tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45199376043950614902024-02-19T16:20:32.216-08:00Bon Voyage!From one travel lover to anotherDevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08812930212354592334noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519937604395061490.post-33375086218329279332010-03-27T07:27:00.001-07:002010-03-27T07:29:33.893-07:00Mission Accomplished<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8r3nEQwHLiel9PUdjVs5Lvk57Wupi2Js17CbseIAgnCdMLVa59wq1fDPTSY5SjGtbzbH5G27A5cY2ehU8VdTH4L5Kt3p82RNq_CazArTouGXZuVUXwkTDQgldtueXitFiZCNIk_Vd3QjG/s1600/devinjumping.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 196px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8r3nEQwHLiel9PUdjVs5Lvk57Wupi2Js17CbseIAgnCdMLVa59wq1fDPTSY5SjGtbzbH5G27A5cY2ehU8VdTH4L5Kt3p82RNq_CazArTouGXZuVUXwkTDQgldtueXitFiZCNIk_Vd3QjG/s320/devinjumping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453320474732246978" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">Here it is...my jumping picture on the Great Wall! </span></span>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08812930212354592334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519937604395061490.post-42112989471384068172010-03-27T07:12:00.000-07:002010-03-27T19:10:13.697-07:00“Hospital transforms Asian woman into Italian-looking twenty-something"<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">When I landed an interview at the </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.sh-shuguang.com/English/">New Generation Cosmetic Surgery Hospital</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> in Shanghai, I could hardly believe it. Rather, I could hardly believe <span style="font-style: italic;">them</span>. This hospital was just in the </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6134TQ20100204">news</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> for offering to help a a woman look more like Jessica Alba to please her boyfriend, so I was a bit startled when the doctors accepted my invitation to meet with them. I expected a brief chat, maybe 10 minutes or so until the surgeons were swept back into the operating room.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">My translator and I set out on our journey, and in the taxi she explained to me that, aside from this publicity, the hospital I was about to visit was one of the most famous hospitals in Shanghai. This did not help my nerves, but I was excited. I was in China, going to one of the most famous hospitals for my own interview with two of the most talked-about surgeons at the moment. This was cool.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The waiting rooms in China are not like the ones in America. Instead of stark, white walls and 5-month old magazines, the New Generation Cosmetic Surgery Hospital had restaurant-style booths where my translator and I could talk privately and even order drinks.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">A young woman came over to get us, and two minutes later I was sitting in the office of Dr. Xu, who has been practicing cosmetic surgery for more than 20 years and is also the manager of the cosmetic surgery unit. I calmed myself down by thinking, “OK, you’ve done this a million times. You have your questions, all you have to do is ask them.” But what happened next, I definitely wasn’t prepared for.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">It all started with a middle-aged man who came into the room and started recording me asking Dr. Xu my questions. Slowly, as Dr. Xu pulled out her “before and after” portfolio of procedures she has performed, other photographers trickled in and started taking pictures. The room filled up to the point where we were directed to leave the small office and move into a bigger one, which was clearly used for promotional purposes – as the back wall was filled with Chinese and American signatures from top to bottom.</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0b6R6zB1LXAvtrl87MOPuFqFTfYfuTlyJkXb1OmcbXXQgXHeO2_V4Zzw0yLAOtqFiLPS673CDCLy3pG3scq_DI0vsrkvEW8X4XORgPgZGMjnujU-_sn2PZUM2gb5EOkKLM3xQMhpPDgX/s1600/BP1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0b6R6zB1LXAvtrl87MOPuFqFTfYfuTlyJkXb1OmcbXXQgXHeO2_V4Zzw0yLAOtqFiLPS673CDCLy3pG3scq_DI0vsrkvEW8X4XORgPgZGMjnujU-_sn2PZUM2gb5EOkKLM3xQMhpPDgX/s320/BP1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453318105653494498" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">I sat down in a chair across from Dr. Xu in hopes of continuing with my interview, but the photographers rushed me back up because it wasn’t a good angle for them. For the next five minutes, the doctors, translator and I were rearranged like a couple of kids playing musical chairs.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I began to get worried when the photographers were not only telling me to pose by pointing at the “before and after” portfolio and smile at the doctor, but they were now screaming at me to point at my own eyes and smile at the camera. I envisioned headlines in the next morning’s China Daily newspaper: “American goes to Shanghai for cosmetic procedure,” or “Hospital transforms Asian woman into Italian-looking twenty-something.”</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNq8aBngEau96am7DkIyQhtNHzvPdpreszXRye0tCoC0dEDIw9BJpQm1Uy3KH173L5Pz6zr5qSI3xDFBO-OD08LpYrQynY35MX7U9-3A_NszicK6tris24NCx11S2i2zNMH8jabV6NT-T/s1600/BP+3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNq8aBngEau96am7DkIyQhtNHzvPdpreszXRye0tCoC0dEDIw9BJpQm1Uy3KH173L5Pz6zr5qSI3xDFBO-OD08LpYrQynY35MX7U9-3A_NszicK6tris24NCx11S2i2zNMH8jabV6NT-T/s320/BP+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453318127972522098" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_7El248MVusQe2V4cMu0Bkx2Rsjl1JwaSWJO4QpPZeukxeA_F4L7tB3xFVlOaB26sJM7uaEIv5X0diOVvdGA-hrb9p8PUQVCw3MFu0DitT365Fy-RBWZFn_Dgw0PLp6fjzVS8lyV12xe/s1600/BP+2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_7El248MVusQe2V4cMu0Bkx2Rsjl1JwaSWJO4QpPZeukxeA_F4L7tB3xFVlOaB26sJM7uaEIv5X0diOVvdGA-hrb9p8PUQVCw3MFu0DitT365Fy-RBWZFn_Dgw0PLp6fjzVS8lyV12xe/s320/BP+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453318112441163954" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">I finally asked my translator what they were doing, and she told me that they were simply trying to point out the differences between Eastern and Western beauty. Did that really require me pointing at a “before and after” surgery book, I thought? Maybe they sensed my hesitation, because seconds later my translator also said the photographers thought I was a “good actress.”</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Once we were done with my photo-op, I was told for about the fourth time that I could “continue my interview” after we did “one more thing.” In Katie Couric/Sarah Palin form, the doctors and I were filmed walking down the hall as I asked tough questions that they didn’t want to answer. Was the whole thing just a genius delay at answering my questions?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I learned at the end of the interview that the hospital was excited by the idea of an American journalist coming to their hospital. I came into the interview thinking they didn’t really want me there, and, turns out, it was the highlight of their day. Either way, faithful Bon Voyage blog readers, if you see New Generation Hospital billboards featuring my face on your next trip to Shanghai, you know what the real story is.</span></span>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08812930212354592334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519937604395061490.post-71042817457825691842010-03-26T16:58:00.001-07:002010-03-26T18:06:21.916-07:00Paris...in China?<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >I promised a few stories from China, and did I ever find some! Below is a preview of the story you can find <a href="http://centrecountyreport.com/detail/detail/214.html?page=6">here</a>, on my international reporting class blog, where I compared Shanghai's French Concession with Paris, France. (<span style="font-style: italic;">Of course</span> I would find a way to talk about Paris. Surprised?) Feel free to look at posts from the other students in my class, too! </span><br /> <p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCR6yTZdl3TApwGssES3VgoJ-eoSt3K6xOm1JUci1X9uF-OyM4Hdub-6_0BwmmPMarsBvxQzdWv2Cv_ezUbnhUtB82de4uZrdup09xted6kTYvEVH-wCc8M8OxWB8rtT_bmxIaaXWB59g/s1600/blogphoto1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCR6yTZdl3TApwGssES3VgoJ-eoSt3K6xOm1JUci1X9uF-OyM4Hdub-6_0BwmmPMarsBvxQzdWv2Cv_ezUbnhUtB82de4uZrdup09xted6kTYvEVH-wCc8M8OxWB8rtT_bmxIaaXWB59g/s320/blogphoto1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453098126595182242" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p></o:p></span><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;" ><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span></span></i></p><p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;" ><span style="font-size:78%;">A building exterior along the French Concession in Shanghai, China.</span></span></i></p><p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" class="MsoNormal"><br /><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;" ><span style=""><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelkLsCKT8ewLK46pI3m3VxhBM-6tsDZUlRUhea_qDRwW2iGCe6kLBmzS4O8ZqvxapwfKHt3heY3Q8H91XvayUEGDTMn6E7TOCFlTi5CGrvbc4nomb_OQKI6xt-GQuHxV9AxCK0Bg2rw6p/s1600/blogphoto2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelkLsCKT8ewLK46pI3m3VxhBM-6tsDZUlRUhea_qDRwW2iGCe6kLBmzS4O8ZqvxapwfKHt3heY3Q8H91XvayUEGDTMn6E7TOCFlTi5CGrvbc4nomb_OQKI6xt-GQuHxV9AxCK0Bg2rw6p/s320/blogphoto2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453098133212541970" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p></o:p></span><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;" ><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:78%;" ><br /></span></span></i></p><p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;" ><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:78%;" >A building exterior along Avenue Montaigne in Paris, France. </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08812930212354592334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519937604395061490.post-13711586706154485672010-03-04T20:41:00.001-08:002010-03-04T21:56:32.496-08:00Pre-China Diary<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTKyHLWAuohQ71Ojo6gnpo8Ux-tt_-9fOdDT0SnKTiQR0aKQTI9_9BsLdPOuoz1jwzOUzYcnuDRCWTm9-YOY288m5AprQ7XXml_Hf-6z5t2wcAFEKvGrwZiNDnfhbRqjk2qhYyAkHVmYf/s1600-h/china-great-wall-of-china.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTKyHLWAuohQ71Ojo6gnpo8Ux-tt_-9fOdDT0SnKTiQR0aKQTI9_9BsLdPOuoz1jwzOUzYcnuDRCWTm9-YOY288m5AprQ7XXml_Hf-6z5t2wcAFEKvGrwZiNDnfhbRqjk2qhYyAkHVmYf/s400/china-great-wall-of-china.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445018413875793218" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">Dear Blog: I'm sorry for neglecting you these past few weeks (things have been a little busy between school, </span></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >Valley</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">, Ed2010, Her Campus, oh -- and looking for a job!) but I'm leaving for China at 4:30 a.m., and I'm bound to have some exciting stories for you when I return. In the meantime, here are my thoughts pre-China on China:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">First, I need to vent about my suitcase. I consider myself a 5-star packer (this is based on the fact that I went to Europe for a week during my freshman year of college and only took a carry-on bag), and I think it's ridiculous that I'm taking the same suitcase I took for four months in Paris! That being said, SpaceSaver Bags really do work wonders. I fit four months worth of clothes in the suitcase I'm currently staring at, which is now filled to the brim with plain-old folded piles of pants and sweaters.