travelling solo

Link

2007-01-05T06:30:00.000-08:00

Haven't been much of anywhere except for two weeks in Miami Shores. Helped out in the restaurant and ate out a little.

Try the food blog: www.mofongoman.blogspot.com

and my new blog: www.turning70.blogspot.com where I will reminisce about my life and travels.

My new friend...

2006-10-26T20:31:00.000-07:00

At the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, he left his dusty pawprint on my travelbag as a souvenir!

Yes, I was really there!

2006-10-26T05:47:00.000-07:00

Me at the Leaning Tower in Pisa, the Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens and sitting in Park Guell in Barcelona.

travelling [sic] solo

2006-10-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

Don't post a comment saying 'travelling' [sic] is spelled wrong. I know that! Someone else had the correct spelling and I still wanted that title so I used it.

You still know what it means, don't you? I could have even put 3 or 7 L's in it [travelllllling] but at least I didn't leave out the L and let you guess.

So just lllleave it allllone, alllllllllready!

barcelona.boy

2006-10-23T17:18:00.000-07:00

“I think I weigh more after this trip than I have ever weighed in my life; except for the times that I have weighed more. I do understand that statement and if you do, then you are a world traveler also. But if you don’t...”

Thomas said this as he jumped out of bed early this morning, five a.m., with a cramp in his calf. Between you and me [don’t even try to correct my grammar – in French you wouldn’t say ‘entre vous et je’ or in Spanish ‘entre usted y yo’ or even tutoyer it up a bit with ‘tu y yo’] I don’t really enjoy being fat but I do really love to eat. AND there must be a connection!

Happy Birthday in Hawaii

2006-09-24T16:01:00.000-07:00

Celebrated my 69th birthday in Hawaii.

Traveled on Delta First Class [free on miles] from BDL to ATL, a two hour flight and then a 9+ hour flight to HNL.

Culinary highlights at www.mofongoman.blogspot.com

Stayed with friends in Aiea Heights. Last trip here was in 2003; Jean was still alive then. Spent lots of time 'catching up' and remembering times together in Truk.

Had been having trouble with my left eye before I left and ended up in the ER in Honolulu. My doctor here thought it was a TIA but it wasn't. Turned out to be Subacute Narrow Angle Glaucoma. Had laser surgery back home last Thursday. All seems OK so far.

Flights back were the same; long and uneventful. Took a couple of days to recover.

Deep River Muster

2006-07-15T19:12:00.000-07:00

Spent most of the day at the Deep River Muster. Drove down Route 9 and took Exit 5. We got there around 10 and easily found parking [$5]. Set up our folding chairs in the shade and waited for the parade to begin at 11.

There were about 60 groups marching; some small and some quite large, some well uniformed and some very raggedy. But this is just the way it was back then!

The highlight of the parade for me was the 'F Troop' segment that ended the parade. Everyone who wanted to march again regrouped at the end of the parade. Around 300 strong; color guard, fifes and drums marched and played with such vigor and pride that everyone in the parade audience was enthralled. As was I! What a wonderful truly American experience.

King of Prussia, PA

2006-07-10T16:38:00.000-07:00

Traveled to King of Prussia for an intake interview with Volunteers in Global Mission in Valley Forge.

Traveled via an AAA TripTik up 84 over 684 and down 202. Trip went well in the new car; got some good mileage.

Stayed at the Best Western in King of Prussia. Nice pool and hot tub. 'Extended' free complimentary Contintental Breakfast.

Ate at the Lone Star Steak House within walking distance of the motel [see review @ www.mofongoman.blogspot.com].

Interview went well. They liked my resumé and I liked their setup. Nice people and great database. Hopefully I will be on my way sometime after the October cruise. Stay tuned!

Chihuly @Fairchild

2006-05-01T17:07:00.000-07:00

The Chihuly installation at the Fairchild Botanical Gardens was an exciting display of blown glass sculptures in the Conservatory, lake and the Rain Forest environs of the park. He must have had lots of fun finding places to display his artwork. We were lucky enough to receive free admissions and a private tram ride through the closed sections of the grounds.

Miami Beach: The Work Place

2006-03-09T07:21:00.000-08:00

Got to do some work in the kitchen this visit here at the Tower House Restaurant run by S and P.

I prepped and prepared salads, folded 'diaper' napkins, set-up the petit-fours trays, garnished plates with orchids and helped set up the dining room. Don't think it will be a career move, however!

