut told me he was not in an Albanian gang (and I am alive to write about it). He told the cab driver where we were going and did not come back to kidnap and force us into prostitution.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Chengdu was gloomy, gray and overcast. I was surprised that at our hotel nobody spoke English. Getting information out of the concierge took forever because of our lack of Mandarin and her lack of English. Somehow we managed to get some recommendations for places to eat and things to do. The next few days were not necessarily relaxing, but they were fun. We ate Sichuan food, explored, shopped and experienced the joy of squat style toilets sans toilet paper. (Always wipe with your left hand!) Meals were always a bit stressful because we did not know what we were eating. We lucked out in one restaurant that had an English menu. Another restaurant had communal seating, and the other people at our table happened to be visiting from Hong Kong and helped us order. Oddly enough, the place where we had the most trouble was my favorite restaurant, Pizza Hut. I thought Lauren was going to strangle out waitress.</span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUSpka6pLkTV8OvhbCq3Rw5vNQzrL-JVabzG-Bv8bAbkXs3FuLwIWiDK40OqVSqkJ-hqcECyMAXCCJ0lq9khcbCCdQbDpTNCxKbMf9j4wInlcOETnwqy6FqGSenoKmXOySxZ8iYVlkA/s320/DSCN0046.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631065603555955394" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 255); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">As usual I did make a purchase on this trip! It might be the best purchase of the year – a panda costume, complete with paws. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The highlight of the trip was definitely the </span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color:windowtext;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Chengdu Panda Base</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. Actually, following some advice, we arrived when it opened. It was not yet crowded, and the pandas were out for feeding time and not hiding from the public. After watching some pandas chow down on breakfast, we dashed to the nursery to hold a baby panda. While we waited in the short line, we paid the fee, which goes to panda conservation, and put on scrubs: a surgical smock, plastic covers for your feet and plastic gloves. I was a bit disappointed about the gloves because I wanted to feel the panda's fur. The panda was so calm. He did not seem to mind being held. He was gnawing on a stalk of bamboo dipped in honey so that might be the reason for his mellow disposition. I asked five times what his name was but could not understand the reply of the panda keeper. So I decided to call him Kim Jong Panda. I think it goes well with Chairman Meow. Lauren wanted to steal Kim Jong Panda, but he was too large to fit in her purse. We each got to hold Kim Jong Panda for three minutes and take some photos with him, and then we explored the rest of the grounds. I am happy to report that the Kim Jong Panda's butt was not dirty. No skid marks on my surgical smock.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 255); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4PaIZtJq9QPBPEGhIZ435Spw0v6AC2t0SXn2VKo1Z0JDp6QHWguIkIOxaW-KB0EEiefilQ7-OBi885CHPE2pwZqkoqfJkrwXKcSbaWrrGEWBDjlfjVydBJ5QKcTpfKhRyXelchjYgw/s320/DSCN0097.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630682013670292658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbmkuvPWC4mJpxv_Viaa9bLIyk8om5DCZvc5n1990PVjvxjDp29XEBYkkXbPRuebIy1Unn2VLJp7ZF7wd1oUMXP8C-matwGxt1Pw6xSBk1A91EXBt-Z4zjyldcgGZbdJsAli5Fr3vUw/s320/IMG_0335.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631047014373384850" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 255); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Panda Base is well manicured and an enjoyable place to walk. There are peacocks wandering the grounds and a few red panda enclosures. The red pandas cool but not as exciting as the giant pandas.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhWLMBxe6ByPbLf5cE4U1aGmosx5Y0UPg39qfLngcg87_yd0j4pCDzsRJ_wm8J8FWEjdo0hvjfAMKm6eb_N7kgVRwImiry-L2I9gW5A7in5i8D1pWEqyna34tAXenXyDWJF7mBuO1Qg/s320/DSCN0120.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631047007018828626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyw26yJ04yJD7GlmFo69ACn0huU5B52uizbXYfvE_Pz74FVW9V7fHou6KYCthAJk9NQAxDPyGIiF2eFsidv4Rqr24oHzygEh67wDPmCnl49hD-Yc6JFGNOnBqCq46IUCF7481rzniQw/s320/DSCN0112.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631062882661869810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9A1ziZLdQEmfJdknH6UOuDY20cxOH5Xeo6NUuqsHKu0HXY7FAdNeFVNtksfNGofQfBI4RurvYAKmi6uKcIm_N_JZ8vR8RnkvCjYX2DQj3cItf7NUol_UQqid2XVgxIPfMsS9MiX1NzA/s320/DSCN0124.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631062879594464690" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The remainder of the trip was spent with Winnie, the tour guide we hired to make things less of a struggle. Winnie took us to the giant Buddha, the wet market in Leshan, Mt. Emei and, finally, a performance of the famous Sichuan mask-changing opera, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bian Lian</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Buddha is the largest carved stone Buddha in the world and a beautiful site. You can climb it, but we viewed it from a boat, avoided the crowds and got a better view of it. The only drawback of the boat is you are forced to wear a large life preserver.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3Yoa5yGRcqCcWUlXGhk0lNresPnLgVz8zgqf56EIWRxJbx3dfr6XuiTzwxXxHmXLlDuBWsKbM0ylnwHz52yEEIHGrW2fRHi40XhYvZiaznUkRJBvS1zhhIw7nsV-8rv9a2mPnVhLfA/s320/DSCN0171.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631064540469773122" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It was fascinating to walk through the wet market and observe the local people buying their food.(. . .wet market = open food market). Definitely different than a trip to Farmer Jack. (My Michigan roots are showing. Farmer Jack was the first grocery store that popped into my head… and it doesn't even exist anymore).</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mt Emei is beautiful. There are Buddhist monasteries to tour, cable cars to ride, trails to hike and out-of-control animals to dodge. Beware, the mules and monkeys are dangerous. The mules trot up and down the mountain carrying supplies to the monasteries – and they will run you over. They are not on leads or harnesses. The monkeys are just plain scary. I have never seen Lauren scared of any animal. I have seen her feed diseased dogs in third-world countries. When a monkey approached she said, “Let's get the f*ck out of here!”</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bian Lian</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> was touristy but really fun. The performers change masks right in front of your face in a millisecond. As we sat in our Morticia Adam's chair, we were served tea, and for a few RMBs more, you can also get a massage while you watch the opera. Lauren even agreed during this performance that Chengdu was better than Thailand. Of course, she had had a few lychee martinis in her.<br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bjGACOgC5IDOJVyEcGc17setHQ_QDE14BdDKpDEGgb_EWYDeqTcZ5yNzY77yRMtThYC8-FhKSQXfYgLR2jkIPrt4agjVYzRr4KVhVTqBrM8NN83rQ6NeKXh8iTAV73iNXUgtJC6a3w/s320/IMG_0497.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631064550572185010" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_UPpPuI8C_9biUbvGx9W8EJh7uLKpGRlZ_OY3gvvXeq_fsck7gUBMug3LlHnPUwdD1pEtT0woOTO0gO7ovjb1ENk1KDaF4oGvqRgKLOcE8UgdRqfwA2SQ_c5dTNX-vex4lzcGd8a5HQ/s320/IMG_0564.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631064545804584562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I am glad that we went to Chengdu, and it is on my recommended list, but have a Mandarin speaker with you or hire a guide.</span></span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <!--EndFragment-->Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10995515022854129315noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63977780208711933.post-2316619127214891922011-07-18T05:48:00.000-07:002011-07-19T06:46:53.303-07:00Ho Chi Minh is a son of a bitch!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKjFt7ZPU-NBg91j_pPAOppiQVmveFuL0Z69t0ZNhT1JP9eOYaxB6viHf1qFnzYi-V1c98mJrBZsnTRF0KuHo7MyR7cUcoEFnT9moyc8H3IHT5OeWQ-nQVx9SpSGq4SLdVa1S4VqPow/s1600/DSC_0185.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKjFt7ZPU-NBg91j_pPAOppiQVmveFuL0Z69t0ZNhT1JP9eOYaxB6viHf1qFnzYi-V1c98mJrBZsnTRF0KuHo7MyR7cUcoEFnT9moyc8H3IHT5OeWQ-nQVx9SpSGq4SLdVa1S4VqPow/s200/DSC_0185.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631059395856425346" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For May's public holiday weekend, my travel partner, Cheryl, and I headed to Vietnam. I kept thinking about </span></span><i><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:windowtext;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Full Metal Jacket</span></span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> on our flight. As a child I always remember the song the soldiers sing about Ho Chi Minh, thus the title of my blog. I kid you not, when deciding whether to go to HCMC or Hanoi, I decided on HCMC because of the song. Plus Hanoi makes me think of Jane Fonda, and who wants to be reminded of 80's aerobic workouts</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">?</span></span></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Again, flying out of Hong Kong, even on a holiday weekend, was painless. The train to the airport was a bit more crowded than usual, but I got through security and to my gate with no issues, and the plane took off right on time. Moreover, when we arrived in Vietnam, we landed, picked up our visas and were at our hotel in no time. If you go to Vietnam and opt to pick up your visa at the airport, I recommend having exact change in Vietnamese currency, the dong(!). The immigration officer attempted to rip me off by giving me nowhere near the correct change, but I demanded he give me the correct change and wouldn't leave until he did.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Besides my little tiff with Immigration, the rest of the trip was smooth sailing. We had no problem getting a cab to our hotel, and there was relatively no traffic. I recommend arriving late at night for this reason. We stayed at the </span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color:windowtext;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Legend Hotel</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, which I was a bit nervous about, as I had convinced Cheryl we should save money and not stay at a Hilton or Sheraton. It turned out to be lovely. First off, it was in a good location. The buffet breakfast was wonderful, the pool and spa were top notch, and there was free wireless in the rooms. The lobby also has some small but nice shops. I particularly liked the jewelry shop, where I bought my mom a present… and, of course, I got one for myself as well.</span></span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 255); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cheryl and I spent three full days were exploring the HCMC area. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Except for the fact that it was 110 degrees inside, the city market was fun. My favorite purchases were the colorful shoes I bought at US$4 a pair. I could have bargained more, but at a point, I felt bad. The pho place right across from the market, Pho 2000 (a fast-food joint not affiliated with the place of the same name in the USA), was surprisingly tasty.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 255); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vgysIN-M6J_UL5Pfahyphenhyphenp2y_xwUUK6Q5blLREWfl_X965a6cY5LlZx0-LaCsax4zHRVeEJOprqHHKEX-0tjZfP40-ARM06Seq9zPFaMiausvnUottXSRRmLTprDk4icEMJvSjqTkcPA/s320/IMG_0037.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630677807408280594" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 255); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If you are not into crowded hot markets where you have to bargain, there are great shops on Dong Khoi Street. The linen at Khaisilk is fantastic. I bought two linen dresses for a great price that I pair with the jade and pearls I bought in Shanghai. I call them my communist outfits. Also, Dong Khoi Street is manageable to walk down without getting hit by a moped. I have to admit crossing the street was a problem for me the first few days. Traffic laws seem to be more suggestions than rules. Drivers pay no attention to traffic lights, and the mopeds tend to drive on the sidewalks with no regard for pedestrians.