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I can't wait for this trip because it combines my two loves: traveling and writing. It all started with an e-mail about an international reporting class, this year going to Shanghai and Beijing over spring break, offered through the College of Communications. After two summers in New York City and a semester abroad in Paris, France, I wasn't about to ask my parents for a $1,500 trip to Acapulco. I took a chance and interviewed for the class, and now I'm going to a place I never thought I'd have the opportunity to see. To be honest, it hasn't really set in that I'm going until now, late at night, when I have nothing to do but wait to board a 14-hour flight. First I had to get through standing for 46 hours in <a href="http://www.thon.org/">THON</a>, then I had to worry about the big "spring break" deadline for <a href="http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Valley</span></a>, and now, 12 hours before takeoff, I realize that I am <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> about to go halfway around the world! I'm also pumped because I get to experience this with my best friend. We've done Mexico, New York City (and I don't know how I did Paris without her), and now we're taking China by storm! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">So here are my goals for the trip:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">1.) Come home with a great story. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">2.) Order something off the menu without knowing what it is -- and eat it. And not throw up after.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">3.) Take a jumping picture in front of the Great Wall!</span></span>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08812930212354592334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519937604395061490.post-89946637980634815672010-02-12T14:46:00.000-08:002010-02-12T16:06:34.727-08:00When travel plans go wrong...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Last weekend I didn't travel far, because I could barely make it three hours away! I have never seen a worse snowstorm in my entire life. My friends and I decided to go skiing for the weekend at </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Seven Springs, a ski resort in Pennsylvania</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">. I was so excited to finally glide down the slopes again, since the last time I went skiing I was listening to Destiny's Child on a CD player in my snowsuit. What a great idea to drive up a mountain at a time when Western Pennsylvania was expecting about 20 inches of snow. The SUV carrying five of my friends constantly needed willing groups of men to leave their cars and dig them out of the snow, I was lying to my friend, who was driving a Honda, telling her to "continue down the road" when the directions read "go up a long hill" to avoid hysteria during an already three-hour-long drive, and the car that left two hours after us crashed head on into a snowplow (and they were in a Commander, mind you). When everyone arrived to the condo safely, our friend who was hosting the trip literally broke into tears of relief. Traveling definitely brings out everyone's true colors, but luckily we pulled together and ended up in the perfect place for a snowed-in weekend -- full of food, friends and lots of wine. </span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">The first picture is just to give you an idea of just how much it snowed last weekend. The rest are just for fun! </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZMtCQAG9YVWyIwT6NFCS1c14rw9k5ZN6p33wfjRWprvRVEhd9NvbKPkoIZ9suv6z4y2zA6BHU7HMQOnmz3Thpn0LtvQ5cF5mEidw6TW__SpyVaLZTA6NhBg3w6XjVcQjYKPIhxXSbwCy/s1600-h/21552_10100229615216154_9375917_66664630_5723233_n.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZMtCQAG9YVWyIwT6NFCS1c14rw9k5ZN6p33wfjRWprvRVEhd9NvbKPkoIZ9suv6z4y2zA6BHU7HMQOnmz3Thpn0LtvQ5cF5mEidw6TW__SpyVaLZTA6NhBg3w6XjVcQjYKPIhxXSbwCy/s400/21552_10100229615216154_9375917_66664630_5723233_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437506823656043826" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 257px; " /></span></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Those are CARS under that snow! </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBFaIv7eKEmbFgtbEFUEfoh8yZ2eehS3hIx1hU-ovmysPPm_UoLh0k6RJxOQZXItQ0CB_GzVNUqXtGYGEXuz0hZJXtIQuiRQxe8t2HWMucxNWzf5Huhu7rIrFOMRk0QhZUjs93mg4xaOo/s1600-h/20375_1335474626625_1223850094_31550589_1353810_n.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBFaIv7eKEmbFgtbEFUEfoh8yZ2eehS3hIx1hU-ovmysPPm_UoLh0k6RJxOQZXItQ0CB_GzVNUqXtGYGEXuz0hZJXtIQuiRQxe8t2HWMucxNWzf5Huhu7rIrFOMRk0QhZUjs93mg4xaOo/s400/20375_1335474626625_1223850094_31550589_1353810_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437506820452383778" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px; " /></span></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">My friends and I, safe and sound. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmDIruj_LqcMbtGWnEWQe4ZjhtlaXt43nGFIyEHcqiz6UUNCyGMkreTEGsXbR7-BwBgD_NPjm2J0cOUGWwDvcz-YHFasZeVRTFUsYdG-_Q8K6qbXT6RTXnkUejdC0ky4xnjqA-d9rLtzO/s1600-h/DSC02942.JPG"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmDIruj_LqcMbtGWnEWQe4ZjhtlaXt43nGFIyEHcqiz6UUNCyGMkreTEGsXbR7-BwBgD_NPjm2J0cOUGWwDvcz-YHFasZeVRTFUsYdG-_Q8K6qbXT6RTXnkUejdC0ky4xnjqA-d9rLtzO/s400/DSC02942.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437506221510900994" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">I wonder how good gorillas are at skiing? </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntTxVODHdvWreLaBiBlefzxKhgVh5D5dCF_B9M1wyv8pyPVAKGEef7xdewF99adriEhKfvw9ennsYRo3aRQyYxIDoUrnD5_0wCAkNEUnfFKG4Iv_nEyUXeW2a-Z1RcsPg-i1L1LAqnJDQ/s1600-h/DSC02944.JPG"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntTxVODHdvWreLaBiBlefzxKhgVh5D5dCF_B9M1wyv8pyPVAKGEef7xdewF99adriEhKfvw9ennsYRo3aRQyYxIDoUrnD5_0wCAkNEUnfFKG4Iv_nEyUXeW2a-Z1RcsPg-i1L1LAqnJDQ/s400/DSC02944.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437506215754410258" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Finally skiing again! </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbta2DOFDAMil0kNz9vS-ueB_3eqeMNN0_UxuxEibx-KF8PhRdWqx8ZNNlAikBSaYHnhA3QzCqYGuWBy_ZPYGbr7UH_yCH6S4EX_p_WX2yJlliVb_ap0IG92WdEP5NIdmTyCwOlbKhOgBa/s1600-h/DSC02932.JPG"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbta2DOFDAMil0kNz9vS-ueB_3eqeMNN0_UxuxEibx-KF8PhRdWqx8ZNNlAikBSaYHnhA3QzCqYGuWBy_ZPYGbr7UH_yCH6S4EX_p_WX2yJlliVb_ap0IG92WdEP5NIdmTyCwOlbKhOgBa/s400/DSC02932.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437507828052187106" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">My friend Liz and I after a fun day on the slopes! </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Despite the bad weather, Seven Springs really is a great place to ski in Pennsylvania. Check out their Web site: <a href="http://www.7springs.com">www.7springs.com </a></span></span></span></div>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08812930212354592334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519937604395061490.post-15256410236816481732010-02-06T06:27:00.000-08:002010-02-07T19:42:40.192-08:0024 Hours in New York City<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This </span></span></span><a href="http://travel.nytimes.com/2010/01/10/travel/10hours.html?scp=1&sq=36%20hours%20in%20nyc&st=cse"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">article</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> by the New York Times crammed the coolest things to do in the Big Apple during a short 36-hour weekend trip. Last Sunday I had to make an even shorter trip to NYC, so I thought </span></span></span><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I'd try documenting my own 24-hour adventure. </span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">6 p.m.</span></span></b></span></span></span><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b></b></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1.) Arrival</span></span></span></b></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span></span></span></p><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This was the first time I actually drove into the city, so I was relieved when I finally pulled into the parking garage on 3rd Ave. and East 90th. I was quite sure my car would be in at least 50 pieces by the time I landed in Manhattan. I imagined by meticulously packed Theory dress pants, Burberry scarves and J. Crew tops flying just like all those Hermès scarves in the traffic scene of "The Devil Wears Prada". </span></span></span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">8 p.m.</span></span></b></span></span></span><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></b></span></span></div><div><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> 2.) Upper East Side </span></span></span></b></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I came into New York on the night of the Grammy's, so unfortunately I wasn't clinking champagne glasses at Tenjune or Pink Elephant. I was fine grabbing dinner at a great gourmet restaurant up the street, Milano Gourmet, and watching Beyoncé and Taylor Swift clean house. </span></span></span><!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyXuaSxL7zAlNfxRr10sIYYdNGWv7Kqmvbp2Q7G_kHvkF1-fwNG2Lpi8igPTvo7jlFAKGyNG6ewKXjZK_7RzU1mDPCs5ZbUXsztaS4FoSoS3ziov3il9Y8k1GvgTk22WE2uNV-bRgLteE/s1600-h/DSC02910.JPG"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyXuaSxL7zAlNfxRr10sIYYdNGWv7Kqmvbp2Q7G_kHvkF1-fwNG2Lpi8igPTvo7jlFAKGyNG6ewKXjZK_7RzU1mDPCs5ZbUXsztaS4FoSoS3ziov3il9Y8k1GvgTk22WE2uNV-bRgLteE/s400/DSC02910.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435138057267595874" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></span></span></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyXuaSxL7zAlNfxRr10sIYYdNGWv7Kqmvbp2Q7G_kHvkF1-fwNG2Lpi8igPTvo7jlFAKGyNG6ewKXjZK_7RzU1mDPCs5ZbUXsztaS4FoSoS3ziov3il9Y8k1GvgTk22WE2uNV-bRgLteE/s1600-h/DSC02910.JPG"></a></span></span></span></span></p><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">8 a.m. </span></span></span></b></span></span></div><div><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> 3.) Upper East Side</span></span></span></b></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The thing about New York that most fascinated me as a child was the apartments -- or the people who lived in them. I just thought it was amazing that people actually </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">lived</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> in New York City. I am very lucky to have a friend in New York who graciously allows me to stay at her apartment when I have to come into the city last minute, and I absolutely love the view from her guest room. At night, it sparkles with light from neighboring apartment buildings, which still fascinate me. In the morning, it's bursting with sunlight and in the summer I go out on the terrace (yes, she has a terrace in the middle of Manhattan) to have coffee. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-tEeqtq9YIkhexR1YNVdWeMDepwBSac5Lw7WAVM4cHU4bvS457pyl7XG6bGUOWkeUTvCp3WyC93_gXwqfBkBneVzmJzSEV5EFQFkGrKaKCo0aVeY8ETVLT-nCnkoRdKrEFggnmjZMA3C/s1600-h/DSC02911.JPG"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-tEeqtq9YIkhexR1YNVdWeMDepwBSac5Lw7WAVM4cHU4bvS457pyl7XG6bGUOWkeUTvCp3WyC93_gXwqfBkBneVzmJzSEV5EFQFkGrKaKCo0aVeY8ETVLT-nCnkoRdKrEFggnmjZMA3C/s400/DSC02911.