tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16491555919185460972024-03-14T08:58:22.724-04:00Life, Love, & Laughter~JJJ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/07939593378286378800noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649155591918546097.post-71167092678022760552011-04-18T17:40:00.001-04:002011-04-18T17:40:39.892-04:00Last full day in the City of LightsWe woke up bright and early on our last full day in Paris. I was super excited since we were heading to the <a href="http://en.chateauversailles.fr/homepage">Palace of Versailles</a>. Alas, the French workers' strike changed our plans. There were no trains running to Versailles that day and I was very disappointed. So close, yet so far away...<br />
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Since we had to change our plans last minute, Mr. J and I decided to do a leisurely stroll around some shops and sights. We spent some time looking for souvenirs as well.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/t9v8fd.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/t9v8fd.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>The best shopping street in Paris, in my opinion, is actually Avenue Montaigne. Yes people, it's better than St-Germain. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Fendi, oh my. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.tinypic.com/xeh45f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i55.tinypic.com/xeh45f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We passed by this lovely beauty, which was parked on the street. Every man who walked by it was drooling. lol. For those who aren't into cars, meet Mr. Aston Martin. ::sigh::<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i56.tinypic.com/2dmbgbk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/2dmbgbk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i51.tinypic.com/2dirji0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i51.tinypic.com/2dirji0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i52.tinypic.com/10i841k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/10i841k.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>My bestie was in Paris 6 months before we went and highly recommended this restaurant, Angelina. It's on Rue de Rivoli right near the Louvre and Tuileries. Unfortunately, we only passed by the place and never had a chance to dine in it. I hear the chocolat chaud (aka hot chocolate) is freaking amazing. It's supposed to taste like a melted chocolate bar. Although the chocolat chaud is offered in many places in Paris, apparently Angelina's is one of the best. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i51.tinypic.com/1zzi1x4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i51.tinypic.com/1zzi1x4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The reason we passed on Angelina was because I wanted to head to a neighborhood in Paris called Montparnasse. It has the tallest skyscraper in France, called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tour_Montparnasse">Tour Montparnasse</a>. We weren't too impressed by the neighborhood right around the building and didn't bother to go to the top.<br />
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We did, however, head to a restaurant called <a href="http://www.flobrasseries.com/coupoleparis/endroit/en/">La Coupole</a>. It's a fav hangout by some of literary history's big names, like Hemingway. I had their chocolat chaud and my heart was in love. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i51.tinypic.com/30xhquc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i51.tinypic.com/30xhquc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>By the time we made it back to our hotel for the evening, we were exhausted. I never got a chance to buy the LV bag I planned on purchasing in Paris. Why? Because they were sold out at every freaking store I went to, including the major department store. It was not meant to be :-(<br />
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Anyway, for our last dinner in Paris we went to a place called Le Bistro St-Ferdinand (275 Boulevard Pereire). It was right around the corner from our hotel. We really lucked out since we were seated right before the big crowds arrived. It's supposed to be one of the harder reservations to land in the area (who knew?).<br />
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I only remembered to capture the top of the menu before we delved right into the food and wine that night. If you are ever in the area, I highly recommend the restaurant!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i53.tinypic.com/24q61hy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i53.tinypic.com/24q61hy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>One of these days, Mr. J and I want to return to Paris. We fell in love with the city and cannot wait to go back again.<br />
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<span class="short_text" id="result_box"><span style="background-color: white;" title="Until next time">Jusqu'à la prochaine fois :-)</span></span>~JJJ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/07939593378286378800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649155591918546097.post-49666056061942099612011-04-16T09:20:00.014-04:002011-04-16T09:20:00.554-04:00Latin Quarter, St-Germaine, Napoleon, and Tour EiffelMr. J and I were exhausted from all the walking we did the previous two days, so we didn't get up very early on our third full day in Paris. Once we finally get ourselves out of the hotel, we headed to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin_Quarter,_Paris">Latin Quarter</a>, which is one of the most popular areas in the City of Lights. It houses the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Paris">Sorbonne</a>, the old University of Paris, which is now a group of different universities. Before we did much walking around the area though, we ate lunch at a fast food Japanese restaurant near the Sorbonne. lol.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i53.tinypic.com/9viplt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i53.tinypic.com/9viplt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/153l5ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/153l5ed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i56.tinypic.com/34dsndx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/34dsndx.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After the Sorbonne, we walked to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panth%C3%A9on,_Paris">Pantheon</a>, an old church that is now a secular mausoleum. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i56.tinypic.com/15x0j2x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/15x0j2x.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i52.tinypic.com/1wuxk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/1wuxk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This pendulum was used in an experiment in 1851 to demonstrate the rotation of the Earth. Pretty cool, huh?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i53.tinypic.com/21csenr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i53.tinypic.com/21csenr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i53.tinypic.com/eqxnht.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i53.tinypic.com/eqxnht.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i53.tinypic.com/nwhphg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i53.tinypic.com/nwhphg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the more famous people buried in this building is Victor Hugo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i53.tinypic.com/98sltj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i53.tinypic.com/98sltj.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i51.tinypic.com/4ic7sw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i51.tinypic.com/4ic7sw.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/9kzgu9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/9kzgu9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After the Pantheon, we walked down Boulevard St-Germain. It's great for shopping (think NYC's 5th Avenue), and it was so much fun to window shop. In my excitement to shop, I forgot to take pictures of some of stores like Louis Vuitton and Burberry.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/22nyj8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/22nyj8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.tinypic.com/fumcyd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i55.tinypic.com/fumcyd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I wanted to buy one of these massive bottles of wine so bad, but it was impossible to bring back home. lol. Keep in mind that Mr. J is 6'2!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.tinypic.com/2ldvjhs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i55.tinypic.com/2ldvjhs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I took a pic of this Paraguay embassy since it looked more like a chic museum than an actual embassy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/wism14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/wism14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/29ljvvr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/29ljvvr.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Since we could see the Tour Eiffel from Boulevard St-Germain, we decided to keep walking there. On the way, we stopped by <a href="http://www.invalides.org/pages/anglais/menu_ang.html">L'Hotel National des Invalides</a>, which is a group of museums and monuments dedicated to the military history of France. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleon_I_of_France">Napoleon</a> is also buried here. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i51.tinypic.com/2zo9n2x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="http://i51.tinypic.com/2zo9n2x.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i51.tinypic.com/af8xo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i51.tinypic.com/af8xo2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i53.tinypic.com/257d7qg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i53.tinypic.com/257d7qg.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>We checked out the weaponry museum quickly since we only had an hour left until closing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i52.tinypic.com/ilgnpl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/ilgnpl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This is the shrine above Napoleon's tomb. Fancy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/2w4wrdl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/2w4wrdl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Napoleon's tomb:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i52.tinypic.com/2yuehb9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/2yuehb9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i53.tinypic.com/mbmtjm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i53.tinypic.com/mbmtjm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Napoleon III's tomb isn't as fancy, he just got writing on the floor:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i56.tinypic.com/2hz4743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/2hz4743.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The building that houses Napoleon's tomb, from the outside:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i53.tinypic.com/2hx5hu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i53.tinypic.com/2hx5hu.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After we finished looking around Napoleon's tomb, we decided to walk towards the Tour Eiffel. We also stopped by for coffee and a quick snack at a restaurant close to the park right before you get to the tower. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name of it. It was a fantastic people watching spot too. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i56.tinypic.com/c3tqh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/c3tqh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I know this is a very typical Paris picture, but I love it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i56.tinypic.com/opd4sp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/opd4sp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The line to get to the top was deceivingly short. This was the only irritation we experienced the entire week. Mr. J was not happy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i52.tinypic.com/2v0io8z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/2v0io8z.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Don't look down during the elevator ride if you're not too fond of heights.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i52.tinypic.com/ila8gy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/ila8gy.