Inside Madelyn's Mind

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Most Marvelous meal: Partners in Pairing

I am a pampered princess. I stay in the best hotels, indulge in world class spas, taste foods prepared by top chefs, and enjoy meals accompanied by fine wines.

Last night was a new high. The invitation promised a meal paired with BOTH wine and tequila.And since it was at Abacus, one of my favorite restaurants in the world, how could I resist?

Michael MOndavi Family Wines and Tequila Partida Pairing dinner explored the surprising relationships between tequila and wine. While fine wine is long acknowledged to be an intergral part of he culinary experiences, both are created from painstakingly tended plants grown in a particular terroir and express a complex range of notes and flavors.

Culinary genius Kent Rathbun and his staff created an exceptional menu to pair with the wines and tequila. Everyone enjoyed he experience.

FIRST COURSE
2008 I'M Isabel Mondavi Chardonnay
Tequila Partida Blanco

Roasted Oca-BBQ Lobster Sald
Waterpepper, Brazos Valley Brie

SECOND COURSE
2006 I'm Isabel Pinot Noir
Tequila Partida Reposado

Curry Spiced Duck Breast
Crispy Saffron Rick Blocks, Lentil Demi, Ginger-Apricot Chutney

THIRD COURSE
2006 Emblem "Rutherford" Cabernet Sauvignon
2006 M by Michael Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon
Tequila Partida Anejoy

DESSERT
Almond Crust, Pomegranate-Cherry Chutney
Tequila Partida Elegante

I happily volunteer to continue testing this pairing experiment

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Mai Tai and Manta Rays

Combine two of Hawaii's pleasures--drink Guava Mai Tais at the Crystal Blue bar at the Sheraton. Grab a seat near the water and watch the sunset. Linger over another drink and you have a good chance of seeing the Manta Rays--they show up at sundown almost every night. I ordered the beef Kebab pupu with a teriyaki glaze. Served on a bed of Asian greens. It was a very good value for five succulent sticks of beef.
A Mai Tai and kebabs make a great dinner if you don't want to leave your seat.

The bartender shared the Mai Tai receipe. But somehow I know it tastes better overlooking the ocean.

Guava Mai Tai
light rum
orange juice
pineapple juice
Orgeat
orange Curacoa
dark rum

Sheraton Keahou Bay Resort & Spa

www.SheratonKeauhou.com

Madelyn Miller is a travel and food writer who loves Hawaii. She discovered this delightful bar while judging the Kona Chocolate Festival. Read her stories on www.travellady.com, www.yogayaya.com, www.cocktailatlas.com, www.chocolateatlas.com, www.carladynews.com, www.teaAtlas.com, www.coffeeAtlas.com She is planning a return trip to Hawaii for the kona chocolate festival April 12-17, 2010.

Mai Tai and Manta Rays

Monday, April 06, 2009

My 3-course Chocolate meal on the Big Island: Huggo's

Hawaiians are nuts about chocolate. And they love to celebrate. So when an event like the annual Kona Chocolate Festival comes around, everyone gets involved. One of my favorite restaurants on the Big Island, Huggo's even created a special chocolate menu to serve the week of the festival. And it was so popular, it sold out before 8:30 pm on the Tuesday night before the festival. The only reason I got to even taste it is they knew I was coming so they saved one for me because they knew I was a judge for the Kona Chocolate Festival.

I did not even realize how lucky I was.

As you entered Huggo's you were greeted by Miss Chocolate Hawaii and Miss Chocolate Hawaii runner-up. It was off to a beautiful start. But looking at those gorgeous girls, I do not really believe they eat much chocolate. Perhaps I should be named Ms Hawaiian Chocolate Eater. I am certainly getting more than my share this week.

The Chocolate Festival Menu started with cacao nib and guajllo chili crusted seared yellow fin tuna.

Next came the 6 0z. Filet Mignon with crispy polenta, Hawaiian Chocolate Cake, toasted meringue and Kula Strawberry compote.

I knew the dessert would be wonderful because the last time I judged the Kona Chocolate Festival Huggo's won first place for their dessert. Conrad, the new chef, seems ready for the challenge.

www.konachocolatefestival.com

www.huggos.com

Madelyn Miller is a travel and food writer who adores chocolate. She has judged many festivals: chocolate, coffee, chili and cookies and others. (I may need to move on from C soon, anyone know of festivals that start with D?)

She enjoyed Big Island Candies oatmeal cranberry Macadamia nuts while writing this article. (she is doing a NO CHOCOLATE FAST to prepare for the Kona Chocolate Festival) http://www.konachocolatefestival.com/

Friday, April 03, 2009

Big Island Candies: a fantasy in Chocolate

I never believed in the Easter Bunny, the good fairy, or Santa Claus. But I believe in Big Island Candies. Their fantastic chocolates, exciting flavor choices and whimsical packaging makes this a joyful experience for chocolate lovers of any age. Not a chocolate lover? ( then why are you reading this?) You will still love them for their coconut and lemon shortbread cookies.

I first tasted a Big Island Cookie at a food and wine event on the Big Island. There were booths of fresh fruits and vegetables, locally made products and uniquely Hawaiian items. My eyes went right to the colorful packages and beautiful display on the Big Island Candy table. It looked like a Tiffany jewelry store. Each item was treated like a precious jewel and displayed accordingly. I instantly knew these people understood chocoholics like me.

On a recent trip to the Big Island to judge the Kona Chocolate Festival, I finally got to fulfill my fantasy. I went to the Hawaiian chocolate mecca: the headquarters for Big Island Candies. It was even better than I expected. The friend who went with me said it looked like Ala Moana ..the upscale mall on Oahu. I love shopping. Maybe that is why I feel such a resonance with Big Island Candies. The festive displays made me feel like I was at a party. The "factory" part looks like a branch of Ikea. Stark white accented with steel and large overhead signs indicating what was done in that area--Melters., Packaging, Hand Dipping, Quality Inspection, Cooling Tunnel, Chocolate Enrober, Chocolate Melter, Chocolate Panner, Baking Floor to ceiling glass walls divided the candy makes from the customers, but you felt like you could peer through the windows and be such inches away from the chocolate.

The best thing about Big Island Candies

Because I am a journalist and co-own a chocolate website, people often send me samples and give me me tastes of all their new products. At Big Island Candies everyone can taste anything they want. As you enter, they offer you a cup with two products and direct you to their free coffee bar where they serve Big Island Candies Coffee.

Weird and wonderful

Since I was in town to judge the Kona Chocolate Festival, I knew I would be tasting lots of cookies, brownies and etc. So I asked Lance Duyao, chocolate genius and marketing director of Big Island Candies what were the most unique flavors they offered. He did not hesitate for a moment. He grabbed packages of Chocolate Dipped Ika (cuttlefish), Chocolate dipped mochi balls(a Japanese rice treat) and chocolate dipped dried a salted plums (a favorite with Orientals and Hawaiians). These are all from Hawaiian Da-Kines line.

Lance asked me if I had ever tasted cuttlefish. I proudly confirmed that I had. He served me one and I was about to start at the white stringy end that looked like slices of coconut. Lots of people think it is coconut Lance explained as he graciously handed me a napkin. He suggested I start at the chocolate end. I took a small bit of the round chocolate side. It was pure chocolate so of course I liked it. My next small bite was into the chocolate and cuttlefish. I was grateful that Lance had handed me a napkin. Next up was the chocolate dipped mochi balls. Since I am not a big mochi fan I did not go nuts over this one, but I expect many people would. The chocolate dipped dried salted plums resonated with me. I felt like it stimulated all my taste receptors--sweet, salty, with a lasting flavor as you sucked on them. I got some of these to take home. Except I have already eaten them.

My Favorite

I loved tasting the chocolate covered crunch bars, the cookies and the brownies. But I know my favorite will always be the shortbread cookies. They have several new flavors including lemon and coconut. But for me it is the basic shortbread dipped in dark chocolate. But drool through their catalogue or their website and I am sure you will find thousand of calories of temptation.

CALL tollfree 1-800-935-5510
www.bigislandcandies.com

Big Island Candies: a fantasy in Chocolate

Thursday, April 02, 2009

OBAMARAMA

As President Obama himself has said, "What's best in me, and what's best in my message, is consistent with the tradition of Hawaii." And although I have toured the birthplace and homes of several presidents, I can't think of any place nicer to visit while studying the life of a president.

"The people of Hawaii are very proud of Barack Obama's island heritage and so are we," said Elizabeth Churchill, Aqua Hotel's VP Sales & Marketing. "Growing up and attending school on Oahu helped shape Obama into the fine leader he is today and we've developed a special package that shares insights on what being raised in a multi-cultural society is really all about."

I understand exactly what she means. Last year, I was lucky enough to stay at the Aqua Palms and Spa. It seemed so Hawaiian. It had its own "local flavour." That may sound like a silly thing to say -- but when you spend as many nights in large international chain hotel rooms, a hotel like Aqua Palms seems like a home cooked meal. Comfort food. Comfort Hotel.

My lingering memory of being treated like family is when I wanted to go to Pearl Harbor. I only had a few hours. There was a packaged tour but the concierge told me you could just take a city bus and pointed to where it was. And when I got back he asked me how I had enjoyed the day and if I had any problems with the bus. Taking a city bus always makes me feel like I am a native (or at least a native wanna-be).

Visitors encouraged to explore the island where Barack Obama grew up
Aqua Hotels & Resorts is celebrating President Barack

The "Obama-rama" package is available at all 12 Aqua Hotels in Waikiki.

Aqua's "Obama-rama" special includes:

Rates starting from $159 per night for Aqua Boutique hotels and $139 per night for Aqua Lite properties
One book per room booked: "The Dream Begins -- How Hawaii Shaped Barack Obama" by veteran Hawaii authors Stu Glauberman and Jerry Burris
Automatic compact rental car for each day booked (driver must be 25 years or older)
"Recently, the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau unveiled a micro-site that shares where Obama likes to go and what he likes to see and do on Oahu," added Churchill. "It's a list that visitors can easily duplicate if they are interested to see what our next President enjoys about Hawaii and the rental car allows them to explore the island at their leisure." Visit the site at: www.gohawaii.com/about_hawaii/explore/Obama.

