I'm in Johannesburg now, my last stop on a two-week, five country business trip, and am sadly missing out on Halloween. I had hoped to share some information on how South Africans celebrate the holiday, but it turns out they really don't celebrate it at all. I've just walked through a popular shopping mall here, and while the Christmas decorations are starting to come out, there was nothing to even hint at Halloween. So instead, let's look to the good ole USA for Halloween ideas. … [Read more...]
What it’s like to be profiled
October 28, 2008 By Leave a Comment
This weekend was, I believe, my fifth visit to Israel since October 2006. Before that first visit I was very nervous, having impressions about the country based on the violence that we hear in the news about markets being blown up and other terrorist attacks or attempts. In truth, there's very little petty crime and every time I travel there I have a good time. The beaches are beautiful, the food is great, and the people of Tel Aviv seem to have a very relaxed approach to life. My problem … [Read more...]
Foodie Fridays: Soupe à l’Oignon (French Onion Soup)
October 24, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Soupe à l’oignon, or french onion soup, is a large part of the French culture. In particular, "la soupe" is a wedding tradition that’s popular all over the country. Served to the wedding couple and their guests sometime after 4 or 5 in the morning, it’s a great way to finish off a night of celebrating. Ingredients 2 pounds yellow onions, peeled and sliced into rings 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 quarts of beef stock 2 tablespoons flour 1/2 cup of white wine Salt and … [Read more...]
Finally, a good Novotel!
October 20, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Greetings from Istanbul! I'm off on a two week business trip to this lovely city, Vienna, Tel Aviv, Moscow, and Johannesburg (in that order - yes, I'll be going from nearly the North Pole to nearly the South Pole). I'm pleased to say that I have finally had a good experience at a Novotel, barring anything unexpected at check-out. This Novotel is on the main highway between Ataturk Airport and the city center, which separates the hotel from the sea. My room's view isn't nearly as pretty as … [Read more...]
Foodie Fridays: Maple Mustard Pork Tenderloin
October 17, 2008 By Leave a Comment
I enjoy sweet and salty combos like chocolate covered pretzels but dislike ones like kettle corn. Therefore, I had always been hesitant to try a sweet and salty combination for a main course, until I made orange marmalade and Dijon mustard glazed salmon, yum! But that’s a recipe for another day since I’m currently focusing on recipes from New England . Maple syrup is not a recipe, unless you're making your own but it is definitely a New England staple. Here’s a recipe for Maple Mustard … [Read more...]
Surviving the World’s Scariest Runways
October 16, 2008 By Leave a Comment
I've never been a huge fan of take-off and landing. While I've never thrown up or had a panic attack, I say more "Hail Mary's" and "Our Father's" during these two parts of a flight than any other time in my life. If you're not a huge fan of flying (or just want a heads-up before you book a trip through a scary airport), read Travel + Leisure's latest list of the World's Scariest Runways. When I flew into Reagan National, it seemed like we'd just barely gleaned the Washington Monument, and … [Read more...]
The Paris Greeters
October 14, 2008 By Leave a Comment
So it's no secret that Parisians have a reputation for being "French" or in other words, rude. In their defense, since it's also no secret how much I love France, I've always had great experiences when traveling there...except once. It was my first week abroad and I was making my way from Paris to Dijon when I had a not so nice encounter with a train conductor. I sure would have given him a piece of my mind if I knew how to say it in French well enough then. I would have loved to have seen how … [Read more...]
