May 28, 2024  by

This will make you believe in love …

COUPLE

Nicole, her boyfriend of over 6 years Kris and her family, walked 60K in Montreal at the Weekend to End Women’s Cancers to help raise money and awareness for cancer. They flew all the way from BC to do this event in Montreal.  It was such a great day – they met some wonderful people, had a lot of fun (despite the scorching weather) and enjoyed the sights of Montreal. At the finish line, Nicole was so excited to have completed the 60K walk. Then, she got the surprise of her life.

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At the finish line, her mother nudged me and said, “You may want to take a picture of this! I did better, I got videos and photos. This you have to see.

 

 

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May 28, 2024  by

37 HOTEL ROOMS. 37 ARTISTS.

While on a business trip in Toronto, my client gave me a rather small hotel budget of $150 to $175/night. If you’ve ever been to Toronto, you know that the only way you can get a hotel room at that rate is to stay at the hotels/motels by the airport, right under the flight path of the planes.

Every trip, I would stay at different Toronto hotels hoping to find a place that I love- a hotel that is trendy, offers great service, cool ambiance, great value, and ideal for having clients over for  cocktails or coffee. I came across Gladstone Hotel through Travelocity and I was able to get a room for $150/night. For the price, the accommodations turned out to be fantastic.

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Room 301: The Skygazer Room

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The Gladstone Hotel was built in 1889 and named after Gladstone Avenue, next to the hotel. It was designed by local architect G.M. Miller in the Romanesque revival style. The Gladstone Hotel is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Toronto. The Gladstone is a fine example of a Victorian Hotel with beautiful plaster moldings in the grand hallways.

What makes the hotel unique is there is art space or gallery on every floor and each room has been designed by a Canadian artist.  It offers 37 one-of-a-kind hotel rooms from the winning artists. I stayed at room 301, otherwise known as “The Skygazer Room.” The room, decorated in all white furniture, sheets, curtains and accessories, has a meditative or pure ambiance created by the 3D wall treatment of specialized plaster relics shaped like parts of a robot. Yes, the rooms are quite small, but its character makes up for it.

 

Aside from the unique art hotel rooms, Gladstone Hotel has over 70 art exhibitions a year, 3 dedicated gallery spaces and 1 full-time Director of Exhibitions. Art is on display in all corners of the hotel which are open to the public like gallery spaces. The lobby and the lobby bar and restaurant are filled with interesting and cool guests. It has that music or art industry type scene, without being the least bit pretentious.

Since each room represents a different artist’s vision, no two stays will be the same! I can’t wait to visit again and discover other artworks.

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Common Area is ideal for having guests over

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Each floor has a gallery

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Gallery and reception area on the 3rd floor

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If you’re an art lover, you would love exploring each floor.

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The bar on the first floor has so much character.

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The restaurant is buzzing at night!

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You can learn more about this hotel at: http://www.gladstonehotel.com

 

 

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May 28, 2024  by

The Best Things in LA are FREE!

As an LA native, I will be the first to admit that Los Angeles can be an expensive city for tourists and locals. However, there are actually many FREE things to see and do here in Los Angeles. Here are 15 of them:

For great Chinese food and dimsum, head downtown to Chinatown. Its history started as a commercial center for Chinese businesses in Los Angeles in 1938. The area includes restaurants, vegetable and seafood markets, souvenir shops and art galleries.

1) CHINATOWN: For great Chinese food and dimsum, head downtown to Chinatown. Its history started as a commercial center for Chinese businesses in Los Angeles in 1938. The area includes restaurants, vegetable and seafood markets, souvenir shops and art galleries.

One of the oldest farmers market in the US is next to one of the prettiest malls in the US – The Grove.

2) FARMERS MARKET & THE GROVE: One of the oldest farmers market in the US is next to one of the prettiest and most picturesque mall – The Grove.

This beach is not for everyone. In many ways, it's a throw-back to the 60s and 70s. It is fascinating place to watch people. The beach itself is wide and the boardwalk is full of little stalls selling all kinds of souvenirs, products and services. On weekends, there are a few street performers that will wow you! Great fun for a sunny day! Not the ideal beach for families.

3) VENICE BEACH: This beach is quite unique. In many ways, it’s a throw-back to the 60s and 70s because not much have changed since. I love bringing guests here because it’s a fascinating place to watch people. The beach itself is wide and the boardwalk is full of little stalls selling all kinds of unique souvenirs, products and services. On weekends, there are a few street performers that will wow you! Great fun for a sunny day! However, it’s not the ideal beach for families.

