The Succulent Wife's Favorite Things

Scoot Coupes: The FUN-EST Way to view the Strip

This was so much fun… We rented these brand new Scoot Coupe vehicles the other night and “pranced” around the Las Vegas Strip and Fremont Street (aka Downtown Las Vegas). We took the kids and some friends.

Each three wheeled Scoot Coupe seats two. Our whole group created quite the parade with its seven coupes following in a neat row. We instantly became an instant attraction on the Strip.

The most memorable part of our ride was the unobstructed views that we had from the mini vehicle. No roof, no windshield to block the view. The Strip never looked so glorious. I guess that you would get this same view from a motorcycle or a regular scooter too, but since I don’t ride either of those, I never got to see the city from this new “close-up” angle. And, for having gone up and down Las Vegas Boulevard too many times to count, it’s only in riding this little vehicle that I got to notice landmarks and things that I had never seen before.

The Scoot Coupes are small little things but they feel zippy. They have all the trappings of a safe vehicle: turning signals, lights, a LOUD horn and seat belts.  Oh, and the 30 MPH speed limit reinforces the safety aspect. You can’t go crazy in these. We felt safe and, with all the attention we were getting, we also felt kinda hip! I also felt like a kid. And my kids felt like… kids having a blast.

I would recommend this to anyone in any age group. I would especially recommend going at night to get a full sense of the lights that illuminate the Strip. Here’s where to go to rent the little machines:  Scoot City. Rentals are 1 hour for $49.00, 3 hours for $99.00 and 24 hours for $249.00.
 
Have fun!!!

 

A JOLLY GOOD TIME: SPAMALOT AT THE GRAIL THEATRE, WYNN LAS VEGAS - Las Vegas Show Review

Well, to start, let me admit that I not a Monty Python follower. I have “accidentally” seen a few scenes from some of their movies and skits but have never actively sought them out. Men seem to be disproportionately attracted to Monty Python humor. All my ex-boyfriends and now my husband and son are big fans. My daughter and I… we could take it or leave it. Yes, I’m definitely more the historical novel type than historical (hysterical?) farce type. 

Anyhoo, it is still with some enthusiasm that I made my way to the Grail Theatre at Wynn Las Vegas for my very first Spamalot performance. Not having seen the productions in other cities, I won’t be able to tell you how this one compares. But we do know that the Las Vegas show has been cut down to 90 minutes and has no intermission. It goes without saying that the Vegas hotels want their guests in the casino, not in the theatre.

Like all good Las Vegas theatre venues, the Grail Theatre’s lobby has been planned to “get you in the  mood” of the event before you are even seated. This one does it quite successfully with various collages and vintage images (yes, we can call them vintage at 35+ years) of Monty Python characters. I enjoyed the humorous interpretations of historical artifacts that line the walk to the theatre. I wasn’t the only one taking photos (see the "Knight Mare" and the "Trophy Wife" at left). This was entertaining from the get-go. The bar, called the Snack-a-Lot, runs with the theme and you can buy giant drinks in Holy Grail goblets. Themed souvenir glasses, that’s just so ... Las Vegas.

We find our seats. The live orchestra is practicing. Love a live orchestra. That’s always a good sign that a production is taking itself seriously… Not sure if seriously is the right adjective here, but you get the gist.

And so, the parody begins, with plenty of puns and song and dance. And our analysis begins as well: how much of this show will be exactly like the movie? I’m happy to report that, contrary to all advertising (see the show’s own promotional blurb), not all of the show was ripped off from the Monty Python and the Holy Grail movie. In fact, a large portion of the show was different. For one, this show is a musical. And there are many other new scenes and new concepts in “character development”. For instance, we find out that Lancelot is gay and breaks out in this wonderful Carmen Miranda type routine. Loved it. I also loved the Fiddler on the Roof spoof and the ridicule of the French soldiers.