Miami Shores: The Home Place

2006-03-09T07:15:00.000-08:00

Visited sister and brother-in-law, S and P, in Miami Shores [again] March after the Las Vegas EH trip.

Spent lots of time out here on the new patio. It is the perfect place to relax and get some sun.

SoBe Wine and Food Festival 2006: Tribute Brunch

2006-03-05T10:02:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we attended the Tribute Brunch [menu also to be posted on http://www,mofongoman.blogspot.com] held in the ballroom of the Loews Hotel Miami. Highlights: Wolfgang Puck flew in from Hollywood to give the South Beach Wine and Food Festival Lifetime Achievement Award to Maida Heater [daughter of Gabriel Heater], Baron Eric de Rothschild there to donate his Chilean wines to the brunch, and the introduction of all the chefs that prepared the great food. This was a fitting end to a great weekend. But we did go to the Tasting Tents after anyway....

Then it was off to a two week stay with S and P in Miami Shores.

SoBe Wine and Food Festival 2006: Tasting Tents

2006-03-05T09:44:00.000-08:00

American Express gate at the Tasting Tent Area was fabulous. Went right ahead of the line to get wristband identification, gift bag and Riedel glass. The line into the Demo Area has started forming hours earlier but at precisely 11 the gate opened and it took only 5 mintues to get in. There was the demonstration area open early and two tasing tents opening later at 1pm. All of the chef cooking demos were in the first area.

Saturday AM Highlights: Giftbag of goodies, Riedel wineglass, HardRock Casino TShirt, La Table canvas bag, Hummer Matchbox collectibles, Evian handmassage. Didn't stay for any demos but went back to hotel to unload bag and change clothes.

Saturday PM Highlights: 2 AMex Tasting Tents - Food [so unbloggable]: Gazpacho with Cucumber Sorbet, Biso Ceviche and many other ceviches, Chocolate Baklava, Pistachio Cream in Chocolate Shells [also on my shirt], Lobster Popsicles, PEEPS in a White Chocolate Fountain, Mango/Lobster Bites, Baked Oysters with Pepperoni and Spinach, etc.........

Dueling Champagne companies: Moet Chandon vs. Veuve Cliquot, rum, rum, rum, Mojitos, punch, punch, punch and so many new kinds of Bottled Water....

Went back on Sunday with S and P. Highlights [being more choosy?]: Champagne, Mojitos, Coconut Flan, Cheeses and Rabbit. Met someone in the 'rabbit line' from Cromwell, CT right next door. He raises rabbits; small world!

SoBe Wine and Food Festival 2006: People Pix

2006-03-05T08:47:00.000-08:00

Piaget models with diamond jewelry and diamond watches:

Veuve Cliquot Trapeze Artist & Moet Chandon Flautist:

Belevedere Vodka Model trying to keep warm while being truly HOT!

SoBe Wine and Food Festival 2006: Tribute Dinner

2006-03-05T08:25:00.000-08:00

Decoding Ferran Adria: The Tribute Dinner was held Saturday, Februay 25, 2006 at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel from 7 t0 11.

The Gosset Champagne Reception was hosted by chefs Norman Van Aken and Emeril Lagasse. The champagne was served in magnums. The Hors d'Oeuvres were: Crabcakes, Sashimi, Gazpacho, Cajun Shrimp and 'Pigs in a Blanket'.

Eight Piaget models and a Cabaret Singer completed the picture.

The 7 course dinner [detailed menu to be found on http://mofongoman.blogspot.com] for 600 people was in the ballroom. Tables were set for 10 with Rosenthal china and Riedel glassware. The Rosenthal charger plates were presented as gifts at the end of the dinner along with a gift bag of Olive Oil and Ferran Adria linen cocktail napkins.

There were 125 servers, 80 kitchen staff and 80 set-up personnel. 600 plated courses had to be served at the same time!

A Davidoff Cigar and Sherry Bar followed the dinner.

The Ciroc afterParty was held at the Ritz Carlton featuring Ciroc Martinis - we had Ruby Martinis [my first/last?].

SoBe Wine and Food Festival 2006: BubbleQ

2006-03-05T07:42:00.000-08:00

Thursday evening, February 23

After the red-eye flight from Las Vegas to Fort Lauderdale and a Friday morning nap in Miami Shores, checked into the Royal Palm Hotel in South Beach. Great room with a Euro Sleep Bed!

