Photos of the Day: Swimming with Dolphins

February 13, 2013December 3, 20142 Comments

You know how you see your friend’s photo on Facebook where he/she is all hugged up on a dolphin and you think, “How cool! I wanna do that!”? But instead you are hugging your pillow whining about how you need a vacation…ok, maybe that was just me?!?!?!? I finally got the opportunity to “swim with the fishes (well, they were actually dolphins but I’ve been itching to use that line from The Godfather for a while…ha!). Our dolphins, Pablo & Lucas, were just like puppies! So cute, so friendly and addicted to treats! When you arrive to the pool, you are told that you can only wear a bathing suit (no jewelry, sunglasses, hair clips, etc.). I will go a step further and tell you not to wear hair pieces/wigs because sorry for you if that sucker comes off and your dolphin is now wearing a Bobbi Boss lacefront wig. Ha!

Once you get in the pool, you greet the dolphins by waving (and they turn on their sides to wave back…so freaking cute!). Then after you pet your dolphin,you swim out into the middle of the pool and wait for the dolphin to join you. The dolphin will swim around behind you then flip onto its tummy for you to grab its fins and off you go zooming towards the shallow end! So fun!! A little later, you get to “dance” and “kiss” your dolphin. I want a pet dolphin so bad…but i guess I’ll just have to content myself with trying to teach my dog how to wave his paw & pose for kisses. I’m pretty sure he’s going to give me the side-eye and sigh like “stop the madness, lady…and get me a treat while you’re up.”

Honestly, if you’ve ever debated on whether or not to swim with dolphins, I highly recommend you do it. They are so gentle and fun…and it will be an experience you will talk about for a long time!

Photo of the Day: Pretty Positano

February 6, 2013December 3, 20142 Comments

Legend states that the Greek god Poseidon created Positano for Pasitea (a nymph he lusted after). I have yet to visit a city/town/village in Italy that I haven’t fallen in love with (well…Naples let’s not dwell on that). During our drive along the Amalfi Coast, we stopped in Positano for lunch and were treated to this amazing view! Clearly Poseidon knew how to woo the ladies because this.place.is.awesome! So, um…Call me, Poseidon! I’m looking to move 😉

Photos of the Day: Pompeii Uncovered

February 5, 2013December 3, 201410 Comments

Who knew Pompeii would be so freaking awesome?!?!? Certainly not my high school History teacher because he never told me the E True Hollywood Story of what this city was actually like! This place is stunning…and their civilization was actually very advanced (who knew they had cafes???)! What impressed me most was how well-preserved the city is and the interesting “fun facts” about life back then (which isn’t too different from life now).

Street signs in Pompeii

They also had a lot of “extracurricular activities” going on. Here’s an excerpt from my original post on Pompeii:

3. Pompeii was full of freaks. Apparently, Pompeii was where the party was at. They had 80 bars and 25 brothels. With the open sewer. I am not able to get past the open sewer so let’s just address that now. It’s gonna come up…often. Anyway, the freaks did come out at night and they were doing things that Rick James couldn’t even dream of. Modern Pompeii is full of people selling erotic calendars, statues, playing cards, etc (see below). Now, I originally thought these sexual position scenes may have been their version of “art” back then. But, the guide pointed out that they posted these scenes in the bedrooms of the whorehouses as a “menu of services” (just like McDonald’s). You know I was looking to see what the “goings on” were (purely for research purposes only). You ain’t ready for that. A menu of sexual services. Seriously. After getting your drank on at one of the 80 bars then crossing and falling into the open sewer, you go over to Octavia’s and ask for a #3. Love it.

You know you want to read the other 4 fun facts about Pompeii 🙂 Planning a trip to Italy? I highly recommend you hike Mount Vesuvius then visit the spectacular remains of this interesting city. Then reward yourself with cruising down the Amalfi Coast!

Top 10 Things to do in London (Winter Edition)

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I’ve visited London 5 times so far and each visit keeps me coming back for more. Every time I visit a city, I try to come up with a list of the “top things to do” by reading reviews on Trip Advisor and Rick Steves to plan an unforgettable trip. The list will expand or contract based upon the amount of time I have. You can always get the typical tour ideas from mainstream websites, but I like to mix city/historical tours with off-the-beaten path activities. Below is a list of my top 10 things to do when visiting the fabulously energized city of London during the fall & winter (but most of the activities are available year around).

Somerset House Ice Rink (photo credit London Insider)

10. Go Ice Skating.

During the winter (December/January) various spots around London host outdoor ice skating rinks. London has some fantastic places where you can lace up your skates and twirl around on the ice. With places like Somerset House, The Natural History Museum, Hyde Park and The Tower of London all hosting rinks, you can combine your sightseeing with skating! And then warm up with hot chocolate or go enjoy afternoon tea.

