Paris, the short list

I recently just got back from one of my favorites cities, Paris!
Everyone has their own list of amazing shops, cafes and brasseries. We'll here are a few of my favorites!

ARRIVE: Paris has two airports, Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly. Most overseas flights arrive at CDG. There are many bus and public transit links to both of these airports, but for something a bit more seamless I would recommend Company Shuttle. Their service is very reasonable with professional and punctual staff.



STAY: This trip I wanted to feel like I was not only visiting but living in Paris. Like many before me I have discovered that renting an apartment is a great way to experience Parisian life. With so many options I finally settled on renting a fantastic little place in my favorite area the 3rd arrondissement. Isabelle's apartments are charming and she has variety of locations across the city. Each are cozy and well appointed. Because you deal with Isabelle directly you get very personalized service.



EAT:
Macarons! I could eat these all day. There are many options throughout the city, but I really love the ones from Pierre Hermé



L'As du Fallafel, 34 Rue des Rosiers Not your typical French cuisine, but once you taste one of these fallafels you will be hooked!



SHOPPING:
Frip'irium - 2, Rue de la Verrerie, Le Marais, has a fantastic selection of vintage men and woman's couture.



For more vintage, you cannot beat Vintage Bar, 16 Rue de la Verrerie which has a fantastic variety of woman's shoes and accessories...this place is packed to the rafters, so those with an editing eye will do best here!



Foodies will love a visit to the food halls at Galleries Lafayette or Printemps



Another great shop is Premiere Pression Provence. They have a wonderful selection of olive oils, all of which hail from Provence.



Who can visit Paris without tasting some chocolate? One of my favorites is Cacao et Chocolat.

Airport dining

Just got back from a quick jaunt to Paris and London (more on that to come later!).
After paying 2.50 euros for a small piece of bonbel cheese in a CDG airport cafeteria I decided there must be a better place to eat. This was not the first time I had left an airport feeling hungry and gouged. Well not anymore thanks to this site, where for a few extra euros I can now make a much better decision on which way I swing my euro, dollar or pounds!

A REAL MOUTHFUL

Having been on the road a fair bit lately here are a few noted places where you can grab some decent nosh!


KEY WEST, FLORIDA:


Blue Heaven (www.blueheavenkw.homestead.com/Blue_Heaven_Restaurant_Key_West.html)
Who doesn't like to dine alfresco with wild chickens and roosters running around under your table? This charm doesn't stop at the kitchen either. Fresh baked corn bread, yummy seafood salads and the best darn Key Lime pie on the island will have you coming back for more. Breakfasts are popular too!

ATLANTA, GEORGIA:

One Flew South (www.oneflewsouthatl.com)
A layover at the worlds busiest airport no longer needs to mean eating from fast food kiosks.
Find refuge, calm and outstanding food at One Flew South. Executive Chef, Duane Nutter has created a menu of global tastes that focuses on fresh ingredients. In a rush, their brilliant sandwiches and bar area will allow you time to re-charge and still catch that connecting flight.

ST.JOHN'S, NEWFOUNDLAND

Get Stuffed 190 Duckworth St. 757-2480
This warm and cozy establishment is true to it's name.
The menu is impressive with a focus on comfort food. Think meatloaf and mac and cheese. Be warned you can biggie size your portion to a serving and a half, however it might be best to split an entree and share a few sides.

MAUI, HAWAII

Mala, Wailea (www.malawailea.com)
Chef Mark Ellman has recently opened this second restaurant in the Marriot with stunning outdoor sunset views. A focus on local, organic food with a Hawaiian twist ensures anything on the menu will be mouth watering. The most amazing offer on the menu is the chef's four course tasting menu with wine pairings for $70....a real steal!

Guide: BANGKOK

Guide: BANGKOK

Bangkok is one of the more exciting cities on the planet. With a population of nearly nine million, it is a city of vast contrast. Ride a tuk tuk along the Chao Phraya river and explore ancient temples and exotic street markets. Then hope on the modern and efficient skytrain
back to uber modern Siam square where you can shop at some of the most design savvy
stores in Asia.Here is a short list of things that will help make your trip to this fantastic city
that much more fun:



TRANSPORT

Suvarnabhumi airport (www.suvarnabhumiairport.com)
This is Bangkok's international airport which opened it's doors in 2006. It is a huge and important hub in Southeast Asia. You can find onward tickets to almost anywhere in the world from this beautifully designed airport.
TIP: the best option to get downtown to your hotel is to book a private car from the counter in the baggage claim area. You simply purchase a ticket from the attendant who will assign a driver to you and then walk you curbside to your private ride. Average cost is around $15-20. If you want to rough it there are a series of public buses which you can catch downtown for a few dollars, but after coming off of a 23hr flight you might want to splurge.