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 255); font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrBobqYtKZYDNKNDLDPVIC0kG1g4qaOFz2vXPm2nd7e9eYyzmnq5UpS7-FyKC6mmkdE-kuqPkc7s0c6-U6N8bnpE5vr0kXziV1bYjd9mUP1hdMhO_f7JkRREllTA_oWKs0RA6KLxX8g/s320/DSC_0152.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630675843741027074" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Outside of the city we visited the Cao Dai Temple, which was quite interesting. We got to observe a religious service and walk around the colorful temple. We also went to the fascinating Cu-Chi tunnels, which were used by the Viet Cong during the war. Despite the welcome video being extremely anti-American, the oppressively hot weather, and the mosquitoes, the tunnels are certainly worth a visit. We also rode through the country side, which was nice, despite the numerous dogs we saw in cages strapped to the back motorbikes on their way to be slaughtered.</span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 255); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocoNBf9gQN3pQoiCyJ-3et8rzN3hNjSeaSLBoxE21NEDCHDuocc3Z1w82RdyvDbK6VOOMqz7yeH1AzYnh-D3ystBmQ9_kJnj75CoOgakwZwdc1NknBZbs6JzB8T4sbuCieYNwZSUN6A/s320/CSC_0221.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630675836086086690" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Viet Kate</span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJKOogS0IW2DVOVqLbjfd1PtagWZs2O838RpueIWoSyLA4RB-6rqT6SKhZzwMcYTSLnQKDzSChqa4seMuG6AJgOYcp6-dtCVVvmHUR_GI6cBBBzoUvKcbI6-KPpi0w7cO0Klat7GJnQ/s320/CSC_0218.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630677805532697474" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Speaking of motorbikes, I learned it is Vietnamese law that children under the age of seven are not to wear helmets. The rationale behind this law is that the helmets are too large for the children and often end up hurting them rather than protecting them. Has nobody thought to make smaller helmets there? (Isn’t that where most of our helmets come from?) Another law is that a Vietnamese woman is not allowed to check into a hotel with a man she is not married to. I understand that law, but there are quite a few ladies of the evening working the street. I'm not sure who they're fooling.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I could have stayed another few days in Vietnam. Despite the traffic and the heat, this American war machine gives Vietnam a thumbs-up! Next I will try Hanoi.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-fareast-font-family: PMingLiU;mso-bidi-Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US; mso-fareast-language:ZH-TWfont-family:";"></span></span><!--EndFragment--></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgEf7s6OkA3btBep9efciknk3fLaMvjV7M1p2713cxxNnjy0A2ZQIC6L2Lnexftcf5WOT_0mWaawUEaC58qNdaXULBsqrRM0o42Am0wciL8hwBaqpvaa2FJ2kYmYivpgIgEIwzwd7GA/s320/CSC_0179.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630679592099922066" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10995515022854129315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63977780208711933.post-66622146262044483282011-07-14T05:37:00.000-07:002011-07-14T06:09:00.781-07:00Happy Anniversary<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jYNa43BOWzGJRhboL1efb5Ex1I754qe0bQPqx3u1VoRg1M9F1mRlLm-v3J-IdiLiqOP1TAZUqRnMWBxalUv1sGi64mM64p-ku3X280_fy-40yrIULmPeJLQLgV5C10tIGBFNIQBAOQ/s1600/DSCN0288.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jYNa43BOWzGJRhboL1efb5Ex1I754qe0bQPqx3u1VoRg1M9F1mRlLm-v3J-IdiLiqOP1TAZUqRnMWBxalUv1sGi64mM64p-ku3X280_fy-40yrIULmPeJLQLgV5C10tIGBFNIQBAOQ/s200/DSCN0288.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629193777514818082" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Today is my grandparent's anniversary. This is usually a big occasion. In the past, there have been big parties and trips but this year the celebration was an intimate family dinner at their home. Everyone was asked to list three things they learned about marriage from Grandma and Grandpa. I decided to go with a top ten list and went with a general memories theme as I try to avoid speaking to my grandparents about marriage. Last time, that type of conversation resulted in my grandfather writing an internet dating profile for me. I was not able to make it back to the States to attend the dinner but I did send my list to be read. Since my grandparents are my most enthusiastic readers, I publish the below list</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. Also, my grandparents are kind of travel bloggers for their generation. If you don't believe me I have 4 published volumes sitting in my apartment in NYC.</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">TOP TEN MEMORIES OF GRANDMA AND GRANDPA</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">10. Playing tennis with Grandma and Grandpa.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">9. Horsebacking riding with Grandpa and Grandma teaching me how to walk in heels.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">8. Boat rides and fishing off the dock with bamboo fishing poles. I guess you were getting me ready for Asia by exposing me to bamboo.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">7. Slide shows of Grandma and Grandpa's trips. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">6. Bingo at Knollwood.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">5. Trips to Florida - inlcuding one where we were going to have dinner with Lorlei and Carl. Grandma and I went to wait in the car and sat there for about 20 minutes. Finally, Grandma went to see why Grandpa was taking so long. He was sitting inside reading. He did not know we had left the house. Somehow, we made it to dinner on time.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">4. Grandma and Grandpa holding hands when they walk in NYC. (Ok, I will be honest, this is really Missy's memory. When I told her what we were doing for the anniversary, this was the first thing she said.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">3. Making french toast and fresh squeezed orange juice.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2. Watching the last episode of Sex and the City. I would like to point out, not only did I watch the last episode of SATC with my Grandparents but also with Auntie Selma, Jack, Betsy, Hilary and the Groners. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1. Grandma and Grandpa coming to visit me at work. I think I am the only person in JP Morgan Private Bank history that was lucky enough to have their grandparents come visit them at work. People still ask how my grandparents are doing.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Happy Anniversary!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Love,</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Kate</span></span></div></span></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10995515022854129315noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63977780208711933.post-79358436030725389362011-07-14T04:54:00.000-07:002011-07-19T07:13:22.212-07:00Shanghai Surprise<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLjvpuFKyDYDkHG4S6E7ee1nEvWmutv16VB_eJQBxR_qRRSHDusYynug_CwS4FmqbIfat0vHOHaNZmSuN2JHZdLK8jqYh5kJC55uSxz-RTfGXvYQK1Xg-85_yRPX-msKbfDHnraOMSw/s1600/DSC_0127.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLjvpuFKyDYDkHG4S6E7ee1nEvWmutv16VB_eJQBxR_qRRSHDusYynug_CwS4FmqbIfat0vHOHaNZmSuN2JHZdLK8jqYh5kJC55uSxz-RTfGXvYQK1Xg-85_yRPX-msKbfDHnraOMSw/s200/DSC_0127.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629177632520793906" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px; " /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Do not worry this entry is not a review of the </span></span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091934/%5Ct_blank" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 37, 8); "><span style="color:blue;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Madonna/Sean Penn</span></span></u></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> flick nor am I going to discuss a tryst with a person who was a different gender than once believed… although that would really liven up this blog.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">One of the best things about working in Hong Kong is the plethora of public holidays. From January to June, there is at least one long weekend each month. For April's holiday, I went to Shanghai with my fellow secondee, Cheryl. Air travel in Asia is such a pleasant experience compared to the US. Even on a holiday weekend, there are no lines at the Hong Kong airport. Also, the planes are boarded in 10 minutes or less, and once the plane leaves the gate, it actually takes off. I calculate I have spent at least six days of my life on the tarmac at JFK or LaGuardia. No more waiting for this gweilo!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Within an hour and a half of landing, we were checked into the Shanghai Hilton. I cannot say enough about the efficiency in Asia. The bullet train from the airport to the city is quick and easy. The subway, which we took from the bullet train to the hotel, was rather easy to figure out too, though I did need help using the ticket machine. Lucky for me, a deaf man, who I had an entire conversation with before realizing he was deaf, helped me.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My four days in Shanghai were spent sightseeing, shopping and eating, and visiting with my friend Emma, who had recently moved to Shanghai. Emma speaks fluent Mandarin and was a great tour guide.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The food in Shanghai was fabulous. I strongly recommend a restaurant called Lost Heaven. It was the first – and best so far – </span></span><span style="color:blue;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yunnan_cuisine" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 37, 8); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Yuannese</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></u></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">food I have ever had. The Mexican food at Cantina Agave was quite tasty as was the Indian Food at Kaveen’s Indian Kitchen. Of course, we had the famous dumplings at Wang Jia Sha – and they were fantastic. Also, the lychee martini at the Peninsula Hotel rooftop bar is not to be missed. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdv_mY4HO3-7sjwz9hAny-BGUfk3wgY-jJTnhWsuV4Z6k8UYx8mIl0anbftMYmkPoxc_l6Iv8DDeKcEaeh6KkbLc89T9vVTuK7gQmWJAjOorKIfiC93w0Y4cnEvvrXomfYZDplKhErg/s320/DSC_0051.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629178364666763378" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></span><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We had so much fun shopping. We spent quite a lot of time at the Taobao Market on Nanjing Road. The market, also known as the fake market, has everything and anything: underwear, pearls, fake luxury goods, and all sorts of electronics, even the iPad2. It was a bit overwhelming at first because the vendors are quite aggressive. They are not afraid to pull your arm and drag you into their stall. The first thing we purchased was coats. Shanghai was quite cold compared to Hong Kong, so we each purchased a faux </span></span><a href="http://www.moncler.it/%5Ct_blank" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 37, 8); "><span style="color:blue;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Moncler</span></span></u></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> puffy jacket. Now, I can look like the Michelin Man in style! We bought a lot of odds and ends and had a ball doing it. The bargaining is the best part. Whatever price they seller names, you cut by about 40 to 60 percent.</span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZrsCoY8YKtpONxhiU77SE3-fHiaMrplIofZUq5HQ7JdlGL5mArPM7Z23vtbT3N9hUsNREnnh5BWtQ9JtYZf5aH7r8KmmEU0TRGVn4JheFEqqpzj6KoZotOfzDLRm3jEPtUQSnAoIAg/s320/DSC_0028.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629180268678235442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We also shopped in the boutiques on Xinle Road and in Xintiandi, but thought they were overpriced so we did not buy anything.