Porn Star martini at the Dollar Bar & Grill

9. Drink a “Porn Star” martini at the Dollar Grill & Martini Lounge.

Okay, when I tell you that this is the best drink ever…I am not lying. Seriously. It’s fabulous! I’m not really a martini connoisseur (regardless of how hard Carrie and the girls tried to lure me in during the “Sex in the City” heyday). However, the “Porn Star” martini is like liquid heaven. It’s made with passion fruit, vodka, vanilla syrup and a shot of champagne. I was introduced to this magnificent drink at the Dollar Grill & Martini Lounge (which had excellent food as well). Can’t get to London but are dying to try this drink? Here are the ingredients & instructions. Enjoy!!

Rosetta Stone

8. Visit the National Portrait Gallery and British Museum.

First, these museums are AMAZING! Second, they are free. Seriously. What can be better than visiting a free museum filled with cool relics and paintings? Want to see the actual Rosetta Stone (tip: it doesn’t come in a yellow box) or pieces of the Parthenon? Check out the British Museum. Want to see paintings of Henry VIII, his wives and children? Check out the National Portrait Gallery. I’m usually not a big museum lover (although I find myself visiting one on every trip I take mostly just because I love history), but these two museums are so interesting and easy to navigate that you can lose track of time.

I always like to see pictures of historical figures which made the National Portrait Gallery fascinating. I’ve seen plenty of pictures of Queen Elizabeth I and her daddy, Henry 8, but it’s cool to see original paintings. My absolute favorite painting is of the Earl of Southampton who was a playboy extraordinaire. You didn’t even need to read his bio to know. His picture said it all. When you looked at the other paintings of men from that era, they had short-cropped hair. Southampton had long flowing locks down to the middle of his back, a swagger to him, and a look that said, “you know you want me…don’t deny it. I want myself.” He was so debonair that while Liz 1 was beheading folks who even looked like they thought she had bad breath, this joker just got some jail time for organizing her overthrow. Then he was pardoned! That’s right. Earl Rapunzel got out and was like, “take that, take that…can’t stop, won’t stop…baaaaad boooooyyyy!” Check him out: Earl of Southampton.

7. Drink hot chocolate while strolling through Trafalgar Square.

Cold weather and hot chocolate go together like peas and carrots. After you leave the National Gallery, why not stroll around Trafalgar Square with a nice hot cup of cocoa and take in the holiday decorations (the Christmas tree is usually spectacular), listen to carolers or just people watch?

Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square

6. See a Musical!

You can’t go to London without checking out one of their many fabulous shows. It’s like going to NYC without checking out Broadway. Low on funds? Go to TKTS (located at Leicester Square) to buy half-priced tickets for West End plays, operas and musicals the day of.

Afternoon Tea @ the National Gallery Cafe

5. Enjoy Afternoon Tea.

You can’t visit London without having afternoon tea. I find myself looking forward to 3pm so I can sample delicious cucumber sandwiches, scones with various jams, delicious tartes & cupcakes and my favorite flavor of tea with a side of a tall glass of champagne. To.Die.For. My favorite spots are the Orangerie (at Kensington Palace) and the National Gallery Cafe (best scones in London).

4. Cruise the Thames.

Sail along the Thames under the London Bridge, view the Tower of London, see Shakespeare’s Globe, take in the awesome sight of Big Ben…these are just a few things you will do on your cruise. The ride (which can be a hop on/hop off or an hour-long sail…depending on the company you choose) comes with commentary and is a good introduction to the sights of London along the famous Thames.

Westminster

3. Visit Westminster Abbey.

I’m a history buff…but even if you aren’t, this place is interesting. You can stroll the halls and see where the coronations have taken place since 1066 (complete with tv’s showing Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation); and it’s the resting place of varying famous people (including William Shakespeare) and 17 monarchs (i.e. Henry VIII with his crazy self). Elizabeth I is buried ON TOP of her sister, Mary (or, as she was known, “Bloody Mary”…which actually makes me a bit thirsty for a cool beverage). For those of you who aren’t up on your Tudor history, Mary was the daughter of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon while Elizabeth I (known as “The Virgin Queen”) was the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. So, Liz’s mama stole her daddy (Henry) from his 1st wife (Catherine) but later found out he was no prize when he had her decaptitated for allegedly being a traitor and having an incestuous relationship with her brother. Which I mean, with the royals marrying 1st cousins and such back then, that is sort of like the pot calling the kettle black. It also explains the whole “Deliverance” vibe some of them had…you just don’t mix the blood lines like that.

Henry 8 changed the official religion of England from Catholicism to Protestant to divorce Catherine when the Pope refused to grant him an annulment so he could marry his new boo, Anne Boleyn. Of course, if lil Annie knew that Henry would turn his craziness on her and get all Betty Broderick (the quintessential Lifetime movie for love gone crazy), I’m sure she would’ve reserved her charms for someone else. But, power is a heady drug that distorts your common sense. All she could see is the finery and being able to tell her haters to kiss her ass once she was Queen of England. I can relate. Anyway, Mary was a strict Roman Catholic like her mama and changed the official religion of England from Protestant back to Catholicism once she was able to take the throne (after her sickly younger brother passed away as a child). But Mary wasn’t content with just changing the religion…she also rounded up people who refused to convert to Catholicism and had them burned alive at the stake. I’m pretty sure that Jesus wasn’t co-signing that.

