Thursday, February 19, 2009
Welcome to 2009
Where the hell did 2008 go? Now the plan is to update this blog each week at least - That's the goal. Let's see how I do!!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Day 28 - 07/04/07: Los Angeles (Beverly Hills)
The last day of this amazing holiday was finally upon us & as it was now just down to the 3 of us, we made a decision to spend the last few hours around the Rodeo Drive, just savouring this opulent, spoilt, totally consumer orientated past of the world.
Returned to the Hotel - The Peninsula - in the late afternoon & retired to the roof-top bar & pool to savour the last few hours of this amazing break watching the sunset in front of a roaring fire with a glass of French Champagne. Before you berate me for this decadent lifestyle, remember that it's all about the choices you make in life.
Were picked up just after 8pm & dropped @ the airport 45 minutes later for the flight home. Time then to plan the next trip to somewhere far away...
Returned to the Hotel - The Peninsula - in the late afternoon & retired to the roof-top bar & pool to savour the last few hours of this amazing break watching the sunset in front of a roaring fire with a glass of French Champagne. Before you berate me for this decadent lifestyle, remember that it's all about the choices you make in life.
Were picked up just after 8pm & dropped @ the airport 45 minutes later for the flight home. Time then to plan the next trip to somewhere far away...
Day 27 - 07/04/07: Los Angeles (Beverly Hills)
Awoke after a good nights sleep in one of the most comfortable beds I've ever experienced - One of the highlights were the monogrammed pillow cases with our initials on them (CAM & SFO - some may say "wanky", I say "that's cool!).
Some history about Beverly Hills; It began with a Spanish land grant assigned to Maria Rita Vladez De Ville & known as "El Rancho Rodeo De Las Anguas - The Ranch Of The Gathering Waters). It was Spanish explorers & Missionaries who transformed California from Indian Territory to ranching & farming country.
Today Beverly Hills is a 5.7sq mile city with 33,000 residents & a daytime population of 200,000. The ties to entertainment remain strong & the city's 900 retailers serve as emporiums to the stars, with many famous names residing here. The powerhouses of the film industry, such as Castle Rock Entertainment, The Firm, Dreamwork SKG & many others also call Beverly Hills home.
Star gazing is a major past time with big name stars & the familiar faces of supporting casts spotted regularly around the bars, restaurants & clubs.
Today was designated "Shopping Day", so we headed off to the "Beverly Center" for some retail therapy. I had a lot of fun shopping in Macy's @ the Ralph Lauren area & picked up a bundle of bargains @ "cents in the dollar" of what I would have paid in Australia.
After shopping & lunch @ "Harper's" on Santa Monica Blvd, we headed back to the hotel to change, had a bottle of Moet in the lobby lounge & then headed out to dinner. We left the hotel at the same time as Wendy who was heading off to the airport for the flight home; Now when you stay @ "The Pen", you don't travel to dinner by taxi, no you take their "house-car", which is a "Rolls Royce Phantom". That was impressive.
Dinner was at another Beverly Hills institution "Mastro's Steakhouse", renowned for its steaks @ seafood. The amazing thing about the food & how it's served, is that the steak comes out on a normal plate that is extremely, and I mean extremely hot & the meat is actually still cooking on the plate as you begin to eat it - Wow. Again for the trip home, no taxi, the Rolls came for us again - could certainly get very use to this style of living.
Some history about Beverly Hills; It began with a Spanish land grant assigned to Maria Rita Vladez De Ville & known as "El Rancho Rodeo De Las Anguas - The Ranch Of The Gathering Waters). It was Spanish explorers & Missionaries who transformed California from Indian Territory to ranching & farming country.
Today Beverly Hills is a 5.7sq mile city with 33,000 residents & a daytime population of 200,000. The ties to entertainment remain strong & the city's 900 retailers serve as emporiums to the stars, with many famous names residing here. The powerhouses of the film industry, such as Castle Rock Entertainment, The Firm, Dreamwork SKG & many others also call Beverly Hills home.
Star gazing is a major past time with big name stars & the familiar faces of supporting casts spotted regularly around the bars, restaurants & clubs.
Today was designated "Shopping Day", so we headed off to the "Beverly Center" for some retail therapy. I had a lot of fun shopping in Macy's @ the Ralph Lauren area & picked up a bundle of bargains @ "cents in the dollar" of what I would have paid in Australia.
After shopping & lunch @ "Harper's" on Santa Monica Blvd, we headed back to the hotel to change, had a bottle of Moet in the lobby lounge & then headed out to dinner. We left the hotel at the same time as Wendy who was heading off to the airport for the flight home; Now when you stay @ "The Pen", you don't travel to dinner by taxi, no you take their "house-car", which is a "Rolls Royce Phantom". That was impressive.
Dinner was at another Beverly Hills institution "Mastro's Steakhouse", renowned for its steaks @ seafood. The amazing thing about the food & how it's served, is that the steak comes out on a normal plate that is extremely, and I mean extremely hot & the meat is actually still cooking on the plate as you begin to eat it - Wow. Again for the trip home, no taxi, the Rolls came for us again - could certainly get very use to this style of living.
Day 26 - 06/04/07: New Orleans - Los Angeles
Up fairly early & off for breakfast @ "Cafe Du Monde", a New Orleans institution since 1862. On the menu:
- Cafe Au Lait (made with ground Chicory Root) &
- Beignets (sweet pastries dusted with powdered sugar)- The unofficial doughnut of New Orleans.
From breakfast I walked through "Jackson Square", the heart of Vieux Carre, constructed with the symmetry of French & Spanish Colonial architecture and which opens up onto the Grand 1794 "St Louis Cathedral" designed by Gilberto Guillemard. One of New Orleans' most notable landmarks. This venerable building, its triple steeples towering above its historic neighbors, the Cabildo and the Presbytere - looks down benignly on the green of the Square and General Andrew Jackson on his bronze horse and on the block-long Pontalba Buildings with their lacy ironwork galleries. Truly, this is the heart of old New Orleans.
Once past this impressive cathedral, I headed for Rev. Zombie's Voodoo Shop to do the 10am "Cemetery History Tour - Cities Of The Dead..." This tour took us within the walls of the oldest & most interesting burial ground in all of New Orleans - St Louis Cemetery #1.
"St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 was founded in 1789, and it is the oldest cemetery in New Orleans. Located at the corners of St. Louis and Basin streets. At one time the cemetery was much larger (300 square feet) but today it is much smaller due to development around it. Like most cemeteries in New Orleans, most of the graves are above ground tombs or wall vaults.
Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1 was listed on National Register of Historic Places in 1975. It just recently (March 2004) benefited from a big restoration project.
Saint Louis Cemetery is supposedly haunted by the ghosts of Marie Laveau, a Voodoo priestess, and her daughter...both are buried in this cemetery. Supposedly they return to life each St. John's Eve and lead their faithful voodoo practitioners in a wild ceremony/orgy. The area in front of her grave is filled with all sorts of gifts left by cemetery visitors - beads, herbs, bricks wrapped in foil, dried beans, bones, etc. Also, her tomb is covered in small x's or crosses...people draw them on the tomb for luck. It's also said that if you turn around three times, either clockwise or counter clockwise, in front of her tomb and then knock on it three times your wish will be granted". Not sure about that, but I did leave a "dime" on her tomb for luck. Source: http://www.graveaddiction.com/1stlouis.html
Apart from visiting Marie Laveau's tomb, we also learnt the fascinating history & burial practices of this evocative above ground graveyard - which was also used in the movies "Interview With A Vampire" & "Easy Rider".
The history and mysterious world of voodoo was also discussed, with its connections to ancient West African religions & the crossovers it made with Roman Catholicism in the slave-holding colonies of the 1800's. Also caught a glimpse of what current practitioners are doing within the "Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo" on Bourbon St.
On completion of this great & informative 2-hr tour, I met up with the girls for the taxi ride to the airport for the journey back to LA (after another stop over in Dallas/Forth Worth - had a drink , but no haircut required).
Arrived in LA by 7.30pm & was @ our hotel thanks to a stretch-limo. The Peninsula Beverley Hills is home for the next 2 nights
- Cafe Au Lait (made with ground Chicory Root) &
- Beignets (sweet pastries dusted with powdered sugar)- The unofficial doughnut of New Orleans.
From breakfast I walked through "Jackson Square", the heart of Vieux Carre, constructed with the symmetry of French & Spanish Colonial architecture and which opens up onto the Grand 1794 "St Louis Cathedral" designed by Gilberto Guillemard. One of New Orleans' most notable landmarks. This venerable building, its triple steeples towering above its historic neighbors, the Cabildo and the Presbytere - looks down benignly on the green of the Square and General Andrew Jackson on his bronze horse and on the block-long Pontalba Buildings with their lacy ironwork galleries. Truly, this is the heart of old New Orleans.
Once past this impressive cathedral, I headed for Rev. Zombie's Voodoo Shop to do the 10am "Cemetery History Tour - Cities Of The Dead..." This tour took us within the walls of the oldest & most interesting burial ground in all of New Orleans - St Louis Cemetery #1.
"St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 was founded in 1789, and it is the oldest cemetery in New Orleans. Located at the corners of St. Louis and Basin streets. At one time the cemetery was much larger (300 square feet) but today it is much smaller due to development around it. Like most cemeteries in New Orleans, most of the graves are above ground tombs or wall vaults.
Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1 was listed on National Register of Historic Places in 1975. It just recently (March 2004) benefited from a big restoration project.
Saint Louis Cemetery is supposedly haunted by the ghosts of Marie Laveau, a Voodoo priestess, and her daughter...both are buried in this cemetery. Supposedly they return to life each St. John's Eve and lead their faithful voodoo practitioners in a wild ceremony/orgy. The area in front of her grave is filled with all sorts of gifts left by cemetery visitors - beads, herbs, bricks wrapped in foil, dried beans, bones, etc. Also, her tomb is covered in small x's or crosses...people draw them on the tomb for luck. It's also said that if you turn around three times, either clockwise or counter clockwise, in front of her tomb and then knock on it three times your wish will be granted". Not sure about that, but I did leave a "dime" on her tomb for luck. Source: http://www.graveaddiction.com/1stlouis.html
Apart from visiting Marie Laveau's tomb, we also learnt the fascinating history & burial practices of this evocative above ground graveyard - which was also used in the movies "Interview With A Vampire" & "Easy Rider".
The history and mysterious world of voodoo was also discussed, with its connections to ancient West African religions & the crossovers it made with Roman Catholicism in the slave-holding colonies of the 1800's. Also caught a glimpse of what current practitioners are doing within the "Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo" on Bourbon St.
On completion of this great & informative 2-hr tour, I met up with the girls for the taxi ride to the airport for the journey back to LA (after another stop over in Dallas/Forth Worth - had a drink , but no haircut required).
Arrived in LA by 7.30pm & was @ our hotel thanks to a stretch-limo. The Peninsula Beverley Hills is home for the next 2 nights
Day 25 - 05/04/07: New Orleans
Today was "Visit a Plantation Day" & the taxi that we had arranged the night before to take us out there arrived @ 10.45am. After driving for almost 2hrs (it's a 45 minute journey, but he got lost 3 times!!!), the famous "Oak Alley Plantation" was finally spotted on horizon just before 1pm.
