Monday, June 30, 2008

My Drug of Choice: The Gym

I was up at 6 a.m. this morning and on the elliptical machine by 6:30 a.m. I watched 10 minutes of the morning news before switching over to the treadmill for the last 15 minutes of the news program. I focused on upper body weight strength before hitting the showers and getting ready for work. Was plugged into my computer by 7:52 a.m. So far, so good.

I'm feeling good - energized. Although, let's be honest, if someone offered a nap I would take it -- I'm still not sleeping well and fighting with my REM cycle. While I waited for my computer to boot up this morning, I thought of the reasons why I love my new gym:

  • The towels for the shower are bath towels, not skimpy handkerchief-sized towels that are scratchy and barely cover your bare butt.
  • The TV monitors are not only flat-screen, but you can watch the TV and read the closed caption without having to plug your headphones in. In other words, if you want to work out to music but also read the news scroll at the bottom of the TV, you can do that. (At Boston Sports Club, you couldn't watch the TV unless you plugged your headphones in, which means you couldn't use your iPod).
  • I didn't have to wait for a machine. The gym is small but even during the peak hours (pre-work) I wasn't waiting to work out.
  • The bathrooms are clean. There is no mold in the showers and the shower mats are clean (unlike the above-mentioned gym).
  • The staff is so friendly. At BSC, they virtually ignored me when I walked in the door. A mere glance and a towel thrown my way was the closest thing to a greeting I got at the gym. This morning, I was greeted with my name, and on my way out I was asked "How was your workout?", and told to have a nice day. It was very pleasant.
That's it for now. The new gym is my current drug of choice and I'm happy to be addicted to it. Let's hope this addiction lasts.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

In the Jungle

One of my "Bucket List" items is an African Safari. I want to lay in the wild, be one with the animals (without being inside one, of course) and ride around in an open Jeep exploring the wilderness and animal life in Kenya. If I had the money on me, I would jump on this opportunity: A Kenya Safari from $2,999 per person. Here's what you get:

Round-trip airfare, nine nights' accommodations, meals, game drives, and transfers.

I'm salivating at the idea of this...

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Bye, Bye, Boston Sports Club

The evil gym monkey is off my back. My contract expired (a month earlier than I originally thought) and I promptly called membership services at Boston Sports Club and asked them to kindly cancel my membership PRONTO. I'm pleased to say I didn't get a sales pitch and the membership services person didn't try to guilt me into staying at the wrecked gym. However, I did get suckered into a "processing fee". Because it wouldn't be Boston Sports Club if they didn't try to suck one more penny out of you before you leave. So I caved.

"Fine," I said. "Charge me a processing fee and please do not ever contact me again. I do not want to see so much as a flyer in my mailbox."

The sales associate agreed to my terms (or she lied to me to get me off the phone), took my credit card number and said goodbye. I am free from Boston Sports Club!

And on to another gym...

I will post more on my new gym later but I need to come clean about one thing: it is more expensive than the evil gym (by $20). But on the flip side:
  1. It is two blocks from my office and in the direction of my apartment.
  2. It is a private gym (which means they cap memberships so that the gym isn't too crowded during peak times).
  3. It has a spa. And yes, there are discounts associated with my membership.
  4. It is small by gym standards, but again, it's private so you're never waiting for a machine.
  5. The clientele is "professional" (i.e. no college kids parading around in boy shorts that barely cover their yahoos).

More on the new gym later...

Friday, June 27, 2008

Stop Bitching; Start Flying

Venting session:

I realize that travel is not as easy as it once was. You can't just pull up to a curb, give the nice man in the cap your luggage and be on your way to the gate. Your friends and family members who aren't flying can't sit and wait with you at the airport bar or in the seating area. And yes, the free bags of peanuts have in fact gotten smaller.

To fly today means to plan ahead -- physically and mentally. No more leaving your bags at the curb. No more easy walk-through security. Today, travelers have to actually look at the number of ounces on a bottle of lotion just to make sure they can take it on the plane. And peanuts? Forget about it. Airlines are now charging passengers to eat on domestic flights and one airline is even charging travelers for in-flight beverage service.

But before cast all the blame on the airlines and start throwing fits at security lines, take a moment and think about why the airlines are doing this. Travel columnist James Wysong offered an interesting look at why we should pity the airlines, instead of hating them. And you know something? I agree with his theory.

Without the airlines you can't get to where you need to be or where you want to go - bottom line. Yes, one could say that by this theory the airlines have passengers "by the balls" but on the other hand, is there really an option?

It's time to think about why the airlines are suffering and doing something to help fix it.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

New Survey: French Tourists Most Unpopular

There are few things I don't love about the French. Give me a baguette and brie, a glass of Bordeaux, something Chanel and a seat at an outdoor cafe and call me happy. I love the French - from their fashion to their food, I find the French to be irresistible. However, it seems that once the French leave their own country they become rather unruly.

In a recent survey conducted by Expedia.com, the French were voted the least liked when traveling abroad. The survey, which was given to 15,000 hoteliers, declared the French "fiscally conservative", especially when it comes to tipping. Some went so far to say they are "mean" when it comes to their hotel room. The Germans came in a close second in the "mean" category.

So which culture did hoteliers deem the nicest traveler? The Japanese won out in that category, followed by the British.

So Many Travel Plans, So Little Cash

I was enjoying a lovely catch-up session with one of my girlfriend's last night when the topic of travel entered the conversation. Like me, my friend loves to travel. She recently returned from one of my favorite places in the world and sharing her stories of rest, relaxation and a lot of good sangria. Soon a list developed:

London - because she hasn't been since high school
Paris - because we went together with another friend eight years ago and it would be fun to go back and just "reunion"
SW, Florida - because we can all veg out at the pool
Washington, DC - because a good friend of ours is moving there
Portugal - because that was so much fun last year
Sicily - because that's where the "writers for peace" conference is next year (more to come on that later)

...and many more destinations that my friend wants to travel to and of course, destinations that I must see and write about. So with this extensive and exciting list came the inevitable question: how do I afford this?

