Sorting Out Laguna

I am not a surfer, but after spending the weekend in Laguna Niguel, I think it is worth trying! The waves are GORGEOUS and the surfers were out in droves. I think half the fun might just be sitting out on your boards, yacking with the other surfers and waiting for the perfect wave to take you in. Sounds like fun to me!

NOW, about the hotels….WOW! The Ritz Carlton has the best beach, best surf access and best sundowner terrace….spacious beautiful rooms, a great restaurant, amazing spa, and super cool ‘star’ gazing…just ask me.
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/LagunaNiguel/Default.htm

This is the view from my balcony at the Ritz Carlton....sigh.

While it is sunny, January does get a little chilly at times so the plethora of fireplaces and firepits give a warmth that is really awesome. What is it about fire and water that we people love so much???

The Montage is my second favorite. I know I know – most people prefer the Montage. Don’t get me wrong – it IS fantastic. I do love how it sits on the cliffs and you really hear the ocean crashing in. I do love the bungalows with fireplaces and awesome decks with ocean views. I do love the beautiful mosaic pool – kept to 82 degrees year-round. I do love the restaurant and the staff is truly fantastic. OK, maybe it’s a tie between Montage and the Ritz Carlton. They are both great....I guess you just need to try both and decide for yourself.
http://www.montagelagunabeach.com/

A newcomer that really wowed me and surprised me is Pelican Hill. Brand spankin’ new and GORGEOUS! Bungalows and villas all have top top notch appointments, breathtaking views, generous space, etc. Since they are so new, they are offering some amazing rates that include golf and spa. Their kids program is over the top. This is a great choice for families!

The town of Laguna is fantastic too – great shops and restaurants. We had dinner at k’ya -http://www.kyarestaurant.com/laguna/index_laguna.html .

Fun people watching, great food, live piano, loads of fun.

It is such an easy weekend from Dallas - or even a great longer family vacation with tons to do nearby - San Diego Zoo, Disneyland, SURF, museums, Seaworld, golf, tennis, ETC.....Loads to do!

Faru Faru Away…

…in the wilderness of Africa, I found myself soaking in the most glorious (ie enormous and with this deliciously fragrant oil…) bathtub; watching the colobus monkeys playing in the trees across the riverbed from my villa. For real! The colobus monkey is one of those super rare sightings and so it was almost like having a front row seat at the U2 concert….OK, maybe not THAT cool, but it was pretty cool. The colobus is the most arboreal of all African monkeys and is rarely seen on the ground. It uses branches like trampolines, jumping up and down on them to get liftoff for jumps of up to 50 feet. They leap up and then drop downward, falling with outstretched arms and legs to grab the next branch. Their mantle hair and tails act like a parachute during these long jumps. They are rare because they were (and still are) hunted for their fur for use in tribal rituals and as trim by western furriers.

And so, back to this bathtub with massive picture windows, it can be found at Faru Faru Lodge which is one of the three Singita lodges in its privately owned reserve of 400,000 acres. The reserve, the Grumeti, is in the famed Serengeti and is home to all the things you want to see when going on safari. This is Singita’s ‘chic modern’ lodge with white & beiges giving it a very organic feel. The contrast of natural elements against cutting-edge design and uber-luxurious furnishings is integrated in six open-style suites, each with an outdoor bathing option (some have showers, some have bathtubs outside…mine had the shower). And yes Gabrielle, the other people are 'Faru Faru' away...thanks for the sound bite!

The over-flow slate pool overlooks the watering hole for the elephants, so you can watch the elephants cool off while you take a dip yourself. Or you can lounge on the comfy pillows, read, nap, whatever. The property offers an honor library where you can take a book...and/or leave a book to share with some future traveler.

All three of the Singita properties of the Grumeti share services…so if you want to do a horseback safari, the equestrian center at Sasakwa is at your service! They also offer mountain bikes, a full spa, an impressive wine list, laundry services (loved that!) and they really go above and beyond to make your time with them unforgettable.

Sleeping Among the Wildebeests

My life list includes things like advanced degrees, conquering certain rivers and mountains, a reading list, a world monuments list, etc…you know things that I want to do or experience in my lifetime. I actually wrote the list about 15 years ago and am tracking pretty well. I do occasionally go back to add things that I just didn’t have the wisdom to think of when I was in my 20s. One thing that was NOT on my list that I might just add so I can check it off is sleeping among the Wildebeests during migration in the Serengeti. I would have never thought this to be one of those unforgettable life moments, but it was!! Wildebeests are not that pretty really…everyone dotes over the zebra and the giraffe or the elephant, etc. But the wildebeest gets no appreciation! While enjoying sun-downers one evening, we stood surrounded by thousands of wildebeest. They kept a distance of about 100 yards or so…almost a perfect circle around us. The funny thing is the sound they make… it is a low soft sigh almost. Like on exhale, they just sort of sigh. Standing in the middle of it, the sound was soothing and sweet.