"Oak Alley Plantation" - The Grande Dame of the Great River Road is located in Vacherie, Louisiana, and rests along the banks of the Mississippi River between New Orleans & Baton Rouge. Built in 1839, the plantation is internationally renowned for its 800 feet long alley of 28 evenly spaced giant Live Oak Trees, from which the property derived its present name. Planted well before the house was constructed in 1837, this formal planting is a historic landscape design long recognized for its beauty.
This National landmark is recognized for having one of the most spectacular settings in the entire South and has been the setting for motion pictures such as "Interview with a Vampire" & "Primary Colours".
We did the 1pm tour of the mansion which was conducted by a guide dressed in period costumes and lasting about 40 minutes. What we learned was:
"Originally named Bon Sejour, Oak Alley was built in 1837-39 by George Swainey for Jacques Telesphore Roman, brother of Andre Roman who was twice governor of Louisiana. Joseph Pilie, Jacques Telesphore Roman's father-in-law, was an architect and is thought to have provided the design of Oak Alley.
Oak Alley's most distinguishing architectural feature is a full peripteral (free-standing) colonnade of 28 colossal Doric columns. Such plantation houses were once scattered along the Mississippi valley, though Oak Alley is probably the finest of those remaining.
In 1866, Oak Alley was sold at auction to John Armstrong. Several owners followed Armstrong, and by the 1920s, the house was is in a state of deterioration. Andrew and Josephine Stewart purchased the property in 1925 and hired architect Richard Koch to conduct an extensive restoration. The pale pink of the plastered columns and walls and the blue green of the louvered shutters and gallery railing were color choices of Mrs. Stewart at that time. Square in plan, the interior has a central hall from front to rear on both floors. At each end of both halls the doors have broad fanlights and sidelights framed with slim, fluted colonnettes. Rooms at the first floor rear were partitioned and adapted to modern uses at the time of restoration in the 1920s". Source: http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/travel/louisiana/oak.htm
On the way back to New Orleans we viewed majestic Cypress trees in Louisiana's swamps bordering the Mississippi River. Back in New Orleans we dined @ a great little restaurant on Bourbon St & then I did "The New Orleans Ghost & vampire Tour" -the others said that they were tired - I believe that they were too scared to do the tour - that's what I believe...
The tour started at Flanaghan's Pub in St Phillip St, allegedly the most haunted street in the French Quarter. At 8pm the tour proceeded to weave through the shadowy, darkened streets taking us to locations associated with ghostly apparitions, paranormal activity and the supernatural as well as vampiric-style crimes.
Sites included:
* The Lalaurie Mansion - For more than 150 years, and through several generations, this house at 1140 Royal Street has been considered to be the most haunted, which in April 2007 Nicholas Cage allegedly purchased, and the most frightening location in the French Quarter.
* The Sultan's Retreat,
* The Witch of The French Opera,
* The Ghost of The Quadroon Mistress,
* Pere Dagobeat of the St Louis Cathedral
* The spectre of General P.G.T Beauregard, plus
* Anne Rice sites.
The tour went about 1.5hrs and although interesting didn't live up to my expectations, but then they don't always - not scary enough - To say that the scariest moment was when an egg was thrown from a balcony window and narrowly missed myself & the guide should sum up the tour...
"Oak Alley Plantation" - The Grande Dame of the Great River Road is located in Vacherie, Louisiana, and rests along the banks of the Mississippi River between New Orleans & Baton Rouge. Built in 1839, the plantation is internationally renowned for its 800 feet long alley of 28 evenly spaced giant Live Oak Trees, from which the property derived its present name. Planted well before the house was constructed in 1837, this formal planting is a historic landscape design long recognized for its beauty.
This National landmark is recognized for having one of the most spectacular settings in the entire South and has been the setting for motion pictures such as "Interview with a Vampire" & "Primary Colours".
We did the 1pm tour of the mansion which was conducted by a guide dressed in period costumes and lasting about 40 minutes. What we learned was:
"Originally named Bon Sejour, Oak Alley was built in 1837-39 by George Swainey for Jacques Telesphore Roman, brother of Andre Roman who was twice governor of Louisiana. Joseph Pilie, Jacques Telesphore Roman's father-in-law, was an architect and is thought to have provided the design of Oak Alley.
Oak Alley's most distinguishing architectural feature is a full peripteral (free-standing) colonnade of 28 colossal Doric columns. Such plantation houses were once scattered along the Mississippi valley, though Oak Alley is probably the finest of those remaining.
In 1866, Oak Alley was sold at auction to John Armstrong. Several owners followed Armstrong, and by the 1920s, the house was is in a state of deterioration. Andrew and Josephine Stewart purchased the property in 1925 and hired architect Richard Koch to conduct an extensive restoration. The pale pink of the plastered columns and walls and the blue green of the louvered shutters and gallery railing were color choices of Mrs. Stewart at that time. Square in plan, the interior has a central hall from front to rear on both floors. At each end of both halls the doors have broad fanlights and sidelights framed with slim, fluted colonnettes. Rooms at the first floor rear were partitioned and adapted to modern uses at the time of restoration in the 1920s". Source: http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/travel/louisiana/oak.htm
On the way back to New Orleans we viewed majestic Cypress trees in Louisiana's swamps bordering the Mississippi River. Back in New Orleans we dined @ a great little restaurant on Bourbon St & then I did "The New Orleans Ghost & vampire Tour" -the others said that they were tired - I believe that they were too scared to do the tour - that's what I believe...
The tour started at Flanaghan's Pub in St Phillip St, allegedly the most haunted street in the French Quarter. At 8pm the tour proceeded to weave through the shadowy, darkened streets taking us to locations associated with ghostly apparitions, paranormal activity and the supernatural as well as vampiric-style crimes.
Sites included:
* The Lalaurie Mansion - For more than 150 years, and through several generations, this house at 1140 Royal Street has been considered to be the most haunted, which in April 2007 Nicholas Cage allegedly purchased, and the most frightening location in the French Quarter.
* The Sultan's Retreat,
* The Witch of The French Opera,
* The Ghost of The Quadroon Mistress,
* Pere Dagobeat of the St Louis Cathedral
* The spectre of General P.G.T Beauregard, plus
* Anne Rice sites.
The tour went about 1.5hrs and although interesting didn't live up to my expectations, but then they don't always - not scary enough - To say that the scariest moment was when an egg was thrown from a balcony window and narrowly missed myself & the guide should sum up the tour...
Day 24 - 04/04/07: New Orleans
We allowed ourselves a nice sleep-in this morning & then arranged a "Combo-City Tour" with "Tours By Isabella", who are celebrating their 27th year in the tour business; so they must be doing something right.
The tour started in the famous "French Quarter" old Creole city - though less than a mile long & a half mile across, this area is synonymous with New Orleans - Its spiritual heart & soul. We discovered its history - When the city was laid out in 1718, the "French Quarter" (with its amazing architecture-lacy ironwork balconies, coloured rows of shops & shuttered windows)was New Orleans; "Jackson Square" & the impressive "St Louis Cathedral", soon followed as the city grew in numbers.
We drove past the famous "Pontalba Row Houses" of Jackson Square, built by Baroness Micaela Almonester de Pontalba during the mid-1800s, received an overall view of the mighty Mississippi River,levees & flood walls. Continuing by the French Market, the old U.S. Mint and the stately mansions along Esplanade Ave.
We then stopped for a guided walking tour of historic St. Louis Cemetery #3 on 3421 Esplanade Avenue. The St. Louis #3 cemetery is probably the most accessible as well as the largest of the St. Louis group. Established in 1854, it contains the outstanding Byzantine tomb of the Hellenic Orthodox Community and the final resting place of Storyville photographer Ernest Belloq.
Riding along peaceful Bayou St. John, we viewed raised houses from the late 1700s and had explained their architectural significance in a city below sea level. (Hint: they don't flood as they as built on raised posts). We continued on through City Park, and would have seen the antique Carousel, but had been removed as badly damaged by Hurrican Katrina, though the centuries old Live Oaks that thankfully had survived.
Along Lake Pontchartrain’s shores their levee system was explained and the longest of all Causeway bridges seen. We soon reached the London Avenue Canal Breach and the most sobering moments of the tour, where we viewed from the van the complete destruction "Katrina" had caused. We drive along the Lakeshore past the remains of the Southern Yacht Club and the marinas, reaching the second levee breach at the 17th Street Canal and viewed from the van the violent and utter destruction it caused to the Lakeview neighborhood. 18-mths later most of this suburb is still deserted - Just like a ghost-town.
We then stopped @ "Long Vue" Mansion & Gardens for a very impressive & informative guided tour of this 1939, 8 acre Grand city estate. Truly a masterpiece of unity between house & garden. The girls picked up some souvenirs of this unique structure. From one exquisite mansion to many more, we headed uptown to "St Charles Avenue", which follows the curve of the Mississippi, taking us past a few vast Universities, as well as Greek Revival, Gothic & Queen Anne-style grand colonial mansions. Then it was through the "Garden District", perhaps the grandest of New Orleans neighbourhoods; stately mansions surrounded by expansive & well manicured lawns & gardens, were the order of the day.
Downtown, we travelled past the infamous Superdome and through the heart of the business district, before returning to our hotel. We then headed down to "Bourbon St" for drinks & dinner - named not after the libation poured in its taverns, but for the French Duke of Bourbon.
Dinner was at a traditional Creole restaurant & had a "Po'Boy" - New Orleans version of the Submarine sandwich - Very, very yummy...
The tour started in the famous "French Quarter" old Creole city - though less than a mile long & a half mile across, this area is synonymous with New Orleans - Its spiritual heart & soul. We discovered its history - When the city was laid out in 1718, the "French Quarter" (with its amazing architecture-lacy ironwork balconies, coloured rows of shops & shuttered windows)was New Orleans; "Jackson Square" & the impressive "St Louis Cathedral", soon followed as the city grew in numbers.
We drove past the famous "Pontalba Row Houses" of Jackson Square, built by Baroness Micaela Almonester de Pontalba during the mid-1800s, received an overall view of the mighty Mississippi River,levees & flood walls. Continuing by the French Market, the old U.S. Mint and the stately mansions along Esplanade Ave.
We then stopped for a guided walking tour of historic St. Louis Cemetery #3 on 3421 Esplanade Avenue. The St. Louis #3 cemetery is probably the most accessible as well as the largest of the St. Louis group. Established in 1854, it contains the outstanding Byzantine tomb of the Hellenic Orthodox Community and the final resting place of Storyville photographer Ernest Belloq.
Riding along peaceful Bayou St. John, we viewed raised houses from the late 1700s and had explained their architectural significance in a city below sea level. (Hint: they don't flood as they as built on raised posts). We continued on through City Park, and would have seen the antique Carousel, but had been removed as badly damaged by Hurrican Katrina, though the centuries old Live Oaks that thankfully had survived.
Along Lake Pontchartrain’s shores their levee system was explained and the longest of all Causeway bridges seen. We soon reached the London Avenue Canal Breach and the most sobering moments of the tour, where we viewed from the van the complete destruction "Katrina" had caused. We drive along the Lakeshore past the remains of the Southern Yacht Club and the marinas, reaching the second levee breach at the 17th Street Canal and viewed from the van the violent and utter destruction it caused to the Lakeview neighborhood. 18-mths later most of this suburb is still deserted - Just like a ghost-town.