</span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The sightseeing was great. We saw the Bund, the Pearl Museum, People’s Square, and Shanghai Old Town. We went to a traditional tea ceremony and then to an authentic restaurant where nobody spoke English and there was no English menu. The food we were served was not bad but we left the restaurant still hungry and ate again two hours later.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5fPD8WtUofSJFGKTi_vYP_fd6O0RGIfaHlzA4lXQfcTfnv4_-Ue5BvcGQUg7yEmL6euXObIx2OsGxSkXkQwOnGJ6u5DemeO0omLTxyXUqSkG5orqwWcfDXWMv7jH_NQETIueZrjKQw/s320/DSC_0117.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629180263722174562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We also got reflexology. Like everywhere in Asia, there are tons of reflexology places. Ending the day with a foot massage is always a good idea. There is a foot massage place right across the road from the Hilton. Go see number 23, or Mike as one of his clients calls him. My guess is this client is a Michael Jordan fan. One thing I should mention about traveling with Cheryl is that people talk to her. If there is a survey to be taken, Cheryl is always selected. If there is one person who knows English in an entire city, they will find Cheryl and talk to her. Mike was the only person in the foot massage place that knew English, and he did not stop talking to Cheryl the entire hour. He told us his entire life story about how he learned English in middle school and the only job he can have in China is a masseur because he is blind.</span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I loved Shanghai and I even got a little bit of work done thanks to Cheryl’s assistance.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvvcVbPxOXEOewyCui3IV4n0HkaM8Z3pL-Rw4sXOONMx1kR_yQtgsaCtv107lw4ZXHl8iB8WYFlRepeOcI5pgSIKYMFcmU9XRVNJzAE4ffqSjBtCwfJuARFokDj71J7Vula_Le7MzuA/s320/DSC_0036.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629178359035331570" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></span></span></div></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10995515022854129315noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63977780208711933.post-41314688311611998192011-05-10T01:27:00.000-07:002011-07-14T05:35:36.998-07:00Nothing to See in Seebu… Cebu<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxs4F7UoTgVOdE0RTEFEBmwZdAu3DX8tIRGF0wIfDfDuwyKkbHxk7Atx9t5vKD5wPyhBZzPAKx7D3cN4-qwDVg-Yp8fqMvFuf93HDk3Ps3nFsH8heK9f6zS7nKsTqTJNe82XrfBsHOKA/s1600/DSCN2270.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxs4F7UoTgVOdE0RTEFEBmwZdAu3DX8tIRGF0wIfDfDuwyKkbHxk7Atx9t5vKD5wPyhBZzPAKx7D3cN4-qwDVg-Yp8fqMvFuf93HDk3Ps3nFsH8heK9f6zS7nKsTqTJNe82XrfBsHOKA/s200/DSCN2270.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605001937009452690" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;mso-bidi-"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I am finally posting an entry on my first real Asian trip, to Cebu, Philippines. How did I end up in the Philippines? The idea of a nice resort, the </span></span><a href="http://www.shangri-la.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Shangri-La</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">, an advantageous price, sun, beach and a short two hour flight was too appealing. Also, when I went in March, Hong Kong was still a bit cold, and I was ending an exhausting week long off-site. So my colleague, friend and travel buddy Cheryl and I hopped an early morning flight to ensure that we got the most bang (i.e. sun) for our buck.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;mso-bidi-"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Day 1 was great. The flight was smooth, and the hotel picked us up and drove us directly to the resort. We hit the beach right away, swam in the wonderful pool, enjoyed two delicious meals and slept amazingly well in the large comfortable hotel beds.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 255); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Uy3S5NitAvJfbgBVLFaPB4MbLZtO4Yypwl2QA2-mD6E6hAEXhNN9xklP14xcHC-5NoFa2I1jSEwGq16f4yTI0QSMybVXFd35tJ8Iml1FkNNvbVOR8XheHOABHqJv7hlXGJAjN00vYw/s320/DSCN2264.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605002551620645442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></p><div><span style="line-height:115%; mso-bidi-"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">On day 2, we decided to venture outside of the resort gates and explore the local area. I was hoping to try some local food as well. As soon as we walked outside the gates, there was a souvenir shop with some old swim goggles, t-shirts and, strangely, </span></span><a href="http://www.envirosax.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Envirosax</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">. There was also some sort of massage place, a restaurant and a not very well stocked convenience store. We felt very local as we mixed and mingled with chickens, goats and random children roaming around the side of the road. The children asked me to buy them ice cream… and if I was gay. At that point we started walking back to the resort but not before I was able to see a man exposing himself.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="line-height:115%; mso-bidi-"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 255); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMK_hrZQDMwskL8oUC7O7ob71hyy5wjBYctqjVUc2n3EpNL7rR_QMnbxyW7CpuwUnIFDa7k2RpZ4Bt5VHjtcpimB74GU6aan3MpjNyywRMps2UY_EoxycpKLieM9xDXDPDhivCGFAFw/s320/DSCN2267.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605003507955195682" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></div><div><span style="line-height:115%;mso-bidi-"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Now a normal person would probably not leave the resort again, but we found out there was a shopping mall nearby and a hotel shuttle to take you there. We caught the shuttle and started making the hour long drive to the mall. As we were driving, Cheryl asked me if something had happened in the area around our hotel. It looked somewhat like the pictures of Haiti. Cheryl also remarked if I noticed that a lot of the men were not fully clothed</span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;mso-bidi-"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">. Unfortunately, I did. I understand it is hot and all, but it was really odd that men were not fully clothed. This was definitely not an if-you’ve-got-it-flaunt it situation by any means.</span></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%; mso-bidi-"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Upon arriving at the shopping mall, I immediately noticed there were separate men's and women's entrances, with security guards and metal detectors at each. I contemplated not going into the mall and staying on the shuttle, but it was driving another hour to a different shopping mall. I was not sure I wanted to see more of Cebu or go any further from the safety of the resort. However, we manned up and went in.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="line-height:115%; mso-bidi-"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Inside the mall, it was surprisingly rather nice. There was a great duty-free store with a good selection of bags, a Haviana store, a Technomarine store, a Sanuk store, a health food grocery store, many jewelry stores and a </span></span><a href="http://www.fitflop.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Fit Flop</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> store, to name just a few. There was also a pretty good selection of Western food, including KFC, Pizza Hut, and Auntie Anne's Pretzels. Immediately, we decided to eat with the locals… at Pizza Hut. So much for trying Filipino cuisine! <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%; mso-bidi-"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 255); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWIJK0AhwXpGrd4ipfW0OTX9p8jhcWcRcLCTBa714Tf33PXivaQVryTlIg1CAbq-UpSE-6Jr9QJEMuMpacJFVqOnEoJJdXCbYX3kLNRMTyhSUETNQLA9IiYKkGSpG8MySXZIRJ0cw9Q/s320/IMG_0006.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605003698195793394" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;mso-bidi-"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">We ended up having a good time at the mall. We both bought Fit Flops. I know some of you think they are ugly, but I promise you they are the most comfortable flip flops ever. I also purchased a Bally bag and some tea -- another weird combo. The biggest disappointment was that Auntie Anne's only accepted cash. Neither of us wanted to withdraw Filipino currency. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;mso-bidi-"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">The mall trip concluded with another ride through the beautiful Cebu scenery. The shantytowns and half-naked men urinating in the street were glorious. We also spotted the local public transportation of choice: the Jeepney. Jeepneys are open buses made from Jeeps left behind by the US Military in WWII. They are all colorfully decorated and very crowded -- so crowded that people </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">ride on the roof.</span></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMVxSLG0q3Xa1_jqUZG0ZTfcSKfJvijHQduRhCdk7bOSxoWGjC1Tn2-p0KgiY2jWF3tdW4LqskXuJP5W0AXwtkz4Hsih_A0atB1xDH33JD7jj6jPDVHCHNKe-M8edEJVGyuhcsYvZTw/s320/ForondaJeepney.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605006104403250130" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 244px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%; mso-fareast-mso-bidi-mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">The rest of the trip was thankfully uneventful. I am happy I went. I had a lot of laughs with Cheryl and came back to Hong Kong well rested and ready to work. However, I do not think I will be going back anytime soon.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="line-height:115%; mso-fareast-mso-bidi-mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">P.S. As we were leaving, we regretted not using the Spa Services… until we returned to Hong Kong and learned that a coworker</span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%; mso-fareast-mso-bidi-mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CNfont-family:Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> spent a week in the hospital after a visit. He was cut while receiving a pedicure with unclean tools and was admitted to a hospital upon returning hom</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">e.</span></span> <!--EndFragment--></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10995515022854129315noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63977780208711933.post-51026572799400578792011-05-04T06:33:00.000-07:002011-07-14T05:26:38.802-07:00Fly fishing Argentina 2011<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSz522LXjYAbdSnYU1V6SQm-9JeOI9ifQwNIfzBAp7EWGKJ8StrpGnh6AEjyT-6EYiaGW4OGlz-NHmnsS2JzYPVkBWob0Tu37nI3WfyjJOnX1EWvDuMMrYhCsl8j9aEFMQTU48aZgf6A/s1600/DSCN0992.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSz522LXjYAbdSnYU1V6SQm-9JeOI9ifQwNIfzBAp7EWGKJ8StrpGnh6AEjyT-6EYiaGW4OGlz-NHmnsS2JzYPVkBWob0Tu37nI3WfyjJOnX1EWvDuMMrYhCsl8j9aEFMQTU48aZgf6A/s200/DSCN0992.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602857672892787410" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">t</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">ravel blog by Dave Marinaro</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></span><p class="Headline2"><span style="color:windowtext;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Saturday January 15th –<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="Headline2"><span style="color:windowtext;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Rising at 3:30 AM, the two hour trip from Bonita Springs across alligator alley finds us arriving at Miami International Airport in time for our 13 hour flight to Buenos Aires (BA). Although difficult to find someone at MIA that spoke English, that is not a problem as we arrive in BA --- “welcome” says the passport control agent. Many in Argentina are proud that they speak English. Hmm!</span></span></span></p><p class="Headline2"><span style="color:windowtext;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Hotel Check-in<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">After a non-eventful hotel check-in, its time to go to one of my favorite BA charascarias -- enjoyed a small filet accompanied by a bottle of Alamos malbec. Pop that cholestoral pill because this was only the start of two weeks of hedonistic consumption of beef and wine. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span><span class="Green"><span style="line-height: 120%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Fiera San Telmo and Porto Madiera</span></span></span></span><span class="Green"><span style="line-height:120%;Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></span></span></span><div><span style="color:windowtext;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Green"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="line-height:120%;Times New Roman""></span></span></span></span><span style="color:windowtext;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Sunday January 16th–</span></span></span><!--StartFragment--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></span><p class="BodyA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Sunday means the fair at San Telmo. One of the oldest sections of BA, San Telmo hosts a weekly event featuring antiques, street vendors and entertainers, including tango dancers, mimes, and puppeteers that capture your interest while you shop for unique treasures from the trip. Have lunch with friends at one of the many second floor eateries. Dinner at Marcello’s in Porto Madiera that evening --- this was the second finest Italian dinner that I have ever had (sorry Ricardo(our waiter), but our family Ravioli are a bit superior -- ask Kate how good they are), but I must admit, your recommendation of a Rutini malbec was a keeper.</span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZC3h3pJbeNULAOmQF1g2SZ8HBQ3KJ3FbzAFaZ_Y2PxA0bdKjM0s34jknqvv_yNBlnQHAUzW97Dnraf5iMYyYSEt1k05wAEXOX1gJccYjdng3_cF4SNGeCAK7i78zRlJUAOKKBaiC2Q/s320/DSCN0903-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602858561449942306" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></span></span><p class="BodyA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Monday January 17th –</span></span></p><p class="BodyA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Shop til you drop!</span></span></p> <p class="BodyA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">There is probably nothing more amusing than watching a group of male travelers with 8 business hours to find a few special gifts. Unless they have a plan! Then it is an art form. Aided by our model and fashionista Betty Breedlove, we finished in less than five hours.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq66lUUdEQrIDUvtU6JW4HNLQ-xVsX7PU3ne9Wy4o9ngD5FHAQugc1mnpjSn4-MEWdgHcByAP0xB9u8Jo1ZMK4unPoWoMaNWtLFxi-JMfJ0r5mF0zDO0mkN_yoRieV-KfwTiJ97QXEBA/s320/IMG_0010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602860259306719618" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRAAbYN8rPBRRqgCydNjNt7cUegkWpAJF1b-chlj95xzT0b1SVzbrPeWFGOpE28Ji5FaKR0q74idrsdS2lM4YD7p89Q5O9PbbfO0v8Nvl_JT30Yc9PdXDI2d_aPjQtDdFOTGjzI0nCQ/s320/DSCN0894.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602857921351974290" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span><p class="BodyA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Then off to the Tango show -- the dancers and singers were amazing. Their hair slicked back with 10w40 vaseline, the male dancers tossed the women like weightless dolls. With impeccable timing, it was easy to see that this was an event that must been seen live -- an Argentine cultural treasure.</span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoncvWiCamhZsQD-eYeZj5xoSYeDOilVbIkDue1CSJyK9pj0FR24W-DjQFq1o4Anmb6mzlh99oxXD8PEbRo01N0E0sq3AXZmaidsImGuCZVWYIQ5hQEHC04XK18ANqj1bqYPZpYFmLuA/s320/DSCN0897-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602861154170334258" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></span></span><p class="BodyA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Tuesday Jan 18th through Friday Jan 21st -</span></span></p><!--StartFragment--> <p class="BodyA"><u><span style="line-height: 120%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Dave’ sTravel rule # 1</span></span></span></u><span style="line-height: 120%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> -- </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 120%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Never trust the airline and always check your departure time<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="BodyA"><u><span style="line-height: 120%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Dave’s</span></span></span></u><u><span style="line-height: 120%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></span></span></u><u><span style="line-height: 120%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Travel rule #2</span></span></span></u><span style="line-height: 120%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 120%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">--- </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 120%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Arrive early<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="BodyA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">We almost missed our flight! </span></span></p><p class="BodyA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Saturday Jan 22nd</span></span></p><!--StartFragment--> <p class="Headline2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Travel Day<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="BodyA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">11:00 AM -- Time to leave for Challhuaquen and the next fishing stop. Fin del mundo -- at the end of the earth - literally to one of the final settlements before the end of the South American continent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="BodyA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Our driver, Ricardo shows up on time with a brand new van and a greeting --- good morning he says! English! Oh yes, it is important that we learn for our visitors.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="BodyA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">About two hours into the trip Recardo inquires if we would like to stop for lunch --- needless to say that we have not eaten enough on the trip so far --- so yes. We stop in Bolam, Argentina in the middle of the Andes -- a small hippyish town with a street fair in progress. We have a wonderful lunch --- a little Argentine beef, a little Altos las Hormigas malbec followed by local raspberries with cream, and it is time to visit the fair. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="BodyA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Did I mention that they have outstanding food and wine in Argentina? If you are keeping tabs, I will summarize the best wines of the trip later.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="Headline2"><span style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">As we depart Bolam, Ricardo asks did you like the raspberries? --- why yes. Then we will stop at my uncle’s farm and get a few baskets to eat on the journey. Is life good or what?</span></span></span></p><p class="Headline2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="color:black;"></span></span></span><u><span style="line-height: 120%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Challhuaquen - </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">fishing place in the native language</span></span></p> <p class="Headline1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Sunday January 23th through Wednesday Jan 26th<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="BodyA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">After the four hour drive ----</span></span></p> <p class="BodyA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">It was like meeting old friends. Guillermo, our head guide, was joined by Pablo, his assistant, and others from the lodge who greeted us with friendly handshakes, bear hugs and words of recognition and remembrance. Dave Breedlove and I had been her three years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="BodyA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Guillermo points to his Keenes (fly fishing shoes) that I gave him on our last visit and smiles to show that he remembered us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhq8rzAw9ioqSdYeJpnyx-ZyuK_nEBnT3zno3FI-5cSGEGXw9niZKyavT2krdsezHtD76Of1ar2npEpArKz7VTMdJNDP6ZsdxQf0uHYY1XUK3lg93_PzIScSLCwQ3YAop-B5g7kL6Sw/s320/DSCN0934.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602859010986122626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span> </span></span><p class="BodyA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">After a quick tour of the facility for the newbies and an introduction to our rooms, we adjourn to the lounge for a greeting beverage of champaign with cassis. The staff is introduced --- our Chef Hermann, hostess Veronica, and manager Gustavo.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="BodyA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">We then enjoyed four days and five nights of the greatest fly fishing, world class meals and bottomless glasses of Argentine malbec imaginable. The fish were bigger and stronger than I remembered, the weather was summer-like and the meals were unforgettable. Nightly, Hermann, would announce the evening’s dinner offering with a big smile in his best Spanglish before service began --- we understood; then after dinner he would come bursting through the swinging service door like a bull with two thumbs up inquiring, OK? The best!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBWoHLSfYOH0wFVRlz9IFbviz2j54dvFM7anv9auoekLCGQWvXblJihsdWw7PshdHbTqH-fvWkEwrXqEmUdw40qAIfWQxRPMFzZ72ZcVtqb2Zw75HY35ghxm7RndTKJMSZizCMXO2jg/s320/DSCN0981.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602862449395665186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span> </span></span><p class="BodyA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Each catch took 20 to 30 minutes to land. Big, tricky, and strong, unlike anything we have caught elsewhere. Guillermo and Pablo took us to the best fishing holes on the river. And to my delight, the flies that I had tied worked like a charm! On the last day I caught 13 fish on one of my lures --- that was exciting. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2STtZtznqoqfAlaZCwS9gVwGJiR-aReLQaYM4m4nxgJpiLtFUEArll_Tvm9d35CcjWj3aqMaAC8dmJYDdSDPLcLmjsTcHdmiJxvljNGcdW_-g9IWJ7B1zPryqBmEXViRtoozca5ei-w/s320/DSCN0958.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602862428551931954" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">It was interesting to note that about 2 1/2 years earlier this entire territory had over 20 inches of ash from a Chilean volcano that erupted less than 50 miles to the West. All evidence of the event was gone and the earth had fully recovered. Wow</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">!</span></span></div><!--EndFragment--><!--EndFragment--><!--EndFragment--><!--EndFragment--><!--EndFragment--><!--EndFragment--></div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="BodyA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">We hated to leave.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIrwoEeJauXWnAkwXKQHkNjhdplKENp8ZqY3bzgbGqeLZ1aijbn7avy19iiaRQM4V_5f1Im6bOVNXKCkMLU-MrZwVpODBQSpI2NE0A5jUcdf2-eOJfsEGsrppPnTE3vweeyZDCCvB2g/s320/DSCN0901.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602861158493447090" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasu02OXYj3JiX7igsecL5ZG68U0nK8SrIJO-bcn-seVD-9CSXpIw7KrpP2kOVA8L_Yl8AYJQHXgVoaUBhPUs5d9NR67I_NiPysXY5cMpkY0gvn7PX_JaeTq0jAj_S-mFu_S3DSrxNLA/s320/DSCN0980.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602862447140752642" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZvCQf5wk-ktmhAaOIjSSCk4LnqrAN1tAAiYRf20_PVtDN0bXWDVa7jf1wycnyIi6K_tQ0JJ0Kep5yPK5YKRFi7oMUzIRaiBYDU_TE4oGlBVJcT9kS-EldjC-HHtkvlH-XgwqcnOiPQ/s320/DSCN0979+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602862440695007314" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIH0bsh5hzOj7_ZP_zhLJhMCfTKBxn9oVscZ-gxfOMlo1VcDc8VEmwdMl66yEDyDAcZFzCzv0jf1JObkCbTgQGfiqn2h_rjbIU6xmb_aCUAF0GKTCkUjxmek1XqeAjiXo4hixmi7SsEQ/s320/DSCN0989-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602864627100488306" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTngdLXFnL_p2qFNoYyQWdvTupCbeUEjcLuIB2ZkCkmnZGqUxvBwqWRBkIV70UvCzzEYn2-Oi9PeOAniINFphWUG0vE94Sj7Y9qdV06BJPptbrpkyT8dszBQPrIBZ-ao4ZS1-LDHyFOw/s320/DSCN0983.