The dollar sucks, the airline industry is in a financial mess and every day, travelers are faced with more fees, charges and excess costs. My friend suggested I take a moment and offer up some savings tip to help save for travel plans. So here we go (Caveat: these are not all healthy or stable ideas, but they will save money. Use them at your own risk):
  1. Cereal for breakfast/lunch. Get a two-for-one at your local grocery store and you've just purchased 10 meals that week at a fraction of the cost.
  2. Brew your own coffee/tea. You've seen the cost-analysis on this one -- how much money do you spend a week at Starbucks?
  3. Take public transportation or use your feet to get around. Gas is expensive. Save the money you would use for gas and put it in a "trip jar."
  4. Make use of public parks instead of paying to enjoy a day at the beach.
  5. Empty out the change in your bag every night and put it in a "trip jar." You'll be surprised how quickly the bottom-of-the-bag coins add up to dollars.
  6. For every frivolous item you purchase, tack on a 1.5% exchange rate and a 3% credit card fee. Now, do you really need that item?
  7. Only drink one or two martinis at dinner, instead of three or four. You just saved yourself $30.
  8. Unsubscribe to all the emails you get from retailers announcing sales and special offers to online guests. It's a distraction from the goal and let's be honest, you will look, you will buy and you will not save that much on shipping.
  9. Buy a book on the destination you most want to visit. I've done this and it works. Reading about the destination in a beautiful novel or time piece makes you want to visit it even more, so you are more diligent with your money (if only for a few days).
  10. Buy a plane ticket. Really. What are you going to do once you buy it? It's non-refundable, so you'd better start saving your cash because you're going on vacation.

There you have it - my top 10 list of ways to save for upcoming trips. I can't promise they'll work for everyone, but it's worth a try and at the end of the day you might even save a dollar.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

The Great Debate: PC vs. Mac

I've always been a PC girl, but recently I find myself strangely turned on to the MacBooks. My poor Dell PC is on its last legs and I'm wondering if now is the time to make the switch and enter the Mac world.

I use my laptop mostly for writing and publishing. I won't be streaming videos or rocking out to Garage Band. Although, my PC doesn't have Garage Band so maybe I would rock out if it were an option...


Any devoted users of either Macs or PCs -- I'd love your thoughts. And don't forget to vote on the poll (to the right...)

Boston Taxi Fare Increase -- How Much Would You Pay?

Where can you find the most expensive taxi ride in the U.S.? If today's proposal to increase Boston taxi fees by 50 percent is any indication, Boston travelers and cab-goers will soon be riding in one of the most expensive taxi cabs in the nation.

If the proposal goes through, the fare hike would increase the per-mile rate by 50 percent and up the starting fare from $2.25 to $2.75, reported the Boston Globe. That means the cost of a 4-mile ride would average almost $17. And if you're heading to/from the airport you can add on another $6-$7.25 to your total cab ride.

In the words of one dear friend and devoted reader, "[This ride] would be in the gnarliest cab ever - where more often than not, you can smell the puke stench from last night's late night ride home. Why would I pay $17 to ride 4 miles in complete filth!?!"

So, how much is too much to pay for a cab in a city?

On the one hand, the cab drivers do have a valid point. Gas is expensive and cab drivers must pay to lease a medallion, certifying them a legal driver. On the other hand, more often than not the cab you step into is filthy, smelly and falling apart.

On what side do you lean? Is there a fair compromise?

Monday, June 23, 2008

Travel Don'ts: The Fung Wah Bus Line

Why do people still take this bus line as a mode of transportation? After the previous accidents, chicken rides (and I do mean live chickens) and near fatal disasters, people still take the Fung Wah from Boston to New York and back again. And today, an innocent woman waiting to board the Fung Wah was struck and killed while boarding the bus. I honesty believe that this bus line breeds bad karma.

Yes, I understand that it's cheap. But lucky you -- I make a living off writing about cheap finds in travel and so I've come up with some alternative options!

Lucky Star bus: Prices range from $5 to $25 one-way, depending on the time you travel.

GotoBus.com: $30 round-trip (that's two martinis - you can spare 'em.)

Amtrak: Really, it's not that expensive if you think about it. For $160 round-trip, you sit in comfortable seats like the civilized person you are and read a book for 4 hours. Livestock isn't stored in the bathroom, it doesn't smell like feet and the worst-case scenario is that you get a drunk Ivy League kid next to you. Easy fix: get up and move -it's a big train with lots of seats.

Ok, so no more Fung Wah, right? You are a smart, successful, civilized human being -- treat yourself like one and take a safe mode of transportation to NYC.

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Embracing a Little Europe in the U.S.

Still not quite ready to admit I'm back in the states, I opted for a Saturday night out with friends that started just a little later than usual: Cocktails followed by a late-night dinner - dining, ala Europe-style.
We choose one of the city's more eclectic restaurants, Eastern Standard. This French-fusion restaurant features some of the best delicacies in European culture, including foie gras, frog legs, ceviche, and escargot. I ordered a glass of red wine, which was generously poured into a long-stemmed glass, and a large plate of mussels cooked with fennel and tomato.

Before we knew it, 11:30 p.m. rolled around. I stayed for one last bite of my strawberry shortcake dessert before pouring myself into a cab for the ride home.
One thing I'm noticing about American restaurants: most of the food is pre-made and frozen until ordered. Maybe it's that way in Europe, too, but every dish I enjoyed in Italy tasted fresh, new and never frozen.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

When You Forget Your Keys...

You're screwed.

Especially when all your friends with keys to your apartment have left the city for the weekend and your landlord's home phone number is in the other business card case, which is sitting on the kitchen table (next to your keys).