We then stopped @ "Long Vue" Mansion & Gardens for a very impressive & informative guided tour of this 1939, 8 acre Grand city estate. Truly a masterpiece of unity between house & garden. The girls picked up some souvenirs of this unique structure. From one exquisite mansion to many more, we headed uptown to "St Charles Avenue", which follows the curve of the Mississippi, taking us past a few vast Universities, as well as Greek Revival, Gothic & Queen Anne-style grand colonial mansions. Then it was through the "Garden District", perhaps the grandest of New Orleans neighbourhoods; stately mansions surrounded by expansive & well manicured lawns & gardens, were the order of the day.
Downtown, we travelled past the infamous Superdome and through the heart of the business district, before returning to our hotel. We then headed down to "Bourbon St" for drinks & dinner - named not after the libation poured in its taverns, but for the French Duke of Bourbon.
Dinner was at a traditional Creole restaurant & had a "Po'Boy" - New Orleans version of the Submarine sandwich - Very, very yummy...
Day 23 - 03/04/07: Memphis - New Orleans
Enjoyed a relaxing sleep-in; well deserved after the early start yesterday. We still had the morning to explore Memphis, so made our first stop just before 11am @ the famous " Hotel Peabody", to see both the epitome of Southern hospitality & luxury & their famous "Ducks".
The "Peabody" was built in 1869 by Colonel Robert C Brinkley during the turbulent reconstruction era - The period (1865–1877) during which the states that had seceded to the Confederacy were controlled by the federal government before being readmitted to the Union. Just prior to its opening, Brinkley learned of the recent death of his good friend, philanthropist George Peabody. In his friend's memory, Brinkley named the new 425 room hotel "Hotel Peabody".
As famous as the hotel are its "Ducks". The tradition of the famous Peabody Marching Ducks began in 1932. Peabody General Manager Frank Schutt, an avid sportsman, and a friend Chip Barwick, returned empty-handed from weekend hunting trip in Arkansas. The two friends had a bit too much Tennessee sippin' whiskey, and decided to play a prank and put their live duck decoys (which were legal at the time) in the fountain in the hotel's Grand Lobby.
Three English call ducks were placed in the fountain, and the reaction from hotel guests was nothing short of enthusiastic. Soon, five North American Mallard ducks would replace the original ducks.
Today, the ducks are housed in the "Duck Palace" on the hotel roof. Every day at 11 a.m., they are led by the Duck master down the elevator to the Italian travertine marble fountain in the Peabody Grand Lobby. A red carpet is unrolled and the ducks march through crowds of admiring spectators to the tune of John Philip Sousa's King Cotton March. The ceremony is reversed at 5 p.m., when the ducks retire for the evening to their palace on the roof of the hotel.
The viewing spots around the fountain were well filled by the time we arrived , but we managed some well positioned spots over looking the performance to see this amazing possession & get some great photos - Very cute indeed & Bonnie & Bella would have loved chasing them...
The Peabody's famed ambassadors are five Mallard ducks – one drake with his white collar and green head, and four hens with less colorful plumage. The ducks are raised by a local farmer and a friend of the hotel. Each team lives in the hotel for only three months before being retired from their Peabody duties and returned to the farm to live out the remainder of their days as wild ducks. Very cute indeed.
A taxi then transferred us to "The National Civil Rights Museum", which is located @ the "Lorraine Hotel", the site of the assignation of Martin Luther King in 1968 - was closed, but we got some historical location photos.
We then returned to our hotel, collected our bags & headed to the airport. The flight stopped in Dallas/Fort Worth airport in Texas for a couple of hours - time enough for a Mango Margarita & a haircut - Which was certainly needed after 3 weeks of growing - felt like Bob Marley...
Arrived in New Orleans around 4pm & an 1hr later were in our hotel - the "Omni Royal Orleans" for 3 exciting nights in the vibrant city, almost wiped off the map a couple of years ago.
The hotel sits on the sight of the old "St Louis (Exchange) Hotel built in 1836 & is situated @ 621 St Louis St. The "St Louis Hotel" was the inaugural spot of the famed "free lunch". The custom was established in the main bar of the hotel because the management surmised that nourishment was needed by the noon-time drinkers of the city. So lunch was provided free to all patrons who bought atleast 1 drink.
1915 saw the "St Louis Hotel" destroyed by a hurricane, but it wasn't until 1960 that the "Royal Orleans Hotel" opened her doors, where the "St Louis" had reigned, bringing back the grandeur & dignity of that famous landmark.
Recently fully renovated & renamed the "Omni Royal Orleans", it sits smack-bang in the middle of the French Quarter,1 minute from the famous "Bourbon St", where a delightful Creole dinner was consumed with a drink or 3 to get into the spirit of this party location. Promises to be a fun-packed 3 days.
The "Peabody" was built in 1869 by Colonel Robert C Brinkley during the turbulent reconstruction era - The period (1865–1877) during which the states that had seceded to the Confederacy were controlled by the federal government before being readmitted to the Union. Just prior to its opening, Brinkley learned of the recent death of his good friend, philanthropist George Peabody. In his friend's memory, Brinkley named the new 425 room hotel "Hotel Peabody".
As famous as the hotel are its "Ducks". The tradition of the famous Peabody Marching Ducks began in 1932. Peabody General Manager Frank Schutt, an avid sportsman, and a friend Chip Barwick, returned empty-handed from weekend hunting trip in Arkansas. The two friends had a bit too much Tennessee sippin' whiskey, and decided to play a prank and put their live duck decoys (which were legal at the time) in the fountain in the hotel's Grand Lobby.
Three English call ducks were placed in the fountain, and the reaction from hotel guests was nothing short of enthusiastic. Soon, five North American Mallard ducks would replace the original ducks.
Today, the ducks are housed in the "Duck Palace" on the hotel roof. Every day at 11 a.m., they are led by the Duck master down the elevator to the Italian travertine marble fountain in the Peabody Grand Lobby. A red carpet is unrolled and the ducks march through crowds of admiring spectators to the tune of John Philip Sousa's King Cotton March. The ceremony is reversed at 5 p.m., when the ducks retire for the evening to their palace on the roof of the hotel.
The viewing spots around the fountain were well filled by the time we arrived , but we managed some well positioned spots over looking the performance to see this amazing possession & get some great photos - Very cute indeed & Bonnie & Bella would have loved chasing them...
The Peabody's famed ambassadors are five Mallard ducks – one drake with his white collar and green head, and four hens with less colorful plumage. The ducks are raised by a local farmer and a friend of the hotel. Each team lives in the hotel for only three months before being retired from their Peabody duties and returned to the farm to live out the remainder of their days as wild ducks. Very cute indeed.
A taxi then transferred us to "The National Civil Rights Museum", which is located @ the "Lorraine Hotel", the site of the assignation of Martin Luther King in 1968 - was closed, but we got some historical location photos.
We then returned to our hotel, collected our bags & headed to the airport. The flight stopped in Dallas/Fort Worth airport in Texas for a couple of hours - time enough for a Mango Margarita & a haircut - Which was certainly needed after 3 weeks of growing - felt like Bob Marley...
Arrived in New Orleans around 4pm & an 1hr later were in our hotel - the "Omni Royal Orleans" for 3 exciting nights in the vibrant city, almost wiped off the map a couple of years ago.
The hotel sits on the sight of the old "St Louis (Exchange) Hotel built in 1836 & is situated @ 621 St Louis St. The "St Louis Hotel" was the inaugural spot of the famed "free lunch". The custom was established in the main bar of the hotel because the management surmised that nourishment was needed by the noon-time drinkers of the city. So lunch was provided free to all patrons who bought atleast 1 drink.
1915 saw the "St Louis Hotel" destroyed by a hurricane, but it wasn't until 1960 that the "Royal Orleans Hotel" opened her doors, where the "St Louis" had reigned, bringing back the grandeur & dignity of that famous landmark.
Recently fully renovated & renamed the "Omni Royal Orleans", it sits smack-bang in the middle of the French Quarter,1 minute from the famous "Bourbon St", where a delightful Creole dinner was consumed with a drink or 3 to get into the spirit of this party location. Promises to be a fun-packed 3 days.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Day 22 - 02/04/07: Chicago - Memphis
Up @ an ungodly hour this morning (4.50am to be exact) as we were on a 7.40am flight down to the city of Elvis Presley - Memphis,Tennessee. Perched gracefully on the Mississippi River & named after the ancient Egyptian Capital on the Nile.
We arrived early to be greeted by a brilliant Southern States Spring morning - warm & balmy & after dropping our bags at the hotel, arranged a 12pm tour to "Gracelands". Purchased in the Spring of 1957 @ age 22, Elvis spent $100k on this 14-acre estate named "Graceland".
The tour started by meeting @ a visitor's centre located across the road, where tickets & many, many souvenirs were sold & a selection of cafes were located - too many Elvis faces is never enough...a shuttle took us across Elvis Presley Boulevard and through the famous gates of Graceland mansion - one place where Elvis truly felt at home to commence the "full-tour":
First up was the Mansion Tour, which came with a audio-guided tour featuring a recording narrated by Priscilla with great sound bites from Elvis & Lisa Marie. The mansion tour consisted of the living room, music room, Elvis's parents' bedroom, the dining room, kitchen, TV room, poolroom, the amazing & funky "jungle" den and annex in the main house. To walk around the house where Elvis spent so many great years surrounded by family & friends was truly amazing. It has been left as it was when Elvis died on August 16, 1977, truly a study in 1970's decor & taste - a 15ft couch- avocado-green, lots of yellow vinyl & a have-to-see-it-to-believe-it green shag-pile carpet ceiling - Don't eat before you view it...
Behind the house, we toured Elvis's racquetball building, as well as his original business office. Also, a highlight of the mansion tour was Elvis's trophy building, which houses his enormous collection of gold records and awards, along with an extensive display of career mementos, stage costumes, jewelry, photographs, and much more.
The Mansion tour ended with a quiet visit to the Meditation Garden, where Elvis and members of his family have been laid to rest. This was really a sombre experience.
The "Sincerely Elvis" memorabilia collection was up next which featured 56 of Elvis's stage outfits from the major concert era of his career as well as walking us through the evolution of the design of Elvis's stage-wear of this era. We saw simple two-piece karate-inspired suits to the famed "jumpsuits" with elaborate rhinestones and matching capes.
We then cruised through Elvis’s car museum, featuring vehicles owned by Elvis. Highlights included Elvis’s famous 1955 Pink Cadillac, 1956 purple Cadillac convertible, 1973 Stutz Blackhawk, the red MG Elvis driven in Blue Hawaii, his Harley Davidson motorcycles and a three-wheeled super cycle - Too many vehicles is never enough.
Last up was Elvis’s Custom Jets where we had a chance to peek inside the small Lockheed Jet Star before walking aboard Elvis’s customized "Lisa Marie" jet. This jet featured a luxuriously appointed living room, conference room, sitting room, and private bedroom - the only way to travel.
All up we spent about 4hrs viewing this incredible & famous address & left with feelings of sadness for a lost talent, but with a much better understanding of the man behind the glasses, and the life he led.
On the return journey back we stopped at the famous "Sun Studios" founded in February of 1952 by Sam Phillips. He named it Sun Records as a sign of his perpetual optimism: a new day and a new beginning. Sam rented a small space at 706 Union Avenue for his own all-purpose studio and hit pay dirt in 1954 when Elvis walked through his doors. This was followed by Johnny Cash, the inimitable Jerry Lee Lewis, and the "Rockin' Guitar Man", Carl Perkins. These four soon became known as the Million Dollar Quartet & Sam & Sun Records never looked back.
