Thursday, January 6, 2011
Italy really did ban plastic bags as of January 1st
Shopkeepers in Italy have been banned from giving out plastic shopping bags to reduce "white pollution." Italians use about 20 billion of those plastic bags a year and they are non-biodegradable. The new law took effect January 1. Stores can only give out plastic bags till they run out.There have been similar restrictions on the bags in about 200 Italian communities but now the ban is nationwide. If you are travelling to Italy this year, pack a cloth shopping bag to carry around. (Association of Retail Travel Agents newsletter)
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Smoking prohibitions in Spain as of January 1, 2011
From Jaunted.com newsletter: Warning to smokers: Don't light up in public places when traveling through Spain anymore. The country has enacted a ban on smoking in enclosed public spots, including restaurants and bars.
If you get caught puffing away, it will cost you; a first-time offense carries a $40 fine, and repeat offenders will have to cough up as much as $134,000 after the third strike. However, enclosed spots aren't the only places where where your pack of cigs and lighter are prohibited. You also can get slapped with a fine for smoking in some outdoor areas as well, including playgrounds and near hospitals.
This is a big change for the formerly haze-filled country, which was one of the few last remaining Western European nations to allow smoking in public places. Plus, according to the Christian Science Monitor, government officials estimate that 35 percent of residents above 16 are regular smokers
If you get caught puffing away, it will cost you; a first-time offense carries a $40 fine, and repeat offenders will have to cough up as much as $134,000 after the third strike. However, enclosed spots aren't the only places where where your pack of cigs and lighter are prohibited. You also can get slapped with a fine for smoking in some outdoor areas as well, including playgrounds and near hospitals.
This is a big change for the formerly haze-filled country, which was one of the few last remaining Western European nations to allow smoking in public places. Plus, according to the Christian Science Monitor, government officials estimate that 35 percent of residents above 16 are regular smokers
Monday, January 3, 2011
Buy Paris metro tickets on the other side
Did you know that if you're taking the EuroStar from London to Paris, you can buy Paris metro and RER tickets right at St. Pancras station before boarding? They are available in the departure lounge, and even on the train.
Friday, January 22, 2010
National World War II Museum, New Orleans
Today I visited the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, and can highly recommend it - and highly recommend that you plan to have lunch there.
Under the name of the National D-Day Museum, the facility opened on June 6, 2000. In 2003, it was designated the National WW II Museum by the U.S. Congress. There is now a second building across the street, with plans for yet further expansion. All through the buildings you see American veterans acting as volunteers.
Touring is self-guided, with the largest focus on D-Day preparation and operation. The first building has three floors, with large galleries and a good museum shop. Music everywhere is from the war period.
Across the street in a newer building are the Victory Theater, Stage Door Canteen and American Sector cafe. You first view a lead-in to the movie in an anteroom, then are taken into the Victory Theater with lovely leather seats, an enormous screen and high-tech effects. That total experience is about 45 minutes with shows every hour on the hour, is narrated by Tom Hanks, and very well done.
On Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoon, there is "Let Freedom Swing," a jazz and swing production in the Stage Door Canteen, with brunch or dinner before...and dancing. See http://bit.ly/StageDoorCanteen
The American Sector cafe is by local chef and restauranteur ("August" is the name of his New Orleans restaurant) John Besh, and is exceptionally good, I thought. Besh was named one of Food and Wine's "Top 10 Chefs of America" in 1999, and "Best Chef in the Southeast" by the James Beard Foundation in 2006. Filled with light and having female wait staff in typical 1940's 'diner waitress' attire (complete with the seam up the back of the hose), the food is American Classic with ample twists. I had a grilled vegetable sandwich with a side of 'Southern Greens," all served in a nice presentation and being quite tasty. People at the table next to me were raving about the Chicken and Dumplings. All desserts are house-made, too. This place is definitely worth a stop.
"The Road to Victory: A Vision for Future Generations" capital campaign has been launched to expand the current museum and will include four prominent exhibit pavilions which will portray all campaigns of the war on land, sea, and air, and each branch of the U.S. military services, and a public parade ground. This $300 million expansion project will quadruple the size of the existing facility and will add state-of-the-art programs and exhibit space, library and archives, and collections and conservation space.
There are myriad events at the museum. You can check the calendar here: http://bit.ly/MuseumEventCalendar
And here's your unknown fact for the day: at the beginning of WW II, America had the 18th largest armed force in the world....behind Romania.