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435138365525180914" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></span></span></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-tEeqtq9YIkhexR1YNVdWeMDepwBSac5Lw7WAVM4cHU4bvS457pyl7XG6bGUOWkeUTvCp3WyC93_gXwqfBkBneVzmJzSEV5EFQFkGrKaKCo0aVeY8ETVLT-nCnkoRdKrEFggnmjZMA3C/s1600-h/DSC02911.JPG"></a></span></span></span></span></p><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">11:30 p.m. </span></span></span></b></span></span></div><div><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> 4.) Park Avenue</span></span></span></b></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span></span></span></p><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I love, love, <i>love</i> walking down Park Avenue. I left the apartment where I was staying and walked down to 85th St. before hailing a cab through Central Park to get to lunch on the West Side. (OK, this is also because I'm broke. But I could still choose my route!) It's one of my favorite places to people watch -- every woman is flawlessly dressed from head to toe. I feel like I'm walking in one of those chicklit novels like "Bergdorf Blondes" or "The Nanny Diaries". </span></span></span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">12 p.m.</span></span></b></span></span></span><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></b></span></span></div><div><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> 5.) Midtown</span></span></span></b></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span></span></span></p><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I had lunch with a woman who recently discovered this great little eatery that I now love, too. It's called Gina la Fornarina. For you West Siders, go to the one we visited at 279 Amsterdam Ave. (between 73rd and 74th). For the East Siders, don't worry! They have a second location on 1575 2nd Ave. I had a delicious bruschetta panini and, in the middle of the day, the "Chocolate Bomb," which is a chocolate soufflé cake with vanilla ice cream. I couldn't resist. Oops. </span></span></span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2:30 p.m.</span></span></b></span></span></span><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></b></span></span></div><div><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> 5.) ???</span></span></span></b></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This part of my day is Top Secret, and while I can't give you the full details I will tell you that during a mad scurry to find a restroom I noticed that there are still ice skaters at Rockefeller Center! For some reason, I thought that stopped after Christmas.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></o:p></span></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKwHVmeWONuQKC5cDOH0pLNnEHfCuJlb3Kxc56NFhpvYyIzXgBtvZS6_qdQDLH3mtSj-mAYNl-EsdoWq5Qi6ihGvPSvEi-7eNuqQNnq89hoOh2t7GwY5aoNVxy7y-ZIRgPXPVCwn8zunG/s1600-h/Hearst.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKwHVmeWONuQKC5cDOH0pLNnEHfCuJlb3Kxc56NFhpvYyIzXgBtvZS6_qdQDLH3mtSj-mAYNl-EsdoWq5Qi6ihGvPSvEi-7eNuqQNnq89hoOh2t7GwY5aoNVxy7y-ZIRgPXPVCwn8zunG/s400/Hearst.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435138748774999218" style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"></span></span></span></span></p><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">4 p.m. </span></span></span></b></span></span></div><div><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> 6.) Columbus Circle</span></span></span></b></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span></span></span></p><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My favorite building in New York will always be Hearst Tower. Aside from the fact that it's absolutely gorgeous (and environmentally friendly!), it's the building where I had my first big magazine internship at <i>CosmoGirl</i>. I still remember coming out of the subway in the middle of Columbus Circle on my first day and walking toward the triangular building until I was standing right in front of it. I had just seen the Sex & the City movie the night before, and who did I pass on the street? Cynthia Nixon. I love New York. I came here to visit my friends at <i>O, The Oprah Magazine</i>, where I interned last summer. </span></span></span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">5:30 p.m.</span></span></b></span></span></span><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></b></span></span></div><div><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> 7.) West Village</span></span></span></b></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span></span></span></p><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In honor of NYC's famous Magnolia Bakery <a href="http://www.travelandleisure.com/blogs/carry-on/2010/2/2/nycs-magnolia-bakery-opens-in-dubai">opening in Dubai</a>, I just had to grab a quick bite of deliciousness before I left the city. If you know someone in New York and want to send him or her a gift, go to Magnolia Bakery. If you're having a bad day, go to Magnolia Bakery. Even if you're on a diet, go to Magnolia Bakery. It's totally worth it. (Some people think they're too "New York" to go to Magnolia because it's "touristy". A) Who cares? It's yummy. B) If you fall into this category, try the cannolis at Rocco's on Bleecker St. They're great, too, and no one knows about it but snarky New Yorkers like you.) </span></span></span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Au revoir, New York! I'll be back after graduation. ;)</span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family:Georgia;font-size:16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family:Georgia;font-size:16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08812930212354592334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519937604395061490.post-74097516335109573062010-01-30T08:33:00.000-08:002010-01-30T09:26:12.978-08:00Q&A: Alyssa Antalis on Las Vegas<!--StartFragment--> <p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Alyssa Antalis</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"> is one of my all-time favorite dance teachers. (I have to say that because she has very embarrassing videos of me tap dancing when I was eight.) Really, though, she choreographs dozens of dances year after year and never runs out of ideas. How? She travels to</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"> Las </span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Vegas</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"> once a year with her family (her mother, Sharon, owns a dance studio in Indiana, Pa.) to inspire new routines -- and also have a little fun. We talked about all of her favorite things in the country's biggest party city. </span></span></span></p><p></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Bon Voyage: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Why is Las Vegas one of your favorite places to visit? What keeps you coming back?</span></span></span></span></b></p><p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Alyssa Antalis: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Here are my top ten favorite reasons! </span></span></span></span></b></p><p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">1.) </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Shopping! Each hotel has so many great places to shop…some are affordable and others are not, but window shopping is always an option. The Forum Shops at Caesar’s are my favorite, followed by the Fashion Show Mall at the end of the strip.</span></span></span></span></b></p><p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">2.) The Water Show outside the Bellagio is a must. The dancing fountains are choreographed to music and change all the time. I always make sure I see at least one during the day and one at night. I think they run every 30 minutes, but it is worth it to get a good spot a few minutes early. Also check out the gardens in the Bellagio. The flowers are beautiful, and they always change for the seasons.</span></span></span></span></b></p><p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">3.) The rides on top of the Stratosphere are a must if you are looking for an adventure. You can hang off the edge of the tallest building in the city and the views are unbelievable.</span></span></span></span></b></p><p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">4.) Riding the rollercoaster at NYNY is something you should do at least once.</span></span></span></span></b></p><p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">5.) You can’t leave Vegas without seeing a Cirque du Soliel show. They have quite a few running right now, but my current favorite is Beatles Love at the Mirage. There is a brand new Cirque show at the Wynn that I can’t wait to see.</span></span></span></span></b></p><p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">6.) Headliners put on amazing shows in Vegas. Loved seeing Celine Dion, Bette Midler, and Elton John at Caesar’s, as well as Barry Manilow at the Hilton. I'm looking forward to seeing Garth Brooks at the Wynn next.</span></span></span></span></b></p><p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">7.) It is totally worth it to hop in a cab and go to downtown Vegas. It is a whole different atmosphere. The street is covered in a giant electrical canopy that turns into a light and music show in the evening. It is a must see!</span></span></span></span></b></p><p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">8.) Gambling! If you want to win, stay away from the slot machines! (When I get the urge to lose money fast, the Wheel of Fortune slot machine is my favorite.) Learn to play blackjack and craps -- if you are a beginner, find a nice dealer during the day to help you. At night it is way too crowded to learn.</span></span></span></span></b></p><p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">9.) There is an awesome club in each hotel. The lines can be so long, but if you meet the right people during the day, it is pretty easy to get your name on the list. Find one club and stick to it for the night because it is way too expensive to hop around.</span></span></span></span></b></p><p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">10.) Impersonation shows are everywhere! Some are cheesy, but they are so much fun. “Legends in Concert” at the Imperial Palace is a classic. I have seen it least three times, and I continue to go back!</span></span></span></span></b></p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvP2RSbwspUE0QGKyI3INpMIDE3D1c2YTFKMMEp0mMEX28yTGNl_TOzV-gnw2VS451PvCuzIocZ21eUG2nj7Snzll5dtHgBm-uscbR-7MEQpZDJ12PXRqcGpoMjH0GJ8oufEHVZNFB_UEB/s1600-h/JT.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvP2RSbwspUE0QGKyI3INpMIDE3D1c2YTFKMMEp0mMEX28yTGNl_TOzV-gnw2VS451PvCuzIocZ21eUG2nj7Snzll5dtHgBm-uscbR-7MEQpZDJ12PXRqcGpoMjH0GJ8oufEHVZNFB_UEB/s400/JT.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432575897612346274" style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></a></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvP2RSbwspUE0QGKyI3INpMIDE3D1c2YTFKMMEp0mMEX28yTGNl_TOzV-gnw2VS451PvCuzIocZ21eUG2nj7Snzll5dtHgBm-uscbR-7MEQpZDJ12PXRqcGpoMjH0GJ8oufEHVZNFB_UEB/s1600-h/JT.jpg"></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">(Alyssa, right, and her friend Kellie with a Justin Timberlake impersonator in Las Vegas.) </span></span></span></span></p><p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">BV: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">What can visitors do while in Las Vegas to avoid looking like tourists?</span></span></span></span></span></span></b></p><p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">AA: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Stopping to take pictures every step of the way causes major traffic jams, so limit yourself to a few really good ones. Also, Paris sells giant Eiffel Tower shaped drinks, New York New York has giant Statue of Liberty drinks, etc. As fun as they may be, if you don't want to look like a tourist, stick to regular cups. Finally, as you are walking down the strip, men will be handing out cards with naked girls and 800 numbers (as if you would actually get a visit from the same girl on the card if you called the number) -- only tourists take them.