The "Obama-rama" special is available through June 30, 2009, based on availability. Rates quoted are for single or double occupancy, plus taxes. The special cannot be combined with any other offer.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

TITAS PRESENTS PARSONS DANCE COMPANY, ONE OF THE HOTTEST TICKETS IN MODERN DANCE

“One of the most successful modern dance companies in the world.”

–NBC’s Today Show

Dallas, TX – The top shelf talent that makes up the TITAS 2008-09 Dance Season will once again be on display when PARSONS DANCE COMPANY takes the McFarlin Auditorium stage on Friday & Saturday, March 27 & 28, 2009 at 8:00 PM. “It seems there’s no end to choreographer David Parsons’ inventiveness. Whether it’s creating wacky images of dancing hands, freezing a dancer’s leap in midair or bringing Mozart’s glorious music to visual life, Parsons takes a simple idea and makes it art.”(Seattle Post-Intelligencer)

The sexy, athleticism, exuberant personality and joyous movement that is Parsons Dance is comprised of ten full-time dancers and maintains a repertory of over 60 works (20 with commissioned scores) choreographed by David Parsons. The company's style is a fusion of the gesture and movement that make up the modern dance vocabulary, and the discipline and precise execution one expects from a classical company. “It does not take long to see why Parsons and his company are one of the hottest tickets in contemporary American dance. First, they are all terrific performers, energized, eager to please and rehearsed within an inch of their lives. Second…Parsons provides choreography that’s consistently intelligent, witty, well-crafted, and humane.” (The Toronto Staff)

During their TITAS performances, the company will be performing: Nascimento Nova, Ebben, In the End, Kind of Blue, Caught and Shining Star.

More information about Parsons Dance Company can be found at www.parsonsdance.org.

Tickets ($14 - $59) for Parsons Dance Company are available at the TITAS Box Office, 3625 N. Hall Street, Suite 740, Dallas, TX, or by phoning 214-528-5576 or 800-462-7980, or online at www.titas.org. TITAS also offers a $5 Youth Ticket (K-12) that is available only at the McFarlin Auditorium Box Office on the day of the show. Group discounts are available – call the TITAS Box Office for more information.

This performance is made possible through the generous support of American Airlines, Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs, Radisson Central Dallas, Heritage Auction Galleries, The Dallas Voice, TCA and WRR 101.1.

TITAS is the premier presenter of eclectic and international dance and music performers in North Texas. Founded by Tom Adams in 1982 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) cultural/educational institution, TITAS has provided Dallas/Fort Worth audiences with such performers as American Ballet Theatre, Pilobolus, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Philip Glass, KODO Drummers, STOMP and many others. TITAS is now celebrating its 26th Anniversary Season under the direction of current Executive Director Charles Santos.

Don't miss this dance performance

TITAS PRESENTS PARSONS DANCE COMPANY, ONE OF THE HOTTEST TICKETS IN MODERN DANCE

edited by Madelyn Miller, the TraveLady

“One of the most successful modern dance companies in the world.”

–NBC’s Today Show

The top shelf talent that makes up the TITAS 2008-09 Dance Season will once again be on display when PARSONS DANCE COMPANY takes the McFarlin Auditorium stage on Friday & Saturday, March 27 & 28, 2009 at 8:00 PM. “It seems there’s no end to choreographer David Parsons’ inventiveness. Whether it’s creating wacky images of dancing hands, freezing a dancer’s leap in midair or bringing Mozart’s glorious music to visual life, Parsons takes a simple idea and makes it art.”(Seattle Post-Intelligencer)

The sexy, athleticism, exuberant personality and joyous movement that is Parsons Dance is comprised of ten full-time dancers and maintains a repertory of over 60 works (20 with commissioned scores) choreographed by David Parsons. The company's style is a fusion of the gesture and movement that make up the modern dance vocabulary, and the discipline and precise execution one expects from a classical company. “It does not take long to see why Parsons and his company are one of the hottest tickets in contemporary American dance. First, they are all terrific performers, energized, eager to please and rehearsed within an inch of their lives. Second…Parsons provides choreography that’s consistently intelligent, witty, well-crafted, and humane.” (The Toronto Staff)

During their TITAS performances, the company will be performing: Nascimento Nova, Ebben, In the End, Kind of Blue, Caught and Shining Star.

More information about Parsons Dance Company can be found at www.parsonsdance.org.

Tickets ($14 - $59) for Parsons Dance Company are available at the TITAS Box Office, 3625 N. Hall Street, Suite 740, Dallas, TX, or by phoning 214-528-5576 or 800-462-7980, or online at www.titas.org. TITAS also offers a $5 Youth Ticket (K-12) that is available only at the McFarlin Auditorium Box Office on the day of the show. Group discounts are available – call the TITAS Box Office for more information.

This performance is made possible through the generous support of American Airlines, Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs, Radisson Central Dallas, Heritage Auction Galleries, The Dallas Voice, TCA and WRR 101.1.

TITAS is the premier presenter of eclectic and international dance and music performers in North Texas. Founded by Tom Adams in 1982 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) cultural/educational institution, TITAS has provided Dallas/Fort Worth audiences with such performers as American Ballet Theatre, Pilobolus, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Philip Glass, KODO Drummers, STOMP and many others. TITAS is now celebrating its 26th Anniversary Season under the direction of current Executive Director Charles Santos.

Madelyn Miller is a travel and food writer who plans her trips around Titas. She is proud of the fact that she has only missed one performance this year. Read her sories on www.travellady.com, www.yogayaya.com, www.carladynews.com, www.chocolateatlas.com, www.cocktailatlas.com, www.chocolateatlas.com, www.teaATlas.com and www.coffeeatlas.com

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Can you be too popular in social networks

At this point, I am heavily linked to FACEBOOK and LiNKED IN.
I have decided to stick with those two.
(I got two invites from TAGGED today and yours)

I already have about 400 contacts on FACEBOOK
and
about 250 on linked in

I am now getting more updates on people putting their baby to bed, painting their bathroom, etc

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

This is not about hot flashes

Yesterday I started test driving a Ford Taurus. The driver before me must have left on the "warm the seat" function and I could not figure out how to turn if off.
Today I signed up for a pole-dancing class to review for yogayaya.com

I must be hot today

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Not too hot

I was asked to judge the Fiery Foods competition in Fort Worth

But I JUST got back from Mexico and it made me realize that I am not as skilled at eating HOT HOT HOT foods as I thought I was.
I was the weiny of the whole gourmet group.
I think in all fairness to the contestants, I should pass

So I asked them to keep me in mind for ice-cream, cheese, chocolate, cocktails.
I am a really good eater

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Re-entering the cyberworld

I am working in a business center with only one of three computers working--and they are shared by 800 people. And this after 10 ten days of almost no computer access and no cell phone reception.

I felt deaf, blind and dumb.

Yesterday I plunked myself in front of the single working computer and in an act of great selfishness, kept working away. When other people came in, I said--I think the other two are broken--you might want to remind them at the front desk.

I put all my stuff in a shopping cart--water, phone, medicine, notes, press kits, mail, etc. Instead of a bag lady I was a cart lady

In an act of great kindness, my massage therapist is loaning me her laptop. I did not ask. She saw how stressed I was and just offered. That should get me through until my new computer arrives.

Sunday, July 06, 2008

Fractal Fourth

I have spent the Fourth of July in many interesting places. I have attended firework spectaculars in Switzerland, viewed Bastille day fireworks in France, watched the bi-centennial celebration in New York--but it will be hard to beat the Fractal Fireworks that ended a fractal presentation in the Albuquerque Planetarium.

As I walked back to my hotel, I realized when I looked up that there were fireworks on either side of me--some from the Balloon field and others from the nearby military basse.

The fractal show is the first Friday of every month. There are four shows in a night--hourly starting at 6pm

Creator Jonathan Wolfe is a genius--a scientist and artist. Fractals are his passion. His shows are scientific and sensuous.

Plan any trip to Albuquerque around a first Friday

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Worst dinner ever

I dined at a formerly favorite restaurant and had a meal that was so
outrageous it would make a funny documentary.

We arrived and they had our reservation. There were only two other
tables filled in this lovely upscale restaurant.

I choose the 7 course degustation menu. After an elaborate (it seemed
like a 15 minute lesson) explanation of the menu choices. I finally
ordered.

The head waiter came by and explained they served an unsalted butter
from France. It was beautifully presented on a square glass crystal
plate.

Then he offered to "salt" our butter to our specifications with "FLEUR DE SEL".
I was so impressed as I watched him carely grind the special salt on
our butter square.

My second course was a peppery puck that tasted like cardboard. I
could not discern any other ingeredient besides pepper. When the
server noticed I had only taken one bite, he asked if I was enjoying
my mysterious pepper puck. I said that although it may have been well
prepared, it was just too peppery for my taste.

He replied that a lot of the diners felt that way.
(shouldn't he tell the chef--not me?)

By the third course my companion asked what I thought we were supposed
to do with the butter? I teasingly said dunk our fingers in and then
lick them.

After the third course, the girl who was busing tables came over and
asked if we would like more bread. MORE BREAD? We had never even
gotten any.

THE SECRET INGREDIENT

My fourth course was a corn risotto with pancetta. It seemed to have a
smokey, off taste. When I found a piece of plastic in the dish, I put
it on my bread plate and gave it to the buss girl. I suggested she
give it to the chef so that none of the other diners would get that
bonus ingredient.

No one apologized. No one offered to replace the dish or bring me
something else.
The meal just continued.

My dinning companion said--it is a shame they are already comping us
because we really deserve to be comped for this meal. My meal alone
was $125 without wine.

After more courses and a not very exciting dessert--when I leave a
chocolate dessert it is definately below par--

The waiter brought a check. Without opening it, I said, " I would like to put a tip for you on American Express."

He then asked me how I would like to pay the rest of the bill. The bill was close to $300 without tip

I explained that we had been invited to be guests by the Public Relations person.
They said no one had told them.

I suggested they check.

After about 20 minutes of wandering around, they finally came back and
said we were right--the meal was supposed to be comped.