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602864614744802562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWpK7LolQB4DIntVGGVLCiXhcM1HaRVCQQ1WoipbPJmdtLazhhwuSE3N_eDoIIBPSUTtC_1aDE61f-MVCeGJVglz0a5Xh55kQsNdKs8HHKufgoK5zpi2kEMC_-OkrLxiH_KX8GKHTLg/s320/DSCN0985.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602864622776335938" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCy_05nH6mFrujjcii07p4E0XEhhmx423PuZd9z3oZa6cPmXTnQ4A7jh32-kq6mQdd7-gTncSNCyX3jfjN0cCxh7XjtZQmWgeuxyOX7R2SguX_GlN5AN0U9T0dJwXLIOhNmVrvQPXJLA/s320/DSCN0942.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602864600297273074" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbGIbJWL_1q2B74vGB1LQdTxC9qfXEaBlRUfkm9Kz7P1O-YmLFqnD8yJD4qSov9ra9bb6uHQBBYAJlPHujiusMXNfugsO3pgGGWKpDd7aSaa3mvIk1-MJERQ5DaYG5l-xAjqqQpytjA/s320/DSCN0991.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602866642466051378" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 233px; " /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcaFWotjZ4oN1imOU_DN0hDtASxDqhIt330nMse6XglDF4FeIwJCeO6egGvLa8hyphenhyphenpZ4p-5tSbniGnH6htUcE_6MHHUKSpN5sMBxThvveMVEqzmHNPu0UUOdS7wlzPWwq1w8z6S-BJUhA/s320/DSCN1001.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602866644769186242" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpC5nR62XqUvuiIKXGrj4crupkq8tq2aYdIzOd58XDegiAeNWblswg5rGfUZYMvfc3PiNWVkFwfMEp7lvXdTPHCGuIIdI33xVEG5cTnhnWqi5639iqe2Ik4_sCFjn34dQuAdXQMD_UA/s320/DSCN1028.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602866663658200114" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQwAoISgvVFYKR9uJj0mXhf3MVWoR-vnVfxZfiONYmXMMwXI4Umz8f9_FQE5xUsnXyM_CEjdSeZtKlIxgoReWseaIKCif_n1hZ-MQGQuchNGuSdPOOGEfs-QG1Vlf8I2CccBzqgmJsw/s320/DSCN1016.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602866659079990114" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIhEye_3kpFt-0bdK43kFV9bG6pCA6MWdc6-kyMW8KtNaaN5Zmj4zmEocDR0AQKyy5RvkX-yyFF1WDJ8U9Qi8UK3039VI3zk1MExf7n32lcq2wU_SxDkBeKVibBgVgSurA7IyllSYzA/s320/IMG_4293.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602869024449046738" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4Gj7pc6jml_ghOQCbhmOMcATwOcgQdDq9l8ggmgrZaw_bxs0-QLAOx-CcklG6AV9mgYbgVEIvup_vbK91MKqSmcTyXmeBWVq15VPvfbgdYYmS_kp9RVj38Fr-0cbRO5RQgnx32jpnQ/s320/IMG_0003.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602869019033989106" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Aunt Pam asking for chocolate</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10995515022854129315noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63977780208711933.post-19827222275066028052011-05-02T05:39:00.000-07:002011-07-14T05:25:20.269-07:00Pescando en Patagonia<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsqzzvBcDpSLYQTkhFTI3Xp98QvZkCFpQWs38b5eLi-ScY5vC3w_Jo5gxz3qPhYWwLgyD2M0pc91yFEagx1tvYR5dVVCH0ncSrTA0RPuVGuDjl-zvVYH56G859Fj4WOn31uBDFH_ZAw/s1600/IMG_0433.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsqzzvBcDpSLYQTkhFTI3Xp98QvZkCFpQWs38b5eLi-ScY5vC3w_Jo5gxz3qPhYWwLgyD2M0pc91yFEagx1tvYR5dVVCH0ncSrTA0RPuVGuDjl-zvVYH56G859Fj4WOn31uBDFH_ZAw/s200/IMG_0433.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602099202416255890" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Dear readers,</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(80, 0, 80); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I am not being held by the Chinese government with Ai Weiwei; I have just been busy with work. </span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(80, 0, 80); "></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">It turns out that my company did not send me to Asia to party and sit on the beach. Major bummer. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Entries will be posted soon describing a few of my Asian adventures. Until then, please enjoy Pony and Trap's inaugural guest blogger.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80); "></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">¡Vamos a Argentina con mi tio, David!</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">-Kate</span></span></span></span></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10995515022854129315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63977780208711933.post-63277387059185911252011-01-25T04:11:00.000-08:002011-01-25T04:34:15.425-08:00你好 - Ni hao<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXvYMlMUhlFiGhUbiezgbfy6cTbR53kKZibdjZe-739KfKpxGEhbTy2fv8Vd8U_7czLfRjPsDOedvctLvdUa4061yxEzLJvfL-sDbggEF9GWPoZpcxONiqrSzsgdnkmtVzLquaAUHWBA/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXvYMlMUhlFiGhUbiezgbfy6cTbR53kKZibdjZe-739KfKpxGEhbTy2fv8Vd8U_7czLfRjPsDOedvctLvdUa4061yxEzLJvfL-sDbggEF9GWPoZpcxONiqrSzsgdnkmtVzLquaAUHWBA/s200/DSC_0022.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566098945641043106" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">As many of you know, Pony and Trap HQ has moved from Manhattan to Hong Kong. I would like to thank my employer for inviting me to come here, my dear friends Shanta and Beth for packing me to get here, and Cathay Pacific for getting me here safely and quite comfortably. I would like to condemn the weather application on my iPhone. Simply put, it sucks! Prior to leaving New York, it informed me that it would be 70</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">°</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">F in Hong Kong. It is more like 30</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">°</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">F. I am freezing. I have already bought a space heater and a cheap red coat, complete with a fake fur hood. If this weather continues, I will have packed all the wrong clothes. Well, Shanta and Beth will have packed all the wrong clothes.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Anyway, back to my move… The flight over was a cinch. I was out cold almost the entire way. I am a tad bit disappointed; I missed the three meals that were served. Apparently, I was so dead-to-the-world that the gentleman across the aisle checked whether I was breathing one or twice.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">A few days before arriving in Hong Kong, I learned that my apartment was not ready for me yet. I am in a temporary apartment for the next two weeks. When I first arrived I was upset, as the temporary apartment did not have hot water. After a few emails and a call to my global mobility caseworker, I was quickly upgraded to a larger, nicer apartment on the 22nd floor, with lots of hot water.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Similarly, my visa was not ready when I arrived. I received it the day after I arrived (Saturday) and was told that I had to leave Hong Kong the next day to get it validated. So off to Macau I went for the day.</span></span></p> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8jvp6Iwq2OnHByWx8RGrquo9JfOMxzAy_ihKZeEaceBUcME8WzXr0qdOb8hpTQnlJMgV_RGSFZYkRCkF05vsshnyp0WPx4gDbDWqv-_tygtog-tkSu1lIUz4WkpTZf6dHRvi2GL8RQ/s320/DSC_0021.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566099867403007250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';">It is about an hour by high-speed ferry to Macau, which is the only place in China where casinos are legal. It is often called the Vegas of Asia. I found it much more charming than Vegas, with its colonial Portuguese influence still very apparent. I met two ladies at the ferry port who were going to Macau for the same reason, so I toured the island and had a Portuguese lunch with them.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7JRsAskDp_r-uAV4AiNNg3fUFN_aZV_SxZjaV0Thq0bw0WLkRKxCNcguWIWLjmtueMyCZ2slHc_jN0HlzdGnrxDiFVcZjrTj8odXoonnvhTW3jHtpGlgqKAv-gznrbv6egUtnITWRg/s320/CSC_0048.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566099875449644226" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></span></o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Apart from the cold weather, Hong Kong is to my likening. I am only six days in and have spent four of those days working. I was a bit disappointed that I started work on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, as this would normally be a day off, but then I learned that I would have two days off for the Chinese New Year this month.</span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQEzYHNvACL3ZQDKQPRgXNvFI58PMGwj0Lse0kyjWt-5K0LlhQDnzchzU_KF27PKgcw6uP5uwn140GU8t1va0BCEFn648WmKwyNfz9DDyZb4lpPufnV6nIEmQkaRQL4vmlMUB_GzagQ/s320/CSC_0013.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566100656941553778" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I hope to explore more this weekend, buy some warm clothes and attempt to get a local personal cell phone. Also, we are having a potluck lunch celebration for the Chinese New Year at work on Monday. I have to bring something. Any suggestions?</span></span><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--></div></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10995515022854129315noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63977780208711933.post-31217697748227297812011-01-20T04:55:00.000-08:002012-08-23T01:11:43.329-07:00A Wedding, a Birthday and a Snowstorm<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9jw7xbU4MYflOMPHh0Eyyu9YGcnZ-tw3JU3m0-w4k80qmkVsPHo0BEm64dKREPL_7nj4YytqUQ60kbnjgKHmOuquLgxoZyI0dTxsHw-uZnTSUdbgB3oufcLifbIYwd5QVah5M0y4uA/s1600/DSC_0088.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564253135387069682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9jw7xbU4MYflOMPHh0Eyyu9YGcnZ-tw3JU3m0-w4k80qmkVsPHo0BEm64dKREPL_7nj4YytqUQ60kbnjgKHmOuquLgxoZyI0dTxsHw-uZnTSUdbgB3oufcLifbIYwd5QVah5M0y4uA/s200/DSC_0088.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 134px;" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">December was a busy month! I went to Chicago for my cousin's wedding. I went to Michigan and got stuck. I packed to move to Hong Kong. And I celebrated a birthday! </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">First and foremost, best wishes and congratulations to Olivia and Tim. Your wedding weekend was a blast! Manicures, hot totties, shopping, dancing, a nice hotel and a hospitality suite with fiber bars? What more could one want from a wedding weekend? I am still trying to decide who gets the Dancing MVP Award: Elliott Berry or Matt Berry. Also, who throws a better brunch: Harold and Barbara or Jeremy? Berry family, what are your thoughts?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> </span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564254847600096066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzvCdhjZtZXwiprInc2mAtzDrzdCiDueuhVw6SiU0_N8xExHSVuRPslGmTIFfvcjKTPfV81XR9eorRFoGN2LqIz2AGaSUFita6a9_-ChY0J7lIlHa6omZBmO_CGS0TZNscpbiSe6qIg/s320/CSC_0107.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 213px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">A few days after the wedding, I was on a plane again flying to Michigan. As usual, we had a great holiday complete with the Marinaros' homemade ravioli. Easily the best meal of the year! Michigan was wonderful. There were presents, movies, good food, and family and friends… and all of it lasted three days longer than planned.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564254852333503154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSw9dNjbeOTANpJUnj-qEXFWtZXX_g9qSAIJeEyFt-lQ58hz9BEgtjyVroAV0d2pVelsqTWWjYYsHOW7FBZVf7auv1WAdzQJUj7UBB7XXO903eglJm6kbJhdgNJQj4_jQEWWIABssNA/s320/DSC_0087.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 214px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">On the afternoon of December 26, Delta called and told me that, due to a snowstorm, my flight for next day was canceled. Delta was happy to rebook me to New York via Minneapolis on January 2. They said that if I wanted to try to fly out earlier, I would have to call back once the snow stopped. All day on the 27th, I furiously called Delta and checked their website. They did not even answer their phones and their website was not working! </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Then, on the 28th, I received a text message from a dear family friend, Lisa Gordon, asking if I too was stuck in Michigan and would I be interested in driving back to NYC. Normally, I would not mind staying in Michigan a few extra days, but considering I was embarking on a move to Hong Kong, I had things to do, doctors and dentists to see, an apartment to get ready for Vinnie, clothes to pack*, good-bye dinners to attend -- not to mention work.</span></span></div>