Clearly Mary had a touch of the crazy like her daddy and after being locked away from her mama for years due to her father’s libido, it couldn’t have been too much of a surprise. After Mary was made queen, she locked Elizabeth (Liz 1) in the Tower of London for a while because she thought Liz was in on a plot to kill her. Which…she probably was. That’s just how they rolled back then. But, being locked away in the tower and being labeled a traitor did nothing to get Mary in Liz’s good graces. When poor Mary’s fortunes turned and she passed away, Liz was crowned Queen of England. She had her sister buried at Westminster…and when she died years later, had her tomb placed on top of Mary. For now and for all eternity, Mary will reside beneath Liz in the Abbey. I’m sure Liz was like, “How you like me now, sis?”

The Tudor history is fascinating. I would recommend reading a series of books by Phillipa Gregory to gain a thorough overview (The Other Boleyn Girl, The Virgin Queen, etc). I can say that being royalty back in the day was a death sentence!

Tower of London

2. Visit the Tower of London.

A visit to the tower is a must. This castle is located on the River Thames close to the Tower Bridge. It’s famous for housing the Crown Jewels and for being the “prison” of royalty hundreds of years ago (Anne Boleyn was beheaded here). If you ever visit the Tower of London, you will hear the story about the 2 young sons of the last York king (of the War of the Roses fame), Richard III, who (after Richard had died), were sent to the tower by their uncle (Richard’s brother) under the guise of keeping them safe. However, it’s believed they were murdered because their bodies were never found (they were around 13 and 8 or something like that…I can’t remember the exact ages). Anyway, the war ended when Henry 7 defeated the uncle and married Richard III’s daughter to unite the houses. Then, spawned crazy Henry 8.

The Original Tour…hop on/hop off bus

1. Ride the Hop On/Hop Off bus.

What visit is complete without a tour on the Hop On/Hop Off bus? There are several tour companies that offer this service (I usually do the Original Tour). They offer a 48 hour pass & 3 routes. The pass includes free walking tours and a free Thames River cruise. You can save some money by purchasing online. This is a great way to get a good overview and layout of this wonderful city before or during sightseeing. These bus tours usually offer live or recorded commentaries. The live commentary tours are better, in my opinion, since there is more interaction.

Regardless of what activities you decide to do, enjoy your time & be safe! Cheers!

Resolution 2013

December 18, 2012December 8, 201410 Comments

Every year around the holidays, I start reflecting over the past year. What worked? What didn’t? What areas do I need to improve in? But this year, I decided to take a different approach. Instead of a list of 10 resolutions I will break by January 5th…I’m making 1 resolution to keep all year.

Fabulous Firenze

December 17, 2012December 8, 20145 Comments

Michelangelo’s David (original statue) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

FRIDAY

Buongiorno!!! After finishing up work a bit early on Friday afternoon, William (aka Sweet Willy) and I took the train from Genoa to Florence (which was a 4.5 hour train ride along the beautiful Mediterranean and Tuscan countryside).

The train ride was uneventful until we changed trains in La Spezia to transfer to the regional train to Florence. Of course, I picked the car with crazy in it. Why does this always happen to me??? When you buy a train ticket in Italy, you are required to validate the ticket in one of the yellow machines on the platform. If you don’t validate your ticket, you are subject to a fine up to 50 Euro. So, the train operator lady comes into our railcar to verify that everybody has a validated ticket. There are only 4 people in our car (me + William + African guy + Italian guy).

She gets to the Italian guy first who looks completely normal. He was wearing glasses and reading a book. All smiles when we got on. Little did I know that glasses can obscure crazy eyes. I mean, crazy folks aren’t usually smiling & reading a book. So, the train operator lady asks him for his ticket…then tells him that he either has the wrong ticket or it’s not properly validated (it was hard to translate). He was like, “no, no, no…the machina Italian words, foccacia, Italian words, primavera, Italian words” and train lady was like, “yeah, you need to pay 50 Euro because this ticket isn’t properly validated.” Why did she say that to that man? Because that set him off and he continues to repeat himself basically saying that he got the ticket out of the fast ticket machine and it’s not his fault if it’s missing something. The train lady is not sympathetic and now they are both getting heated. Next thing I know, train lady was like, “pay this fine or I’m calling the police.” Crazy Italian guy was like, “Call’em. You don’t know me. I’m real. I’m wild. It’s the machine’s fault. Kick rocks!”

At this point, he starts cursing in Italian and talking to himself after she leaves. Then, he turns around to plead his case to William and myself (speaking Italian a mile a minute) and we just give him a blank look and the crickets (for those of you who don’t know what “the crickets” are, it means being so silent you can hear crickets chirping). We weren’t about to get caught up in that mess. He got the police on him now. We can’t help you, buddy. Get your Euros, pay the lady and shut up. You ain’t gonna win this fight, Giuseppe. But, you know what? You can’t reason with crazy. Why did 2 police men come and he STILL gives the same story about the “machina” messing up his ticket? They wanted identification and to talk to him in “private” (which was out in the corridor where he is still completely visible and continuing to go off about the machina). It was high drama and lasted for at least an hour and a half (crazy folks don’t have watches or a sense of time) and the result was that he paid the 50 Euro fine while continuing to fuss and teach me Italian curse words. I would’ve taken a picture but I didn’t know if crazy Italian man would go all Kanye on me and try to take my camera.