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>View from the platform, where you switch elevators to get to the top:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i51.tinypic.com/b8mgxy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i51.tinypic.com/b8mgxy.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>The line to switch to the second elevator was quite annoying and long. We were cold, starving, and impatient at this point.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i51.tinypic.com/m8d6cn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i51.tinypic.com/m8d6cn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>By the time we reached the top level, it was already dark. Listen to the guidebooks and avoid the super long lines by going first thing in the morning or towards closing. If it was this insane in October, I can't even imagine how much longer the wait is during peak tourist season. Eek!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.tinypic.com/28qywxc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i55.tinypic.com/28qywxc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/dqq6fa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/dqq6fa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i52.tinypic.com/f74g3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/f74g3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>We were famished after another long day of walking around. Like the first night, we decided to have dinner close to the hotel and chose <a href="http://www.lacasadisergio.com/">La Casa di Sergio</a> (77 Avenue des Ternes). Once again, I didn't take pictures of our meal but check out the website for some photos. We ate on the terrace despite the rain that night. Tres romantique!~JJJ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/07939593378286378800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649155591918546097.post-54527106799259240592011-04-15T07:57:00.005-04:002011-04-15T07:57:00.066-04:00From Ile St-Louis to MontmartreWe spent day 3 in the City of Light the same way we spent day 2, which meant lots and lots of walking (and food). Before we left for Paris, I purchased a guidebook that gave suggestions for walking tours. Since that was in the backpack that was stolen, I had to improvise. <a href="http://www.frommers.com/">Frommer's</a> online saved our butts and gave a great itinerary for Paris in 1, 2, or 3 days. We used the <a href="http://www.frommers.com/destinations/paris/0062020790.html">day 2 itinerary</a> and improvised as we went along.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.frommers.com/images/destinations/maps/jpg-2006/470671mp0402twodays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="528" src="http://www.frommers.com/images/destinations/maps/jpg-2006/470671mp0402twodays.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>After we grabbed our customary breakfast near the hotel, Mr. J and I hopped on the Metro and got off the stop near the Louvre. We walked by the river again and headed to Ile St-Louis. The island is filled with beautiful antique homes and mansions and very cute shops.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i51.tinypic.com/2n8vd6v.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i51.tinypic.com/2n8vd6v.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i53.tinypic.com/2nl4bdf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i53.tinypic.com/2nl4bdf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>View of Notre Dame from Ile St-Louis:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i51.tinypic.com/2cmxcm0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i51.tinypic.com/2cmxcm0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i53.tinypic.com/10em3ia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i53.tinypic.com/10em3ia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After a pretty walk around the island, we head to <a href="http://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/home.html">Musee D'Orsay</a>. The museum ended up being one of our favs from the trip! The building itself is beautiful and we were told it's an old train station that was converted into museum space. Too bad they wouldn't allow you to take pictures inside (and the Louvre did, weird). I did sneak in two pics while we were taking a break inside the cafe :-)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i52.tinypic.com/258vu39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/258vu39.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i53.tinypic.com/2rdentj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i53.tinypic.com/2rdentj.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.tinypic.com/6eodw8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i55.tinypic.com/6eodw8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i52.tinypic.com/2e1hm43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/2e1hm43.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We grabbed lunch at a nearby sidewalk cafe. The space was so tight that I couldn't even break out the camera to take pics of our food. Heh. After lunch, we hopped on the Metro and headed to Montmartre to check out the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilique_du_Sacr%C3%A9-C%C5%93ur,_Paris">Basilique du Sacre-Coeur</a>. This church is located on top of a hill in a suburb of Paris. Part of its beauty is its stark white color. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/op4cv6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/op4cv6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i56.tinypic.com/5my8b4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/5my8b4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i53.tinypic.com/333935x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i53.tinypic.com/333935x.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>The views were breathtaking, especially with clear skies.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i56.tinypic.com/wi0jn5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/wi0jn5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This kid was amazing with a soccer ball, especially given the height.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i52.tinypic.com/insi38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/insi38.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We were going to try and climb up the tower of the church to get an even higher viewpoint, but once we were told just how many steps there were to the top we decided to pass :-)<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i56.tinypic.com/vnz88w.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/vnz88w.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>Instead, we walked around Montmartre. Such a pretty little area with great shops.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/66ym89.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/66ym89.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.tinypic.com/28bupo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i55.tinypic.com/28bupo2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I bought some yummy macarons in this shop and wish I shipped some home!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.tinypic.com/2vnjift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i55.tinypic.com/2vnjift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i56.tinypic.com/24pjgc9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/24pjgc9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i52.tinypic.com/ehf0hk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/ehf0hk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Since we took our sweet time walking around Montmartre, we decided to have dinner in the neighborhood too. We picked a place called Le Chinon, 49 Rue des Abbesses. I thought I took pictures of our diner but apparently not. However, I do have a pic of the wine we drank :-)<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/jidtzp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/jidtzp.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Ah, a great meal to end another day in Paris.~JJJ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/07939593378286378800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649155591918546097.post-13149539949183264202011-04-14T09:00:00.003-04:002011-04-14T09:00:22.298-04:00Bonjour, ParisWe woke up to sunshine on our second day of Paris and couldn't wait to check out the city. From our short cab ride between the train station and the hotel, everything about the city looked beautiful already.<br />
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Based on our friends' recommendations, we decided to drop by a bakery near the hotel to grab breakfast on the go. Mr. J got a fresh baked croissant and I chose the chocolate version. Talk about heaven!<br />
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Anyway, we used the Metro to head to the <a href="http://www.louvre.fr/llv/commun/home.jsp?bmLocale=en">Musee de Louvre</a> in hopes of beating the crowd. I wish we woke up just an hour earlier since we still faced a line once we arrived. Whatever you do, do not miss out on this museum. It's massive and can be overwhelming, so be careful. We decided to see some highlights and come back again one day to see the rest of its treasures. There's just so many things to see, so little time!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/wgyyvn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/wgyyvn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I read somewhere to pay homage to the Mona Lisa as soon as you arrive at the Louvre so that you can take your time with everything else. It was great advice since tourists already packed the space in front of the painting around 10am. By the time we left, the crowd grew. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i52.tinypic.com/21983g6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/21983g6.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bet you didn't know you could take a picture of her, did you? I was surprised, but I guess the glass case around her is supposed to protect her enough.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/9bgfhu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/9bgfhu.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had some major fun around the Louvre.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i56.tinypic.com/igc107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/igc107.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i56.tinypic.com/m7rvgh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/m7rvgh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>::giggle snort:: Yes, I am 12.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i56.tinypic.com/243fb7b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/243fb7b.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/2bbigk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/2bbigk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the grounds of the Louvre:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i51.tinypic.com/axyzkj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i51.tinypic.com/axyzkj.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/2nm3lz5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/2nm3lz5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The entrance to the Tuileries, the beautiful gardens behind the Louvre. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i51.tinypic.com/2zp3vwg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i51.tinypic.com/2zp3vwg.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>We decided to walk towards the <a href="http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/-English-">Cathedral de Notre Dame</a> based on <a href="http://www.frommers.com/destinations/paris/0062020766.html">Frommer's</a> advice on Paris when you only have a few days available. First up, the pretty Seine River right next to the Louvre. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.frommers.com/images/destinations/maps/jpg-2006/470671mp0401oneday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="528" src="http://www.frommers.com/images/destinations/maps/jpg-2006/470671mp0401oneday.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i56.tinypic.com/10omjpe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/10omjpe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>View of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rive_Gauche_%28Paris%29">Left Bank</a>. We really lucked out with beautiful weather!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/ic3iw6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/ic3iw6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We crossed Pont Neuf, which is the oldest bridge in Paris. It dates back to 1578. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/2z9faj9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/2z9faj9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Square du Vert Galant has a statue dedicated to Henry IV, which was getting a good cleaning while we were there. Heh.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.tinypic.com/2elbfkg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i55.tinypic.com/2elbfkg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We were trying to check out <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sainte-Chapelle">Sainte-Chapelle</a> on our way to Notre Dame. Unfortunately, there was a special event going on that day and tourists were not allowed entrance. I was so sad since I've heard this chapel is beautiful.<br />