From there it was onto "Beale St - Home Of The Blues" via a tram-car, their very convenient & cheap public transport. "Beale St" named after an unknown military hero in 1841, acted as General Ulysses S. Grant’s headquarters during the Civil War. But, Beale Street’s heyday was in the 1920's, when the area took on a carnival atmosphere and gambling, drinking, prostitution, murder and voodoo thrived alongside the booming nightclubs, theaters, restaurants, stores, pawnshops and hot music. One club, The Monarch, was known as The Castle of Missing Men due to the fact that its gunshot victims and dead gamblers could be easily disposed of at the undertaker’s place that shared their back alley.
The redevelopment of Beale Street is considered a catalyst in downtown Memphis’ rebirth. Over the past 20 years, the street has gone from the epitome of urban decay to the number one tourist attraction in the State of Tennessee.
One of the highlights was visiting "Autozone Park", where the "Memphis Redbirds" Baseball team, a AAA Minor League affiliate of the famous St Louis Cardinals. The 3 blocks from 2nd - 4th Streets were filled with clubs, restaurants & neon signs - Including The "Walk of Blues Fame" - similar to "Hollywood Walk of Fame" except that instead of Hollywood stars it's lined with Blues stars. The original "A Scwabs" Dry Goods Store & "BB Kings" restaurant. Dinners was @ TGI Fridays - The end of a great day.
We arrived early to be greeted by a brilliant Southern States Spring morning - warm & balmy & after dropping our bags at the hotel, arranged a 12pm tour to "Gracelands". Purchased in the Spring of 1957 @ age 22, Elvis spent $100k on this 14-acre estate named "Graceland".
The tour started by meeting @ a visitor's centre located across the road, where tickets & many, many souvenirs were sold & a selection of cafes were located - too many Elvis faces is never enough...a shuttle took us across Elvis Presley Boulevard and through the famous gates of Graceland mansion - one place where Elvis truly felt at home to commence the "full-tour":
First up was the Mansion Tour, which came with a audio-guided tour featuring a recording narrated by Priscilla with great sound bites from Elvis & Lisa Marie. The mansion tour consisted of the living room, music room, Elvis's parents' bedroom, the dining room, kitchen, TV room, poolroom, the amazing & funky "jungle" den and annex in the main house. To walk around the house where Elvis spent so many great years surrounded by family & friends was truly amazing. It has been left as it was when Elvis died on August 16, 1977, truly a study in 1970's decor & taste - a 15ft couch- avocado-green, lots of yellow vinyl & a have-to-see-it-to-believe-it green shag-pile carpet ceiling - Don't eat before you view it...
Behind the house, we toured Elvis's racquetball building, as well as his original business office. Also, a highlight of the mansion tour was Elvis's trophy building, which houses his enormous collection of gold records and awards, along with an extensive display of career mementos, stage costumes, jewelry, photographs, and much more.
The Mansion tour ended with a quiet visit to the Meditation Garden, where Elvis and members of his family have been laid to rest. This was really a sombre experience.
The "Sincerely Elvis" memorabilia collection was up next which featured 56 of Elvis's stage outfits from the major concert era of his career as well as walking us through the evolution of the design of Elvis's stage-wear of this era. We saw simple two-piece karate-inspired suits to the famed "jumpsuits" with elaborate rhinestones and matching capes.
We then cruised through Elvis’s car museum, featuring vehicles owned by Elvis. Highlights included Elvis’s famous 1955 Pink Cadillac, 1956 purple Cadillac convertible, 1973 Stutz Blackhawk, the red MG Elvis driven in Blue Hawaii, his Harley Davidson motorcycles and a three-wheeled super cycle - Too many vehicles is never enough.
Last up was Elvis’s Custom Jets where we had a chance to peek inside the small Lockheed Jet Star before walking aboard Elvis’s customized "Lisa Marie" jet. This jet featured a luxuriously appointed living room, conference room, sitting room, and private bedroom - the only way to travel.
All up we spent about 4hrs viewing this incredible & famous address & left with feelings of sadness for a lost talent, but with a much better understanding of the man behind the glasses, and the life he led.
On the return journey back we stopped at the famous "Sun Studios" founded in February of 1952 by Sam Phillips. He named it Sun Records as a sign of his perpetual optimism: a new day and a new beginning. Sam rented a small space at 706 Union Avenue for his own all-purpose studio and hit pay dirt in 1954 when Elvis walked through his doors. This was followed by Johnny Cash, the inimitable Jerry Lee Lewis, and the "Rockin' Guitar Man", Carl Perkins. These four soon became known as the Million Dollar Quartet & Sam & Sun Records never looked back.
From there it was onto "Beale St - Home Of The Blues" via a tram-car, their very convenient & cheap public transport. "Beale St" named after an unknown military hero in 1841, acted as General Ulysses S. Grant’s headquarters during the Civil War. But, Beale Street’s heyday was in the 1920's, when the area took on a carnival atmosphere and gambling, drinking, prostitution, murder and voodoo thrived alongside the booming nightclubs, theaters, restaurants, stores, pawnshops and hot music. One club, The Monarch, was known as The Castle of Missing Men due to the fact that its gunshot victims and dead gamblers could be easily disposed of at the undertaker’s place that shared their back alley.
The redevelopment of Beale Street is considered a catalyst in downtown Memphis’ rebirth. Over the past 20 years, the street has gone from the epitome of urban decay to the number one tourist attraction in the State of Tennessee.
One of the highlights was visiting "Autozone Park", where the "Memphis Redbirds" Baseball team, a AAA Minor League affiliate of the famous St Louis Cardinals. The 3 blocks from 2nd - 4th Streets were filled with clubs, restaurants & neon signs - Including The "Walk of Blues Fame" - similar to "Hollywood Walk of Fame" except that instead of Hollywood stars it's lined with Blues stars. The original "A Scwabs" Dry Goods Store & "BB Kings" restaurant. Dinners was @ TGI Fridays - The end of a great day.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Day 21 - 01/04/07: Chicago
A day to explore this sensational city on 2 feet, so whilst the girls went shopping Wendy & I began our tour @ the "Art Institute of Chicago", the premier cultural institution in town, by 10am.
The exterior of the Art Institute is one of the most photographed landmarks in Chicago. The two huge lions that greet visitors at the entrance to the museum were designed and crafted by sculptor Edward Kemeys in 1894 and attract as much attention today as they did more than a century ago.
Founded in 1879 as both a school and museum, the building that originally housed the Art Institute of Chicago was built atop rubble from the great Chicago fire. The permanent collection inside the Art Institute of Chicago is so extensive that I knew that it would take me several hours to explore the whole thing, so that was how long I allowed here.
The museum’s collection of Impressionist & Post-Impressionist Art is said to be one of the finest in the country and lovers of Claude Monet, Rembrant & Van Gogh as I am can only find real delight with this place. Also highly acclaimed is the Art Institute’s exhibit of contemporary American and European works, where you’ll find stunning works by Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso, and Henri Matisse.
From this Chicago gem, we walked up to the stunning "Millennium Park" - Millennium Park is bordered by Michigan Avenue to the west, Columbus Drive to the east, Randolph Street to the North and Monroe Street to the South. It sits in an area that was once considered sacred to the Illinois Central Railroad. City planners developed Grant Park around the railroad tracks but, for decades, many still considered the area to be one of Chicago’s less-than-beautiful spots.
Millennium Park is seen by Chicagoans as the crowning glory of their city. The 24.5 acre park is much more than just a city park. It’s a day-long adventure for the whole family that has served to not only beautify the city but also bring culture and the arts to locals and visitors of all ages.
What we saw here:
The Frank Gehry designed 120ft high swooping silver band shell, the "Jay Pritzker Pavilion". This ultra-contemporary outdoor concert venue seats 4,000 with room for an additional 7,000 on the Great Lawn and really which anchors what is in essence an outdoor modern design gallery.
The innovative "Crown Fountain",designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, consists of two 50-foot glass block towers at each end of a shallow, sparkling reflecting pool. The towers project video images of diverse Chicago citizens, which Plensa claims is a reference to the traditional use of gargoyles in fountains, where faces of mythological beings were sculpted with open mouths to allow water to flow out.
We were also impressed by the quirky "Cloud Gate", designed by British artist Anish Kapoor. This bean-shaped structure was inspired by liquid mercury and is among the largest sculpture of its kind in the world, measuring 66-feet long by 33-feet high. It weighs a whopping 110 tons and is made of polished stainless steel plates.The shiny material reflects the magnificent Chicago skyline, and offered some incredible photo opportunities.
Complementing the Pritzker Pavilion in design, was the magnificent 925-foot-long brushed stainless steel winding "BP Bridge", which connects Millennium Park with Daley Bicentennial Plaza, over Columbus Drive. Another of Frank Gehry-designed masterpieces (his first), it provided great views of the vast Lake Michigan and the impressive Chicago skyline.
From Millennium Park it was up "Michigan Drive" to the "Tribune Tower", a neo-gothic skyscraper built in 1925 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the "Chicago Tribune" newspaper. The tower was modeled after the Button Tower of the Rouen Cathedral in France, stands 141-ft high and with its decorative buttresses at the top, remains a remarkable architectural monument in the Chicago skyline.
What was most fascinating about the tower was its facade, which featured many famous stones from numerous notable buildings around the world, including Kremlin, Colosseum, Petra and the Chinese Wall.
One of the few buildings that survived the Great Chicago Fire was the Old Chicago Water Tower & that was next on our list of Chicago buildings to see. Constructed in 1869 using big limestone blocks, the Chicago Water Tower, with all its small towers in a 'gothic style', resembles more a tiny European 13th century castle than a water tower. It was designed by the architect William W. Boyington and houses a 40 meter standpipe which was needed to equalize the pressure of the water pumped from the pumping station to the east. The total height of the tower is 154 ft or 47 m.
Since its survival of the Great Fire, the Chicago Water Tower became one of Chicago's main symbols. The tower became functionally obsolete many years ago, although the pumping station still pumps water for the city.
In May of 1969, during the year of its centennial anniversary, the Chicago Water Tower was selected by the American Water Works Association to be the first American Water Landmark. It now houses a visitor information center and has become one of the major tourist attractions in Chicago.
It was here that we met up with the girls & did a horse & carriage ride around these beautiful streets for 30 minutes before returning to our hotel for some photos of its amazing lobby ceiling. After freshening up we headed down to the "Chop-House" restaurant, another local favourite for a very enjoyable last meal in the great city.
The exterior of the Art Institute is one of the most photographed landmarks in Chicago. The two huge lions that greet visitors at the entrance to the museum were designed and crafted by sculptor Edward Kemeys in 1894 and attract as much attention today as they did more than a century ago.
Founded in 1879 as both a school and museum, the building that originally housed the Art Institute of Chicago was built atop rubble from the great Chicago fire. The permanent collection inside the Art Institute of Chicago is so extensive that I knew that it would take me several hours to explore the whole thing, so that was how long I allowed here.
The museum’s collection of Impressionist & Post-Impressionist Art is said to be one of the finest in the country and lovers of Claude Monet, Rembrant & Van Gogh as I am can only find real delight with this place. Also highly acclaimed is the Art Institute’s exhibit of contemporary American and European works, where you’ll find stunning works by Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso, and Henri Matisse.
From this Chicago gem, we walked up to the stunning "Millennium Park" - Millennium Park is bordered by Michigan Avenue to the west, Columbus Drive to the east, Randolph Street to the North and Monroe Street to the South. It sits in an area that was once considered sacred to the Illinois Central Railroad. City planners developed Grant Park around the railroad tracks but, for decades, many still considered the area to be one of Chicago’s less-than-beautiful spots.