So, we finally arrive to Florence around 6:30pm and get to our hotel where they give you an actual key with a big gold-plated key ring (like we are about to do a breakdance battle) that you have to turn into the front desk when you leave the hotel. If you ever go to Florence, and are looking for a nice budget hotel with a friendly staff, I highly recommend the Hotel Privilege.

After we checked in, we went to dinner and had a great meal of lemon flavored penne & meatballs as well as gnocchi with drunk cheese and the house Chianti to drink. Then a fabulous dessert!

DSCN0097

Angie’s Pub

After dinner, we walked around Florence and ate gelato. Then stumbled upon a really cool lounge named “Angie’s Pub”. It was packed and they were showing the movie “Scarface” on the wall in the back room. William and I had a debate on whether or not a patron who came up to the bar was a man or a woman. My viewpoint was that it was a woman (I didn’t get a good look at her face and couldn’t hear her talking but she seemed built like a woman). William was insistent that it was a transvestite.

Sweet Willy: That is a man
Me: No it’s not. She looks straight woman.
SW: Look at her! She’s got an Adam ’s apple and a deep voice. That is a man.
Me: Maybe she’s had a hard life. That don’t make her a man.
SW: Are you deaf? His voice is deeper than mine!

So, we agree to disagree because I wasn’t convinced. However, when William came out of the men’s bathroom, the “lady” was entering so um….he was right. Then I start to wonder what type of bar we are in because I had already started to notice a certain element but it really seemed to have a broad range of patrons. And we had a great time talking to people so it really didn’t matter.

SATURDAY

William and I get up Saturday morning and I am really dragging. It’s been a rough week of long hours at the office and little sleep. But, I wanted to be up to see as much as we could on our last day in Florence. So, we check-out of the hotel and make our way to the train station. It was weird how dead the city was at 11am. When I visited Florence during the summer 2 years ago, it was packed. I think the cold weather puts people off sightseeing. But, that turned into a major advantage for us because we didn’t have to wait in any lines and got to see a lot.

William: Why do the pigeons look homeless?
Me: Because they are? They look fine to me.
William: Their feathers are all dull and that one looks like it has a tumor on its foot.

First stop was Santa Croce Church. It’s a 14th century Franciscan church decorated with centuries of precious art and holds the tombs of some great Florentines (such as Galileo Galilei 1564-1642, who was from Pisa but lived his last years under house arrest near Florence because he defied the church and declared the Earth revolved around the sun; also, the tomb of Michelangelo Buonarroti, 1475-1564, famous sculptor of Statue of David and the Pieta and painter of Sistine Chapel).

Santa Croce

Then, we walked towards the Duomo. Florence’s Gothic cathedral has the third-longest nave in Christendom. The façade from the 1870s is covered with pink, green, and white Tuscan marble. So, you know why I love to look at it. Maybe I can suggest we do the next Boule here?

Duomo

Afterwards, we made our way to the train station to check our bags so we could sightsee unencumbered. We then made our way to the Accademia where we were able to see the Statue of David…if you have never seen this amazing statue in person, buy a ticket to Florence now and go see it. When you enter the Accademia, you have to walk down a hall then when you turn the corner, you see this magnificent and very large statue. It’s a sight to behold. And it is beautiful! But you can’t take pictures.

Once we left the Accademia, we stopped by this café and had the BEST pasta. I had the gnocchi with Bolognese sauce while William had spaghetti with tuna and peppers. We had planned on leaving for Rome mid-afternoon but once we stopped by the street markets, it was a wrap because the shopping was great. We ended up buying some great souvenirs for friends and family and William bought a fab new coat. While we were at one store, the sales lady let me know that a pigeon had taken a dump on the back of my coat. Sigh. Really Petey? I defend you when Will calls you homeless but you gonna just use my coat as your Port-a-Potty? That’s how they do in Florence now?

We also noticed that dogs could go anyplace. Not only the restaurants but into the high-end stores! Most of them were so well-behaved. It’s a shame Riley will never get to experience that because I can’t be put on a Watch List since he doesn’t know how to act.

After shopping and realizing that time is about to expire to pick up our checked luggage, we start walking back towards the train station and realize there were more markets. Then, it was like the heavens opened up and I saw the most fabulous coat! It was hand-stitched with fox fur trim. The sales guy says, “I’ll give you a 50% discount so it’s only $1900.” Wait…what? $1900 U.S. dollars? What currency are we talking about because I can only afford that denomination in pesos. He confirmed U.S. dollars so I was like, “that’s okay, playa.” Still, I couldn’t resist trying it on.