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Anyway, we made our way to a random restaurant across the street from Sainte-Chapelle for our first Parisian lunch. Mr. J just wanted the French onion soup (or is it just onion soup since we were in France?) and I ordered an egg baguette. Both of us finished every last bite. Soooo good.<br />
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I want to point it out now that I in fact ate a whole loaf of bread in addition to drinking a whole bottle of wine alone every day in Paris. There's something way better in the food since I didn't gain an ounce despite my large appetite. I guess the miles of walking we did every day also helped. lol. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.tinypic.com/6p4x8p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i55.tinypic.com/6p4x8p.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i51.tinypic.com/2zof0ag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i51.tinypic.com/2zof0ag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After lunch, we finally made it to Notre Dame. The cathedral is beautiful inside and out. I highly recommend paying the extra money for the audio, self-guided tour.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i56.tinypic.com/33zda0x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/33zda0x.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i52.tinypic.com/v5ztci.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/v5ztci.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i52.tinypic.com/1ifjow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/1ifjow.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>The one of the famous rose windows, built b/w 1210-1250. I am always amazed at how such grand buildings were constructed so long ago.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/51ehpl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/51ehpl.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i56.tinypic.com/fycu1k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/fycu1k.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After our tour through Notre Dame, we decided to backtrack to the Louvre so we could stroll through the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuileries_Garden">Tuileries Garden</a>. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i51.tinypic.com/294qbzr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i51.tinypic.com/294qbzr.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>At the end of the Tuileries in the center of Place de la Concorde is the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxor_Obelisk">Luxor Obelisk</a>, a gift from Egypt.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i56.tinypic.com/10ydz4n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/10ydz4n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>From here, we walked down the Champs-Elysees all the way to the Arc de Triomphe. This part of our walk was about 2 miles alone, so you already know my feet were killing me by dinner time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i51.tinypic.com/2a5awit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i51.tinypic.com/2a5awit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i52.tinypic.com/161xpb7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/161xpb7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It was dusk by the time we reached our destination (no thanks to all of the shops along the way):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i56.tinypic.com/2rzf4wh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/2rzf4wh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i53.tinypic.com/2rner1g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i53.tinypic.com/2rner1g.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arc_de_Triomphe">Arc de Triomphe</a> is in the middle of a super busy traffic circle. It took me a few seconds to realize that there are underground passageways to get to the entrance. lol.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.tinypic.com/2cnfpqo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i55.tinypic.com/2cnfpqo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>View underneath the Arc:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.tinypic.com/mb7nus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i55.tinypic.com/mb7nus.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/2ebv0jd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/2ebv0jd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We walked up many, many, many flights of stairs to get to the top of the monument. I didn't realize just how many stairs were involved but I do know I was winded by the time we hit the top. The 360 view of Paris was definitely worth the climb.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.tinypic.com/2dkmni1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i55.tinypic.com/2dkmni1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i52.tinypic.com/nygzzs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/nygzzs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i52.tinypic.com/ossubc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/ossubc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i52.tinypic.com/2gx33ly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/2gx33ly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The trip back down to street level was probably more intimidating, especially since all I kept seeing were stairs.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i53.tinypic.com/2ia4x37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i53.tinypic.com/2ia4x37.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After all that walking, Mr. J and I were ready for dinner. My bestie recommended that we eat at Comptoir de L'Arc, but we were too early for dinner. Instead of waiting out happy hour, we decided to eat at a restaurant not to far away called <a href="http://www.chezclement.com/">Chez Clement</a>. It's on Champs-Elysees, very close to the Arc. We didn't know it when we ate there, but it's apparently a chain. However, it's a Parisian chain and it was delicious to us!<br />
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Do you see the pots and pans in the ceiling? lol.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i56.tinypic.com/10xc7k7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/10xc7k7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/ejtpgz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/ejtpgz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i52.tinypic.com/2r4pus1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/2r4pus1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i51.tinypic.com/2ujqws0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i51.tinypic.com/2ujqws0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i56.tinypic.com/2a0e15y.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/2a0e15y.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i51.tinypic.com/2ild11v.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i51.tinypic.com/2ild11v.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: left;">My favorite course, dessert:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i52.tinypic.com/6537df.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/6537df.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/2jcsz07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/2jcsz07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After we stuffed ourselves at dinner, we enjoyed this street performance before walking back to our hotel (I think it was another half mile from the Arc to the hotel).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i53.tinypic.com/29ehrvk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i53.tinypic.com/29ehrvk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Lobby of our hotel looked like a club at night:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i52.tinypic.com/jqqote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/jqqote.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Somehow, we got into the habit of checking emails before making it back to our room. There were two computers on our floor (I think we were on a Starwoods Preferred Guest floor since these weren't available on all floors).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.tinypic.com/5e7a7k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i55.tinypic.com/5e7a7k.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Our first full day in Paris was fantastic!~JJJ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/07939593378286378800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649155591918546097.post-92003501097747254592011-04-13T16:21:00.033-04:002011-04-14T14:40:03.518-04:00Paris, 1st afternoonDespite our stressful journey between Amsterdam and Paris, I was glad that our hotel was just as we expected. As I mentioned before, we used Starwoods points to stay for free throughout our vacation. In Paris, we stayed at the <a href="http://www.lemeridienetoile.com/">Le Meridien Etoile</a>. The location was perfect since the Metro is literally a few steps away. However, be warned that this chain is really meant for business travelers and not your average tourist. I read some not so nice reviews on TripAdvisor about the "cold" atmosphere, but I didn't think it was an issue at all. <br />
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Not only were we able to check in and get a room right away (we arrived a little earlier than their check in time), the manager and staff helped us get set up on the business computers to take care of our theft issue/fraud alert set-up, etc.<br />
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Our room was big for European standards IMO:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.tinypic.com/vh54si.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i55.tinypic.com/vh54si.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i51.tinypic.com/24nf9sk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i51.tinypic.com/24nf9sk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The bathroom was decent sized but the sliding pocket door didn't seem to lock out the, ahem, noises very well. Heh. Just wanted to warn anyone who is still squeamish about that stuff. Mr. J and I thought it was hilarious.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i52.tinypic.com/28lq3ab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/28lq3ab.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i51.tinypic.com/2cwklea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i51.tinypic.com/2cwklea.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>View from our window, with some good zooming:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i56.tinypic.com/eqb0gh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/eqb0gh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>For our first night in Paris, we decided to stick close to our hotel. We were exhausted from the stress of having our stuff stolen and all we wanted to do was eat, drink, and fall asleep soon after. <br />
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We chose an Italian restaurant called <a href="http://www.groupe-menut.com/Bellagio/">Bellagio</a> (101 Avenue des Ternes), right around the corner from the hotel. We were not disappointed. I'm a little sad that I didn't bother to take pictures, but oh well. Here's some pics from the restaurant's website:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.groupe-menut.com/Bellagio/Design/Image.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.groupe-menut.com/Bellagio/Design/Image.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo credit: <a href="http://www.groupe-menut.com/Bellagio/">Bellagio</a></i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.groupe-menut.com/Bellagio/Images/8273.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.groupe-menut.com/Bellagio/Images/8273.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo credit: <a href="http://www.groupe-menut.com/Bellagio/">Bellagio</a></i></div>~JJJ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/07939593378286378800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649155591918546097.post-67188282755645803312011-04-13T09:00:00.000-04:002011-04-13T09:00:04.329-04:00Lesson Learned: Travel Wisely<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.tinypic.com/okpsw1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i55.tinypic.com/okpsw1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We were on an early train the morning we left Amsterdam to head to Paris. The day started normal enough and had an easy check out and cab ride to the train station. Alas, we didn't discover until it was too late that we made one of the biggest, typical mistakes of a tourist. <br />