Met sister S and brother-in-law P and went to the preParty at the Sagamore Hotel. Red and White Wine and Strawberry Mojitos around the pool. Served Hors d'Oeuvres: Deviled Eggs with Truffle Oil and Caviar, Mini Beef Wellingtons, Shrimp and Ceviche in individual spoons, Mini Foie Gras Burgers, and Lamb Kibbe with dipping sauce.

Then onto BubbleQ on the beach at the Delano Hotel. Sponsored by Moet Chandon Champagne, the bubbly was offered in all its forms and packaging. Since Bobby Flay was the Host, barbecue was highlighted in 20 indiviual tents; each manned by a different chef/restaurant. Some of the offerings were: Quail, MiniBurgers, Pork Loin, Kobe Beef, Duck and too many more to remember. There was even a Tarte Tatin grilled for dessert.

This was all on the beach with table for four draped in silver material, chairs 'slipcovered' in gauze. Calla lilies and lucite boxes of white roses everywhere. The Moet girls were parading around in not much more than bubbles [sorry no pix!].

Then came the rain, not a shower but a deluge! We had eaten and indulged in enough champagne to make the run back to the Delano an adventure. The postParty sponsored by Belevedere Vodka was to be next door at the National on the beach but we decided to call it a night. They drove home and I ran back to the Royal Palm in the torrential downpour [yes, I had an umbrella.] The streets were flooded and I waded through an intersection 'puddle' up to my knees. GREAT NIGHT!

Las Vegas EH: Thursday 2/23/06

2006-03-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

Today is the last full day of the Elderhostel trip here in Las Vegas.

Our final AM lecture was 'The Rest of the Story', a return visit by Dr. Green. He gave a lot more information this time with less comedy.

We had lunch at the Firelight Buffet [yes] at Sam's Town. This was another local casino named for Sam Boyd, entrepreneur. We then sat in on the live taping of the 'Dennis Bono Show' radio show. The music was conducted by Bob Rozario whom we had met earlier. There was Dennis as the host, a co-host, a regular singer and four guests: 2 comedians and 2 singers. Both comedians were good and the singers went from okay to 'forget about it'.

After dinner buffet at the Coco Palms back at the Stardust and some slot machine fun, I caught a taxi for the red-eye 11:30pm flight to Fort Lauderdale. I arrived on time at 7:00 where I had a car and driver waiting.

Now it's time for the South Beach Wine and Food Festival. This will be blogged on both this blog and my food blog: www.mofongoman.blogspot.com

Las Vegas EH: Wednesday PM 2/22/06

2006-03-02T07:41:00.000-08:00

LIBERACE MUSEUM

Lunch today was at the Liberace Museum and it wasn't a buffet!

We had Tuna Salad Sandwiches on a Croissant, Salad, Chips and a Soda.

This was to be an experience I had never before encountered!

After lunch we sat through the Wes Winter Show. He is not a Liberace look-a-like but defintiely a Liberace wannabe! His playing was based on the Liberace showmanship style. He was actually a very talented pianist. After the performance we had a rushed visit through the Liberace museum which houses his costumes, furniture and memorablia.

Later that evening we went to the Bellagio for a quick supper at FIX. We had the Triple Fix: 3 bowls of fried goodies [clams, calamari and rock shrimp] with 3 bowls of dip [tartar sauce, ponzu cream and Thai chili]. Very good and with a drink apiece we were ready for the rest of the evening: Cirque du Soleil. We saw the show "O" which was created for that theater in the Bellagio. Another stunning show and a little different from the chapiteau [tent] settings I have seen in Hartford.

Las Vegas EH: Wednesday AM 2/22/06

2006-03-01T09:27:00.000-08:00

Backstage at BALLY'S with the JUBILEE SHOW
Met a showgirl for our tour. She started out in her 'day clothes' and proceeded through her makeup routine and then changed into her costume. What a difference! Then she changed into her guide 'uniform'; couldn't wear that one of the street either.

Got to see all the dressing rooms, costumes, props and scenery. Went below stage to see the mechanics of getting the show performed. Great tour.

Las Vegas EH: Tuesday 2/21/06

2006-03-01T08:33:00.000-08:00

Two AM lectures: 'Vegas Now' by Vince Eade and 'Gaming Control Board' by James Taylor. Both excellent talks; showed how not to cheat, how to go to jail and how to be blackballed from all the casinos.