Me: Man, I love this coat. Will you get it for me?
William: Uh, sure. Let’s ask about their layaway plan. I’ll see if they will let me pay 20 Euro a month for 4 years. If I put down 50 Euro in good faith, they may let you walk off with the coat.
Sales guy: *crickets* [then puts his hand out to take the coat back]
Me: I really love that coat. I need it in my life.
William: Yeah, that coat is hot. You’d have a closet full of death with the fox-mink. With the leather you just bought and this fur, you’d have your own pet cemetery. Because you know they had to kill those animals to make that coat you love.
Me: *crickets* {walking away dejected}

We rush to the train station, get our bags and just make the train to Rome. We meet 2 ladies on the train who are artists from NY but own second homes in Umbria that they visit every 3 months or so. I just had one question…how can I do that?

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Camping Out in the Magnificent Sahara Desert

December 14, 2012December 8, 20148 Comments

How can I adequately describe the Sahara Desert? Awe-inspiring. Magnificent. Beautiful. Serene. All of those adjectives and more. During our 8 day trip thru Morocco, we decided to camp out overnight in the Sahara. Upon arriving to the outskirts of the desert, we switch vehicles from a van to a 4×4 and visit the village of visit Khamlia, a village founded by freed slaves known as the Gnawi brotherhoods who play spiritual music. As we entered the tent, we were given mint tea then treated to a performance which was really nice! During the performance, they asked us to form a circle and dance…it sort of turned into the Soul Train line. It was LOADS of fun!!!

dancing!

Gnawi brotherhood

After the performance, we take a 4×4 into the Erg Chebbi dunes of the Sahara Desert to watch the sunset and spend the night in a deluxe Bedouin-style tent (because, um we aren’t really “roughing it” kind of girls). The tent had 2 twin beds (complete with mattresses on frames), bathroom (which included a shower) and sitting room.

dining tent

After we get settled, we head over to the “dining tent” which was gorgeous. We were the only people in camp that night so it was kind of quiet but we ended up having a lot of fun. After a delicious dinner and great conversation with our guide, Tata, and driver, Haji, we walk over to an area set up with pillows, rugs, a small table, lanterns and music equipment (mostly various types of percussion instruments). Tata and the other guys working at the camp performed traditional songs and invited us to play instruments with them (and I am not ashamed to say that I channeled my inner Sheila E on the bongos…until they asked if I’d just like to clap instead…maybe it was too much, too soon and they weren’t ready for the funk I was bringing?).

entertaining under the stars

I suggest EVERYBODY visit the Sahara. At night, it was so quiet you can hear a pin drop. There were NO CRICKETS!!! I’m so used to hearing them that it was a jolt to my system to be immersed in quiet and complete darkness. Once the lanterns are extinguished, you only have the moon & stars. Tata and I took a late night hike thru the sand dunes so I could take it all in. It’s hard to describe the experience…like you truly disconnected from the world (because you also can’t get cellular service). I don’t remember the last time I felt so relaxed and stress-free!

tents

Once I got back to the tent, my Mom was ready to turn in. But she was having reservations about the tent because she had expected there would be a door. Yeah, it’s a deluxe tent…but it is still a tent…in the Sahara. I don’t know if she thought we were staying at the Ritz Carlton – Sahara or what. Now, I had prepared myself for the fact that I would encounter a bug or 2. I already had my Avon Skin So Soft and Off (courtesy of my Mom). She was okay until she thought she saw a bat. I didn’t actually see it but she claims she did and after that, it was a wrap. She came up with the game plan that we’d just keep the lights on in the tent to keep the bats away…but then the camp operators had the nerve to shut the power off at night (they said it is to conserve energy). So my Mom couldn’t keep the lights and now feared that bats would swoop in, turn into Dracula, and bite us. What would happen if we turned into vampires? We didn’t have any True Blood in our emergency preparedness kit (there wasn’t enough space with all the toilet paper).

Around 1am, I startled awake by my Mom screaming about scorpions. She’s got her flashlight on and pointed towards her face like it’s the Moroccan Blair Witch Project. I’m trying to figure out what is going on. I mean, I know she isn’t serious. I must be dreaming this. Did my mint tea have another type of herb in it? I’m confused. At this point, she has moved into my twin bed and made the proclamation that she will NEVER sleep in that bed again because there is a scorpion the size of a “cow” in it. But, before I could find Bessie the Scorpion and lead her out of the tent, my Mom wanted me to see if her arm was swelling. Sigh. After confirming that there was no swelling, I check the bed and can’t find the Velociraptor-sized scorpion. I did see a big cockroach though. Lest you think we are going to sleep peacefully together in a small twin bed, I’ve got news for you…we are not. Labor Layaway requires counseling sessions as well (wait, you don’t know what Labor Layaway is? well, you need to read my post Travelin’ Mr./Mrs. Daisy to find out). And, my Mom had to question why there was no actual door on the tent. You read that right. And, I’m sure that will go into the survey feedback she is working on right now. See, as you get older, things don’t have to make sense. A tent in the Sahara to young people means just that. But to older people? It means a cottage with a fireplace, butler and an exterminator on speed dial.

I’m pretty sure it was the Scorpion King who came into the tent.

After we survive the night, we wake up around 5:30am to hike the sand dunes and watch the sunrise…and it is AMAZING! We see various vegetation and end up meeting 3 girls from a nomadic Berber tribe. I cover our time spent them and a nomadic family in my previous blog post, Life of a Nomad.

