Jet Setter

Boston Weekend Getaway

 

I would expect Boston to be covered in snow right now - a veritable winter wonderland. It's not. Nature has an ironic sense of humor I think. I traveled to Boston for the first time over Thanksgiving weekend and was quite mesmerized with how beautiful a city it is. Thankfully, when I was there it didn't snow. Was beautiful and sunny for two days and rainy for two days. Got the best and worst. 

Much of America's "young" history began here, and I love it when history comes alive. I spent my weekend hanging out with a bunch of internationals for the most American of holidays. Here's our itinerary.

Another Way to Die by Jack White and Alicia Keys

Love this video. The mix of styles kind of works. Cool Bond song.  

Ego Pop - Japanese Artist Takashi Murakami

Hope you're having a fantastic holiday season with all its joys and woes. In between my mini-shopping sprees, I've been trying to get all cultured out and recently read an article about "the new [Andy] Warhol," who had an exhibition at Paris' Gallerie Perrotin this Fall. Having absolutely no idea who "the new Warhol" might be - discovered it's Japanese artist Takashi Murakami.

Where had I seen his work? Most recently, on Kanye West's album cover - Graduation.  What I love is how he draws from "street culture, high art and traditional Japanese painting." 

Interestingly, Murakami created action figures called Inochi for a Japanese movie. The dolls (only 200) sold for $1500 a piece! "Inochi" is about an alien robot child going to school in Japan. I watched the trailer and couldn't stop laughing. Let's just say it shocked my American sensibilities. I love culture shock! Check out the trailer.

- Denise

 

 

Websites

MTV News

A Stopover at Sublim Eiffel, Paris

So any time I read Garance Dore's fashion blog,it makes me immediately want to head back to Paris. I'm staying put though, as it's way too cold for me.  I'll take a Texas winter anyday. Here's a great boutique hotel getting rave reviews called Sublim Eiffel that I'm dying to check out. 

The concept behind the hotel is the City of Lights - Paris. It has 19 rooms, located in the 15th arrondissement, right by Metro station, Sevres Lecourbe. It's funky (carpet designs are maps of the 13th and 15th arrondissements), modern (fiber optic lighting in the shower) and has a spa area. What more could a girl ask for?

- Denise

  

Websites

Hotel Sublim Eiffel

Trip Advisor 

Made in Paris

 

Check out this post by uber-fashion blogger Garance Dore. Reminded me of the time I wore hot pink pants to school after seeing some pink hotness in Vogue. What to do when you're a budding fashionista, not in a fashion capital. Cute!

- Denise

Alice Waters Guest DJ

A nice playlist by San Francisco Chef Alice Waters who runs the famous Chez Panisse. Features Radiohead, Nina Simone and Youssou N'Dour.

Hot Toddies; Holiday Giving; New Year's Eve Ideas; Turning Fat into Fuel

They have some great tips for any list minute shoppers like me. Lol.
- Denise

A Stopover at La Mamounia, Marrakesh, Morocco

Several weeks ago, I "discovered" Moroccan cuisine at Dallas' Cafe Marrakesh. Stepping inside Cafe Marrakesh is like transporting yourself to Morocco. It's the colors that send me into sensory overload -the deep reds and gold, sumptuous fabrics. My travel writer friend Karen told me that now through March is the best time to travel to Morocco. Morocco is also a popular vacation spot with the French. Be prepared to parlez francais.

 

When I think of Morocco, of course Casablanca comes to mind as Casablanca has achieved Hollywood immortality.  But there's also Fez and Volubilis. Fez is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the oldest city in Morocco. Volubulis is home to extensive (about 40 hectares) of Roman ruins.

Marrakesh is a stunning imperial city. Marrakesh like the rest of Morocco is a mosaic of Arab and Berber cultures. Marrakesh's backdrop is Morocco whose magical setting includes  the "Atlantic and Mediterranean beaches, desert oases, mountain villages, traditional souks, fantastic food."

La Mamounia is a landmark hotel of the international jet set and was built in 1923. It's been closed for the last three years for $177 million in renovations and just reopened in September.  The hotel has 136 rooms, 71 suites and 3 riads (traditional courtyard houses). The designer Jacques Garcia paid homage to Morocco's artistic heritage. 

Working with local Moroccan artisans, the features of the hotel include all-marble bathrooms, hand-painted wood ceilings, Zillij mosaics to name a few. There are five bars and six restaurants. And of major consideration, a spa with 2 traditional Moroccan hammams. 

The service reports at least on Trip Advisor for 2009 have not been that encouraging unfortunately as people have had high expectations. I've found at least on a country level, Japan and Dubai with the high end hotels that have consistently the best service. Hopefully, La Mamounia will get this together.

It's a true work of art, because I'm so there.

- Denise

Websites

La Mamounia - www.mamounia.com

Trip Advisor - www.tripadvisor.com

Tours to Morocco - www.friendlyplanet.com 

What's Your Travel Personality?

I love these little quizzes. I've been trying to think of where I'd like to go next year. France, China....Argentina. I haven't been to South America yet. Been on the radar for years. So, had to take another travel quiz to give me some ideas. These are fun.

I ended up being a sophisticate. Surprised me, since I feel so unsophisticated.  I don't know how these quizzes are pretty acurate. Scary.

See what travel personality you are. Lemme know.

www.blogthings.com

- Denise

 

December Playlist - Music We're Lovin'

Happy Holidays!

1. I'll Be Home For Christmas (If Only in My Dreams) by Frank Sinatra

2. Santa Baby by Kylie Minogue

3. Silent Night, Holy Night by Mahalia Jackson

4. I Don't Wanna Spend One More Christmas Without You by Nsync

5. Last Christmas by Wham

6. I Know What I Want for Christmas by George Strait

7. Winter Wonderland by Goldfrapp

8. O Come, All Ye Faithful by Stacie Orrico

9. Baby, It's Cold Outside by Ray Charles and Betty Carter

10. Do You Hear What I Hear by Vince Gill