It's a Friday, it's been a long week, and I'm looking forward to going home, putting on sweats and becoming one with my sofa. I pack up my bag, stick my hand in the key slot -- shit. No keys. I figure I'll head home and see if the neighbors have my landlord's home phone number, then beg him to drive to the city on a Friday night (also a Red Sox game night) to bring me my keys. Or, I could attempt to break into my apartment. But then again, I really don't what to know if it's possible to break into my apartment.

On my walk home I pass by a few friends' employers and realize one of them is still working! God bless your girlfriends, who in the face of a crisis know exactly what to say,

"Why don't you go pick out a couple bottles of wine and meet me back here at 5 p.m."

I spent the night about 30 minutes outside of the city. Not quite the Friday night I had planned, but thank goodness for friends who know where to find a corkscrew and a clean glass.

I also learned a lesson: I am not a suburban girl. While I appreciate the space, the trees, the backyard BBQ and the peace and quiet, I crave the city.

Friday, June 20, 2008

Travel Depression

Since coming back from Rome I've been extremely busy, which is a good thing, because when I look at my calendar I have no upcoming travel plans. It's travel depression - I feel lost not having a place to pack for or a destination to focus on. Where am I supposed to go? What am I supposed to do? I'm contemplating a day at the airport just to feed my soul.

So it got me thinking... what can I do around town to not feel like I'm in town? My solution - explore other neighborhoods. Tonight, I'm heading across the river to a bar I haven't been to in about 10 years to hear a band I've never heard of. Why? Heh -- why not? Maybe it will cure my travel depression, at least for the time being. And who knows... maybe I'll find new sound to groove to until my travel starts up again.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

"Something" is the Feel Good Moment of Today

If I haven't told you before, I'm a big fan of the fab-four from Liverpool. Paul is my favorite. My sister loves John. George was perfection in everything he did. I'll admit I cried watching Ringo Starr accept accolades at this year's MTV Music Awards. But what gets me every time is Sir Paul and his guitar.

I know it's not for everyone, but today's feel-good moment is courtesy of The Beatles (sort of).

To those of you who aren't Beatles fans, and I don't hold it against you, please just trust me and watch the video in its entirety. You'll be pleasantly surprised by the mid-song guest and his electric guitar. See how long you last before you start singing along.

Enjoy...

Hump Day From Hell

I drank too much last night. The a/c is not working in the office. It's hot, I'm hungover, and the Benadryl I popped this morning to cure an unfortunate bout of hives isn't helping the situation.

I left the office at 5:30 to meet my friend J, eager to hear about his weekend(s) of debauchery which included rooftop hotels in NYC, one Gay Pride parade in Boston, and one rendezvous in the back of a parked ambulance. Clearly, cocktails were needed for these stories.

We found ourselves at an outside bar in Boston called "The Times." The food was blah. The atmosphere was fine, but mostly because we were sitting outside. There was an intense game of darts happening inside, which is fine except that the dart board was located next to the women's room (reserve comments, please). I was forced to do the duck-and-squeeze maneuver every time I needed to go to bathroom. This became increasingly complicated as I continued to drink the cheap red wine they were serving. I miss Rome.

I also miss being young. Ok, 32 isn't old, but it's not 23. I used to have J's stamina. His stories of
bar-bathroom escapades and secret sexual encounters in forbidden places are sinful, and yet, I wish I had the energy to do one-quarter of the living he does.

J and I stayed until 9:30-ish -- I'm guessing our departure time by the time of my last text message (according to my phone, which I checked this morning). I don't remember too much more of the night, but unfortunately, I remember this morning.

I woke up, thanks to a horrible allergic reaction I was having from something that clearly bit me in the middle of the night. That alone pisses me off, but now I have to find the Benadryl and hope this goes away. I crawled into work around 8:00 a.m. and attemped to revive myself with a large iced coffee. I'm still waiting for the caffeine to kick in. To make matters worse, I've indulged in greasy pizza for lunch and it is making me horribly sick.

This is the Hump Day from hell.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Where to Stay? What to Pay?

A colleague asked me the other day, "How do you find these great hotels when you travel, especially when you've never been to that destination before?" She's referring to the Hotel Homs, where I stayed in Rome and would stay again without so much as looking at another location. The reality is that finding a hotel in a place you've never visited is a game of luck. But here's how I narrow my chances:

Price. Start by determining how much you're willing to pay per night and then use a hotel search engine to find those hotels that offer rooms in your price range. Once you have at least 10 properties to choose from, do another search for hotels offering rooms at $50 more a night than you would pay. What you'll find is a list of hotels that are still in your price range and often a bit of a higher rating. For example, say you'll only pay $120/night for a hotel room. You've ruled out hotels that are $125/night and might have a higher star rating or better amenities.

Location. I'm a walker. I think the best way to see a new place is to walk around, so any hotel I stay at must be centrally located to the city center or a public transportation stop. (The only exception to this rule is if I'm traveling for a spa getaway, then I just stay at the spa and never leave.) Once you've narrowed your hotel search by price, then narrow it down by location to major tourist attractions. Choosing a hotel near a major tourist attraction will almost always ensure it's near restaurants, bars and cafes. This is very helpful in cutting travel costs, as you won't have to pay for taxis or shuttle services.

Photos. Compare hotel pictures from a search engine and on the hotel's Web site. If the images are drastically different, you know something is wrong. Most search engines post photos from users who have stayed at the hotel, so you can be certain the photos aren't doctored. Really examine the photos and then read the user reviews to see what past visitors have said about cleanliness, room quality, etc. Before deciding on the Hotel Homs, I read many user reviews and looked at as many pictures as I could find. The photos on the search engines were very similar to the photos on the hotel's site so I knew what I was getting. When I finally got to the Hotel Homs, I was pleasantly surprised. The bathroom in particular was a selling point! Big shower and plenty of room to move around (which is uncommon for a single room in Europe).