I MADE IT!!!

Once we complete our morning hike, we take showers, get dressed and head off to breakfast before going on our camel ride thru the desert. And I have to say that the camel ride was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Unlike the camels in Egypt, ours didn’t stink (so yay for that!), they weren’t temperamental and it was a very smooth journey. The nomad that owns the camels was very nice, spoke limited English and provided us with the experience of a lifetime!

AWESOME!!!

After our camel ride was complete, we went 4-wheeling thru the sand dunes. THIS WAS AWESOME!!! I felt like a little kid! Speeding up and down hills, making crazy turns, trying not to get stuck in sand…what more can you ask for? But, all good things must come to an end. Once we finished playing in the sand, we headed back to the city, said good-bye to our camp operators and guide, then headed to Ouarzazate.

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The French Riviera: Day 3 “Yes We Cannes”

December 10, 20122 Comments

January 4, 2010

Bonjour! It’s day 3 and today was cold and overcast. We woke up this morning and went to our favorite cafe, Grand Cafe de Lyon, for our croissants & cafe au lait. How am I going to live my life without this cafe near my home? Clearly they need an Atlanta location [makes note to self to speak with manager about this].

We head out to see the Russian Cathedral before taking the train to Cannes (which is about 30 minutes from Nice). As we are walking, I notice that almost every dog has on a designer outfit! Seriously. Let me ask you a question. What dog do you know in the U.S. that is rocking a leather jacket???? Not Riley. He wrote a blog post about dogs dressing up. These dogs don’t wear plain little coats…they have designs and ruffles. Like they are about to go on the runway at a Stella McCartney fashion show. There is even a dog & cat clothing store. I kid you not. And, the dogs have the nerve to get attitudes if you stare a little too long…like they think you are about to steal their designer duds. There is a dog in the apartment building we are staying in who barks as soon as you come into his line of sight. But, I think that’s because he may be the poor relations around town since he didn’t havean outfit on.

Anyway, the train station is in the opposite direction from the promenade and the markets which we saw yesterday. As we are walking to the cathedral, the “element” (you know who I am talking about) seems to be more prominent. Maybe they don’t let them visit the nice part of Nice??? Anyway, it’s cold & rainy so I am focused on following the map to get to the cathedral. I then start to notice that the area isn’t as pretty as other parts of the city but it has “character”. However, my Mom stops me and asks, “Is this the ghetto? Why is dog crap all over the sidewalks?” It was too much for her and I knew she was ready to hightail it back to the bourgeoisie part of town. But I was determined to see the cathedral so she was going to have to talk to New Brenda and tell her to come on. LOL.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA We finally find the Russian Cathedral and it’s nice…but not exactly what I expected. I guess because it was in the ghetto? I expected something a bit grander (and in a nicer area of town). Kind of like expecting St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City and getting St. Mary’s Hold My Mule So Help Me God Church of Christ AME on Bankhead Highway. But, it was still pretty.

My Mom and I start walking to the Nice Ville train station. Now, I don’t know why I think things in Europe are different. In the states, the Greyhound is always in a seedy part of town. But, I thought that since the train I took from London to Bath was in the nice Piccadilly area, maybe that’s how they roll across the pond. I guess they didn’t share the memo with Nice.

Then it happens. We are waiting at a stoplight and suddenly some man almost knocks down a woman who is standing next to us waiting to cross at an intersection. The lady was very dramatic about the whole scene and I recognized crazy instantly. And, let me tell you…Nice has a whole new brand of crazy I ain’t never seen before (and yes, I had to use a grammatically incorrect sentence to highlight this fact). My Mom was a beat behind since she thought it was just an ugly woman (he was a tad large and had man-breasts) but he had a buzz cut so I don’t know what she was thinking. Being in the ghetto had her shook, I guess.

Anyway, Beat’em Up Bertrand (hereinafter known as “BUB”) dang near assaults a woman trying to rush to make the bus…and ends up missing it. This is wear the C.R.A.Z.Y. comes out. BUB decides he’s gonna cuss out the bus driver (or maybe just the bus because it was rolling down the street without poor BUB). Then, once the bus is out of site…he decides to cuss out everybody else. We are walking behind him and it’s like a bad car accident you just can’t stop looking at. This fool takes his bottle of whatever (probably whiskey…you know crazy likes to stay bourre). Oh, now “bourre” is my new favorite French word. It means “drunk” and is pronounced “boo-ray”. You know I use it in sentences like, “I think he’s bourre’d” (because I don’t know how to conjugate in French so work with me). That’s just how we do in Atlanta. Anyway, Bourre Bertrand takes his bottle of spirits and THROWS it at a car that is pulling up to the intersection. People are looking around at BUB but nobody says anything. Not even the driver of the car. They recognize he is bourre’d. My Mom and I cross the street because that’s what my Grandmama told me to do when you see crazy. He was out of control crazy. I don’t know what he was saying as it was in French but I have a pretty good idea because crazy people usually use the same 4 key phrases. Maybe he should’ve walked over to the cathedral and talked to someone.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA After witnessing the Battle of Bourre, we finally make it to the train station and are on our way to Cannes. As I stated above, Cannes is about 30 minutes by train from Nice. This city’s focus is on big money and shopping. You won’t find a lot of museums. But, the shopping and hotels are phenomenal if you can afford it (and sadly, I could not). We went inside the Hotel Carlton (which I believe was the hotel used during the Cannes episode of “Entourage” but I need to double-check) and is the most famous address on the boulevard de la Croisette. Rooms start at 750 Euro and go up to 5300 Euro. They embroider your name on the bathrobe and everything. It really is a beautiful hotel.