I usually don't enjoy slapstick and easy,obvious humor, but I found myself – gasp – laughing out loud on several occasions. I guess that the cleverness of the humor is why Monty Python endures so well. No one is immune to their mockery and that’s what makes it perfectly acceptable. It’s the universal put down.

Aside from the obligatory “What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas” reference, this production was a delight. Great performers, dancers, sets and costumes that are supporting great material.

I would highly recommend it, wherever you might find yourself. Not knowing any better, I was quite pleased with the Las Vegas version!

The Desert Pearl Inn, Zion National Park - Our Pearl of a Getaway

I don't know why I have not written about this truly lovely inn before. We like to discover new destinations and hotel properties, so for our family to go back to the same location more than once is an exception. Indeed, The Desert Pearl Inn, Springdale, Utah is exceptional and has been my family's getaway oasis for about 5 years now. We try to go there at least twice a year to recharge and to take a break from our own Las Vegas desert (climatic and cultural!).

We discovered the Desert Pearl after our first visit to Zion National Park, at which time, not knowing any better, we stayed at a less than satisfactory place.

This is the type of sharing of "best kept secret" that is hard to do. When too many people know about a good thing, it becomes too popular for its own good. Not that I think that I have that kind of influence, but you know what I mean...

Anyhoo, here are the facts. We love the Desert Pearl Inn for so many reasons, but mainly because:

• of its location, right smack in the center of cute Springdale, Utah, walking distance from restaurants and little shops
• it's about 1 mile from the entrance of Zion National Park. You can drive or take the shuttle, with a stop conveniently located in front of the Inn. We prefer taking the shuttle than fighting for a parking spot
• its owners, Robin and her husband have built this place with passion and it shows. Besides the idyllic location, the inn was built with every detail & amenity that a guest could want or expect. Rooms are very large and sleep 4 very comfortably. The decor is a cool contemporary southwest style, totally in keeping with the surroundings. The whole is enhanced by handcrafted furniture and local art
• we love reserving one of the first floor rooms which open either on the pool view (with a wonderful grassy area perfect for Frisbee or football throwing) or on the other side of the property, on the river view. Either way, the personal patio space is fitted with two comfortable Adirondack chairs, perfect for watching the children play on the grounds, for savoring our morning coffee or indulging in a glass of wine. Usually our kids make new friends and adults start talking. It makes for a real sense of community.
• we love the heated pool and the generously sized spa
• we love that the rooms are equipped with a refrigerator and microwave. Makes snacking and appetizer preparation easy.  You know, need some hors d'oeuvres to go with the wine
• always first on the list for me: free WiFi. Registration not even required
• the Inn has just completed some suites, 1100 sq. ft. each (we visited. They are Fab with a capital F) that we hope to stay in next time.

So, what is there to do in beautiful Zion? Well, just being in Zion quiets the mind and rejuvenates. But, we really love the hiking. Most especially the Virgin River's "The Narrows" hike in warm weather. We do a 6 mile return hike through the river. Always an exhaustingly satifying hike. Other than that, we love going to Zion to catch up on reading and family time and conversation and to just plain relax and take in the beauty of the surroundings. There is also plenty of cycling and mountain biking, ATV-ing, horseback riding and tours. Lots of equipment rental places are around if you don't have your own. And then there are sites like the Coral Pink Sand Dunes and the tiny ghost town of Grafton, UT. This one is fun for a 20 minutes detour; parts of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were filmed there.

I hope that you get to discover this wonderful and very scenic part of the American Southwest.

Vosges Chocolates - Exotic Chocolates and More

When friends visit us in Las Vegas, we like to parade around The Strip to hear their oooohs and ahhhhs, vicariously feeling that we had a hand in creating all this crafty overload of sensorial experiences. Alas, I'm not that brilliant and my input is confined to knowing "all the good places".

Indeed, when Pierre visited recently for Toronto, Canada, I made the Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace one of our obligatory stops. Besides the Forum Shops unbelievable collection of upscale and luxury shops, nouveau/ancient roman-like environment, the curved escalator is one of its main attraction. But the Forum Shops are not the subject of this post. Indeed, the subject is a shop that the curved escalator led us to: Vosges Chocolate...

