Feeling like it's time to go home...

I couldn’t get out of Hotel Astoria fast enough. We decided to drive 30 minutes south to Budva….another seaside village. At this point, I’m tired. I'm cranky. I’ve been on the go for over three weeks. I just want to relax. I’m tired of sitting in a car, walking, sight –seeing.  I don’t want to take anymore photos. All these places look the same!

Upon arriving, we see it’s just another town like the previous 10 we’ve seen. We order a pizza and beers, wander around to a few churches.

Sveti Stefan-- an islet and former Adriatic playground to the rich and famous in the 1980s. It's now connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. Sveti Stefan is about 5km south of Budva, so even though I was exhausted, I wanted to drive over and see this playground. I didn't go onto the islet, but the views from the mainland were beautiful

View of Sveti Stefan, Montenegro

Then it's off to Tivat to catch the ferry back across the bay. (It’s 10 minutes shorter to take the ferry. It cost 4.5 euros—Montenegro is on the Euro and you don’t have the scenic drive—but we had the scenic drive on the way in!)

The one thing that has struck me is the wonderful scents of the liquid soap. They all smell so lovely! I actually look forward to washing my hands at each place we stop so I can smell the soap!

The further south we travel, the less English we hear…and the less English is understood.

Our finally stop in back in Croatia at the town of Cavat. Cavat is about 10 minutes from the airport and about 15 minutes from Dubrovnik. It’s a great place to stay for a 6am flight.  The hotel, Hotel Croatia (so creative!) is massive—reminds me of being on a cruise ship.

Dinner was another adventure as we choose the one restaurant in town where a group of senior citizens is on a tour. Bring.me.wine. now. The fish filet I ordered arrived to me in a heavy cream sauce (pretty sure I wouldn’t have ordered that) so I did my good deed of feeding the homeless. I fed the stray cat that hang around our table.

I’m tired. I want to sleep. Two shots of lozovaca should do the trick…

Good night Croatia. It’s been fun.

I H.A.T.E. Hotel Astoria!

Erik promised that if we got up at 7am to hike the 1350 steps up to St. John Fortress, we could drive to the beach at Perast after. Deal.

As recommended by Anita at the hotel (she’s the only good thing about Hotel Astoria!) we hopped a small fishing boat to Our Lady of the Rock Island.  Apparently, every July 22 local men row out to this artificial island to contribute a rock. Then it was a seaside lunch at Admiral Restaurant. The fresh sea bass in olive oil and garlic with a tomato salad (I’m obsessed with the tomatoes here) was the best meal I’ve had this trip. So pure, so fresh. The white local wine paired well and was refreshing as the temps reach above 90.

Then it was off to Pirate Beach, where I actually went into the sea!  It was ice cold. But I did it!  Check!

Local white wine enjoyed at Admiral in Perast

Upon arriving back at the hotel, I was informed, in the middle of the lobby, that I would be billed 1600 euros for the replacement of the glass door.  What?! Dear Hotel Astoria, did I mention that I’m a luxury travel writer? Did I mention my buddy travelling with me is an attorney? 

Bay of Kotor--not what's it's cracked up to be

Three countries on this trip will not suffice. Departing from Dubrovnik, we estimate it will take an hour to get to Kotor, Montenegro. We didn’t anticipate the dirt and gravel roads.  The drive indeed was interesting. The drive around the bay was again, breath-taking. Clear waters, so blue. Gorgeous coastline.

Upon arriving in Kotor, I could tell I would be underwhelmed. Massive cruise ships were docked in the harbor. More toursits. Hotel Astoria, our four star home (I was reminded by the front desk staff at least three times during check-in that they were four star) for the next two nights, seemed like a nice place. (Can you sense some foreshadowing?)

Upon checking-in, I ran up to the room to use the bathroom. As I sit down on the toilet, I carefully close the bathroom door—it’s glass. Said glass crashes down on top of me…raining over me like a hail storm. (Yes, I’m sitting on the toilet-peeing)

Really? Lost luggage, Bike accident, and now glass falling on me? I buy a haulite necklace. While this stone is supposed to be for Libras—it is also used to calm people. I need to be calmed at this point. I wear it immediately.