Millennium Park is seen by Chicagoans as the crowning glory of their city. The 24.5 acre park is much more than just a city park. It’s a day-long adventure for the whole family that has served to not only beautify the city but also bring culture and the arts to locals and visitors of all ages.
What we saw here:
The Frank Gehry designed 120ft high swooping silver band shell, the "Jay Pritzker Pavilion". This ultra-contemporary outdoor concert venue seats 4,000 with room for an additional 7,000 on the Great Lawn and really which anchors what is in essence an outdoor modern design gallery.
The innovative "Crown Fountain",designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, consists of two 50-foot glass block towers at each end of a shallow, sparkling reflecting pool. The towers project video images of diverse Chicago citizens, which Plensa claims is a reference to the traditional use of gargoyles in fountains, where faces of mythological beings were sculpted with open mouths to allow water to flow out.
We were also impressed by the quirky "Cloud Gate", designed by British artist Anish Kapoor. This bean-shaped structure was inspired by liquid mercury and is among the largest sculpture of its kind in the world, measuring 66-feet long by 33-feet high. It weighs a whopping 110 tons and is made of polished stainless steel plates.The shiny material reflects the magnificent Chicago skyline, and offered some incredible photo opportunities.
Complementing the Pritzker Pavilion in design, was the magnificent 925-foot-long brushed stainless steel winding "BP Bridge", which connects Millennium Park with Daley Bicentennial Plaza, over Columbus Drive. Another of Frank Gehry-designed masterpieces (his first), it provided great views of the vast Lake Michigan and the impressive Chicago skyline.
From Millennium Park it was up "Michigan Drive" to the "Tribune Tower", a neo-gothic skyscraper built in 1925 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the "Chicago Tribune" newspaper. The tower was modeled after the Button Tower of the Rouen Cathedral in France, stands 141-ft high and with its decorative buttresses at the top, remains a remarkable architectural monument in the Chicago skyline.
What was most fascinating about the tower was its facade, which featured many famous stones from numerous notable buildings around the world, including Kremlin, Colosseum, Petra and the Chinese Wall.
One of the few buildings that survived the Great Chicago Fire was the Old Chicago Water Tower & that was next on our list of Chicago buildings to see. Constructed in 1869 using big limestone blocks, the Chicago Water Tower, with all its small towers in a 'gothic style', resembles more a tiny European 13th century castle than a water tower. It was designed by the architect William W. Boyington and houses a 40 meter standpipe which was needed to equalize the pressure of the water pumped from the pumping station to the east. The total height of the tower is 154 ft or 47 m.
Since its survival of the Great Fire, the Chicago Water Tower became one of Chicago's main symbols. The tower became functionally obsolete many years ago, although the pumping station still pumps water for the city.
In May of 1969, during the year of its centennial anniversary, the Chicago Water Tower was selected by the American Water Works Association to be the first American Water Landmark. It now houses a visitor information center and has become one of the major tourist attractions in Chicago.
It was here that we met up with the girls & did a horse & carriage ride around these beautiful streets for 30 minutes before returning to our hotel for some photos of its amazing lobby ceiling. After freshening up we headed down to the "Chop-House" restaurant, another local favourite for a very enjoyable last meal in the great city.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Day 20 - 31/03/07: Chicago
Today was a sightseeing day in this "City with the Big Shoulders" & our tour incorporated both the "North Side" & "South Side" in a 4 hour journey. Starting in the "North Side", this tour allowed us to experience the vitality & excitement of what Chicago has to offer:
A cruise through the Chicago Business Centre, one of the financial centres of the world, was first up, which then led to the famous "Loop", which is the city centre that is lassoed by an elevated train track . "State Street", the once grand boulevard where Chicago's fame began many, many years ago, and the striking "Richard J. Daley Plaza", with its own "Pablo Picasso" Unnamed sculpture soon followed. We continued down "Wacker Dr.", the double-decked thoroughfare that wends its way under the city & over the Chicago River, which is an engineering marvel (read on to find out why!!)
...In 1900, engineers accomplished what was considered one of the most remarkable feats of the early 20th century. They reversed the direction of the Chicago River. The river originally flowed into Lake Michigan. That was bad news for those who desired clean drinking water, as the direction of the flow allowed sewage and other debris to be carried into the city’s water source.
Diseases, caused by unsanitary water, were rampant in the city. To improve the situation, those in charge constructed a series of canal locks that allowed the river to flow into the newly built Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, providing cleaner drinking water and causing residents to abandon the nickname “stinking river.” (source -http://www.aviewoncities.com/chicago/chicagoriver.htm)
Next site was the The Wrigley building which sits at one of the most prominent locations of all of Chicago,is one of the most famous Chicago buildings, serves as the headquarters of the Wrigley (chewing gum) company and was built in 1920 by the company's founder, William Wrigley Jr.
It was the first of a series of landmarks at the southern end of the Magnificent Mile: its famous neighbors are the Tribune Tower (1925), the 333 North Michigan Avenue (1928) and the London Guarantee Building (1923). The Wrigley building stands out with its sparkling white glazed terra-cotta cladding (which stops them getting dirty with the pollution) and well-proportioned architecture.
The Wrigley building was modeled on the Giralda tower of the cathedral in Sevilla. It consists of 2 sections: the tallest, 30 story southern building has a 121 meter high tower and was completed in 1921. The largest, 21 story northern section was completed in 1924. The 2 structures are connected by an open walkway on street level and 2 elevated walkways on the 3rd and 14th story.
Between the two structures is the small Wrigley plaza. It was originally designed by the Wrigley building's architects, Graham, Anderson and Probst, but wasn't built until 1957 by Louis Solomon and John Cordwell.
(source: http://www.aviewoncities.com/chicago/wrigley)
The "Magnificent Mile" is the much-touted upscale shopping strip, where Bloomingdale's, Neimann Marcus, SAK's 5th Avenue & a plethora of boutiques attempt to lighten your wallet. We then passed the neighbourhood giant, the 1127-ft tall "John Hancock Center"; Known locally as 'Big John', the John Hancock Center is probably the Chicagoans favorite skyscraper. The 100 - story building, completed in 1969, has a remarkable design, with the huge X-braces serving both a structural and a visual purpose. Visually, it gives the impression of stability and it moves the eye away from the human-sized windows. We returned later into the day to attempt to observe the view from it's 96th floor "Signature Lounge", but alas low cloud obscured it.
The tour then continued through "Lincoln Park",a 1000-acre patch of greenery with lagoons, flowers & the Chicago Zoo (10 minute pause for photos). The famous "Wrigley Park" - Home to the "Chicago Cubs" was next to be ticked off the itinerary, followed by the "Botanical Gardens" & even an Indian Totem Pole, who would have thought??
The "South Side" tour then commenced with us travelling through "Grant Park" - the front lawn of the city & site of "Soldier Field", "Adler Planetarium", where we stopped for photos of the city skyline back over Lake Michigan quickly folowed. We also travelled through the beautiful "Jackson Park", where the Columbus Exposition of 1893 was held to celebrate the founding of USA 400-yrs earlier. Passed through the vast expanse of the "University of Chicago", with its elegant English style architecture & arrived back @ the start in time for an afternoon drink @ a local bar.
Dinner was consumed @ "The Italian Village", an eating institution since 1927 - one of the busiest restaurants I have ever been to.
A cruise through the Chicago Business Centre, one of the financial centres of the world, was first up, which then led to the famous "Loop", which is the city centre that is lassoed by an elevated train track . "State Street", the once grand boulevard where Chicago's fame began many, many years ago, and the striking "Richard J. Daley Plaza", with its own "Pablo Picasso" Unnamed sculpture soon followed. We continued down "Wacker Dr.", the double-decked thoroughfare that wends its way under the city & over the Chicago River, which is an engineering marvel (read on to find out why!!)
...In 1900, engineers accomplished what was considered one of the most remarkable feats of the early 20th century. They reversed the direction of the Chicago River. The river originally flowed into Lake Michigan. That was bad news for those who desired clean drinking water, as the direction of the flow allowed sewage and other debris to be carried into the city’s water source.
Diseases, caused by unsanitary water, were rampant in the city. To improve the situation, those in charge constructed a series of canal locks that allowed the river to flow into the newly built Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, providing cleaner drinking water and causing residents to abandon the nickname “stinking river.” (source -http://www.aviewoncities.com/chicago/chicagoriver.htm)
Next site was the The Wrigley building which sits at one of the most prominent locations of all of Chicago,is one of the most famous Chicago buildings, serves as the headquarters of the Wrigley (chewing gum) company and was built in 1920 by the company's founder, William Wrigley Jr.
It was the first of a series of landmarks at the southern end of the Magnificent Mile: its famous neighbors are the Tribune Tower (1925), the 333 North Michigan Avenue (1928) and the London Guarantee Building (1923). The Wrigley building stands out with its sparkling white glazed terra-cotta cladding (which stops them getting dirty with the pollution) and well-proportioned architecture.
The Wrigley building was modeled on the Giralda tower of the cathedral in Sevilla. It consists of 2 sections: the tallest, 30 story southern building has a 121 meter high tower and was completed in 1921. The largest, 21 story northern section was completed in 1924. The 2 structures are connected by an open walkway on street level and 2 elevated walkways on the 3rd and 14th story.
Between the two structures is the small Wrigley plaza. It was originally designed by the Wrigley building's architects, Graham, Anderson and Probst, but wasn't built until 1957 by Louis Solomon and John Cordwell.
(source: http://www.aviewoncities.com/chicago/wrigley)
The "Magnificent Mile" is the much-touted upscale shopping strip, where Bloomingdale's, Neimann Marcus, SAK's 5th Avenue & a plethora of boutiques attempt to lighten your wallet. We then passed the neighbourhood giant, the 1127-ft tall "John Hancock Center"; Known locally as 'Big John', the John Hancock Center is probably the Chicagoans favorite skyscraper. The 100 - story building, completed in 1969, has a remarkable design, with the huge X-braces serving both a structural and a visual purpose. Visually, it gives the impression of stability and it moves the eye away from the human-sized windows. We returned later into the day to attempt to observe the view from it's 96th floor "Signature Lounge", but alas low cloud obscured it.
The tour then continued through "Lincoln Park",a 1000-acre patch of greenery with lagoons, flowers & the Chicago Zoo (10 minute pause for photos). The famous "Wrigley Park" - Home to the "Chicago Cubs" was next to be ticked off the itinerary, followed by the "Botanical Gardens" & even an Indian Totem Pole, who would have thought??
The "South Side" tour then commenced with us travelling through "Grant Park" - the front lawn of the city & site of "Soldier Field", "Adler Planetarium", where we stopped for photos of the city skyline back over Lake Michigan quickly folowed. We also travelled through the beautiful "Jackson Park", where the Columbus Exposition of 1893 was held to celebrate the founding of USA 400-yrs earlier. Passed through the vast expanse of the "University of Chicago", with its elegant English style architecture & arrived back @ the start in time for an afternoon drink @ a local bar.
Dinner was consumed @ "The Italian Village", an eating institution since 1927 - one of the busiest restaurants I have ever been to.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Day 19 - 30/03/07: Las Vegas - Chicago
Time to say goodbye to the city that never wants to switch its lights out. The pickup for the airport turned up at 8am & a couple of hours later we were flying out of Nevada for the birthplace of Ernest Hemingway & Hillary Clinton, Chicago, Illinois (Not its Capital, but its largest city). By about 4pm Chicago time (2hr ahead of the time in Las Vegas)we were @ our Hotel "The Palmer House Hilton", recognized for over 135 years as a landmark in Chicago.