Agreeing to indulge my endless faiblesse for good, real chocolate, Pierre agreed that this shop was a necessary pit stop. Refuelling, you know... We sampled. And sampled some more. And eventually, we walked out with the totally indulgent Exotic Caramel Collection. OMG!!!! As my good friend Audrey would say, "a real M.O.". If you can't figure out what that means, you'll need to email me. No, it's not Modus Operandi. The M stands for Mouth...

Anyhoo, I love, love, love the novel mix of flavors, adding bona fide spices with sweet tastes. Just brilliant combinations. If you drop by Las Vegas, you must pay a visit, otherwise, you might find a retailer or Vosges Boutique in your area.

Pink Ladies Taxis - For Women Only!

It isn't always safe being chauffered around!  In London alone, 10 women are attacked each month after getting into an unlicensed mini-cab. No wonder that many women feel safer taking a taxi driven by a woman. Pink Ladies spotted a business opportunity, and created the UK's first women-only private car hire franchise. The Pink Ladies drive Renault Kangoos that are pink inside and out, making them highly visible. Passengers sign up as members, and fares are either pre-paid, paid by credit card or with a 'pink account', which is convenient for members and safe for drivers. Booking is done over the phone, and a text message is sent to the customer to let her know the vehicle is approaching, which means she doesn't have to wait outside. Drivers are trained in self-defense and will wait outside a customer's home after a drop-off to ensure she gets in safely.

The phenomenon is spreading globally: there's recently launched Forsche in Bombay, whose taxis include conveniences like wet wipes and perfumed talcum powder to freshen up on the way to a work meeting, nail polish remover and nail clippers and women's magazines. Nice detail: Forsche's female founder is former amateur rally driver Revathi Roy. Expansion to Pune, and starting a driving school for women is next on her agenda (no website yet, unfortunately). In Moscow, Pink Taxi and Ladies Red Taxi are vying for female business. Still leaves a lot of cities to bring this service to!

via Trendwatching

New Bike Sharing Program in Paris – Velib.

 

You have probably heard about this new bike sharing program launched in Paris ten days ago.  Given the traffic and parking problems in Paris, weaving around the city on a bicycle might be the most efficient solution for short distance commuting.

Velib is a new a self-service bike rental program where a user can pick up a bike at various designated stations (pick up and drop locations). Almost 20,000 heavy duty bikes and 750 stations are already peppered throughout the metropolis. One can rent a bicycle for an annual membership of 29 Euros or by the half hour at various rates ranging from 1 to 4 Euros. The first half hour is free. Yeah!

So far so good. No bike accidents in the first week and about 45,000 rentals a day already. A great above ground alternative to the Metro, especially in good weather. Oh, and the service is also available to tourists.

Vocation Vacations - Try on your Dream Career

How brilliant! Don't we all have this yearning inside us, one of those unfulfilled "dreams" that go something like this... I always wanted to design couture shoes.  I'm dreaming of owning a cute little neighborhood cafe.  I think I could be a casting agent...

The VocationVacations concept was created by Brian Kurth, during one of his long daily commutes on Chicago's Kennedy Expressway. Numb from his lack of passion for what he did for a living and staring at brake lights, he wondered what it would be like to be a wine maker, a tour guide or a dog trainer. Brian wanted to explore his dream jobs through a company offering working adults short-term “internships” while on vacation. But with research, Brian realized such a company did not exist. A business idea was born.After first test-driving a dream job in the wine industry, he created his ultimate dream job by launching VocationVacations® in January, 2004.