Glass door at Hotel Astoria that fell on me!

After exploring the old city—again tiny enough to exlpor in an afternoon, we decide to have drinks on the square outside the hotel. The menu included “fried foie gras.”  I’ve never had FRIED foie gras, and since foie gras is currently banned in California, I don’t think I’ll have an opportunity to try it soon…so I order it. So rich. So fried. So sick.

Six border crossings later and we're in Mostar, Bosnia!

Because we can, we drive to Bosnia. What does this mean? Six times  we stop at check points. The unique shape of Croatia and the location of Mostar, Bosnia require one crosses the border twice over the 3 hours drive. Each check point has two stops—one Croatian; one Bosnian.  How do I best describe Mostar? A mini Grand Bazaar like Istanbul. Scaves and junk everywhere…

After a déjà vu moment when I craved currywurst in Cologne last week and ate in three days in a row (yes, I hate it now) I had to have the Cevapicici Pita at Savdran. It was great. I don’t hate it, yet. I’ll stop while I’m ahead.

After you take a few photos of the bridge (it was re-constructed after the 1990’s conflict) and you walk the old city “bazaar”—you’ve seen what you need to see.

Since it was on the way back to Dubrovnik, we decided to stop at Mali Ston (“mali” means “old”) for oysters. This little village right on the Croatian/Bosnian border is the oyster capital of the world. I had three oysters at Villa Koruna, a nice glass of local white wine, and was about to purchase local sea salt when a very drunk guy approached the table and yelled, “you’re an asshole!” at me. I’ve never been called that before. And when he proceeded to pull out a chair and sit at my table, I promptly walked to the front to get my bill. The manager was more concerned with showing me the award his restaurant won for oysters….in 1936!

Again, Mario’s recommendations on restaurants did not fail. Spaghetteria Toni—on the same street as Pizzeria Mirakul, Konoba Lanterna, and Taj Majal, was excellent. The Bucatini all’ Amatriciana was nice—especially paired with a nice local red.

The Bridge in Mostar

Discovering there is a whole other part of the Old City “higher” up beyond our apartment, we stopped in at Kopun for after dinner drinks.  The carob liquor, also known as “rogac” is my drink of choice.

A three island tour...

A three hour tour. A three hour tour.  Three island cruise to Elaphiti Islands: Kolocep, Sipan, and Lopud. The going rate is 290 kn….but Anja and I who are quite experienced from negotiating in Morocco secured the tour for 250 kn. Score.

I hate tours. I think they are for old people, and you see and eat what they want you to see and eat. I’ll choose my own pellets, thank you.

No surprise, the 1 hour we were promised on the first island was cut to 40 minutes. The second island was cut from 90 minutes to 60.  And the last island from 3 hours to 2.5 hours. The “fish picnic” of grilled mackerel was good, I must admit.

View from Kolocep 

All these island are starting to look the same! My first day, I was in awe of the gorgeous coastline. But now, I have to be honest, it’s all beautiful, and it all looks the same. I don’t need to take any more photos!

Unfortunately, while it was sunny today—it was very windy. I was determined to use my “Dubrovnik beach towel”—so cheap and thin and touristy!  So for an hour we took in some beach time on Lopud Island. I have yet to get in the sea!

I finally ate Cevapcici at Taj Majal. The thing about dining in Dubrovnik is that your waiter dosen’t come back to check on you. If you need something, you need to flag them down. And forget about them bringing the check. You’ll sit there all night (really) until you find them and ask for it.

I wanted to sleep well. The espresso before bed last night wasn’t my most brilliant decision. So, after dinner drinks at Café Kase were sounding good. The domestic grape brandy called “lozovaca” is now one of my favs…Can I have another? “of course.” The response is always “of course.”

Dubrovnik--all in a day!

