Scenic Runway

While out and about last week in New York City enjoying the unseasonably warm weather. We thought it would be a good idea to take pictures of a few of the things that make New York City so special!

New York City Attractions

Whenever possible we try to visit the Hard Rock Café in the city or country we are visiting. The London Hard Rock Café was special because it was the first Hard Rock Café which opened in 1971. While we were enjoying the music and atmosphere a gentleman who worked at the Hard Rock Café approached our table. We began talking about our visit to London. I mentioned that we had been in Paris for a few days and in London for a couple of days celebrating our wedding anniversary.

To our surprise he asked if it would be okay if he made an announcement to everyone in the restaurant. My husband said yes, at that point the Hard Rock Café employee stood on top of an empty chair and asked for everyone’s attention. The music in the restaurant stopped and everyone gave him their full attention. He began the announcement by stating that there were two very important people joining us tonight and they are celebrating their anniversary and asked everyone to help us celebrate. We were asked to stand and everyone in the restaurant clapped and cheered for us. A few people even came up to our table to congratulate us by saying “well done”. It was a beautiful spontaneous moment that we will remember always.

Thanks Hard Rock Café London!

Arriving at the airport to catch a flight can be stressful. Even with advance planning I still find myself nervously awaiting the weight of my luggage at the dreaded luggage scale. In addition to the normal routine of long lines, customs and security check points but there is light at the end of the chaos. That light is called the Airport VIP Lounge. I find these lounges to be a peaceful sanctuary in the midst of a sometimes hectic environment. I normally use my time in these lounges reviewing my travel itinerary and responding to e-mails. I also take a little time before my flight to relax with complimentary refreshments. Having a quiet lounge to escape to in the midst of a busy airport is something I treasure.

Whether you are on a business or leisure trip having a VIP Lounge within your hotel is an added bonus. Within the Le Grand InterContinental Hotel in Paris on the 5th floor is a VIP Lounge retreat. This exclusive area is a great getaway for guests to enjoy a little private time for drinks, socializing, business needs and meals. The rich red color décor adds to the luxurious feel of the lounge. For those of us who love to sleep in a little later while on vacation, breakfast is available until one hour later than in the hotel restaurant. With Opéra Garnier views, the VIP Lounge was a nice place to have a glass of champagne in the evening!

Learning a foreign language can be an intimidating thought. Everyone learns in their own way and at their own pace. I began studying French in secondary school; to my regret I did not continue the process once my classes were complete. Of course, I remember some phrases but I am certainly not fluent in French. Fortunately my husband studied French as well and is able to read many words in French. So whenever we travel to France, Montréal or St. Martin we are able to communicate in French regarding basic day to day activities. My biggest fear is that someone will think that I speak fluent French when I greet them in French. As quickly as I can I will say “Excusez-moi, parlez-vous anglais?” Which translated into English means “Excuse me, do you speak English?” I remember being in the Louvre Museum in Paris and a gentleman from Montréal spoke to me in French in return I responded to him in French. Knowing that my French language skills were limited I began speaking in English with the hope that he knew English. Fortunately for me he was fluent in English and was surprise that I spoke English. I took his reaction as a true compliment.

Knowing common phrases in the language of the country you are visiting is helpful. I have found that store owners appreciate the effort made to communicate with them in their native language. Learning a foreign language is an individual process. Some find that they need one on one tutoring when learning a foreign language while others prefer a class room setting. I have tried various methods to brush up on my French skills including DVD’s and online courses. Viewing French television without sub-titles has also enhanced my skills. But what has been extremely helpful and encouraging to me is to practice my French language skills on others who speak French. I remember being in St. Martin and speaking French to our tour guide. He informed me that he spoke English but I said no I would like to practice speaking French as much as possible. He seemed to understand and appreciated my effort. While I am under no illusion that I will become fluent in French one day but I will certainly continue to build on my French language skills with the hope of one day completing a full conversation in French.

Lummus Park in South Beach, Miami is located on the amazing Ocean Drive filled with sidewalk dining, clubs, shopping and the famous Gianni Versace mansion. Lummus Park has been featured in numerous photo shots, television and movies such as the 1996 movie “The Birdcage”.

Whether you choose to relax under a palm tree, roller blade through the park or take a stroll on the beach to take in the beautiful turquoise ocean view, Lummus Park is certainly the place to people watch and to be seen when in South Beach.

Santa Catalina Island (Catalina Island) is a beautiful island located approximately 20 miles southwest of Los Angeles accessible by air and boats departing from San Pedro, Long Beach, Dana Point and Newport Beach in California. I have fond memories of heading out to Catalina Island for relaxing weekend getaways when I lived in the Los Angeles area. Catalina Island is absolutely beautiful filled with amazing activities in and around the city of Avalon.

Below are a few activities to be found on Catalina Island:

Biking
Casino Tour
Miniature Golf
Walking Tours
Wildlife Viewing
Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Gardens
Fishing
Glass Bottom Boat Tours

No one loves a great bargain or a unique find than I do. In previous auctions that I’ve attended I have sat quietly in the back observing the activity. But recently I decided to actively participate in an auction that I was invited to. Days in advance of the auction I wondered if I could keep up with the fast pace of the auctioneer. What if I get caught up in having the winning bid that I over pay? I arrived at the auction a couple of hours ahead of the bidding. After I registered and was assigned a number I walked around the various rooms and halls taking notes on the items of interest in preparation of the actual auction.

When the auction began once again I found myself gravitating to the back but it was my husband who suggested that we go to the second level in order to have a better view. As my first item of interest came up for auction I was a little reluctant to yell out a bid from the balcony. But all hesitation vanished when the antique perfume bottles came up for auction. By the end of the auction I felt like a pro, bidding while keeping in mind not to over bid. There was a few times in which I felt myself getting caught up in the excitement of the auction. I had to make a quick second decision to pull back and let the item go. It did not make financial sense to continue bidding on an item that was simply overpriced.

But I must admit that having the winning bid is a great feeling.

Cloud Gate is a sculpture located in Chicago’s AT&T Plaza in Millennium Park. This shiny stainless steel sculpture by Anish Kapoor is an amazing sculpture to view and photograph. With its bean-like shape and reflective properties there are endless opportunities for a truly unique photograph. I was fascinated by its ability to reflect and distort Chicago’s surrounding skyline. Whether you’re walking underneath or walking around this sculpture, inspired by liquid mercury, each angle offers a unique view.