I again told the server I would like to leave a tip on my American Express.

He replied, No, Mam, you can't tip us. We don't deserve it.

It was the first thing I think he did right.

Sunday, June 22, 2008

My computer died. Please send condolences

Instead of flowers, please send a technician

I feel like my best friend died.
Actually, it was my computer.
It went everywhere with me. I spent more time with it than anyone or
anything else.

Just today, I forwarded an article about how they had defined
"computer addiction" as a medical diagnosis to a few of my friends

So I guess now I will be going in withdrawal.

If anyone has any tips or advice about a computer they love--or
something they wish they had gotten--please share

Friday, June 20, 2008

What time do you start opening your wine bottles?

THIS MORNING DHL WOKE ME UP AT 8 WITH
TWO TUBS OF CHOCOLATE BANANA ICE CREAM ON DRY ICE
A BOTTLE OF TOMATO VODKA FROM THREEE OLIVES.
4 BOTTLES OF WINE (ACTUALLY THREE WERE DOUBLE PORTION BOXES)
AND SOME GREEN FOLDING CAR SACKS

MOST PEOPLE WOULD THINK IT WAS GREAT TO GET THAT ALL BEFORE 8:15 AM
sORT OF LIKE XMAS MORNING

BUT I HAD BEEN UP LATE (AND HAD TOO MUCH WINE TO DRINK) AND I JUST WANTED TO SLEEP.

THE DHL PERSON "APOLOGIZED" FOR BRINGING ME SO MUCH STUFF. I COULD NOT GET IT ALL INTO MY LOFT, SO I SAT ON THE PARK BENCH IN FRONT OF MY LOFT AND OPENED EVERYTHING. I FELT A BIT LIKE A WINO SITTING THERE. MOST OF THE PEOPLE WALKING BY WERE COMING FROM THE HEALTH CLUB--DRINKING SOMETHING LIKE POMEGRANATE JUICE.

Saturday, June 07, 2008

Why I joined Facebook

I just joined on Monday because when I was in San Francisco last month I went to a cooking school at a winery called Crushpad. They sent me a noitce they had a new program called winestream with Facebook. I had to join Facebook to access it. Suddenly old friends started finding me and I got hooked.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

HOw to get free gas

Tomorrow morning I am doing a segment on Fox TV
It is about free gas offers and will flash to carladynews where I will post the list
It has been a lot of research--sort of like shopping and using coupons.
Go to www.carladynews.com to find the free gas offers

Saturday, April 05, 2008

Watch Madelyn on TV

I did a travel segment for First Wives World. Take a look and please leave a rating if you want to
http://firstwivesworld.com/resource/debbie-does-divorce/debbie-nigro/traveling-solo-post-divorce

Monday, March 17, 2008

A friend asked who I was dating

Haven't really dated recently. Who wants to go out with a princess who arrives home exhausted with tons of dirty underwear and then just wants to do laundry, answer emails and open the mail before she packs and goes out again.
And I expect chocolate on my pillow everynight and a good massage in the spa, a Cordon Blue trained chef---and so on

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Isolation Vacation

I got a press release today that made me laugh. I have survived a night in the Ice Hotel in Quebec, woke up at 6am in the morning to go fly fishing in Alaska, and a gueling 39 day train trip thorugh Europe.

I might be able to survive without the internet (well, maybe) But I could never survive without shopping. Do they have any vintage stores underground?

No Phones or Calls, Just Snorkeling, Swimming, Deep Sea Fishing & Food

Anguilla, B.W.I – February 20th, 2008 – Remember when work was confined to the office and vacation was truly a time to relax and unwind? These days, eighty-three percent of Americans check e-mail once a day while on vacation.+ The Arawak Beach Inn on the posh island of Anguilla invites travelers to relive the days of the so-called “Dark Ages” with its Isolation Vacation. Without Internet access, TV or phones, guests will be forced to enjoy all the island, and this rejuvenating escape, have to offer. The seven-night getaway, created to help overworked guests unplug and recharge, is available year-round and priced seasonally starting at $999 per person (less than $143 per night), based on double occupancy, June 1 through October 31, 2008. *

Tech junkies looking to go cold turkey will be blacklisted and unable to purchase or have access to an Internet connection at the resort (bribes not accepted!). BlackBerries and laptops will be kept under lock and key upon arrival if guests were not able to leave their electronic security blankets at home. The office will be unable to reach guests as there are no phones in the room. And for those constantly monitoring the market or addicted to the cable networks coverage of the economy, don’t think the TV will be the savior; they will be removed from guestrooms. What’s a guest to do in this tech-starved environment? The seven-night Isolation Vacation includes:

Oceanfront accommodations, ideal for watching the waves roll in
Daily breakfast, to provide all the energy needed for a day of exploring
Four dinners at the Inn’s Arawak Café
Three-day car rental, to see take in the gorgeous sights of Anguilla**
Private day-trip to an uninhabited island complete with a gourmet picnic lunch (no chance of sneaking technology in here!)
A deep sea fishing excursion
Three days of snorkel equipment
Round-trip airport or ferry transfers

Visitors going through work withdrawal can refer to Maria Hawkins, the resident innkeeper, for ways to witness Anguilla's varied culture and history or for recommendations on beaches, local restaurants, and how to really kick back, relax and enjoy the island way of life.

For reservations contact the reservations office at 1-877-4-ARAWAK or e-mail relax@arawakbeach.com. For more information, visit www.arawakbeach.com.

“This intimate gem sings with island warmth and color,” says Fodor’s. Arawak Beach Inn features a pool, the Arawak Beach Inn Café, home of the Caribbean’s best pizza, a bar, and oceanfront accommodations boasting a balcony or deck with spectacular views, a king- or queen-size bed, a refrigerator, and a private bath. Most Oceanfront Deluxe rooms also include cable TV and four-poster beds. But the best part may be Maria Hawkins, Arawak’s exuberant innkeeper extraordinaire who invites guest into the kitchen to whip up their favorite meal. Maria makes guests feel at home while in paradise.

The pace at Arawak is entirely up to guests. Lazing around the pool and enjoying the Arawak Beach Inn Café’s delicious Caribbean fare and International cuisine is a popular “activity.” For more adventurous guests, inn staff members will arrange boat excursions, sailing trips, tennis, and diving for an extra fee. Deserted beaches are a short stroll away for snorkeling and letting sand seep through toes.

Thursday, January 31, 2008

too big?

YesterDAy I was at the Salvation Army. A very attractive woman was trying things on in the makeshift mirror beside me.
I asked her about her opinion on a few things I was trying in. After a few, she said to me...WHY ARE YOU TRYING ON THINGS THAT ARE TOO BIG?? I explained I had lost some weight and wasn't really certain of my size.
She was a former model and we really bonded and exchanged cards. I make lots of friends while I am shopping.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

A party I should have skipped

My Rochelle forwarded a press invite to a new online TV show. It was at a trendy new bar and promised appetizers and drinks.
I am not so trendy...so I decided to call the bar to find out exactly where it was.
I dialed and dialed. Turns out the number of the invitation was wrong.

THAT WAS MY FIRST CLUE
or perhaps an omen.

I arrived at the event and was not exactly sure where the "LIFT" (name of the BAR) was. I had the address and there was a long line of valet cars, so I just got in line

SECOND MISTAKE.
I spent more time waiting in line to retrieve my car than I did at the party.

I finally figured out where the entrance was. The doorman pointed me inside.
On the left was a sloppy stack of boxes with different labels. There was an office building elevator ahead.
I was not sure where to go.
I asked the doorman where the bar was? He looked at me like I was a complete idiot (how did he know so quickly?) and then he condescendingly said: TAKE THE ELEVATOR.

THE BAR IS NAMED FOR THE ELEVATO..GET IT? A LIFT

As the door opened, the access was completely blocked by a couple conversing. A hostess person asked them to move over. They seemed to not hear her. (It was loud--maybe they really did not hear her) The hostess took the man's arm and guided him into the room.

Then the hostess handed me a small cardboard box. It looked like a tiny present in a cheap box. She said, "I don't know..maybe the tickets are for a drawing at the end..so you may want to save yours."

I LATER LEARNED THE TICKETS WERE DRINK TICKETS

Food always helps--so I went looking for the promised appetizers. I finally found a man slowly passing about three dozen slices to about 300 hundred people. Since I am allergiv to shellfish, I asked him if there was fish in the sushi. He said no. Luckily, a nearby girl who had just had a piece said .."There is Crab."

SHE SAVED MY LIFE.

I decided to leave. I mean if the hostess does not know the drink tickets are drink tickets and the server does not know what was in the food, I just hoped the valet still knew where my car was.

A PREMONITION
I walked down the stairs ( no elevator on the back exit way out) hoping the valet had been slow enough not to yet have parked my car.

NO LUCK
I spent more time in the valet line than I did at the party. When they finally found my car, they had obviously moved the visor where I keep my glasses.

DRIVE WITHOUT GLASSES?
I knew that was a bad idea. So I stayed where the valet had parked my car and starting looking for my glasses. They are big and red. Should be easy to find. But it wasnt't. Everyone started honking.

WHAT NEXT
I went home and had dinner at the wonderful bistro across the street--Amuse.
Great burger, nice ambiance, and friendly servers. I wished I had never left the neighborhood

I know how Brittany feels

Whenever someone invites me to a cocktail party at a bar, I almost panic when I walk into a dark, loud, noisy room.
I am not shy. But I had to not be able to see well enough to know who I want to talk to.
I stand near the door. Then I walk to the bar. Then I look around for the appetizers.
If I don't see any food, I leave right away.
Unless Don Weitz is there and since he know everyone he will introduce me to interesting people.

Poor Brittany. Imagine trying to go to court with paparazzi all around you. I guess she decides not to go.

Maybe I should stop going to large cocktail parties at bars.