View of Old Town and Lokrum Island from the Cable Car

Mario saw my legs at breakfast (breakfast-which is included at Hotel Kazbek-- consists of cold cuts and cheeses and bread) and was concerned. He had just the cure—“rub olive oil on your legs today-swim in the sea tomorrow.” I love the natural approach they take to medicine here. Five minutes later, he’s knocking on my room door with a nice bottle of olive oil.

After staying the first three night of Lapad Penisula, we decided to experience the craziness of Old Town—in a luxury apartment in the heart of it all.  Amoret Apartments, nestled right around the corner from our beloved Arch Pub, and right outside the Dubrovnik Cathedral was a prime location.  (You can see the skull. Legs, arms, and throat of St. Blaise here.  Photos are forbidden. Rules are meant to be broken.)

For 87 Kuna you can take the cable car high above the Old City for amazing views.
Well worth the wait and the kunas. No Andy mishaps today called for a celebration. Beers in bathtubs at Art Café!  This eclectic café has retro fitted claw footbath tubs as seating.

Have I mentioned there are tourists and gelato everywhere?

The most advertised restaurant in the Old Town is Taj Majal. It is not as the name suggests, and Indian restaurant. It’s Bosnian. Is happens to be on the same street as our Pizza Mirakul. The wait is 50 minutes. We’re not waiting 50 minutes. I pull the journeyPod car (literally whip out my biz card—they don’t care.) We make a reservation for tomorrow night and take two steps to the left to Konoba Lanterna. “Konoba” is the word for restaurant.  When my meal arrives, Igor (our very dumb waiter) hands me a pork kebob platter. So sad. I want cevapcici! Not sure how the mix-up occurred….but the local wine helped my sadness.

After dinner we wandered over to the waterfront to investigate possible island tours for tomorrow. We spoke with a wheelin’ and dealin’ guy named Matti. I felt like he was trying to sell us a used Oldsmobile. We negotiated a price for a three island tour, was ensured there would be no Japanese (sorry Japanese friends), and only 16 people total. And then somehow, an hour later, we are negotiating a rental car with him. It seems his friend has a company and can give good price….shocker.  So cruise sales guy sell rental cars on the side. Nice. Now—off to find a beach towel…

My leg modeling career is over

Mjlet is an island about 90 minutes boat ride away. It’s known for the two salt water lakes that are on the island, and also it is a National Park. I will remember Mjlet as the place I rode my mountain bike off a cliff and was given Slovenia Liquor to shut me up.  The boat, Ana Nona, departed the Harbour at 9:15am. And for 108 kn roundtrip (that’s about $20) we headed for what we thought would be a relaxing day exploring the national park island.

The bike. My legs. Ouch.

We arrived. We rented bikes for 60kn each. Mine had a basket. As you know, I’m an experienced biker. I ride my hot pink and lime green beach cruiser nearly daily. I know bikes.  (note to self…bring lots of kuna when you visit Mjlet—the entrance is 90kn and they don’t tell you that before you leave the mainland!) I should probably just stick to my beach cruiser. In an attempt to find a quiet place to take a dip in the salt water lakes, we stumbled upon a private road. Next thing I know, I’m sliding down a small cliff, bike on top of me, as I feel my leg flesh tearing away.  Bloody and looking zombie-like, the inn keepers of Villa Jezero come to my rescue with a first aid kit and to cure my tears, Slovenia Grappa. They spoke a little English, a little German, a little Italian. The incident was well communicated. Apparently, there were doctors staying at their Inn, but they were still asleep at 1pm, and said if I could wiggle my toes, all was good. Nice. Toes are wiggling, blood is a flowing…all over me. 

I arrive back to the castle, covered in blood. I just want a shower and a good meal, and some nice local wine. Since Mario hasn’t failed me yet, we try his suggestion of Blidinje. The rooftop open dining area overlooks the marina, and is a few steps from the castle. Perfect.  The grilled meat and vegetable platter hit the spot. BBQ meats and grilled veggies—esp eggplant and zucchini are quote popular here. The one meat I was surprised not to see was lamb. I really wanted lamb.  