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After leaving the Hotel Carlton, we went to see the Film Festival Hall where they show the movies during the annual Cannes Film Festival.

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Afterwards, we ate at LaMocca restaurant which is across the street. I had the Tandoori Chicken & Coconut Mashed Potatoes. I wasn’t sure how the mashed potatoes would taste with coconut but I’m always game to try something new. It was delicious! My Mom had the antipasta dish which was tasty as well.

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At this point, it’s getting dark so we head back to the train station. The train back to Nice was delayed by 30 minutes so I felt at home since this is a normal occurrence on MARTA 🙂 After we finally get on the train…next thing I know, the metro police are rushing through the train. Some guy is looking guilty…like he may be trying to get his 13 virgins or something. At this point, I’m like, “Are you there, God? It’s me, Nikki. Tell Margaret to hold on because she’s been tying up the line for dang near 40 years! Please save me from crazy and the Taliban. Amen.” I guess he heard my prayers because the final 20 minutes were peaceful.

We leave Nice tomorrow morning and head over to Monte Carlo so I can win big money at the blackjack and roulette tables (cross your fingers!). Au revoir!!!

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The French Riviera: Day 1 (Getting There)

December 9, 2012December 8, 20142 Comments

*I’m migrating posts from my old blog to this site…so don’t get alarmed and think I’m suffering from dementia. I still have at least 6 months before that gets ahold of me fully.*

French Riviera guidebook

January 2, 2010

Happy New Year everyone!!! I pray that you all have a prosperous, blessed & happy 2010! So excited to start the year off in Nice, France! I decided that I was going to be a more patient person in 2010. “New Nikki” is supposed to just brush off irritations and frustrations. “Old Nikki” has been struggling with that concept for some years 🙂

So, to that end, I decided to give US Airways another try for international travel. If you read my Italy travel blog post from my trip in 2007, you already know that this was a big step for me as I had named them Beelzebub Airlines due to the drama that I had to deal with (delayed flights, lost luggage, etc). So, New Nikki thought 2010 would be a year of second chances. Sigh. I arrived at Indianapolis International Airport 3 hours ahead of time since crazy folks had been out during Christmas trying to take down flights with firecrackers & possibly a 5 oz bottle of contact solution. As soon as I stepped to the kiosk to check-in, the gate agent asked if I was connecting thru Philadelphia (where B-bub ALWAYS has an issue). Once I answered affirmatively, the agent told me that he would need to re-book me on another flight since the flight I was scheduled to take in 3 HOURS would be late. Apparently, the plane was having mechanical problems and they only have like 5 planes that operate nationally. Seriously. Why are there never enough planes to accommodate the mechanical failures? Don’t they have Service Level Agreements with the manufacturers???

Anyway, B-bub Airlines decided to test New Nikki on the very first day of 2010. The agent stated that instead of arriving in Nice at 10am, I would arrive late afternoon which effectively took out 1 day of my vacation. New Nikki tried to see the silver lining, Old Nikki was like, “F&*K THAT!” But, it’s a new year and I couldn’t cave 11 hours into 2010. So, I sucked it up and tried to put a positive spin on it.

After waiting 5 hours, we are able to board the “repaired” plane. The plane is pushed back from the gate…then the PA system comes on and the pilot says, “Brakes still don’t work. Guess they weren’t fixed in Philadelphia. Sorry. We will have to cancel this flight.” New Nikki — “At least we found out before we taxied too far”; Old Nikki — “F&*K THAT!” I am a cracked plate, y’all.

Good news is that B-bub was able to get us on another flight within 30 minutes but I still missed my connection. Which meant another 4 hours of waiting. This caused me to drink a large number mimosas and wine in an effort to soothe my nerves. Trust and believe that. New Nikki tried to think “at least the international flight was only delayed by 10 minutes.” Old Nikki’s response? I think you already know. I was able to leave B-bub in the dust and fly Air France from Paris to Nice. Of course, B-bub is a bad influence because you know that after traveling for 22 hours, we get 2 crying kids in our row and the row behind us.

I’ve decided that US Airways is like that friend you don’t really like but you feel sorry for them because they are so pitiful and against your better judgement, you decide to hang out with them. You know the type. They call, beg you to hang out and they even offer to drive. Only to tell you after you are dressed and waiting that either 1) the car doesn’t have any tires or 2) they are running an hour late. New Nikki has to side with Old Nikki on US Air. It’s a wrap.