That night we slept in tents in the middle of the plains covered with the wildebeest herds. To be lulled to sleep by their sighs is just one of those life experiences that is truly unforgettable.

Now for the tent in which I enjoyed this experience...Like out of a movie set or a Ralph Lauren add, the Sabora Tented Camp in Tanzania blows the idea of ‘camping’ to the most luxurious extreme!

A full bathroom inside the tent provides all the luxuries one would expect of the finest hotels in the world...with a view and an awesome 'soundtrack'!

Pictures do no justice to the experience...you must add it to YOUR life's list!!

Love at First Site

Well I arrived in Arusha yesterday afternoon and crashed at my hotel following a light dinner. Early to rise this morning for the next round of flights from Arusha to ...this!! We flew on a small airplane and made several stops along the way on grass landing strips - dropping people off and picking people up - to arrive at Singita Sasakway. Our first 'siting' to the left was this lovely giraffe enjoying an afternoon snack!

The lodge is other worldly! My room is a picture of design and African antiquities with a private plunge pool overlooking the Gremetti Reserve. I am on a short break before heading out for our first official game drive. I can't wait!! Following tomorrow morning's drive, we will take out on mountain bikes for a more physical interaction with this amazing land.

A City Break

When you are wanting to get away from routines and do something different, a great American city might do the trick! WE have so many great choices: New York, Chicago, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, LA, St. Louis, DALLAS, etc… Now if you travel for work, you might think this isn’t such a great idea, but experiencing a city with someone you love vs. on business are two totally different things.

We just spent the weekend in Chicago. The weather was beyond perfection! A great respite from the heat of Dallas. Chicago is an easy town to manage in a weekend…or two… We did not get to it all, but that just means we get to go back some day.

As far as hotels go, the choices are top notch… The Peninsula and Park Hyatt are the usual top picks smack in the middle of Michigan Avenue. The James is a funky modern hotel that has awesome suites at reasonable prices – and great for families! The Four Seasons was recently re-done and is all sparkly and new and is well located just a block off Michigan behind the mall – no matter where, I always love the Four Seasons. W & Westin also offer some great options…

During the summer months, the city puts on a Jazz concert in the park (Millennium Park Bandshell) on Thursday evenings! We went, it was awesome. Great music, great people watching, great weather, great company, all around greatness.

The art in Chicago is world class! We went to the Museum of Contemporary Art for the Olafur Eliasson exhibit. The museum is just a block off of Michigan and is a worthy destination in itself. Great collection! The Art Institute of Chicago also offers a stellar collection and is directly across the street from Millennium Park.

The Frank Lloyd Wright tours are great, the Shedd Aquarium isn’t as good as the Monterrey Bay Aquarium, but is worth the visit. The Field Museum…wow! The Navy Pier – not for me….but apparently it is for a lot of people, because it was jam packed. Baseball, football, theater, etc, etc, etc. Get the picture?

So, make it an ‘Art Weekend’ or ‘Sport Weekend’ or ‘Food Weekend’ etc… Chicago has a lot to offer and is worth going back again and again.

Chronicles of One Lobster Feast

One of the great American experiences is Maine Lobster!

Succulent, juicy, buttery, mmm mmm good LOBSTER!

I am making a Lobster bisque for dinner tonight…though it will NOT be anywhere near fresh yummy New England Lobster bisque, it reminds me of one of my favorite family dinners… at the Lobster Dock in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.

Interupting the feast for a photo...

My sister-in-law Laura with a bounty of clams!

Michael with his beastly LOBSTER!

Mom & I and....believe or not, Maine Root Beer....

Lobster Bobs.

OHHHHHH what a feast!

Walking the Wall

The Great Wall of China – it is just an amazing thing really. The wall is the longest man-made structure on earth, built over hundreds of years. When visiting Beijing, an outing to the wall will undoubtedly be on your itinerary.

There are actually several sections that can be easily accessed from Beijing... typically, tourists go to the Badaling section of the wall. Since we are not typical, we went to the Mutianyu section – far less crowded and a ‘newer’ (Ming Dynasty) section of the wall so it is in much better condition than Badaling.

The Mutianyu section has a cable car that will take you from the ground up to the wall – or you can hike if you like. Then walk several miles to a bobsled to take you back down to the base. Great fun. Or you can hike down…if you like.

Late October to early November is a beautiful time to visit as all the trees are turning. We were just on the tail end of the Fall color, but still had a gorgeous time walking the wall.