Hanging laundry, cats, tourists…oh, and gelato

Old town Dubrovnik. It’s small! It’s very white. And in late September, it’s still packed with tourists—mostly from the many cruise ships that dock there daily. Some of the greatest photos and views can be seen by walking on the city walls. There are little nooks that offer great views of Lokrum Island, the city roofs (you can tell the old tiled roofs from the newer ones) If there are three things you can count on in Old Town it’s hanging laundry, cats, tourists...oh and gelato. Yes, that’s four things.

View of Lokrum Island from the City Walls

After walking around the city walls in 89+ degrees in gray sweatpants and a peach colored tank that Anja bought for me at the Zurich airport, I needed a beer…and was craving pizza. (I know, I don’t eat cheese. But I was craving cheeseless pizza) Wi-Fi is everywhere, but you need to ask for a password and Pizzeria Mirkul was no exception. This was the first and only time I was successfully able to order pizza with no cheese…on the first try.

The previous night we chatted up a local—an ex-footballer. When asked for recommendations, he suggested a bar called “Buza.” Apparently, it means “hole.”  It’s a bar (literally a long table), accessible through a narrow passage way outside the city walls, amongst the rocks. Mario—the waiter back at the castle (Hotel Kazbek is indeed a castle) told us to stay clear of this “Buza”. He informed us, it’s over-priced, and there are no toilets.  He was correct—on both accounts. But the scene was picturesque and straight out of a Hollywood movie.

Always hoping for a “local moment”—we stumbled upon a winery on the way back to the castle. Lekri Winery (a play on the winemakers last name: Krile) was just bringing in their white grapes for their first year of production. The wine-maker, who spoke nearly perfect English (side note—everyone here speaks great English. It’s uncanny) invited us in to his shop. Now, his shop was a garage-like atmosphere, with a bar, a few shelves of local liquors (yes, inclusing the carob liquor). In the back they were unloading a cart of whote grapes into a large tub. We sampled his wine, and became FaceBook Friends #28.  Apparently, his wine is quite similar to Grgh Hills wine. Zinfandel is a variety of red grape planted in over 10 percent of California vineyards. DNA fingerprinting revealed that it is genetically equivalent to the Croatian grape Crljenak Kaštelanski, and also the Primitivo variety traditionally grown in Puglia (the "heel" of Italy), where it was introduced in the 18th century. The grape found its way to the United States in the mid-19th century, and became known by variations of the name "Zinfandel", a name of uncertain origin.

My luggage arrived!  I am so excited to shower and put on fresh clothes!  I’m equally sure Erik and Anja are happy to not hear about my suitcase. Continuing with a “local evening”, we walked down the street to the marina to the Mario recommended, Orsan restaurant.  The fish dishes here are amazing, and paired with the local wines and an amazing setting…it was the perfect way to end the evening.  Every table is waterfront, and the quite marina is a pleasant escape from the craziness of the Old Town. 

Welcome to Dubrovnik airport—size of SCE

Welcome to Dubrovnik airport—size of SCE where the mis-adventures of Andy begin.  I rarely check luggage, and for good reason. Every time I do, it gets lost. So why would this time be any different. After spending the past week in Cologne, Germany, with all the wrong clothes (it was cold and rainy) here I stand in hot, steamy, sunny Dubrovnik with the only warm clothes I have. Lovely. I’m told “maybe” my bag will arrive on the same flight tomorrow? (Really? There is only ONE Austrian Airline flight a day from VIE to DBV?)

View from Hotel Kazbek

My first views of the Adriatic coastline, clear deep blue waters, splashing against a rocky shoreline, were breath-taking. Hotel Kazbek, located on the Lapad peninsula was a welcome. With no luggage to sort through, and with little confirmation (and I must admit little faith) I headed into town to do some shopping. Alas, while it was in the high 80’s sunny, and very summery weather, the only shops were Benetton and a few teenie bopper stores—that were fully stocked with the Fall trends. I need a sundress and flip flops…

Old Town didn’t prove much help either.  If I needed a sailors shirt, or postcards, or gelato—I would have been in heaven.  I needed a sundress, a tank, a skirt, flip flops. A purple tee short with lips that said “I “lips” Dubrovnik” was all I could find. Ugh. Beer cures everything… or at least I’m told. My first introduction to the local, Karlovacko was at the Arch Pub.