There are many hiking options. But if you are looking for sweeping views of Los Angeles, get in your exercise gear and take the Runyon Canyon route! The views from the top are incredible and definitely worth the hike. It’s the best place to see LA and go star sighting! (Shirtless Jake Gyllenhaal is a regular.) You have many hiking options available. Check out this link for a complete guide: http://hollywoodsigntrip.com

4) HIKING IN LOS ANGELES: There are many hiking options. But if you are looking for sweeping views of Los Angeles, get in your exercise gear and take the Runyon Canyon route! The views from the top are incredible and definitely worth the hike. It’s the best place to see LA and go star sighting! (Shirtless Jake Gyllenhaal is a regular.) You have many hiking options available. Check out this link for a complete guide: http://hollywoodsigntrip.com

The J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Center in Los Angeles houses European paintings, drawings, sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, decorative arts, and photography. The J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Villa is dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. Admission is free at both museums.

5) GETTY MUSEUM AND GETTY VILLA: The J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Center in Los Angeles houses European paintings, drawings, sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, decorative arts, and photography. The J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Villa is dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. Admission is free at both museums.

The Venice Canals are canals fashioned after the Venice canals in Italy and were built by Abbot Kinney in 1905. Beautiful place to check out if you're in the area. Relax and take a nice stroll around the canals as you people watch and admire the homes that sit right in front of the "Venice" river.

6) VENICE CANALS: The Venice Canals are canals fashioned after the Venice canals in Italy and were built by Abbot Kinney in 1905. Beautiful place to check out if you’re in the area. Relax and take a nice stroll around the canals as you people watch and admire the homes that sit right in front of the “Venice” river.

Start off at 3rd St Promenade for some window shopping and people watching, then catch the sunset at the beach on Santa Monica Pier

7) SANTA MONICA BEACH AND 3rd STREET PROMENADE: Start off at 3rd St Promenade for some window shopping and people watching, then catch the sunset at the beach on Santa Monica Pier

Referred to by many as the “birthplace of Los Angeles.” It is a Mexican Marketplace in Downtown LA that recreates a romantic “Old Los Angeles.” The area has some nice buildings housing a market with old structures, painted stalls, street vendors, souvenir vendors, restaurants and Mexican-themed gift shops. Many of the merchants on Olvera Street today are descended from the original vendors.

8) OLVERA STREET: Referred to by many as the “birthplace of Los Angeles.” It is a Mexican Marketplace in Downtown LA that recreates a romantic “Old Los Angeles.” The area has some nice buildings housing a market with old structures, painted stalls, street vendors, souvenir vendors, restaurants and Mexican-themed gift shops. Many of the merchants on Olvera Street today are descended from the original vendors.

This amazing piece of architecture was designed by Frank Gehry and it’s worth the drive Downtown. The project was launched in 1987, when Lillian Disney, widow of Walt Disney, donated $50 million.

9) DISNEY CONCERT HALL: This amazing piece of architecture was designed by Frank Gehry and it’s worth the drive Downtown. The project was launched in 1987, when Lillian Disney, widow of Walt Disney, donated $50 million.

The Historic Downtown tour provides an overview of the historical and cultural landmarks of downtown Los Angeles. Los Angeles landmarks are in this area, such as the LA City Hall, Pershing Square, LA Times Building, Music Center, Dorothy Chandler Pavillion, City of Angels Cathedral, Central Library, Angels Flight, Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Union Station, Art Deco buildings along Broadway and the Bradbury Building.

10) WALKING TOUR OF DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES: The Historic Downtown tour provides an overview of the historical and cultural landmarks of downtown Los Angeles. Los Angeles landmarks are in this area, such as the LA City Hall, Pershing Square, LA Times Building, Music Center, Dorothy Chandler Pavillion, City of Angels Cathedral, Central Library, Angels Flight, Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Union Station, Art Deco buildings along Broadway and the Bradbury Building.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame, which runs from Gower Street to La Brea Avenue was created as a tribute to artists working in the entertainment industry. Perfect for people watching.

11) HOLLYWOOD BLVD: The Hollywood Walk of Fame, which runs from Gower Street to La Brea Avenue was created as a tribute to artists working in the entertainment industry. Perfect for people watching.

Southern California’s gateway to the cosmos! Visitors can look through telescopes, explore exhibits, see live shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, and enjoy spectacular views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign.

12) GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY: Southern California’s gateway to the cosmos! Visitors can look through telescopes, explore exhibits, see live shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, and enjoy spectacular views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign.

This is one of the most beautiful drives you can take according to many guide books. Start in Santa Monica where the 10 freeway ends, and drive towards Pt. Mugu State Park some 32 miles away. See $40 million beach houses along the coast and great seafood restaurants. Many celebrities live in the area so don’t be surprised if you run into Dustin Hoffman, Pierce Brosnan, Steven Spielberg, Halle Berry, Ellen DeGeneres, Charlie Sheen and Janet Jackson.

13) PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY DRIVE: This is one of the most beautiful drives you can take according to many guide books. Start in Santa Monica where the 10 freeway ends, and drive towards Pt. Mugu State Park some 32 miles away. See $40 million beach houses along the coast and great seafood restaurants. Many celebrities live in the area so don’t be surprised if you run into Dustin Hoffman, Pierce Brosnan, Steven Spielberg, Halle Berry, Ellen DeGeneres, Charlie Sheen and Janet Jackson.

Start on Santa Monica Blvd at the Beverly Hills City Hall. Across the street is the beautifully restored Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. Just around the corner is Edelweiss Chocolate. Remember that I Love Lucy episode where Lucy and Ethel were left to work a conveyor belt at the chocolate factory? Yup- it was all inspired by the chocolate conveyor belt system that still runs in the back of this charming little chocolate shop. From here, head west on Santa Monica Blvd and you’d pass by Sprinkles Cupcakes, The Academy of Motion Pictures and Arts and Sciences, Beverly Drive and the Electric Fountain on Wilshire and Santa Monica Blvd (In the 1995 movie Clueless, the fountain is where Cher had the epiphany that she is in love with Josh). Then see the Beverly Hilton, venue of the Golden Globes just across it. As you head east on Wilshire, window shop at luxes stores like Neiman Marcus and Saks 5th Ave. You’ll also see the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel, the hotel used in the hit movie Pretty Woman.

14) WALKING TOUR OF BEVERLY HILLS: Start on Santa Monica Blvd at the Beverly Hills City Hall. Across the street is the beautifully restored Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. Just around the corner is Edelweiss Chocolate. Remember that I Love Lucy episode where Lucy and Ethel were left to work a conveyor belt at the chocolate factory? Yup- it was all inspired by the chocolate conveyor belt system that still runs in the back of this charming little chocolate shop. From here, head west on Santa Monica Blvd and you’d pass by Sprinkles Cupcakes, The Academy of Motion Pictures and Arts and Sciences, Beverly Drive and the Electric Fountain on Wilshire and Santa Monica Blvd (In the 1995 movie Clueless, the fountain is where Cher had the epiphany that she is in love with Josh). Then see the Beverly Hilton, venue of the Golden Globes just across it. As you head east on Wilshire, window shop at luxes stores like Neiman Marcus and Saks 5th Ave. You’ll also see the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel, the hotel used in the hit movie Pretty Woman.

If you’re a sports fan, visit the Staples Center to see all the athlete statues. Statues outside the building are all in excellent condition and offers a great photo opportunity. Across the street is the Nokia Center and there are plenty of shops and restaurants in the surrounding area. It’s nice, clean, safe and easy to get to. (Last time I was there, I ran into Mark Cuban at the Marriott! He was super nice!)

15) STAPLES CENTER: If you’re a sports fan, visit the Staples Center to see all the athlete statues. Statues outside the building are all in excellent condition and offers a great photo opportunity. Across the street is the Nokia Center and there are plenty of shops and restaurants in the surrounding area. It’s nice, clean, safe and easy to get to. (Last time I was there, I ran into Mark Cuban at the Marriott! He was super nice!)

How many of these places have you visited?

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May 28, 2024  by

Maui’s Best Beach … No Swimsuits Required

I met a guy at our hotel who suggested I visit Makena Beach. “Let’s put it this way,” he said, “I’ve been on Maui for 20 days and have spent time on this beach almost every single day.” With an endorsement like that, I had to see it for myself.

Having been around the entire island of Maui, I have to say that I agree with him. It’s become my favorite beach as well.

The sand is so pure, you sink as you walk through it.

The sand is so pure, you sink as you walk through it.

The beach is very easy to find. Once you park, you will walk through a nice wooded area for about a third of a mile to get to the beach. From the woods, your first sight of the blue waters is stunning. This is what locals refer to as “The Big Beach” and it is about a mile long and has pure golden-white sand. In this area, there are several huge trees that you can use as shelter from the sun if you need a refuge. Because of the massive waves, there is a lifeguard on duty. This beach is not ideal if you want to snorkel or if you’re with small children – the waves are too unpredictable.

At the end of the north side of the beach is big lava rock that is ideal for taking photos. For the adventurous, there’s a path that goes over to the other side that will lead you to “The Little Beach.” This section of the beach is clothing optional. And if you walk further, you can get away from the crowd and discover a hiking path that leads to a rocky beach and a dramatic cliff. (Sorry folks, but no photography allowed!)

While this may not be the best “swimming” beach on Maui, it is definitely the best walking, lounging and hiking beach on the island. Come see for yourself!

