Non-scientific study

I have done extensive research on something and keep arriving at the same conclusion - the more time I spend in an airport, the more money I spend. And there is a factor that probably doubles or triples this effect - being in an international airport.

Just for some clarification....I do not fall for the "duty free" crap. I know that stuff isn't really as good of a deal as they want you to believe. In part because I live in a state where I already don't pay sales tax on clothes, shoes etc. But even without the tax you may be paying more than if you simply bought the product at your local Target or mall. Especially cosmetics!

The draw, for me, especially in international airports are products I can't easily get at home. I just bought several boxes at the Amsterdam airport of stroopwaffels. A delicious, sweet waffle-like thing with caramel sandwiched between. There are versions available in the US, but these are better! (Yes, another non-scientific study.)

I also picked up two huge bags of Haribo gummy bears. (One for Andy, and one for my friend PMS.). The flavors available here are slightly different than what I've enjoyed in the US.

I spent lots of time looking at the liquors, but I know they are cheaper at home.

See previous post for my new solution to this shopping problem.

Las Vegas June 2011

Family trip to Vegas. It was short but memorable.
Sun
Pool
Shopping
Cirque du Soleil "O" at Bellagio
Sleep
Sun
Tequila
Pool
Tequila
Sun
Shopping
Celine Dion
Champagne
Pool
Sun
Tequila
Great food
Excellent people watching
Sun
Bellagio Fountain
Sore feet
Great laughs with my cool cousin Kerry

Monte Carlo

I've been to Monte Carlo, Monaco once before; but this was the first trip with the kids. My previous trip to Monte Carlo was about 4 hours long - it was a port on a cruise.

It was raining so this was a good day for fun, family, indoor activity - an aquarium. Great aquarium! And it is built on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, so it has awesome views.

I like turtles. Big, sea turtles. Their main tank had one, lonely turtle. We hit it off right away!

I spent a very long time watching a little fish pick rocks up in his mouth, move them to a new location, and deposit them in a mound. He was creating a hiding spot, I think. He was constantly looking around for predators. I assume there weren't any in his tank, so I assume it was an instinct thing.

Andy had a good time scaring the clown fish. They would all scramble into their protective sea creature when he would wave his umbrella in front of the tank.

Yes, we are both easily amused.

We also drove around Monte Carlo....sort of lost, but it isn't really possible to get lost. The sea is on one side - so don't drive that way; and the mountains are the other geographical feature.

I picked out a lovely yacht in their port, for after I win the lottery.

We also poked around in some of the expensive stores, like Louis Vuitton. Jill tried on a lovely, 3100 euro leather jacket. It was the softest leather I've ever felt, but not really in our budget.

I purchased a bottle of my favorite French champagne. It is chilling in the mini fridge in our room.

Eze

Eze is a medieval town in France between Nice and Monaco. And, it is in "the book."

I applaud the courage and determination it must have taken all of those years ago to build this town on a cliff. What a huge challenge, but worth the view and location! It was cloudy when we arrived so we couldn't see the Mediterranean, but I can image what it should look like.

Eze reminded me of Mont Saint Michel - narrow, winding streets that were not built for high heels. I wasn't wearing high heels because I know better!

Eza had a really cool garden.


There are many cute, quaint little shops on/in Eze. I have mixed feelings about that part of tourism, on a site that is so important it was included in "the book." I suppose selling stuff to us tourists helps everyone here financially, but I didn't go to Eze to buy stuff.

My little rant - I was reminded in Eze of something about France that drives me crazy -- the lack of public restrooms. Very frustrating! But a very nice man who runs the Eze gas station (yep, there is only one) let me use his bathroom. We "rewarded" his generosity by buying a bottle of water from him that we didn't really need.

London 13 November 2009

I had lunch at Borough Market. I heard about this place from Samantha Brown - who has several shows on the Travel channel. I had a fried cheese sandwich from the same guy who made her sandwich when she went to Borough Market.

I then had afternoon tea at Harrods, after doing a little window shopping. Harrods is an amazing department store. I remember my first trip to Harrods when I was in college. The only thing I could afford to buy at that time was a key chain.

Afternoon tea consisted of 5 small sandwiches, 2 scones, 4 pastries, tea...and I splurged and got champagne too. It was delicious!

I didn't do any other shopping this time...but I was tempted. Harrods actually has a little store in the airport, so that is where I will pick up some gifts.

Paris - 14 June 2009

*sigh* Our last day in Paris. I've only been to Paris three times, but I feel very comfortable here. However...it is time to move on and see parts of France that I've never been to before.

The boys started the day by touring Catacombes de Paris. Jill and I wandered through a neighborhood street market. We then took the subway to Pigalle, wandered through Montmartre and up to Sacre Coeur. We stopped at Moulin Rouge on our way back down.

We then did something I hadn't done yet on this trip -- take a nap. I was torn between wanting to see more of Paris or resting my poor, tired body. I did not wear the pedometer today because I wanted a more relaxing day.

Jill and I went shopping on the Champs Elysees after we woke up. We started at Louis Vuitton and ended at Sephora.

London day 4 - June 2009

Otherwise known as first full day of no tube (subway) access due to a strike. 11,810 steps.

The family took a ride on a double-decker red bus. They went to the British Museum and to Covent Garden.

I worked today, but Jill and I just walked across Hyde Park to Harrods and walked around the store.

Illinois

Places from "the book" I have visited during my numerous visits to Chicago.

Art Institute of Chicago - better enjoyed without teenage boys
Charlie Trotter's - great meal
Frank Lloyd Wright tour


Places not in the book that I enjoy - Shedd Aquarium (BIL built their first website), Field Museum, Alinea restaurant, American Girl Place, Shopping on Michigan Ave, Navy Pier

I drove through southern Illinois in late December and saved a kitten who was stranded or abandoned at a truck stop. Yeah, I wanted to keep him, but I have too many pets now. I hope he is ok.