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<o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> </span></span></o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">I quickly called Lisa back, and the plan was in motion. We rented a car and four of us, Lisa, Doroan (Lisa's fiancé), Lisa's friend Stephanie and myself, made the 10-hour trip in a large blue Ford that looked like an undercover police car. Driving it, I felt like a cross between a gypsy cab driver and </span></span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095705"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Frank Drebin</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">.</span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564255959042096034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wiVGOeSPm8uT0YLoTXvQQFaihg6kT29fE6NCH4LREKRc0BytAi8gqz7Ekj0mASnpGBDVmO3PoNBStScxvp-_dI1dfZIQREG6gzoeXviVH2TsYpsCWUkqCPxBHlY2uborJJzjVbEKKw/s320/IMG_0384.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></span></div>
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<o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> </span></span></o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">The drive back was not too bad. We talked and listened to music and ate some tasty Michigan snacks. When we hit traffic around the George Washington Bridge, we stopped off and visited Lisa's sister Julie and her children. Mr. Gordon was at Julie's so we got to have his world famous iced tea, though it was an odd combination with our spaghetti dinner.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">It was nice to have a few extra days with my family, but I was happy to be home.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">*When I say I had clothes to pack, I mean that Beth and Shanta had clothes to pack. I supervised as they prepared me for Hong Kong.</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10995515022854129315noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63977780208711933.post-67850532765608239322010-12-08T19:35:00.000-08:002010-12-08T21:28:42.699-08:00Basel II<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC53s2hembzVWYTHASw4jvysfRXKHfGoqBCSbDGrY4F_WaYGbt7b7xGmU9XwwYVhdlGi92ISs2Nj4L1272RJvigF9IA_ybcmqk7viMe18BX_CAmF3a5ezsVFqZj_VTIJAV_efJovzg_g/s1600/IMG_0361.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC53s2hembzVWYTHASw4jvysfRXKHfGoqBCSbDGrY4F_WaYGbt7b7xGmU9XwwYVhdlGi92ISs2Nj4L1272RJvigF9IA_ybcmqk7viMe18BX_CAmF3a5ezsVFqZj_VTIJAV_efJovzg_g/s200/IMG_0361.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548529735044397138" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Some of you might be disappointed that is entry is not about banking regulations but rather my second attendance of the Miami Art Basel. Alas, my cousin Melissa, who I went to Art Basel with last year, could not attend. So it was just me… and Tony, Marzena, Tue and Caroline in a suite at the </span><a href="http://www.fontainebleau.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Fontainebleau</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. Someone had to represent the family after all.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Helvetica;mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My trip down to Miami was smooth, and my plane arrived earlier than scheduled – this is probably because I did not fly Delta (AKA Don't Ever Leave The Airport). After checking into the hotel, grabbing a bite to eat and buying some food for the suite, my friend Lesley, who lives in Miami, picked me up, and we went to Bal Harbour to enjoy some coffee. Admittedly, we also enjoyed the sales and both bought matching leather shorts, to unleash our inner Tommy Lee, and cute summer jumpers from Calypso. After a delicious dinner with my shopping buddy, I headed back to the Fontainebleau to find my suitemates.</span></span></o:p></span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJZHcxu3_GDLHjWE7LPxMz2iQnj3pA2j57UhnVXBr2qu8WKVTRISY38qzeEHJGMJQ-wjwPiPzJqg_n8eUYZw92T4tfsppowIqA9ZS0A_0D4ld4lobjl9gO0pgQDTqNg3mRcdUqFRQ8w/s1600/IMG_0360.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJZHcxu3_GDLHjWE7LPxMz2iQnj3pA2j57UhnVXBr2qu8WKVTRISY38qzeEHJGMJQ-wjwPiPzJqg_n8eUYZw92T4tfsppowIqA9ZS0A_0D4ld4lobjl9gO0pgQDTqNg3mRcdUqFRQ8w/s320/IMG_0360.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548532532806411010" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBzomANr_VlBTTjmmTY0GmpgY7JhWNQtjKDE8cSZGG5wwLM4bFuVwVjziq0AHuoW6j2EwGYJ_zl15I-oYEMWqte8kep3AKslcL_GBob5EODwe2RmxErj5A5HGdpYr52L1UU4U6Woif5A/s1600/DSCN2231.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBzomANr_VlBTTjmmTY0GmpgY7JhWNQtjKDE8cSZGG5wwLM4bFuVwVjziq0AHuoW6j2EwGYJ_zl15I-oYEMWqte8kep3AKslcL_GBob5EODwe2RmxErj5A5HGdpYr52L1UU4U6Woif5A/s320/DSCN2231.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548530816861809586" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;mso-bidi-font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">As I walked into the hotel, I spotted them heading into Arkadia, one the clubs in the hotel. I immediately changed into my most Kardashian-esque outfit and joined them for some fun. Fun was had by all, and I slept like a baby, even though there were three of us in a king-sized bed – the suite was a bit smaller than I would have liked. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;mso-bidi-font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The weather was beautiful, and after a breakfast cooked by Marzena, we enjoyed a walk on the beach and made our way over to the Convention Center to see some art. There was a 45-minute wait to get in, so I went to the pool instead. I headed back to the Convention Center later in the afternoon while my suitemates were at a yacht party. By that time, the line was gone, and I got to enjoy the art without the crowds.</span></o:p></span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAouY0vHfK_Btbd_VgIUcH6AN3XesFVUPX_maJ80j5DyhjWX4l_LjAUHTyXZzsmM7J1Rl8GY7WmkIno2HG3AQmDWNCRPoUOdU-VEjsPvoiQFQxm-se82tPSF7YXZepmGLAEAz_kpgTVA/s1600/RSCN2234.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAouY0vHfK_Btbd_VgIUcH6AN3XesFVUPX_maJ80j5DyhjWX4l_LjAUHTyXZzsmM7J1Rl8GY7WmkIno2HG3AQmDWNCRPoUOdU-VEjsPvoiQFQxm-se82tPSF7YXZepmGLAEAz_kpgTVA/s320/RSCN2234.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548530195837004802" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;mso-bidi-font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When I left the Convention Center, I headed back to the hotel, where I found my neighbors having quite the party. I tried to take a nap but the techno music was making the room vibrate. Fortunately, the phone rang – Lesley to the rescue! She graciously invited me to dinner and to spend the night in her guest room. Since the suite was quite crowded, I packed my bag and off I went to Lesley’s techno music-free abode.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;mso-bidi-font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lesley, her friend Lidya and I enjoyed a tasty dinner and wine. I also got to meet Lesley's adorable dogs, Bruce and Brandon. The next day, thanks to Lidya, I did something that most people probably do not do at Art Basel: I got a Brazilian Keratin hair straightening treatment. Lidya works for the original</span><a href="http://www.braziliankeratin.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Marcia Teixeira</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> and was kind enough to give me a treatment. If any of you curly haired girls ever find yourself in South Florida, get to Lidya immediately! I think my hair has already grown an inch. Also, I recommend staying at Chez Lesley – she is the Jewish Martha Stewart. You will be more comfortable there than any five-star hotel.</span></span><o:p></o:p></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4IQkMmy5vODPT7-W0X-cnqakruVNtCe62m9JHMh8_XVczpKkSm8mz_BCcZBb2QNsP9kSnHTDMg3t493nLXlj5mu_kmTRvWTWc7f5yIL8co7Mw7ERDuwwIvefvxHWjejqvJbTKxispw/s1600/IMG_0367.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4IQkMmy5vODPT7-W0X-cnqakruVNtCe62m9JHMh8_XVczpKkSm8mz_BCcZBb2QNsP9kSnHTDMg3t493nLXlj5mu_kmTRvWTWc7f5yIL8co7Mw7ERDuwwIvefvxHWjejqvJbTKxispw/s320/IMG_0367.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548531561906211234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a> <!--EndFragment-->Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10995515022854129315noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63977780208711933.post-34231790911402847692010-11-25T19:53:00.000-08:002010-11-28T18:19:34.230-08:00Le Yoga Retreat<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kVdpfBCX2duifUAckNSyuMBZXvaUTa12dcECAWO4zZreWm01POCt-QHygVxS5yZqdC83A34rtfsSOLyViqiD9PNE0LfNMMKC8AgDhvGi0gIm-B0RvzLZuDDboqJU9VJhsCa1gq1Buw/s1600/60636_1565471690005_1031772406_1596071_4315627_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kVdpfBCX2duifUAckNSyuMBZXvaUTa12dcECAWO4zZreWm01POCt-QHygVxS5yZqdC83A34rtfsSOLyViqiD9PNE0LfNMMKC8AgDhvGi0gIm-B0RvzLZuDDboqJU9VJhsCa1gq1Buw/s200/60636_1565471690005_1031772406_1596071_4315627_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543706027692598146" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <!--StartFragment--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><!--StartFragment--> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-outline-level: 1;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">There has been much popular demand (six people!) awaiting my report on my September yoga retreat. Dear readers, your wait is over!</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After the chaotic Israel trip, I decided that I needed a relaxing vacation. I was thinking of places to go when I received an email from one of my yoga teachers about a retreat he was running in the South of France in mid-September. I immediately contacted him and signed up to attend. So I packed my yoga clothes, called Delta and off I went to France.</span></span><span style="font-family:Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The plane ride there was not fun. Delta’s finest had traveled through time from 1974, replete with comfortable seats and one TV screen for every 30 seats. Alas, I did not have a view of the tiny 2-inch communal screen. Moreover, the guy next to me was wearing the exact same outfit as me. No, I was not dressed like a man. I was wearing a blue-and-white checked shirt and white pants with a blue scarf. (I wore it better!) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My seatmate took our his-and-her outfits as a signal that he was supposed to talk to me the entire flight. I know what you are thinking – I should be onboard with talking. I can talk with the best of them. However, I had taken a little pill to take the edge off, but due to the Delta seats and this guy talking about clubs he wanted to go to in St. Tropez, I did not sleep a wink.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The yoga retreat hospitality manager picked up my roommate-to-be and me at the airport and then drove us to the villa in Tourette, where the retreat was held. The villa was beautiful and my room comfortable. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqki9uzuTqE4ssRPRHV-1sj7l24e2SWeznaXqch9sJc87Vsf0flZ7qk8xryY5F27B48kZfJi4S_NQW_SVtNZ8uHJDVu4I6u3DFwvCeK5nGFL3lQHtDkBZGNn-CpcKC4Tj1jX7AimIYA/s320/33752_1606037584127_1031772406_1676655_5726846_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543706186924817746" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Upon arrival, I was informed that there was a brunch, yoga class and dinner scheduled for that first day. I had a few hours to spare, so I decided to take a little nap. I asked for a wake-up call about a half-hour before brunch. When I awoke as the sun was setting, I freaked and ran to ask the hospitality manager why he had not awakened me.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Apparently, he had tried, but I just kept sleeping. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Having jolted myself awake, I was tired but frenzied as I tried to speak to my fellow yoga retreaters. I felt like an idiot for being the only person to sleep the day away. I blame my seatmate.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I went to bed hoping the next day would be better … after looking for flights home. I calmed down and looked forward to a fresh start in the morning.