Skytrain (www.bts.co.th/en/index.asp)
Bangkok has a fantastic mass transit system called the "skytrain" this elevated train wisks you around the city in air conditioned comfort, for only a few dollars.


Taxi's are also very affordable and abundant. However if you want to be a bit more adventurous, make sure you flag down one of the cities tuk tuks. Remember to hold-on!


Seeing the city by boat is a beautiful way to take in the many sights along the Chao Phraya river. This ancient waterway snakes it way through the heart of the city.

HOTELS:
Cheap yet very cheerful


-Le Fenix (www.lefenix-sukhumvit.com)
This fun and design focused hotel is located in one of the best parts of the city. Easy walking distance to endless entertainment like Bed supper club (www.bedsupperclub.com) and the fantastic shopping of the night market. This hotel has comfy rooms, a small infinity pool and a great restaurant for breakfast. From $70.



- JL hotel (www.jlbangkok.com) from $40



- Mac Boutique (www.macboutiquesuites.com) from $60



- Seven (www.sleepatseven.com) from $70


Moderate (affordable luxury):


-Sofitel (www.sofitel.com) from $120


-Luxx (www.staywithluxx.com) from $90



-Tenface (www.tenfacebangkok.com) from $110

Splurge (Bangkok has some of the most affordable 4 and 5 star hotel in the world, if your budget can allow you would be a fool not to stay at one of the following. Note that these hotels also share world renowned spas too!)


- Mandarin Oriental (www.mandarinoriental.com)


- The Peninsula (www.peninsula.com)


- The Four Seasons (www.fourseasons.com)


- The Shangri La (www.shangri-la.com)


EATS:
Simply some of the best food you will ever eat will be the amazing street food which you can buy from vendors everywhere. From noodles to fresh fruit you can be assured this will be an experience your tongue will not soon forget. One tip is to frequent a stall or vendor which is busy and makes the dishes to order.


-Cabbages & Condoms (www.pda.or.th/restaurant/restaurant.asp)
This restaurant will not only satisfy your hunger, but also your social conscience. It is run by the local Population and Community Developement Association


-Breeze (www.lebua.com/bangkok/dining/breeze/index.html)



-Celadon (www.sukhothaihotel.com/dining/restaurants/celadon/)



-Eat Me (www.eatmerestaurant.com)

SHOPPING/SIGHTS:


-Wat Pho
(The Temple of the Reclining Buddha)


-Spa
(www.peninsula.com/Bangkok/en/default.aspx#/Bangkok/en/Wellness/The_Peninsula_Spa_by_ESPA/)



-Thewet Flower Market
Located close to China town, wander through blocks of Orchids and roses most sold in bushels for around $5!



-Chatuchak Weekend Market
If you cannot find it in this market, my friend is simply does not exist. Easy to reach via the Skytrain, this market has stalls and stalls of goods for everyone.


-Siam Square (http://www.siam-square.com/shopping.html)



-Siam Discovery Center (www.siampiwat.com)
This western-style mall houses some great stores. Here are a few you don't want to miss
-Loft (a a popular Japanese giftshop)
-Habitat (www.habitat.net)


-MBK (http://www.mbk-center.co.th/en/)



-OTOP (http://www.thai-otop-city.com/) Fair traded Thai products.


FURTHER AFIELD:
It would be a shame to visit Thailand and not explore beyond Bangkok. From the lush northern Jungles to the Southern islands, Thailand simply has much to offer everyone. Travel is cheap and easy. Here are a few resources to help make your travels around Thailand a bit easier.



-State Railway of Thailand (www.railway.co.th/english/index.asp)


-The government bus company, called Bor Kor Sor (BKS), provides the cheapest mode for getting around Thailand



-Thai airways (www.thaiair.com/)
The Thai flag carrier know for outstanding service



- Air Asia (www.airasia.com/site/th/th/home.jsp)
Fantastic discount airline serving all of South East Asia


-Bangkok Airlines (www.bangkokair.com/)
Self described as Asia's "boutique" airline all passengers are granted access to a private airport lounge with free internet and refreshments.


-Nok Air (www.nokair.com)
Fun discount airline owned by Thai Airways (nok means bird in Thai)
*Note that Nok flies our of the old Bangkok airport, Don Meuang