My dad did that, the wine making thing, in Hungary. And after spending a gazillion dollars on his dream project, he ended up selling his post-communist-now-magnificently-renovated winery and chateau a few years later. He soon found out that the wine making business was cut throat, not the romantic imagery that he had succumbed to when he first bought acres of vineyards. A vocation vacation, had it existed at the time, might have helped him better assess the massive undertaking that awaited him. Nonetheless, as fthe  family members that got the privilege to visit the winery without having to operate it, we only have dreamy memories of our sejours in that enchanting environment. BTW, this was the place, the Szent Gaal Winery. An oasis. But, I digress...

In Vacation Vocation's own words: "VocationVacations is the only company of its kind. We offer our clients (“vocationers”) one- to- three day, hands-on, dream job immersion experiences under the tutelage of expert mentors. Our mentors are passionate about what they do and are committed to sharing their knowledge and experience with individuals who dream of walking in their shoes".  See the current offering of Dream Job Holidays right here.

Hummm, I'm might just try my hand at being a restaurant critic. I'm good at critiquing!

The New Seven Wonders of the World

The New 7 Wonders of the World have been announced during the Official Declaration ceremony in Lisbon, Portugal on Saturday, July 7, 2007 - 07.07.07.

The New7Wonders Foundation has the express aim of documenting, maintaining, restoring and reconstructing world heritage under the motto: "OUR HERITAGE IS OUR FUTURE." The Foundation was created in 2001 by Swiss adventurer Bernard Weber, with a mission to protect humankind's heritage across the globe.

The new wonders  are selected as the people’s choices (100 million of us are voting), and they are drawn from the earliest time that humankind walked upon the earth up through the year 2000.

See the details on these magnificent man made constructions right here: The Great Wall of China, Petra, Jordan, Christ Redeemer, Brazil, Machu Piccu, Peru, Chichen Itza, Mexico, The Colosseum, Italy and the Taj Mahal, India.  The runner up finalists can be found on this page.

Well, I've seen two of these seven. Lots of work to do to see the rest!!

Risibisi Restaurant & Wine Bar - Petaluma, CA

Worth the detour. We actually stumbled upon this little gem "by accident" on our way to Sonoma. We were searching for something "charming"and Risibisi Restaurant delivered that and then some.

Cool bistro decor. We were immediately welcomed by one of the restaurant owners of this casually chic restaurant. As always,I like the know "the story" behind everything (a weird obsession and kinda the premise behind The Succulent Wife's Gift Company) so I peppered the gentleman with questions. He was proud to say that he and his partner were the real deal real Italians. No Fettucine Alfredo here. Although we did get some balsamic vinegar in our dipping oil. They traditionally don't do that in Italy...

Although we were in wine country, I could not resist the invitation to try the Champagne Mojito. Wow, that was wonderful and the perfect aperitif to get me to focus on the meal to come. I started with the Heirloom Tomato Trio. Nice presentation and a great sampling of their tomato favorites. Hubby had the organic baby beet salad with caramelized pecans.

It was Porcini mushroom month with a tasting menu dedicated to the little fungi. I selected a simple mushroom risotto from that menu. The flavor was anything but simple. Totally savory and dare I say, succulent? I forget what my husband had (guess that the mojito had taken effect by then...) and he's not around for me to ask, but I remember him raving.

Service was friendly and efficient without being hurried. Atmosphere was pleasant, unfussy and relaxed. Food was fantastic and pricing very acceptable. If this restaurant was in my neighborhood, I'd definitely become a regular.

Do make it a destination in you are in the Santa Rosa or Sonoma area.

Xavier Nuez -- Contemporary Art Photography

Discovering the work of Xavier Nuez was another of the many delights to be found at the Fillmore Jazz Festival.  Xavier was showing his Alleys & Fire Escapes Collection, the colors and imagery of which immediately drew the attention of our - hip - teenage son. We spoke to Xavier and evidently, that conversation led us to appreciate his art even more. He told us about his scouting for deserted or abandoned inner city locations, about his 90 minutes long exposures and about his lighting techniques. No Photoshop here. Quite remarkable and the fact that he was also a Montreal resident not so long ago makes us like him even more.