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When we sat down in our cabin, we took off our jackets and got comfortable. I held the passports and kept my large bag in between my legs. Unfortunately, we placed Mr. J's backpack in the luggage compartment above our seats. The bag had the laptop, chargers for all electronics we had with us, the guidebooks for each city we were visiting, and all of the souvenirs we purchased so far. <br />
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Somewhere between the Amsterdam airport stop on the train and stop after that, someone stole our backpack. I was fast asleep in my comfy seat and Mr. J was reading the Kindle. We are New Yorkers and should have known better, but we got lazy and we paid the price dearly. <br />
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We couldn't do anything until after we arrived in Paris. Obviously, by then the thief and our stuff were long gone. We also had too much personal information on that laptop :-/ <br />
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So, be careful and always keep an eye out for your bags fellow travelers. It's never fun to report a theft while on vacation, especially when you don't speak the local language. Nevertheless, Mr. J and I were determined not to let this incident ruin our wonderful adventure. We spent our first afternoon in Paris setting up fraud alerts and changing passwords and then proceeded to enjoy the rest of our trip. <br />
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Never again, I tell you.~JJJ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/07939593378286378800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649155591918546097.post-52651674010571742482011-04-12T16:04:00.001-04:002011-04-12T16:06:09.084-04:00Amsterdam, Day 2I really need to learn how to blog without such long breaks. Heh. Let's see how long this current blogging streak will last.<br />
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Let's see, Amsterdam Day 2...<br />
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We started our first (and only) full day in Amsterdam w/ a great lunch in a small place right across the canal from the <a href="http://www.annefrank.org/">Anne Frank Museum</a> called <a href="http://www.diningcity.nl/deprins/en/index.html">Cafe De Prins (Prinsengracht 124)</a>. I mean, you really couldn't go wrong with freshly made cheese and bread and coffee.<br />
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Mr. J ordered some sort of panini w/ goat cheese and I pretty much died and went to cheese heaven. LOVED it.<br />
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I ordered the Dutch Meatball, which arrived in one massive sized ball that I had to cut into multiple slices. I ate every single last piece of this meatball.<br />
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After our meal, we hopped on the <a href="http://www.canal.nl/bus/en/">Canal Bus</a>, the hop-on, hop-off canal cruise that goes all around Amsterdam. This is the map of the routes and we were able to cruise on several throughout the day. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i52.tinypic.com/23h83o5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/23h83o5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i51.tinypic.com/2l5bvn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i51.tinypic.com/2l5bvn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
While waiting for the canal boat, we saw this guy with a major fashion disaster waiting in line. Sexay!<br />
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The canal boat was open air, which was nice until the late afternoon when it was colder.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.tinypic.com/108dbwx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i55.tinypic.com/108dbwx.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.tinypic.com/2196ssj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i55.tinypic.com/2196ssj.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i51.tinypic.com/1zn2044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i51.tinypic.com/1zn2044.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is one of the few remaining windmills left in Amsterdam. It has a brewery at the bottom but we didn't have time to check it out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i56.tinypic.com/14aa4wx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/14aa4wx.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i51.tinypic.com/2wp6w4o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i51.tinypic.com/2wp6w4o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We hopped off to check out the Albert Cuyp Market. My friend <a href="http://bellasbistro.wordpress.com/">Jordan</a> visited Amsterdam earlier in the year and told us that this open air market was not to be missed. So glad she recommended it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i53.tinypic.com/1zmi7a8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i53.tinypic.com/1zmi7a8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/2jc9e1w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/2jc9e1w.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ah, Amsterdam! We bought some souvenirs for Big Sis and her boyfriend from this stand. Can you imagine what those TSA officers were thinking when we went through airport security? LMAO. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/2hzixw5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/2hzixw5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i53.tinypic.com/29zwt45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i53.tinypic.com/29zwt45.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once we finished walking around the market, we decided to walk to the <a href="http://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/vgm/index.jsp">Van Gogh museum</a>. We saw this car parked on the street on our way there and just had to take a pic. Not sure how long it's been since the thing last moved, but it looked pretty cool just sitting there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i56.tinypic.com/214w74y.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/214w74y.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/2h3o7k7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/2h3o7k7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.tinypic.com/6ge71k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i55.tinypic.com/6ge71k.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Van Gogh museum was one of the highlights of our time in Amsterdam. You must visit, even if it's just for an hour. Of course, you must also take the pic with the I Amsterdam sign nearby. Can you see us? lol.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i56.tinypic.com/110aghu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/110aghu.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After the Van Gosh museum, we hopped back on the Canal Bus to take a different route and see what else we could see before the day ended.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i51.tinypic.com/2a816dg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i51.tinypic.com/2a816dg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i56.tinypic.com/mv2s60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/mv2s60.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Holocaust Memorial:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i52.tinypic.com/2ypktpi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/2ypktpi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cool looking library!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i53.tinypic.com/1z3bcqd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i53.tinypic.com/1z3bcqd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once the sun set, we decided to walk around the Red Light District again. We ate at some random Italian eatery where I discovered the best apple cider known to mankind, the Strongbow Gold. Total yum!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/1zr18ab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/1zr18ab.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Before we left for our trip, everyone and their momma told me that I MUST try the fries w/ mayonnaise in Amsterdam. It sounded absolutely disgusting to me...until I tried it. OMG I am still dreaming about those fries over 7 months later!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i52.tinypic.com/s2we3l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/s2we3l.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.tinypic.com/sy8d39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i55.tinypic.com/sy8d39.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We wrapped up our last night in Amsterdam wishing we had another one left. Two nights in this wonderful city was just not enough, but we tried our best to see what we could.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>~JJJ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/07939593378286378800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649155591918546097.post-34034697341453564592011-03-03T18:10:00.004-05:002011-04-12T12:45:32.384-04:00Things that annoy me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/xgbnrr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/xgbnrr.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>If you know me well enough, you know that I hate driving. I get annoyed easily with all things related to driving, and that certainly includes parking. This morning, I was really pissed with the idiot who parked his truck so close to my car. It was so damn close I couldn't even get in my car through the driver's side door. I had to enter through my passenger door and climb over. <br />
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I really wanted to be childish and leave a little message on this person's windshield. A friend later suggested I should have written that message in lipstick. Dammit, why didn't I think of that?~JJJ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/07939593378286378800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649155591918546097.post-19265425671696794082011-01-20T21:48:00.001-05:002011-01-20T21:49:57.791-05:00Whirlwind Amsterdam, Day 1 :-)We loved London and felt that we really needed another day to be able to see the rest of the sites. I am sad that we missed Buckingham Palace and the National Museum, but there is always a next time.<br />
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On Day 4 of our trip, we hopped on Eurostar and made our way to Amsterdam. Since we paid for the more comfortable class, it was nice to be served some food on the train. We should have done this for our Amsterdam to Paris trip too, le sigh.<br />
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We arrived in Amsterdam's Centraal train station around 3pm local time. It was perfect timing since we could check-in at the hotel, eat dinner, and then explore in the evening. As I mentioned before, we used Starwoods points for our entire 10 night stay in Europe for free. I chose the <a href="http://www.pulitzeramsterdam.com/?PS=EAME_aa_Starwood_NWE-100_Google%20US_hotel%20pullitzer_04/23/10">Hotel Pulitzer</a> in Amsterdam since it has great reviews and is considered one of the more romantic hotels in town. We were told that the hotel consists of 25 old canal houses that were renovated and combined to make one beautiful looking hotel. Each time we went up or down a set of stairs, we were entering a new canal house. Neat!<br />
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This is our room, and we loved it. The bathroom had a heated floor, which was a fun bonus for some odd reason.<br />
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Our room had a blocked canal view, but I still thought it was gorgeous. Too bad I forgot to take a picture at night, when it looked better with the lights.<br />
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The hotel introduced me to my first ever stroopwafel. If you've never had one, you are missing out. They are absolutely yummy, caramel-filled cracker like snacks that I could eat all day. We brought back a bunch for family and friends and everyone ate the last crumb in a few days.<br />