</span></span><span style="font-family:Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCnyY5DyVEtvMpMpaLIpLPuPUi2p7xtuRDgqBa9RlE_8dt8XusIuWfAcsAWyANwBpd2oWHkZ4UeTAO6NANVMc87oX3zHGlngOzANgkEljpGOd2GpJNtgXWHhFO3Aof-6TjAUG6kI0GCw/s1600/61126_1565471530001_1031772406_1596069_5863021_n.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCnyY5DyVEtvMpMpaLIpLPuPUi2p7xtuRDgqBa9RlE_8dt8XusIuWfAcsAWyANwBpd2oWHkZ4UeTAO6NANVMc87oX3zHGlngOzANgkEljpGOd2GpJNtgXWHhFO3Aof-6TjAUG6kI0GCw/s320/61126_1565471530001_1031772406_1596069_5863021_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543706760653012738" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And a fresh start it was. The next day and the rest of the week were fabulous, one of the best weeks of my life. I ate healthy food that actually tasted good. I had a vaguely invasive massage, but my shoulders never felt better. I saw some fantastic contemporary art at Maeght Foundation (yes, Grandma, I went - it was the first planned excursion), toured French towns and swam in the Mediterranean. Most importantly, I met some great people. One read my palm and another of whom did</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> my zodiac chart.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Another became my personal financial advisor and </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">followed from store to store reminding me of the recession. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Despite the rough start, I loved the retreat.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">If any of you are looking for a great week of yoga, contact me, and I will share the details.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JhO72V4ghIYzjc5PieZascXO-fAsy0FgYSrIkzOA_Bv8h1jfgMNBqfsjApf9RIWi1xFN22xXZySLyG-oZ12J9upACRMJY555s68WXKtzmz-dXd1Qf-Uk0Va4B2N0wdE3UmBHTCM6eg/s320/73424_1606043144266_1031772406_1676697_364291_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543709629741958226" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4D2YajrolcRBUL6_DCxWfvyo16COMlYWKT-mEX69qQ_spMSLVbk-J7SsF46etHFGhtrzCbwC3o_qRUBN8fv-zcYW6rJnn2fWDDZdNOkpxWmBOJ1yCj9pv_5NCoREqew3jNdvHeS41Q/s320/67568_1606065904835_1031772406_1676787_1062752_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543709635436281490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4AjPlKATmEpitj16j26EQjI6aF2_96o3hplh8nd5HVChdjtBWpFsgKLRFsG0_sBpa0ASJpJ8rtei39jjVGd7DQ4KmOwz66tB8LupJUYw498cMK8fXo8X67a45J0gGhIzMcFucRGk3Q/s1600/37204_1606064664804_1031772406_1676778_4908161_n.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4AjPlKATmEpitj16j26EQjI6aF2_96o3hplh8nd5HVChdjtBWpFsgKLRFsG0_sBpa0ASJpJ8rtei39jjVGd7DQ4KmOwz66tB8LupJUYw498cMK8fXo8X67a45J0gGhIzMcFucRGk3Q/s320/37204_1606064664804_1031772406_1676778_4908161_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543706752394689650" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></a></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0lG1dc-Fjc-OquyFr1aDiEXjZRqWCodT6O9sK-xN1XgydeyKrrSdZSUuhPDCn7heoGCFkGaGs9GdVNjPRj4empPbeokI0L3trZHo7HlYpuqcQ3rNWmaTBWLhQA_ZV5wIHBfwOgHJag/s320/59938_1565473890060_1031772406_1596080_8217178_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543706757773030770" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><br /></p> <!--EndFragment-->Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10995515022854129315noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63977780208711933.post-29189239025346515682010-08-26T21:40:00.000-07:002010-08-27T18:20:01.157-07:00Fit me on the Jitney!<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcItxirkXYIgLETHvNU_NtbS2efGBKXImihdJeRgVCxssvB2sWAxMplOvn33XQ0sRCrP2VlI3t3eW6TNv32AKfisCksRx7PhRuNW5-St8r-A9Qrce3qPV6KQmFqjwqOyEpNbFea_btw/s1600/RSCN2169.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcItxirkXYIgLETHvNU_NtbS2efGBKXImihdJeRgVCxssvB2sWAxMplOvn33XQ0sRCrP2VlI3t3eW6TNv32AKfisCksRx7PhRuNW5-St8r-A9Qrce3qPV6KQmFqjwqOyEpNbFea_btw/s200/RSCN2169.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509945682508939378" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Last week was one of those terrible weeks where everything I touched turned to crap… or should I say pony? While airing my woes to my friend Brian, he suggested a change of scenery might be good and invited me to his Hamptons share house for the coming weekend. Four of our other friends would be there, and as Brian pointed out, a bad time with this group would be impossible.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We immediately booked a reservation on the </span><u><span style="color:blue;"><a href="http://www.hamptonjitney.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Jitney</span></a></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. The great thing about the Jitney, as opposed to train, is that you don’t pay when you make a reservation and a reservation guarantees you a seat. Also, you can cancel the reservation at anytime. And unlike the train, you get served water and snacks.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">As the week went on I became more and more excited about going to East Hampton. Maybe getting away would end my funk. The minute I boarded the Jitney on Friday evening, my luck had already changed. Luc, Daisy, Brian and I were able to find seats together and we made it to East Hampton in less than three hours. (Lisanne and Saleen met us there.)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The next two days were fabulous and filled with eating, shopping and the beach. The beach could not have been better – not too hot, not too cold and not too crowded. Kadima was played, naps were taken and the movie </span><i><u><span style="color:blue;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367085/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Soul Plane</span></a></span></u></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> was discussed. Shopping was quite fun and I got some great pieces, including a much-needed fur hat. I highly recommend a boutique called Vinita Rosa – and tell Lorraine I sent you. I also recommend </span><u><span style="color:blue;"><a href="http://www.Robertafreymann.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Roberta Freymann</span></a></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. She has great tunics, pajamas and quilts.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOv8oe9IZ_Ie-uGKSPSxHXYhz1N8p8Ax-0q6-1oWl8BNa3sqCSgQf1JsIkJoV7ahLxEUoW3FD9ONBGXdAbG3XXc28lmNwdFA6TXf3EA1alC4xiI0LyW38k0ta2iIxQnzx_EB-0zaDeiA/s1600/DSCN2158.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOv8oe9IZ_Ie-uGKSPSxHXYhz1N8p8Ax-0q6-1oWl8BNa3sqCSgQf1JsIkJoV7ahLxEUoW3FD9ONBGXdAbG3XXc28lmNwdFA6TXf3EA1alC4xiI0LyW38k0ta2iIxQnzx_EB-0zaDeiA/s320/DSCN2158.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509946930446843218" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqG1eI1s_Am9-tGo88KFcgHszlpbwU1IoI2lFCnZsP6Kbq6lanBaEzdQKZ1hrN8YqzMq3lNM6YI-deDdpj3YBep1fUGKqdnNFMmEC6KCy7ELmKKbbeyusSQ29e6MaijA7cWmHl0JlUw/s1600/DSCN2160.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqG1eI1s_Am9-tGo88KFcgHszlpbwU1IoI2lFCnZsP6Kbq6lanBaEzdQKZ1hrN8YqzMq3lNM6YI-deDdpj3YBep1fUGKqdnNFMmEC6KCy7ELmKKbbeyusSQ29e6MaijA7cWmHl0JlUw/s320/DSCN2160.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509947966635071970" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Saleen was kind enough to drive us around East Hampton the entire time. He provided great tunes – all Tom Petty, all the time, with a special attention paid to disc four of </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Live Anthology.</span></i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We ate dinner both nights at restaurants that began with the word Blue: Blue Parrot and Blue Sky. At Blue Parrot we saw two of my favorite Johns… Jons, and no, I do not mean the bathroom or my clients. Jon McEnroe and Jon Bon Jovi were having dinner together. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I also managed to have coffee at Golden Pear both mornings and lunch from two different Citarellas. Two is a theme. We even managed to crash Lisanne’s computer twice while attempting to download the movie </span><i><u><span style="color:blue;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0838283/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Step Brothers</span></a></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">.</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> There was also a lot of debate over whether</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><u><span style="color:blue;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0381061/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Casino Royale</span></a></span></u></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> was it an idiotic movie. I do not believe so. </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT, serif;">Btw, clams casino, did Brian mention he wanted to order it? No? Are you sure? Don't worry, I'll ask again later.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The accommodations were fantastic. I slept on a very comfortable air mattress is Brian’s room and discovered that he talks in his sleep in Spanish. I believe he was saying something about clams casino, but I cannot be sure.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Moral of the story: If you are depressed, go to the Hamptons with good friends and listen to Tom Petty.</span></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10995515022854129315noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63977780208711933.post-58351519525258911022010-08-12T17:16:00.000-07:002010-08-12T20:45:54.770-07:00Kangaroos, Kinneret and Kicked off a Kibbutz (Almost!)<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUQsuJJCmyXB6t0dP9q6axHk0T5VjdRspe2vldOga17KE2bLRNKFzHdma9i5t1coZNWM0NLG-crY5L1O85IkAUTeLBnGTzejhUCDimRTKe23hdZDkS5sUDYtdBaBDEAi60RhY0s5iJw/s1600/DSCN2090.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUQsuJJCmyXB6t0dP9q6axHk0T5VjdRspe2vldOga17KE2bLRNKFzHdma9i5t1coZNWM0NLG-crY5L1O85IkAUTeLBnGTzejhUCDimRTKe23hdZDkS5sUDYtdBaBDEAi60RhY0s5iJw/s200/DSCN2090.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504732504918518082" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">In May I spent ten days in Turkey with my friend Lauren. While there, we kept noticing the similarities to Israel: the food, the architecture, the weather, and even the people looked the same. Little did I know I would be going to Israel soon thereafter.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">The day we arrived back in New York, I received a wedding invitation from my Israeli friend, Iddo. The wedding was to be held at a kibbutz in July near the Sea of Galilee, or </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Kinneret</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> in Hebrew, and I was told to be prepared to ride a donkey, swim and sleep in a tent. Having just been a 30-minute flight from Israel, I had no intention of going back to that part of the world so soon. But then I thought, when will I ever be invited to a wedding on a kibbutz again? Also, I like donkeys and swimming.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">My friend Jon was invited to the wedding as well. He booked our flights El Al, which I was really excited about because its security is second to none. However, I was not thrilled to hear Jon tell the El Al booking agent that I needed to be seated behind him because I had a flatulence problem. Once I had our confirmation number, I fixed our seating arrangements, putting myself in a nice window seat near the front of the plane… and Jon in the very back of the plane. The airplane gods were on my side too: I had an empty seat next to me and Jon had two overweight men sitting next to him.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffW5_RfjgLy0E3B63vvRYEJZtzH_5U2q8TumUHkvcbjfwo2fvXjpwX6kOENPJNtt0w2v2mIuboCmTT47l1Fu7q3eSNtABEXnfnPrMDIoAMVDcdVvmJW-13d956_h-heVglsutBcqGPg/s1600/RSCN2172.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffW5_RfjgLy0E3B63vvRYEJZtzH_5U2q8TumUHkvcbjfwo2fvXjpwX6kOENPJNtt0w2v2mIuboCmTT47l1Fu7q3eSNtABEXnfnPrMDIoAMVDcdVvmJW-13d956_h-heVglsutBcqGPg/s320/RSCN2172.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504735297274051698" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">The first two of my five days in Israel were spent in Tel Aviv, I shopped, swam, ate, explored and suffered heat stroke. (Note: do not visit Israel in July or August. The heat is unbearable and it is overcrowded with tourists.) About 60% of establishments are air conditioned, so there was some relief. The shopkeepers of Dizengoff Street thought I was crazy for walking around in the heat of the day. Many of them advised me to go back to my hotel until the sun went down, when Israelis come to life. At night along the beach, there is volleyball, folk dancing and a lighting system that projects into the water for surfing after dark. The joggers and cyclists also emerge after sundown. Needless to say one does not sleep much in Tel Aviv.