This is the image that caught my son's eye first. An abandoned stadium in Miami. Read about the background story to this image here on Xavier's Website.

He is on tour all summer in various parts of  the country. You might be lucky to find him in your neck of the woods.

In his own words: 

Alleys & Fire Escapes is an exploration of urban decay and of the elusive stories and beauty lurking within its dark corners. These are corners rich in history, which I sift through in an attempt to revive the past, and to tell its tale in powerful yet subtle ways.

Long after dark, I walk through desolate urban settings, often in inner-city ghettos, seeking out the drama and intensity of these places. With the city humming in the background, I give myself the task of finding inspiration, beauty and power where there shouldn’t be any. It is a thrilling adventure in a risky setting – I try to bring friends. 

Technical notes

To capture the striking colors in my photographs, I rely mainly on the available light, and on the long exposures required (sometimes over one hour). City lights create unusual colors on film, but what the film sees is usually not what I see when I’m at the scene – I’m often looking at dark grey buildings. I also bring along my own lights with colored gels.

I shoot with a Hasselblad camera, loaded with fine-grain film. When I started the series, I had hoped to shoot the alleys with a much larger, 4x5 camera. Unfortunately, it’s not easy to run with a 4x5 kit, so I had to settle with the 120mm format.

He will be attending the ArtExpo which is moving from NYC to Las Vegas in September. It's on my calendar.

Killer Brownies

The Fillmore Street Jazz Festival took place in San Francisco this past weekend. We were lucky enough to catch it during our quick pass through town. It was a lot of fun. Living in a need-to-drive-to-get-anywhere suburban area, I now relish any opportunity to be - walking - on a city street where  "stuff" happening. And there was plenty happening here. Jazz of course, at several stations set along the blocked-off-to-traffic Fillmore stretch. And lots of pop up merchants and artists showing off their wares for the weekend. And of course, the fun shops that have permanent residence on the street. Oh, and you could buy a glass of wine or beer or margarita on the street! Liked that part too.

Anyhoo, in the particular post I merely wanted to mention The Killer Brownie Company. Wow. They deserve that label without a doubt. Perfect light crust on the outside, perfect gooey yumminess in the center. Yes, this was brownie perfection.

You can buy them online. My personal favorite is the Chocolate Chip Macadamia Brownie. Totally worth every penny of the shipping cost.

Here's what they say on their website: " These gourmet brownies are made fresh every day at our Bakery in South San Francisco. Our recipe calls for only the finest ingredients and the best chocolates available from Guittard Chocolate Company. We personally guarantee you’ll love the rich and unique flavors they all have to offer. "

Yes, indeed.

The Belamar Hotel -- Affordable Boutique Hotel

I spent just one short night at this lovely boutique hotel last week. I had to drop off my daughter at LAX early the next morning, so Manhattan Beach looked like an excellent choice as a place to spend a day and evening together before her two week séjour away from home (I will totally set aside the fact that her departure -- she's 10. And a half -- was waaaaay harder for me than it was for her).

Anyhoo, a little bit of research unveiled the Belamar - only one L  - Hotel. I always, always read reviews on Trip Advisor before I commit to staying at any independent hotel property. Reviews were excellent and I will add my favorable comments to the mix. Although the hotel is 1.5 miles away from downtown Manhattan Beach and from the beach itself, we thoroughly enjoyed walking there, through the residential neighborhood and admiring this and that house. There are parking meters along the beach if driving is your thing.

The room was EXACTLY as pictured here. Pristine and clean and lovely and a relaxing shade of turquoise blue. The  artwork displayed throughout the hotel was amusing, not serious or self-important which was a nice way to make the hotel more "approachable" to some of us who may not feel like our cool factor is totally up to par.

Since we had a huge ice cream sunday at the fabulous Manhattan Beach Creamery, we weren't hungry for dinner till late, so decided to stay in, order a movie and get room service. Not only was the food really, really good, but the prices - relative to room service pricing - were actually reasonable.