User Reviews. Past traveler reviews are worth a fortune. It can mean the difference between a pleasant night's stay and a vacation from hell. For example, before deciding on the Hotel Homs there was another hotel in the running. The price was right, the photos were accurate (although the interior design was not my taste) and the location was perfect. However, after reading through dozens of reviews, I found that the other hotel in mention was located right next to a XXX theater. Hmmm..... no.


Price, again. Once you've narrowed your hotel choices by price, location, photos and user reviews, look at the price again. Based on your options, can you up your spend by $25 or $50? If so, you might be fortunate enough to find a better hotel for your needs. The extra money you'd spend on the hotel would compensate for the money you'd spend in transportation if you were further from the center of town, and there's something to be said for comfort and cleanliness where you lay your head.


Hope this helps! And if you ever find yourself in Rome, I highly suggest the Hotel Homs. The staff was excellent, the rooms were clean and comfortable and the location was priceless.

Monday, June 16, 2008

First Class Cry Babies

With all the fees, route cancellations and general airline b.s. that has been plaguing the friendly skies over the past few months, it's no surprise that people are bitching. What's amusing is that most of the bitching is coming from the elite class of passengers, who actually get gourmet meals, seats that recline to beds, and non-stop alcoholic beverages.

Do you think I was happy on an 8-hour flight to Rome with no video monitor to watch movies and stale vegetables that made me so sick I had to tell people waiting in line for the airplane bathroom, 'You don't want to go in there'? No, but I dealt with it.

So why do other people feel they're entitled to a different type of behavior from airlines just because they paid a little more? Chris Elliott, MSNBC travel correspondent and travel expert, takes a look at the first-class cry babies and offers some advice to behaving properly in your seat, n matter how much you paid for it.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Behold the Power of the Exchange Rate

I'm really not an extravagant shopper. Yes, I do appreciate the finer things in life, but I'm also realistic that I can't always afford the finer things in life. But when in Rome, I purchased a pretty significant accessory from my friend Louis Vuitton. I debated it -- much to the dismay of the sales associate -- and finally gave in. But before I handed over my credit card I considered the following:
  • Can I buy this in America at the same/cheaper cost?
  • What is the exchange rate?
  • What are the fees I'll incur on my credit card from an international purchase?
  • Do I really want this?
The answers were not so easy. Yes, I could buy the bag in America but the price comparison was fuzzy. The exchange rate was tough -- the Euro is worth more than the dollar, but when you shop internationally it's tax-free for U.S. citizens (after a certain amount) so I would be getting money back. My credit card would charge me 3% for this transaction, but yes, I really wanted the bag.

I handed over the card, took my Louis Vuitton and walked proudly out of the store. I promised myself I wouldn't think about the cost of the purchase until I returned home.

Today, I checked my credit card bill online and I am thrilled to report that I saved almost $100 by purchasing the bag in Rome, as opposed to in the states. How? For starters, the bag was tax-free in Rome. While I did incur a 3% transaction fee, I got $74 back on my credit card, which cancelled out the fee, and then some.

Moral of the story: The dollar may not be so hot, but for big-ticket items it's worth doing the calculations and buying abroad -- you just might save yourself a few dollars.

Happy Father's Day!

Dad, you're someone to look up to no matter how tall I've grown. ~Author Unknown

To all the Dad's around the world, cheers to you. If you're anything like my Dad, you're one in a million.

Love, Me.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Goodbye to a Legend: Tim Russert

Today was a sad day for journalists and readers. The tragic loss of Tim Russert pounded the hearts of many who have followed his career and those of us who viewed him as a mentor and pioneer in the journalism industry.

During my days as a Washington correspondent I envied the work of Russert and aimed to achieve the integrity and professionalism that Russert demanded from the job. While he had his opinions on politics and of those he interviewed, he gained the right to share those thoughts and gain the truth from his guests on the Sunday morning show, "Meet the Press."

I could go on for a while about how he inspired me as a reporter, but for now I'll retreat to my thoughts and prayers for his friends and family around the world. For young journalists just beginning their career I offer only this: learn from this man, for he was legendary in his craft, and strive to be the journalist that Tim Russert was.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Home From Rome. Back to Reality

I already miss the food, the wine, the people and sights and the aura of Rome. Looking forward to returning to Rome (thinking next Spring).

The worst part about coming back from vacation is being slapped back into reality. After dragging my luggage up the four flights of stairs, I walked into my semi-clean apartment and immediately realized, I forget to take out the garbage before I left. Good thing it's trash night in the city. Starving, I went to find something in my refrigerator but alas, having been traveling for the past three weeks there is nothing more than moldy cheese and stale grapefruit juice. I opt for a nap and wake up at 9 p.m. Famished. I drag myself and my trash downstairs and after dumping the foul-odored bag on the street corner, I opted for a salad at a nearby take-out cafe. After three bites, I went home and crawled into bed.

On the agenda for Friday:
  • Grocery shopping
  • unpacking
  • cleaning
Reality bites.

Where's My Credit Card?

Our last night in Rome. We walked through the park, up the Spanish Steps and into our favorite hotel bar, the Hassler Rooftop Restaurant. It was here we had our first cocktails in Rome and it was only fitting we start our last night here, too. Two bellinis, a glass of wine and three Rossinis (strawberry puree instead of peach puree, ala the Bellini) later, we were off in search of a place to eat.

Stumbling down the Spanish Steps and onto the Via del Conditi, we turned right into a little alley and found Trattoria Otello. Sitting at the red-and-white checkered tablecloth tables were old men with bowls of pasta and playing cards in front of them, Italian women speaking their own language to each other and long tables of families sharing enormous bowls of pasta and antipasto dishes. We stood there, in the courtyard of this hidden gem, when a waiter came over and ushered us to a table for two.