Lunch at the French Market at the Orleans Casino. This was a local casino [as opposed to a Strip casino] and the gaming was quite different as was the clientele.

Afternoon Tour: Red Rock Canyon. This was a great trip and a highlight of the week. The docent was great. We met at the Visitors' Center and the bus took us on the 7 mile trip around the canyon. There were several stops for photo ops. Saw loads of pictographs and petroglyphs.

That evening we skipped the buffet at the hotel as we had been invted to the W's home out of the city in Somerlin. SW was an old church friend of BD. They have a lovely home and served a great meal. Back to the hotel late.

Las Vegas EH: Monday 2/20/06

2006-03-01T08:16:00.002-08:00

Buffet breakfast at the Coco Palms in the hotel. Very good selection, lots of variety.

Bus to UNLV Campus for AM lectures:
'Gaming Technology' by Dr. Pearl Brewer. Lots of math and many reasons NOT to gamble.
' Life as an Entertainer' by Bob Rozario. He was Bobby Darrin's manager up until Bobby's death. Lots of interesting Vegas stories to tell.

Lunch at the UNLV Cafeteria. Good variety and lots of students.

PM lecture: 'Vegas - The Early Years' by Dr. Michael Green, a stand-up comedy historical routine.

Then we went back to the Stardust for the Rick Thomas Magic Show. We had good seats for a very intriguing show. The main billing was the Snow Leopards but they didn't do much but get 'disappeared'. The magic part of the show was very good. Rick met with our group and answered questions. Very personable.

After dinner in the Coco Palms buffet, we took the Deuce Bus [only $1 for seniors] to the Freemont Street Experience. The light show was very good but didn't really last very long [6 to 8 minutes]. Walked around there for a while before getting the bus back to the hotel. Stopped in at Circus, Circus before going to bed.

Las Vegas EH: Sunday 2/19/06

2006-03-01T07:37:00.000-08:00

After a 'coupon' breakfast at the Deli, we took a taxi to the Stardust Hotel where the week's experience was to be held. Checked our bags at the luggage storage area and walked the strip!!!

Check in was to be at 3:00pm thru Elderhostel but my room was not ready until after dinner. No help from the Front Desk; the hotel was sold out and this happens all the time. Played some slots and then took the bus to UNLV Campus Dining Hall. Nice selection of food and, of course, it was already paid for.

Our classess were held in the old Paradise School [now a campus classroom]. Our first lecture was by Ruth Merl, a former showgirl. Interesting information.

We had a bus tour of the Strip on the way back to the hotel. Off to bed!!!

Las Vegas EH: Saturday 2/18/06

2006-03-01T07:30:00.000-08:00

Flew BDL/LAS on Southwest with an 'A' line queue boarding assignment. Went with the D's [JD & BD] for the week. BD drove to the airport and parked the car at Roncari. He will pick me up after my Miami Shores stay [more later].

Flight was very long as we had 180 mph headwinds which slowed us down a lot [7 hour flight].

We had reservations at the HoJo's at the McCarran Airport. They had just recently sold to Knights' Inn. The overnight stay was a disaster; we were tired, the rooms sucked and the only food availabe was at the 'Deli' on site. The pizza wasn't bad but the whole experience just underlines the old adage: "you get what you pay for."

Miami Shores

2005-12-24T18:58:00.000-08:00

Spent two weeks with sister and brother-in-law in Miami Shores, FL. Stayed at their new house.

Lots of time in the sun out on the deck with the two dogs, Barnum and Bailey. The cat, Buddy, just looked out the window at us and twice unsuccessfully tried to come outside.

Went to work with them a few days in the kitchen of the TowerHouse Condo restaurant. They sure work hard. I finally got to help on the night of the Annual Holiday Party as Peter, Chef, had to be 'on duty' carving the turkey and the tenderloin. I got to flip potato pancakes on the grill. My other duties up to that point were to assemble the pastry trays, decorate the dining rooms and order around the help when they were serving the appetizers. Such fun; but too much work!
I am 'le tired'! [http://www.guzer.com/animations/endofworld.php ]

Did lots of eating out and about. Went to a Trade Show featuing Spanish wines and tapas at the Biltmore in Coral Gables. That was a lot of fun. Memorable meals: YUCA on Lincoln Road. SOLO at Haulover Beach, OLIVOS at Collins and 71st, Carrrabas, La Cantina, Magnum and Rogers to name a few. The best meal of the stay was at DUO during the ChefFest for the Olive Oil Fest!
[see www.mofongoman.blogspot.com for details].