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">My favorite things about Tel Aviv: the juice bars, burekas, the shopping, great boutiques on Shanken Street, the beach, and hotel security (they were very willing to help me remove Jon from my room).</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSxiaDlS9AT4PHvORfSAPeHRKO7s0zp1meoXSY6XdCfV62nFQWEvmSN_2BUxzHSb5ykAtkCi6ISApUztmTyaihb_r7PQNukHaFlEXdw7QYOPZPefjoOCyyngvizVH7YO5hBDaqpYMQA/s1600/RSCN2173.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSxiaDlS9AT4PHvORfSAPeHRKO7s0zp1meoXSY6XdCfV62nFQWEvmSN_2BUxzHSb5ykAtkCi6ISApUztmTyaihb_r7PQNukHaFlEXdw7QYOPZPefjoOCyyngvizVH7YO5hBDaqpYMQA/s320/RSCN2173.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504734324032249826" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFEOFZ6ve9aun_aVVy7IjMDWV2u9dK9TIpSiN778yOTG6YzF0E5JnNzWFO3JaQgcR5aQWO63vVVdnIVPQKNbg5SpNeoGLTs-NKrJgjN4h_o07V60VFGFoqe7LgHJ8j6afr9cNuicyNg/s1600/DSCN2148.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFEOFZ6ve9aun_aVVy7IjMDWV2u9dK9TIpSiN778yOTG6YzF0E5JnNzWFO3JaQgcR5aQWO63vVVdnIVPQKNbg5SpNeoGLTs-NKrJgjN4h_o07V60VFGFoqe7LgHJ8j6afr9cNuicyNg/s320/DSCN2148.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504734311371145106" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">The second part of the trip was spent on the kibbutz. I traveled there from Tel Aviv with my Israeli friends who live in New York. We drove in a caravan style, and though the trip was only 90 minutes, we stopped for a coffee break and then for a very Israeli picnic consisting of hummus and pita. The Israelis thought this was a major trip that required at the very least two stops. I had to laugh. In the States many people make a similar journey twice in their daily commute. </span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Upon arriving at our destination, an Israeli friend gave me a crash course on </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">kibbutzim</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> (plural of kibbutz). This particular kibbutz was not privatized, but was an authentic kibbutz rooted in socialism and utopian ideals. In other words, it was one of the poorer </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">kibbutzim</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Indeed, it was certainly not the most modern place, but except for the insects, it was quite charming and peaceful. Our communal tent, which was actually an art studio, was, to my delight, right near the barn. The kibbutz had five well cared for horses, a herd of cows, some chickens and a very large swimming pool (for the humans, not the animals). The pool was fabulous but only provided some very temporary relief from the heat, thanks Jon and Oded. I only got to enjoy the pool for about an hour as we were asked to leave because of the boys' illicit behavior.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Over drinks late in the evening, I was thrilled to learn that there was a kangaroo reserve less than 2 km away from the kibbutz. I excitedly looked to my friend Sagi who drove me to the kibbutz, but before I could say anything, he immediately said in his very Israeli accent, “We are not going there.” Everyone died laughing.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">The actual wedding was beautiful, and the bride and groom both looked smashing. There was great food and music and fantastic company – 300 people in total, just an average sized Israeli wedding. Most of the guests came for only the ceremony and reception, and did not stay to actually experience the kibbutz.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMbwDNhKARTOQFSYwjE99xwmZDUQT4nFQ-tXdxeewXujD_ofI91cKT0uSTGzXweCoSQao3TgdhbeJe1ZN_akGNoutv9mJTWlBWDledfsXScs0RXANOzablDYr87UEBOpk78w4p_jXzQ/s1600/DSCN2124.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMbwDNhKARTOQFSYwjE99xwmZDUQT4nFQ-tXdxeewXujD_ofI91cKT0uSTGzXweCoSQao3TgdhbeJe1ZN_akGNoutv9mJTWlBWDledfsXScs0RXANOzablDYr87UEBOpk78w4p_jXzQ/s320/DSCN2124.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504733412030952114" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">On our return trip to Tel Aviv, we only made one stop for gas, but I was happy to discover that the kangaroo farm was next door to the station. The kangaroos were very Israeli and, unlike me, tried to avoid the midday heat by gathering under trees. It was so hot that I couldn't be bothered to argue my case about going inside. Seeing them from the distance was enough. </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10995515022854129315noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63977780208711933.post-22336552123110105502010-07-18T21:05:00.000-07:002010-08-12T15:38:10.491-07:00No Crabs in Seattle<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqp5u7zdZfdJ73LMfeFPrAwAm7DsKmQE9KnYebpw_noap7Gp1TZIMa29KZ5k_ByY22MN1jmr5_bn5mmX6v6WhUd6E6zaICJr4aJd3E58ZpjJ6SXFAzcDXRdDP2PwOgJr6t6dlBOY5Tg/s1600/DSCN2030.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqp5u7zdZfdJ73LMfeFPrAwAm7DsKmQE9KnYebpw_noap7Gp1TZIMa29KZ5k_ByY22MN1jmr5_bn5mmX6v6WhUd6E6zaICJr4aJd3E58ZpjJ6SXFAzcDXRdDP2PwOgJr6t6dlBOY5Tg/s200/DSCN2030.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504648215576225762" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;">When I think of the Fourth of July, BBQs, fireworks, the beach and sun come to mind. This year I took anon-traditional route when my trip to Newport, RI was canceled. I joined four friends for a weekend in Seattle, WA. I had wanted to visit Seattle since the 90’s. Remember grunge, MTV’s The Real World and the movie Singles?</span></div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We had ideas about going to the fish market at Pikes Place and the Space Needle in the city, and then driving outside of Seattle to hike and enjoy the outdoors. We rented a car and even discussed driving to Vancouver for a daytrip. But the car sat in the parking lot most of Day 1, and we ended up returning it early in the trip. This is because I was thrilled with all that Seattle had to offer and quickly dismissed ideas about leaving the city proper.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After meeting my friends at the correct Denny’s, (Note: there are actually 3 Denny’s near the Seattle Airport.), we headed to the Space Needle and were delighted with the pretty park surrounding it. We particularly enjoyed the International Fountain where my friend Todd invented a game where each of us had to touch the silver part of the fountain without getting wet. I lost that game and ended up spending the afternoon in wet clothing. Next up was the Duck Tour. </span></span><u><span style="font-family:";color:#121B0A;"><a href="http://www.ridetheducksofseattle.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">http://www.ridetheducksofseattle.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">.</span></span></u><span style="font-family:";color:#121B0A;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Do not make fun; it was actually quite enjoyable and a great way to see the city. The Duck is an amphibious World War I vehicle, which first shows you all Seattle’s sites while driving on land.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It then drives int<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">o the water to give you a tour of Union Lake.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Music and trivia are also involved in the tour.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG26mFhu2hiWSOAMApc5zNo6ohwLFkYNNb3P-mcPVHWBH3P0-0iGiVr0Ei0T4PIElpcbJswBEnLIFLP6gY0bkG7PP6ctrIW1GvgeTlzIQuj3nHFbCW3QgTewHjTLjLkaFADCiPaDdJFQ/s400/TSRK+Jump.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504649953598148914" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I did spend a good third of the tour trying to make reservations at Salumi, which was apparently closed that weekend. For the first time, Anthony Bourdain disappointed me. His only Seattle restaurant recommendation was a no go. However, throughout the long weekend, we managed to eat at fabulous restaurants despite him. The Edgewater, Elliot’s and Green Leaf were all fabulous as were the sandwiches at Beechers. </span></span><span style="font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We went to the top the Space Needle, and the view was fabulous even while suffering a panic attack. We visited Pikes Place as well. I saw the famous fish throws and sampled the seafood, but the best part hands down were the mini donuts at Daily Donuts. We visited that donut stand more than once.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJEvljqY7vsC_L4-jVIaXA7nfm_XrcHLURk0oeK6vH-uqbX_Q8hoiTNlJqQdYkcIsgnKul2hPd3bJBTxRToorwMlaCnTDJYh2sec07IbUEb77HjBxLtUwveJ6qiT6CG8NBgnhEMKNqg/s320/DSCN2029.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504652791892421730" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The weather cooperated during the trip. It only rained one afternoon and I did not really mind because we were shopping in Nordstrom. Nordstrom was started in Seattle, so yes I flew 3,000 miles to go to Nordstrom and I will tell you the deals at their Anniversary Sale were worth it! </span></span><span style="font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Our trip ended with foot and head massages in Asia Town. One person warned us that you can catch crabs at that type of massage parlor. I am happy to report the only crabs we got were the ones we ate. So Seattle gets a clean review. Also, the people seem nice and honest. Just ask my amiga Shana who left her jewelry all over the city and got it back the next day.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNA-GnS7RXDT7Apxasgq0u8-NR27Evgqdab4IZhBBhHTdJxKO-GfYAcsKiWiv7U3pj7FrjMRrbae1Do4soFhD7tbjWr0z4bA9M-OwFSXXfjjD98t8dDQ4ccd3VoThONf5kWFJi50jttw/s320/RSCN2034.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504655852751362018" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10995515022854129315noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63977780208711933.post-59872107131670372010-07-14T17:28:00.000-07:002010-08-12T20:24:50.976-07:00A Farewell to Hemingway<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">For the first time by popular request, here is the very first Pony and Trap blog entry! And no, the request was not from my mother, but rather from my dear friends, Lynsley, Shanta and Tessa.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></span><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I thought I should start by explaining the name of the blog. Pony and Trap is Cockney slang for rubbish, nonsense or of poor quality. It is often shortened to just Pony. One could say “I am going for a pony” (going to the toilet) or that something is ‘pony’, meaning no good. So yes, if you want to read my rubbish, please keep visiting Pony and Trap. The name was fitting for a few reasons: I am of British ancestry; I ride horses and ponies; and some of my blog entries may be nonsense. I have a collection of notebooks filled with essays about my travels. But I wanted a new place to store my thoughts. As much as I used to love the Moleskine notebooks that make me feel like Ernest Hemingway, they are just not cutting it anymore; they are simply pony.</span></span></span><span style="font-family:sans-serif;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Times New Roman', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Times New Roman', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkF-PpBhrFgbctww2j55ylED3txoXmoOVSLFNDJxZowgvg4_MlfdnPmk4FByeB6XQJAEJNuehbqGpEJqyNKFhxxfwUdDaQiZDdpN4_lQHbS5RWukPx4FnsLsIJui_MHNabxP_oIAeu7A/s1600/Moleskine.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkF-PpBhrFgbctww2j55ylED3txoXmoOVSLFNDJxZowgvg4_MlfdnPmk4FByeB6XQJAEJNuehbqGpEJqyNKFhxxfwUdDaQiZDdpN4_lQHbS5RWukPx4FnsLsIJui_MHNabxP_oIAeu7A/s320/Moleskine.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504728960243552034" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 206px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></span></span></div></div></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10995515022854129315noreply@blogger.com0