On the menu: red wine, tomato salad, prosciutto and mozzarella, spaghetti bolognese and eggplant parmesan. As soon as we ordered my mouth started watering. I reached into my bag to grab my camera and instead grabbed my wallet. MFTM paid for drinks with my credit card at the Spanish Steps bar and put the receipt in my bag. But, where was my credit card?

The look on her semi-drunk face was priceless. "They forgot to give it back to me!" she said.

Off I ran, back down the Via del Conditi, up the Spanish Steps -checking potential peddlers and street vendors wanting me to buy something, passed the kids lounging on the steps with their beers and cigarettes, running over only a couple of tourists to get to the Hassler Rooftop Restaurant. Thankfully this night, I was wearing flats. They had my credit card waiting for me, and a shot of lemoncello to soothe my anxiety.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Rome Day 5: Last Day

Today is my last day in the Eternal City. I'm really quite sad and if the Hotel Homs offered me a free room for a few more nights, I'd likely take them up on it. Alas, I'm meant to return to Boston. But before I board the plane I have one full day to enjoy in Rome. On the agenda for today:
  • Eat breakfast (leftover apple cake from last night's dessert and shot of espresso).
  • Walk to Trastevere - one of Rome's most charming areas with medieval lanes to explore.
  • Have lunch in one of Trastevere's famed restaurants.
  • Walk through the the Villa Borghese (maybe visit the museum), which by the way, is on the completely other side of the city.
  • Maybe get a walk-on role in a movie.
  • Find a good place to have our last supper in Rome.
The other night I threw at least 3 Euros worth of coins into the Trevi Fountain, so I'm quite certain I've secured myself a trip back to Rome.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Someone Famous at the Hotel Homs

While dining this evening one block away from our hotel, the paparazzi went into high-gear at the front doors of the Hotel Homs around 10:30 p.m. They weren't there for me (as fabulous as I may think I am with my new bag) so it must be someone good. Will investigate...

Shopping on the Via Del Conditi

Dear God (or Work, whichever it may be),

Please don't let me lose my job any time soon, for today I made a very expensive purchase while shopping on the Via Del Conditi .

You see God (boss), like many girls I too have always wanted a real Louis Vuitton handbag. One that doesn't unravel at the seams like those you buy off the street and try to pass off for the real thing. One that when you look at it, you see the beauty of intriciate detail, not the fake red stitching or the gaudy gold plate used in copies. Today I bought myself my very first real Louis Vuitton bag, and I'm afraid it will a few paychecks to pay off this bill.

Many thanks for ensuring my paycheck,
Me

Monday, June 9, 2008

Rome Day Three: The Vatican and St. Peter's Bascillica

I'm still a little overwhelmed by today's sights so I promise to post more later, but for now, if you ever get to Rome do not pass up a chance to visit the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Bascillica. There is a strong sprititual connection one has when first walking into the Vatican (said the Jewish girl) but it's not about your religious beliefs (at least not for me). For me, the connection is with heaven and earth and it's worth a moment to take it all in.


I found it inspiring that throughout the Vatican Museums and in the Sistene Chapel the Star of David was iconically placed throughout the floors and in the walls.


Walking into St. Peter's is (pardon the cliche) heavenly. The sights, statues and private services being held are inspiring and emotional.

More insight to come later...

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Rome Day Two: Pantheon, Colosseum and Forums

Today started a little late thanks to a lot of wine the night before. We grabbed pizza and coke at the restaurant across from the hotel and set off in search of the Pantheon. We puttered along and ducked into stores to shop for luggage, handbags, jewelry, watches, artwork and more (no doubt like the Romans used to do when they made their way to the Pantheon in 27 A.D.). After walking through cobblestone streets filled with modern stores and cafes we turned a corner and there was the most amazing sight -- The Pantheon. It almost takes your breath away. Where else in the world does a 27 A.D. structure sit next to a piazza of cafes? Only in Rome.

I was simply blown away by the design of this ancient church. What is most inspiring is the open dome at the top of the structure. It symbolizes the spiritual connection between heaven and earth.

We continued our stroll and found ourselves at the Castel Sant' Angelo, one of the most intriguing and often overlooked monuments in Rome.

The fortress was built in the 2nd century and features an underground passage to the Vatican. It's seen more blood, death and demise than many structures of ancient Europe, but it was also home to several centuries of papal devotees. Located right on the River Tiber, the Castel Sant' Angelo offers beautiful views of St. Peter's Bascillica.



We made our way from the castle to the Colossuem -- it was a long walk, but the exercise of today felt great and the weather was beautiful. Here's what blows my mind about the Colosseum: How'd they build it? It's simply amazing! When you turn the corner and find yourself staring at this architectural wonder, you can almost envision the Gladiator flights that took place centuries ago. But really, how'd they build it?!


Back at the hotel now. Enjoyed some appertifs of olives and presseco and then went to dinner at a nearby Italian restaurant. Sadly, it was just average. Tomorrow night, we'll find something more authentic and less-touristy. But for now, I must rest... tomorrow is a big day: I'm going to church!

That's Rome

One of the side effects of being a travel writer is that sometimes you wake up and forget where you are, or more likely, what time zone you're in. Some days you wake up and you're just too overwhelmed by the sights and the sounds of a new place that it's almost hard to take it all in. That's Rome.

It's been 24 hours in Rome and I'm already in love with the Eternal City.

We had dinner last night in the Jewish Ghetto. A man walked with a violin playing songs I used to sing as a young girl in Sunday school. That's Rome.

After dinner we went to the Spanish Steps and (full of gumption, thanks to the bottles of wine we consumed) we ran to the top. There was a lovely wine bar at the top of the Spanish Steps, hidden behind tresses of ivy and wildflowers. We were seated for another glass of wine and the waiter poured himself a glass, lifted a glass and said "Salud" into the air to the crowd. That's Rome.