</span></span></span></span></span></span></b></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">BV: </span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">What should visitors pack in their suitcase before coming to Las Vegas? </span></span></span></p> <p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">AA:</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"> Fashion varies a lot from day to night! For day, pool/sun attire is a must! (Bathing suit, cute cover up and flip flops). If you aren’t spending the day by the pool, just anything casual is completely appropriate. It is so, so, so hot in the summer, so if you can’t be found at the pool bar, you are crazy. At night, you will see everything! I would recommend a cute black dress or even dark jeans and a dressy top with cute heels. A lot of people dress over the top in Vegas at night (actually, day time too) but try to keep it classy.</span></span></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">BV:</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"> What foods should no visitor leave Las Vegas without trying?</span></span></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">AA: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Well, it depends how much you want to spend! There are so many great restaurants in Vegas that you could go to a different one every day for a year and not run out of options! If you have the money, Michaels is an unbelievable restaurant that can be found at Southpoint Casino, just a short cab ride from the strip. If you are looking for a great view, check out the ‘Top of the World’ located in the Stratosphere. The restaurant is continuously turning and makes one full rotation per hour. It is the best way to see the entire city while enjoying a 5-star meal! Each hotel has their own signature restaurants, so I recommend trying a different one each time! Stay away from the chains -- you can eat there at home! And you will see 24-hour buffets everywhere. You will get a good deal, but the consequences the next day may not be worth it.</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">BV:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"> What is your favorite memory while in Las Vegas? </span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">AA:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"> There have been so many that it is so hard to pick just one! I have always said that New Year’s Eve is an overrated holiday, but let me tell you, ringing in the New Year in Vegas was unbeatable! We went to a private party at the Golden Nugget downtown -- a five course dinner, unlimited drinks, live music, and dancing all night. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"></span></span></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><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/AVvXsEh5qTdF1M_lUjZ2knR6irdnij7T4u5q-03mftsUkMGwfU_Y7J0Hyc3kAMm3kdFWjKoyO8ygKdikkZ25juuyEvphKEePSU_Zo-EVqzdqA2NE8pX2Hdy6Tm6Uogj4AxYaFREVTwcQpT0vYFzJ/s1600-h/New+Years+Eve+2009...Vegas...Colorado+333.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qTdF1M_lUjZ2knR6irdnij7T4u5q-03mftsUkMGwfU_Y7J0Hyc3kAMm3kdFWjKoyO8ygKdikkZ25juuyEvphKEePSU_Zo-EVqzdqA2NE8pX2Hdy6Tm6Uogj4AxYaFREVTwcQpT0vYFzJ/s400/New+Years+Eve+2009...Vegas...Colorado+333.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432574994418318882" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></a></span></span></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qTdF1M_lUjZ2knR6irdnij7T4u5q-03mftsUkMGwfU_Y7J0Hyc3kAMm3kdFWjKoyO8ygKdikkZ25juuyEvphKEePSU_Zo-EVqzdqA2NE8pX2Hdy6Tm6Uogj4AxYaFREVTwcQpT0vYFzJ/s1600-h/New+Years+Eve+2009...Vegas...Colorado+333.jpg"></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">(Alyssa and her friends and family in Las Vegas for New Year's Eve 2009.) </span></span></span></p></span></span><p></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">B</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">V: </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">What is your favorite travel destination (other than Las Vegas)?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">AA: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">If I am looking to relax, definitely a resort on a tropical island. Lately, I’ve loved Punta Cana, Jamaica, and the Bahamas! If I am looking for a fun weekend getaway, New York City is probably my destination of choice! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08812930212354592334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519937604395061490.post-82541121305215911682010-01-22T07:56:00.000-08:002010-01-22T08:23:57.895-08:00Q&A: Flavio Campagna on Italy (And a short story from me)<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Italy</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> is my favorite place in the world to visit. Everyone I encounter is always bright, happy, and shoving food in my face. One of my favorite stories about Italy took two trips to come full circle. My father took me on my first trip to Europe during my freshman year of college, and his big goal throughout the entire trip was for us to climb Filippo Brunelleschi’s </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(commonly known as the “Duomo” or “the Duomo of Florence”) together. He even borrowed a friend’s $3,000 camera to capture the view at the top. We climbed hundreds of stairs, and the hardest part was realizing that my 64-year-old father was in better shape than I was. We got to the top and took breathtaking pictures of the city of </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Florence</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> – including keepsakes of the two of us in front of the view. Days later we took a train to </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Paris</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> (when I first fell in love with the city), and he took me to the famous restaurant Les Deux Magots. That is where I saw my father age 20 years in two seconds. Over steak frites, my father realized he had left his friend's $3,000 camera in the taxi, and, what’s worse, our priceless pictures together were gone. Now we laugh about it, but it certainly wasn’t funny then. When I went to Florence to visit friends during my semester abroad, the first thing I had to do was climb to the top of the Duomo and recapture the view for my father. Here is me – proud and very, very out of breath – at the top of the Duomo – take two. (Too bad this camera only cost $99 at Wal-mart.) </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMgQloKcdCgo5uYn2722lXIFRfhMa1EQsbhZszsWrYgNABD0YBNQpgDIJ979qmDERZioqQdjo_4joMTgkT0XVhoo5-I2QrnWv4Ez8Cjd62wgEwzfX3ScTE2wJdwah76o1Q9wyZ-KBSXNv/s1600-h/Barcelona+Florence+052.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMgQloKcdCgo5uYn2722lXIFRfhMa1EQsbhZszsWrYgNABD0YBNQpgDIJ979qmDERZioqQdjo_4joMTgkT0XVhoo5-I2QrnWv4Ez8Cjd62wgEwzfX3ScTE2wJdwah76o1Q9wyZ-KBSXNv/s400/Barcelona+Florence+052.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429594400568671058" style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></a></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMgQloKcdCgo5uYn2722lXIFRfhMa1EQsbhZszsWrYgNABD0YBNQpgDIJ979qmDERZioqQdjo_4joMTgkT0XVhoo5-I2QrnWv4Ez8Cjd62wgEwzfX3ScTE2wJdwah76o1Q9wyZ-KBSXNv/s1600-h/Barcelona+Florence+052.jpg"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic; font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Finally! A picture at the top of the Duomo.) </span></span></span></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHUtwm93UpsICau3iAgFVlZ8-eAVgiIyYf8XIxkR0w5F6_L7_x9aG8Wb5MYlGFTrMUjDQKpd0kHvk2SBOU9OpwN57k_FEdjPDHeeZ1WJA8bJLhfjmBcjoCGyMpq_Vdias8HQX7VnQEcQf/s1600-h/Barcelona+Florence+050.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHUtwm93UpsICau3iAgFVlZ8-eAVgiIyYf8XIxkR0w5F6_L7_x9aG8Wb5MYlGFTrMUjDQKpd0kHvk2SBOU9OpwN57k_FEdjPDHeeZ1WJA8bJLhfjmBcjoCGyMpq_Vdias8HQX7VnQEcQf/s400/Barcelona+Florence+050.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429594410540176930" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></a></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHUtwm93UpsICau3iAgFVlZ8-eAVgiIyYf8XIxkR0w5F6_L7_x9aG8Wb5MYlGFTrMUjDQKpd0kHvk2SBOU9OpwN57k_FEdjPDHeeZ1WJA8bJLhfjmBcjoCGyMpq_Vdias8HQX7VnQEcQf/s1600-h/Barcelona+Florence+050.jpg"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic; font-family:Arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(A view of the Duomo from the top of the Piazza de Michelangelo in Florence.) </span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMgQloKcdCgo5uYn2722lXIFRfhMa1EQsbhZszsWrYgNABD0YBNQpgDIJ979qmDERZioqQdjo_4joMTgkT0XVhoo5-I2QrnWv4Ez8Cjd62wgEwzfX3ScTE2wJdwah76o1Q9wyZ-KBSXNv/s1600-h/Barcelona+Florence+052.jpg"></a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Flavio Campagna</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, a native of </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Parma, Italy</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, is an independent filmmaker and director. He was voted “most promising new director” at an Italian film festival in 2009, and his newest film, “Felino,” was just accepted into the Salento International Film Festival to be held in </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">London</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> this April. We talked about our shared passion for the red, white and green -- and he even shared some comical advice for future visitors. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><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/AVvXsEi8akRYYaOhDtqAoaaCnnBCKu37I3yZexPTc77n1ZoAC054W9yiwsRicbZeRYWC-f9ZjqNw_PoJC5GC4BsnfejpSQo0b2vOMRmfxuFGUiozLZD-erSeFZpaMQcK-UGBPD9K0dXN0azLEc7l/s1600-h/Flavio.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8akRYYaOhDtqAoaaCnnBCKu37I3yZexPTc77n1ZoAC054W9yiwsRicbZeRYWC-f9ZjqNw_PoJC5GC4BsnfejpSQo0b2vOMRmfxuFGUiozLZD-erSeFZpaMQcK-UGBPD9K0dXN0azLEc7l/s400/Flavio.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429595067234739266" style="cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8akRYYaOhDtqAoaaCnnBCKu37I3yZexPTc77n1ZoAC054W9yiwsRicbZeRYWC-f9ZjqNw_PoJC5GC4BsnfejpSQo0b2vOMRmfxuFGUiozLZD-erSeFZpaMQcK-UGBPD9K0dXN0azLEc7l/s1600-h/Flavio.jpg"></a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bon Voyage: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What is your favorite thing about Italy?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Flavio Campagna:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> The variety of cultures from the past, and the many natural and architectural beauties. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">BV:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> What can visitors do while in Italy to avoid looking like tourists?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">FC:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Stop wearing short trousers and sandals! And looking too happy or too worried while walking around the cities. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">BV:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> What should visitors pack in their suitcase before coming to Italy?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">FC:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> A video camera. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">BV: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What foods should no visitor leave Italy without trying?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">FC: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Prosciutto di Parma and white truffles. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">BV:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Where is your favorite travel destination?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">FC:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> It would be Venice. I go to Rome very often, too. </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:13.