Back at the hotel later, the waiter, Mario, introduced me to carob liquor—and thus begins my fascination with this sweet liquor. He must have sensed my weakness for sweets—or perhaps just felt bad for me and my lost luggage, as he brought me carob cake.   Praying for luggage tomorrow.

Welcome to Cologne!

Cologne at night

For the next 8 days I'll call Excelsior Hotel Ernst home.  Its a "classic luxury" property. It actually reminds me a lot of the hotel we stayed in Bilboa last September, Hotel Lopez de Haro.

The Bridge of Locks

Crossing the Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne this morning on my way to the trade fair, DMEXCO, I witnessed a photographic site: The Love Locks. Million of padlocks affixed to the fence that separates the rail bridge from the pedestrian walk way.  Love the concept: engrave, paint, etch your name + your lover's name on the lock, lock it to the fence, toss the key in the Rhine River below and you're detained for eternal love. Ummm...maybe I should try that!

Locks of Love in Cologne

Cologne. A culinary adventure?

Currywurst.

I must say the first few meals I've had here have been great.  Even the currywurst food truck in the DMEXCO parking lot was a culinary delight!  My first time eating currywurst and I can't wait to try it again.

Dinner at the one Michelin Star, Taku, was one of the best meals I've ever had...and it was Asian Fusion...whoa!

I was throughly impressed with the sleek wooden/very Japanese architecture.  As you enter the restaurant you walk along an aquamarine-colored piece of glass that resembles a river...and the steps down, resemble a waterfall. Very cool. The food was great, the drinks were great...until I saw the Fetzer Wine for 41 Euros on the "Preferred USA Red Wines" List...ugh. Really...that's THE "American Preferred Red"?

On my list still is the Two Star Michelin, La Vison.  And I was told by the concierge I must experience a BrewHouse....

The Land of Wooden Shoes

Nine hours from LAX to AMS doesn't seem that far when you're on a six hour cross country flight a few times  each month.  KLM, while I 'm sure has better service than Delta, served terrible food. Not that airline food is  much discussed topic, the food on KLM plain sucked.

Upon landing, the first thing I bought (shocker!) was a Milka candy bar...the really large one.

Lunch (it was 1:30pm local time/5:30am PT) was a egg salad with smoked salmon and cucumber sandwich....when in Rome....

An obnoxious American man wearing a Big Lebowski orders two White Russians. He just told me he was brilliant--like Thomas Edison. And that come winter solstice the coast will be gone. C.R.A.Z.Y.

Off to catch that "city hopper" to CNG...

Two Paws Down for Paws Up

After sending an email to the sales rep at Paws Up questioning the two charges on my credit card (there should have been no charges.) She responds with, "Oh, by the way, you will see a charge on your card once we ship your departure gift."

WHAT?

You are unthoughtful in your gift selection--choosing a large item that is illegal to carry-on a flight, and then you tell me you'll ship it, and then turn around and CHARGE ME to have it shipped?  Thank you, but you can keep your grilling fork.

I'm not paying for a gift I never asked for...geez. Is this how you treat your VIPs? If so, why would I bring my groups to your resort again?  Maybe I'm missing something? You may want to spend sometime with Katie from Concierge. She is the only person I met at your Resort who has any clue about the meaning of luxury hospitality...

Room For One More? Not at Paws Up!

Growing up Italian, or maybe just raised with manners, I was taught "there is always room for one more." Apparently, that is not the case at Paws Up Resort. After spending most of yesterday in the emergency room at St. Pat's hospital, I was too sore to do anything except lay on a massage table this morning. While resting in my estate at Paws Up, a dear friend from home called me to let me know he heard of my terrible ATV accident. He had just arrived, ironically enough, to Missoula to start photography school and wanted to drive 45 minutes out to the resort to see me. 