We stumbled home and crashed into bed. Eleven hours later it's noon in Rome - I'm over the jetlag and now battling a headache. Off to meet MFTM for some pizza before taking in the Colosseum, Forum and the Pantheon.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

David Caruso in Rome

I'm a big fan of "CSI: Miami" so imagine my surprise when David Caruso (a.k.a., Horatio) walked into the hotel bar when I was waiting for MFTM. I wanted to grab him and yell, "I can't belive they shot you!!" (If you're a CSI fan you know what I'm talking about. If you're not, too bad). Turns out he's in town filming the new Ron Howard movie, "Angels and Demons," based on the Dan Brown bestseller.
(Side note... apparently there has been talk on whether or not he is actually "in" the film. I don't know. I honestly don't care. I'd personally prefer he were back shooting CSI, but I'm not in the Hollywood business so I don't make these decisions).

Caruso was swarmed by fans wanting pictures, so I casually walked past the chaos and into the bar (seriously people, there was wine waiting for me). I found a little nook where I could watch the scene and still enjoy a house red. He made his way through the bar and the staff mobbed him for a picture. Sadly, no one had a camera.

"I can take it for you," I said. "I will just email the picture from the room."

Just then a hotel front desk agent came in with her cell phone camera. My services were not needed so I went back to my wine. The amateur paparazzi event ended and DC and his lady friend walked out of the bar, but not before he stopped and -- dig this, please -- put his hand on my shoulder and said, "Thanks so much for offering your camera. Let me buy you this glass of wine."

I can now officially say that the first man to buy me a glass of wine in Rome was David Caruso. Anyone seen Clooney? Pitt?

In the Air: Alitalia

When people would ask, "How are you flying to Rome," and I would respond, "Alitalia," I was usually met with a roll of the eyes or a casual "eh". Apparently, it's not the most luxurious airline in the fleet but it's still in business, and the Pope trusts it, so why not give it a go? And so we did.

We boarded the flight and immediately realized we were in one of the oldest planes still in working fashion. The plane was so old, the ashtray's on the seat were still flipping up, instead of sealed shut. There are no personal TV monitors -- just a few drop-down TV screens that hang from the ceiling. All the shows are in Italian. On the bright side, the leg room and seat pitch is much roomier.

Flying generally brings out the nerves in anyone - even the good flyers. It was a smooth start. Dinner was served and I was handed my vegetarian meal and a glass of red wine. On the menu, waxy vegetables in a tomato sauce and stale rice. But I was more willing to eat that then the rubber chicken everyone else was digesting. I threw back the wine, closed my eyes and attempted to relax for the next 6.5 hours.

That plan was foiled as soon as we hit turbulence over the Atlantic. It was a little frightening, I won't lie, but I think the majority of my nerves were left over from last week's near death experience. The reality check really sets in when during your moment of panic, you look around the plane and find the 8-year-old kids happily playing cards and video games while the airplane is jumping around the sky. The airplane food was not settling well with all this. I needed a bathroom. NOW. But the captain asked us all to remain in our seats and I couldn't get up if I wanted to and now I was stuck, in my seat, trying not to make a scene that no one would forget. If you've ever experienced turbulence like that you know it's not fun. If you've ever experienced turbulence with a bad plate of food in your stomach, the scenario is, quite literally, rather shitty.

Alitalia landed us safely and we made it to the hotel (more on how/when later). I have decided not to have airplane food on the way home.

Friday, June 6, 2008

J.K. Rowling Speaks to Harvard Grads

The woman is simply superb. If you need a little bit of inspiration, look to the wisdom and magic of Harry Potter's creator. Take some time to read J.K. Rowling's Harvard Commencement Address, “The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination.”

You just might be inspired to fail, and subsequently reap the benefits.

Maybe I'll Sleep...

I slept horribly last night. I've slept horribly for weeks. Maybe it's the job, or maybe just general stress of life. It's raining this morning, which usually doesn't help with the natural adrenaline rush one's body often experiences during days of bright sunshine and beautiful weather. It's gray, rainy and dismal - the perfect excuse to stay in bed. Just a few more hours... but my mind was already ahead of me.

The alarm went off at 6 a.m. this morning. Since I was already awake and watching the news, the high-pitched ringing of the alarm clock I bought back in 1997 didn't startle me too much. I'm either used to the sound or completely immune to it. I casually made my way out of bed, hopped in the shower and debated what to wear today. After a few outfit changes, I went with black travel pants (the flowy kind that feel like pajamas but look like silk), a green tank top and a black sweater (jean jacket in my carry-on bag in case it gets cold). I'll probably change again. After a quick check of all things inside the apartment, I made two trips down the four flights of stairs -- one to bring down the over-packed luggage, one to bring down the carry-on bags. My brain was already ahead of me -- it had coffee brewing on the mind. I put the bags in the foyer and walked around the corner to the coffee shop. One medium Guatemalan blend, one sesame bagel. I called for a cab and perched on my front stoop until it arrived. Ten dollars later I'm at work, and tired again.

I find it hard to sleep on planes. Maybe it's because I'm older and more alert to all the sounds, kinks and what can possibly go wrong. I'm not a bad flyer - I actually like to fly. There's something soothing about being so far up in the sky you can touch the clouds. But tonight, there's a possibility I may sleep. For one thing, it's 8:15 a.m. and I'm already exhausted. Second, I have so much reading to do I'll likely fall asleep and miss the opportunity to read up on Rome before I get there.

I'm quite sure, however, then when I arrive in Rome I'll have no problem finding a cappuccino to keep me awake. I did read that cappuccinos are really after-dinner drinks in Rome - during the day signifies true tourist traits. Maybe I'll opt for an espresso. Or, I'll simply go to the hotel and nap for a few hours. At any rate, I'll be in Rome and while I may be exhausted, maybe I'll finally get some sleep.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

(over)Packed and Ready for Rome!