Flew DeltaSong from Bradley [BDL] to Fort Lauderdale [FLL] and the flights were great. Going to miss Song when it flies away in May. Took only handcarry [Tumi] and had enough clothes for the trip. Left some things there for my return in late February.

Home from the Hospital and Davidson B&B

2005-09-17T11:30:00.000-07:00

Arrived home today from the 'Davidson B&B' where I stayed for nigh up to 2 weeks. This was after a week in Middlesex Memorial Hospital following the reversal surgery of the colostomy.

Good to get back home but after being so well taken care of since late August this will be something else to get used to.

Miami Shores here I come [hopefully in October]!

Montréal: The Medical Evacuation

2005-07-22T07:50:00.000-07:00

The sponsor of my trip to Montréal had been Elderhostel. I was there to attend the International Music Festival at Lanaudiere. Judith, Musicologist, and Sylvie, Group Leader, had been in contact with me all during my hospital stay. They even brought me a beautiful arrangement of flowers [TJ, younger son’s SO, sent flowers also].

AIG, the International Insurance Company used by Elderhostel, called daily and told me that they would take care of my transportation home. I wasn’t even aware that I was covered by that policy. The calls from Bavaria were certainly a welcome distraction to my hot uncomfortable days in the hospital.

On Friday morning, July 22nd, Christianne Yelle, my nurse escort, entered my room at 7:50am. From that time until I arrived in East Hartford, I was very well taken care of. After recording my vitals, CY whisked me to the front door of the hospital in a wheelchair. There a limo was waiting for me. After the limo pulled away, younger son left to drive home. The limo took me to the airport for my first class US Air flight to Philadelphia.

Customs and Immigration took a long time. Even though we went to all the special lines and were given preferential treatment, the distance traveled really tired me out. We were in plenty of time for the first flight so decided to have a little breakfast. I had left the hospital too early to get breakfast there. We each had pancakes with syrup. The plate came with homefries and a little salad but I was determined not to have any stomach problems on the way home so just ate the pancakes. They were delicious!

We were first to board the flight to Philadelphia and the flight was short and uneventful. Our transfer to the next gate in Philly took a lot of time but CY got us a motorized shuttle to make it easier. The wait until the next flight was just over an hour. We boarded the next leg of our flight to Hartford. This flight was also very comfortable. The first class seats allowed me to stretch out and not feel cramped. CY took my pulse, blood pressure and Sats at each airport terminal and on each flight.

We arrived at BDL and the limo was waiting for us there also. The driver took us to East Hartford so I could stay the week with the BLD’s. What a relief it was to walk up the back steps of their house and be greeted in the family room. The day started at 7:50am and ended at 4pm. One of the main reasons I was able to make this journey was the competence and personality of my nurse escort, Christianne. So glad to be home again!

Montréal: The Hospital Stay

2005-07-15T05:30:00.000-07:00

Montréal: The Hospital Stay

After my bowel reduction and [temporary] colostomy, I was assigned to room 66 in S9. A veritable paradise, NOT! It was an isolation ward as I am a foreigner and might be carrying all sorts of malicious diseases [tested for SARS].

The city was having a heat wave and since the rooms in the Royal Victoria Hospital are not air conditioned, I was very hot. And uncomfortable. And grouchy. And scared!

Elder son, CF, arrived the next day. He stayed at the Marriott Springhill Suites in my room until Saturday night. Then he checked into the dorm next door as the Royal Victoria Hospital is the teaching hospital for McGill University. This room was quite a change and only cost $50 with continental breakfast included. But it wasn’t air conditioned either. He went out and bought two fans, one for each room. The helped a lot.

My wound [incision] was not closed but packed with gauze and had to be repacked twice daily. The nurses were great and many spoke Tagalog so I became an instant celebrity on that floor. All of the staff did everything to make my stay bearable but the conditions in the hospital were so minimal it was very difficult. There was only one plug behind my bed so the IV machine and the bed could not be used at the same time. When the IV machine was charged then I could adjust my bed. Someone eventually found a power bar [not the one you eat in the gym] and then both the bed and the IV could work at the same time.

Isolation was a pain but it did give you some privacy. The four bed ward across the hall had beds divided with curtains and hot and had two men and two women. Visitors putting on robe and latex gloves in that heat was not too conducive to happiness. For a while, I even had to robe and glove to walk in the hall.

