Just returned from my first vacation in many moons. As a travel writer, some thought I was always on vacation, but there were always properties to inspect, a schedule to adhere to, foods to try. This time, I had no editor waiting in the wings. I was all on my own, and had the best hosts who allowed me to keep it that way.
I do miss the amazing weather at my former home--Santa Cruz on California's Central Coast. It came through perfectly for me this time, as well. I'm a light packer, so I did the layer thing (and reminded Patti (my host) that her jackets fit me.
During my ten days, we went to the County Fair, a first for me. Being used to Ag Fairs during my time living on St. Croix, I was surprised at the diversity of the Santa Cruz Fair. We examined the art gallery, quilts, plants and flower arrangements, 4-H Club exhibits that built all sorts of farm instruments from Leggos, and the ubiquitous produce display. We skipped the animal building.
Another highlight was our night at the Santa Cruz Follies, a very professional production put on annually by the Senior Center, and it was as delightful this year as always. Since I participated one year (line dancing) and then slid into the background to do marketing, I saw many friends both in the cast and in the audience.
So many good friends wanted to catch up on my life, now that I'm a published author of a novel, it took several days of lunch and dinner meetings to get everybody in. I even went grocery shopping with my son and timed my visit to celebrate his birthday.
Now that I've used the last of my frequent flyer miles...and my 90th birthday is fast approaching
...,I'm guessing this was my last visit to Santa Cruz. So I fully enjoyed the company, weather, scenery, boardwalk, pier, and surfers catching the waves at every turn. Great fun/ Great hosts. Great friends. Great town.
MY TURN TO TRAVEL
Yes, it has been ages since I posted anything on my blog, but I'm back, now that blogspot has finished with all their newfangled additions and readjustments. Only problem is, they didn't readjust me at the same time. Latest travel news is my upcoming trip back to Santa Cruz. I'm doing it on the last of my miles, and I've already had 4 changes to the itinerary, via the airlines. Unfortunately, the departure date hasn't changed. The only space I could get was on 9/11. I thought I'd be the only idiot flying on 9/11 until I clicked in to get my seats. Full up except for those ugly middle seats and a few on the aisle back by the 'facilities.' Oh well, it's only a 5-hour flight!!!
FINDING THE BEST IN EUROPE
When you only have a week or so to get away from it all, it's only natural that you want the best. If Europe is your destination, Fodor's New Best of Europe survey can set you off in the right direction. Here's a thumbnail report on the findings --
Europe’s emerging hot spot: Iceland (and I meant that pun)
Best value: Spain, followed by Austria and Ireland
Top family vacation: St. Andrew’s, Scotland (what?)
Best for food and wine: Burgundy, Tuscany plus a new entry—Austria’s Danube Valley (and I can vouch for the wine part)
Cultural hot spots: Basel, Switzerland’s modern art scene and Rome’s classics.
Friendliest place for tourists: Ireland, with special nods to Antwerp, Tuscany, the Bavarian Alps and Luxembourg.
Details on each, plus the methodology used, can be found at www.fodors.com/world/europe
Now that we've cleared all that up for you, Happy Travels.
RITES OF SPRING
Celebrate April with Four Points by Sheraton’s two new spring packages.
The Spring Offer package at FPbyS Los Angeles International Airport starts at $99 p/night with a 3-nt. minimum stay, and that includes free parking! http://www.fourpointslax.com/ (code SPRINGBR)
Your other choice at this same hotel is Park Stay N Fly with rates from $119 p/night. You’ll receive 7 days free parking plus complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport on just one night’s stay. For longer parking needs, add $10 per day. http://www.fourpointslax.com/ (code EASTERPK)
Although just minutes from the airport, Four Points LAX is close to such famous attractions at Rodeo Drive, Manhattan Beach and Universal Studios.