We did not go for a swim but did go down to take a look at the pool. It almost qualifies as an interior pool as it is surrounded by 3 solid walls and has a roof that seems to slide open, but a cozy fireplace and candles and great lounge chairs make it very inviting. Oh, and the water was warm.

Highly recommended by moi. I'm going back. Oh, forgot to mention the free WiFi. Duh!

The Artisan Hotel, Las Vegas: Best Kept Secret in town

I had a lovely evening last night with fellow succulent women Michelle and Susan. Susan had recommended the Artisan Hotel to us before, for its lounge and restaurant. Us locals usually shun the glossy and highly commercial Las Vegas Strip venues in favor of independent local gems. These are few and far between, but as this city is growing up, there are more and more to be found. The Artisan Hotel is one such find. It took me a couple of years before I actually found the right excuse to make it inside. And even though I had not heard anyone speak about it until recently, I always suspected that it was something “special”. I think its location is pretty inauspicious, but could also be called “convenient”. The hotel abuts the exit of our major freeway, the I-15 and Sahara. Not a quiet corner to say the least. But taking this very exit too many times to mention to drive or pick up my son from school, I always remarked on the exterior details of this hotel, signs that there was something quite promising inside. Things like the wonderful plant urns that surround the property’s wall and the stylish exterior draperies (yes, draperies!!!) that adorn the exterior staircase. Now, if a hotel is careful enough to adorn its fire escape staircase with draperies, you can imagine the things that they will care about indoors!

Indeed, this place is not a disappointment. On the contrary, what a “find” this is. And, it does not look like anything else in town. What a relief!! The photos unfortunately do not do justice to the drama of the hotel decor. They have created a feast for all senses, where sight, sound (perfect lounge music) and smell (some delightful scent was circulated in the air) are immediately catered to. The setting is purposefully dark and pays reverence to classic art as antiques and framed reproductions hang on every flat surface, ceiling included. Candles and votives are lit everywhere to add to the unique atmosphere.

We had a light dinner and drinks in the restaurant. Food was wonderful and nicely presented. Classy and attentive service. We felt quite hip and succulent sitting in this very different and unique environment.

I have not seen the rooms but have checked out reviews on Trip Advisor. I’m pretty sure that I would recommend this hotel to friend traveling to LV seeking a non-formula experience. The price definitely seems right.

I’m going back for a romantic evening with hubby.

... We Climbed in Trees

I capture this last month as we were on our way out of Bryce Canyon and entering the historic little town of Panguitch, UT.

No verbiage needed here. These little road signs say it all...

The Philip Johnson Glass House - Opening June 23, 2007

I have been come across this "story" in 3 different magazines just this past weekend. So, in case, this is news to you, here is the scoop about this now historic gem.

The Philip Johnson's Glass House, is one of 28 National Trust Historic Sites. It was a remarkable achievement when it was completed in 1949 and still looks stunning today and fills me with wonderment. Its exterior walls are of glass with no interior walls touching the exterior. The 47 acre estate in New Canaan, Connecticut includes 11 structures. Among them, the Guest House, Lake Pavilion, Painting Gallery, Sculpture Gallery, Ghost House, Studio, and Visitors Pavilion. And let’s not forget the sculpted gardens.

A visit to this site, or should I say a pilgrimage for some, would be the best way to appreciate this legendary Modernist architect's life work. Opens June 23 and already sold out through August 2007. Hurry, there are only 50 visitors allowed each day!

Glass House Tour
90-minute guided tour | $25 per person
The Philip Johnson Glass House
199 Elm Street
New Canaan, CT 06840
tel 203.594.9585
fax 203.594.9885
The official site: http://www.philipjohnsonglasshouse.org

Great article about the getting the estate prepped for visitors here on www.businessweek.com

Great article about Philip Johnson’s life here on  www.nyc-architecture.com

The Venice Biennale - A must if you can make it

I haven't checked to see if the Venice Biennale is on the list of "1000 Place to See Before You Die" book, but it should.