The walk through the wooded area can be a refreshing break from the heat

The walk through the wooded area can be a refreshing break from the heat

It's quite easy making friends with the locals

It’s quite easy making friends with the locals

Your first sight of the ocean

Your first sight of the ocean

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Making my mark on the beach

Making my mark on the beach

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Please feel free to share this story with your friends …

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May 28, 2024  by

World’s Most Beautiful Bookstore

The El Ateneo Grand Splendid Bookstore located at 1860 Sante Fe Ave, Buenos Aires, Argentina is not your ordinary bookstore. It has been voted one of the most beautiful bookshop in the world.

What makes this bookstore unique? It opened as a theater called Teatro Gran Splendid in May 1919 and in February 2000, the building was renovated and converted into a book and music shop. With 21,000 square feet of retail space, it welcomes over a million guests each year from all over the world.

El Ateneo Grand Splendid Bookstore

The cinema seating was removed and in its place book shelves were installed. The stage is now a coffee shop (You have to try their meat empanadas! They are to die for!). The box office is now a cashier.

Upon entry, you step up into what used to be a large performing arts venue. The main floor is split wide open by the staircase down to the music and children’s section. The upper levels have a smaller rotunda and then an open section facing the main stage.

Despite the renovation, the architect was able to maintain the grand elements of the theater – The frescoes on the ceiling, the ornate carvings, the grand staircase, the crimson stage curtains, the auditorium lighting and many architectural details remain. The building still retains the feeling of the grand theatre it once was.

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May 28, 2024  by

The Most Amazing Hotel Room, EVER!

I’ve stayed at a lot of hotel rooms and Bungalow 232 at the

intercontinental Hotel Thalasso Bora Bora is by far the most beautiful one!

While prices vary depending on the season, it averages at $700-$1,500/night.

Is it worth it? Most definitely! Let me show you around my room!

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May 28, 2024  by

20 Vacation Ideas for 2015

What are you looking to do on your vacation? Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, adventure, beach & sun, casinos, fabulous resort, family trip, relaxation, spas, architectural wonders, ancient cities, skiing, food tripping or shopping, there are many amazing options for all interests and budgets.

Perhaps one of these images I took from around the world can help you decide where to spend your vacation. (Not in any particular order)

 

1) ROME, ITALY: Pilgrimage, museums and great food

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2) BALI, INDONESIA: Fabulous (and inexpensive) hotels/villas, spas, family getaway and relaxing vacation

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3) VENICE, ITALY: Romantic getaway and great food

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4) LAKE LOUISE, CANADA: Picturesque landscape, road trip, hiking and majestic mountains

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5) NAPA, CALIFORNIA: Great wine and cuisine and beautiful scenery

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6) PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES: Beaches, snorkeling, family trip, and diving

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7) LONDON, ENGLAND: Architecture, history and art

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8) MARRAKESH, MORROCO, : Adventure, fabulous hotels and landscape
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9) SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA : Wonderful shopping, cool restaurants and landmarks

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10) RONDA, SPAIN: Great weather, architecture, and breathtaking mountains and beaches

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11) CARMEL, CALIFORNIA: Dramatic shoreline, world-famous golf, and spas

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12) CANCUN. MEXICO : Adventure, parties, beautiful beaches and pyramids

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13) LAKE COMO, ITALY : Outlet shopping, picturesque lakes and alps, wonderful architecture

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14) ZURICH, SWITZERLAND: Picturesque city, great people watching and beautiful lakes

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15) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: Hot surfers, great beaches and party town!

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16) SALZBURG, AUSTRIA: Beautiful town, quaint shops, charming architecture and history

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17) BEIJING, CHINA: Great Wall of China and Olympic Village, and culture

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18) GRAND CANYON, NEVADA : Nature, landscape, road trip and family trip

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19) SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA: Adventure, cultural immersion, religious trip and relaxation

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20) OIA, GREECE: Breathtaking landscape, beach, sailing, food trip and relaxationIMG_4415

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May 28, 2024  by

If an Artist Designed a Hotel, This is How it Would Look Like …

I’d like to take credit and say that I discovered this incredibly decadent hotel after a long, exhaustive research. But the truth is, a friend I was traveling with booked it for us.

When my friend Ethan told me that he has booked our hotel, I immediately asked for the website. “You don’t understand Ethan,” I warned him, “I want something straight out of the ‘King and I’ set … I want a hotel that has Balinese charm, but with Western amenities.” Sure enough, Arma Hotel Bali provided both. Arma Resort is what you have envisioned your magical Balinese vacation to be (and more).

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ARMA RESORT offers beautiful, comfortable accommodations in a serene and lush environment. The resort is set amidst 10 acres (4 hectares) of landscaped gardens, rice fields, lotus ponds, pools, stream and fountains. This place truly reflects the essence of Bali in sights, sounds, smells and tastes.

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