This grand, opulent Hotel is the longest continuously operating Hotel in North America, and its guest list has included names such as Rudyard Kipling, Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde & Buffalo Bill. Potter Palmer, creator of the Palmer House, literally bought & developed "State St" - the first upscale shopping strip of this great city, now a sad shadow of its former self. This hotel is ideally located in the center of the cities cultural & civic areas & is at the end of a $150 million restoration & renovation.
After checking into our room & getting settled, we wandered out onto the city streets to discover "the Windy City", which began life in the late 17th century & by 1871 was a busy settlement of many hundreds of thousands. But on October 8th 1871, legend has it that Mrs O'Leary's cow kicked over a lantern that started the "Great Chicago Fire", which burnt for days, destroyed the whole inner city & left 90,000 homeless.
This disaster became an opportunity to replace wide areas of substandard housing & create space for modern industrial & commercial buildings, like the world's first sky scrapper, which appeared on the horizon in 1885.
We spent a few hours discovering this impressive city, braving the wind sweeping in off "Lake Michigan", before heading to "The Big Downtown Chicago Bar", which featured a drinking area that is made to look like "Pullman Cars" - Very good meal.
This grand, opulent Hotel is the longest continuously operating Hotel in North America, and its guest list has included names such as Rudyard Kipling, Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde & Buffalo Bill. Potter Palmer, creator of the Palmer House, literally bought & developed "State St" - the first upscale shopping strip of this great city, now a sad shadow of its former self. This hotel is ideally located in the center of the cities cultural & civic areas & is at the end of a $150 million restoration & renovation.
After checking into our room & getting settled, we wandered out onto the city streets to discover "the Windy City", which began life in the late 17th century & by 1871 was a busy settlement of many hundreds of thousands. But on October 8th 1871, legend has it that Mrs O'Leary's cow kicked over a lantern that started the "Great Chicago Fire", which burnt for days, destroyed the whole inner city & left 90,000 homeless.
This disaster became an opportunity to replace wide areas of substandard housing & create space for modern industrial & commercial buildings, like the world's first sky scrapper, which appeared on the horizon in 1885.
We spent a few hours discovering this impressive city, braving the wind sweeping in off "Lake Michigan", before heading to "The Big Downtown Chicago Bar", which featured a drinking area that is made to look like "Pullman Cars" - Very good meal.
Day 18 - 29/03/07: Las Vegas
Awoke a little seedy after not getting to bed until very, very early this morning, but the knowledge of my small victory on the tables eased the pain marginally. Met up with the others for a 11am brunch @ "Cafe Bellagio" & then we headed out to arrange tickets for a show later tonight: "Legends in Concert - The World's Greatest Live Tribute Show" - sounds very impressive, time will tell...
From the "Imperial Palace", where the show is staged & tickets sold, we visited the hotel "Paris - Las Vegas", where they have strived to capture the essence of "The City Of Lights" by recreating her landmarks. There are fine likenesses of the Opera House, Arc De Triomphe, Champs-Elysees & even the River Seine which frames the property. Just like in the French Capital, the signature attraction is the Ersatz "Eiffel Tower", which crashes through the ceiling and into the gaming room, well I thought it was pretty impressive.
We then jumped on "The Strip Trolley", a shuttle service that stops @ all the major hotels & other sites of interest & headed to the older part of Vegas 'Downtown' to see the famous "Fremont St Experience". About 6 years ago this dying part of Vegas history was brought back to life & public interest thanks to many millions of dollars which created an arched steel canopy filled with computer-controlled lights which covered the 4-block pedestrian mall. 5 times a night it performs a spectacular sound & light show, but during the day, this part of Vegas was nothing to write in your Blog about, just a number of tired old casinos & bars.
Caught the Trolley back to the Strip & stopped @ the newest baby on the block, the $27 Billion "Wynn Las Vegas" (It's the most expensive Hotel-Casino built to date). With a 50-story curved tower covered in Bronze Glass, this place is as swanky as it gets, so it was only fitting that a few "swanky" people had a drink there (we also had a drink there...).
I then walked back to our hotel via the "Venetian" Hotel, which is based on that famous city; with it's impressively hand-painted ceiling Frescoes & full-scale reproductions of many famous Venice landmarks, it was just like I had been transported to Italy - You can even do a Gondola Ride!!
Following a quick freshen up we headed out again & after a quick bite to eat @ the "Trevi Cafe" located within the glitzy "Forum Shops", it was off to the 10pm "Legends Show", where we witnessed celebrity impersonators including Rod Stewart, Marilyn Monroe, Janet Jackson & of course Elvis Presley perform 4-5 of their hits - Time proved that they were all very good.
From the "Imperial Palace", where the show is staged & tickets sold, we visited the hotel "Paris - Las Vegas", where they have strived to capture the essence of "The City Of Lights" by recreating her landmarks. There are fine likenesses of the Opera House, Arc De Triomphe, Champs-Elysees & even the River Seine which frames the property. Just like in the French Capital, the signature attraction is the Ersatz "Eiffel Tower", which crashes through the ceiling and into the gaming room, well I thought it was pretty impressive.
We then jumped on "The Strip Trolley", a shuttle service that stops @ all the major hotels & other sites of interest & headed to the older part of Vegas 'Downtown' to see the famous "Fremont St Experience". About 6 years ago this dying part of Vegas history was brought back to life & public interest thanks to many millions of dollars which created an arched steel canopy filled with computer-controlled lights which covered the 4-block pedestrian mall. 5 times a night it performs a spectacular sound & light show, but during the day, this part of Vegas was nothing to write in your Blog about, just a number of tired old casinos & bars.
Caught the Trolley back to the Strip & stopped @ the newest baby on the block, the $27 Billion "Wynn Las Vegas" (It's the most expensive Hotel-Casino built to date). With a 50-story curved tower covered in Bronze Glass, this place is as swanky as it gets, so it was only fitting that a few "swanky" people had a drink there (we also had a drink there...).
I then walked back to our hotel via the "Venetian" Hotel, which is based on that famous city; with it's impressively hand-painted ceiling Frescoes & full-scale reproductions of many famous Venice landmarks, it was just like I had been transported to Italy - You can even do a Gondola Ride!!
Following a quick freshen up we headed out again & after a quick bite to eat @ the "Trevi Cafe" located within the glitzy "Forum Shops", it was off to the 10pm "Legends Show", where we witnessed celebrity impersonators including Rod Stewart, Marilyn Monroe, Janet Jackson & of course Elvis Presley perform 4-5 of their hits - Time proved that they were all very good.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Day 17 - 28/03/07: Las Vegas (The Big Day...)
Alarm again caught us sleeping, funny about that...The reason for its necessity this morning was a 6.05am pick-up for a tour to another state - Arizona - A state rich in history, hope & a dirty big hole called the "Grand Canyon" - 8th wonder of the world, or is that the "Big Pineapple"??.
Our journey took us through the Joshua Tree Forest, past "Lake Mead" & the Hoover Dam for a photo opportunity: Lake Mead is 110-miles long, provides many summer-time recreational options for the locals and was formed as a result of "Hoover Dam".
The graceful curve & art-deco style of the 726-ft "Hoover Dam" contrasts superbly with the stark landscape. Originally called the "Boulder Dam", this "new deal" project was completed in 1935 @ a cost of $175m. Its original intent was flood control, but it now helps supply Colorado River with seasonal water & hydro power to thirsty cities, including Las Vegas.
From the Dam it was onto a stop in the middle of nowhere to change buses for the last 22 miles on a dirt track to the dramatic "Grand Canyon". Although Cass & I have visited here before (1996), when we did the more popular "South Rim", which boasts the panoramic vistas for which the park is famous, this time we elected to do the quieter "West Rim", which as we were soon to discover, was no less spectacular.
Upon arrival, we were met by a rep. of "Papillon Helicopters" & after some pre-flight arrangements, boarded a Bell 206-jet helicopter for the 4000ft descent through the heart of the canyon. Spectacular and totally amazing are 2 adjective that only just begin to describe the sights & experiences of dropping over the sheer face of this awesome natural wonder, looking at rock formations millions of years old & watching the tiny snake of the Colorado River get bigger & bigger as we fast approach Earth. One was truly humbled by the experience.
Once safely on the canyon floor, we boarded a pontoon boat for a relaxing 30 minute journey down the mighty Colorado River, the 3rd longest river in the USA. Our guide, a Hualapai Indian (the original owners of this land), provided various facts & figures about the unique wildlife, fish & plants that inhibit this part of the world. The view looking up the 4000ft walls of the Canyon were breath-taking to say the least & the entire 30 minutes were taken up with photos & further feelings of humbleness.
We ascended the Canyon Walls the same way & transferred to "Guano Point Lookout" for lunch, but not before driving past the new "Sky-Wall", that just opened today & so was inundated with tourists & journalists - Didn't walk out on it. No big deal considering what we have just seen & experienced.
Arriving back @ our hotel around 6.30pm meant that we only had about an hour& a half to get ready for the big party - Stu's 40th, the reason we were all this far from home. The dinner was @ "Prime" - The Bellagio's famous Steakhouse. A handsome space dripping with Baccarat chandeliers & plush velvets & suades; Travel & Leisure Magazine recently said, "Prime is by far the grandest of all Las Vegas steakhouses!"
Met up with everyone (16 of us) @ 8pm & proceeded to enjoy a truly sumpterous & decadent night of the finest food & drink that money could buy.
The menu was:
Shellfish Extravaganza, Coast to Coast
Prime Caesar Salad
Choice of
Filet Mignon, Sauce Bearnaise (My choice - "Mouth-watering oral sensation", would be my reply if asked to describe it - The Best steak I have probably had would not be too far from the truth...)
or
Grilled Alaskan Salmon with Citrus Vinaigrette
or
Rosemary Garlic Roasted Chicken with Tomato Confit
All served with Prime's specialty potatoes & vegetables)
Prime Desert Samples & Birthday Cake followed.
Following that gastronomical tour-de-force, we ended the night @ the Blackjack table, "when in Rome..." as they say, and by 4am walked away $163us up for the night. All in all a top, top day & when you walk away from Vegas with money in your pocket, it's even better.
Our journey took us through the Joshua Tree Forest, past "Lake Mead" & the Hoover Dam for a photo opportunity: Lake Mead is 110-miles long, provides many summer-time recreational options for the locals and was formed as a result of "Hoover Dam".
The graceful curve & art-deco style of the 726-ft "Hoover Dam" contrasts superbly with the stark landscape. Originally called the "Boulder Dam", this "new deal" project was completed in 1935 @ a cost of $175m. Its original intent was flood control, but it now helps supply Colorado River with seasonal water & hydro power to thirsty cities, including Las Vegas.
From the Dam it was onto a stop in the middle of nowhere to change buses for the last 22 miles on a dirt track to the dramatic "Grand Canyon". Although Cass & I have visited here before (1996), when we did the more popular "South Rim", which boasts the panoramic vistas for which the park is famous, this time we elected to do the quieter "West Rim", which as we were soon to discover, was no less spectacular.