The wound got closed, the morphine taken away as I wasn’t using it. The ostomy nurse came and did the workshop, the dietician came and did his.

All this time I was trying to be in touch with Connecticut and my doctors there. All of my ‘valuables’ were locked up in security so I didn’t have access to my passport case and info in it. The surgeon and anesthesiologist both had to be paid in cash and this presented a problem. Neither were set up to accept credit cards as they are only paid by the government and not the patient [socialized medicine]. After several very difficult calls I was able to have American Express transfer money [$3650] to Western Union for the surgeon’s billing secretary to pick up down the street. The final bill [$24,820] was put on American Express by the billing office.

During this time elder son left after three days and younger son arrived the next day. So I was well taken care of in that regard. He stayed in the dorm also and didn’t leave until I was put into the limo on Friday, but that’s another story….

Montréal: The Surgery

2005-07-14T06:44:00.000-07:00

Well, here it is……..

During the concert at the Centre Pierre-Charbonneau on Wednesday, July 13th, I felt a few uncomfortable twinges and some tenderness in the area of my diverticulosis. It didn’t amount to much so I forgot about it. Back at the hotel it started up again but I slept well. Early the next morning my abdomen was quite tender to the touch so I called the front desk to see where the 24 pharmacies were located. At 5am I took a taxi to the Cote des Neiges neighborhood and talked with the pharmacist. He thought it was a bowel blockage problem and suggested Coalesce [stool softener] and Metamucil. I purchased these and returned to the hotel.

After taking the above remedies I felt terrible. So I called the front desk and asked to talk to the doctor on call. He returned by call and said to go to the Emergency Room at the Royal Victoria Hospital.

I arrived at the hospital emergency room and stood in line at Triage to see if they would treat me. The nurse said I could be treated but first had to go to the Accounting window and register since it was my first time there. This registration cost 459$[CAD] as I was a foreigner [a word I would hear again and again]. I proceeded to the Examining Room with the message ‘a doctor will see you soon.’ After approximately eight hours, a doctor examined me. I was sent for an X-ray and then they said that I would probably be able to go back to the hotel with some antibiotics [Septra as I am allergic to Cipro]. After taking two tablets, I actually heard my intestine burst and was in the worst pain I have ever experienced. I was screaming and had to go to the door of the examining room to summon someone. They immediately gave me a shot [laudanum?] and it knocked me out.
This was my July 14th [Bastille Day] celebrations which included my own fireworks!

The next step was a Cat Scan which proved a little difficult as I am also allergic to the Iodine Contrast and had to use a prototype contrast instead. This took a lot of insisting on my part! The Cat Scan showed that I had indeed burst the intestine through a diverticula.
I was then scheduled for surgery. First I had to pay the 300$ emergency room doctors' fee. All of these charges have been put on my Amercian Express card.

While waiting for surgery I did not have used of an examining room so my bed was pushed out into the hall with several other patients. It was now 8pm and my surgery was scheduled for 1am. This time came and went as there was ‘a serious accident in town and all the operating rooms were in use.’ My surgeon went home and came back in the morning to do the surgery at 8am, July 15th.

I woke up in the recovery room and was transported to my private room. And the story continues…..

Montréal: The City

2005-07-13T22:00:00.000-07:00

Taking a walk around Old Montréal, here are a few pix.

These were mostly taken on our walking tour.

Montréal: The Music

2005-07-13T20:00:00.000-07:00

Took a taxi from the hotel to the Concert Hall; a long ride east of the city for $19.20[CAD].

Only got to hear one concert during the trip; more about that later…….

Les Concerts populaires de Montréal été 2005 series featured the Orchestre du Grand Montréal with Yannnick Nézet-Séguin conducting. The concert was held in the Centre Pierre-Charbonneau which was not well suited for an orchestral presentation but they did the best they could. This arena is multipurpose and the acoustics were not great. The main floor of the arena was set with candlelit tables for four. We sat in the balcony in the bleacher seats [with backs].

The program was entitled ‘Sérénades’ and included Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and the Sérénade Grand Partita. After the intermission we heard Brahms’ Sérénade no 1 en ré majeur, opus 11.

It was an interesting concert and well appreciated by the audience. The musicians were all young and very spirited.

Took the Metro back and changed at the Orange line for 2 stops. Got off at Place d'Arme and walked back to the hotel [2$].