Upon asking the staff (why I felt I needed permission I have no idea....manners, I guess)  if a friend could join, I was told "No. We cannot accommodate." Apparently, it was an exclusive weekend, and even though my boyfriend had to cancel last minute due to a family emergency, his spot was scooped up. (The resort was only at 50% capacity according to the front desk gal I asked) I offered to PAY for my friend. Still the answer was "No." The night before, seats on either side of me were empty. Yet, I heard other VIP/paying guests complaining that they ran out of kobe beef. (These people paid over $5K for the weekend "experience") I was told, "If you want to have your dinner delivered to your room, you two could munch on it together." REALLY?  

Ummm.....Maybe I should take John's advice and talk to an attorney about my ATV accident...

The Last Ride at Paws Up

On tap for today was supposed to be an ATV ride and clay pigeon shooting. Instead, my day included an ATV ride and a ride to the Emergency Room (45 minutes away). After my ATV flipped over on top of me, pinning me up against another ATV, I was checked out by the "wilderness first response team" (which at the time I was told were EMTs, but later found out they are more like Boy Scouts). Paws Up was kind enough to have one of their concierge staff drive me to the hospital (I haven't been charged for that--yet...) and food delivered to my room. Paws Up gets a gold star here --actually Katie, the concierge gets it. She was absolutely wonderful. The entire staff could learn a lot from this young lady.

Termite Wings, Dirt, and Slug O My!

Note: I was invited to experience Paws Up Resort in Missoula, Montana on a meeting planners FAM. (i.e., be wined and dined so I bring groups/events/conferences to their venue)

Allegiant Air flies three times a week to MSO from LAX: Monday, Wednesdays, Fridays at 6am. Yippeee!  So upon arriving at MSO, the staff picks you up and 45 minutes later you arrive at the Ranch: a 37,000 acres ranch in the middle of nowhere Montana. I'm sure they were aware of my 9:25am arrival, so I'm unsure why my room wasn't ready until 4pm...but that's ok. I was given a tour of the property and prepared for the big "Montana Grillers Weekend." Couples were spending $5K+ for this weekend, and here I was experiencing it! My "estate" was huge...and I was so happy to see a large jacuzzi soaking tub in my bathroom. I eagerly filled it with hot water anticipating a relaxing, hot bath before dinner. Upon turning on the jacuzzi jets, termite wings, dirt and slug spew out of the jets. Nice. Clearly no one cleaned the jacuzzi in months...welcome to Paws Up, Dear Meeting Planner. Please bring all your high level executives here. It's only $1500/night lodging...termite wings and slug included.

Plan B: A hot shower. The shower was huge--complete with two rainfall shower heads and enough room for 6 people to shower. Oops...no hot water?  Really.

Ring Of Fire

Around 6:19pm this evening I ran outside, and over the ocean I saw it… the much anticipated partial solar eclipse. So cool! And due to the “marine layer” I could actual look up without too much harmful glare. The partial solar eclipse reached its peak in Los Angeles at 6:38 p.m.

When’s the next eclipse?

You'll have to wait awhile. The continental United States won't see another good show for five years. And LA won't see as stunning a show for 59 years.

But here is a sampling of what's next in store for the solar eclipse front in the United States.

A partial solar eclipse is in store for the western United States on Oct. 23, 2014. Western Canada, Alaska and the northern edge of the U.S. border from Washington state to Wisconsin should have the best view, with more than 60% of the sun's diameter (its center line) blocked by the moon's shadow. California and the Southwest should see more than 40% of the sun's diameter covered.

This is the one to travel for. A "total" solar eclipse -- an even better one than Sunday's "ring" eclipse -- will completely cover the sun's light, blotting out even the sun's outer fringes. Total eclipses are far more exciting because they will shroud the land in an eerie midday twilight. The Aug. 21, 2017, total eclipse will glide through Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, northeastern Kansas, Missouri, southern Illinois, western Kentucky, Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and South Carolina.