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Southern Hospitality

I celebrated Thanksgiving with my friend Rochelle Brown's family. It was a banquet. They had three kinds of stuffing (cornbread jalapeno, oyster, and traditional) plus honeybaked ham and turkey and all kinds of southern vegetables like okra and grits and greens. Quite different for a nice JEWISH girl from the mid-West.
I brought a chocolate Turkey from Ethel's chocolate and Rochelle's grand-niece Jada just loved it

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Comfort and Joy from Republic of Tea

File this under most unusual use for tea.
My toilet overflowed today.
Even after I sopped it all up with towel, the place smelled awful.
I opened my Republic of Tea Comfort and Joy tea to console myself, and it smelled so good, I put the opened tin in the bathroom.
It was of some comfort, but cleaning up after a toilet overflow is no Joy

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Delicious News that proves how intelligent I am

LEARNING CURVES; THE WIDER GALS' HIPS, THE HIGHER THEIR IQ: REPORT: These hips don't lie - women with hourglass figures tend to be more intelligent and have smarter kids, a new study says. Researchers have even come up with a scientific explanation for their theory - and for why men prefer voluptuous women with large hips and small waists.

But I wonder if you loose weight if you loose IQ points

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Dead Deer

While my friend Edith Hall Friedheim and I were driving up to the Inn at Manitou, a deer suicided into our car. Actually, Edie was driving and I was turned facing her as we talked. I saw the deer jump over a divided highway. Edie was looking ahead and didn't see the deer until I screamed. She swerved and saved us and the car.

The Casulties: one deer, one left view mirror and a big dent in left side of rental car.

We went on to Inn at Manitou and were soothed by savouring gourmet food and getting massages and facials.

I have never seen anyone or anything commit suicide before

Friday, September 28, 2007

Picky Eater at Taste America

The James Beard Foundation's 20th Anniversary Benefits the Farmers Market as well as "a number of diverse programs that include educational initiatives, food industry awards, scholarships to culinary schools.".. It is truly a celebration of those who appreciate culinary excellence.And knowing it was at Nana, with some of my favorite chefs cooking made it irresistable.

Of course I wanted to be there. But the most interesting part of the evening was not the food, (which was of course spectacular) but the people at my table. Leslie quickly admitted she was a picky eater. She did not even want to try the first tuna course. I think she only came because her friend Rhonda persauaded her. But I think I should call her lucky Leslie since she won the biggest price..a $2500 office package from Office Expo. (and Leslie does not even have an office) She also was the high bidder on a dinner at the James Beard House. I asked her to do a column called the Picky Eater.

Also met a girl who was representing a new line of beverages that are healthy and non-alcoholic and pair with foods. But more on that after I taste it.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

WhAT kind of job is this?

See Madelyn at work
See Madelyn at work

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/tribpm/s_528319.html

Friday, July 20, 2007

My lucky day in New York

Yesterday was my day
I got on a bus and the meter was broken. Free rides for everyone.

Spent two hours interviewing Max the bald chocolate man who is a genius. Tasted wonderful unique new things. Learned he even had lots of aphrodisiac chocolates.

WEnt to cosi for dinner since they have free wireless access. (I actually stayed four hours0
They took 45 minutes to get me my dinner. I did not complain. I was there for the wireless, not the food.

They comped my meal because they felt it was below their service standard.

I did not enter the lottery. I was too tired after four hours at Cosi

Thursday, June 21, 2007

How is my mother???

My Mom fell on June 12. She fell onto a dresser and cut open her forehead and scrapped off skin from her leg. She may have also broken her nose.
She was taken to hospital in an ambulance because she was bleeding so badly.

Luckily, I was in Florida with a rental car and was able to drive right over.
The first night I was there, it looked like her eyes were hemorraging, she suddenly had big dark purple circles under her eyes
We called the doctor in the middle of the night. Doc had us go the emergency room where they told us her would had been incorrectly wrapped in first visit.

She has a slight concussion but is in good spirits.
She needs an aid full time to dress her wounds, change the bandages, and help her generally.

I hope to go back to help her after my grandbaby is born in first week of July.

I know this sounds like a Christmas letter, (actually, I think holiday letters generally have better news) but it was the only way I could easily tell everyone about her progress. I will post updates on my blog

Thanks for your concern.

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

The question everyone always asks me

Why did I start www.travellady.com?

I started travellady.com because the magazine I was food and travel editor went bankrupt on the same day Rupert Murdoch bought the Dallas Fox Channel and decided no freelancers.

I had taken trips to Japan and Korea. Promised stories. But suddenly had no outlets.

My daughter was dating a web designer. He did the first version of travellady.com

I never dreamed it would grow as large as it did. It was started before Travelocity

I started the other ones because Travellady.com has over 5,000 pages and I wanted to focus on other interests.

Monday, April 30, 2007

animal lovers eat well

Bone Appetit is Thursday, May 3rd!

We would like to encourage all of our awesome volunteers and friends of animals to go out to eat for lunch, dinner, or both at participating Bone Appetit restaurants on May 3rd, and a portion of your bill (at least 25%) will automatically be donated to Operation Kindness. You don't have to do anything more than simply go and have a nice meal, and you will be helping our animals!

Participating Restaurants
\u003cstrong\>I\u003c/strong\>\u003c/span\>\u003cstrong\>nclude\u003c/strong\>\u003cspan\> \u003cstrong\>(click the link to go visit the \nrestaurant web \nsite)\u003c/strong\> \u003c/span\>\u003cstrong\>:\u003c/strong\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/span\>\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial\" size\u003d\"2\"\>\u003cspan\>\u003c/span\>\u003c/font\> \u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial\" size\u003d\"2\"\>\u003cspan\>\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.angrydog.com\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>Angry Dog in Deep Ellum- lunch and \ndinner\u003c/a\>\u003c/span\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial\" size\u003d\"2\"\>\u003cspan\>\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.lavendou.com/\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>Lavendou Bistro Prove\u003cspan\>n\u003c/span\>cal- Lunch and dinner\u003c/a\>\u003c/span\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial\" size\u003d\"2\"\>\u003cspan\>\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.dallasdinesout.com/restrant/a/angelo/angelo.htm\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>Angelo's \nItalian Grill in Lakewood- Lunch and Dinner\u003c/a\>\u003c/span\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial\" size\u003d\"2\"\>\u003cspan\>\u003cspan\>\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.urbanbistrodallas.com/index.html\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>Urban Bistro on Inwood- Lunch \nand Dinner\u003c/a\>\u003c/span\>\u003c/span\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial\" size\u003d\"2\"\>\u003cspan\>\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.terillis.com/dallas.htm\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>Terilli's Lower Greenville- Lunch \nOnly\u003c/a\>\u003c/span\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial\" size\u003d\"2\"\>\u003cspan\>\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.fusedallas.com/\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>Fuse in Downtown Dallas- Dinner Only \n\u003c/a\>\u003c/span\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial\" size\u003d\"2\"\>\u003cspan\>\u003c/span\>\u003c/font\> \u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>\u003cspan\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial\" size\u003d\"2\"\>For more information \nplease\u003cfont color\u003d\"#0000ff\"\>\u003cspan\> \u003c/span\>\u003cspan\>\u003cfont color\u003d\"#000000\"\>open \nthe attachment\u003c/font\>, \u003c/span\>\u003c/font\>visit \u003c/font\>\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.operationkindness.org\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial\" color\u003d\"#000000\" size\u003d\"2\"\>www.operationkindness.org",1]
);
//-->
Include (click the link to go visit the restaurant web site) :

Angry Dog in Deep Ellum- lunch and dinner
Lavendou Bistro Provencal- Lunch and dinner
Angelo's Italian Grill in Lakewood- Lunch and Dinner
Urban Bistro on Inwood- Lunch and Dinner
Terilli's Lower Greenville- Lunch Only
Fuse in Downtown Dallas- Dinner Only

For more information please open the attachment, visit www.operationkindness.org
\u003c/a\>\u003cspan\>\u003cfont color\u003d\"#0000ff\"\>\u003cfont size\u003d\"2\"\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial\"\>\u003cfont color\u003d\"#000000\"\> \u003c/font\>\u003cspan\>\u003cfont color\u003d\"#000000\"\> or call 972-418-PAWS \nx261.\u003c/font\>\u003c/span\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/span\>\u003c/span\>\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>\u003cspan\>\u003cspan\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial\" color\u003d\"#0000ff\" size\u003d\"2\"\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/span\>\u003c/span\> \u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial\" size\u003d\"2\"\>\u003cspan\>\u003cstrong\>\u003cfont color\u003d\"#0000ff\"\>Thank\u003cspan\> you \u003c/span\>for \nhelping the homeless animals of Operation Kindness!\u003c/font\>\u003c/strong\> \n\u003c/span\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial\" size\u003d\"2\"\>\u003cspan\>\u003c/span\>\u003c/font\> \u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial\" size\u003d\"2\"\>\u003cspan\>\u003c/span\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial\" size\u003d\"2\"\>\u003cspan\>\u003c/span\>\u003c/font\> \u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>\n\u003cdiv\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial\" size\u003d\"2\"\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/div\>\u003cstrong\>\u003cem\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial\" color\u003d\"#ff0000\" size\u003d\"2\"\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/em\>\u003c/strong\>\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial\" color\u003d\"#0000ff\" size\u003d\"2\"\>\u003c/font\>\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.operationkindness.org/\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>\u003cfont size\u003d\"2\"\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial\"\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/a\> \u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial\" color\u003d\"#0000ff\" size\u003d\"2\"\>\u003c/font\> \u003c/div\>\u003c/div\>\n\u003cbr\>\n\n\u003cp\>\u003cfont size\u003d\"2\"\>No virus found in this outgoing message.\u003cbr\>\nChecked by AVG Free Edition.\u003cbr\>\nVersion: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.6.2/781 - Release Date: 4/30/2007 9:14 AM\u003cbr\>\n\u003c/font\> \u003c/p\>\n\n\u003cp\>\u003cfont size\u003d\"2\" face\u003d\"Arial\"\> \u003c/font\> \u003c/p\>\n",0]
);
//-->
or call 972-418-PAWS x261.

Thank you for helping the homeless animals of Operation Kindness!

Sunday, April 15, 2007

My weird relationship with the Weatehr

WEIRD RELATIONSHIP WITH THE WEATHER

I left New Orleans three days before Katrina arrived. I barely missed two hurricanes in Florida.

And I just got to New York about 24 hours before the record storm.

