Scenic Runway

Boston, Massachusetts is filled with history. While visiting Boston last week, we took a walk on the Congress Street Bridge and noticed the Boston Tea Party – Ships and Museum which made for a beautiful scenic photo!

It’s not unusual to see movies or television shows being filmed in New York City on any given day. While walking back to Battery Park (Wall Street area) after having lunch at the South Street Seaport on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, we stumbled upon the filming of the new Ben Stiller movie “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”. We stopped to watch the filming and the behind the scenes action of the movie crew. It was a nice way to spend a leisurely Sunday afternoon in New York City!

Located in the middle of Central Park at 79th Street is the magical looking Belvedere Castle. Calvert Vaux, co-designer of Central Park, created the miniature castle in 1869 as a lookout to the reservoir to the north (now the Great Lawn) and the Ramble to the south. Belvedere Castle provides the best and highest views of the Park and its cityscape. Belvedere translates to “beautiful view” in Italian!

The Upper East Side of New York City, located between Central Park and the East River, is an amazing area filled with famous museums, shopping and restaurants!

View of the East River from the Upper East Side

Some would say that taking a cruise on the Seine River in Paris is a typical tourist thing to do. Well that may be so but it is always a must for me whenever I am in Paris. On each visit to Paris, I try to cruise the Seine River at a different time of the day. By doing so the experience is different each time. On my last visit to Paris, we took a cruise on the Seine River as darkness fell upon the City of Lights. It was magical as we cruised underneath the bridges while the city lit up around us.

The most memorable moment for me was seeing Notre Dame illuminated at night. I just remember being mesmerized by its beauty as we slowly cruised by Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris . Taking a cruise on the Seine River may be a typical tourist act but it is one that I will repeat again and again whenever I’m in Paris.

The amount of an appropriate tip/gratuity varies around the world. Wait staff in the United States rely heavily on tips for their salary. Wait staff in some countries receive hourly salaries for their service jobs and are less reliant on tips. Knowing how much to tip for services rendered can be confusing. When paying the fare for a taxi/cab in Paris my husband gave the driver more than the actual fare. While we were getting out of the taxi/cab the driver said “sir your change”. I was closest to the driver and said “No it’s for you. He wants you to keep it”. I was surprise by his reaction, he said thank you (merci) several times. This was not the first time that I had witnessed such a reaction while traveling in Europe. A similar incident occurred at the Barcelona Airport in Spain. It appeared that the amount of the tip was above what would normally be given. Whenever the tip is not indicated on the check I always ask what is the appropriate percentage for gratuities. I am sure that in many cases I have over tipped but if the service was exceptional I don’t mind.

Approximately, forty minutes by train outside of Paris is the amazing Val d’Europe shopping mall and the La Vallée Village designer outlets. For someone like me who loves to shop this was the perfect place to visit. The Val d’Europe shopping mall has a mixture of shops, restaurants, a full grocery store on the bottom floor and the Aquarium Sea Life Val D’Europe. Within the mall I purchased decorative items for my office which provides me with a daily reminder of my fabulous shopping experience as well as jewelry (I couldn’t leave Paris without purchasing jewelry).

The La Vallée Village, designer outlets, is luxury shopping at its best! All of my favorite designers were there (Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Missoni, Jimmy Choo, Michael Kors, Féraud, Valentino, etc.). I was like a child in a candy store filled with excitement going from one designer shop to the next. My purchases included leather gloves from Armani, handbags from Michael Kors, brooch from Dolce & Gabbana, men’s shirts from Féraud and so on. I even called relatives in New York City while shopping to tell them about the amazing shops and of course to ask them what they would like me to purchase for them. This was my first time at the La Vallée Village in Paris but I can honestly say that it will not be my last! The next time I’m in Paris, visiting the La Vallée Village will be on the top of my to do list!

Located within the Harbor East area of Baltimore on International Drive is the stylish luxurious Four Seasons Hotel. Opened in November 2011, the Four Seasons Baltimore is an amazingly beautiful five star hotel overlooking the harbor. Conveniently located near tourist attractions, dining and shopping the Four Seasons Baltimore is situated in an ideal location.

Upon arriving at the hotel we were promptly greeted by doormen who welcomed us and immediately took care of our luggage. The entire staff at the Four Seasons Baltimore were extremely professional and friendly during our stay. Entering the hotel you can’t help but to notice the floral arrangements and elegant light fixture which adds to the luxurious feel of the hotel. The lobby area has an easy flow to and from the reception desk, restaurant and bar. The artwork throughout the hotel is absolutely beautiful!

The floor to ceiling glass in our harbor view room allowed us to capture the magnificent harbor views at various times of the day and night. The modern décor creates a relaxing and luxurious environment. Each room has modern amenities such as a button to notify staff “to make up room” or “do not disturb” next to the bed and the door.

The bathroom has a spa like feel. The fact that the bathroom mirror had an embedded television was an unexpected pleasant surprise. Who wouldn’t love the luxury of taking a bath and watching your favorite movie!

After a long day of sightseeing, Wit & Wisdom, A Tavern by Michael Mina was a perfect place to unwind and have dinner. Wit & Wisdom offers a modern American tavern menu with a focus on comfort food classics. The food and service is absolutely amazing! Each cocktail is made from scratch! The Company cocktail which Tiffany Soto suggested we try (saffron gin, rhubarb honey, lemon and orange bitters shaken and served in a coupe with a sprig of thyme) is delicious. Wit & Wisdom overlooks the waterfront which helps to create a delightful dining experience!

Breakfast at LAMILL COFFEE is a great way to start the day. Coming soon to Four Seasons Baltimore is the Japanese izakaya-style restaurant, Pabu. Master Sake Sommelier, Tiffany Soto, (one of only a few female Master Sake Sommeliers in America) oversees the beverage menu for Wit & Wisdom, special events and Pabu.

Guests can enjoy the spa and fitness center. Memberships are available for non-guests. There is an elevated deck with an infinity pool, hot tubs and cabanas (weather permitting). There are also facilities for weddings and special events along with business conference rooms available.

During our visit we were able to have a sneak peek of the Presidential Suite on the 16th Floor. The waterfront views are breathtaking! The Presidential Suite is a home away from home with a living area, bedroom, a lovely bathroom, full kitchen, media room, study, piano and a walk in closet with chandelier.

The Presidential Suite is luxury at its best!

The Four Seasons Baltimore is truly a destination in itself!