Singing and Dancing and Skipping Rope

This is Sunday morning in Beijing!

My first day was a beautiful sunny day and I set out on my own to find my way to Jingshan Park from the Peninsula - no small feat. I think the walk took almost an hour, but it was well worth it. I saw so many wonderful scenes along the way.

Jingshan Park is on the North end of the Forbidden City and is a hub of activity. The park itself is beautiful, but it is the people that make the experience. At first, all I saw were the ladies doing line dances in the main courtyard, cute. Then at every turn, there was some other activity. There were groups singing at the top of their lungs - apparently it is virtuous to be a good singer and they do take it very seriously.

Clusters of people playing chess or cards, haky sack, jumping rope, people playing instruments, acting troups, etc...it was a beautiful day. I am very very tired, so this is not the most eloquent of posts, but here are some pictures.

My Boys Do Love Baseball!!

Baseball IS just so very American isn’t it! Keith & Michael have really enjoyed going to some of the historic parks of baseball and cheering on their favorite teams. They aren’t necessarily favorites for the team that they are today, rather for the legends that come out of the parks.



Yankee Stadium for the Subway Series – how cool is that! My boys hold that experience high on their list of favorites. The iconic stadium, the iconic teams, and the iconic series, all perfect ingredients for a ‘pinch me’ moment for any baseball fan!

Probably as famous as Yankee Stadium is Fenway Park in the heart of Boston. The Boston fans generate an iconic baseball experience – no matter who they are playing! The atmosphere at a Red Sox game just makes you love baseball all the more. The music, the chanting, the energy is just really not describable. You have to go to know what it is to be a Red Sox fan!

We plan on hopping up to Wrigley Field this summer and add another great baseball experience to our list. Chicago’s not such a bad place to visit either!

A great way to share in an American experience together as a family and create memories that last a lifetime.

The BEST Dog Ever!

The thought of a hot dog doesn’t really thrill me…what exactly is in it anyway?

Despite the mystery, a great dog is to be savored and thanks to a friend from Kansas City, I think I have found the BEST. Or at least my choice for best…

Poipu is where we find this unlikely champion. Tucked back in a tourist shopping center on the South end of Kauai is the Puka Dog stand. The sweet buns are lightly toasted from the inside (too much to explain here..), you can choose from a Polish or Veggie dog, choose your level of heat, choose your fruity island relish and finally the mustard ( I liked the Lilikoi the best, maybe because it is the most Hawaiian) and voila ! Bliss ! The combination of flavors is perfect. I hope you get to enjoy one soon.

www.pukadog.com

A Moment of Peace

In finding the perfect shell, my normally bickering children found something to appreciate together and a moment of peace. Combing the beaches for what we can find can be a very cuious thing. Bits of bottles, string, lost shoes, sunglasses...everything has a story. Don't you ever wonder where those bits have been?

At Home in London

The choice of luxury accommodations in London is as varied as the choice of cheeses at Whole Foods and selecting either requires assistance, or at least some familiarity.

As in any major city, some luxury hotels are large and grand while others are intimate and homelike. The Lanesborough or the Dorchester stand out as the Grande Dame icons of cosmopolitan London, but a delightful home away from home is The Goring. It offers every luxury and convenience expected of a 5 star hotel along with warmth and some quirky English touches that endear you to the hotel. (Ask any staffer about Baaahhbara. )

On a recent visit to London, I was privileged to call The Goring 'home' and it truly felt like home. The doorman and concierge greeted me by name as I came and went. The living room is comfortable with the fire burning and sofas clustered for easy conversation. The private gardens off the solarium are beautifully kept and complete with fine sculptures and tranquil sitting spaces.

I don't know about you, but when I go to England, I want an English experience through and through. So many hotels these days are updating to a very modern/European look, but I very much appreciate Jeremy Goring's commitment to all things English. He is very proud of The Goring (and rightfully so) and delighted to share it. I was privileged to have dinner with Jeremy during my stay at the Goring and it really made me appreciate the hotel even more. His great-grandfather, OR Goring, opened the hotel on March 1, 1910 and Jeremy counts it a great honor to carry on the traditions and hospitality of his family. (He has quite the resume too.)
The dinning room itself is sophisticated and crisp, but it is still grounded in English heritage. The English Executive Chef Derek Quelch has revived English cooking and has bought back many famous, and sometimes forgotten, English dishes. Eggs Drumkilbo, once a favorite of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, has been revived for all guests to enjoy and the Lobster Omelet is great as is the traditional Sunday roast with potatoes and all the Yorkshire Pudding and trimmings you could imagine.


I hope you will have the chance to call The Goring home sometime – it IS unique among London hotels.

http://www.goringhotel.co.uk/