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By the time we checked-in and freshened up in our room, it was time for dinner. Friends told me about the famous Rijsttafel dinners in Amsterdam. It's an Indonesian meal that means "rice table." Our hotel sent us to a place down the street called <a href="http://restaurant-longpura.com/home.php?lg=EN">Restaurant Long Pura</a>, which was great since we were starving despite it still being fairly early in the evening. <br />
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Mr. J decided to start with a cold glass of this stuff. I didn't like it but he said it was decent. Ignore me since I don't like beer to begin with.<br />
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We chose this version of the Rijsttafel, with 12 small plates to sample plus 1 large plate of rice to accompany everything. It was a great way to get introduced to Indonesian cuisine!<br />
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We were completely stuffed after dinner so we decided to just walk around and see if we could find the Red Light District while it was still early. It was a great way to work off the food we ate and discover Amsterdam by foot. Before we left, some friends gave us great advice and warned us to mind the bicycles. Those cyclists are serious and will not hesitate to run you over if you get in their way, so watch out!<br />
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We probably walked for about 15 minutes from our hotel before we finally ran into the infamous Red Light District. See those fancy metal markers with the red lights? They tell you when you walk into the neighborhood. I didn't notice them at first but it was pretty clear after a while. Also, no one really explained to me that the Red Light District is bigger than just one street. I always assumed it was like Bourbon Street in New Orleans. I didn't know that it's a large neighborhood that you can easily get lost in!<br />
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One of the more famous shops was mentioned in my Frommer's city guide:<br />
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This is one of the canals in the Red Light District. Lots of places on either side of the canal fulfills every single stereotype ever said about Amsterdam and this neighborhood, heh. As the evening went on, people crowded the sidewalks and they got pretty rowdy. <br />
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I was pretty tickled to find this as we walked around:<br />
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We got tired early that night, so we headed back to the hotel long before normal people would have wanted to eat dinner somewhere. lol. On our way back, we saw the monument across from the Paleis Amsterdam. It was pretty cool and imposing in its evening glory. Sorry for the blurry pic :-( <br />
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The palace itself was going through tons of renovations so all we saw was a sheet draped over the whole thing:<br />
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I am glad we went to bed early that night since we did a lot of sightseeing on day 2. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>~JJJ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/07939593378286378800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649155591918546097.post-5314093613023693442011-01-20T18:01:00.003-05:002011-01-20T18:02:59.339-05:00Thames River Cruise, The Tower of London, The British Museum, and Westminster AbbeyLike I said in my previous post, our tickets for The Original London Sightseeing Tour included tickets for the <a href="http://www.theoriginaltour.com/tour_information/page_164.html">Thames River Cruise</a>. I thought it was pretty cool and we took advantage of the river cruise to get back to the <a href="http://www.hrp.org.uk/toweroflondon/">Tower of London</a>, which we already passed on our way to the London Eye, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey.<br />
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Our guide was pretty funny and entertaining, so it made the cruise a lot better than I expected.<br />
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The boat had a retractable roof, which is super useful in a city that gets a lot of rain (at least, I am assuming that's why it's designed that way, heh).<br />
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This obelisk is called Cleopatra's Needle and is one of the oldest structures in London (that's what the guide said at least). It was a gift from Egypt to commemorate the UK's victory in two battles around early 1800s. <br />
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The river cruise passed under a handful of bridges in a short amount of time. London Bridge's history is notorious but it didn't look as interesting as some other bridges, like the Tower Bridge.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i53.tinypic.com/25g4dv4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i53.tinypic.com/25g4dv4.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/2ahtekg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/2ahtekg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/33cll42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/33cll42.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i51.tinypic.com/29ku9vk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://i51.tinypic.com/29ku9vk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Some pretty cool sightings on our way to the Tower of London:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The <a href="http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/">Tate Modern</a> houses tons of impressive modern art. It was so packed when we visited that we didn't get to see much at all. We're not big fans of modern art, so we didn't really mind. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/2ahxykk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/2ahxykk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://i55.tinypic.com/op3b77.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, our destination, the <a href="http://www.hrp.org.uk/toweroflondon/">Tower of London</a>:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.tinypic.com/27zkti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://i55.tinypic.com/27zkti.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i52.tinypic.com/300tm5e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/300tm5e.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.tinypic.com/2obdc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i55.tinypic.com/2obdc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i56.tinypic.com/28guik1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/28guik1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This building holds the crown jewels of British royalty. I was dying to take pictures inside but there were some mean looking security guards that stopped me. Boo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i52.tinypic.com/ifr1vp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/ifr1vp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is the memorial in the courtyard of the palace that names those who lost their heads (a la Anne Boleyn, etc). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/23k582b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/23k582b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once we finished our self-guided tour of the tower, we hopped on the double-decker and headed to the British Museum for a quick look. Check out how close our bus was to another in the street. Crazy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.tinypic.com/58cqe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i55.tinypic.com/58cqe.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am so sad that we didn't get to spend as much time as this place deserved, but that's our fault for wasting a whole day inside the hotel room because of jet lag :-P</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/fnb5c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/fnb5c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i56.tinypic.com/312cwvo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/312cwvo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i56.tinypic.com/5z1kcz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/5z1kcz.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We were exhausted at the end of the day and enjoyed our last stint on the tour bus before dinner. Plus, it's always nice to enjoy the top of the bus alone. Heh.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i51.tinypic.com/2yycvox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i51.tinypic.com/2yycvox.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Piccadilly Circus:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i53.tinypic.com/28jxzpu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i53.tinypic.com/28jxzpu.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next day, we dropped by Westminster Abbey for a self-guided tour. The church is so beautiful but it was packed with tourists, so a bit difficult to appreciate it in its full glory. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/dxid6b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/dxid6b.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/2iazzep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/2iazzep.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i56.tinypic.com/2cei5bm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/2cei5bm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>London was such a blast and we cannot wait to go back one day. We used to live/work in the NYC area and we felt "at home" being in a big city again. Many friends told me that it's like the Big Apple and they were right. There's definitely something to be said for the British flair and it's worth a visit!~JJJ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/07939593378286378800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649155591918546097.post-53425258634543216752011-01-02T12:42:00.001-05:002011-01-02T12:42:50.811-05:00The Original London Sightseeing Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theoriginaltour.com/files/nhbyqqbpdp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://www.theoriginaltour.com/files/nhbyqqbpdp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Image from The Original London Sightseeing Tour <a href="http://www.theoriginaltour.com/">website</a>.</i> </div><br />
We woke up early Friday morning to make sure we made up for the time we lost completely jet-lagged the day before. I wanted to ride one of those double decker bus tours to drive around London and see the city's layout. We had great fall weather, including sunshine that eventually came through after lunch, so I was excited when we left the hotel. The fact that the ticket booth for the bus tour was half a block away from the hotel's front door was just icing on the cake.<br />
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Mr. J and I grabbed some coffee and breakfast at one of the chain cafes and hopped on Yellow route of <a href="http://www.theoriginaltour.com/">The Original London Sightseeing Tour</a>. We started at the Piccadilly Circus stop: <br />
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<div align="left"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>T1 The Original Tour (Yellow Route)</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Calling at:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Piccadilly Circus<br />
Statue of Eros<br />
The National Gallery<br />
Nelson's Column<br />
Trafalgar Square<br />
St James's Palace<br />
Ritz Hotel<br />
Hyde Park<br />
Wellington Museum<br />
Speakers' Corner<br />
Buckingham Palace & the Changing of the Guard<br />
St James's Park<br />
Westminster Abbey<br />
Big Ben & Parliament<br />
Lambeth Palace<br />
The London Eye<br />
London Aquarium<br />
Westminster Pier<br />
Downing Street<br />
Horse Guards' Parade<br />
St Martin-in-the-Fields<br />
Covent Garden<br />
Fleet Street<br />
St Paul's Cathedral<br />
Bank of England Museum<br />
Monument<br />
London Bridge<br />
Southwark Cathedral<br />
London Dungeon<br />
HMS Belfast<br />
Tower Bridge<br />
The Tower of London<br />
Shakespeare's Globe<br />
Tate Modern<br />
Sherlock Holmes Pub</div></div><br />
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Our view of Trafalgar Square, with the National Gallery in the background:<br />