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08812930212354592334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519937604395061490.post-29002459795267459972010-01-17T13:46:00.000-08:002010-01-17T14:14:18.234-08:00Q&A: Adam Glassman on Traveling in Style<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1AcPuD0rlSTYzarxlYuixRjaGCV44ciN_ZItgguzV50ISRwg3fdNHebJ5CR5sQvzzvgHYfw4mz6tkZTgFRJ84hTcsWIOkqm2YoACocTTx7gYDb9Y7huGUSDwLboxq82RO4MQ766kEohm/s1600-h/Glassman.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 312px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1AcPuD0rlSTYzarxlYuixRjaGCV44ciN_ZItgguzV50ISRwg3fdNHebJ5CR5sQvzzvgHYfw4mz6tkZTgFRJ84hTcsWIOkqm2YoACocTTx7gYDb9Y7huGUSDwLboxq82RO4MQ766kEohm/s400/Glassman.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427833562217645586" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">(Photo by Robert Trachtenberg) </span></span></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.oprah.com/omagazine/Adam-Glassmans-Biography"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Adam Glassman</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">, the creative director at </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">O, The Oprah Magazine</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">, is my favorite man in fashion. If you read </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">O</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"> (if you don't, you should), you know that Glassman gives style advice to real women in his monthly column "Adam Says". For Bon Voyage, Glassman gave us some of his favorite tips for high-fashion flying. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Bon Voyag</span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">e</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">: What would you recommend for travelers who need to pack lightly (carry-on luggage for example) but still want to look stylish during their trip?<br /><br /></span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Adam Glassman:</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"> When packing lightly, throw everything in an easy wheelie bag. Not only does it save your back from schlepping a heavy bag on your shoulder, but they also fit comfortably in both the overhead compartment and underneath the seat in front of you. To look stylish in the skies, skip the sweatpants. Instead, choose a comfortable sweater and easy-fitting cargo pants (the multiple pockets make it a cinch to store your passport and boarding pass). To save time at airport security, wear a pair of a slip-on sneakers or a ballet flat. Don’t forget socks!<br /><br /></span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">BV: </span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">What products do you bring with you on a long flight to make yourself more comfortable and/or to look refreshed after landing?<br /><br /></span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">AG:</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"> To stay warm on flights, I recommend wearing a scarf that can double as a blanket when the air conditioning is too chilly. Grab some noise-canceling headphones to drown out crying babies and your neighbor’s conversation. (I like</span> </span><a href="http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop_online/headphones/noise_cancelling_headphones/index.jsp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">the ones by Bose</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">.) Since airlines no longer provide in-flight snacks, I always fly with a bag of raw almonds. I love <a href="http://www.drsharoninc.com/index.html">Dr. Sharon’s Am I Dreaming essential oils</a> and <a href="http://www.formula303.com/">Formula 303 natural tension relief</a> to calm my nerves in-flight. In lieu of a pillow during the flight, I place the</span> </span><a href="http://www.stressroller.com/index.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">StressRoller</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">behind my lower back. Finally, when you land, do some light stretches to keep the blood flowing. The StressRoller works wonders to get the knots out of your neck upon landing.</span></span></span>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08812930212354592334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519937604395061490.post-77997163518899887142010-01-16T12:42:00.000-08:002010-01-16T13:41:33.757-08:00Haiti Relief Funds<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSh79OgiNWM24WkHtS4fgh_cGegYv_uvisDIR-lf4dKvDmsWqF0NWDdEeRUlNYacmE3BD6Xc5KRy3KnAO7qXg24uL5hxyPC4PJf9SeIVGuqJgZsOc9AmoDI4iJpz5lJ93_UVPubxG6jiX/s1600-h/Haiti+"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSh79OgiNWM24WkHtS4fgh_cGegYv_uvisDIR-lf4dKvDmsWqF0NWDdEeRUlNYacmE3BD6Xc5KRy3KnAO7qXg24uL5hxyPC4PJf9SeIVGuqJgZsOc9AmoDI4iJpz5lJ93_UVPubxG6jiX/s400/Haiti+" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427451135117241522" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">(Haitains clamour to receive water at a nearby airport. Photo courtesy of The New York Times.)</span></span>
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<br /></span> <meta name="Title" content=""> <meta name="Keywords" content=""> <meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"> <meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"> <meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 2008"> <meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 2008"> <link rel="File-List" href="file://localhost/Users/devintomb/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_filelist.xml"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:documentproperties> <o:template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:revision>0</o:Revision> <o:totaltime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:pages>1</o:Pages> <o:words>257</o:Words> <o:characters>1465</o:Characters> <o:company>Penn State University </o:Company> <o:lines>12</o:Lines> <o:paragraphs>2</o:Paragraphs> <o:characterswithspaces>1799</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:version>12.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {mso-style-noshow:yes; color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:Arial;" >The more I read about the earthquake that devastated the population of <b>Haiti</b> on Jan. 12, the more I want to do my part and help in some way. The photos of children standing alone in the streets and covered in dust are heartbreaking. Below are a few ways to get involved. </span><span style="font-family:Arial;">
<br />
<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">President Obama announced this morning (</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jta-4JLawYI&feature=channel">click here</a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> to watch the announcement) that former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush have come together to create the <b>The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund</b>. </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.clintonbushhaitifund.org.">Donate</a> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">an amount of your choice online.</span> </span><span style="font-family:Arial;">
<br />
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:Arial;" >The American Red Cross has pledged an initial $200,000 to assist communities impacted by the earthquake. They expect to provide immediate needs for food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support. They are accepting</span><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <a href="https://american.redcross.org/site/Donation2?4306.donation=form1&idb=428732091&df_id=4306&JServSessionIdr004=yxa9a0v901.app194a%3E">donations</a> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">through their <b>International Response Fund</b>.</span></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:Arial;" >UNICEF issued a statement saying, "Children are always the most vulnerable population in any natural disaster, and UNICEF is there for them." UNICEF is asking for </span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Chttp://www.unicefusa.org/haitiquake%3E">donations</a> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">to provide relief for children in Haiti through their <b>Haiti Earthquake Fund</b>. You can also call 1-800-4UNICEF.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:Arial;" >Doctors Without Borders</span></b><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:Arial;" > is on location and has set up clinics to treat injured in Haiti.</span><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Chttps://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=197&hbc=1&source=ADQ1001E1D01%3E">Donate</a> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">online so they can keep their efforts going.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:Arial;" ><span style="font-size:85%;">Or simply text "HAITI" to 9-0-9-9-9.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08812930212354592334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519937604395061490.post-81332946634828445702010-01-15T16:12:00.001-08:002010-01-15T17:09:50.534-08:00Paris, Je t'aime<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I didn't start a blog when I lived in </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Paris</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> last spring. Instead, I came home and made a NFT (Not for Tourists) guide that my friends and family could really benefit from if they ever traveled there, too. And now I'm sharing it with you!</span></span></span><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSGCfw3go2j5TD1QE86f7u7U1mQnmYWshwtIT9uozvtkgzTw0Ao2d9l3CpROkp9us0kWCoy3IWAKYr0i0FfT9F15uHLjPk-sakoAi7coFzqGl9o98CpkmfNDiIUIszX1B80SSx2BiJuiV/s400/Paris+299.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427124614548343362" /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Across the street, or shall I say "rue," from the Plaza Athénée.) </span></span></span></span></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Before you go:</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Leave all of your tourist guides at home and buy </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">City Walks: Paris: 50 Adventures on Foot </span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">instead. (</span></span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/City-Walks-Paris-Adventures-Foot/dp/0811838439"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">http://www.amazon.com/City-Walks-Paris-Adventures-Foot/dp/0811838439</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">) These cards were without a doubt my favorite way to see the city. Each card describes a short, 20-30 minute walk around Paris and includes restaurants, museums and more to stop by during your walk. It's a great thing to buy for any city you travel to. (They even have a set for New York City.) Pull out the </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Avenue Montaigne</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> card first, only because I'm a little shaky on directions through the area, but it's a definite must-do. Avenue Montaigne boasts every major designer store in the world, is home to </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Plaza Athénée</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> (where Carrie Bradshaw stayed in “Sex and the City”) and, during the walk, it will take you to the </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Presidential Palace</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> (where Nicolas Sarkozy, the president of France, and Carla Bruni live). It's a very classy walk! The flagship </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Longchamp</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> store is also along this walk on </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">St. Honoré</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, another famous shopping street. When packing, a quick piece of advice is to pack neutrals. (This is my secret to packing for any trip, leaving color to the accessories that take up little space in my suitcase.) Parisians wear black no matter what time of the year, and if it’s cold or rainy, </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">everyone</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> is in a trench coat. Try to find a sophisticated pair of flats because it is very much a walking city, but throw a great pair of heels in your suitcase as well if you want to blend in with the French women!