TOWERS OF FLOWERS
Missed the Philadelphia Flower Show? Catch up with all things floral at Macy’s Flower Show in New York City. Newly-renovated Affinia Manhattan Hotel’s Flower Show Package, effective March 23-April 9, 2012 at $212 p/night, entitles you to a spacious room, an official Macy’s Flower Show tote bag and t-shirt, plus a private VIP tour of the show led by an authorized Macy’s docent on the mornings of March 31 and April 7. Theme this year is Towers of Flowers, featuring over 100,000 types of blooms and plants in a magical world of soaring architecture, rolling landscapes and specialty gardens bursting with colors and fragrance. http://www.affinia.com/
A TASTE OF TUSCANY
The luxury 5-Diamond Acqualina Resort & Spa on Miami Beach has recently opened Piazzetta, a modern marketplace transporting guests to a Tuscan town square. Enjoy light meals, bottled wines, pizzas, crostinis, sauces and much more. Of particular note is the coffee corner offering 21 special varieties. This is a delightful spot to drop in for a casual lunch amid sweeping ocean views, or opt for the ultimate in excellence and stay for a while. www.acqualina.com
A VERY SWEET VALENTINE
Such a nice thing happened to me today, I have to share it. Left home bright and early to get my car inspected. I tried before but was told I needed not one but four new tires to pass. So here I was back at the garage with the required new tires almost exactly a month after I made the first attempt.
I left the car, with snow decorating the hood, trunk lid and back window...and had breakfast at a nearby diner. When I returned, the car was ready. I took out my credit card to pay, but was told that I had already paid. No charge for this time around. Wow! How nice is that? Most places charge pass or fail.
Then I went to my car. It was white and shiny with not a drop of snow on it anywhere. I sprouted a pleasant little smile. When I opened the door, that smile turned into a big grin. There on the passenger seat was a single yellow rose with a sheer green ribbon tied around it. Happy Valentine's Day to me from my very thoughtful (and obviously sentimental) mechanic who has a soft spot for old ladies.
You may be thinking it doesn't take much to please me, and I readily admit, I'm blown away by the little kindnesses people come up with to make life a little brighter for the next guy. They keep reminding me to try to do likewise. Thanks, Shall-Martin of Newtown Square. I'll still be grinning on Valentine's Day.
I left the car, with snow decorating the hood, trunk lid and back window...and had breakfast at a nearby diner. When I returned, the car was ready. I took out my credit card to pay, but was told that I had already paid. No charge for this time around. Wow! How nice is that? Most places charge pass or fail.
Then I went to my car. It was white and shiny with not a drop of snow on it anywhere. I sprouted a pleasant little smile. When I opened the door, that smile turned into a big grin. There on the passenger seat was a single yellow rose with a sheer green ribbon tied around it. Happy Valentine's Day to me from my very thoughtful (and obviously sentimental) mechanic who has a soft spot for old ladies.
You may be thinking it doesn't take much to please me, and I readily admit, I'm blown away by the little kindnesses people come up with to make life a little brighter for the next guy. They keep reminding me to try to do likewise. Thanks, Shall-Martin of Newtown Square. I'll still be grinning on Valentine's Day.
NOTHING LIKE A FUN WEEKEND
Went in to Philadelphia to meet my niece and see a play at Interact Theater. It was a tongue-in-cheek take on the bank snafu that led to our current disastrous economic situation, and it was hilarious. I know those two terms shouldn't go together, but in this case, they did.
After a very interesting talk-back, we joined two other friends for a small-bites dinner at the White Dog further up Sansom St. The restaurant is in a typical brick townhouse with window boxes, wrought iron railings and the old-style gas street lamps. Quite charming and so were my companions. The small bites turned into a lot of big bites as everyone wanted to sample this and that A fun time was had by all.
It's a treat going into the city once in a while, especially since I can take the train close to home and pay only $1.00 each way. That's a perk for being so old.
After a very interesting talk-back, we joined two other friends for a small-bites dinner at the White Dog further up Sansom St. The restaurant is in a typical brick townhouse with window boxes, wrought iron railings and the old-style gas street lamps. Quite charming and so were my companions. The small bites turned into a lot of big bites as everyone wanted to sample this and that A fun time was had by all.
It's a treat going into the city once in a while, especially since I can take the train close to home and pay only $1.00 each way. That's a perk for being so old.
VINO AND EXERCISE IN GLORIOUS ITALY
Spring over to Italy and “Bike the Wine Roads” April 1-8 with Italiaoutdoors. Chef and Wine Curator Kathy Bechtel supervises the tastings at each vineyard stop and Vernon McClure sees to your recreation along the route. You’ll be expected to cover 30-45 miles each day with a maximum eight travelers. Rates of $3,495-$3995 p/person include dbl. room, bike rental, GPS, breakfast, lunches, snacks and most dinners, plus ground transfers and all entry fees for attractions. That includes the wine tastings.
Two other tours take place in Sept. and Oct., all around the beautiful Lake Garda area in Lombardy and into Verona, the town Romeo and Juliet made famous. This is a picturesque part of Italy that I've returned to many times. http://www.italiaoutdoorsfoodandwine.com