Upon arrival, we were met by a rep. of "Papillon Helicopters" & after some pre-flight arrangements, boarded a Bell 206-jet helicopter for the 4000ft descent through the heart of the canyon. Spectacular and totally amazing are 2 adjective that only just begin to describe the sights & experiences of dropping over the sheer face of this awesome natural wonder, looking at rock formations millions of years old & watching the tiny snake of the Colorado River get bigger & bigger as we fast approach Earth. One was truly humbled by the experience.
Once safely on the canyon floor, we boarded a pontoon boat for a relaxing 30 minute journey down the mighty Colorado River, the 3rd longest river in the USA. Our guide, a Hualapai Indian (the original owners of this land), provided various facts & figures about the unique wildlife, fish & plants that inhibit this part of the world. The view looking up the 4000ft walls of the Canyon were breath-taking to say the least & the entire 30 minutes were taken up with photos & further feelings of humbleness.
We ascended the Canyon Walls the same way & transferred to "Guano Point Lookout" for lunch, but not before driving past the new "Sky-Wall", that just opened today & so was inundated with tourists & journalists - Didn't walk out on it. No big deal considering what we have just seen & experienced.
Arriving back @ our hotel around 6.30pm meant that we only had about an hour& a half to get ready for the big party - Stu's 40th, the reason we were all this far from home. The dinner was @ "Prime" - The Bellagio's famous Steakhouse. A handsome space dripping with Baccarat chandeliers & plush velvets & suades; Travel & Leisure Magazine recently said, "Prime is by far the grandest of all Las Vegas steakhouses!"
Met up with everyone (16 of us) @ 8pm & proceeded to enjoy a truly sumpterous & decadent night of the finest food & drink that money could buy.
The menu was:
Shellfish Extravaganza, Coast to Coast
Prime Caesar Salad
Choice of
Filet Mignon, Sauce Bearnaise (My choice - "Mouth-watering oral sensation", would be my reply if asked to describe it - The Best steak I have probably had would not be too far from the truth...)
or
Grilled Alaskan Salmon with Citrus Vinaigrette
or
Rosemary Garlic Roasted Chicken with Tomato Confit
All served with Prime's specialty potatoes & vegetables)
Prime Desert Samples & Birthday Cake followed.
Following that gastronomical tour-de-force, we ended the night @ the Blackjack table, "when in Rome..." as they say, and by 4am walked away $163us up for the night. All in all a top, top day & when you walk away from Vegas with money in your pocket, it's even better.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Day 16 - 27/03/07: Las Vegas
Awoke a little seedy today - must have been something I ate!! Decided that some "Retail therapy" would make us all feel better, so we decided to catch a shuttle bus out to the "Primm Factory Outlets".
The outlets rise out of the desert like an oasis & are an hour south of Vegas. I had a couple of things to buy, mostly @ Ralph Lauren - which I quickly did & then waited whilst the others finished. Back into Vegas by late afternoon & had a belated lunch @ the 'MGM Grand", which is a gigantic, glitzy "City of Entertainment" - It's impressive mascot is proudly displayed out front & is the USA's largest bronze statue, a 45ft Tall,100,000lb Lion, that is perched atop a 25ft pedestal, ringed by lush landscaping, fountains & atlas-themed statues.
We then made it back to our rooms where we freshened up,then met up & had dinner @ "Noodles", a restaurant within the Bellagio, which offered authentic noodles (hence its name!!!), rice & other Asian specialities - Very , very enjoyable.
Following dinner we again hit "The Strip" to soak up the incredible energy that this place puts out especially when the sun goes down & the lights go on. This place truly is an alternative universe, where the globe's most famous sights - Ancient Egypt's Pyramids, Paris' Eiffel Tower, the Canals of Venice - tumble together, bathed in an ethereal neon glow.
Fused by greed, driven by lust, pulsating with passion, Las Vegas embodies the shady side of the American Dream. It's a place where inhibitions are temporarily lost, sins forgotten & fate decided by the turn of a card. Tomorrow we have booked a tour out to the Grand Canyon, so hit the sheets fairly early - before the next day started anyway...
The outlets rise out of the desert like an oasis & are an hour south of Vegas. I had a couple of things to buy, mostly @ Ralph Lauren - which I quickly did & then waited whilst the others finished. Back into Vegas by late afternoon & had a belated lunch @ the 'MGM Grand", which is a gigantic, glitzy "City of Entertainment" - It's impressive mascot is proudly displayed out front & is the USA's largest bronze statue, a 45ft Tall,100,000lb Lion, that is perched atop a 25ft pedestal, ringed by lush landscaping, fountains & atlas-themed statues.
We then made it back to our rooms where we freshened up,then met up & had dinner @ "Noodles", a restaurant within the Bellagio, which offered authentic noodles (hence its name!!!), rice & other Asian specialities - Very , very enjoyable.
Following dinner we again hit "The Strip" to soak up the incredible energy that this place puts out especially when the sun goes down & the lights go on. This place truly is an alternative universe, where the globe's most famous sights - Ancient Egypt's Pyramids, Paris' Eiffel Tower, the Canals of Venice - tumble together, bathed in an ethereal neon glow.
Fused by greed, driven by lust, pulsating with passion, Las Vegas embodies the shady side of the American Dream. It's a place where inhibitions are temporarily lost, sins forgotten & fate decided by the turn of a card. Tomorrow we have booked a tour out to the Grand Canyon, so hit the sheets fairly early - before the next day started anyway...
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Day 15 - 26/03/07: Los Angeles - Las Vegas
Today we left the "City of Angles" for the "City of Sin" - Las Vegas - with high expectations as Vegas was the reason for this whole trip - Stu's 40th, occurring in a couple of days time...
After getting through the hassle of LA airport (though not as bad as was expected), the flight across was relatively smooth & we landed about 45 minutes after takeoff. A beautiful Black Stretch Limo was waiting for us & soon had us @ our Hotel - The incredible "Bellagio" - Renowned as the most opulent & elegant hotel on The Strip.
Built to dazzle, its Tuscan architecture & 8-acre`artificial lake, complete with choreographed dancing fountains was mesmerizing & truly spectacular(Go to the Video to see what I am talking about). Our room offered magnificent views of this wonder, as well as down the famous "Strip" (Las Vegas Boulevard), where you find most of the gargantuan Hotel-Casinos.
The rest of the day was spent catching up with the others (Liz, Donnie, Adam, Stu & Simone), firstly @ "Cafe Ballagio" & then onto "Caesar's Palace" - a Greco-Roman fantasy-land featuring marble reproductions of classical statuary, including a 4-ton Brahma Shrine near the front entrance - This amazing "experience" bombards you with numerous towering fountains (loved the Trevi Fountain - throw some coins in...), Goddess-costumed cocktail waitresses & of course the swanky, haute-couture "Forum-Shops".
Drinks were consumed @ a little bar called "Fat Tuesdays", where they made one of the best Margaritas we had tried today!!! They came in a huge 100 Litre Barrel - We probably all had 1, maybe 2 barrels too many...From there we walked (or maybe staggered is a more appropriate word) up the Strip to "New York - New York" Casino, a mini-megalopolis featuring scaled-down replicas of the Empire State Building (47 stories), Statue of Liberty and even the famous Brooklyn Bridge. A late dinner was consumed in 1 of their numerous restaurants & by 12.30 were back @ our hotel trying to stop the room spinning.
After getting through the hassle of LA airport (though not as bad as was expected), the flight across was relatively smooth & we landed about 45 minutes after takeoff. A beautiful Black Stretch Limo was waiting for us & soon had us @ our Hotel - The incredible "Bellagio" - Renowned as the most opulent & elegant hotel on The Strip.
Built to dazzle, its Tuscan architecture & 8-acre`artificial lake, complete with choreographed dancing fountains was mesmerizing & truly spectacular(Go to the Video to see what I am talking about). Our room offered magnificent views of this wonder, as well as down the famous "Strip" (Las Vegas Boulevard), where you find most of the gargantuan Hotel-Casinos.
The rest of the day was spent catching up with the others (Liz, Donnie, Adam, Stu & Simone), firstly @ "Cafe Ballagio" & then onto "Caesar's Palace" - a Greco-Roman fantasy-land featuring marble reproductions of classical statuary, including a 4-ton Brahma Shrine near the front entrance - This amazing "experience" bombards you with numerous towering fountains (loved the Trevi Fountain - throw some coins in...), Goddess-costumed cocktail waitresses & of course the swanky, haute-couture "Forum-Shops".
Drinks were consumed @ a little bar called "Fat Tuesdays", where they made one of the best Margaritas we had tried today!!! They came in a huge 100 Litre Barrel - We probably all had 1, maybe 2 barrels too many...From there we walked (or maybe staggered is a more appropriate word) up the Strip to "New York - New York" Casino, a mini-megalopolis featuring scaled-down replicas of the Empire State Building (47 stories), Statue of Liberty and even the famous Brooklyn Bridge. A late dinner was consumed in 1 of their numerous restaurants & by 12.30 were back @ our hotel trying to stop the room spinning.
Day 14 - 25/03/07: Los Angeles
Another bright & sunny day greeted us as we awoke & after some confusion about getting down to the historic "Queen Mary", we rented a 'people-mover' & headed south about 25 miles to the suburb of Long Beach.
The "RMS Queen Mary" made her maiden voyage on 27/05/36, was used as a troop transport during WW11 & her final voyage began on 31/10/67 from Southampton - Long Beach & is now a floating museum & hotel.
We went for the Sunday Champagne Buffet, which included an endless glass of champagne and all the food that you can each - Very enjoyable way to spend Sunday morning. Following the feast, was a very tacky photo where the 6 of us were superimposed in front of the mighty ship & a self-guided tour.
From Long Beach we dropped the girls back in Beverly Hills & then Stu & I headed out to the "Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum" to view "Air Force One - The Flying White House". The drive out there took app. an hour & featured some amazingly rocky scenery as we approached the museum's location, Simi Valley.
This museum was very impressive, not only for the fact that it featured the real "Air Force One" used by Presidents from Nixen to George W Bush, only being decommissioned in late Sept 2001. You could actually walk inside the plane seeing how it actually was - great experience.
The remainder of the museum was really a tribute to Ronald Reagan, covering his very early days right through to his successful contribution in the ending of the "Cold War" with the bringing down of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Other highlights included a copy of the Oval Office as it was during Reagan's reign of power. As we left we followed out some Civil-War clad volunteers who stood @ arms whilst the American Flag was lowered for the day. Made me proud to be an Australian!!!
An hour later we met up with the girls for dinner @ an English Pub down in Santa Monica & most enjoyable it was too. Just great to eat a simple Cornish Pasty & Peas...
The "RMS Queen Mary" made her maiden voyage on 27/05/36, was used as a troop transport during WW11 & her final voyage began on 31/10/67 from Southampton - Long Beach & is now a floating museum & hotel.
We went for the Sunday Champagne Buffet, which included an endless glass of champagne and all the food that you can each - Very enjoyable way to spend Sunday morning. Following the feast, was a very tacky photo where the 6 of us were superimposed in front of the mighty ship & a self-guided tour.
From Long Beach we dropped the girls back in Beverly Hills & then Stu & I headed out to the "Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum" to view "Air Force One - The Flying White House". The drive out there took app. an hour & featured some amazingly rocky scenery as we approached the museum's location, Simi Valley.
This museum was very impressive, not only for the fact that it featured the real "Air Force One" used by Presidents from Nixen to George W Bush, only being decommissioned in late Sept 2001. You could actually walk inside the plane seeing how it actually was - great experience.