I packed way too much. I would show you a picture, but I've already packed my camera. And I don't remember which bag it's in.

I wanted options for Rome. From what I understand, it's an incredibly fashionable city and since I don't always feel I exemplify "fashion" in the states, I might as well work it in Rome. Before you ask, I will offer up the shoe tally: five pairs.
  • Black heels for evening
  • Black wedges for walking
  • Black flats
  • Flip flops for lounging
  • Brown wedges for walking/evening
  • Brown flats
Ok six pairs...wait...tennis shoes...seven pairs. Seven pairs of shoes.

I did better on the outfits though - I attempted to mix and match. Sort of. No I didn't. I packed outfits for the day, and then outfits for the evening. I overpacked. This is justifiable, though. Rome by day is casual, Rome by night is dressy. It's good to have options -- celebrities change like five times a day, right?

Off to Rome! Ciao and I'll talk to you when in Rome...

Not One of the Chosen People

Got word back from the Excavacations Office at Saint Peter's Tomb. We were not chosen to venture into the Necropolis. Guess we'll have to stay with exploring Rome the typical way... above ground.

Oh good news though! Ron Howard and Tom Hanks are shooting "Angels and Demons" in Rome right now. Maybe I'll be chosen to star (by "star" I mean help write the script) in a movie...

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Excavations in the City of the Dead

Anyone been inside this one before?

Apparently, there is an entire city underneath Saint Peter's Basilica. It's lovingly referred to as the Necropolis -- the City of the Dead. It's where Saint Peter was buried after his crucifixion at what is now known as the Vatican Gardens. It's a 60-minute tour that winds only 250 lucky visitors through the underground streets of the Necropolis and to the grave of Saint Peter.



I will admit I had to look up some info on Saint Peter. What I did know is that he was one of the apostles. But aside from that, I wasn't entirely sure who Saint Peter was to the people. (Sunday's were spent at temple -- you want to know about Moses, I'm you're girl.) Here's what I've learned:
  • He was the founder of the first Roman Church
  • Allegedly, Peter also walked on water after hearing that Jesus performed this miracle
  • Saint Peter offered up a prayer for Yom Kippur, which (as Jewish folklore tells it) is how Jesus forgave Peter before he died.
The tour takes viewers through several excavated streets of the Necropolis and ends at the grave of Saint Peter. But it's only for the privileged few. You have to send a request to visit the Necropolis and the Excavation Center will let you know if your request has been approved. I hope we are approved --we would be the "chosen ones" to enter the tombs on that day. This is heavy stuff.

Now, I will warn you that I'm slightly claustrophobic. Apparently, inside the Necropolis is slightly claustrophobic, too. This could go very well, or very bad. But if we're chosen, I will take my chances.

The Stall Siren

If you're an avid traveler you learn to just jump on board the first thing that takes you where you want to be -- size does not matter, in this case; speed often does.

I've finally recovered from my Sunday afternoon death run and I'm getting ready for my next jaunt: Rome. While enjoying dinner with friends last night on MFTM's back porch, we all started sharing our favorite "I can't believe I did that..." stories from various cities around the world. Some of the stories included too much alcohol... most of the stories included too much alcohol... and then I told the table of my near-death flight experience.

I got to the part about the siren going off mid-flight and then, jsut when I thought the experience couldn't get any worse, my friend J (who happens to be a pilot) asked, "Are you talking about the stall siren?"

"The what?"

"Usually when a siren goes off in a Cessna or small plane it's because the plane is about to stall so the pilot needs to level out the nose and the wings."

Um, pardon me? You did not just tell me that the plane was about to stall 10,000-feet up as I was heading into a black cloud.

Do you want to know the irony of all this, folks? When I was 16-years-old, I was hell-bent on joining Air Force and flying F-16s. I think the world is a much safer place with me at the keyboard.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Mexican Night in Boston's South End

When the husband's away, the girls (plus one gay boy) will play!

MFTM cooked up a feast tonight! Homemade guacamole, veggie and chicken enchiladas, and plenty of wine. We all but licked the plates clean. It goes to show you don't have to go to South of the Border for good food... you just need a Mexican friend to cook up a feast!

If you're lucky, she might post her enchilada recipe here.

A George-less Dollar

Today I exchanged more money. The US Dollar to the Euro isn't as bad as the dollar to the pound, but it still plays a good game on your bank account.

Today's exchange rate: 1.58. That means that my $700 quickly dwindled down to 440 Euros. In essence, I just lost $260. Now before you get all "then don't travel" on me, I realize I am the one who chooses to travel and spend this money. I'm not complaining about spending the money, I'm complaining about the diminishing value of my money. I will still earn, I will still spend, but I have to admit, it's the saving that is hard. Yes, of course, if I didn't travel I could save that money. There are both sides to the story, but at the end of the day I blame George.

For years I worked multiple jobs while I put myself through grad school, and subsequently paid back the grad school loans. That meant for years there was no travel. Up until a few years ago, my passport was pretty bare. Then I started coming into my own and my career took a turn. I took my cash and traded it in for plane tickets around the world. So it's ironic as soon as I had the means and ways to do this, the economy started tanking. I could get all political on you (and I covered politics in Washington DC so yes, I can debate this argument) but instead I'll just voice my opinion. It's my blog, after all.

I blame the president. Thank you, George Bush, for completely crushing my hard-earned money. I blame you, but I will not let you stop me. As far as I'm concerned, you're one George whose face will never end up on a dollar.

And that said, I'm taking my Euros and I'm going to Italy, baby!

Monday, June 2, 2008

Rome in Five Days!