</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></o:p></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzY0xLwb9rsZvXH23Ryt2ZcR-zj-qh8XpD_rz_U0959rqhayaTZOjpr8XEwa-1pNCKxWeE38K9c_bb5tC68FLllWJe4GZgv5_tR13tJ8_KXvawhubMhlw0xThHmZkj9nRH2d1usWrNVFqa/s1600-h/Paris+003.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzY0xLwb9rsZvXH23Ryt2ZcR-zj-qh8XpD_rz_U0959rqhayaTZOjpr8XEwa-1pNCKxWeE38K9c_bb5tC68FLllWJe4GZgv5_tR13tJ8_KXvawhubMhlw0xThHmZkj9nRH2d1usWrNVFqa/s400/Paris+003.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427125796707355554" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzY0xLwb9rsZvXH23Ryt2ZcR-zj-qh8XpD_rz_U0959rqhayaTZOjpr8XEwa-1pNCKxWeE38K9c_bb5tC68FLllWJe4GZgv5_tR13tJ8_KXvawhubMhlw0xThHmZkj9nRH2d1usWrNVFqa/s1600-h/Paris+003.jpg"></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic; font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(My friends and I (white coat) in front of the view from the Sacré-Coeur in Montmartre.) </span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My Secret Treasure:</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> My favorite area in all of Paris is </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Montmartre</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. Take the green 12 line, get off at Abysses, and you’ll be in the heart of the area. Go on a Sunday and there are usually markets with tons of free food and wine to taste. This is one of the best shopping areas in Paris because there are dozens small boutiques (some are even vintage) instead of typical stores like Zara and H&M. They're also affordable! I can’t remember the names of either, but there is a great paper store on the main street in Montmartre, followed by a cute café that is painted red and purple. I recommend both! Walk up, up, up and you’ll be in the artist’s square where all sorts of painters gather and paint all day. It's surrounded by tons of little cafés to grab lunch, and it's a great place to shop for souvenirs. At the top of Montmartre (just keep going up) is the </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sacré-Coeur</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. On Sundays (and most other days) there is a man who sings and plays guitar on the stairs, and there are always hundreds of people from all over the world who sit and sing along. Sit and watch the beautiful view of the city during sunset. </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></o:p></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_YIW0XFe_iGrawpen8JShLbvYJ4J-DXRVKZBj4Fg0LbTiTh7kCFCVRbdaAhnpFFFdduz49lwbehIkJw_1NY4CcZxiW7aRTG_A2l0lv0YgQRmaT3wwAjuvSpRRKBK4Tbv0KcM5zl4dvP_/s1600-h/Paris+326.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_YIW0XFe_iGrawpen8JShLbvYJ4J-DXRVKZBj4Fg0LbTiTh7kCFCVRbdaAhnpFFFdduz49lwbehIkJw_1NY4CcZxiW7aRTG_A2l0lv0YgQRmaT3wwAjuvSpRRKBK4Tbv0KcM5zl4dvP_/s400/Paris+326.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427127317278530322" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_YIW0XFe_iGrawpen8JShLbvYJ4J-DXRVKZBj4Fg0LbTiTh7kCFCVRbdaAhnpFFFdduz49lwbehIkJw_1NY4CcZxiW7aRTG_A2l0lv0YgQRmaT3wwAjuvSpRRKBK4Tbv0KcM5zl4dvP_/s1600-h/Paris+326.jpg"></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(The famous Berthillon glacerie. C'est d</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">élicieuse</span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">!) </span></i></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Paris by Foot:</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> I have a few favorite walks to get around the city. The first begins at </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Notre Dame</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. There is a really famous ice cream parlor, </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Berthillon</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, located right behind the Notre Dame on the left. (If you start by facing the Notre Dame, just walk down the left-hand side and go across the bridge also on your left.) It has a green awning, and, since it's summer, you'll probably be able to point it out based on the long line. But the ice cream is totally worth it. A piece of advice—don’t try to sit down and order ice cream to avoid the line. Unfortunately they won't let you and are complete jerks about it if you try. After you see the Notre Dame (try to start this walk about a half hour before the sun begins to fall so you’re walking during sunset), walk straight ahead the entire way down the Seine. It's such a gorgeous walk, and your final destination will be the </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Musée D'Orsay</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> straight ahead and the bridge leading to the </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Louvre</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> on your right. Take a right and walk toward the Louvre as it gets dark. It's so pretty to watch the whole area light up at night. You can get a drink at the outdoor café in front of the </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Pyramid</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, or, if you go on a Friday, go inside the Louvre because it's free from 6 to 9 p.m.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic; font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTVsK5Q097Ql-ncDyIXF2sZb-YGAzXU8Hu76wzZ6hRpTxmOGnLnNEHAm3jd0EuLVO8nRsMgoInSPlm4VRF5YOnxs0Q2BPuRT3IdmOvBge6YGSO6n7I6tDlZ_aPsKnWBD7HqBy_rd9OHWk/s1600-h/Ireland+016.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTVsK5Q097Ql-ncDyIXF2sZb-YGAzXU8Hu76wzZ6hRpTxmOGnLnNEHAm3jd0EuLVO8nRsMgoInSPlm4VRF5YOnxs0Q2BPuRT3IdmOvBge6YGSO6n7I6tDlZ_aPsKnWBD7HqBy_rd9OHWk/s400/Ireland+016.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427128404097309634" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></span></a></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic; font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTVsK5Q097Ql-ncDyIXF2sZb-YGAzXU8Hu76wzZ6hRpTxmOGnLnNEHAm3jd0EuLVO8nRsMgoInSPlm4VRF5YOnxs0Q2BPuRT3IdmOvBge6YGSO6n7I6tDlZ_aPsKnWBD7HqBy_rd9OHWk/s1600-h/Ireland+016.jpg"></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic; font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Paris Fashion Week took place in the Tuileries gardens last spring. This is from Barbara Bui, a major French designer.)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTVsK5Q097Ql-ncDyIXF2sZb-YGAzXU8Hu76wzZ6hRpTxmOGnLnNEHAm3jd0EuLVO8nRsMgoInSPlm4VRF5YOnxs0Q2BPuRT3IdmOvBge6YGSO6n7I6tDlZ_aPsKnWBD7HqBy_rd9OHWk/s1600-h/Ireland+016.jpg"></a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Another great day walk from the Louvre is to the </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Tuileries</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> and </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Champs Elysées</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. Go to </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Angelina</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> (226 Rue de Rivoli; metro is the yellow 1 line and Louvre-Rivoli is the stop) for hot chocolate first. It’s the best thing you'll ever taste, and Audrey Hepburn used to go there often. Walk forward from the Louvre and walk straight through the Tuileries. This is where Paris Fashion Week is held! Keep walking straight and go through Concorde. Keep your eye out for photo shoots by the fountains to your right and left. Keep walking straight and walk down the Champs Elysées. Hop in the flagship </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Louis Vuitton</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> store and </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ladurée</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> for macaroons. My personal favorite (even if you're not a plain eater) is vanilla. The view from the top of the </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Arc de Triomphe</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> is my favorite day view because 12 major avenues in Paris jet out from the Arc. I'm sure it's also amazing at night, but I prefer that view from the Eiffel Tower.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><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/AVvXsEjqG029O4_Pzvqr1pcwq9E3cpf5OIZrZvFRylDGoX0uCwbXW2OmvZhB5pBE2LU_Y22RdNKwsQHBBubmVKb4Mm6OqXH7acYwtUfqhHOTt2u_Dummy0Kzkxu0lYqDvC3kyc130GSkm0ZBXsUx/s1600-h/Paris+398.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqG029O4_Pzvqr1pcwq9E3cpf5OIZrZvFRylDGoX0uCwbXW2OmvZhB5pBE2LU_Y22RdNKwsQHBBubmVKb4Mm6OqXH7acYwtUfqhHOTt2u_Dummy0Kzkxu0lYqDvC3kyc130GSkm0ZBXsUx/s400/Paris+398.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427129669324125122" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></span></a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqG029O4_Pzvqr1pcwq9E3cpf5OIZrZvFRylDGoX0uCwbXW2OmvZhB5pBE2LU_Y22RdNKwsQHBBubmVKb4Mm6OqXH7acYwtUfqhHOTt2u_Dummy0Kzkxu0lYqDvC3kyc130GSkm0ZBXsUx/s1600-h/Paris+398.jpg"></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic; font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Photo shoots often take place in Concorde, which has a beautiful view of the Champs Elysées.) </span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvv86QzNF808cvzvg0JjULWw3XByrHcnhr1G-2j826goOKvc-emXc2gLnXADT7EF0tEGoq7K34AQjON16L3tatt5vwF-3EsheHHfzG1yPYlAaq6hXkIp3dU8g6LpE8kOTWHYH1iM0zCqco/s1600-h/Paris+224.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvv86QzNF808cvzvg0JjULWw3XByrHcnhr1G-2j826goOKvc-emXc2gLnXADT7EF0tEGoq7K34AQjON16L3tatt5vwF-3EsheHHfzG1yPYlAaq6hXkIp3dU8g6LpE8kOTWHYH1iM0zCqco/s400/Paris+224.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427131022235057874" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></span></a></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvv86QzNF808cvzvg0JjULWw3XByrHcnhr1G-2j826goOKvc-emXc2gLnXADT7EF0tEGoq7K34AQjON16L3tatt5vwF-3EsheHHfzG1yPYlAaq6hXkIp3dU8g6LpE8kOTWHYH1iM0zCqco/s1600-h/Paris+224.jpg"></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic; font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(The view from the top of the Arc de Triomphe has a pretty good view of the Champs Elysées too...) </span></span></span></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Of course the </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Eiffel Tower</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> (metro stop is the green 12 line at Bir-Hakeim) is a must-see, but there's not a good way to go without just swallowing your pride and being a typical tourist. Not to be cliché, but it is one of my favorite monuments because every time I saw it, it always reminded me of where I was. My advice is that if it's a nice day and you're debating whether or not to go, just go. Odds are that the next day will be cloudy and you’ll have missed out on the great view. (It’s about 10 euro to go to the top.) Definitely do this at night if you go to Sacré-Coeur or the top of the Arc de Triomphe during the day. There is a champagne cruise across from the Eiffel Tower called </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Point de Vedettes</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> that I highly recommend. I think it's around 40 euro. You can buy tickets online by going to </span></span></span><a href="http://www.o-chateau.com/paris-champagne-cruise.