Am I all wet or something.

Maybe I should go to the desert or someplace that needs water

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Empty Bowls

I first experienced this in Santa fe. The bowls were spectacular and there were a few good soups. I think they originated the idea.

Dallas has made it bigger, but I am not sure it is better. There were about 20 different soups (plastic bowls supplied so you did not have to use the one you chose as part of the $25 admission fee)

Great desserts in Dallas. But Dallas knows how to add sparkle. I am not sure I liked the substance (the bowls) as well. But I had a great time and enjoyed the wonderful chocolate truffles. Next time I will just fill my bowl with truffles instead of soup. But then I am a chocolate girl.
www.chocolateatlas.com

No wonder Adam could only wear a FIG leaf

FIG SALE. Fashion Institute Group. It costs $12 to get in. When the guard told me that, thought he was kidding. I waited outside and asked a few people as they were leaving what they thought and what they bought. They all seemed to think it was worth it because things were 75% off. But I wonder if they shop at the $6 dollar store like I do.

Friday, February 16, 2007

If this is my Valentine, I am afraid to meet the Easter Bunny

Happy Valentines Day!!!!!!
~~~

RED-NECK VALENTINE'S LOVE POEM
Collards is green
my dog's name is Blue
and I'm so lucky to have
a sweet thang like you.

Yore hair is like cornsilk
a-flapping in the breeze
Softer than Blue's
and without all them fleas.

You move like the bass,
which excite me in May.
You ain't got no scales
but I luv you anyway.

Yo're as satisfy'n as okry
jist a-fry'n in the pan.
Yo're as fragrant as "snuff"
right out of the can.

You have som'a yore teeth,
for which I am proud;
I hold my head high
when we're in a crowd.

On special occasions,
when you shave under yore arms,
well, I'm in hawg heaven,
and awed by yore charms.

Still them fellers at work,
they all want to know,
what I did to deserve
such a purdy, young doe.

Like a good roll of duct tape
yo're there fer yore man,
to patch up life's troubles
and fix what you can.

Yo're as cute as a junebug
a-buzzin' overhead.
You ain't mean like those far ants
I found in my bed.

Cut from the best cloth
like a plaid flannel shirt,
you spark up my life
more than a fresh load of dirt.

When you hold me real tight
like a padded gunrack,
my life is complete;
Ain't nuttin' I lack.

Yore complexion, it's perfection,
like the best vinyl sidin'.
despite all the years,
yore age, it keeps hidin'.

Me 'n' you's like a Moon Pie
with a RC cold drank,
we go together
like a skunk goes with stank.

Some men, they buy chocolate
for Valentine's Day;
They git it at Wal-Mart,
it's romantic that way.

Some men git roses
on that special day
from the cooler at Kroger.
"That's impressive," I say.

Some men buy fine diamonds
from a flea market booth.
"Diamonds are forever,"
they explain, suave and couth.

But for this man, honey, these won't do.
Cause yo're too special, you sweet thang you.
I got you a gift, without taste nor odor,
more useful than diamonds...
IT'S A NEW TROLLIN' MOTOR!!

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Falling on his head with style and grace

I went to the night of Cortero, the Cirque de Soleil show in Dallas. It was wonderful. But near the end of the final act, one of the acrobats, seemed to suddenly slip and fall on his head. I saw the back of this head near his neck actually hit the floor. My friend Laurance saw his ankle slip over the bar.

The show stopped. It was very dramatic. They came out with a crew of paramedics and rushed him off in a stretcher. There was nothing about it on the news--which is strange because if someone has a car accident--it is on the nighttime news.

Laurance said, "This is part of the risks and it makes you appreciate even more all the work that is accomplished, night after night in an always present danger to make it look easy when in actuality, it takes a lot of efforts and discipline."

Happy Birthday, Ms. USA

A friend invited me to a birthday party for Ms USA.
Not the currently famous one, Tara.
It was Ms USA 1992--Shannon.

A man who I met five years ago and had not seen since knew Shannon and invited me to meet him there. I arrived at nine. He arrived at 11. (that is even later than my ex-husband's average)

So I arrive at Cretia's, looking for Ms USA. It is very odd to go to a birthday party where you do not know anyone. And can't even recognize the birthday girl.

My mother brought me up right. I did bring a gift-wrapped present. A bottle of bubble bath Champagne.

I actually had a great time. I must be on the birthday circuit

Sunday, January 28, 2007

Noteworthy birthday party

My friend Gustavo is not just a wonderful piano player (one of the best from Argentina) but a superb host. I love his birthday parties. He and his partner Richard bake zillions of different empanadas and roll sandwhiches on a thin Argentinian bread. His mother frosted the two spectacular birthday cakes and I am only sorry not to have taken a picture. After the cake, Gustavo played some Argentinian music (after a warmup birthday rendition by his friend Richard) Several of the people got up and did the Tango. I felt like I had front row seats at an intimate performance.

Positively Promiscuous at Yoga

I am really getting addicted to yoga. I have now done 4 classes in less than 48 hours. I did yoga and chocolate, a Saturday morning session at Tsada with Ro, a meditation class with Vino this afternoon, and now I am off to Underground Yoga with Chinook. No wonder I have no time to get anything done. But my downward facing dogs are really getting good.

Monday, December 25, 2006

What time does xmas start?

I am lucky to be part of the Belcher annual family dinner. John and Jan had it in their new house and it was great. Delicious.
The very organized Jan emailed everyone two weeks ahead with directions and the starting time of 1pm. Apparently I did not get the email.
Since I knew they came in late the night before from Atlanta--I did not want to call. But finally a little after noon, I checked in.
They were all waiting for me at 1pm when I finally arrived. If I had been a sports person, I might have known when the game started and could have figured it out from there.

Sunday, December 24, 2006

I was a Matzah ball virgin

What does a nice single Jewish girl do on Christmas Eve? Not wait home for santa.
I had never been so I called my wise friend Paula. She went last year and said it was horrible and she would never go again. She said most of the attendees were closer to her daughter's age.

But they offered a 3 month member ship to eharmony and a nice sounding guy named Gary had contacted me from eharmony. But I could not respond unless I was a member.
So for the cost of one matzoh ball I got a free dinner and three months eharmony membership.

It was raining, so that may have affected attendance. But a Billard Hall like Ben's half yARD is not my idea of a ball.

The food was kosher and not bad--but not ready for about an hour. And my plan was to look around, eat, and probably leAVE. i MET A NICE WOMEN nAMED dEB WHO just moved from New Jersey.

Many of the men looked like they had been trucked in from a seniors home. Deb noticed they shuffled, rather than walked. We met a guyh named Ben who was missing all his front teeth. He told Deb she was beautiful. I was not crushed that he seemed uninterested in me.

SPAM to the world

I got 151 emails when I woke up this morning. Six were for me. The other 155 were offering me a larger penis, medicines, a quick way to get rich, stock market tips and more. I like the old junk mail from the US post office better. I started using Mail Washer and it does help. Would love to hear from anyone out there who uses a helpful spam program

Saturday, December 23, 2006

Inside Madelyn's Mind

Inside Madelyn's Mind

HAPPY CHANUKAH. Had real, home made latkas at my friend Paula JOyce's home. It was fun to share the holiday with her family and see her gorgeous art gallery of hand painted silks

How the Holidays have changed

In the past I got zillions of xmas cards and family news letters.
This year, I only got one holiday letter from a friend.
I did get a gorgeous card from Google with seasons greetings in a dozen languages.

Monday, October 23, 2006

Inside Madelyn's Mind

Inside Madelyn's Mind

OFF TO A BAD START

I woke up to the buzzing of the battery dying in my smoke alarm. I called the courtesy desk to come put in a new battery and rolled over and tried to get back to sleep.
But it took them a couple hours to come change it. By then I was awake and frazzled from the constant buzz.

the day went quickly downhill when my computer crashed. I spent all afternoon trying to get it back up. Geek Squad would take four days to get here and were expensive.
Sony was helpful and told me a website where I could download a patch.
It worked.

I am back on my computer and life looks a little better.

Saturday, May 13, 2006

Sudden eye surgery

I went for a rountine eye check up and my doctor Gene Wyll saw something he didn't like. So he scheduled me for Tuesday He said it was really minor and I would be okay the same day but the greasy stuff he put in my eyes made it hard to see for the rest of the day.
My friend Rochelle is taking me to the surgery.

super shopper does an instant replay

I was bargain shopping and I saw a red jacket I knew would be just perfect for my friend Rochelle Brown. I tried to call her to describe it--but I could not reach her so I just bought it because it "just looked like her."
We met for lunch the next day and Rochelle could hardly wait to see what I had gotten for her.
We went to my car and I proudly presented it to her.
She started laughing.
She said, "Madelyn, I have that jacket and I wear it all the time"
I guess I was right that it looked like her.
I must have seen her wear it many times.

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

Double your Pleasure

Two new restuarants nearly next store to each other and I tried them two nights in a row.
My gal pal group met at Olivers on the NE corner of Frankford and the Tollway. Yummy Mediterranean food and pizza at very fair prices. I loved my sampler salad. Sort of like Cafe Express only a better value and better food.

That night, I noticed another restuarant, ZOOM, which is Thai and Vietnamese. So one of my favorite eating buddies, Sue Parma and I tried it. Colorful place with sophisticated dishes.
I loved the fried duck with eggplant in coconut milk. Sue prefered the Ginger Pork. We also had a fried fish cake appetizer served with two dipping sauces and shrimp chips. We would have had dessert but the alarm at Sue's house went off so we rushed back to her place

Friday, April 14, 2006

MORE THAN I WANTED

I came home from an almost two week trip to Las Vegas and Red Mountain Spa. I had so much mail, I had to get a cart to take it all up. There was a handsome man in the elevator who I have never met. He said, "wow, you get a lot of mail."
I EXPLAINED that I was a journalist and most of it was stuff I did not want.
Then I tore open a mailer bag that contained the book EROTIC ENCOUNTERS. 21 pleasureable steps.
We both laughed.