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I want to say that this statue marks the entrance into the City of London, which is only one square mile. It's the ancient core that was walled by Romans, according to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_of_London">Wiki</a> (I am too lazy to link to a more legitimate site, sorry). Fleet Street is the road that leads from the City to Westminster, another section of London. <br />
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A quick view of St. Paul's Cathedral, which claimed the title of London's tallest building from 1710 to 1962 (again, from Wiki). <br />
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Tower Bridge (check out that notorious London fog):<br />
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Tower of London was a pretty cool place and we actually went back later in the day to do a self-guided tour.<br />
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We wanted to check out Westminster Abbey, so we got off at the London Eye stop to take some pictures on our way to the church.<br />
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Big Ben:<br />
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Westminster Abbey had a private event the first time we went, so we came back the next day for a tour.<br />
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Our bus tour ticket included a short boat tour on the Thames. Since one of the boat tour stops was right across the street from Big Ben, we decided to hop on and head to the tower of London for the afternoon. See the sun starting to shine? <br />
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I took a ton of pics from the boat tour itself, so I think that deserves its own post. Stay tuned!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>~JJJ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/07939593378286378800noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649155591918546097.post-60392222881434988592011-01-01T23:57:00.000-05:002011-01-01T23:57:10.833-05:00Well hello there, 2011I can't believe how fast time flies. It seems like it was just yesterday that Mr. J and I were ringing in 1999. The first of the year always makes me nostalgic, and then I realize how much I have to do in the next twelve months and go into panic mode. <br />
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Over the years, I've made many resolutions that I never kept beyond January. I am determined to avoid that going forward. Instead of making resolutions this year, I want to make 2011 a year of continued personal growth and to actually focus on professional progress. <br />
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2010 was filled with lots of uncertainty in my professional life. I spent all of it unemployed (sadly, I don't see that changing any time soon). Since I moved from NYC to Tampa in March of 2009, I have not been able to find anyone to interview me in this city. It's frustrating since I have been able to land interviews back home. Too bad it's not possible to move back unless both Mr. J and I can get jobs first. As a result, I was supposed to focus on getting myself into business school. That didn't really happen in 2010 for various reasons. I took the GMAT twice and lost focus to try and take the test a third time. Then, I started doubting my reasons for wanting the MBA and I waffled on career choices after grad school. <br />
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I started researching the requirements for the CPA exam since I thought that career would be better suited for what I want as far as work/life balance is concerned. Now, I am back to the MBA goal again. Talk about going around in circles! So yes, 2011, I shall get my act together to take the GMAT as many times as necessary to get that score I need for the program I want. Also, in order to keep myself competitive for my career after the MBA, I plan on studying for and taking the CFA Level I and II tests this year. I really hope I pass both! <br />
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In 2010, Mr. J and I were able to travel a lot and accomplish several financial goals, so that's great. We also laid down the ground work to make some big changes in our personal lives, so really it was a pretty good year for us in these two areas. I know that we won't be able to travel half as much in 2011, but we are planning to do a lot regarding our financial goals so I am happy with the end result. <br />
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I hope to be a much more frequent blogger this year and I hope I gain some readers to hold me more accountable :-P <br />
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In what ways would you like 2011 to be different than 2010?<br />
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Happy New Year readers! May 2011 bring you love, peace, and prosperity.~JJJ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/07939593378286378800noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649155591918546097.post-62421148673239993622011-01-01T23:18:00.003-05:002011-01-02T02:58:04.421-05:00London, Day 1It's a new year and I am determined to post a ton on this blog, especially since I actually have a lot to report starting from our trip to Europe back in October :-) So, dear readers, watch out for a very chatty 2011!<br />
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We left for Europe on Wednesday, October 6th and flew American on economy seats. Mr. J wasn't too thrilled about the idea of a Trans-Atlantic flight in cattle class, but he knew that the cost of business class tickets were not worth it. So, we left Tampa and had a layover in JFK before landing in London the morning of the 7th. Jet lag hit us hard this trip for some reason, so we pretty much missed a full day of sight-seeing. It's all good though because we were able to enjoy our hotel room to the fullest and explore the hotel's neighborhood during the afternoon and evening.<br />
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We stayed at <a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1925">Le Meridien Piccadilly</a>, which is located right off the main drag in Piccadilly Circus. It's the Times Square equivalent in London and it's packed with craziness at night. The tube is literally steps away from the hotel's front door, which is great. Double decker bus stops are also nearby as well as the black cabs. Best part? Starbucks was two doors down :-P<br />
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Fresh off the airplane, I had to take a pic of the black cab we rode from the airport to the hotel. There are much cheaper ways to travel into London from Heathrow, but I just wanted to get to our destination as quickly as possible so we could drop off our bags.<br />
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We were warned that the hotel was being renovated and that some parts might not be available. Luckily for us, the renovations inside were completely finished and it was only the front that was covered in scaffolds. If you look hard enough, you can see the Le Meridien sign to the left of Cordings.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our room seemed to be a fair size for European standards, so we were both pretty happy. Also, the hotel had evening turn down service and they left yummy chocolate mints on the pillows. That pretty much made me like the hotel after that. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i53.tinypic.com/ra4z14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i53.tinypic.com/ra4z14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i52.tinypic.com/1t5w74.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/1t5w74.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The bathroom had a towel warmer that I enjoyed and I loved the Le Meridien bath products. They smelled so yummy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i56.tinypic.com/jzywas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/jzywas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Like I said, we were pretty tuckered out for most of the first day. Mr. J had this great idea of taking pictures with his shoes everywhere we went. His dad has the same pair and Mr. J named the shoes his "Air IJs." IJ are his dad's initials and it was pretty hilarious to try and remember to take pictures of the shoes alone. Here's the first pic, in our hotel room with some British Pounds. Don't ask me why we thought the currency would make the pic look more interesting. lol. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i53.tinypic.com/2vno1gk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i53.tinypic.com/2vno1gk.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After a super long nap in the hotel, we walked around Piccadilly Circus to try and figure out what was in the neighborhood. We ate dinner at <a href="http://www.cafemumbaisoho.com/">Cafe Mumbai</a>, an Indian restaurant on Denman Street right off Piccadilly Circus. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cafemumbaisoho.com/640x480/IMG_2563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.cafemumbaisoho.com/640x480/IMG_2563.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cafemumbaisoho.com/640x480/IMG_2571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.cafemumbaisoho.com/640x480/IMG_2571.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <i>Images from Cafe Mumbai's <a href="http://www.cafemumbaisoho.com/index.html">website</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At the time we entered the restaurant, I didn't think the prices were too outrageous. However, when we received the bill I was pretty angry considering what we got for our money. I chalked up the experience as a pretty dumb tourist move since I should have known better than to order from the pre-set menu. The overall experience in the restaurant wasn't too awful, but I am pretty sure we could have found a better and cheaper Indian restaurant a block or two over. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>With all that said, Mr. J and I ordered the Mumbai Spice Deluxe pre-set menu. The starter included the tandoori mixed kebab. I will refrain from repeating what Mr. J called one of the meats :-P<br />
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</div>These spices accompanied our entire meal:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The garlic nan was fresh and hot but seriously overpriced:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i52.tinypic.com/1531a20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/1531a20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The main courses were chicken tikka masala and lamb kahari with mix vegetables curry and pilau rice. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i54.tinypic.com/dzbe69.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/dzbe69.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i51.tinypic.com/2mezszt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i51.tinypic.com/2mezszt.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The meal was supposed to include desserts and coffee but we passed on both because we were so full in the end. Sadly, we called it a night pretty early but we more than made up for it during the rest of our short stay in London. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>~JJJ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/07939593378286378800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649155591918546097.post-47345774903936938042010-12-11T13:50:00.001-05:002010-12-11T13:50:42.800-05:00Bargain of the Week: Dooney & Bourke<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i52.tinypic.com/4i1nyq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/4i1nyq.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />
I meant to buy this bag before we left for our trip to Europe in October. It's the Large Kristen Tote by Dooney & Bourke (color: Saddle). Alas, I hesitated too much and when I went to buy it at the outlet store in Orlando, they didn't have the color that I wanted. Boo for me.<br />
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Fast forward to December 7th. Momma and Poppa J were visiting us for the week and one of them wanted to head to the outlets (take a guess which one). I jumped at the chance and off we went. Sure enough, this beauty was waiting for me near the front of the store the moment I walked in. I almost squealed in delight when the sales lady told me that the bag was on sale, 30% off the outlet price tag plus an additional 20% off on top of that. Needless to say, I swooned when I paid for the bag and the grand total, including taxes, was $116.00. The retail price on the <a href="http://www.dooney.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?section=46022">Dooney website</a> is $245!!!!!<br />
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I LOVE large bags and this one is perfect for me:<br />