Los Angeles will see more than 60% of the sun's diameter covered up by the moon.

Seattle Really is Dreary

St. Patty's Day weekend in cold, rainy Seattle was not THAT bad:)

There are many sites to see in Seattle and among the top attractions, there is certainly the Space Needle. You can easily stroll by the Original Starbucks--it’s right by the Public Market and quite non descript. Do yourself a favor and snap a pic in front, but stroll around the corner to Le Panier for an amazing cup of caffe mocha and delicious macarons! Drive over to Freemont and see the infamous Freemont Troll. Nestled under a bridge, he’s one ugly dude! Highland Park on the edge of Queen Anne offers a wonderful view of all Seattle. And don’t worry if it’s a cloudy day. It probably will be and some of the best photos are captured on those days when harsh sunlight isn’t blinding you.

One attraction that may not be on your list of things to see is the Ballard Locks. The Locks are actually the third most visited site in Seattle! The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks provide a link for boats between the salt water of Puget Sound and the fresh water of Lake Washington. It’s very cool to see a boat come into the canal and watch the water rise or fall as it passes from one body of water to the next. And while you’ll probably see the fish mongers throwing fish at Pike’s Place Market, you can see the fish really fly here as they jump up the 21-step fish ladder that was created to allow a variety of salmon to swim upstream to spawn.

Be sure to see the Floating Houses on Lake Union too. Landless in Seattle, many people live on the docks. Think of a marina, but instead of boats, there are houses.

Post Alley is where you’ll find the Gum Wall. Yep, it’s a wall, on a narrow brick walkway, covered in gum. It’s colorful. It’s germy. Get close enough for a photo, but don’t touch the gum! Located not far away in Post Alley is The Pink Door. While the door IS pink—it’s a pale pink—and easily missed. The food is Italian, the atmosphere is Cirque du Soleli. And somehow, it works. Order the pasta with rabbit, and stay for the Burlesque show.

Café Campagne is not to be missed. We were disappointed that Matt’s at the Market was closed on Sundays, but the Cassoulet and spicy Bloody Marys changed our minds.

I found a hidden treasure of a hotel at Inn At The Market. The entrance is truly hidden and located a few steps from Pike’s Place Market. Every room has an amazing view—whether it’s of the city or the water. And don’t let a “partial water view” discourage you. Some of those are the best. This 70-room gem started out as a B&B and is now a customer service focused haven for the well-travelled. Paul Newman stayed here regularly with his wife! Ask for Room #310—it has cool window box seats.

Seat with a View at Cirque Du Soleil Ovo

While I normally wouldn't post about my attendance at a Cirque show (I've been to a dozen over the past decade), this experience was special. I was invited to the dress rehearsal last night--as a photographer! Now this is a rare experience as usually no photography is permitted under the Big Top. I had a front row center seat and got some amazing photos! Although my face was behind my camera nearly the entire time, I saw enough to be wowed! I was then invited to be a panelist in a roundtable interview with the creator of Ovo, Deborah Colker. While I couldn't make the roundtable, I did interview her, exclusively, one on one. So exciting!

(You can read my interview here: http://bit.ly/xSlwXt)

Meeting best-selling author Patricia Schultz

I brought my friend Amy and her boyfriend, Michael along with me to the 7^th Annual Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show. This show, billed as "the ticket to discover authentic travel experiences, snap up the deals, win trips and giveaways, and be entertained and delighted" was a bit of a letdown.

I was hoping to connect with tourism board reps and agency reps but it seems that everyone working the booths were "volunteers" who were simply "collecting business cards"....oh well. (If I get one FAM out of it--so worth it!)

I did have an opportunity to meet and chat one-on-one with Patricia Schultz, best-selling author of “1,000 Places to See Before You Die.” I promised her that whatever page I opened to in her book, that is where I’d go! And she wants to hear about it.
Oh, and I even got a great workout in a giant hamster ball as I “walked on water.”

(Shout out to Amy for snapping my pic!)