And then he looked at my mail and package bins and noticed I had been sent some wine.
Don't tell me that is another thing you don't want, he kidded

Monday, March 20, 2006

BELATED BIRTHDAY POEM

My friend from Canada, writer Jane Cassie, wrote this poem for my birthday

It is that time of year again
To raise a glass of cheer
To you, our Travel lady editor
Who publishes all year!

As well as posting stories
Of our trips from earth to Mars
You demonstrate new strategies
With the added Google bars

This wish, it comes with gratitude
For the work that you display
You deserve some fun, dear Madelyn
On your very special day!

All the best –and have a blast in the year to come!

Cheers, Jane

Sunday, March 19, 2006

Rochelle Brown birthday March 10

My friend Rochelle outdoes herself for every holiday. She always has eight Chanukah presents for me days before Hanukah starts. So this year, I decided to start working on her birthday weeks ahead.

I started buying dangly earrings for her while I was in New York in January. Then I bought a dozen plastic hollow easter eggs and tucked each pair into a matching color and then wrapped them in cellophone polkadot bag.

Then in honor of our favorite store, the six dollar store(now $6.47) I took their sigtnature yellow bag to a bakery and had them match the color on cupcakes and frost them with $6.47. The baker thought it was unusual, but complied.

I brought them to Catalina, where we were having lunch. They arranged the cupcakes on a platter with fresh strawberries. Rochelle laughed hysterically and the servers all wanted to know what $6.47 stood for.

Then we went over to the store and shopped and left the cupcakes behind.

Friday, March 10, 2006

March 4, my birthday and the perfect gift

My friend Rochelle Brown, really knows what I like. She called me on my birthday and said hurry over to the six dollar story, they have a new shipment. Of course I rushed over. And I found some great stuff. When I went to check out, Rochelle handed me a gift certificate. The perfect gift

Friday, February 03, 2006

A new neighborhood restaurant:Amuse

What downtown needed was a reasonable, classy restaurant. And Amuse fits the bill without overcharging. It is sleek and stylish with interesting choices and a cozy bar. I had a shaved turkey sandwhich with brie and cranberry sauce and walnuts. ($9). It included a choice of fries or grilled vegetables (my choice and very tasty) Each table is given a ceramic bowl of fried garlic pita triangle and a pesto dipping sauce
The sevice was terrific
I would go back even if I didn't live across the street.
It is on Lamar right across from the police station, near Giley's and Southside on Lamar, almost directly across from Poor David's.

Happy Chineese New Year

After nearly a month of eating, drinking and tasting chocolate in New York, I spent my last night with good friend and Bon Vivant and culinary consultant TJRobinson. We had dim sum in Chinatown and only when I arrived did I realize it was Chineese New Year's Eve. Very exciting.
Then we went to a new off-Broadway play, confessions of a Mormon Boy, a hilarious one-man show that I would highly recommend. The big shock of the show wasn't when he took off his underwear, but when he removed his hairpiece.
HIs buff body (The actor, not TJ) did not give away his age, but his bald palate made him seem older.

Friday, January 20, 2006

You know you are drinking too much when

I was at a trendy bar tonight, Pegu Club on HOuston to taste some Zuidam Dry Gin with James Levine.

I started the evening by going to the wrong bar--a Mexican bar right next store. I did not look closely at the address or name because it just looked like the right location. I told the hostess I was meeting a man I did not know. She said there were no single men there. (attention women looking for men)
She directed me to the bar. I sat down, realizing that for once I was early--and that explained why James was not there.
The waiter asked me if I would like a drink. I said, "NO thank you, I was waiting to meet someone who wanted me to taste some very special gin." The waiter tactfully said, "Really? You know this is a tequilla bar."
I waited a little longer. Looked around. Looked at the name on the matches.
OOPS I WAS IN THE WRONG BAR.

But the plot thickens. I easily found James at the bar at Pegu Club. We laughed about having a little trouble finding each other. As we were chatting, another man came over. He asked me if I had been at Moda on Wednesday night.
I had been there tasting martinis and tapas.
Turns out he was the bartender at Moda and recognized me.

Am I going to get a reputation as a bar girl?

Sunday, January 08, 2006

Researching cocktaills and Chocolate in New York

My friend Rochelle Brown called this trip a "yum", "burp", "o-o-o-oh" trip.
And I am also doing a little shopping.
The flea market people think I live here--I seem to be shopping so often. They recognize me.

Staying at Lucy Komisar appt 12th street at 6th Avenue

Jan 7 Saturday Greg and Gabrielle and Hope at Café des ARtists
Jan 8 Sunday wholesale jewelry show and flea markets
Jan 9 Monday wholesale jewelry show
Jan 10 Tuesday wholesale show
MARGARITA EVENT
Jose Cuervo “easy entertaining” event with Sandra Lee
hudson
Jan 11 wed spend day with Danielle Eddy
Jan 12 thurs
JAN 13 friday
Jan 14 Phily
Jan 15 Phily
Jan 16 Monday
Jan 17 Tuesday
Jan 18 Wednesday Lunch Sanford TEller
RITZ CARLTON CHOCOLATE PARTY
antiques preview party
Jan 19 Thursday
Jan 20 Friday
Jan 21 Saturday STAY WITH EDITH HALL FRANCE REUNION
Jan 22 Sun STAY WITH EDITH HALL FRANCE REUNION
Jan 23 Monday
Jan 24 Tuesday
Jan 25 wed afternoon Joyce Dalton 1pm upper east side 406/425-1920.

Jan 26 Thursday Spirit Launch at Hudson Hotel.
AUSTRALIAN WINE EVENT (212-351-6585)
2:00pm on 1/26 sound for Sebor Absinth? We can meet with Jeremy (Jessica Sands)

Jan 27 Friday
Jan 28 Saturday flea markets
Jan 29 Sunday flea markets LUCY HOME

BARS TO TRY

Passerby in Manhattan. Pop in and get a Cosmo made by its creator . (FROM ARDENT SPIRITS)
Manhattan's most sophisticated upscale cocktail lounges including The Campbell Apartment in Grand Central Terminal, The World Bar in the Trump World Tower, and The Carnegie Club.

Thursday, December 29, 2005

Chanukah at Ikea..the multi-cultural meeting

My friend Rochelle Brown took me to the newly opened Ikea today for a Chanukah lunch. How cross cultural. A Baptist woman of color from the South take a nice Jewish girl from the Midwest to eat at a Swedish restaurant in Texas.
We had their marvelous meatballs and then looked for the sale. Not much was marked down, but then Ikea is generally such a good deal it was not too disappointing. I found some interesting gadgets, and then when we were checking out, Rochelle handed me a gift card for Ikea from her Aunt Bertie. It was a great present.

WE still have lots in common

I ran into an old sorority sister today at Ikea. I had not seen Paula Joyce in years--our pattern was that our paths would cross at some artsy event or speaker every five years or so.
When I asked what was new she replied, "I'm divorced" jubilantly. My lovely friend Rochelle, said nicely, "Oh, that is too bad." But I understood and said me, too, matching Paula's level of enthusiasm.

Monday, December 26, 2005

Bargains at California Girl

Two dollar separates. New things. Cotton and knit in black, navy, cream, red and hot pink.
California Girl is on Garland Road near Centerville.

Saturday, December 24, 2005

Happy Holidays

AFter being home sick for five days, I was ready to get out. My friend Diane Teitlebaum invited me to join her family at her sister Lori's house for xmas Eve Dinner. By the time we got there, Lori was sick and so I never saw her. But the rest of us enjoyed a wonderful dinner with four desserts. The Lindt chocolates I brought were a big hit. I think I ate enough calories to make up for a week of not eating.,

Friday, December 23, 2005

I love Italian Farmers

My friend Diane Teitlebaum, the wine wizard, invited me to a dinner celebrating Slow Food and sponsored by farmers from Turin, Italy. The food and wine wine was wonderful--platters and platters of roasted vegetables, cheese in honey, carved vegetables, and wonderful wines. (Oh, I said that already)
It reminded me of the wonderful time and fabulous food I had in Italy and made me want to go back soon.

Saturday, December 10, 2005

Blue Artichoke

Tried a wonderful new lunch place in the design district with my friend Rochelle Brown. It had yummy soups, salads, sandwhiches and pasta in a sleek, sophisticated setting.
There are two antique buildings-- LOST and FOUND. One is black, the other is white.
The restaurant is in FOUND even though both Rochelle and I got lost finding it. Address is 1225 INdustrial. It is only open for lunch.

Thursday, December 08, 2005

Why I am freezing cold

Dallas is not really prepared for cold weather. So when the roads freeze, we all panic. I decided to stay home and just snuggle in. Good idea--except the heat in my building went out.
I kept moving the heating thermastat up and it seemed like it was getting colder and colder.
I drank hot chocolate.
I sipped Hot Chai Tea
I made chicken noodle soup.
Even food did not solve the problem.

I bundled up with four sweaters which made it difficult to work on my computer with frozen fingers.

I finally had a service call and now I know what the problem is. The heat wasn't on

Thursday, December 01, 2005

Calling all SALE SHOPPERS..the SPARKLING SCOOP

iF ONLY I had a prom to go to. Or a few more holiday parties. I cannot believe the beaded dresses and separates at the SIX DOLLAR STORE.

Stephen told me they were getting it in,,,but I had to check it out first before I sent this out. He has 7,000 beaded things so there is enough for all my friends and all my friends friends.

These are so gorgeous and so cheap I thought about buying lots and cutting them up and making pillows or bedspreads.

The store is 1505 Wycliff. (between Stemmons and Irving) across from the Anatole.

There is another one on Camp Wisdom Road near the old Red Bird Mall, next to Office Depot

Monday, November 21, 2005

Guatemala was great

November 11-19, 2005

Press Trip Itinerary

Friday- November 11
Arrival and transfer to Guatemala City
Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel Quinta Real ph: 502-2-420-7720

Saturday- November 12
6:00 AM Breakfast in hotel
7:00 AM Bus ride to Quiriguá
11:00 AM Tour Quiriguá archaeological site
2:00 PM Lunch – Hotel Green Bay
3:00 PM Tour of Cerro San Gil
5:00 PM Dinner and overnight stay in Amatique Bay Marina and Resort

Sunday- November 13
7:00 AM Boat ride to Livingston for breakfast
10:00 AM Boat ride to Biotopo Chocón Machacas, cañón del Río and Isla de Pájaros
1:30 PM Lunch at Río Dulce in Hotel Catamarán
4:30 PM Boat ride to the San Felipe Castle and Lake Izabal
5:00 PM Visit Paraíso estate
6:00 PM Dinner and overnight stay in Río Dulce’s Hotel Banana Palms

Monday- November 14
6:00 AM Transfer to Flores, Petén
7:00 AM Breakfast
9:00 AM Transfer to Tikal National Park
10:00 AM Arrive in Tikal
1:00 PM Lunch in Hotel Jungle Lodge
2:00 PM Continue tour of park
5:00 PM Dinner and overnight stay in Camino Real Tikal’s Hotel La Lancha
ph: 501-824-4912

Tuesday- November 15