Montréal: The Food

2005-07-12T13:30:00.000-07:00

The food is always good in Montréal!

First lunch I had was at Aux Delices de l’Erable. There are two entrances: one on rue St. Paul and the other on rue de la Commune. I was at the latter. For 8.15CAD I had a small Spinach Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing, half a Jambon et Gruyere Sandwich on a Cheese Panini with a small bottle of water and a Maple Sugar Cookie.

The first night with the group we had dinner at the hotel restaurant, Saint Gabriel. The dinner was set up in a private dining room way upstairs. We started with a spicy Vegetable Soup and then had choice of Duckleg Confit with a Mushroom Sauce or Fillet of Sole stuffed with Goberge Mousse and Saffron Sauce. I had the Duck, yes! The dessert was Opera Cake [chocolate] followed by Tea or Coffee.

The next morning, as all mornings, the hotel offered a Continental Breakfast. This consisted of the usual coffee bar, hot chocolate, juices, yogurt, fresh fruit, bread, bagels, muffins, Danish. There was an offering of eggs and fish patties. The highlight was a Waffle Station with premeasured portions of batter to make your own and then cover with real Maple Syrup.

Lunch one day was catered by Claude Postel, the best baker in town. There was a Sandwich Trio with different breads and fillings of Salami, Ham and Cheese, and Tuna Salad. The box lunch included a Carrot Salad and a Tomato Salad.

Dinner on Wednesday evening was at Le Bourlinguer in Old Montréal. We started with Cream of Spinach soup. There was a choice of fish or Roast Pork with Apples and Boiled Potatoes. Dessert was a Crepe with Vanilla Ice Cream and Chocolate Sauce.

Didn’t eat anything great after that until the slice of white bread and margarine in the hospital. But that’s another story……..

Montréal: The hotel

2005-07-12T08:29:00.000-07:00

Stayed at the Marriott Springhill Suites at 445 rue St. Jean Baptiste in Old Montréal. Checked in but was too early, so waited in the lobby for room 119 to be ready. There was only a ten minute wait. The room goes for 175$ [CAD] but the group rate was 125$ which had already been paid in advance. I didn't get to stay the extra night that I had reserved but that's another story..........

Nice room [actually a suite] with a sleeping area, sitting area, two TVs, kitchenette with microwave and mini-refrig. Room was nicely decorated but no view to speak of.

Got ready to go out but the door wouldn’t unlock. It was stuck. Called the front desk and
maintenance guy came but couldn’t get in either with his key. Finally he forced the door open. I went to lunch and they were going to change my room. No rooms ready, too early! So I took a cart to get ready to change rooms. The door seemed to be fixed and I was too tired to move. So I told them I was going to stay there anyway.

The door did stick a few times after that but not to the extent of my first adventure.

Montréal: Getting There

2005-07-12T06:37:00.000-07:00

Flew directly from BDL [Hartford/Springfield] to Montréal [YUL] on Canada Air. The plane turned out to be Air Labrador which is a very little plane with one seat on either side of the aisle. I was in 2A. It was a great short flight; about an hour and ten minutes.

I then took the AeroBus from the airport to Central Terminal with a free shuttle. This came to 22.75$ for a roundtrip. I never did get to take second part of the trip. But that’s another story………

thomas.solo@MIT

2005-07-01T14:08:00.000-07:00

Lending a little support to the Frank Gehry MIT building in Boston.

Visited there on Friday and toured the building with elder.son and his significant.other. Liked the architecture and getting lost in the various levels. Took the stairs for a better view of the open spaces. The outdoor gardens are in a bit of disrepair; they need to 'clean up' their outside act.

Also saw the Rozome Masters of Japan batik exhibition in the Paine Gallery at MassART. Artists shown had taken the traditional batik artform and used it in several other ways. Very interesting; exhibition there until September 21st, this year of 2005.

Dinner at Pho Lemongrass in Brookline [see review at mofongoman].

starting a new blog.......

2005-06-30T13:29:00.000-07:00

In order to jumpstart my new travel style, I purchased a tumi 18” soft travel satchel at Nordstroms [on sale] so that I would never again be subjected to the checked luggage syndrome. I also purchased a Tumi toiletry case to go with the satchel. Also bought a set of eaglecreek travel cubes to help with packing and two sets of shoe covers.

I am hoping that I will be able to travel for two weeks+ with only the above luggage. Stay tuned…