The museum carries the address of 945 Magazine St., but actually faces onto Andrew Higgins St. between Magazine and Camp. It is open 7 days a week, 9A-5P, except for Mardi Gras Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. There is ample parking in a lot directly in front of the newer building, for $ 6. The American Sector restaurant is open Monday through Thursday 11 A - 9 P, Friday and Saturday 11 A - 11 P, closed on Sunday.
Under the name of the National D-Day Museum, the facility opened on June 6, 2000. In 2003, it was designated the National WW II Museum by the U.S. Congress. There is now a second building across the street, with plans for yet further expansion. All through the buildings you see American veterans acting as volunteers.
Touring is self-guided, with the largest focus on D-Day preparation and operation. The first building has three floors, with large galleries and a good museum shop. Music everywhere is from the war period.
Across the street in a newer building are the Victory Theater, Stage Door Canteen and American Sector cafe. You first view a lead-in to the movie in an anteroom, then are taken into the Victory Theater with lovely leather seats, an enormous screen and high-tech effects. That total experience is about 45 minutes with shows every hour on the hour, is narrated by Tom Hanks, and very well done.
On Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoon, there is "Let Freedom Swing," a jazz and swing production in the Stage Door Canteen, with brunch or dinner before...and dancing. See http://bit.ly/StageDoorCanteen
The American Sector cafe is by local chef and restauranteur ("August" is the name of his New Orleans restaurant) John Besh, and is exceptionally good, I thought. Besh was named one of Food and Wine's "Top 10 Chefs of America" in 1999, and "Best Chef in the Southeast" by the James Beard Foundation in 2006. Filled with light and having female wait staff in typical 1940's 'diner waitress' attire (complete with the seam up the back of the hose), the food is American Classic with ample twists. I had a grilled vegetable sandwich with a side of 'Southern Greens," all served in a nice presentation and being quite tasty. People at the table next to me were raving about the Chicken and Dumplings. All desserts are house-made, too. This place is definitely worth a stop.
"The Road to Victory: A Vision for Future Generations" capital campaign has been launched to expand the current museum and will include four prominent exhibit pavilions which will portray all campaigns of the war on land, sea, and air, and each branch of the U.S. military services, and a public parade ground. This $300 million expansion project will quadruple the size of the existing facility and will add state-of-the-art programs and exhibit space, library and archives, and collections and conservation space.
There are myriad events at the museum. You can check the calendar here: http://bit.ly/MuseumEventCalendar
And here's your unknown fact for the day: at the beginning of WW II, America had the 18th largest armed force in the world....behind Romania.
The museum carries the address of 945 Magazine St., but actually faces onto Andrew Higgins St. between Magazine and Camp. It is open 7 days a week, 9A-5P, except for Mardi Gras Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. There is ample parking in a lot directly in front of the newer building, for $ 6. The American Sector restaurant is open Monday through Thursday 11 A - 9 P, Friday and Saturday 11 A - 11 P, closed on Sunday.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Useful travel finance website for foreign travel
From Twitter today I learned of a very useful website about travel finances when abroad, credit card fees and more.. The 'credit card foreign transactions fee comparison" chart is especially a winner. I have a personal writeup that I provide my clients about use of ATM's and credit cards abroad, whether to exchange Euros in advance, etc., and this link will be a great addition.
There are also helpful links of all sorts on the site.
The general website is www.travelfinances.com and the chart mentioned is at http://bit.ly/37PXS0
There are also helpful links of all sorts on the site.
The general website is www.travelfinances.com and the chart mentioned is at http://bit.ly/37PXS0
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Vermont for the Leaves
My Texan son and his Yankee Bride were married in Connecticut on October 14, 1995...perfect for 'the leaves.' And I was lucky the week after to spend time at my co-in-laws ski house in Vermont. I fell in love with Vermont then, and have managed to go back twice. My most recent trip was October 3-9, 2009, and the 'color' timing was perfect. We spent three days in the Ludlow area, then headed way north to Montgomery, which is only 10 miles from the Canadian border. Driving Hazen's Notch Road/VT 58 was a special treat in a series of joyfully beautiful days. I also don't think it's possible to get a bad meal in Vermont, anywhere!
I'm sharing photos of some of the scenery with you. You do NOT have to sign in to view them. Simply click on "view photos," then on "play slideshow.' Enjoy the splendor!
http://tiny.cc/VermontLeaves
I'm sharing photos of some of the scenery with you. You do NOT have to sign in to view them. Simply click on "view photos," then on "play slideshow.' Enjoy the splendor!
http://tiny.cc/VermontLeaves
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Very cool map for New England Fall Foliage!
My son found this map online and sent it to me, since I'm 'going to see the leaves' in Vermont soon.
www.yankeefoliage.com/foliagemap
www.yankeefoliage.com/foliagemap
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