The 2007 exhibition is the 52nd of such to held in Venice every two years. The first one happened in 1895 and has been promoting contemporary and modern art ever since.

It is an inspiring exhibit that touched us to the core when we visited with the kids two years ago. Whether we loved what we saw, hated it, rolled our eyes or were in awe, this was an impactful experience for the kids (ok, for us too) who still talk about it regularly.

This 52nd International Art Exhibition will take place from June 10 to November 21, 2007 and will display the works of about 100 artists and groups. The theme, "Think with the Senses - Feel with the Mind", is predicated on the conviction that art is now, as it has always been, the means by which humans are made aware of the whole of their being.

The exhibition venues are held in the Italian Pavilion and the national  pavilions at the Giardini, as well as the Corderie, the Artiglierie and other venues at the Arsenale.Besides these main exhibit areas, Venice is dotted with impromptu venues. We fondly remember walking into a dark repurposed renaissance church, taking off our shoes and walking to the center of the building and then lie on colorful mattresses to watch the video display on the ceiling. Where else could we have done this?

Road Trip - Part 3 and Last

Loved the strong architectural flair of Phoenix and Scottsdale. After 14 years of cookie cutter architecture in Orange County, CA and in Las Vegas, this was refreshing. Sure, Phoenix has its strip malls too (my personal vexation in the urban landscape), but most of these are designed with a twist, something new and refreshing to delight the eye.

This is not surprising, since Frank Lloyd Wright designed and established Taliesin West there, a self-sustaining community of apprentices and architects who would learn and practice the philosophy of organic architecture by sharing in architectural work, building construction, and the related arts. His legacy lives on. To our great dismay, Taliesin was closed on the day we wanted to visit, but we did manage to visit the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, which is the only hotel in the world to which Frank Lloyd Wright contributed.



Besides the inspiring architectural sights, we made a stop at the Phoenix Art Museum that is hosting the much sought-after Rembrandt exhibit. It was a good exhibit, but not entirely satisfying. Just a few Rembrandts and none  of the really well known pieces. Nonetheless, the free audio guides did make the visit interesting and informative. Even the kids got into it! On till May 6, 2007.

 

The other exhibit at the Museum was really fascinating: Curves of Steel. This exhibit explores the streamlining of automobile design in the first years of the last century. Beautiful, glossy, mesmerizing. And this is from someone who has never really exhibited any particular fancy for car design. I wanted to buy the souvenir book but the store was closing!!!! A great design source.  You need to see this. On till June 3, 2007.

On the drive back home, we discovered the really charming historical town of Prescott, AZ and had dinner in the original Palace saloon.  The city is known as the first territorial capital, and has been home to a few illustrious characters of the Wild West era, The Earp brothers among a few of them.  Worth the detour if you are traveling in the area! the place is filled with antique shops.

I am loving Arizona!

 

 

Road Trip - Part 2

Well, still not really a road trip. We  reached our destination, chilled by the pool and went out in the evening to enjoy the town. There was the First Fridays Artwalk  going on in the Arts District in downtown  Phoenix and we were determined to hit that. The event is organized by Art Link Phoenix which "promotes the downtown Phoenix arts scene by hosting numerous events intended to grow the arts community". The First Fridays Artwalk has grown to become the largest monthly artwalk in the United States., with 100 arts venues open free to the public.

Let me be honest. Most of the "art" was amusing to look at but not really of collecting caliber. I wouldn't attend this happening in the hopes of finding the next treasured art piece  to hang over the mantle, but the Artwalk itself  was a whole lot of fun.  Still, here were some true finds. One of them, Kathryn Pinto, exhibiting at the 515 Arts Gallery. She proposes full length line illustrations of a woman in various poses (her?) on either paper or as a wood cut out.  Interesting modern and dynamic.