The remainder of the museum was really a tribute to Ronald Reagan, covering his very early days right through to his successful contribution in the ending of the "Cold War" with the bringing down of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Other highlights included a copy of the Oval Office as it was during Reagan's reign of power. As we left we followed out some Civil-War clad volunteers who stood @ arms whilst the American Flag was lowered for the day. Made me proud to be an Australian!!!
An hour later we met up with the girls for dinner @ an English Pub down in Santa Monica & most enjoyable it was too. Just great to eat a simple Cornish Pasty & Peas...
Monday, April 16, 2007
Day 13 - 24/03/07: Los Angeles
Yet another fine & sunny LA day with Matt & I heading off to the "Getty Center" thanks to the hotel's courtesy car (BMW 745Li). This beautiful travertine-clad hilltop facility is triumphantly poised atop ridges of the Sepulveda Pass through the Santa Monica Mountains and about 15 km from the hotel.
As a rule the courtesy car only travels 3kms from the hotel, but some Australian charm & a sizable tip had us arriving in style at this world famous art gallery/museum which unites the sizable & priceless art collections assembled by Billionaire oil magnate, J.Paul Getty over his life.
Arriving just after 10am, we took their private mono-rail up the steep incline to this acclaimed cluster of post-modernist edifices designed by Richard Meier & covered in Italian Marble from the same Roman quarry used for the Colosseum & St Peter's Basilica Dome. Now that's impressive...
We firstly did the "Collection Highlights Tour", that provided an overview of their major works including Van Gogh's "Irises", Monet's "Haystacks", a massive King Louis XIV Cabinet, an amazing painted life-size figure of St.Gines De LA Jara by Luisa Roldan, official sculptor to 2 Spanish Kings, a couple of Rembrandts & many, many more classical Pre 20th-century European Masters. Breathtaking stuff.
Almost as spectacular as what was inside were the various gardens that surrounded this "palace", as well as the architecture (more below). Gardens & landscaping @ the center contribute a counterpoint of colour & texture to the complex of buildings.
Garden Facts:
* 10,000 Trees
* 300 Plant varieties
* 7 Cactus species in the Cactus Garden.
Architecture Facts:
* 164,648 Sq Ft of exterior glass
* 3,200 Doors
* 100 Ocean Freighter Voyages to deliver
* 16,000 Tons of Travertine.
Leaving this amazing structure by taxi (sadly only an old Ford, whose Air-Conditioning was broken...), we caught up with the girls for a late lunch @ "208 Rodeo", a classy dining experience located atop the grand steps @ "Via Rodeo" - A favourite spot for watching the Beverly Hills Elite. The rest of the day was spent enjoying this classy location, with dinner done on South Beverly Drive.
As a rule the courtesy car only travels 3kms from the hotel, but some Australian charm & a sizable tip had us arriving in style at this world famous art gallery/museum which unites the sizable & priceless art collections assembled by Billionaire oil magnate, J.Paul Getty over his life.
Arriving just after 10am, we took their private mono-rail up the steep incline to this acclaimed cluster of post-modernist edifices designed by Richard Meier & covered in Italian Marble from the same Roman quarry used for the Colosseum & St Peter's Basilica Dome. Now that's impressive...
We firstly did the "Collection Highlights Tour", that provided an overview of their major works including Van Gogh's "Irises", Monet's "Haystacks", a massive King Louis XIV Cabinet, an amazing painted life-size figure of St.Gines De LA Jara by Luisa Roldan, official sculptor to 2 Spanish Kings, a couple of Rembrandts & many, many more classical Pre 20th-century European Masters. Breathtaking stuff.
Almost as spectacular as what was inside were the various gardens that surrounded this "palace", as well as the architecture (more below). Gardens & landscaping @ the center contribute a counterpoint of colour & texture to the complex of buildings.
Garden Facts:
* 10,000 Trees
* 300 Plant varieties
* 7 Cactus species in the Cactus Garden.
Architecture Facts:
* 164,648 Sq Ft of exterior glass
* 3,200 Doors
* 100 Ocean Freighter Voyages to deliver
* 16,000 Tons of Travertine.
Leaving this amazing structure by taxi (sadly only an old Ford, whose Air-Conditioning was broken...), we caught up with the girls for a late lunch @ "208 Rodeo", a classy dining experience located atop the grand steps @ "Via Rodeo" - A favourite spot for watching the Beverly Hills Elite. The rest of the day was spent enjoying this classy location, with dinner done on South Beverly Drive.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Day 12 - 23/03/07: Los Angeles
A full day tour of the "City of Angels" in a private stretch limousine was on the agenda for today, so up early. The 8-seat,35-ft piece of decadent machinery arrived promptly @ 8.45am & 20 minutes later we were at our first stop; Santa Monica's "3rd St Promenade" pedestrian mall with its wacky street performers & impressive selection of shops & restaurants. A stroll down this tourist strip with some shopping consumed about half an hour & then it was onto the zaniness of "Venice Beach".
"Venice Beach" is renowned for it's crazy personalities, ranging from wannabe Schwarzeneggers @ "Muscle Beach - the fenced off gym right on the beach, speedo-clad shot putters patrolling the zone offering themselves as photo-opportunities & even roller-skating Sikh minstrels - Truly a human zoo & as they say "Only in LA".
The venerable "Santa Monica Pier", where diversions included a historic carousel & a solar powered Ferris-Wheel, was the next sight where the "big" car stopped. A quick stop @ a liqueur shop was needed for the rest of the days journey & then it was onto the "Westwood Memorial Park".
This is the final resting place for many actors, including Marilyn Monroe, Bob Crane (Colonial Hogan from "Hogan's Heroes"), Roger Dangerfield & even Don Knotts. A beautiful oasis within the heart of this thriving metropolis.
We then travelled down "Sunset Strip" for another look @ this infamous section of LA & then it was onto Hollywood & the legendary "Hollywood" Boulevard. We stopped near "Grauman's Chinese Theatre", famous for its forecourt where screen legends have left their imprint in cement; feet, hands & even a nose...
Lunch was consumed @ "Shelly Cafe", where some of Clint Eastwood's film, "Million Dollar Baby" was filmed. Then it was along the "Hollywood Walk of Fame", which honours more than 2000 celebrities with brass stars embedded in the side-walk. Great photo opportunities.
Then it was into the "Hollywood & Highland" mall & up the stairs to the top which offered great views of the famous "Hollywood" Sign. A trip up to the "Hollywood Vista Point" provided a magnificent view back over LA & the "Hollywood Bowl" & then back to the famous Hollywood sign.
The day trip concluded with an hour of viewing the star's homes, or at least their high fences & gates!!! - The Playboy Mansion being the highlight. Back to the hotel by 5pm where we briefly refreshed & headed out to a very nice Chinese restaurant.
"Venice Beach" is renowned for it's crazy personalities, ranging from wannabe Schwarzeneggers @ "Muscle Beach - the fenced off gym right on the beach, speedo-clad shot putters patrolling the zone offering themselves as photo-opportunities & even roller-skating Sikh minstrels - Truly a human zoo & as they say "Only in LA".
The venerable "Santa Monica Pier", where diversions included a historic carousel & a solar powered Ferris-Wheel, was the next sight where the "big" car stopped. A quick stop @ a liqueur shop was needed for the rest of the days journey & then it was onto the "Westwood Memorial Park".
This is the final resting place for many actors, including Marilyn Monroe, Bob Crane (Colonial Hogan from "Hogan's Heroes"), Roger Dangerfield & even Don Knotts. A beautiful oasis within the heart of this thriving metropolis.
We then travelled down "Sunset Strip" for another look @ this infamous section of LA & then it was onto Hollywood & the legendary "Hollywood" Boulevard. We stopped near "Grauman's Chinese Theatre", famous for its forecourt where screen legends have left their imprint in cement; feet, hands & even a nose...
Lunch was consumed @ "Shelly Cafe", where some of Clint Eastwood's film, "Million Dollar Baby" was filmed. Then it was along the "Hollywood Walk of Fame", which honours more than 2000 celebrities with brass stars embedded in the side-walk. Great photo opportunities.
Then it was into the "Hollywood & Highland" mall & up the stairs to the top which offered great views of the famous "Hollywood" Sign. A trip up to the "Hollywood Vista Point" provided a magnificent view back over LA & the "Hollywood Bowl" & then back to the famous Hollywood sign.
The day trip concluded with an hour of viewing the star's homes, or at least their high fences & gates!!! - The Playboy Mansion being the highlight. Back to the hotel by 5pm where we briefly refreshed & headed out to a very nice Chinese restaurant.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Day 11 - 22/03/07: Los Angeles
Today was Disneyland - Back to being a kid. Picked up @ 8.45am & by 10a.15am were inside "The Happiest Place On Earth" on a beautiful Spring Day.
Carved out of the orange groves of rural Anaheim, in Orange County,it represents the pinnacle of a global, often controversial media corporation. What amusements parks call "rides", Disneyland calls "attractions". A ride is a quick thrill, but an "attraction" is a journey into a narrative. Disneyland's real point of difference lies in its meticulous eye for detail.
After catching the courtesy train we entered the resort on "main Street", a recreation of Walt's hometown of Marcelline, Missouri, c 1900. Frontierland's "Big Thunder Mountain Roller coaster which careers through an old west mining town was the first ride of the day. This was followed by the thrilling "Indian Jones" ride in Adventure land. Fantasyland's "It's A small World" animatronics soon followed (so sweet & innocent it gave me a cavity...)
A very, very ordinary burger attempted to pass itself off as lunch. A quick visit to "Mickey's Toontown was next to be ticked off the list. One big disappointment was that a couple of the better rides were unavailable - Tommorowland's "Space Mountain" & "Splash Mountain".
The day ended with a drink in "Downtown Disney", a pedestrian mall jam-packed with high-concept eateries, shops & entertainment venues. Bus picked us up @ 6.30pm @ had us back to our hotel an hour later, where we met up with Stu & Simone & ended out to dinner @ "Il Fornaio", a trattoria-style favourite restaurant of the Beverley Hills locals. Lovely meal & consistent service made it another experience to savor.
Carved out of the orange groves of rural Anaheim, in Orange County,it represents the pinnacle of a global, often controversial media corporation. What amusements parks call "rides", Disneyland calls "attractions". A ride is a quick thrill, but an "attraction" is a journey into a narrative. Disneyland's real point of difference lies in its meticulous eye for detail.
After catching the courtesy train we entered the resort on "main Street", a recreation of Walt's hometown of Marcelline, Missouri, c 1900. Frontierland's "Big Thunder Mountain Roller coaster which careers through an old west mining town was the first ride of the day. This was followed by the thrilling "Indian Jones" ride in Adventure land. Fantasyland's "It's A small World" animatronics soon followed (so sweet & innocent it gave me a cavity...)
A very, very ordinary burger attempted to pass itself off as lunch. A quick visit to "Mickey's Toontown was next to be ticked off the list. One big disappointment was that a couple of the better rides were unavailable - Tommorowland's "Space Mountain" & "Splash Mountain".
The day ended with a drink in "Downtown Disney", a pedestrian mall jam-packed with high-concept eateries, shops & entertainment venues. Bus picked us up @ 6.30pm @ had us back to our hotel an hour later, where we met up with Stu & Simone & ended out to dinner @ "Il Fornaio", a trattoria-style favourite restaurant of the Beverley Hills locals. Lovely meal & consistent service made it another experience to savor.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