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">http://www.o-chateau.com/paris-champagne-cruise.php</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If you have a Sunday free (but you can go any day of the week), the </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Marais District</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> is one of the only areas in Paris where stores are open on Sundays. It's a really fun area to walk through, and, since this is where all of the modeling agencies are, French models are </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">everywhere</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. It's trés chic! Just take the yellow 1 line and get off at St. Paul. There are beautiful pastry shops here, so make sure you go with an empty tummy. </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></o:p></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDiedwMxO80cZt6QTEWV3ypTdK_fkGdduBYt_cNv0W5ZcDuRcWjUnm5DZJXwwP3WPdt6tWGsFLrmnFkwhITvgbOPlFr6bMIfTgixqN_YEDqXO5appQC-BWLgWZL5ZXiiKgLX76_68nXsoO/s1600-h/Home+after+Paris+040.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDiedwMxO80cZt6QTEWV3ypTdK_fkGdduBYt_cNv0W5ZcDuRcWjUnm5DZJXwwP3WPdt6tWGsFLrmnFkwhITvgbOPlFr6bMIfTgixqN_YEDqXO5appQC-BWLgWZL5ZXiiKgLX76_68nXsoO/s400/Home+after+Paris+040.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427134830153096834" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDiedwMxO80cZt6QTEWV3ypTdK_fkGdduBYt_cNv0W5ZcDuRcWjUnm5DZJXwwP3WPdt6tWGsFLrmnFkwhITvgbOPlFr6bMIfTgixqN_YEDqXO5appQC-BWLgWZL5ZXiiKgLX76_68nXsoO/s1600-h/Home+after+Paris+040.jpg"></a></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(My friend Stephanie and I doing at a cheers on our final night in Paris.) </span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJN9JnFwnmQttVCgutLh4YgaI7recRzK8xcOvAkugYv4JEDJJchcZEmOc6UUkUVTgSyWydRzymNz0gGJmE_sb8Qb0LAM_SPWfebMVwvHFcCeGxm1XS7cJdhATNCMerByPrPeakMnIcCk7-/s1600-h/Home+after+Paris+002.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJN9JnFwnmQttVCgutLh4YgaI7recRzK8xcOvAkugYv4JEDJJchcZEmOc6UUkUVTgSyWydRzymNz0gGJmE_sb8Qb0LAM_SPWfebMVwvHFcCeGxm1XS7cJdhATNCMerByPrPeakMnIcCk7-/s400/Home+after+Paris+002.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427134824483064354" style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></a></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(The interior of Buddha Bar, where my friends and I had our "last supper".) </span></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Restaurants:</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> A word of advice is to avoid eating at restaurants right along touristy spots. (For example, the large cafes across from Trocadero or the restaurant right behind the Musée D’Orsay.) You'd think they're friendlier and accustomed to tourists, but they're not. They're also very expensive. Walk a few blocks around the corner and you'll find more average priced, friendly service. My favorite restaurants are </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bofinger</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> (</span></span></span><a href="http://www.bofingerparis.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">http://www.bofingerparis.com/</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">), </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Buddha Bar</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> (</span></span></span><a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&q=buddha+bar+paris+&aq=f&oq=&aqi=g10&fp=sEPs8bayk4Q"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">http://www.google.com/#hl=en&q=buddha+bar+paris+&aq=f&oq=&aqi=g10&fp=sEPs8bayk4Q</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">)</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">and </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">La Gare</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> (http://www.restaurantlagare.com/). Each of these are a little expensive, but I didn't go out to eat that often so restaurants were always a splurge! Step out from Buddha Bar into </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Concorde</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> right before the clock strikes the hour. Every hour, on the hour, the </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Eiffel Tower</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> sparkles for 5 minutes, and it’s a beautiful view from Concorde. (This is how I said goodbye to Paris!) Try lots and lots of bakeries, patisseries and cafés. It's hard to find bad food.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDiLVKR631FTLOKXhxd7vE5_U6QU6TPVo7aXF7n-auNi9pawzBwemR3kybQ60yeGt3iRO75rs0swbeAMDryJ0XVSsNxg4jkwp8MdvKk0XrYpEfOT9aDooGr7LDq8VW2jOl9Uf1rTLxt_y/s1600-h/Paris+053.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDiLVKR631FTLOKXhxd7vE5_U6QU6TPVo7aXF7n-auNi9pawzBwemR3kybQ60yeGt3iRO75rs0swbeAMDryJ0XVSsNxg4jkwp8MdvKk0XrYpEfOT9aDooGr7LDq8VW2jOl9Uf1rTLxt_y/s400/Paris+053.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427132110044056642" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></span></a></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDiLVKR631FTLOKXhxd7vE5_U6QU6TPVo7aXF7n-auNi9pawzBwemR3kybQ60yeGt3iRO75rs0swbeAMDryJ0XVSsNxg4jkwp8MdvKk0XrYpEfOT9aDooGr7LDq8VW2jOl9Uf1rTLxt_y/s1600-h/Paris+053.jpg"></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic; font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(My friends and I out in Bastille. Can you tell who is French and who is American?) </span></span></span></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDiLVKR631FTLOKXhxd7vE5_U6QU6TPVo7aXF7n-auNi9pawzBwemR3kybQ60yeGt3iRO75rs0swbeAMDryJ0XVSsNxg4jkwp8MdvKk0XrYpEfOT9aDooGr7LDq8VW2jOl9Uf1rTLxt_y/s1600-h/Paris+053.jpg"></a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Nightlife:</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> My favorite club is </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Duplex</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. Any night from Thursday on they offer some kind of "special" where girls get in for free. If you get off the metro going toward La Défense on the yellow 1 line at George V, you'll come out right on the beautiful Champs Elysées. Walk forward down to the Arc de Triomphe and turn left when you get to the round-about. Walk about two blocks in a circle (It’s a little difficult to describe...you’ll understand when you’re there) and turn left again when you see a purple/pink glowing building on your left. It's really easy to find. It's a 4-story club and each room is a different theme. It's usually always happy hour, which means you get two drinks for the price of one. (I think it’s still around 10 euro.) </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Showcase</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> is another fun club, which is under the Point Alexander bridge. I can't remember exactly how to walk there, but take the light blue13 line and get off at Invalides. You'll see a big bridge with gold statues right away. That's the Point Alexander bridge. Just walk all the way down, turn right and walk to go under it. You'll see it! The </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bastille</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> has TONS of bars. That's an entire metro stop on the yellow 1 line. Just get off and explore. My favorite bars are </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Frog and Princess</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hideout</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, and the </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Latin Corner</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. That's also a fun bar to go to during the day for a drink. But there are literally bars lining the streets. Although plenty of Americans frequent each of these bars, don’t be afraid to talk to French people! Even if you don’t know a word of French, they typically know English and </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">love</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> talking to Americans. I can’t tell you how many offers my friends and I have gotten from French people who want to cook us a “real French meal” after a night out! </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Final Thoughts:</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Don't be afraid to take the metro. They have metro maps at the info desk and the stations are marked </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">so</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> well. It does not take long to figure out and it's better than risking a taxi driver who might drive around town just to take you around the corner. You'll definitely encounter rude French people, but just talk quietly in public places and be very polite when you're asking questions. It's usually easier just to ask questions in English. Most of the time, unless you have a polished French accent, they revert to English as soon as they hear the tell-tale American “r” in your voice. Our accent is really, really noticeable!</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></o:p></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvnHKsTn9Os6RtYYhtTdnyxPGqhKCFSVLQL81POVGqPRqoQ2MWYKM9w_0ca_2YBo9b53jNkmjUKv_W-vBNctPg8XY00BmmZknaN_NR4h4LFCTq4gg-lYr1XmxNGfJZpYHZhCctxqJ0dze/s1600-h/Florence+008.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvnHKsTn9Os6RtYYhtTdnyxPGqhKCFSVLQL81POVGqPRqoQ2MWYKM9w_0ca_2YBo9b53jNkmjUKv_W-vBNctPg8XY00BmmZknaN_NR4h4LFCTq4gg-lYr1XmxNGfJZpYHZhCctxqJ0dze/s400/Florence+008.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427133975992622626" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(The Paris Ballet at the end of a performance.)</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IujaXn0V5Pn1xekoJrMABsJEilwz13F1XOKGWFv9bWTAv5iaswI_61GKAq4Q7APjtNkaE_QUEmjcpwh1NEzlFhFv9avH6A8N9zZddfVmPEoeSZBEY_hzwP0pV9ELDsQCt5dqSXS_fUHx/s1600-h/Barcelona+Florence+002.jpg"></a><br /></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9JlYhtoSSg9lc9xCpEq9Ynr-7iHJ3p5b37Ao2jJfAXWmWqoDx0csAWrqvu5uNd7FKWiR3f90KC1s2UWCry-HelnUSZq8dodo4VrHmCQshAHey4CWR5uwrwEI31HaCJ6jvD0YuBqkMdPK/s1600-h/Barcelona+Florence+001.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9JlYhtoSSg9lc9xCpEq9Ynr-7iHJ3p5b37Ao2jJfAXWmWqoDx0csAWrqvu5uNd7FKWiR3f90KC1s2UWCry-HelnUSZq8dodo4VrHmCQshAHey4CWR5uwrwEI31HaCJ6jvD0YuBqkMdPK/s400/Barcelona+Florence+001.