7:00 AM Transfer to Mundo Maya International Airport for flight to Guatemala City
8:15 AM Departure to Guatemala City
9:05 AM Arrival in La Aurora International Airport and transfer to Antigua
10:30 AM Tour of Antigua
1:00 PM Lunch in Mesón Pansa Verde
2:00 PM Continue tour of Antigua
5:00 PM Dinner and overnight stay in Antigua’s Hotel Casa Santo Domingo
ph: 502-782-0-1220

Wednesday- November 16
7:00 AM Breakfast – Porta Hotel Antigua
9:30 AM Transfer to Guatemala City
11:00 AM Tour of Guatemala City
1:00 PM Lunch – Restaurant Kakao
2:00 PM Continue tour of Guatemala City
5:00 PM Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel Westin Camino Real
ph: 502-233-3-3000

Thursday- November 17 -SaturdaY Nov 19
INtercontinental Guatemala City

Three hours prior to departure, transfer to La Aurora International Airport

Guatemala Quick Facts

Location: Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between El Salvador and Mexico, and bordering the Gulf of Honduras (Caribbean Sea) between Honduras and Belize.

Map References: Central America and the Caribbean.

Area: Total -- 108,890 sq km; water -- 460 sq km; land -- 108,430 sq km.

U.S. Area: In comparison to a U.S. state, slightly smaller than Tennessee.

Land Boundaries Total: 1,687 km; Border countries include Belize 266 km, El Salvador 203 km, Honduras 256 km and Mexico 962 km.

Coastline: 400 km.

Maritime Claims: Territorial sea -- 12 nm; exclusive economic zone -- 200 nm; continental shelf – 200m depth.

Climate: Tropical -- hot, humid in lowlands and cooler in highlands.
Temperature predictions during your stay will range from the highs 75˚ F/ and lows 58˚ F.

Attire: Casual.
Note: It tends to get chilly in the evenings.

Seasons: Rainy season varies from May to October. Dry season varies from November to April.

Currency: Quetzal.

Exchange rate (Est.): 1 USD = 7.57 Guatemala Quetzales.

Note: Bargaining throughout various marketplaces in Guatemala can be
done either in U.S. or local Guatemala currency the Quetzal.

General Fact Sheet

What makes Guatemala different from many other countries is it’s variety of environments, you can be enjoying the calm of lake Atitlán and a couple of hours later you can be discovering the history of an ancient city like Antigua, climbing the Agua Volcano or going to a shopping mall in Guatemala city.

1. The Mayan World Adventure
2. Living Indigenous Highlands
3. Different Caribbean

4. The Pacific Coast

5. Modern and Colonial Guatemala

6. Discovering Guatemala

7. Natural Paradise

To promote the most visited tourist destinations within Guatemala, seven areas were designated as part of an aggressive tourism campaign. The areas selected include the most visited destinations as well as new areas proposed for development:

A Different Caribbean
v Includes the Province of Izabal.
v It’s name says it all, Izabal is part of the Caribbean but unique in its nature. It was the stage for Pirates and Galleons during the conquest, and it is presently the home of the Garífuna culture, which arrived on the coasts over 200 years ago.

v Río Dulce (Sweet River) and Lake Izabal are truly a paradise for nature lovers and water sports aficionados.
v

Living Indigenous Highland
v Located in the western part of the country, this sector includes the provinces of Huehuetenango, Quiché, Totonicapán, Sololá, Chimaltenango, San Marcos and Quetzaltenango.
v After the Mayan cities in Petén where abandoned, the highland rejoiced with the arrival of its descendents who, surrounded by cold weather and fertile lands, called the mountains and valleys home.
v Over 20 Mayan ethnic groups occupy the indigenous highlands including the: Cack’chiquel, Quek’chi, Mam and Tzutuil.
v Their traditions, languages and crafts are a legacy of today’s Mayan World
v It is characterized by its beautiful landscapes of mountains and volcanoes, which frame the pictorial indigenous villages and sowing fields.
v Some of the destinations most widely visited in Guatemala are located in this area: Lake Atitlán and Chichicatenango.

The Mayan World Adventure

v Includes the province of Petén, the largest province in the country.
v The Mayan Civilization made the dense tropical jungle of El Petén, its home.
v The region is the cradle of the Maya: it watched the Maya civilization flourish and reach great astronomical, mathematical, architectural and artistic achievements such as Mirador, Tical and Aguateca.
v Thousands of years later, these cities still hold many of the mysteries of Mayan civilization.

The Pacific Coast

v Includes the southern provinces of Retalhuleu, Suchitepequez and Escuintla.
v Over thirty volcanoes contribute to the formation of the volcanic sand beaches on the Pacific Coast of Guatemala.
v In the warm and humid environment, these beaches, canals and wetlands serve as a refuge to a large variety of wildlife.
v Among its frequent visitors is the marine turtle, which prefers these beaches to nest their eggs.

Modern and Colonial Guatemala

v Includes the provinces of Guatemala and Sacatepéquez.
v This region holds two of Guatemala’s capital cities: one, which is a silent witness of our colonial past and the other, the largest and most modern metropolis in Central America.
v Since the arrival of the Spaniards, this area was recognized as the settlement of great cities, which is to date the pride and heart of this Mayan land.

Discovering Guatemala

v Includes the eastern provinces of Zacapa, El Progreso, Chiquimula, Jalapa, Jutiapa and Santa Rosa.

v Largely, tourists have not frequented the provinces that make up this region.
v This provides a great advantage to those who wish to venture into a world of tradition and culture that, until now, has hardly been explored. Among its main attractions are: the Basilica of Esquipulas, the only basilica of Central America and home of the Black Christ of Esquipulas.

Natural Paradise

v Includes the provinces of Alta Verapaz and Baja Verapaz.
v This area is commonly known as “Las Verapaces”, since the conquest period.
v It holds the largest and most important habitat of the majestic Quetzal, which feathers once adorned the heads of the Mayan kings and princes. It is “green, green, green” as once described by the Guatemalan Nobel Literary Prize Winner, Miguel Ángel Asturias.
v

Guatemalan Provinces

Guatemala, a country of contrasts and mosaics that enrich us with their natural vibrant colors that grow from our soil’s unique characteristics; warm and friendly, just as our weather, our people and our traditions.

So strong and playful, it’s beauty is reflected in it’s wide mountains and vast lands with a naturally enriched soil that gives life to a huge diversity of flora and fauna like no other in the world, towering pyramids rise above the jungle’s green canopy and howler monkeys share the tops of trees with colorful birds, this is Guatemala. Many places where to stay, and many moods to share.

Guatemala has the richest ethnic diversity of all the countries of Central America. Eighty percent of the population is indigenous. Most groups are descendants of the Mayans and have preserved their traditional clothing, folklore and language. Some places from the Mayan empire, like Tikal, are world famous, others still lay hidden in dense jungles waiting for explorers to discover their secrets.

Tikal. Adventuring at the ancient Mayan acropolis.

If you dream of visiting old Mayan temples hidden in lush jungle with giant Ceiba trees, colorful birds and howler monkeys, Tikal is the right place. The biggest acropolis discovered were the temples are magnificent, but what makes this park so unique is its setting. All groups of monuments are separated by thick rainforests with century old trees. The forest only is worthy of a visit even if the Mayan temples weren’t there. At least tropical birds think so. You can see more species there in a day than anywhere else, toucans, parakeets, colorful turkeys, and vultures. Spider monkeys jumps from tree to tree while howler monkeys can be heard from a distance. The trees are spectacular as much from the ground, where they offered valuable shade, as they were from the top of temples surrounding the monuments with an array of colors complementing the darker earth tones of the stones. If you want to feel the extremely experience of climbing a temple under the powerful heat, this is the right place for the challenge.

In the late afternoon the howler monkeys roared like an army of lions. Tikal is one of those places you just wished you had more time to visit longer. Your interest could be art, anthropology, archeology, history, ecology, bird watching or just to look for a peaceful place in a beautiful rainforest, whatever your purpose may be, Tikal will easily seduce you and remain etched in your memory.

Cobán. Where you find your extreme natural spirit.

You can find some other experiences in other places for all those who like extreme. Cobán is the right place where the warm weather, rainy and foggy forests tempts you to adventure. You can stay there enjoying the landscape and the sound of the river or if you like it rough you can take a rafting tour at the river Cahabón; but also you can set free your spirit exploring the underground caves feeling the mysticism and magic of the unknown.

Antigua. Surviving and conquering the colony.

If you are looking for a quiet and cultural experience, Antigua is a colonial town with a rich history and impressive architecture. It is certainly worth a visit. Not a large town, but is the most visited destination in the country. It was the most important city in New Spain until the capitol was moved to present day Guatemala City after the destructive earthquake of 1773. During the mid-1800’s, with the introduction of the coffee industry, a few of the colonial structures were restored. However, the city has remained isolated until recently.

Antigua is among the oldest and most beautiful cities in the Americas. Set amid three magnificent volcanoes - Agua, Fuego and Acatenango - its superb yet sturdy colonial buildings have weathered 16 earthquakes and numerous floods and fires. La Antigua was declared a National Monument and a Monumental City of the Americas. In 1979 it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Today cultural activities take place inside magnificent monuments and houses. You can feel old Europe while walking among the cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. Tourists from around the world mix with Indigenous people in traditional clothing who have come in from surrounding villages. Antigua is a lovely place to relax, and a much better place to wait for a flight out of the country than the nearby capital.
Antigua is especially beautiful during Semana Santa or Holly Week, when the streets are carpeted with elaborate decorations of colored sawdust and flower petals. The city's churches have lost much of their Baroque splendor, the post-earthquake repair and restoration leaving them denuded of embellishment and elegance. However, many remain impressive, in particular La Merced, Iglesia de San Francisco and Las Capuchinas (now a museum). Casa K'ojom is a fascinating museum of Mayan music and ceremonies and related artifacts. On Sundays, visitors and locals alike gather to assess the goods for sale at the bustling market held in Parque Central.
