August 30, 2009

Chicago, Illinois: Millennium Park; things to do

Crown Fountain in Millennium Park in Chicago, Illinois

Millennium Park

Michigan Ave./Washington Blvd; look east; Columbus Dr./Monroe St./Randolph St., 312-742-1168. Daily 6am-11pm. Free. Center for art, music, architecture.

See:

Crown Fountain 

Designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, this interactive fountain consists of two 50-foot-high glass block towers with video images.

Cloud Gate 

At Millennium Park’s Michigan Avenue entrance. Nicknamed "the Bean," this hugely popular 110-ton elliptical sculpture by British artist Anish Kapoorit is one of the world’s largest outdoor sculptures. It is made of a seamless series of polished stainless steel plates that reflect the city’s skyline and the clouds above. Taking a photo of your own reflection in the smooth, mirrored surface is a must-do. 

image c2009 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
updated 6-2-17

August 26, 2009

Introduction to Gibraltar

Introduction to Gibraltar


Nowadays you can drive your car straight onto Gibraltar (in the old days, you used to have to go via Morocco--from Spain by sea to Morocco and then back again to Spain). After waiting in the usually-long car line through passport control, you drive (or walk) right on and over the airport runway to get to town. The town is pretty much one long street with the usual duty free, pubs, and shops, and English is the official language. The famous monkeys (actually Barbary apes--the only apes native to Europe) are up on The Rock, which is huge and has tunnels and a large cave inside; taxi and bus tours can be arranged on the spot in town. During WW II, Winston Churchill said that if the apes ever disappeared from The Rock it would foretell the end of the British Empire (and General Eisenhower launched the Allied attack on North Africa from an office deep inside this Rock).


More animal attractions.


August 24, 2009

Okinawa, Japan: Churaumi Aquarium; things to do

Churaumi Aquarium


In Japan you can check out the world's second-largest aquarium tank, the Kuroshio Sea.

See it on YouTube.

Read about it in the Daily Mail.




Georgia Aquarium

Wondering where the world's largest aquarium tank is? In downtown Atlanta. The Georgia Aquarium holds more than 8 million gallons of water and is the city's top attraction.

August 22, 2009

NYC: Ceci Cela Patissette; restaurant review

exterior of Ceci Cela Patissette in NYC

Ceci Cela Patissette  

55 Spring St./Mulberry St., Nolita, 212-274-9179.

Order the perfect summer breakfast--a fabulous flaky almond croissant and iced hot chocolate—and then take them into the cute and cozy little back room at Ceci Cela Patissette to enjoy slowly. At other times of day, opt for sandwiches, cakes, and tarts.

 

August 19, 2009

NYC: New Museum; things to do

life imitates art at the New Museum in NYC

New Museum 

235 Bowery/Prince St., betw. Stanton & Rivington sts., in the Bowery, 212-219-1222. W 12-6, Thur-F 12-9, Sat-Sun 12-6; closed M-Tues; free Thur eve 7-9. $12, seniors $10, under 19 free. Cafe.

Situated within a boxy silver futuristic building, the smallish New Museum is NYC's first and only devoted exclusively to contemporary art. To best see the cutting-edge shows, start at the top and work your way down. Panoramic views can be enjoyed from the 7th-floor Sky Room (open weekends only).

August 18, 2009

Shame on United Airlines--again--part 2


Shame on United Airlines--again--part 2

This video is a tad cheery, considering. Watch to the very end.



Here's part 1, the background story


Great ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

August 17, 2009

Houston, Texas, public restroom--part 3

Houston, Texas, public restroom--part 3


I'm soooo disappointed to report that I just found out that this unusual public restroom is a hoax! :)



Loos with Views, Around the World

August 16, 2009

Houston, Texas, public restroom--part 2

Houston, Texas, public restroom--part 2


Here's the view from this public restroom from inside! It's made entirely of one-way glass. No one can see you from the outside, but when you are inside it's like sitting in a clear glass box.


August 14, 2009

August 11, 2009

NYC: Streit's; thing to do

kids lined up outside Streit's in NYC

Streit’s 

148-154 Rivington, Lower East Side, 212-475-7000.

They’ve been making matzo at Streit's since 1925.

August 7, 2009

NYC: Tango Saturdays in Central Park; things to do

Tango Saturdays in Central Park


Tango dancing to live music occurs regularly on Saturdays beside the Shakespeare statue. Tilt your head to view my little horizontal movie about it.




August 5, 2009

Ashland, Oregon: Ashland Creek Inn; hotel review

Ashland Creek Inn  

70 Water St., 2 blks. to plaza, (541) 482-3315. 10 suites. Unsuitable for children under 13. Full breakfast. No smoking.

Luxury and privacy are combined at the Ashland Creek Inn in a converted 125-year-old grain mill overlooking Ashland Creek. You can hear the creek from most rooms, and giant shade trees cool the secluded decks. All rooms are suites with kitchens and decks, and each is furnished uniquely with art and antiques from around the world (travel themes include Marrakech, Matsu, and Canton).


Information about visiting Ashland.

August 3, 2009

The Ultimate Hollywood Tour Book

The Ultimate Hollywood Tour Book


If you'd like to see where Hugh Hefner will be spending eternity next to Marilyn Monroe, where superstars hide away from their fans, and where favorite movies were filmed, get a copy of this handy guide--The Ultimate Hollywood Tour Book--to lead you there and also provide the background stories. The book also leads to movie star homes, the sites of infamous crimes, and the final resting places of superstars.




Take the author' personal tour in this video:



Prefer a guided van tour?
Check out Dearly Departed tours' Hollywood Tragical History Tour via Tomb Buggy.


More ideas for exploring the U.S.



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