It's finally here!! I leave for Rome in five days and I couldn't be more excited. The food, the wine, the shopping. If this were heaven, God would have a glass of chianti waiting for me at the Pearly Gates.

What to pack? From what I understand, Rome is high on fashion. Casual during the day. Elegant at night. That means checked luggage.

Here's what I have so far:

  • two pairs of jeans
  • one pair of black casual pants
  • one pair of black dress pants
  • four skirts (white, khaki for day; black and animal print for night)
  • five evening shirts (silk, likely black)
  • five day shirts (cotton)
  • one pair of shorts (do I even own shorts? I'll have to look...)
  • Workout clothes
  • shoes... this will be a problem
    • tennis shoes for my grand delusions of running in the mornings
    • black flats for walking
    • flip-flops for lounging
    • brown wedge heels to go with brown silk/cotton top
    • black heels for evenings out
What am I missing?

Sunday, June 1, 2008

A Sweet Ride: Cessna 402

If you've never flown in a Cessna 402 it's something you should put on your "list of things to do before I die." Don't take the "die" part too literally...

After the Great Weigh In (which I learned later was very necessary to even out the weight distribution on the small plane at 10,000-feet up), we boarded the little plane. Seat 2 - right behind the pilot. Somehow, that made me feel quite comfortable. I felt regal, in a way. Almost like Captain Steve and his co-pilot were my own personal pilots who were paid to take me to the luxurious island of Nantucket. The doors closed and the regal feeling was quickly replaced with claustrophobia. My years of yoga paid off... breathe through the nose, out the mouth...



The flight to Nantucket from Boston is 45-minutes and on a clear day, it's one of the most beautiful sights to see. At 10,000-feet up, the city of Boston looks peaceful and quiet. The islands off the coast are beckoning to you ... to watch a landing so close is almost surreal.

Friday was a beautiful day to take flight. Sunday was another story.

Captain John boarded the flight with his passengers in toe and ready to head home. The propeller stirred up and the Cessna was on its way down the runway. It was a smooth ride for about 10 minutes.

The air was choppy today, which made for a choppy flight. Try and picture this, please.
Small Cessna (shown below) flying through high winds over the Atlantic Ocean. It might be too hard to conceptualize. I had my eyes closed for as much of the flight as I could stand (Type-A personality causes one to need to know what's happening at all times, so opening the eyes was inevitable). My eyes opened as we headed into the black cloud. I'm going to die.

The plane started flying side-to-side pendulum style. A few dips here and there. My hand firmly placed on the seat in front of me for stability. Captain John had both hands on the wheel. And then, the end... the siren. If I were to die, I have a feeling this is the sound I will hear. It's a high-pitched BEEP that alerts you to danger. DANGER. BEEP. FUCK.

This was it. This was how I was going down. I always wondered how would I die, morbid as that is to say. But I really didn't want to die a size 8-10. I know I can lose the extra 10 pounds if God will just land me safely in Boston. Fifteen minutes to go. The city was near -- I could see the top of the Boston skyline beyond the smog. And the ocean not far below.

Yoga breaths. In through the nose, out through the mouth. Three seconds each breath. Keep breathing.

As humorous as it is to tell this story, it's the first time I had a real near-death experience. I can say I've never been so scared for my life, and at the same time, I bless Cape Air for the perfectionists they hire to fly the planes. There's nothing you can do about wind, but a skilled pilot makes all the difference.

Thank you, Captain John.
We landed safely at Boston's Logan Airport and got off the plane.

"I think I'm going to throw up," I said to Heather.

"I think I need a valium," she replied.

I walked into my apartment, poured myself a stiff drink and took a deep breath. Would I do it again? Absolutely. But not before I get a wind report... and a valium.

Things To Do in Nantucket When You're Broke

The purpose of this trip was to find "cheap finds" on the island. If you've ever been to Nantucket, you know that's not an easy thing to do. But that was my mission and I was ready to conquer it head on. Next time you're in Nantucket, consider these top five tips if you want to leave the island with money left in your bank account:
  1. Find an inn or B&B that serves breakfast in the morning. At the Anchor Inn, there were fresh muffins, fruit salads, coffee, tea and juice every morning. You save money on breakfast (which is a $5 bagel and equally expensive cup of coffee at one of the many coffee houses) and also get some fuel in your system first thing in the morning.
  2. Split your meals. Much to our surprise, the portions are huge! Looking back on the weekend, there wasn't one meal I finished in its entirety (unless you consider an ice cream cone a meal). Split your meals and you'll have more money left over for dessert (or cocktails).
  3. There's nothing so lovely like walking around Nantucket with an ice cream cone. But if you don't pay attention, your ice cream cone will cost $7-$10. Read the chalkboard carefully. Yogurt is more than ice cream. Two scoops are pricier than one. Small and child sizes are different prices. Add-ons (sprinkles, nut, etc.) are extra. We found one excellent hidden gem - the Nantucket Ice Cream Shop. The ice cream was excellent there were no hidden charges. For only $4, I was enjoying my mint chip on a bench while watching the boats dock.
  4. Make use of your inn. Most inns/B&B's have an outdoor patio or garden area. Grab a bottle of wine, some cheese and do appetizers and drinks at "home" instead of at the restaurant.
  5. Go shopping and splurge on one big item. This might sound contradictory to the "broke" concept, but here's the deal: if you treat yourself to something wonderful you won't crave anything else. Nantucket is full of amazing retail stores but you won't find a bargain. So find something you love, buy it, and then spend the rest of time living cheap on Nantucket. I splurged on a pair of Eliza B $50 cotton flip-flops. I know, I know... $50! But they are awesomely excellent and I had to have them. And, once I purchased them I didn't crave anything else.

Nantucket is truly a beautiful island if you have the means and ways, I highly suggest you visit. Just remember to be smart and spend wisely. You'll have a great time without breaking the bank.