In a more classic style, ceramic artist Annette Weaver showed some exceptional pieces: platters, vases, bowls with flower patterns, almost flat with just the outer edge of the petal ever so lightly lifted for a subtle 3D effect. Beautiful. She doesn't have a website and I could not take photos. You will have to visit First Fridays to see it for yourself.

And there was much more than just art.  Crafters of all kinds, petition and political advocates of all denomination and musicians for every genre. Our favorite was "Get your free Barock. Completely free!" a truly grass roots campaign which pushed Obama  as presidential candidate.

Oh, and lest we forget dessert. Look at this little creation from Tammie Coe Cakes that we took back home. Yes, that is a real colorful fondant icing. Yummm.

Road Trip - Part 1

Ok, well, not officially a road trip. More of a getaway weekend for the family from one desert to another. We spent this last weekend discovering Phoenix and Scottsdale, a 5 1/2 hour trip from Henderson, NV.

We were delighted to stumble upon the quaint little town of Wickenburg, AZ on Highway 60.  It's a historical mining town which boast of its rich western heritage. In fact, it's also known as the Dude Ranch Capital with four ranches that offer the "ranching experience" for the gentile folk.

 

We stopped for lunch and actually had to choose.  Yes, even on a Thursday at just 12:00 pm, we had to make a choice from a great variety of cantinas, saloons and grills. That was unexpected but delightful as we always go out of our way to avoid the fast food chains (which would only be palatable as last resort food only, in cases of extreme desperation. We've all seen Super Size Me and Fast Food Nation and the fast-food-turn-off effect is quite long lasting).

The Quarter Horse Antiques shop caught our eye on the way out of town - how could it not, with it's dinosaurs, horses and other wildlife menagerie looming so large. The store doesn't have a website, but it is definitely worth the visit if you are in the area. The exact address is 30220 Highway 60/89 in Wickenburg, AZ.  Great outdoor decorative accessories, almost museum-like, can be seen in the outdoor area while the inside shop offers unique and beautiful antiques, western and Mexican furniture and paraphernalia, pottery, dinnerware, jewelry, wooden cigar Indians and the list goes on.. Too much fun and the owner has a story to tell with each piece that she shows in her store.

Couple more hours and we'll be in Scottsdale.  Speak soon.

GoCar Tours

THE CURE FOR THE COMMON TOUR ™

The GoCar is the first GPS-guided tour car that launched in San Francisco in April 2004.  As the “first ever storytelling car", it's evidently the most fun way to tour San Francisco, San Diego and Miami.

The GoCar looks like a tiny yellow two-seater car, but is actually a three wheeled moped that carries two passengers required to wear helmets. The "integrated" tour guide system provides running commentary in a choice of five languages. The GoCar takes you to spectacular places few visitors get to see on their own. It's like having a local show you around. This little car can go where the tour buses can't.  It also allows you to tour at your own pace. The GPS tour guide will make suggestions for good stops and direct the driver if he or she gets lost.  Gone is any excuse to be a stupid tourist!

Vacation with a Purpose!

Well, same thing happens every March. I end up panicked, faced with the task of organizing our family's summer: camps, obligatory summer school, family visits, leisure travel... How can I fit it all in and coordinate it so that it schedules correctly? Oh, and then I'm working with special wishes, demands and budgets. I feel like a flight controller at O'Hare. 

This year, I am quite excited at the idea that we could be choosing a Volunteer Vacation. Indeed, I just found this great company that organizes such vacations for families: www.CrossCulturalSolutions.org.  It's still expensive, but I think that it would make an incredible impact on my children. Personally, I have lived in a third world country, the Congo to be exact, so I have an idea of what abject poverty looks like. Although, I must shamefully admit that I never have done anything to "help" directly. And, as much as we criticize this country that we live in, we are completely ignorant of the living conditions that the vast majority of this planet's inhabitants deal with in their everyday. I need my children to have a better appreciation for what they have. Be grateful and remember to give back.

This "vacation" would definitely be pricey, but also "priceless" in terms of the life changing experience it would bring to all of us.