Guatemala. The metropolitan age.
Guatemala City is the largest urban city in Central America. Like all Guatemalan towns, a logical grid system has been imposed on the city's layout: avenidas run north-south; calles run east-west. The huge city has been divided into 22 zones, each with its own version of this grid system.
Few colonial buildings grace the city, especially in the zone 1, where the Central Park (officially the Plaza de la Constitución) is a classic example of the standard Spanish colonial town. People who like to take walks or even sit on a bench to soak in the surroundings visit this Park every Sunday. In front of this park you can see the majestic National Palace of the Culture, a great museum of history. And in the other side of the park you can see Metropolitan Cathedral.
In zone 10 are several and important museums like the Museo Popol Vuh, which is a superb private collection of Mayan and Spanish colonial art, and the Museo Ixchel del Traje Indígena, which displays the rich traditional arts and costumes of Guatemala's highland towns. Zona 13 houses the Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnología, with its prized collection of Mayan artifacts, and the Museo Nacional de Arte Moderno, which has a superb collection of 20th-century Guatemalan art the Museo Del Niño.
The most important hotels and conventions centers are placed on zone 10 of more common denominated, La Zona Viva.
The High Lands.

Atitlán.

If your spirit is much more quiet, you can also enjoy the beauty of lake Atitlan. Volcanoes surround the lake, and the town is the starting point for excursions to the smaller, more traditional indigenous villages on the western and southern shores of the lake. The most popular day-trip destination is Santiago Atitlán, with its colorfully dressed locals and a unique, cigar-smoking resident deity called Maximón. The market town of Sololá has been attracting traders for centuries, and the town's main plaza continues to throb with activity on market days. Village life can be sampled at Santa Catarina Palopó, while lakeside San Pedro La Laguna is fun for its population of bohemian travelers who liked it here so much they stayed.

Chichicastentango.

At 2030m (6658ft), the magical and misty highlands town of Chichi is surrounded by valleys and overshadowed by looming mountains. Though isolated, it's always been an important market town. The Sunday market is the one to catch, as the cofradías (religious brotherhoods) often hold processions on that day. The locals have combined traditional Mayan religious rites with Catholicism; the best places to witness these old rites are around the church of Santo Tomás and the shrine of Pascual Abaj, which honors the Mayan earth god. Incense, food, drink and cigarettes are offered to ancestors and to ensure the continued fertility of the earth. The town's Museo Regional contains ancient clay pots and figurines, flint and obsidian spearheads, maize grindstones and an impressive jade collection.

Quetzaltenango.

The commercial center of southwestern Guatemala, Quetzaltenango, more commonly called Xela ('shay-lah'), is an excellent base for excursions to the many nearby villages, noted for their hot springs and handmade crafts. The city prospered during the 19th century as a coffee-broker and storage center until an earthquake and volcanic eruption ended the boom. In recent years, Xela has become well known for its Spanish-language schools. The town's major sights are the central square and the buildings which surround it, a couple of basic though useful markets and the ubiquitous Parque Minerva - many such monuments were built during the presidency of Manuel Estrada Cabrera (1898-1920), to honor the classical goddess of education in the hope of inspiring Guatemalan youth to new heights of learning. The beautiful volcanic countryside surrounding Xela features natural steam baths at Los Vahos and Fuentes Georginas. Also in the vicinity are the picture-postcard village of Zunil, the garment district of Guatemala, San Francisco El Alto and the centre for woolly woollens, the village of Momostenango.

Livingston. The sounds of the caribean.

The town of Lívingston is accessible from the Caribbean port of Puerto Barrios. The local people named the Garífunas lives on the island. The blend of Maya, African and European culture had created the unique language and traditions of this town. Tiny Lívingston with coconut groves, gaily painted wooden buildings and a fishing economy is the starting point for boat rides on the Río Quehueche and Río Cocolí, which take you through tropical jungle scenery for a swim or a picnic, or out to the Cayos for snorkeling and fishing.

Pacific Coast. Warm weather, warm people.

Situated on Guatemala's Pacific Slope, this is an important site for anyone interested in Mayan art and culture. The sugar cane fields are dotted with great stone heads and scenes carved in relief. The artifacts are the remnants of the Pipils. There are three main archaeological sites in the surrounding sugar cane fincas (ranches or plantations). Finca Bilbao consists of several ceremonial sites containing stone sculptures, many of which are hidden among the cane. Hilltop Finca El Baúl has the additional fascination of being a still-active place of worship, while Finca Las Ilusiones contains hundreds of objects, which have been collected from the fields over the centuries. Also in the pacific coast you can find beautiful black sand beaches like Monterrico, Las Lisas and Sipacate, where you can practice water sports and enjoy beautiful nature walks. Avid sports fishermen that frequent the area, internationally recognize the black sand beaches of Puerto Quetzal to participate in the sport.

Thursday, November 10, 2005

Rub me for good luck!

Even though I am busy getting ready to go to Guatemala tomorrow for ten days, I decided to run down to the media party for Purgatory that was being held in Absinthe, the bar in my building.
Everyone laughed because all I had to do to get there was take the elevator down from the ninth floor.
Fiftenn minutes after I got there, I won the first prize--a trip for two to Purgatory, including airfare and hotel for two and lift tickets (applications are now being taken for my guest spot)

One guest who really wanted to win came up to me and asked if she could rub me for good luck.
She did, and then she won the next trip.

Maybe I should go to Las Vegas next.

Thursday, November 03, 2005

FIVE WEEKS IN EUROPE

When I got a degree in journalism, I never thought people would fly me to Zurich business class just so I could eat chocolate. But Lindt actually did that. I joined about a dozen other lucky chocolate writes who were wined, dined and fed the best chocolate treats in the world. They also sent us home with an enourmous supply of goodies.
They were nice enough to ship mine home since I was traveling on for another month.

All in all, I spent 35 days in 18 different hotels and changed trains about 24 times.

It was wonderful, but with my bad back, it got more and more difficult each day as people gave me more and more goodies. Really good goodies like wine, and books and then some propoganda.
I estimated that I got five pounds a day.
That doesn't sound like too much until you multiply it by 35.
Do the math.

The last week of the trip was at Romantik HOtels in Germany and France. We ate in several Michlein star restaurants.

The most amazing thing of all was I did not gain any weight.
In fact, people keep telling me I look thinner.

Maybe chocolate and wine really are good for you.

THINKING LIKE A PHOTOGRAPHER

I must be thinking like a photographer. Yesterday I was driving home at sunset and the sky was so beautiful I pulled over, took out my digital camera, and started shooting pictures. I had a moment where I understood why photographers go nuts over light. The sky was ribbons of pink and blue and purple that were reflected in the ball at the top of the Hyatt Reunion. When I zoomed in on the ball, it looked like something out of a space age movie.

Monday, September 12, 2005

The man who hit my car was blind, deaf and a liar

Thank goodness there was a witness to my accident at the end of August. The man who backed into me told his insurance company that I had come from another lane and hit him.
THANK GOODNESS I HAD A WITNESS.

The bad guy driver actually backed into me. I honked. The witness behind me honked. The guy got out of his car with his cellphone still attached to his ear and said .."i DID NOT SEE YOU." I guess he did not hear either of us honking at him. That adds up to blind and deaf in my book.

In the end, his insurance company is covering all of it.

Sunday, September 11, 2005

I keep hearing these little noises

The last couple of nights before I went to bed, I hear an upbeat percussion music, It lasted a few minutes, then stopped. I could not tell where it was coming from, but I have always had quiet neighbors.
Then I noticed it after I laid down for a nap in the middle of the day.
Suddenly, I started noticing it happened whenever I went to sleep.

What was different? Why ws I hearing voices?

Eventually I figured out that it was the "hibernate" warning from my new computer.

The music is nice, and now that I know it is not all in my head, I sleep a lot better

Tuesday, September 06, 2005

solitary confinement is better than this

My computer is sick. I bought a new one. They are both being rehabed and retrained and reformatted by Mark Wilson. I am hanging out in the business office, trying to keep up with the thousands of emails I get every day.

Having no computer while you are on drugs (for my accident of course) means I am not sure who I am and what my phone number is. I certainly can't call anyone else unless their phone number is saved in my cell phone. Oops, I better so plug it in. It is my last link to the outside world.

I am doing amazingly stupid stuff. I left my purse in the car today. Then searched all over my loft to find it. Accidently took my phone off the hook, so no one could call me.

Monday, September 05, 2005

ALL MY FRIENDS ARE FEEDING ME

I went over to Judith ABbott's house for a casual dinner. She had just bought a new pickle cookbook and pickled everything. The best was the curried pickled zucchini with red grapes. (really, it was wonderful) Also tried bread and butter pickles, dill pickles, sweet and sour pickles, coleslaw and had sandwhiches (no pickles included) She made chocolate cupcakes for dessert and slipped me a few on the way out. Ever since I started www.chocolateatlas.com people seem compelled to feed me pickles.

Friday night I went over to Diane Teitlebaums while husband Bill was ice-fishing in Alaska. We had Eddy's New York Pizza (actually came from Albertson's but tasted authentic) Plus yummy chocolate cake and mocha swirl ice cream. I brought some Sabra hummus that someone had sent me to sample for appetizers.

Tonight I ate over at my neighbors, Jan and John Belcher. John grilled hamburgers and we had real Texas food, beans and coleslaw. The beverage was a wonderful pinot noir I was sent and it was a perfect pairing on a hot night.

Tomorrow I back to the usual routine of visiting doctors all day.