So, it took a total of almost 24 hours for me to fly from Indianapolis to Nice. But, I am here and it’s fabulous so I’ll stop complaining.

We took a taxi to the apartment rental and let me tell you…these cabbies drive Audis and Mercedes and the few that I saw look like male supermodels (I’m sure there are a few that may not be runway ready but hey…New Nikki is trying). Our taxi driver even turned up Jay-Z & Alicia Key’s “Empire State of Mind” during the drive. So, not only do you get a cabbie, you get a dj!

After arriving late afternoon, My Mom and I checked into our vacation rental. I got the idea of renting an apartment from tripadvisor.com. There is much more space and it’s cheaper than a hotel. Great location, free internet, lots of room and it’s really peaceful. We rented a 2 bedroom apartment from Nice Pebbles. As you can see below, it’s a really cute little place and definitely a sight for sore eyes after a long day of travel.

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We will do some sightseeing tomorrow. Good night!

2012 Update: New Nikki never made it back. She tries to make an appearance every year but sadly, she ends up being beaten to death by Old Nikki in a fit of rage over something. She’s going to try to make it work in 2013 but I think we all know how that is going to end. Don’t tell her though…she has hope. And clearly some issues since she’s talking about herself in the 3rd person.

Nikki’s Notes: Project Effie

October 8, 2012December 8, 2014Leave a comment

Sigh. I don’t think the Executive Assistant of my group likes me. I know. Who can’t like me? Apparently Linda. I can’t stand when people don’t like me (except if it’s my nemises…he can suck it). It all started last week. I got promoted to a new position within a business segment which meant I had to move to a new floor. That move required leaving my wonderful office and relocating to a cube. A CUBICLE! Where I have to use keys to lock desk drawers before Burglar Billy comes to steal my purse because I don’t have a door. I now suffer from OSA…Office Separation Anxiety. But, I am trying to work thru it. So, last week, I am trying to sneak out of my cube and go to the gym so I can stop looking like the light-skinned Precious. But, before I can make it to the door, someone needs something so I go back to my desk and lay my keys down. I am not quite sure what happened next. OSA causes temporary memory loss.

After I finish responding to emails (3 hours later), it’s time to leave the “office” for the day. So, I try to open the desk drawer (assuming that’s where I put my keys) and it’s locked. Instantly, I thought “BILLY GOT ME!” I looked everywhere around my small cube. It takes me 3 minutes. *sobs* I try opening the desk drawer again and it’s not budging. Now, I’m sounding the alarms and freaking out. I just knew I would get robbed being out in the element (that’s what I call cube living). I go to see Linda (and interrupt her gossip session) to let her know that I had been ROBBED! How am I supposed to get home? Has someone stolen my car from the parking garage? What is going on? She checks to see if someone sent an email to her saying they had my keys. I knew Billy wasn’t going to do that. Billy was driving my car down I-75 screaming out “GOTCHA CUBER!”

I leave her and go see Security. That’s right. I talk to our Director of Security. He’s former FBI and I am asking him to put together a profile on Billy. What motivates him to steal from cubes? Maybe they need to dust for prints? Check surveillance tapes…do we have those? He looks at me…and I look right back at him asking if he needs to take notes or just plans on remembering all the information I’m giving him. OSA is serious, y’all…it has PTSD symptoms. I’ve got the folks in Security calling down to the front guard and checking on my car. Then, I head back upstairs to wait on the maintenance man from Facilities (who Linda had called). This was back when Linda liked me…before “it” happened. She was so concerned. I mean, I had no keys and my car had been jacked.

I’m on the phone with a friend arranging transportation home when Leroy the Maintenance Guy shows up. As I am pouring out my woes of being a victim of a cube Ponzi scheme, Leroy takes his keys and opens my desk drawer…and there were my keys. Leroy and Linda both look at me like I’m a child that tells stories for attention. I’m like, “Leroy, you just unlocked that drawer so you know it was locked.” He just rolled his eyes. You know what, Leroy? Crabs in a barrel, buddy.

At this point, Linda has sighed and walked away…disappointed. I send her an email to apologize and she’s like, “okay.” DON’T BE THAT WAY, LINDA! HOW DID I KNOW? BILLY IS A FREAKING MAGICIAN (I haven’t given up on my Billy the Burglar accusation). I just can’t break thru the ice wall Linda has erected. She treats me like Celie did Mister. If there are treats in the break room, she will tell my neighbor and look at me like, “STARVE MADEA!” When I asked for her help in ordering new business cards…she told me to go on the internet in a voice that made me think she feels I am special needs. I can’t stand it.

So, now I have come up with Project Effie. You know Effie…from Dreamgirls? Jennifer Holiday/Hudson’s character? Looks like I’m gonna have to make my famous gorilla bread, bring in a boombox and start singing, “And I am telling you…I’m not going…AND YOU, AND YOU, AND YOU….YOU’RE GONNA LOVE ME, LINDA!” If that doesn’t work, I will start on Project Obi Wan Kenobi…Jedi mind tricks always work. Ha!

International Travel Chick

world adventurer, ethical traveller

Tag: Humor

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Nikki’s Notes: Project Effie

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