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Have you scored any good deals lately?~JJJ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/07939593378286378800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649155591918546097.post-73926764963380852732010-12-11T13:50:00.000-05:002010-12-11T13:50:26.087-05:00$3 MoviesMy mom lives in Raleigh, NC and that city is one of only few places I know that have the massive discounted movie theaters. They play movies that just left the regular theaters but before the DVDs are released. Instead of having to shell out $10, you pay $2 or $3. It's freaking amazing!<br />
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<a href="http://britton8.com/">Britton 8</a> is my newest discovery in town. Who knew that this movie theater actually played decent movies for so cheap? It's hidden deep within the recesses of your typical retail plaza in Florida. The inside is nothing grand. As a matter of fact, the theater we were in was so small it almost felt like an in-home movie theater. lol. <br />
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Was it worth our $3 / ticket? Heck yes! They even have a special on Tuesdays. Any movie is only $1! Be warned, it's a cash only place. Love it!<br />
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*Side note* Once again, I apologize for the lack of pictures. I am so behind on my blogging and alas, the photos that go with this post were on the old laptop. I will update once I go back to Britton 8.~JJJ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/07939593378286378800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649155591918546097.post-48014795236009602692010-12-11T13:32:00.000-05:002010-12-11T13:32:11.383-05:00Dukem<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i51.tinypic.com/9pxrf6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i51.tinypic.com/9pxrf6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Before I even delve into our dining experience at Dukem, I want to apologize for the lack of pictures. I did take plenty that evening but I lost the photos when our laptop was stolen during our trip in Europe. That should teach me to always back up our data, right? Right. ::le sigh:: Anyway, I hope you find our meal selections still somewhat helpful despite the lack of images. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I first tried Ethiopian cuisine when I was in college. One of my friends was just wrapping up her freshman year at Yale and she took me to one in New Haven. It was amazing but I didn't have much of a chance to try it again until a decade later. Since DC has a ton of great Ethiopian restaurants, I convinced Mr. J and the rest of the family to try out <a href="http://www.dukemrestaurant.com/index2.html">Dukem</a> over 4th of July weekend. It's one of the more popular ones in town based on authenticity and taste.</div><br />
As soon as we were seated, everyone made a request to have the nontraditional set-up of having separate plates for the table. Typically, you share one large plate filled with the sponge bread and rice and everyone digs in with bare hands. The family was not having that at all lol.<br />
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For appetizer, I ordered the sambusa with meat. In a nutshell, it's a yummy pastry filled with ground beef and pepper. Everyone's first reaction was to call it the Ethiopian version of an empanada. It arrived steaming hot on a plate and I pretty much devoured it in a few minutes. <br />
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I decided to go all out for dinner and ordered the Dukem Combo, which included lamb wot, doro wot, and minchet abesh. Basically, it's a meat combo that has lamb, chicken, and ground beef in it. Each meat is cooked in its separate stew or sauce and you eat it with the injera (aka sponge bread). I enjoyed the meal more when I took some of Mr. J's rice and added it to my banquet. Injera was good to me but was a bit tough to wrap around my meat since it kept breaking. After a few minutes of making an attempt to eat with my hands, I asked for a knife and fork. <br />
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Mr. J ordered a vegetarian combination since he wanted lighter fare. He also knew that he had plenty of meat options with my order. lol. His veggie combo came with lentils, yellow peas, greens, and salad with fish. However, I don't recall him actually eating the fish. He said that the injera was just ok but could do without the next time. The lentils and yellow peas mix was great in his book. <br />
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Big Sis and Momma J ordered lamb tibs, which are cubed chunks of meat with spicy awaze sauce served with injera and a salad. Their plates smelled wonderful. The sauce was definitely spicy, so be warned.<br />
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The family consensus was that the food was good and that they enjoyed the experience. However, it won't be their first or second stop the next time they are back in the area. lol. At least they tried, right? I am more than happy to go back as long as someone dines with me. ~JJJ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/07939593378286378800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649155591918546097.post-70212079818314397472010-10-26T16:55:00.000-04:002010-10-26T16:55:03.090-04:004th of July in DC<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Mr. J and I spent 4th of July weekend in DC to visit Big Sis. Since Momma and Poppa J were retired by then, they also decided to drive down from CT and meet up with us. It was a blast to act like a tourist in the nation's capital. So many things to do (i.e. free museums), so little time. Mr. J and I absolutely love the DC metro area and would move there in a heartbeat. Too bad our industry doesn't really have a big presence there. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">We checked out the Natural History Museum but didn't spend too much time there. For some odd reason, we didn't eat breakfast before we left the hotel so we got hungry shortly after arriving. I was able to wave a quick hello to this guy before leaving though. <br />
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Once we had food in our bellies, we ventured towards the White House and did the usual picture taking session in front.<br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">We walked around the National Mall. I'm glad we this a few days before the actual 4th of July since the place was already getting prepped for fireworks.<br />
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WWII Memorial:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i51.tinypic.com/91mqg3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i51.tinypic.com/91mqg3.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">One of Mr. J's cousins was able to give us some free tickets to the Nationals game that weekend. We got a great view of everything and was even able to catch one of their famous pitchers in action.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I convinced the family to try an Ethiopian restaurant since DC has some great ones. That will be for another post, but so glad people gave it a shot. It was so yummy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Besides Ethiopian, Big Sis and Momma J and I went to a Drag Queen Brunch that Sunday. We had a blast and the food was actually good too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>~JJJ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/07939593378286378800noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649155591918546097.post-65466386625014503772010-10-26T16:08:00.001-04:002011-01-02T00:55:46.134-05:00Back again!So I took an unintended long break from my short blogging stint and now I'm back. It was nice to discuss my life online and I missed it. I will be honest and say that my hiatus began because I started a search for a much easier to remember blog address. Alas, I am far from creative and I couldn't come up with anything. Then, life just took off and all of a sudden, it's October.<br />
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Here's a quick recap:<br />
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July: Mr. J and I went to visit Big Sis in DC over 4th of July weekend. <br />
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August: I took the GMAT for the second time and did worse. It was awful and now I have to regroup and push back my b school plans another year. This also made me decide that I need to sign up for the CFA Level I exam in June. I can't be out of the game this long without something to show for it, right? Fun, fun, fun!<br />
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September: We went to TX for our friends' wedding. Mr. J was the Best Man and I was a bridesmaid. It was beautiful and thankfully, drama free.<br />
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October: Finally headed to Europe for a vacation we've been talking about for years. We went to London, Amsterdam, and Paris for 10 nights and it was amazing. So much to blog about, so please stay tuned!~JJJ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/07939593378286378800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649155591918546097.post-18553735544036271752010-07-25T21:09:00.000-04:002010-07-25T21:09:11.309-04:00Yummy HouseIf you haven't figured it out by now, we love to eat. It wasn't hard to find great restaurants when we lived in NYC, but here in Florida we have to do some work to find them. If it wasn't for our dear friends Janet and David, we would have never found this Chinese restaurant called <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/yummy-house-tampa">Yummy House</a>. We searched for months and this is the only place that's worth the wait. There are absolutely no frills, but the food is to die for and it's also BYOB :-)<br />
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Don't you love the signage above? Hehe. If you plan on coming here on a Saturday night, you better make reservations a week beforehand. Otherwise, it can be quite a lengthy wait. I've watched people wait an hour, so save yourself the frustration. Besides, you end up waiting outside in the heat and that's just not going to help you. Yummy House also does takeout, if that suits your fancy more than the dining area below.<br />
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We started off with some spring rolls and salt and pepper calamari. Sooo crispy!<br />
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Be warned, folks, the calamari is pretty spicy. I eat it quickly and always forget to brace myself :-)<br />
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I was craving General Tso's chicken for months and thought this was the time to order it. Man, the sauce was perfect. Check out the veggies and the peppers!<br />
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The mongolian beef was a crowd pleaser as well, but it put my taste buds into spicy overload.<br />
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Mr. J was craving noodles, so he ordered some. Tastes so fresh and far from the oily hot messes that we've had in order establishments.<br />
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Seriously folks, I highly recommend this restaurant. Yummy House is a true gem of Tampa!~JJJ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/07939593378286378800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649155591918546097.post-1569633304832338522010-07-25T20:43:00.000-04:002010-07-25T20:43:32.386-04:00Lunch at Hula Bay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i31.tinypic.com/2w582lk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i31.tinypic.com/2w582lk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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When Momma and Poppa J were here in June, I wanted to take them to a new seafood spot for lunch. They love shrimp and I thought I had the best place in mind. Unfortunately, I kept missing the exit on the highway and I gave up and headed to Hula Bay instead. lol.<br />
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I've been to Hula Bay many times, but always for happy hour on Thursday nights (aka Ladies night). However, I haven't been in over 6 months and am happy to report that my favorite app is still as delish as I remember. This is the molten shrimp, which was nice and spicy and crispy. I love the fact that it was served in a an over-sized martini glass.<br />
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Wings were nice and seasoned and crispy enough.<br />
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These pork sliders were so good and I loved the onion strings that were mixed in with the meat.<br />
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I believe these were beer battered chicken tenders, which are always a steady favorite.<br />