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427133386530887666" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></span></a></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9JlYhtoSSg9lc9xCpEq9Ynr-7iHJ3p5b37Ao2jJfAXWmWqoDx0csAWrqvu5uNd7FKWiR3f90KC1s2UWCry-HelnUSZq8dodo4VrHmCQshAHey4CWR5uwrwEI31HaCJ6jvD0YuBqkMdPK/s1600-h/Barcelona+Florence+001.jpg"></a></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(The inside of the breathtaking Opéra Garnier.) </span></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Other must-dos:</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> The </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Luxembourg Gardens</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> (take the RER B line) are beautiful in the spring. This is a perfect place for a picnic. Go into a bakery and buy some fruit, wine, cheese and a baguette and you’ll look just like a Frenchie! The </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Musée D’Orsay</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> (take the RER C line) is my favorite museum. It’s heaven for anyone who loves impressionism. The Louvre is beautiful from the outside, but it's kind of overwhelming. Another beautiful museum is the </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Musée de l’Orangerie</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> (take the yellow 1 line and get off at Concorde). This houses many works by Monet and is very doable in one afternoon! If you like the ballet, you must visit the </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Paris Opéra Garnier</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. Visit their Web site (</span></span></span><a href="http://www.operadeparis.fr/cns11/live/onp/site/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">http://www.operadeparis.fr/cns11/live/onp/site/</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">) to find show times, and if you are willing to walk in the side entrance and wait in line for about an hour before the show begins, you can buy a ticket for only 6 euro. The </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ritz</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> is just around the corner, which is where Princess Diana left from right before she died. </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Additional restaurant suggestions from friends: </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-pagination: none;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">·</span></span></span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Procopio Angelo</span></span></span></span></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, 89 </span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">rue Saint Honore</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. Italian restaurant, seats 20, closed Sunday and Monday. Reservations a must for dinner. Very casual and inexpensive for Paris. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-pagination: none;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">·</span></span></span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Swann et Vincent</span></span></span></span></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, 22 place Denfert-Rochereau. Italian restaurant, casual and reasonably priced. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-pagination: none;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">·</span></span></span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Philippe and Jean-Pierre</span></span></span></span></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, 7 rue du Boccador. For excellent traditional French cuisine, order their Foie Gras two ways (one traditional cold pate w/jam and the other served warm in a delicate pastry shell). Upscale dining, business casual to formal. Located between Champs Elysees and Georges V.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-pagination: none;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">·</span></span></span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Chez Janou Bistrot</span></span></span></span></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, 2 rue Roger Verlomme near the Bastille. New, trendy French cuisine, casual and fun place. Reservations for dinner a must.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-pagination: none;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">·</span></span></span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">RATN, 9 rue de la Tremoille, excellent Indian cuisine and around the corner from a very popular steak and French fry restaurant that has patrons lined up for an hour at a time for dinner. Located between Champs Elysees and Georges V.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I hope you enjoy this guide! If you discover any new favorites during your stay in Paris, please e-mail me at </span></span></span><a href="mailto:devin.tomb@gmail.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">devin.tomb@gmail.com</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> so I can add them to my list! </span></span></span><o:p></o:p></i></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div></div></div></div>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08812930212354592334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519937604395061490.post-58638738285606613662010-01-15T11:31:00.001-08:002010-01-15T15:59:59.456-08:00Travel Tip: Souvenirs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizItEa-3iWlstWfdMymDuLWY8ut9tj7FPzhYzHGipb2bB3prbtUKaDf_B1nLo-4EldCkmHrxLDYJ5fRAgq6aFwafKMKEKNfIcsv0ImfgdwLD58c26-wlblOuUJvqU1G1a81qj6NO-_Ohiv/s1600-h/Euro.gif"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizItEa-3iWlstWfdMymDuLWY8ut9tj7FPzhYzHGipb2bB3prbtUKaDf_B1nLo-4EldCkmHrxLDYJ5fRAgq6aFwafKMKEKNfIcsv0ImfgdwLD58c26-wlblOuUJvqU1G1a81qj6NO-_Ohiv/s400/Euro.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427051987040018210" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">One of my favorite things about being in another country is using different currencies. It’s always fun to dig through my wallet after a trip and find pesos left over from </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mexico</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> or a spare euro from </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">France</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. But after my initial excitement wears off, I never know where to put them except for a shelf-bound scrapbook. While I was running on the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">treadmill this morning, the girl next to me had come up with an instant fix to my problem. She was using her leftover European currency as a bookmark. I thought, what a great conversation starter (I immediately wanted to ask her where in Europe she had been) and an easy way to preserve the money for her next visit. See, it’s things like this that make me wish Kindles would just go away.</span></span></span></div> <!--EndFragment-->Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08812930212354592334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519937604395061490.post-71563176504041792492010-01-14T19:37:00.000-08:002010-01-17T14:20:28.700-08:00Q&A: Bu Zhong on China<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMEtEP4qkO7SiM4dLmBaL6ZwF52AhFG9k34SArLGb3mIVKKUgPIS7oSgGAujQwXenalQcaJHxgM8aylIJBX7CuHgA3Z_4x9pkXeW2Df3PDzPIWnkCW4Sxn0Hkk71QT8EyiP4k__vu0SCe/s1600-h/Bu+Zhong.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMEtEP4qkO7SiM4dLmBaL6ZwF52AhFG9k34SArLGb3mIVKKUgPIS7oSgGAujQwXenalQcaJHxgM8aylIJBX7CuHgA3Z_4x9pkXeW2Df3PDzPIWnkCW4Sxn0Hkk71QT8EyiP4k__vu0SCe/s200/Bu+Zhong.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426806847259857554" /></a> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">China</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> is all over the news these days. (When is it not?)</span></span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/07/world/asia/07scholar.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Google may pull out</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">,</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> and</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/07/world/asia/07scholar.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">top Chinese scientists are returning home from the U.S.</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I’m no expert, but I am traveling to </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Shanghai</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> and </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Beijing</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> in March. (My passport now has two – count ‘em two – visas!) To start preparing for my visit, I asked </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Penn State professor Bu Zhong</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> what it’s like to be among 1.3 billion people.</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bon Voyage: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What was your favorite thing about living in China?</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bu Zhong:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> The food.</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">BV: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What can visitors do while in China to avoid looking like tourists?</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">BZ:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Learn a couple of Chinese sentences.</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">BV: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What should visitors pack in their suitcase before coming to China?</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">BZ: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I suggest you to leave enough space for gifts and clothes, which you may always get tempted to buy there. Make sure you always have some tissue with you (many restrooms might not have toilet paper).</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">BV: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What foods should no visitor leave China without trying?</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">BZ:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Sichuan food and tomato egg.</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">BV: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What is your favorite travel destination?</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">BZ:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Chengdu, where you can visit the hometown of panda, and the city is gorgeous, too.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bu Zhong is an assistant professor at The Pennsylvania State University and is a native of China. </span></span></span></i></p> <!--EndFragment--> <!--StartFragment--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><!--StartFragment--></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, serif;color:#3B0042;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Book Antiqua', serif;"><br /></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </span><p></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08812930212354592334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519937604395061490.post-41055213931071578342009-12-29T14:09:00.000-08:002010-01-15T16:02:16.187-08:00NYT's Top Travel Stories of 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmHdCfj7o8Ffyg-GZiWTNMT5GOQ00DHJbM3yKAB5C0uNpMwGJw1maXlzME9qSJzd6lnsDQ3WrACRg-hhDjgPWh_2ZeraJbCuni2C1wLYorwkfTo81vufSReQg_8OGvyrCef0iMsP5uF1E/s1600-h/Paris+329.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmHdCfj7o8Ffyg-GZiWTNMT5GOQ00DHJbM3yKAB5C0uNpMwGJw1maXlzME9qSJzd6lnsDQ3WrACRg-hhDjgPWh_2ZeraJbCuni2C1wLYorwkfTo81vufSReQg_8OGvyrCef0iMsP5uF1E/s400/Paris+329.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427052832208244178" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtQjxKzKIJlZMkmQjb6MuyFTBuaFho018IIjoT-4vrE-ZI-V23iv991AGcTaWWQnFu_F5WliuWWeiLyLFJzxlhMKKjqHWuhc1qX0RbftiUGEz_7nQ6CZAAUn1NP0iWfhZHNT-n2EK0PCE/s1600-h/Paris+329.jpg"><br /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Welcome to my blog! It's brand new, so while I get my own posts up and running for the New Year, take a look at the </span></span></span><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/28/travel/28topstories.html?_r=1&em"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">New York Times' top 10 travel stories of 2009</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">! I was proud to see that a story on </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Paris</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">, as part of the Times' Frugal Traveler series, topped the list.</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">The photo above is one of my favorite frugal finds in </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Paris</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">. Walk along the Seine, and you're bound to find hundreds of vintage books, paintings and postcards for sale on the street.</span></span></span></div>Devinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08812930212354592334noreply@blogger.com0