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I think the most memorable part of this restaurant is the gorgeous view during sunset. I highly recommend stopping by for a quick drink!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>~JJJ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/07939593378286378800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649155591918546097.post-52831388870800095362010-07-25T20:39:00.000-04:002010-07-25T20:39:14.669-04:00Datz a Sandwich!Mr. J and I had no idea what we wanted to eat today so we randomly chose <a href="http://www.datzdeli.com/">Datz Deli</a>. The brunch at Datz is infamous around town and we decided early enough to try and beat the crowds. Alas, we weren't that early since we still had to wait 20 minutes to get a table. That was fine since I took a look around their little market and bought a few things. I also discovered that there is a coffee roaster in St. Petersburg and the coffee taste great. <br />
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This is what I see as soon as I walk in the door: Squeee!!!!!!!!!!<br />
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The first thing I noticed in the case of chocolates below is the bacon and chocolate toffee. Who sees that standout among the yummy macarons besides me? I was drooling all over the case BEFORE brunch, so I decided to buy a piece to savor at home. Mr. J said it was just ok and I agree. One day I will create something of my own, with crispy bacon. It shouldn't be too hard, right? <br />
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Of course, I also bought a chocolate and vanilla macaron to accompany my bacon treat :-)<br />
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We initially ordered the Datz Hash (corned beef hash with a bunch of sides) and some turkey sandwich that Mr. J wanted to try. Alas, they ran out of the Hash so I chose the beef brisket instead. The sandwich came w/ cole slaw and potato chips and a blue cheese aoili dip. Yummy!<br />
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Mr. J loved the turkey sandwich. I tasted a piece and it was actual fresh turkey slices, not slimy cold cuts. Love!<br />
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I can't wait to go back and try the actual brunch menu. There was also a short and sweet happy hour menu that Iw ould love to try as well. 'Til next time, Datz!<br />
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On a totally unrelated note, I am going to redesign the blog with a new and easier to remember web address. Please stay tuned and I hope you will follow me at the new address.~JJJ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/07939593378286378800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649155591918546097.post-53774975456451972022010-07-20T11:55:00.001-04:002010-07-20T23:25:43.647-04:00Soul Food Sundays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i30.tinypic.com/5cxdhe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i30.tinypic.com/5cxdhe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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One of our best discoveries in town is <a href="http://ellasfolkartcafe.com/Site_2/Home.html">Ella's Folk Art Cafe</a>. I found it online while conducting a random Google search for brunch spots in Tampa. Ella's brunch menu is called <a href="http://ellasfolkartcafe.com/Site_2/Soul_Food_Sundays.html">Soul Food Sundays</a>. I was in heaven!<br />
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Here's the outdoor patio, which is impressive. <br />
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This is the view of the bar when you first walk into the restaurant. <br />
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There's some great decor throughout the restaurant, which adds to the venue's atmosphere. The space is large and it even has a stage for performances. They sat us on the second floor the two times we've been there.<br />
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Like any other brunch, I always start off with a mimosa. This one had some pomegranate flavor added to it. Cheers!<br />
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Fried pickles, anyone? It doesn't sound that good, but oh em gee they are addicting. <br />
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Aptly named "The Itis," this entree was massive. Our friend who ordered it said that the brisket was very good but the ribs were just ok. Yes, those are fried green tomatoes on the side. Everyone at the table loved them.<br />
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Here's the beef brisket with sweet potato fries on the side. The gal who ordered it said it was good. She cleaned off the fries portion in a heartbeat.<br />
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Another person ordered the biscuits and gravy meal. My father-in-law prefers to call this the SOS (s--- on a shingle). lol. Who knew slop could taste sooo good? It's spicy sausage in the gravy and the biscuits are surprisingly flaky and light despite the gravy on top.<br />
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Mr. J opted for the lighter fare both times we've been to this restaurant. It's the hummus veggie wrap with a side of red beans and rice.<br />
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This is for all you bacon lovers out there: chocolate covered bacon. It was a little saltier than I expected, but I am glad I tried it. I think the bacon could have been crispier though. The chocolate they used was amazing.<br />
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Mr. J and I are firm believers that no one can beat The Columbia Restaurant's bread pudding in Tampa, but this one comes close.<br />
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This iron horse sits on the front lawn of the restaurant.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>~JJJ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/07939593378286378800noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649155591918546097.post-12873685944807303732010-07-08T00:33:00.000-04:002010-07-08T00:33:00.333-04:00A Big Win in Washington, DC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/w/wasgw/phototour/wasgw_phototour18.jpg?Log=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/w/wasgw/phototour/wasgw_phototour18.jpg?Log=1" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo credit: Marriott Crystal Gateway website</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We spent 5 nights in the Washington, DC area over 4th of July weekend. Naturally, I turned to <a href="http://www.priceline.com/">Priceline</a> and <a href="http://betterbidding.com/">Betterbidding.com</a> to help me figure out where we would stay. I was actually pretty nervous since I had no idea how hard it would be to get a hotel room for under $100/night in our nation's capital during one of the biggest holiday weekends of the year. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">After several low bids, I was shocked to win the <a href="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasgw-crystal-gateway-marriott/">Crystal Gateway Marriott</a> for a whopping<i> <b>$70 / night</b>.</i> Not bad! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Our room was decent sized and Mr. J loved the larger flat screen. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">We rarely use the free products that the hotel provides. However, I want to point out that I did like the Bath & Body Works soap that they had here. The body lotion smelled funny to me, but Mr. J said he liked it. It was something like Orange Ginger. Meh.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i32.tinypic.com/33lfngg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i32.tinypic.com/33lfngg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">I think our Marriott Rewards membership earned us a fairly high floor (14th), but I am not 100% sure about that. Too bad we didn't have much of a view outside. Pretty pic of the early night sky though, right? </div><br />
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Food in the lobby bar as well as the restaurant The Mez was decent. Actually, we ate brunch at The Mez and the buffet was typical Marriott fare. Fine with me. During our first night there, I had nachos and some champagne. It tasted so good at the time, but the combination isn't the best in the world. <br />
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This Marriott was perfect for us in every way. We were only 10 minutes away from where Big Sis lived and the hotel had an attached entrance to the Crystal City Metro station. Even by cab, the hotel was a $20 + tip cab ride away from Tenleytown, in the heart of the city. In addition to the great location, the hotel had a Starbucks in the lobby :-) ~JJJ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/07939593378286378800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649155591918546097.post-61112611897776956492010-06-30T10:10:00.031-04:002010-06-30T10:10:00.696-04:0010 Egg Omelet at The PeppermillOn our last morning in Sin City earlier this year, we wanted to try a very Vegas style diner. <a href="http://www.peppermilllasvegas.com/">The Peppermill</a> fit the bill. It's located near the <a href="http://www.rivierahotel.com/">Riviera</a>, towards downtown. I had no idea how large the portions would be though. It was pretty frightening.<br />
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Since we all partied pretty late the night before, I figured there was no better way to kick off the brunch than to order a mimosa. <br />
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Did I mention that this place has extremely large portions? The plate above has a ten egg omelet. Say what? That's right, TEN eggs in one omelet. I couldn't believe someone could eat that alone, but the waitstaff swore they witnessed it themselves. Ewwww. Mr. J and I shared one and still finished only half of the plate. I like my omelets nice and simple and this one had veggies in it. It was pretty good. The stuff next to the omelet wasn't worth more than a bite or two.<br />
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Someone at the table ordered French toast with a side of bacon. We ended up splitting most of it since it was so darn big. Do you see that hunk of butter on that plate? Oiy! Everything was good and greasy, which is what we all needed to get on the plane that afternoon (yeah, right).<br />
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My favorite part about this restaurant? Multicolored sugar :-) <br />
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I am still new as this restaurant reviewing thing, so please forgive the weird pictures while I work on consistency and clarity. Even a professional photographer mentioned how different my point and shoot camera takes two pictures in a row in the same spot and the same lighting. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>~JJJ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/07939593378286378800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649155591918546097.post-15874563093690993972010-06-29T08:20:00.002-04:002010-06-29T14:16:34.721-04:00Sizzlin' Flatbread at a...Steakhouse?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i45.tinypic.com/24dolsx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i45.tinypic.com/24dolsx.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br />
<a href="http://www.smithandwollensky.com/locations/las_vegas_steakhouse.htm">Smith and Wollensky</a> is an old favorite of ours back in NYC. Mr. J and one of his best friends LOVE the burgers here. Juicy, succulent, flavorful. Needless to say, we had to make sure we stopped by the Las Vegas location while we were in town to celebrate hub's 30th.<br />
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The Vegas location has excellent outdoor seating. The people watching factor was through the roof and quite entertaining, which made our lunch last for hours. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i50.tinypic.com/2hporv8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i50.tinypic.com/2hporv8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">This is the infamous burger. Absolutely worth every bite! </div><br />
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Since we had reservations at a steakhouse later that evening, I wanted to be the odd man out and ordered a flatbread. This was one of the best I've ever had! It was unexpectedly spicy, which was a pleasant surprise. At our table, this plank was cleared out in no time.<br />
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Of course, no meal at this steakhouse would ever be complete without my requisite order of fries. They were nice and crispy, just the way I like it!~JJJ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/07939593378286378800noreply@blogger.com2